New “emotion detector” can uncover lies

A new camera system can reportedly interpret facial expressions and blood flow to detect lies.

The system developed by British scientists uses a video camera, a high-resolution thermal imaging sensor and a suite of algorithms to determine if a subject is telling the truth, BBC reports.

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The system was developed by a team from the universities of Bradford and Aberystwyth along with the UK Border Agency.

"This new approach builds on years of research into how we all unconsciously, involuntarily reveal our emotions in subtle changes of expression and the flow of blood to our skin," BBC states.

"We give our emotions away in our eye movements, dilated pupils, biting or pressing together our lips, wrinkling our noses, breathing heavily, swallowing, blinking and facial asymmetry. And these are just the visible signs seen by the camera."

Lead researcher Professor Hassan Ugail from Bradford University said the system successfully detects a lie in about two-thirds of cases.

The new system could be used by police and border officials in the future when they question suspects, the Press Association reports.

"With hidden cameras positioned up to three meters away, suspects would not know they were being subjected to a lie-detection test," it states.

Traditional lie detection relies on the polygraph, which involves a set of wires attached to the skin.