Comparative Study between Variable Computer Printed Documents to Identify the Type of the Producing Output Devices

Abstract

ocuments are any material containing marks, symbols or signs that convey meaning or message to someone. Therefore, changing, deleting, or adding information on it or replacing an entire page with a counterfeited page is considered forgery. Within the last years, forgery has markedly increased and expanded to encompass computers and printers’ usage that facilitated the production of fraudulent printed documents by even non-experts. Printers and photocopiers leave their imprints on the produced documents. Examination of the printed output in a questioned document is essential as it provides information about the producing device, it can provide important information about document's authenticity and genuineness. Identification of a document source plays an important role to confirm the authenticity of the printed document. It is also required in providing clues and leads in several criminal cases and in pinpointing the source of leakage of secure documents, counterfeiting and forgery. This study aims to compare the characteristics of different computer printed documents to identify the type of the producing output devices [(photocopier (PC), inkjet (IJ), and laser printers (L)].