'Non-Invasive Polygraph' Uses Infrared Light

opticsorg writes "Infrared laser pulses could soon be used to determine whether someone is telling the truth or is under stress. In patent application WO 03/057003, US firm Defense Group describes a non-invasive polygraph machine that fires infrared pulses at the subject. The reflected and scattered pulses are gathered and analysed by a receiver. 'The receiver is connected to an information processing device capable of determining various physiological characteristics exhibited by the human subject,' say the authors." Whether "various physiological characteristics" are reliable signs of truth-telling is another issue, though.

Still subjective measurements

[neitzsche]

All "lie detector" tests are bogus because the results are always "subjective" to the machine's operator. This one is no improvement on the old [also invalid] concept.

Anyone know when this concept was first used? Sending someone to stand in front of a mystic or seer so as to evoke a confession?

If it really worked

[ClosedSource]

the medical applications would be far more important and profitable then the "lie detecting" application. The fact that it wasn't a patent for a medical device suggests that it doesn't really measure anything meaningful.

Since there is no scientific standard for lie detectors (and the current ones are obviously a scam), you can use any kind of dubious technology you like. A medical device, however, has to demonstrate efficacy which is a much higher standard.

Re:Polygraph story

[Sylver Dragon]

That's a crock of shit.

Stop right there. You have just described the whole "science" of polography. The only reason it sticks around is there is enough money being pumped into it, that the purveyors of this snake oil can keep lots of people convinced that it works. The only thing it is useful for is convincing weak minded idiots that you actually have a way to see inside their heads, and get them to confess. Other than that, it is total bunk.

Since they started using the 4th definition

[morcheeba]

4. Tending to intrude or encroach, as upon privacy.

If there is anything that should be private, it should be one's own thoughts. Attempting to read these is invasive.

Re:Since when were standard polygraphs invasive?

[LudditeMind]

I think what they're trying to say is that it could be used on you without your knowledge. Granted I would consider that more invasive, but it depends on your perspective.

Re:This would make politics interesting

[Anonymous Coward]

In all seriousness, many politicians are so used to lying that they'd probably be able to pass any lie detector test. If lying doesn't cause any stress, the lie detector can't detect it. But then, lie detection is a sham, anyway.