A UK R and D behavioural biometric company specialises in measuring the interactive data points between the Hand, Eye, and Mind (HEM) in any type of graphic expression. The primary markets are healthcare (mental health and well-being), education (safeguarding and dyslexia), and security (monitoring).

The company has developed HAST software technology, based upon the science of graphometry (graph means to ‘write’ and metry means to ‘measure’) and mathematics that occurs in all ‘graphic expressions.’ Mathematics cannot lie and objective by its very nature. It is either right or wrong and the graphometric data points that are present in all ‘graphic expressions’ are easily checked or verified. Graphometry requires the learning of 4 subjects which create the academic subject of graphometry, and these are Forensic Document Examination (FDE), calligraphy, dyslexia, and graphology . Once the 4 subjects have been mastered, graphometry can be applied to other academic subjects such as education, law, psychology, criminology, neurology, ophthalmopathy, physiology, medicine (including medication) and security.

Key points of HAST include:
1. Mathematical analysis: by analysing the handwriting of individuals with known illnesses, unique mathematical signatures can be identified and compared to control groups.
2. Dementia monitoring: a proposed pilot study aims to use HAST to monitor dementia by comparing handwriting samples over time to track deterioration and potentially offer alternative therapies.
3. Measured outcomes: the pilot study will help determine effective data points and assess the accuracy of HAST in monitoring dementia, potentially reducing doctors’ time and costs.
4. HAST AI Version: future development includes creating an AI version of HAST, integrating it into the NHS system, and exploring additional technologies for further research.
There is a 17 year delay in translating biomedical research into clinical practice, which results in outdated data and challenges in timely patient care. This innovation leverages handwriting analysis to provide quick real-time, objective data collection for medical and psychological applications, with a focus on improving dementia care.

The UK company will provide the HAST software technology, aiming to diagnose dementia, monitor deterioration, and automate care packages with other healthcare providers and social workers. This multidisciplinary approach aims to develop, validate, and expand the HAST technology for comprehensive dementia care.

The UK SME seeks R and D evaluation expertise from medical research and healthcare organizations, particularly those with access to dementia patients for various trials, and experienced EU healthcare providers for comparative research. They aim to form a research cooperation agreement to develop and validate the HAST software, requiring a multidisciplinary team for calibration, verification, AI integration, and language translation to enhance its functionality and accessibility in healthcare systems.
Advantages and innovation
The advantages of the HAST (Handwriting Analysis and Signature Technology) innovation are:

1. Objective data analysis: HAST uses graphometry to extract mathematical data points from handwriting, providing objective and verifiable results.
2. Unique mathematical signatures: By analysing handwriting, HAST can identify unique mathematical signatures associated with specific illnesses, allowing for precise comparisons with control groups.
3. Dementia monitoring: HAST can monitor the progression of dementia by tracking changes in handwriting over time, potentially offering alternative therapies and improving patient care.
4. Efficiency and cost reduction: the technology aims to reduce doctors’ time and healthcare costs by providing quick and accurate data points.
5. AI integration: future development includes creating an AI version of HAST, which will enhance its capabilities and integration into healthcare systems like the NHS.
6. Behavioural biometrics: HAST leverages handwriting as a behavioural biometric, offering a unique approach compared to other methods like keystrokes or facial recognition.
7. Comprehensive data points: unlike competitors focusing on smartphone apps, HAST provides detailed data points and measured outcomes, making it a more robust tool for medical and psychological applications.

Overall, HAST offers a novel and effective way to analyse handwriting for medical diagnostics and monitoring, particularly in the context of dementia care.
Technical Specification or Expertise Sought
The technical specifications and expertise sought for the HAST (Handwriting Analysis and Signature Technology) project include:

1. R and D evaluation expertise:
- Calibration and verification: specialists are needed to conduct studies that calibrate and verify the outcomes/results of the HAST software.
- Pilot, pre-clinical, and clinical trials: collaborators with access to dementia patients are required to carry out these trials to test and validate the technology.

2. AI expertise:
- Data integration: experts in artificial intelligence are needed to integrate the data collected by HAST, ensuring seamless processing and analysis.
- Development of AI version: assistance in developing an AI-enhanced version of HAST to improve its functionality and integration into healthcare systems.

3. Language translation:
European language translators are required to adapt the HAST software for use in various European languages, ensuring accessibility and usability across different regions.
These specifications highlight the need for a multidisciplinary team to further develop, validate, and expand the HAST technology.