Module: Lie Detection Techniques (3/1)

CHAPTER V
THE INSTRUMENT

At the end of this chapter the students should be able to learn: 

Describe the different parts of polygraph machine and its function; 
Define the accessory parts on its major components.

The instrument used in Polygraph Examination is often called as “Polygraph or

Polygraph Machine, Lie Detector, or Deceptograph” as earlier mentioned in the past
chapters. Polygraph is defined as an instrument or device capable of producing
recordings of physiological phenomena that may be used as the basis for the
application of a reliable technique for diagnosing truth or deception. The machine itself
does not detect lies or deception, it only records the physiological
phenomena/changes that occur when the subjects tells a lie or deception. It is the
Examiner who detects deception through the use of a lie detector or polygraph.

The machine/instrument has four (4) major parts or components, these are;

1. Pneumograph – this
occupy the two top/upper
pens of the instrument which
records the thoracic and
abdominal breathing patterns
of respiration. This is
accomplished through the use
of a pneumograph consisting
of two hollow corrugated tubes
about seven inches in length,
each attached to a unit by a rubber
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hose no longer than six feet and no larger than one quarter inch in diameter. This
breathing pneumo unit is a low pressure unit. The inhalation/exhalation of the
subject causes the tubes to expand and contract, thereby reflecting the change
through bellows to the pen into the chart.

2. Galvanograph – this is the longest and the third pen of the instrument. The
electrodes are attached to the index finger and the ring finger of the left hand, or to
the palmar and dorsal surfaces of the left hand. The electrodes used for obtaining
the recording of the GSR or electrodermal responses, are fastened to the hand or
fingers by means of the passage of an imperceptible amount of electrical current
through the hand or fingers bearing the attached electrodes, a galvanometer unit
provides recording of the variation in the flow of the electrical current.

3. Cardiosphymograph – this is the fourth and the bottom pen of the

instrument. This cardio unit is a mechanically operated unit. It is a high pressure
system. This system records changes in mean blood pressure, rate and strength
of pulse beat by means of a medical blood pressure cuff containing a rubber
bladder that is wrapped around the upper arm, in a manner that places the bladder
against the brachial artery. The bladder is connected to the rubber hose, past a
pressure indicating gauge to a very sensitive bellows and its connected lever
system that powers the pen. The polygraphist inflates the bladder with a hand
pump to a constant air pressure that will provide tracing amplitude of 0.75 to 1 inch
with a dicrotic notch situated about the middle of the diastolic limb of the tracing.

4. Kymograph – this is the chart recording unit of the instrument. It has a

synchronized motor that drives the chart at the rate of six inches per minute and
its speed constant is vital because the vertical lines, which are spaced either at
one-half or one inch interval, represents five or ten seconds interval on the chart.
This provides the polygraphist with a means of determining pulse rate and question
spacing.
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OTHER PARTS OF THE POLYGRAPH

1. Pen lifter – it raises or lowers pens to 3 positions.

2. Program pacer – a programmable cueing device for question and answer

spacing.

3. Paper tear bar – provides cutting edge for convenient removal of charts.

4. Foam Pen Hold-Down – keeps pens in place when instrument is being

transported.

5. Attaché compartment – storage for all forms and supplies. Slightly smaller in
Executive Ultra Scribe.

6. Accessory Storage & Optional Calibration Checking Fixture – slightly

smaller in Executive Ultra Scribe.

7. Subject Connections – stylish grouping provides neat, professional

appearance.

Facilitates set-up and storage.

8. Mechanical Pneumo Module – recording part of mechanical Pneumo

Channel.

9. Galvanic Skin Response Module – recording part of GSR channel.

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10. Multi-function Module – selectable recording module that can be used

as:

a. Electronic pneumo channel

b. Electronic cardio channel

c. Cardio activity monitor

d. Cardio tech or other accessories.

11. Mechanical cardio module – recording part of mechanical cardio

module.

12. Paper storage compartment – holds two spare rolls of chart paper or
other supplies.

13. AC power receptacle – power cords connects here; international

standard design for easy cord replacement.

14. Power switch and circuit breaker – applies power to instrument. Built-
in resettable circuit breaker protects instruments and eliminates need for fuses.
To reset simply press OFF and then ON again.

15. Chart drive roller lever – lifts chart drive roller for paper change and
chart removal.

16. Power analyzer – automatically indicates whether wall outlet is properly

wired and grounded for proper instrument operation and subject safety.

17. Stimulus marker – marks significant events on the chart.

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18. Sphygmomanometer Dial – reads operating pressure of cardio

channels.

19. Pneumo 1 – pneumatic connection for upper (thoracic) pneumograph.

Not connected in instrument with only one Pneumo Channel.

20. Pneumo 2 – pneumatic connection for lower (abdominal) pneumograph.

21. Cuff – pneumatic connection for Cardio Channel subject cuff tubing.

22. Pump – pneumatic connection for hand pump used to inflate subject
cuff.

23. Mechanical cardio switch – disengages Mechanical cardio Module

from pneumatic system for low pressure Electronic Operation.

ATTACHMENT OF THE MAJOR COMPONENTS OF POLYGRAPH

A polygraph is in fact several instruments combined to simultaneously record changes

in blood pressure, pulse, respiration and skin resistance. The electrical conductivity of
the skin’s surface can also be measured through the increasing sweat gland activity
that reduces the skin’s ability to carry electrical current.

The pneumograph tube is fastened around the subject’s torso and belly. The blood
pressure cuff is placed on the right arm in such a way that the rubber bladder
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part should be located over the brachial artery. The electrodes or Galvanic Skin
Reflex (GSR) is attached on the palm or index finger and ring finger of the left hand of
the subject. Position the subject in a manner that he looks straight ahead with the
instrument and the examiner to the right side or rear somewhat ahead of the
kymograph or chart drive so that the polygraph tracings will not distract him.

TOPICS VIDEO LINKS

MAJOR COMPONENTS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5rJm4jOcbc&t=63s
OF POLYGRAPH
INSTRUMENT

Parts of Polygraph https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aMGtXSz2ZE

Instrument and Polygraph
Examination

Polygraphy Part 5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxgKSWwknkQ

References:
King - eo, Chester (2006). Introduction to Specific Lie Detection . Unpublished notes from
the University of the Cordilleras: Baguio City

http://www.truthverifier.com.htm l
http://wwwpolytest.org/polyfaq.htm