The invention involves the detection of odors using an odor detector including an n-type semiconductor sensor having an electric resistance responsive to odor molecules adsorbed thereonto. An ozonizer is provided within a test compartment to contact the detector with an ozone gas for the purpose of calibrating the detector to an initial zero setting. The test compartment also includes a ventilation fan operable to draw a purging air into the compatment. In order to minimize the time required to bring the detector to the initial zero setting, a computer is used to selectively actuate the ozonizer and the ventilation fan in a controlled manner. Before starting a new detection cycle, an operator selects a specific table of optimal pattern for quick recovery to the zero setting from among a plurality of tables stored in the computer, based on certain factors such as the identity and concentration of previously detected odorant substances, etc.
