Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1989-1999
Title: Thomas B. Hickey: Innovator in Optical Character Recognition and Display Technologies
Introduction
Thomas B. Hickey is a notable inventor based in Columbus, OH (US), recognized for his contributions to display technologies and optical character recognition (OCR). With a total of 3 patents, Hickey has made significant advancements in methods that enhance text display and conversion processes.
Latest Patents
Hickey's latest patents include a method for displaying bitmap derived text at a display having limited capabilities. This innovative approach involves creating an image font file that contains compressed bitmap representations of characters from various fonts. These representations are derived as character image templates corresponding to a larger font size. The method allows for selective shifting of characters based on typesetting specifications, resulting in anti-aliased, sub-pixel positioned display characters.
Another significant patent focuses on merging three optical character recognition outputs for improved text conversion. This method employs three OCR systems to generate text results, which are then merged using an edit distance algorithm to estimate a correct common text ancestor. The process is designed to handle large strings, such as pages of documentation, efficiently by executing in two stages and optimizing computations through heuristic methods.
Career Highlights
Hickey is currently associated with OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc., where he continues to innovate in the field of information technology. His work has had a profound impact on how text is displayed and processed in digital formats.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Hickey has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Robert J. Haschart and John C. Handley. These partnerships have contributed to the development of advanced technologies in their respective fields.
Conclusion
Thomas B. Hickey's contributions to display technologies and optical character recognition have paved the way for improved text processing methods. His innovative patents reflect a commitment to enhancing user experience in digital environments.