A Comparative Analysis of Handwriting Characteristics Using Different Writing Instruments: A Statistical and AI-Based Analysis

Abstract

Handwriting is a complicated motor skill that is influenced by physiological and instrumental variables. The variations generated through the application of various writing tools may have a significant impact on the forensic examination and comparison of handwriting. The aim of the study is to comparatively analyze the specifics of handwriting drawn with the help of various writing tools, both with the help of statistical and AI-supported methods to identify the features, which are similar or different depending on the writing tool. Materials and Methods: A total of 180 handwriting samples were collected out of 60 individuals by using three different writing instruments i.e., ballpoint pens, gel pens, and fountain pens, while keeping a standardized writing position and surface constant. The handwriting features that were examined in this study included slant, alignment, letter size, fluency, spacing, and pen pressure. One-way ANOVA was done (p < 0.05) to statistically analyze the data, and analysis of handwriting with AI was conducted to validate the data. Results: The one-way ANOVA test showed that there was no significant difference in the slant and alignment (p > 0.05), it implies that both of these are habitual traits and they do not vary depending on writing instrument. Significant variations (p < 0.05) were observed in letter size, fluency, spacing, and pen pressure. The results showed that gel pens have the most consistent handwriting, ballpoint pens have variations based on pressure-dependent ink flow, and fountain pens have moderate variations based on nib sensitivity. Conclusion: The combined statistical and AI analysis of handwriting confirms that writing instruments can significantly affect the handwriting characteristics, but some intrinsic properties remain consistent.