Effect of photocopier types on line quality features of handwriting in multi-generational

photocopies

O. P Jasuja1, Suryakant Mishra2, Mohinder Singh3

The present research was aimed to find out the relative effect of advancement in photocopier
technology on analysis of handwriting line quality features in multi-generational photocopies.
Five subsequent multi-generational photocopies of 50 signature samples of different individuals
which were produced by 75 black and white photocopiers were used for line quality assessments.
Variations in line quality features in different photocopier generations; such as, smooth edges or
ragged edges, broken or continuous stroke, fine tapering changes; and, some identification
details of features like pen lift, retouching, and hesitation were carefully observed in sample
photocopies, which were recorded according to the brand and model of photocopier machines, as
well as their machine size and speed. The results of the study revealed that raggedness in line
was often observed, in third generation (G3) and higher generations, in samples produced by
some low speed copiers (copying speed < 30 cpm) or very high speed copiers (copying speed≤80
cpm ). However, their line quality was still found to be good enough for handwriting analysis up-
to the fifth generation (G5) in photocopy samples produced by some medium speed copiers
(copying speed 30 to 50cpm). It was, however, observed that, usually, continuity of line and
smoothness of line were appreciably lost in G3 and higher generations in photocopies which
were produced by portable desktop printers. Exceptionally, certain artifacts that are usually
found in some higher generation copies were conspicuously absent in all photocopy generations
(G1- G5) which were produced by some advanced third generation photocopiers. Hopefully, the
above information obtained from the study will be found useful to the document examiners while
examining certain cases involving multi-generations of photocopier reproductions.

1. Professor, Department of Forensic Science and Chemistry, RIMT University, Mandi Gobindgarh,
Punjab, India,
Email: opjasuja@gmail.com
2. *Research Scholar, Department of Forensic Science, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
Email:suryakantfsc@gmail.com
3. Forensic Document Consultant, Former GEQD, CFSL, Government of India, Hyderabad, India,
Email:vermamdr52@gmail.com

 Presenting author
DANCING PEN—THE ULTIMATE TEST OF GRAPHICALLY MATURED SKILLED WRITER

Mohinder Singh* and O.P.Jasuja**

ABSTRACT

There are several routine activities requiring various complex co-ordinations of mental, sensory,
and motor factors by humans like walking, talking, writing, dressing, drawing, sewing, using a
typewriter, playing upon a piano or violin, riding a bicycle, handling a tool, a tennis racket, or a
golf club etc., which are performed habitually, unconsciously and automatically once they are
learnt and practiced. One of these activities is (hand) writing, which is a complex learned motor
behavior that is generally developed in an adult in three stages, the formative stage,
impressionable stage and the graphic maturity stage. The stage of ‘graphic maturity’ is finally
reached when the writing has fully developed resulting in unique individual characteristics that
become habitual in execution most of which remain relatively constant throughout much of the
writer’s active life. Because handwriting execution becomes habitual and unique to the writer,
it can be identified by a forensic document examiner in accordance with the principles of
handwriting identification.

Morris (2000) has described seven conditions that must be satisfactorily fulfilled for being
called a graphically matured writer. Osborn (1929) has described several human activities
requiring perfection in neuromuscular coordination which are routinely performed habitually,
unconsciously and automatically. He has also stated some interesting analogies between
writing and speech as well as dancing. All human activities, including dancing and handwriting,
require concerted efforts that aim for perfection in body-mind coordination for an optimum
level of performance. Once the ability to write with perfect neuromuscular coordination has
been achieved through various stages of handwriting development leading to the final stage of
graphic maturity; and all body parts involved in handwriting activity start working in tandem
with perfect rhythm and harmony; it can be seen and felt by an independent observer that the
pen begins to dance over the paper with the same modulation and frequency, which is certainly
a moment of satisfaction and joy for the writer. In reality, writers are dancers at heart, we sway
to the words, we feel the meaning, we wish to express, and we (write and) type to a rhythm
with every piece of act we perform.

The purpose of writing this paper is for better understanding of the writing process that is
highly complex neuromuscular related activity, by the beginners in the profession.

*Forensic Document Consultant, Chandigarh, India (Former GEQD, CFSL, Hyderabad, India) E-mail: vermamdr52@gmail.com

**Professor, Department of Forensic Science and Chemistry, RIMT University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India, E-mail: opjasuja@gmail.com