Infrared thermal imaging of the periorbital regions of the face shows promise as an input signal modality for an alternative communication system for individuals with conditions that preclude speech or voluntary movement, such as total locked-in syndrome. However, it was unknown if the startle response triggers a change in the skin temperature of these regions; such a change could generate false positives in a thermography-based access system. This study presents an examination of the temperature characteristics of the periorbital regions of 11 able-bodied adult participants before and after an auditory startle stimulus. The results show that the startle response has no substantial effect on the mean temperature of the periorbital regions. This indicates that thermography-based access solutions would be insensitive to startle reactions in their user, an important advantage over other modalities being considered in the context of access solutions for individuals with a severe motor disability.

Infrared thermal imaging of the periorbital regions of the face shows promise as an input signal modality for an alternative communication system for individuals with conditions that preclude speech or voluntary movement, such as total locked-in syndrome. However, it was unknown if the startle response triggers a change in the skin temperature of these regions; such a change could generate false positives in a thermography-based access system. This study presents an examination of the temperature characteristics of the periorbital regions of 11 able-bodied adult participants before and after an auditory startle stimulus. The results show that the startle response has no substantial effect on the mean temperature of the periorbital regions. This indicates that thermography-based access solutions would be insensitive to startle reactions in their user, an important advantage over other modalities being considered in the context of access solutions for individuals with a severe motor disability.