Technology & Digital Tools Flashcards
7 cards from real CHA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Technology & Digital Tools flashcards as text
What does the Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) primarily allow a forensic handwriting examiner to do?
Answer: Examine documents under different wavelengths of light to reveal hidden ink differences
The VSC uses multiple light sources and wavelengths to reveal ink differences, alterations, and obliterations invisible to the naked eye.
An Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA) is most useful for detecting:
Answer: Indented writing left on pages beneath the one written on
ESDA reveals latent indented writing on paper caused by pressure from writing on overlying sheets.
When a handwriting analyst uses a flatbed scanner to capture a questioned document, what minimum resolution (DPI) is generally recommended for forensic quality?
Answer: 600 DPI
600 DPI is the standard minimum for forensic document scanning, capturing fine pen strokes and microscopic details needed for comparison.
Which software feature is most critical when using digital comparison overlays for handwriting analysis?
Answer: Transparent layer functionality allowing superimposition of letter forms
Transparent layering allows examiners to superimpose known and questioned writing samples for direct visual comparison of letter forms and proportions.
A questioned document examiner uses a stereomicroscope rather than a compound microscope primarily because:
Answer: It gives a three-dimensional view useful for examining pen pressure and stroke texture
The stereomicroscope provides a 3D, low-to-medium magnification view ideal for examining pen pressure grooves, stroke edges, and surface texture.
In digital handwriting analysis, what is a 'pressure map' generated by a graphics tablet used to assess?
Answer: The variation in writing force across different strokes and letter formations
A pressure map visualizes force variation across strokes, revealing writing habits like heavy initial strokes, tremor, or consistent light touch.
When using Adobe Photoshop or similar software to prepare handwriting samples for comparison, which action would be considered improper in a forensic context?
Answer: Removing background noise with a healing brush that alters stroke edges
Altering stroke edges with healing or cloning tools changes the evidentiary integrity of the document image and is forensically inadmissible.