Futuristic lie-detector test utilises thermal imaging technology

British scientists have developed a new lie detecting technique which uses thermal imaging technology. It measures changes in a person’s facial skin temperature and blood-flow patterns to indicate whether he or she might be lying.

Designed by a team of researchers from the University of Bradford and Aberystwyth University, the system also incorporates high definition video cameras and computer software. These measure changes in facial expressions, such as blinking, lip-biting, nose-wrinkling and slips of the tongue, which indicate increased brain activity during the construction a plausible story. The pictures are then compared with a database containing the types of changes seen in people known to be lying.

Developed for immigration and border control personnel, the system can be used covertly with hidden cameras positioned up to three metres away, with suspects unaware they are being tested.

Hassan Ugail, a Professor of Visual Computing at the University of Bradford, and who heads the team behind the new test, said: “Our aim was to develop a purely non-invasive lie detector technology. We assumed this could be used in a covert situation, where the person we are monitoring potentially knows nothing about it.”

Professor Ugail explained how the system works during the British Festival of Science (10th – 15th September) at the University of Bradford: “When a person is being deceitful, when a person lies, there is increased brain activity and this is reflected in the face through involuntary facial expressions and blood flow.”

The device is currently 70% accurate with the aim to reach 90% – the same rate of a polygraph. A team of scientists hope to trial the technology at a UK airport in the fall.

Thermal imaging technology is available from e2v, who has a 30 year heritage in the industry. Further information on the Argus handheld thermal imaging camera from e2v can be found by visiting www.argusdirect.com/security.