VSA 2010 Onwards:

Alpes Software ( creators of the only validated vsa system – Diogenes) commence development of AVSA PRO, a unique VSA system utilising the microtremor of voice, but not subject to the limitations of the McQuiston Ford algorithm. AVSA will automatically integrate voice tremors outside of the supposed 8-12 Hz norm.

AVSA is the first DOD (Detection Of Deception) system to be equipped with Artificial Intelligence .

AVSA utilises a neural network which learns to deduct results from the input of human experts. Selections of 600 to 1200 response samples are examined by experts, analysed , scored and used to train each set of values.

A primary function of the neural network is to establish itself in a relationship with the various data inputs, without specifying supposed, static rules.

The fundamental microtremor data system of AVSA is based on the original, scientifically validated Diogenes. The displayed waveforms are examined by AVSA and assigned Stress Values (SV) computed, according to criteria provided by VSA experts and software scientists.

AVSA processes data in real time, with or without DOD Question Protocols. Recordings can be processed. Voice recordings can be imported via email or removable media. Voice waveforms are displayed together with assigned Stress Values. Stress measurements are calculated at the rate of 20 per second.

DOD Question Protocols such as ZOC & MGQT are included in AVSA. The neural network provides Stress Values to the scoring processor, which then calculates and presents results in traditional terms such as DI / NDI / INC. Results are displayed within 3 seconds.

Long recording window: 5 mins + per file. Recording file extended indefinitely simply by depressing keyboard space bar.

Responses are automatically marked and sequentially numbered in 1/100 ths of a second. Responses may be annotated as required.

Printed report displays name; date; time; voice graphic; SV; annotations and statistics.
AVSA runs in any Microsoft Windows operating system.

AVSA PRO is designed by VSA Experts having proven track records from 1985 – present time. AVSA PRO is the Ultimate Evolution of VSA.

NB: A Properly trained DOD examiner is critical to the reliability of any vsa system. (Refer AFRL / Haddad vsa Validation studies )

A reliable VSA Expert / Instructor is one that has undergone APA accredited PDD training and has further expertise in the form of published papers and whom has contributed lasting concepts to the worldwide VSA Industry.

Jean-Louis Gouin of Alpes-Software has written validated vsa programs for decades. Recently he has written a white paper on neural networks. Jean-Louis Gouin may be recorded in history as the father of modern vsa.

Clifton Coetzee is a vsa expert since mid 80’s. Clifton introduced numerical scoring to vsa in the early 2000’s and wrote the bestseller manual for DOD examiners; Truth Extraction (Reading Between The Lies) & Truth Extraction II (The Underlying Truth & The AVSA Evolution )

VSA – 1997 - 2009

Voice Stress Analysis (VSA) was a newer technology than polygraph, yet as controversial. VSA technology records psycho-physiological stress that presents in human voice, when a person suffers psychological stress in response to a stimulus (question) and where the consequences of lying may be dire for the subject being 'tested'. VSA records an inaudible component of human voice, commonly referred to as the Lippold Tremor. When the flight Or Fight syndrome presents in a person, one of the psycho-physiological responses that manifest, is the involuntary tensing of the 'soft' striated muscles, particularly, the laryngeal muscle. Under Normal circumstances, the laryngeal muscle is relaxed, producing recorded voice at approximately 12Hz. Under stress however, the tensed laryngeal muscle produces voice significantly lower than the subjects Norm Hz. The higher the stress, the lower down the Hz scale voice waves are produced. In the Detection Of Deception (DOD) scenario, the voice-stress produced in response to a Relevant (did you do it)Question is referred to as Deceptive Stress. Voice Stress Analysis is only applied as a type of lie detector. The technique's effectiveness remains debated. There are research studies that support the use of VSA as a reliable Lie Detection technology, whilst there are other studies that dispute it's efficacy. The skill and experience of the VSA Examiner is of utmost importance. As with the polygraph, VSA technology is inert. It has no artificial intelligence component. It can be said that both technologies are equally reliable in determining a person's truthfulness under similar circumstances. The primary use of VSA is in the arena of 'Detection Of Deception'. In the past 10 years VSA is used primarily in digital applications.

VSA should not be confused with LVA (layered voice analysis). LVA is used to measure different components of voice, such as pitch and tone. LVA is available in the form of hand-held devices and software. LVA produces readings such as 'love', excitement, fear; which are not useful terms in DOD applications.

Applications
The purpose of VSA is to determine the truthfulness of responses made by an examinee regarding the subject under investigation. Determinations are made by analyzing and scoring the voice-grams produced by the examinee. Traditional analysis of voice grams was achieved by allocating 'percentages of stress ( % ) according to the patterns so produced. High levels of (deceptive) stress indicate that the examinee is deceptive as is the case with polygraph. Squared patterns indicates maximum stress, whilst a triangular or domed signatures indicate less stress. Questions may be posed to elicit simple "yes" or "no" answers, but can be posed to produce a narrative response. Questions are formulated for each individual being examined to compare situational stress signatures with Control Question and Relevant Question signatures, in order to identify (deceptive) 'stress signatures'.

VSA technology together with validated testing protocols, is designed to protect the innocent and avoid 'false positive' results. VSA is designed to assist any investigation by establishing the veracity of a subject's verbal responses.
Devices used to analyze voice stress are usually used in the presence of the individual under investigation; however, they can also be used without his or her knowledge. Since all that is needed is a voice, a wireless microphone, a telephone connection, or even a tape recording can provide the necessary input signal.

Traditional VSA should not be confused with LVA. VSA utilises the (now dated) McQuiston-Ford algorithm and this was the technology developed in the USA for the US Defence Agencies and was used by US Law Enforcement agencies. LVA has not been scientifically validated by peer research as a reliable DOD technology.

LVA 'layered voice analysis' measures components of voice such as 'tone' and 'pitch'- two components that can be manipulated by an examinee at will or by coincidence.

LVA (Layered Voice Stress) was used on a MTV show "Exposed" and "Big Brother Argentina" as a novelty device and was in no way performed in an actual exam format.

Uses In Law Enforcement
A great deal of voice stress testing (VSA) has been conducted. The Israeli intelligence community is often cited as a major user of this technology. In the United States, most States do not regulate the private use of these devices due to them being new to the market. However, the CIA and FBI both use VSA at times, in their own investigations. The technology is currently recognized in most states of the USA.

The original VSA technology was devised by three retired US Airforce personnel, amongst them a highly skilled software engineer. The three, Bell, McQuiston & Ford, developed the PSE 1000,an analogue machine. VSA was first devised for testing POW's during the Vietnam War.

In later years, the McQuiston-Ford algorithm was written into software for use on computers, giving birth to Digital Voice Stress Analysis. (Diogenes VSA)

Methodology & Accuracy
The McQuiston-Ford algorithm used for Voice Stress Analysis is reliably accurate. The recorded "micro tremors" in a persons voice are converte via the algorithm into a scorable voice gram. The discrepancy in accuracy results from incorrectly trained or non-trained persons utilizing the technology incorrectly. This is evident by some Polygraphists trying to "test" VSA technology without having received accredited training in the use thereof. Most 'polygraph only' associations have disputed the accuracy of VSA, although many polygraphists have trained in the use of VSA and use VSA to good effect. The traditional analysis and scoring of voice-grams by means of assigning 'percentages' is clumsy and unreliable.

In 2005, polygraphist and VSA examiner Clifton Coetzee devised a scoring method for voice grams using the 'UTAH 7 Point' scoring system used by modern day polygraphists. Reactive or Responsive patterns are assigned a weighting of +3 to -3. This system is used today by properly trained VSA examiners worldwide.

The use of CQT testing protocols developed by John Reid and Cleve Backster are used for greater reliability of VSA results. It is important that VSA examiners be skilled in the use of enforced, timed pauses between stimulus (question) and response (answer). As in the polygraph situation, the Flight or Fight syndrome has an onset delay, which must be considered.

The American Polygraph Association's website lists conclusions from multiple "university-grade studies" into the accuracy of voice stress analysis as a means of detecting the subject's truthfulness [1]. All cast doubt on the validity of the results of such tests; many describe the results as no better than chance. The term "university-grade" is itself meaningless. While several articles come from peer reviewed journals, many others are research reports to or by government agencies which generally have no peer-review process. It should be noted that prior to an APA Annual Convention in 2000, many APA Polygraph Instructors were teaching VSA alongside polygraph. It might be that the huge success of VSA was perceived as a threat to the polygraph industry.