Fuzzy neural computing of coffee and tainted-water data from an electronic nose

In this paper we compare the ability of a fuzzy neural network and a common back-propagation network to classify odour samples that were obtained by an electronic nose employing semiconducting oxide conductometric gas sensors. Two different sample sets have been analysed: first, the aroma of three blends of commercial coffee, and secondly, the headspace of six different tainted-water samples. The two experimental data sets provide an excellent opportunity to test the ability of a fuzzy neural network due to the high level of sensor variability often experienced with this type of sensor. Results are presented on the application of three-layer fuzzy neural networks to electronic nose data. They demonstrate a considerable improvement in performance compared to a common back-propagation network.