While the idea of a telepathy machine might sound like something from science fiction, the scientists say it could one day be used to solve crimes…

In one scene featuring comic actor Steve Martin in a white shirt, the computer reproduced his white torso and rough shape, but was unable to handle details of his face.

In another, the volunteers watched an image of a city skyline with a plane flying past.

The software was able to recreate the skyline – but not the aircraft.