Patents by Inventor David H. Shepard

David H. Shepard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5852685
    Abstract: Character recognition processing wherein each of a batch of documents is scanned to produce corresponding scan data signals forming a rectilinear data array of binary bits at the intersections of a rectangular coordinate grid. These signals are stored and processed by a recognition algorithm to produce identity signals for recognized characters. Groups of non-recognized characters are presented simultaneously to permit rapid identification by inspection. The identification of recognized characters is verified at high speed by simultaneously presenting the character images as respective groups sorted to have the same recognized identities. High accuracy recognition is assured by including with the stored characters to be verified a number of images of purposely-incorrectly-identified characters, i.e., bogus errors. At the end of predetermined processing segments, such as one batch of documents, the results of verification are examined to determine how many bogus errors were caught by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Cognitronics Imaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David H. Shepard
  • Patent number: 5696854
    Abstract: Character recognition processing wherein each of a batch of documents is scanned to produce corresponding scan data signals forming a rectilinear data array of binary bits at the intersections of a rectangular coordinate grid. These signals are stored and processed by a recognition algorithm to produce identity signals for recognized characters. Groups of non-recognized characters are presented simultaneously to permit rapid identification by inspection. The identification of recognized characters is verified at high speed by simultaneously presenting the character images as respective groups sorted to have the same recognized identities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Cognitronics Imaging System, Inc.
    Inventor: David H. Shepard
  • Patent number: 5526447
    Abstract: Character recognition processing wherein each of a batch of documents is scanned to produce corresponding scan data signals forming a rectilinear data array of binary bits at the intersections of a rectangular coordinate grid. These signals are stored and processed by a recognition algorithm to produce identity signals for recognized characters. Groups of non-recognized characters are presented simultaneously to permit rapid identification by inspection. The identification of recognized characters is verified at high speed by simultaneously presenting the character images as respective groups sorted to have the same recognized identities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Cognitronics Imaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David H. Shepard
  • Patent number: 5245166
    Abstract: Apparatus for scanning answer sheets with a series of closely-spaced parallel scan lines to produce scan signals for spots closely-spaced along each scan line, thereby producing a rectilinear data array of binary (black/white) representations at the intersections of a rectangular coordinate grid. Marks on the answer sheet are detected and processed to develop and print-out a score for the examinee by means of a dot-matrix printer. Scan spot signals representing the examinee's name written in prior to the test are used to directly control the dot-matrix printer to reproduce the examinee's name. The scan spot signals representing the name are stored with and physically accompany the test results, so that at any time the score data can be printed out together with the examinee's name.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Cognitronics Imaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David H. Shepard
  • Patent number: 5140139
    Abstract: A "mark read" document is prepared with a pattern of boxes within which marks may selectively be entered, together with printed characters for instructions or other informational purposes. The characters and boxes both are formed on the sheet with printing material having an optical spectrum capable of detection by the optical sensing device to be used for scanning the document. A template sheet then is prepared to present only the pattern of boxes as they appear on the original sheet, without any characters. This template sheet is passed through a computer-controlled optical scanner which examines the pattern of boxes and stores in the computer memory numbers representing coordinates identifying the location of each box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Cognitronics Corporation
    Inventor: David H. Shepard
  • Patent number: 5052038
    Abstract: A telephone system wherein any one of a large number of telephones is connectible to a local directory-assistance request processor. The name of a subscriber whose telephone number is sought is entered through a connected telephone by spelling out the subscriber's name with the standard telephone push-buttons, using the grouped alphabetic designators on those buttons. The resulting decimal signals are stored in the request processor, and also are forwarded by a digital transmission system to the appropriate one of a number of directory processors each having a subscriber data base in alphanumeric code. A look-up is carried out to locate the alphanumeric code data identifying the subscriber's name corresponding to the originally-entered decimal request signals, and the located alphanumeric information including name and telephone number is sent back through the digital transmission system to the request processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Cognitronics Corporation
    Inventor: David H. Shepard
  • Patent number: 5017763
    Abstract: Apparatus for scanning answer sheets with a series of closely-spaced parallel scan lines to produce scan signals for spots closely-spaced along each scan line, thereby producing a rectilinear data array of binary (black/white) representations at the intersections of a rectangular coordinate grid. Marks on the answer sheets are detected and processed to develop and print-out a score for the examinee by means of a dot-matrix printer. Scan spot signals representing the examinee's name written in prior to the tests are used to directly control the dot-matrix printer to reproduce the examinee's name. The scan spot signals representing the name are stored with and physically accompany the test results, so that at any time the score data can be printed out together with the examinee's name.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Cognitronics Corp.
    Inventor: David H. Shepard
  • Patent number: 4782509
    Abstract: A telephone system wherein any one of a large number of telephones is connectible to a local directory assistance request processor. The name of a subscriber whose telephone number is sought is entered through a connected telephone by spelling out the subscriber's name with the standard telephone push-buttons, using the grouped alphabetic designators on those buttons. The resulting decimal signals are stored in the request processor, and also are forwarded by a digital transmission system to the appropriate one of a number of directory processors each having a subscriber data base in alphanumeric code. A look-up is carried out to locate the alphanumeric code data identifying the subscriber's name corresponding to the originally-entered decimal request signals, and the located alphanumeric information including name and telephone number is sent back through the digital transmission system to the request processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Cognitronics Corporation
    Inventor: David H. Shepard
  • Patent number: 4760246
    Abstract: Apparatus for scanning answer sheets with a series of closely-spaced parallel scan lines to produce scan signals for spots closely-spaced along each scan line, thereby producing a rectilinear data array of binary (black/white) representations at the intersections of a rectangular coordinate grid. Marks on the answer sheet are detected and processed to develop and print-out a score for the examinee by means of a dot-matrix printer. Scan spot signals representing the examinee's name written in prior to the test are used to directly control the dot-matrix printer to reproduce the examinee's name. The scan spot signals representing the name are stored with and physically accompany the test results, so that at any time the score data can be printed out together with the examinee's name.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Cognitronics Corporation
    Inventor: David H. Shepard
  • Patent number: 4659940
    Abstract: There are disclosed method and apparatus for the production of electrical power from high altitude winds. A kitecraft (12) secured to a ground tether (14) supports a cylindrical drum (10) rotatable about a horizontal shaft (60). The drum comprises a plurality of wheels (24) interconnected by airfoils (26) positioned about the cylindrical surface of the drum. Wind action on the airfoils rotates the drum about the horizontal shaft and turns generators (50) to provide electrical power. The kitecraft (12) and drum (10) assembly is constructed to the maximum practical extent from tension members to reduce weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Cognitronics Corporation
    Inventor: David H. Shepard
  • Patent number: 4572962
    Abstract: A wind-operated power-generating module for operation at high altitudes such as 1000 meters comprising a frame structure mounting a pair of vertically-separated parallel shafts around which pass endless belts supporting a series of parallel, elongate wing-like elements for movement around a closed path including the parallel shafts. Wind flow drives these elements around the closed path, to enable electrical power to be generated, and also provides lift to hold the module up at the appropriate high altitude. A number of such modules are tethered in fixed positions in the sky, and are controllable as is appropriate to accommodate changing wind conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Cognitronics Corporation
    Inventor: David H. Shepard
  • Patent number: 4041454
    Abstract: A central time-shared data processing system organized for character analysis and coupled to a number of remote document scanning stations each including a drum document feed, the drum being rotatable in small incremental steps, and means operable between steps for scanning the document along a path parallel to a line of characters on the document to produce data identifying graphic figures for analysis by the central processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1977
    Assignee: Cognitronics Corporation
    Inventors: David H. Shepard, Edward J. Gushue
  • Patent number: 4021777
    Abstract: A remote optical character recognition system including a central processor time-shared among a number of remote scanner units each adapted to receive a document bearing information characters to be scanned so as to produce corresponding signals which are transmitted to the central processor for analysis, whereby signals are developed identifying each of the information characters on the document. The document is additionally provided with control characters presented with a distinctive characteristic to enable the central processor to distinguish the control characters from the information characters. The central processor identifies the control characters and produces corresponding control effects related to procedures for scanning the document and processing the scan data. Certain of the control characters provide basic information concerning the particular customer whose document is being scanned, as well as initial instructions such as specifying portions of the document to be scanned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1977
    Assignee: Cognitronics Corporation
    Inventor: David H. Shepard
  • Patent number: RE29104
    Abstract: An optical character recognition system including a laser scanner unit adapted to scan a document having preprinted markings to indicate where the characters are to be placed. Variations in light intensity reflected from the document and characters produce scan signals which are processed to determine the characters. The color of the markings on the document is related to the laser frequency such that the light reflected from the markings has the same intensity as the light reflected from the document background, so that the presence of the markings does not interfere with the reading of the characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1977
    Assignee: Cognitronics Corporation
    Inventor: David H. Shepard