2. Defining Brain Fingerprinting
Brain Fingerprinting is a controversial forensic
science technique that uses electroencephalography
(EEG) to determine whether specific information is
stored in a subject's brain.
It does this by measuring electrical brainwave response.
The Brain Fingerprinting is an advanced
computer-based technology.
The brain-wave responses are scientifically measured
by crime-relevant words or pictures presented on a
computer screen.
3. History Of Brain Fingerprinting
Brain fingerprinting was invented by Lawrence Farwell.
It was patented in 1995 by Dr. Farwell
The details of a crime in the brain, is revealed by EEG.
Farwell discovered the P300-MERMER.
India has become the second country after United States
to introduce 'brain finger printing'.
4. Technique
The person to be tested wears a special headband.
The brain fingerprinting system compares the responses
to the different types of stimuli.
It uses cognitive brain responses.
It does not depend on the emotions of the subject, nor is
it affected by emotional responses.
8. Current Uses and Research
Brain Fingerprinting has two primary applications: 1)
detecting the record of a specific crime or terrorist act
and 2) detecting a specific type of knowledge, expertise,
or training.
A group of 17 FBI agents and 4 non-agents were
exposed to stimuli.
Dr. Farwell collaborated with FBI scientist Sharon Smith.
The CIA has also funded Farwell's research.
9. Use In Criminal Investigation
Dr. Farwell
conducts a test on
Terry Harrington.
Dr. Farwell
conducts a test
on JB Grinder.
11. Devices Required
Personal Computer
A data acquisition board
A graphics card for driving two monitors from one PC
A four channel EEG amplifier system
Software developed by the brain fingerprinting
12. Applications
National Security
Medical Diagnosis
a. Alzheimer’s Disease
b. Pharmaceutical companies
Criminal Justice System
Advertising
Counter Terrorism
13. Limitations
Brain fingerprinting detects information-processing brain
responses.
Brain fingerprinting is not applicable where the
authorities have no information about what crime may
have taken place.
Brain fingerprinting is also not applicable wherein a
suspect and an alleged victim agree on the details of
what was said and done.
It detects only information, and not intent.