December 15, 2008… The FAST project is a research effort focused on (1) identifying various sensors that will support DHS’s screening processes and (2) on the uses of those sensors with volunteers. Based on malintent theory, there are three basic areas that cover most of the behavioral indicators relevant to FAST research:

physiological cues, nonverbal behavioral cues, and paralinguistic (vocally produced sounds, not specific language or words) cues. FAST researchers are currently verifying and validating five sensor types that can detect these cues:

(1) A remote cardiovascular and respiratory sensor to measure heart rate and respiration, which allows for the calculation of heart rate, heart rate variability, respiration rate, and respiratory sinus arrhythmia.
(2) A remote eye tracker, which is a device that uses a camera and processing software to track the position and gaze of the eyes (and, in some instances, the entire head) of a subject. Most eye trackers will also provide a measurement of the pupil diameter.
(3) Thermal cameras that provide detailed information on the changes in the thermal properties of the skin in the face will help assess electrodermal activity and measure respiration and eye movements.
(4) A high resolution video that allows for highly detailed images of the face and body to be taken so that image analysis can determine facial features and expressions and body movements, and an audio system for analyzing human voice for pitch change.
(5) Other sensor types such as for pheromones detection are also under consideration.