Abstract
An olfactory equation was proposed as for relationship between concentration of an odorant and its perceived intensity. The equation was derived from three underlining processes of olfactory perception, namely (1) absorption of odor molecules to lipid membrane, (2) combination of the molecules with receptor molecule, and (3) neural process in olfactory nervous system. Validity of the proposed equation was examined experimentally as for relationship between concentration of odorant and perceived intensity. Forty odorants, in 8 homologous series, were presented to 6 subjects (4 males and 2 females), who rated on 8 point scale.
Results. It was clear that the olfactory equation gave better fit to the perceived intensity, than equations of Weber-Fechner or Stevens predict. Furthermore, close relationship was found between regression coefficients and odor thresholds. Hence, if an odor threshold is estimated from some physicochemical parameters of an odorant, its olfactory equation may be inferred.
