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Determination of the Sequence of Strokes Made from the Same Color and Type of
the Ink

Article in Journal of Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology · July 2018
DOI: 10.5958/0974-083X.2018.00011.0

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J Punjab Acad Forensic Med Toxicol 2018;18(1) ISSN : 0972-5687 DOI: 10.5958/0974-083X.2018.00011.0
Original Research Paper
Determination of the Sequence of Strokes Made from the Same Color and Type of the
Ink
1. Manisha Mann, Research Scholar*
2. Sudhir Kumar Shukla, Professor and Head, Amity Institute of Forensic Sciences (AIFS), Amity University, Noida.
3. Seema Rani Pathak, Professor and Head*
* Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Forensic Sciences, Amity School of Applied Science (ASAS), Amity
University, Gurugram, Haryana- 122413, India.

ABSTRACT :
Investigation of the sequence of strokes is an integral part in Forensic Questioned Document Examination. With the modernization,
forgers are also using modern methods for forging the documents and hence making the examination process more tedious. The
present study focuses on investigating the sequence of two intersected lines made from same type and color of the ink using
Confocal microscope and Docucenter Nirvis. Oil-based and liquid based inks in the color black was used for making the sample.
All the intersections made were homogenous in nature.The samples were first analysed under Docucenter Nirvis and then finally
examined under Confocal microscope for more accuracy. It was found that the Confocal microscope covered all the area in which
the Docucenter Nirvis lacked in the analysis and gave more confident result. The three dimensional feature of Confocal microscope
aided the study and the authors was able to find the correct sequence of the lines placed on the writing surface.

Corresponding Author Article History:

Dr Seema Rani Pathak, Received: 13 April 2018
Professor and Head, Received in revised form: 25 April 2018
Accepted on: 25 April 2018
Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Forensic Available online: 1 July 2018
Sciences, Amity School of Applied Science (ASAS), Amity
University, Gurugram, Haryana- 122413, India.
Contact : +919871803613
Email : srpathak@ggn.amity.edu

KEYWORDS : Homogenous Strokes, Three-Dimensional Analysis, Ball Point Pens, Gel Pens.

INTRODUCTION : examples are blank paper signatures, addition in security

Forensic Document examination is one of the oldest branch of
Forensic sciences and till now being used for investigation of
the documents. One of the most challenging part in Forensic
Questioned Document is the determination of sequence of
strokes or in other words sequence of two intersecting lines
placed on a writing surface[1]. Sequence of strokes means, the
sequence in which words or alphabets are placed or written on
writing surface. The need for investigation of sequence of
strokes arises when it is alleged that a statement is written after
a signature was done on the document, the two handwritings
touch at the same point or this examination can be performed to
learn which of the two writings that touch was last written. The
examination of sequence determination is very important job
to fix the accountability of the document.There are many cases
in which the signatory claims that the document he signed may
be disputed as the paragraph or sentence written just above his
signature was not present when he signed it. The most common
documents like cheques, etc. The dispute could be settled if we
could determine the sequence of writings when they are
intersecting (whether the paragraph was written first or the
signature). The importance of sequence of strokes Forensic
Questioned Documents was first mentioned by Albert S
Osborn in his book “Questioned Documents”. He stated that
“in various situations it is not possible to tell the correct
chronological order of two crossed lines and under these
situations a strong evidence should be made. This evidence
should be supported by observations from instruments. These
observations should be clear enough that a layman is able to
conclude the correct sequence of crossed lines”. Albert S
Osborn also said that the time interval between two writing is
also an influential factor. Examining the sequence of stroke is
not easy because there are several factors which affect the
analysis process like, writing instrument, types of ink, the
number of intersections, the color intensity of the lines
intersecting each other, the color of the ink and much more[2].

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J Punjab Acad Forensic Med Toxicol 2018;18(1) ISSN : 0972-5687 DOI: 10.5958/0974-083X.2018.00011.0

Many studies are done and still going on sequence of explains the protocol which was applied for making samples.
intersecting lines. The study on sequence of strokes is done by
1 was added Area to be
examining one factor at a time. For Instance, Cheng et al. used after the signature examined under
laser scanning electron microscope for determining the was placed on Docucenter Nirvis
the paper
sequence of the strokes. They examined the samples in three
ways- first by using the microscope, second by using a sticky
lifter technique and finally by measuring the color error at the
point of intersection[3]. Saini et al. studied the physical Figure 1 : Model Sample
characteristic of the ink as phenomena for examining the
sequence of intersecting lines using Digital microscope and Homogeneous Intersected Lines
(50 Samples)
Stereomicroscope, and they concluded the result by
discovering the features like “skipping of ink, relative sheen,
gaps of ink lines at the point of intersection and specular
reflection[4].” Vaid et al. used VSC 2000 HR for examining the Homogeneous strokes made Homogeneous strokes made
sequence of strokes by studying the reflectance spectra of the by Cello pin point ball pen by Cello butter flow gel ball
(25 samples) pen (25 samples)
ink[5].
Examination of sequence of strokes made from same type and Figure 2 : Graphical Representation illustrating the
color of ink is very difficult. The dispersal of homogenous ink Protocol of Producing Samples
particles from one line into another makes the analysis even RESULT AND DISCUSSION :
more tedious[6]. Luminescence and gloss of the ink also affect
Analysis of sequence of homogenous intersected strokes
the analysis process[7]. Blobbing cause excess of penetration of
under Docucenter Nirvis : After examining each sample
the ink on the paper and that affects the interpretation part of
under Docucenter Nirvis, the authors found that the
the analysis as it gives the wrong impression about the
composition of ink played an essential role in concluding the
sequence of the latter and former line as heavy ink line appears
results. Table 1 represents the analysed result of the 50
on top position[2]. These are some of the factors which produces
samples under all the nine lights present in Docucenter Nirvis.
confusion in the minds of the Forensic Document Examiner.
Table 1 : Observations of Docucenter Nirvis Depicting the
In the present study, two instruments are used. One is
Positive Outcomes.
Docucenter Nirvis and second one is Nikon A1 Confocal
Microscope. Docucenter Nirvis is most commonly used in all Cello Cello
Forensic Science laboratories. The objective of the study is to Type of Pin Point Butter Flow
ink Ball Pen (Black) Gel Pen (Black)
compare the outcomes of Docucenter Nirvis and Nikon A1
Confocal Microscope and to find out which instrument should
be used for more accurate and précised result. The study will White Light 4% 0%
aid all the Forensic Document Examiner so that they could find
Topside Light 8% 8%
out the correct chronological sequence of the lines placed on
the paper despite of color and type of the ink used. Coaxial Light 0% 0%
MATERIAL AND METHODS :
50 samples examined on A4 sheet of Trident Spectra IR Light 0% 0%
Photocopier Papers of 7x3 inches dimensions using Black Oil
Side Left Light 100% 96%
based and liquid ink and Cello Pen Point/Gel Pen (Cello Butter
flow). Figure 1 represents one of the samples used for analysis. Side Right Light 92% 84%
On the sample, primarily 5000 was written, and then signature
was placed above 5000. Then one was added between 5 and the UV-A 365 Light 0% 0%
first 0; it means the number 5 and 0 are below the stroke of the
signature, and one is above the stroke of the signature. This Bottom UV-A Light 0% 0%
type of sample preparation is the case of 'addition,' and it is
LumiBP Light 100% 88%
commonly done practice for making fraud documents.
All the samples were first examined under Docucenter Nirvis
and then under Nikon A1 Confocal Microscope Figure 2

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J Punjab Acad Forensic Med Toxicol 2018;18(1) ISSN : 0972-5687 DOI: 10.5958/0974-083X.2018.00011.0
LumiBP filter light was found to be most reliable light for
qualitatively examining the fluorescence imparted by the ink.
The LumiBP filter 570 of excitation 530-570 nm and emission
was 570 nm, and LumiBP filter 590 of excitation 550-590 nm
and emission 590 nm was used. It was observed that Cello Pin
Point ball pen gave maximum fluorescence, which was
followed by Cello Butter flow gel pen ink. Side oblique left,
and right light also found to be efficient and reliable for
determining the sequence of homogeneous intersections. The
success of the oblique light depends on the depth of the groove
formed on the paper by the writing media due to the pressure
applied while writing. The depth of the groove is associated to
the amount of the pressure applied. The oblique light gets filled
into the grooves; the continuity of filling of light in the line will
be seen disturbed when the former line is intersected the latter
line.The observations of the samples under LumiBP filter, side
oblique right light and Bottom UV-A can be seen in Figure
3(a), 3(b) and 3©.
Figure 3 : Docucenter Nirvis Observation on Intersected
Homogeneous Strokes Under (a) LumiBP Filter Light, (b)
Side Right Light and (c) Bottom UV-A Light
Ball Point Pen Ink
Fluorescing Under
LumiBP Filter
3 (a)
3 (b)
3 (c)
52
Observations from Top side, Coaxial light, UV-A 365 light,
and Bottom UV-A light were found to be not so definite, in
other words, authors were not able to draw a positive inference.
As the intersected lines were made of same type and color, UV-
A 365 and Bottom UV-A light are generally used to determine
different types of ink used in making fraudulent documents.
Hence, UV-A 365 light and Bottom UV-A light can be used in
determining sequence of heterogeneous ink lines. Coaxial
light and top side also failed to impress the authors in analysis
process. White light and IR light were established to be
inefficient for analyzing the sequence of homogeneous
intersected lines.
Analysis of sequence of homogenous intersected strokes
under Nikon A1 Confocal Microscope : About 88 percent of
the samples gave confident result and the rest were belonged to
non-confident category. The result of the samples are presented
in Table 2.
Table 2- Observations of Nikon A1 Confocal Microscope
Depicting the Outcomes
Cello Cello
Type of Pin Point Butter Flow
ink Ball Pen (Black) Gel Pen (Black)
Positive Outcome 84% 92%
Inconclusive 12% 8%
Negative Outcome 4% ----
The three-dimensional analysis aided the study and helped the
authors to form a positive judgement on the determination of
the sequence of the strokes made by homogenous inks. Two
types of images were taken using the Nikon A1 Confocal
Microscope; the first one is a three-dimensional image [Figure
–4, 5 (b), 2 (b)] and the second one was taken in different
channels like DAPI, FITC, and TD. The best outcomes were
seen in the TD channel [Figure- 4, 5 (a), 2 (a)].
Figure 4 : Confocal Microscope Observation on
Intersected Homogenous Strokes Made by Black Cello Pin
Point Ball Pen (a) Image Captured in TD Channel and (b) a
Three Dimensional Image of Intersection.
4 (a) 4 (b)
J Punjab Acad Forensic Med Toxicol 2018;18(1) ISSN : 0972-5687 DOI: 10.5958/0974-083X.2018.00011.0

Three dimensional feature of the Nikon A1 Confocal crossed strokes. In Questioned Document (pp. 375-
Microscope aided the authors to draw a definite conclusion 393). The Lawyer's Co-operative publishing Co.
irrespective of color and type of ink used. The three- 3. Cheng K, Chao C, Jeng B, Lee S. A New Method of
dimensional image was handy, as the depth of the grooves Identifying Writing Sequence with the Laser
made by the writing media on the paper was observable and the Scanning Confocal Microscope. Journal of Forensic
sequence of writing media strokes made on the paper could be Sciences J. Forensic Sci. 1998;43(2)348-52.
recognized.Pen pressure created by the writer also helped in
4. Saini K, Kaur R, Sood N. Determining the sequence
the analysis process. Higher the pen pressure, higher the ability
of intersecting gel pen and laser printed strokes — A
to find the sequences of overlapping pen strokes.
comparative study. Science & Justice2009;49:286-
Figure 5 : Confocal Microscope Observation on 291.
Intersected homogenous strokes made by black Cello
5. Vaid B A, Rana R S, Dhawan C. Determination of
Butterflow gel pen (a) image captured in TD channel and
sequence of strokes through reflection spectra.
(b) a three dimensional image of intersection.
Problems of Forensic Sciences,2017;LXXXVII:
193-203.
6. Claybourn M, Ansell M. Using Raman
Spectroscopy to solve crime: inks, questioned
documents and fraud. Science & Justice. 2000;
40(4):261-271.
7. Wilkinson T J, Perry D L, Martin M C, Mc Kinney W
5 (a) 5 (b) R, Cantu A A. Use of Synchrotron Reflectance
Infrared Spectromicroscopy as a Rapid, Direct, Non-
CONCLUSION : destructive Method for the Study of Inks on Paper.
Overall, the Nikon A1 Confocal microscope is a versatile Applied Spectroscopy, 2002; 56(6):800-803.
instrument for the analysis of the sequence of strokes. The
properties of the confocal microscope helped in the process of
the examination, especially the three-dimensional images
were extremely helpful for inspecting the sequence of the
strokes made by the homogeneous ink. The three-dimensional
analysis was valuable in determining the exact sequence of the
intersected strokes irrespective of the color and type of ink
used.After evaluating all the interpretations, it can be
established that the Docucenter Nirvis can be used for
determining the correct sequence of homogeneous intersected
lines, but up to a certain extent only. Out of all nine lights used
for analysis, LumiBP filter, Sidelight left, and right gave
positive results.LumiBP light is the best choice for analyzing
the intersected lines made from the ballpoint pen.The confocal
microscope is highly recommended for examining the
sequence of the strokes made by the black color ink. Its use is
not limited to low pen pressure. Further research is going on
sequence of strokes made by other types of inks like Pilot pen
ink and Fountain ink.
REFERENCES :
1. Brito L R, Martins A R, Braz A, Chaves A B, Braga J,
Pimentel M F. Critical review and trends in forensic
investigations of crossing ink lines. TrAC Trends in
Analytical Chemistry 2017;94:54-69.
2. Osborn A S.(1910) Sequence of writing as shown by

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