Reflections on the nature of individuality in the process of identifying handwriting and signatures

Abstract

The fundamental principle of identification, based on the condition that there is a unique combination of independent discriminating elements in handwriting, is analysed. The results of experiments conducted on distorted handwriting suggest that there may only be one handwriting habit that is responsible for the individuality of handwriting. By analysing disguised and simulated signatures and applying the isochrony principle, it seems reasonable to conclude that the mutual interaction between the speed of writing and the curvature of a graphic line is the only habit, and the quality of a graphic line the only feature responsible for the individuality of handwriting. The article introduces a number of ideas for evaluating the quality of a graphic line during handwriting examination, and a number of new opportunities for research into biometric electronic signatures.