A parametric model to average time-intensity taste data

Time-intensity (T-I) curves are often summarized by average curves. In this study, a different method is proposed. A parametric model is derived in which intensity is described by a continuous function of time. Using this model, an average curve may be calculated by averaging the parameters derived from adjusting the individual T-I curves to the model. The parameters of the model are related to onset time of response, maximum intensity of the response, time at which the curve starts to decline from maximum intensity. rate of onset and rate of decay of the response. The method was verified using experimental T-I curves obtained from measuring sweetness intensity of different sucrose solutions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.