Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for express voting. In some example embodiments, there is provided a method for express voting. The method may include authenticating a voter based on a token carried by a user equipment, the token mapped to at least one of an identity of the voter, a precinct of the voter, and a ballot for the voter; and providing, when the authenticating indicates the voter is authorized to vote, the ballot presented on the user equipment. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method allows a random sample of a large population of voters to cast votes and for both the unpredictability/un-manipulability of the sample selection and the integrity of the tally to be verified by any interested parties using public information. The problem of vote selling is addressed. Also, a variant allows voters to remain substantially anonymous.

Abstract: The system and method providing enhanced security ballot image records of the present invention includes an enhanced security ballot image tabulator and an enhanced security ballot image audit station. The tabulator processes each ballot of a plurality of ballots to be tabulated to provide an enhanced security ballot image record having diachronically and synchronically coordinated enhanced security ballot image files, each for another ballot of the plurality of ballots to be tabulated. The enhanced security ballot image record may be broadcast upon completion of tabulation and/or simulcast real time during tabulation or otherwise provided such as on a secure media upon completion of tabulation to the public or other parties interested in the tabulation of cast votes. The enhanced security audit station receives the enhanced security ballot image record and analyzes it to selectively identify out-of-bounds diachronic and/or synchronic security parameters.

Abstract: A processor identifies that at least one value of a primary shortage metric triggers an exception to a rule. The processor retrieves a list of items that have a non-zero value for the primary shortage metric and retrieves at least one secondary shortage metric value for each item in the list of items. The processor then generates report data for a report that includes at least one item in the list of items and the values of the first and second shortage metrics for the item.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for generating term frequencies of known terms based on crowdsourced differentially private sketches of the known terms. An asset catalog can be updated with new frequency counts for known terms based on the crowdsourced differentially private sketches. Known terms can have a classification. A client device can maintain a privacy budget for each classification of known terms. Classifications can include emojis, deep links, locations, finance terms, and health terms, etc. A privacy budget ensures that a client does not transmit too much information to a term frequency server, thereby compromising the privacy of the client device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electronic device that includes a lower device configured to process local input/output communications between the electronic device and a host, wherein the lower device is stateless. The electronic device also includes a memory comprising a data flow identifier used to associate a data flow resource of the host with a data flow resource corresponding to the lower device. A data packet sent from the lower device to the host includes the data flow identifier.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to blockchain technology. Specifically, this invention relates to adapting blockchain technology for the storage of voting data in an electronic voting system. The system includes a distributed network of voting machines in communication with each other. Each voting machine has a barcode scanner, a network communications device and a computer system running a voting client. Votes are received through the barcode scanner or a voter interface system and stored securely on a blockchain. The tally for various candidates in the election is updated and stored as each vote is received and counted. This creates an auditable trail of votes and the tally which can be used to detect, correct, and prevent fraud and error in the vote counting process.

Abstract: A device may determine a lead vehicle identifier and a follow vehicle identifier associated with navigating to a destination. The device may determine a plurality of device identifiers associated with the lead vehicle identifier or the follow vehicle identifier, identifying a plurality of devices. The device may determine navigation information. The device may provide the navigation information to a navigation device associated with a vehicle identifier. The device may receive a request to modify the navigation information. The device may determine a modification option. The device may provide the modification option to the plurality of devices for voting. The device may receive one or more voting responses. The device may determine a result of the voting based on the one or more voting responses. The device may provide, to the navigation device, an instruction associated with navigating to the destination based on the result of the voting.

Abstract: This invention is a method and system for reserving and controlling access to products and services at a remote location via a communications network. In one or more embodiment, a user uses a client computer to select desired products and services. The system returns a price offer for the packaged products and services. Upon acceptance of the price offer, the selection of products and services is forwarded to an operations center for the building of an event regarding the redemption of the products and services. The system allocates a time frame for the redemption of each of the products and services as well as determining the order of redemption, based on polling a plurality of users desiring the same products and services in an event. The information generated by the operation center is then forwarded to a location for the redemption of the products and services.

Abstract: One variation of a method for monitoring an object during a presentation, includes: initiating capture of a video with a camera defining a field of view, the camera arranged on a first side of a mobile computing device supported on a base device; generating a position signal defining a position of the remote device relative to the camera; in response to wirelessly receiving a first input selection from the remote device, indexing through digital slide content rendered on a display arranged on the first side of the mobile computing device; in response wirelessly receiving sensor data from a remote device coupled to the object, generating an event tag including a timestamp; and generating a multimedia stream including the video, the position signal data, digital slide content, the first input selection, and the event tag.

Abstract: The invention provides a voting system based on smart mobile communication devices. It comprises at least one smart mobile communication device, at least one server device, a client module, and a server module. The client module is installed on the smart mobile communication device and it is used for temporarily saving the voter's information, submitting identity verification request, showing voting inquiries, and submitting votes. The server module is installed on the server device and it is used for storing the voter's information, verifying the voter's registration and identity, issuing and verifying the voting certificate, creating and publishing the voting affair, and calculating and publishing the voting contents statistics. The client module and the server module perform digital communications through a mobile communication network. The invention also provides a voting method based on smart mobile communication device. According to this invention, voting can be safe, convenient and fast.

Abstract: Voter-generated ballots created using consumer-grade printers are remade to ballots scannable by specialized ballot scanners. The voter-generated ballots include a machine-readable indicia, such as a two-dimensional barcode, that encodes ballot information. The ballot information includes choices made by the voter and information for use in remaking the ballot. Voters wish to submit their votes using printouts from non-specialized printers such as those found at their homes or offices; yet election officials wish to tabulate votes using scanners that require specialized, high-quality ballots. The disclosed systems and methods bridge this gap.

Abstract: A multilayer paper system that allows a user to write or fill in forms while non-users are unable to see what is written through the use of a first layer privacy screen with embedded micro-louvers, a second color change layer with microencapsulated dye, and a stylus type pen that causes color change to occur on the second layer while reducing the ability for those next to or around the person to discern what is written on the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for entering into a computer in an automated manner the fulfillment status of requirements for completing an objective, such as an award offered by an organization. A computer-readable form includes a form identifier and a separate set of response fields for each person whose requirement fulfillment status is contained on the form, with the response fields adapted to receive a scanably detectable mark indicating completion of a requirement. The form can further include an indicator of each requirement for the objective and a name or identifier for each person seeking to complete the objective. A completion schema may be employed to determine whether a person had completed the objective. The invention enables the completion status of an award or other objective to be entered into a computer without typing and thereby saves personnel time, improves recordkeeping, and better facilitates reporting.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for adjudicating votes made on voter-marked paper ballots. Voter-marked paper ballots may be scanned to obtain optical image data of the voter-marked paper ballots. The optical image may be analyzed to determine the votes contained in the ballot for tabulation purposes. One or more votes on the ballot may be identified as requiring adjudication by an election official. Adjudication information, according to various embodiments, is appended to the optical images of the voter-marked paper ballots such that the image of the ballot and the image of the adjudication information may be viewed in an optical image. The optical image may be stored in a file format that allows the ballot image and the appended adjudication information to be viewed using readily available image viewers.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for electronic delivery of regulated shareholder communications to registered electronic mail client accounts. A signed regulated shareholder communication electronic mail is generated by a proxy platform server computer and the electronic mail is transmitted to an electronic mail address inbox of a client computer. An active content associated with the shareholder communication is delivered by the proxy platform server computer when the shareholder communication is opened by a user on the client computer. The user is authenticated by the proxy platform server computer. A voting ballot is delivered by the platform server computer to the authenticated user's opened shareholder communication. The ballot votes submitted from the opened shareholder communication by the user are recorded in a proxy platform server computer voting database.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a voter list which includes a key identifier, and receiving a plurality of different types of ballot images. A control program, which operates a computer, is used to form a side file which associates the ballot images with the voter list, wherein the control program selects a ballot image, in response to the key identifier, which corresponds to a selected voter of the voter list. A print job, which includes the selected ballot image, is formed. The print job is printed to form an unused ballot.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory system adapted for securely registering votes within a voting system is described. The votes are encoded as a set of logically grouped cells based on a voter's selection of an item. The encoding assures that the votes are easily distinguishable by a read circuit.

Abstract: A voting system includes an accessible voting station and a tabulation device. The accessible voting station presents an audio ballot to a voter and receives one or more voting selections entered in response to the audio ballot from the voter. The accessible voting station also prints a ballot that includes the entered voting selections and scans at least a portion of the ballot to determine the voting selections printed thereon. The accessible voting station further presents an audio representation of the scanned voting selections to the voter and receives a confirmation of the audio representation of the scanned voting selections from the voter. The tabulation device tabulates the voting selections printed on the ballot by scanning the printed ballot or receiving voting selection information extracted from the printed ballot from the accessible voting station.

Abstract: A ballot processing device flashes one or more lights of the ballot processing device in a first color when the ballot processing device is ready to receive a ballot. The ballot processing device lights a portion of the one or more lights of the ballot processing device in a second color when the ballot processing device is not ready to receive a ballot.

Abstract: Voter-generated ballots created using consumer-grade printers are remade to ballots scannable by specialized ballot scanners. The voter-generated ballots include a machine-readable indicia, such as a two-dimensional barcode, that encodes ballot information. The ballot information includes choices made by the voter and information for use in remaking the ballot. Voters wish to submit their votes using printouts from non-specialized printers such as those found at their homes or offices; yet election officials wish to tabulate votes using scanners that require specialized, high-quality ballots. The disclosed systems and methods bridge this gap.

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring a plurality of ballot tabulation devices is provided. The ballot tabulation devices are located at a plurality of polling locations, each of which is operable to process a plurality of marked paper ballots and maintain health status information for the device. The system includes a central server located remotely from the ballot tabulation devices that is operable to periodically receive the health status information for each device and generate an alert that identifies any irregularities associated with each device based on the received health status information. Preferably, the health status information is encoded in a machine-readable code that is displayed on a display screen of the ballot tabulation device, and a reading device is used to read the machine-readable code from the display screen and transmit the health status information to the central server.

Abstract: A voting server receives votes from a multimedia processing resource (MPR) and executes instructions for determining whether a user location is an approved voting location and determining whether an MPR communication path is an approved path. If the user location is an approved voting location and the MPR communication path is an approved path, ballot data is accessed, a ballot based on the ballot data is presented to a user, and user input is accepted to select an element from the ballot.

Abstract: Officials using computers for research, create lists of Registered Voters, Proxy Voters whom are sent machine readable encoded documents (registration, language choice, voting ballots), optional return containers. Linking each document to correlated receipt(s) by sharing unique Random Symbolic Identifier(s), other Security Elements. For voting privacy, Voters exchange Ballots within their Voting Region. Voters complete document(s), add Personal Security Identifier(s), keep document receipt, send documents to Officials In-Person or by Postal Mail, Delivery Service, Telephone, Fax, Internet, Email, Interactive Television. Officials receiving documents provide delivery confirmation. Document image machine recorded, Identifier correlated, stored. When document timely, valid, authentic—voter information, selections, write-in choices, personal security items are machine read via software template, read data correlated to document RSID, data stored, published to Voter privately accessible data vault.

Abstract: A ballot authentication system uses a plurality of security features embedded in and/or printed on the paper stock used to print a ballot on which election-choice-information is printed and a voting unit that includes at least a scanner that is configured to detect the plurality of security features that are embedded in and/or printed on the ballot and authenticate the ballot based on the read information. The voting unit of the ballot authentication system can be configured to verify and confirm that the various security features embedded in and/or printed on the ballot is correct for a particular precinct of an election. The security features of the ballot authentication system can include static, dynamic and data security features.

Abstract: An electronic voting system provides increased transparency to the public and verification for the individual voters regarding the tallying of their respective votes. A voting record can be made available electronically, thereby eliminating the need to provide a voter with a paper ballot. A voting record identifier is generated without use of, or reference to, voter identity. The voting record identifier is provided to the voter, such that the voter can access a record of his ballot selections and vote number sequence. In addition, a biometric authentication mechanism is provided to reduce, or eliminate, the potential that a voter is able to vote more than once.

Abstract: Voter-generated ballots created using consumer-grade printers are remade to ballots scannable by specialized ballot scanners. The voter-generated ballots include a machine-readable indicia, such as a two-dimensional barcode, that encodes ballot information. The ballot information includes choices made by the voter and information for use in remaking the ballot. Voters wish to submit their votes using printouts from non-specialized printers such as those found at their homes or offices; yet election officials wish to tabulate votes using scanners that require specialized, high-quality ballots. The disclosed systems and methods bridge this gap.

Abstract: A system and device facilitate the storage and tracking of warehoused voting machines. A system includes a host computer, a plurality of voting machines that are connected via a network to the host computer, each voting machine having one or both of a wireless communication device and a data port that is coupled to the host computer. The system also includes an election and voting machine preparation portion included in the host computer to manage and/or control the connected voting machines. The election and voting machine preparation portion is configured to manage the status of the connected voting machines, is configured to instruct the voting machines to run self tests, is configured to receive results of the self tests back from the connected voting machines, and is configured to prepare/program the connected voting machines with an election ballot.

Abstract: A ballot processing system and method processes paper ballots, such as by optically scanning or optically reading those ballots. The ballot image processing system corrects for, or is able to differentiate valid voting marks from, ballot printing errors such as skewed printing, incorrect sizing, and speckling. Further, the ballot image processing system, after determining whether each of the voting marks is valid or not, associates audit data with the ballot that corresponds to the decision regarding each voting mark.

Abstract: Methods and systems that provide privacy of signatures on envelopes containing ballots are provided. The envelope for returning ballots includes a removable signature stub positioned on top of a signature area. The voter signs the back of the envelope on the signature stub, thereby imprinting a signature on the signature area by transferring a material from the signature stub to the signature area, and removes the signature stub. The signature is then covered by a label that conceals the signature under normal lighting conditions. To read the signature, light having a predetermined wavelength is directed onto the label, thereby rendering the label transparent and the signature visible.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for electronically correcting votes made on voter-marked paper ballots. An optical scan system may image a paper ballot and allow vote modification by the voter following the imaging. Such a modification may be necessary, for example, if a voter has improperly voted (e.g., voted for two candidates for one office), if a definitive determination of the intention to cast a vote cannot be made (e.g., partially filed-in bubble associated with a candidate, erasure, stray marks), if a write-in candidate is included on the ballot, or if a voter has changed their mind or otherwise wishes to cast a different vote than initially indicated. After correction, the corrected ballot may be re-imaged.

Abstract: A ballot tabulation device includes a scanner operable to obtain an image of at least a portion of a paper ballot that includes a voter response area. A processor applies a virtual template to the image to identify a center point for the voter response area. The virtual template comprises a set of characteristic points positioned in predetermined locations in relation to the center point of the voter response area, wherein the characteristic points comprise points that are common to a plurality of sample ballot images. The processor also defines a response window that is centered on the center point of the voter response area, and analyzes the response window to determine if the voter response area is marked by a voter.

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring a plurality of ballot tabulation devices is provided. The ballot tabulation devices are located at a plurality of polling locations, each of which is operable to process a plurality of marked paper ballots and maintain health status information for the device. The system includes a central server located remotely from the ballot tabulation devices that is operable to periodically receive the health status information for each device and generate an alert that identifies any irregularities associated with each device based on the received health status information. Preferably, the health status information is encoded in a machine-readable code that is displayed on a display screen of the ballot tabulation device, and a reading device is used to read the machine-readable code from the display screen and transmit the health status information to the central server.

Abstract: A ballot tabulation device includes a scanner operable to obtain an image of at least a portion of a paper ballot that includes a voter response area. A processor applies a virtual template to the image to identify a center point for the voter response area. The virtual template comprises a set of characteristic points positioned in predetermined locations in relation to the center point of the voter response area, wherein the characteristic points comprise points that are common to a plurality of sample ballot images. The processor also defines a response window that is centered on the center point of the voter response area, and analyzes the response window to determine if the voter response area is marked by a voter.

Abstract: A system for reporting election results from a plurality of ballot tabulation devices to a central server is provided. Each ballot tabulation device is operable to generate a machine-readable code that encodes the election results for the ballot tabulation device and present the machine-readable code by either displaying the machine-readable code on a display screen or printing the machine-readable code on a printable medium. The system also includes a plurality of reading devices each of which is used to read the machine-readable code presented by the ballot tabulation device and transmit the election results for the ballot tabulation device to the central server.

Abstract: Cash demand for a cash dispensing device is forecasted for individual days, weeks and multi-day load periods. In one embodiment, an expected value of withdrawal for any particular period, as well as an upper limit on expected withdrawals for a given confidence level, are computed. The technique facilitates the creation of a daily and multi-day withdrawal forecast for a given ATM. The forecasts are also used to compute an optimum load amount for a given load period (the period between loading operations) for a given ATM, subject to given parameters (such as courier cost, interest rate, transit time, desired confidence level, cost of run-out, and the like) and given constraints (bundle size, maximum capacity, possible delivery days, and the like). The forecasts are also used to determine an optimal load period length and schedule.

Abstract: A voting system including a universal voting station and a tabulation device. The voting station is operable to receive an activation card on which it prints a voter's voting selection. The voter may choose to have the voting station transmit the voting selection to the tabulation device and deposit the activation card into a ballot box, or return the activation card to the voter. The tabulation device is operable to scan and tabulate the voting selections on both marked paper ballots and printed activation cards. The ballot box is preferably a common ballot box that is positioned to receive activation cards from the voting station and paper ballots and activation cards from the tabulation device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for distributed discussion collaboration and making an agenda for an event over a network. In an embodiment, a system may include an aggregator configured to aggregate discussion items submitted by collaborators, and a view controller associated with the collaborators and configured to provide for display the aggregated items. A system may also include a voting module configured to receiving voting information submitted by the collaborators for the discussion items, and an ordering module configured to analyze the voting information and order the aggregated items based on the analyzed voting information. In another embodiment, a method includes aggregating discussion items submitted by collaborators and receiving voting information for the aggregated items.

Abstract: A voting system including a universal voting station and a tabulation device. The voting station is operable to receive an activation card on which it prints a voter's voting selection. The voter may choose to have the voting station transmit the voting selection to the tabulation device and deposit the activation card into a ballot box, or return the activation card to the voter. The tabulation device is operable to scan and tabulate the voting selections on both marked paper ballots and printed activation cards. The ballot box is preferably a common ballot box that is positioned to receive activation cards from the voting station and paper ballots and activation cards from the tabulation device.

Abstract: Officials using computers research and create lists of Certified Registered Voters and Proxies whom are sent computer encoded ballots and return containers. Each Ballot and correlated Receipt(s) share a unique Random Symbolic Identifier (RSID) and use embedded Security Elements to prevent counterfeiting. For privacy, before voting, Voters-Proxies optionally exchange ballots and return containers within their Voting Region, validating ballots electronically or in-person by submitting Ballot Validation RSID to Officials. Voter-Proxy completes ballot(s), adds Personal Security Identifier(s), receives ballot receipt, delivery receipt upon sending ballot to Officials via postal mail, Interactive Television, Internet, Telephone, Fax, Email, In-person. Received ballots are electronically-optically recorded; if timely and authentic, voter selections are extracted, tallied if properly marked, and published to Voters' private data area accessed via Receipt RSID.

Abstract: A First-Point Of Entry (FPOE) method for multiple social networks and systems & methods for enabling users to interact democratically within open groups and for managing voting rights in an online social network environment. When a user joins a new social network the FPOE system and method downloads the user's contributed information from a prior social network. The user's profile, connections and privileges from the prior social network are carried over to the new social network. Similarly, when a user updates his/her information, the new information automatically flows through the various social networks on the FPOE. Another aspect of the invention enables users to interact democratically and manage voting rights. A multilevel test is administered to new users to calculate valid points and various voting privileges are assigned accordingly.

Abstract: A modular integrated software and hardware suite can accept data exported from a voter registration database corresponding to requests for mail ballots, sort the data as necessary for ballot preparation, create a road map for ballot mailing preparation, provide for mail presorting, scan returned ballot envelopes using a ballot envelope scanner, and accept data from the scanner. The scanner uses a passive feed system, a separator brush, and a variable speed straight paper path to minimize jamming through the ballot envelope scanner. The scanner can work with a workstation application to interpret a barcode, store an image of the ballot envelope signature in association with a specific voter, print an endorsement on each verified ballot envelope, and store the endorsement with the signature image. The scanner can divert ballot envelopes with unrecognizable or unmatched barcodes to a separate tray for manual processing.

Abstract: An integrated voting system and method for accommodating paper ballots and audio ballots. The voting system includes a voting device operable to scan a paper ballot with one or more marked voting selections and tabulate the marked voting selections. The voting system also includes an accessible voting station in communication with the voting device. The accessible voting station comprises a voting console operable present an audio ballot to a voter via headphones, and receive one or more voting selections entered in response to the audio ballot from the voter. A printer is also provided to print a printed ballot that includes the entered voting selections. The voting device is operable to tabulate the printed voting selections by scanning the printed ballot or receiving voting selection information extracted from the printed ballot from the accessible voting station.

Abstract: A voting unit and a ballot transaction processing system for processing a voting session. The voting unit includes an optical ballot scanner and a printer that is capable of printing a non-human readable barcode on ballots that are fed into the voting unit. The ballots are filled out (or cast) by the voter before being inserted into the voting unit. The voter can confirm the voting unit's interpretations of his/her selections on the scanned ballot via a display and confirm that the interpretations are correct via an input section on the voting unit. The ballot transaction processing system is also capable of generating, assigning and communicating to a plurality of voting units a set of unique transaction codes. In so doing, the ballot transaction processing system maintains voter secrecy, prevents ballot stuffing and provides a one-to-one correspondence between images of optically scanned ballots and the ballots themselves.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a voter list, and receiving a plurality of different types of ballot images. The method includes using a control program to form a side file which associates the ballot images with the voter list, wherein the control program selects a ballot image which corresponds to a selected voter of the voter list. The method includes forming a print job which includes the selected ballot image, and printing the print job to form an unused ballot which includes the selected ballot image. The method includes comparing an image of the unused ballot with the selected ballot image.

Abstract: An advanced record production system includes one or more devices operable to print machine readable indicia on tangible documents. The machine readable indicia include date information and automatically assigned information that is used to prevent the tangible document from being valid for more than one use. The advanced record production system also includes a registration system operable to read the tangible documents and to process the tangible documents. The registration system is further operable to maintain a record of the machine readable indicia of the tangible documents that have been processed to prevent the tangible documents from being valid for more than one use.

Abstract: An electronic voting terminal includes: a display; a data input device; a biometric input device; a case having an open and a closed position, the case protecting the display, the input device, and the biometric input device in the closed position, the case making the display, input device and biometric input device accessible by the voter in the open position; a communications medium; a microprocessor to control the display, the data input device, the biometric input device, and the communications medium; and a power supply that accepts alternating current and provides direct current to the microprocessor The device utilizes the biometric input device to validate the identity of the voter, utilizes the data input device to receive the ballot from the voter, and utilizes the communications medium to transmit the ballot. A system for voting also includes a centralized computer and voter registration database.

Abstract: A ballot processing device flashes one or more lights of the ballot processing device in a first color when the ballot processing device is ready to receive a ballot. The ballot processing device lights a portion of the one or more lights of the ballot processing device in a second color when the ballot processing device is not ready to receive a ballot.

Abstract: A system for processing folded documents is disclosed. The system includes an input hopper configured to receive a stack of folded documents and an imaging area in which each of the documents is imaged. A pick-up mechanism is configured to transport each of the folded documents from the input hopper to the imaging area. The pick-up mechanism includes first and second barriers that are spaced apart to define a gap through which each of the folded documents is passed, wherein the gap is dimensioned to prevent passage of more than one of the folded documents. Preferably, the system also includes a detection system that is operable to detect the passage of more than one of the folded documents through a detection zone.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for conducting an election. In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for ensuring integrity of an electronic ballot. The method can include creating electronic ballots for voters based on votes received from the voters; digitally signing the electronic ballots; storing the signed electronic ballots; retrieving the signed electronic ballots from storage; verifying the digital signatures on the retrieved electronic ballots; and presenting the voters with validation pages derived from the retrieved electronic ballots, the validation pages including a user interface element for the voters to confirm that the retrieved electronic ballots accurately reflect their vote.