Feature Selection and Sensor Array Optimization in Machine Olfaction

In this context, the main objective of this chapter is to provide the reader with a thorough review of feature or sensor selection for machine olfaction. The organization of the chapter is as follows. First the ‘curse of dimensionality’ and the need for variable selection in gas sensor and direct mass spectrometry based artificial olfaction is discussed. A critical review of the different techniques employed for reducing dimensionality follows. Then, examples taken from the literature showing how these techniques have actually been employed in machine olfaction applications are reviewed and discussed. This is followed by a section devoted to sensor selection and array optimization. The chapter ends with some conclusions drawn from the results presented and a visionary look toward the future in terms of how the field may evolve.