Technology & Digital Tools Flashcards

Which of the following best describes the role of Automated Handwriting Analysis (AHA) software in a CHA's workflow?

Answer: It serves as a screening or decision-support tool, with the examiner making the final determination

AHA software assists by quantifying features and flagging similarities or differences, but professional standards require a qualified examiner to render the final opinion.

A CHA is asked to analyze a handwriting sample submitted as a JPEG photograph taken with a smartphone. What is the primary limitation of this submission?

Answer: Camera lens distortion and lossy compression may alter proportions and fine stroke details

JPEG compression is lossy and camera perspective can introduce distortion, both of which compromise the accuracy of measurements and comparisons.

In the context of digital tools for handwriting analysis, what is 'feature extraction'?

Answer: The automated identification and measurement of specific handwriting characteristics such as slant angle, loop size, and stroke width

Feature extraction uses algorithms to quantify measurable handwriting attributes, enabling statistical comparison between known and questioned samples.

Which technology is most associated with detecting erasures or chemical alterations on a physical document?

Answer: Infrared luminescence examination using a VSC or forensic light source

Infrared luminescence can reveal chemical erasures, overwriting, and ink differences that are invisible under normal white light.

A CHA using spectrographic analysis of ink can determine all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: The identity of the specific individual who held the pen

Ink analysis reveals chemical composition and comparative information about the ink itself, but cannot identify who physically held the pen.

What is the primary purpose of using a 'template' or 'exemplar grid' in digital handwriting comparison software?

Answer: To provide a standardized reference overlay that allows consistent measurement of letter proportions and spatial relationships

An exemplar grid standardizes measurement so that letter height ratios, spacing, and baseline deviations can be consistently quantified across samples.

When a handwriting examiner encounters a digital signature on an electronic document, the appropriate tool for authentication is most likely:

Answer: Public key infrastructure (PKI) cryptographic verification software

Digital signatures are authenticated through PKI cryptography, which verifies the mathematical signature rather than its visual appearance.