Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1976-1991
Title: Innovations of John Joseph Hilliard
Introduction
John Joseph Hilliard is a notable inventor based in Potomac, MD (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of data processing and optical character recognition (OCR). With a total of 4 patents to his name, Hilliard's work has had a lasting impact on the efficiency of mail processing systems.
Latest Patents
Hilliard's latest patents include a "System and method for deferred processing of OCR scanned mail." This invention is characterized as a data processing architecture and method for multi-stage processing of mail, utilizing knowledge-based techniques. The system involves OCR-scanning a multipart address field of a mail piece at a sending location. The address field includes a first stage routing portion and a second stage routing portion. The first routing portion is converted into sorting signals to sort the mail piece for dispatch. While in transit, the second stage routing portion is analyzed by a knowledge base processor to resolve additional routing information. This deferred execution allows for efficient processing of mail during transit.
Another significant patent is the "Alphabetic character word upper/lower case print convention apparatus." This invention determines whether an alphabetic character field output from an OCR is related to an upper case or lower case inscription on the scanned document. The apparatus utilizes a character occurrence probability storage system to make accurate determinations regarding the print convention of words. This innovation enhances the accuracy of text processing in OCR systems.
Career Highlights
Hilliard has spent a considerable part of his career at International Business Machines Corporation (IBM). His work at IBM has allowed him to develop and refine his inventions, contributing to advancements in data processing technologies. His expertise in OCR and mail processing systems has positioned him as a key figure in the field.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Hilliard has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Walter S. Rosenbaum and Ellen Willis Bollinger. These collaborations have fostered innovation and have led to the development of impactful technologies in the industry.
Conclusion
John Joseph Hilliard's contributions to the field of data processing and OCR have significantly advanced the efficiency of mail processing systems. His innovative patents and career at IBM highlight his dedication to improving technology in this domain.