Smell similarity on the basis of gas sensor array measurements

This paper discusses the problem of assessment of the similarity of smells on the basis of the gas sensor signals applied in an electronic nose system. We have compared the measures of similarity based on the geometrical description, the information theoretic approach and the statistical Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Our main task was to develop the measures compatible with the human feeling of smells and a wide margin between the similar and dissimilar smells. The results concerning recognition of the similar and dissimilar smells presented and discussed in the paper suggest the Kolmogorov–Smirnov measure is most compatible with the human reception of smells and provides the widest margin.