Odor detection technology
Reproducing the mechanism from perception to cognition of the human olfactory system by using sensors and AI
Quantifying nuisance odors on-the-spot
While odors can offer important information that helps identify an abnormality in a human or thing, there used to be no easy way to quantify and visualize odors.
Konica Minolta has developed a technology to quantify odors and distinguish the types of odors with ease by using sensors combined with AI. This odor detection technology makes it possible to quantify nuisance odors quickly on-the-spot without having to use specialized equipment or a professional service.
Technology Overview
Existing gas sensors have difficulty in detecting only target components. As they are likely to respond to other components as well, they tend to be effective only for limited purposes such as detecting alcohol in drivers and gas leaks.
The odor detection technology developed by Konica Minolta makes it possible to identify the type and strength of odor by combining gas sensors with machine learning.
Odor detection technology developed by Konica Minolta
Reproducing the flow from perception to cognition of the human olfactory system
Konica Minolta developed the world’s first*1 odor detection technology jointly with Dr. Shigeru Omatsu, then Professor of the Osaka Institute of Technology and an expert in neural network-based signal processing.
This technology can distinguish the type and strength of odor using data from gas sensors and a neural network combined with machine learning.
This system works in the same way as the human olfactory system.
*1: Source: “Report on a survey to verify Kunkun body is the world’s first product of this kind (as of January 12, 2018)”
Survey conducted by ESP Research Institute, Inc. from December 2017 to January 2018.
Kunkun X, a solution with cutting-edge technology
In view of the wide range of problems relating to odors, there are many potential needs for odor control solutions in the world.
Konica Minolta has launched products incorporating its odor detection technology, such as Kunkun body and Kunkun dental, which are designed to measure body odors and VSC*2 odors, respectively.
Konica Minolta will continue to work in collaboration with its partner companies and groups to deliver new Kunkun X solutions to the world’s markets.
*2: VCS stands for Volatile Sulfur Compounds and includes hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methyl mercaptan (CH3SH), and dimethyl sulfide ((CH3)2S).
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