Abstract: An electronic voting system with a headquarters unit, a plurality of precinct units, a plurality of voting stations associated with each precinct unit, and a plurality of mobile memory units (MMUs) to contain data that can be transported back and forth between the headquarters unit and the precinct units. The MMUs include FLASH memory, wherein each memory location can be written to once and read many times. Each memory location can thus only be subsequently written to after all the data in the entire FLASH memory has been erased. The system includes the ability to store images of the cast ballots at multiple locations for verification and authentication. The system includes the ability to store a direct representation of the voter's selections as displayed to the voter as a redundant image of the ballot. The system also includes the ability for each voting station to automatically read the particular ballot overlay thereon to verify the proper ballot style is being used.

Abstract: An electronic voting process sends votes that have been entered via a general purpose user interface such as the keyboard of a PC to a vote collecting system. To prevent viruses between the interface and the vote collecting system from entering fraudulent votes, individualized ballot forms are used. Each for a different voter and each containing entries for respective ones of the options that can be made in the vote. Entries for different options within each one of the forms contain mutually different identifiers, identifiers in entries for equal options in different ones of the forms containing mutually different identifiers. Each ballot forms is sent to the voter for which it was individually generated. The voter enters the identifiers for his or her option and a voting system compares the identifier with the information about the identifiers for the identified voter stored in the vote collecting system.

Abstract: A voting apparatus, system and method may provide data redundancy in that each vote is recorded by two or more independent and verifiable means: i.e. by recording in one or more electronic memory devices included in the voting machine and/or system, and/or by recording in the memory of a smart card separate from the voting machine and/or system, and/or by a confirmatory printed record for each voter. The system may utilize a unique anonymous voting session identifier to maintain the anonymity of the votes and voters.

Abstract: An electronic voting system has a voting administrative module connected to a plurality of voting modules connected via a network. A voter initiates the voting process by inserting a voting key into a voting key reader of a voting module. The voter then makes voting selections, which include casting votes, on a touch screen display of the voting module. Alternatively, the voting module may verbally guide the voter through the voting process using an audio headphone. The voter may also make voting selections verbally through a microphone using voice recognition technology, or by using a tactile keypad. After the voter is finished casting votes, a voter verifiable paper ballot is printed and an electronic ballot is saved on the electronic voting system. The voter can review the paper ballot.

Abstract: A method for collecting data from electronic voting units which are standing by to receive enabling commands, comprising the steps of:

Abstract: This invention relates to a voting system. In particular, this invention relates to a ballot paper which includes an option section and response section, whereby the response section is adapted to be separable from the option section. The option section preferably contains at least two options, the options being generated and/or presented in random order, and the response section preferably includes at least one selection portion for each option presented on the option section. The response section preferably includes a unique identifier which may be utilized to identify each voter, and the response section may preferably include reading means adjacent each selection portion. Preferably a key such as a dongle may be required to produce the ballot paper and be required to count the votes and/or collate the results. A method of conduct a ballot utilizing such a ballot paper is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus is designed for use with optical mark-sense cards which have predetermined bubble positions arranged on at least one side thereof. The apparatus includes a frame member with a flat backing surface, a template positionable in overlying relation to the backing surface and a guide for directing the optical mark-sense card in sliding receipt between the template and the backing surface so that holes formed through the template register in alignment with the bubble positions on the card. A stylus includes a normally concealed marker tip and a casing with a distal end structured for receipt and engagement within any of the template holes. The marker tip is selectively extendible from the distal end of the casing so that when the stylus is held in engagement within one of the desired holes, the marker tip can be extended to contact the card and place an optically readable mark at the bubble position aligned with the hole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of voting is disclosed for creating and recording both an electronic and printed ballot for each voter. The system can employ a variety of vote selection means which can lead to the generation of an electronic tally of the vote in addition to the printing of a paper ballot. The printed ballot includes only the names of the candidates for whom the voter has voted in a form that is easily readable by both humans and machine. This unambiguous printed ballot makes it easy for voters to verify the accuracy of their intended vote and can subsequently be used to casting the voter's official vote or saved to provide an audit trail for subsequent confirmation of the electronic tally. These and other features accelerate the initial tabulation of results while providing multiple safeguards against fraud and a reliable means of verifying voter intent.

Abstract: The present invention improves an efficiency of a reception job at a polling stations by introducing an automation of the job and prevents an illegal voting. Information of voters name and other related data including a portrait photograph recorded on an entrance ticket to the polling station such as ID card is read by a reading apparatus 25. The data read out is compared with corresponding data in a voter's database formed in a memory apparatus 24 by a computer 21 thereby the voter is identified automatically. When the voter is identified, a voting card is issued from a voting paper issuing apparatus 26. The conventional jobs for referring to a voters list by receptionists and for handing a voting card to voters are not necessary because of the automation. Moreover, as the voting card is not issued for unauthentic voters, illegal voting can be prevented.

Abstract: A voting system wherein a voter identification card is provided to a voter having an optical code including voter identification information. The optical code on the voter identification card of a voter is read at a polling station prior to permitting said voter to vote and a digital signature is received from the voter. A handheld wireless data acquisition device is provided to the voter for making voting selections and a receipt with the voting selections made by said voter is printed. The voting selections are wirelessly transmitted from the handheld wireless data acquisition device to a host computer for tallying the voting selections from a plurality of voters.

Abstract: A control section is used which executes the flowing steps. That is, a) making a plurality of voters respectively vote evaluation of voting-object information in accordance with an on-line voting system by using a plurality of clients, each client being set at a voter's sides, b) calculating average evaluation in accordance with voting results, c) deciding a voter's rank of each of the voters in accordance with a deviation between average evaluation and evaluation by the voter concerned, and d) determining overall evaluation of voting-object information at least in accordance with a result of weighting a voting result correspondingly to the voter's rank.

Abstract: A central location receives calls from remotely located job applicants and handles said calls including transmitting messages to applicants and receiving information from applicants over an electronic telecommunication link, automatically and directly. The system provides for real time applicant involvement while permitting applicants to initiate a job application procedure at a time and location selected by the applicant. Preferably calls are handled by a software engine which can identically process any of a plurality of script files containing both provisions for messages sent to and received from applicants and logic flow or branch records, all of which are preferably end-user configurable.

Abstract: An automated voting system comprising single or multiple voting stations for controlling and being a voting station simultaneously. The voting system includes an integrated pointing device with graphical user interface for displaying the ballots.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for improved electronic voting. The system optionally allows paper type ballots to be utilized. A plurality of cryptographic routines are utilized in a distributed data processing system to maximize the privacy of both the voter's identity and the content of completed ballots. An authentication server is utilized to interact with a voter to issue electronic ballots and receive completed electronic ballots in a manner which determines the authenticity of the identification of the voter, while maintaining the content of the completed ballot confidential. The distributed data processing system further includes a results server which tabulates the content of completed ballots in a manner which maintains the identity of the voters associated with the particular ballots confidential.

Abstract: A system for determining the performance of a user responding to a call includes a processor, a memory, and an interface. The system presents stored audible and textual information to a user to simulate a call, and generates scores to determine the performance of the user in responding to the calls.

Abstract: A computerized voting system has a central computer, regional computers and voting modules connected to a data transfer link for communication with one another. The voting modules access the central computer database under control of the central computer control center. Voter data is created at one of the voting modules and communicated to the database for storage. Input voter data for a given voter at any one of the plurality of voting modules during an election is compared to the stored data for the given voter to verify that the given voter is eligible to vote. Access to the stored voter data for the given voter during an election is restricted to prevent the given voter from voting more than once during the election.

Abstract: A computerized voting information system that encompasses one or more voting stations, at least one tabulation center and certification center, and a plurality of voters so as to automatically verify, manipulate, interchange, and manage all data and information that is needed by the voting stations to determine if a particular voting card is authentic and a voter is entitled to cast his/her vote, by tabulation centers to perform the tabulation of the casted votes, by certification centers to guarantee the authenticity of the voting cards and the legitimacy of the card holders, and by voters to prove their identity and voting eligibilities.

Abstract: An electronic voting system is disclosed that provides voters who may be blind, illiterate, or conversant in a foreign language, with a means to enter selection information without having to rely on visually perceptible information. In accordance with exemplary embodiments, candidate and/or referendum information is supplied audibly such that the voter can respond to selection options by speech input, actuating a button on a hand-held device, or other mechanism that permits the voter to indicate his or her selection preferences without having to visually interact with the system. The system provides an audio confirmation of the voter's selection. Such a system allows the aforementioned individuals to vote in confidence without assistance.

Abstract: An electronic data collection device configured in a substantially two-dimensional arrangement is disclosed. The data collection device uses inexpensive flexible sheet materials to provide a flat framework in which to situate an interconnected combination of electronic components. The components provide an interactive function to supply input-output, control, and power functions. Components can include an information display, switches for responding to questions displayed on the information display, memory for storing responses to the questions, and a controller for controlling the operation of the data collection device. In addition, the device is provided with a data transfer interface that permits stored responses to be gathered by a response data accumulation device, such as a computer, having a corresponding interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for detecting and sorting a document containing an address change request from a group of documents. The apparatus includes a document transport for conveying the document along a selected path of movement. An image scanner positioned along the selected path is provided for reading an image of the document or of a selected area on the document. The image scanner provides density levels corresponding to discrete areas on the document. An image processor determines a set of density levels corresponding to a test line passing through the selected area on the document. Density level transitions are detected along the selected line when two adjacent areas on the document have substantially different density levels. If a sufficient number of density level transitions are detected along the selected line, the document is sorted from the group of documents.

Abstract: A quality monitoring system can detect certain system faults and fraud attempts in a distributed voting system. The system uses decoy voters to cast predetermined check ballots. Absent check ballots can indicate system faults. Altered check ballots can indicate attempts at counterfeiting votes. The system can also cast check ballots at predetermined times to provide another check on the distributed voting system.

Abstract: A device and method for collecting voting data is disclosed, the device including a housing having a front face, back panel, opposite sides and a base, a visual character display, and a slot opening on the front face. A central processor within the housing stores data, including preprogrammed data and collected data in a primary memory, and controls operation of the components of the device, including a card reader. The card reader is structured to pull a ballot card through the slot opening for scanning data thereon, including votes cast by the voter, and transferring the scanned data to the central processor where the voting data is stored and tallied. The scanned ballot cards are deposited into a collection box within a locked interior of the housing. A bar code reader and/or a magnetic strip reader on the device reads encoded data on a voter's identification card, such as a voter registration number, so that the encoded data may also be transferred to the central processor for storage.

Abstract: A voting machine is provided allowing an illiterate, sight impaired or blind individual to cast a vote in privacy and without assistance from another party. The voting machine includes a ballot box having a plurality of voting mechanisms for allowing the individual to cast a vote. One voting mechanism is provided for each election candidate/each side of an election issue. The voting machine also includes an audio player that plays an audio presentation that guides the individual through the voting process by identifying each voting mechanism. A tactile and visual map may also be provided. The map cooperates with the audio presentation to orient the individual for voting. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic election system is described, which includes a voting terminal having a first processor for processing voter selection data, a terminal memory for storing election data, and a first transceiver for transmitting first and second control signals and for receiving the election data; and a memory cartridge having a second processor, a memory for storing election data and security data, and a second transceiver for receiving the first and second control signals and for transmitting the election data.

Abstract: A method for deterring fraudulent voting involving use of wallet-size cards having a permanent data storage medium and a temporary data storage medium disposed on each card. A first card writing device has means for acquiring biometric information from a person and for writing a template of that information on the permanent storage medium. A voter registration verification terminal has similar means for acquiring biometric information from a possessor of the card, and also has a means for reading the biometric information from the permanent storage medium of the card. Upon inputting biometric information from both the card and the possessor of the card, the verification terminal compares the information, and, if they match, writes data allowing limited use of the card for voting on the temporary data storage medium of the card. This data can be read by a plurality of voting terminals at other locations.

Abstract: A voting system allows voters to express and cast votes that are conditional on the votes of others of a voting group. Votes may be conditional on the votes of specific individuals, on the number or percent of the overall group who vote a certain way, external events or on any combination thereof. The system solves the "common goods, free rider" dilemma in which voters oppose proposals they recognize as worthwhile out of fear that a few supporters will be burdened with all of the costs. The system specifies and enforces terms under which conditional voting will take place, and may manage the voting process across a network. The system recognizes when either multiple solutions or no solutions to a set of votes exist. The system can determine which voters are responsible for these cases, and can invite them to change their votes, if they wish.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locking a memory device to prevent unauthorized data from being written to the memory device is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment an address of a memory device is selected such that when that address is selected, a "1" is written to an auxiliary memory device. This event causes the write-enable of the main memory to be disabled thereby locking the main memory device and preventing subsequent write operations thereto.

Abstract: An election terminal apparatus incorporates a storage unit, a coordinate input unit and a two-dimensional display unit which is interlocked with the coordinate input unit. When voting is to be performed, the election terminal apparatus directly or indirectly displays candidate names or party names on the display unit, thus urging a voter to perform a selecting operation. When the voter selects a candidate by using the coordinate input unit, the election terminal apparatus displays the attribute of the selected candidate and urges the voter to perform a confirming operation to confirm a final decision. When the voter performs a confirming operation, the vote count data registered in the storage unit is updated.

Abstract: A read head for optically scanning a ballot on which votes are cast by marking the ballot with a writing instrument within a voting area defined between a pair of spaced-apart timing marks includes infrared emitters illuminating the timing marks and emitters of visible light illuminating the voting area between the marks. The illuminated portions of the ballot are imaged onto three PIN photodiodes place in a line. The outer two PIN photodiodes are effectively apertured to resolve the timing marks and the middle PIN photodiode is effectively apertured to resolve a voting mark of a predetermined minimum size. The ballot, the image and the apertures are carefully aligned such that the photodiodes detect changes in light level associated with an image of a mark passing across the apertures.

Abstract: A system for inputting, receiving and transmitting information and data includes a plurality of portable casings that are each formed with a card slot for selectively receiving memory cards of the dual-chip type. The portable casings are further provided with a keyboard, a display screen, an infrared transmitter and receiver, an optical scanner, and an acoustic assembly composed of a speaker and a microphone. The portable casings are capable of transmitting and receiving information with a computer center, via a specialized terminal, and with other portable casings, either optically by virtue of infrared transmitters and receivers or acoustically over a telephone network.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for establishing a vote tabulation system. A voter receives a mechanical card, or key, onto which there is placed data in machine readable form which allows the voter to gain access to any one of a number of portable terminals. The information on the card controls the presentation of names or issues to the particular voter and also controls the language for presentation of the voter's choices. The terminal tabulates all of the votes and also modifies the card to prevent revoting and to record the tabulated results. A depository is used to store the individual cards from all the terminals and to record as a cross check the tabulated results which were recorded on the individual cards. The depository total tabulated count is compared against the sums stored on removable memories from the individual terminals.

Abstract: A student response system which centrally processes student response data received from a plurality of classrooms. The system includes a main controller coupled to an instructors's terminal in each of the classrooms. The system also includes a plurality of student response keypads in each of the classrooms as well as a plurality of student data controllers associated with each of the classrooms wherein each student data controller is coupled to a group of keypads to accumulate data therefrom. The main controller is responsive to commands from an instructor's terminal to control each of the student data controllers in the instructor's classroom to accumulate data from the keypads in a particular manner for transmission to the main controller which then processes the data. The student response system may be operated in a Sign-On mode, Test mode, Survey mode or Student Election mode and may further be used to generate seating charts for each of the classrooms.

Abstract: A modular microprocessor-based code printing and reading system, adapted to print a personal coded indentifier on a form, and to read the code from the form to generate data for processing thereof. The system is particularly adapted for use in the elections process, with the code comprising a bar code, representing an identifier assigned to the person identified, which identifier is random relative to an alphabetical listing of persons so identified.The system includes a laser printer, microprocessor-based, operable in response to a laser control program, for printing the bar code associated with the particular person at the appropriate location on the form.The system further includes a portable compact reader, microprocessor-based, which includes a wand adapted to sense the bar code on the form. The reader is operable in response to control by the operator, and to a reader control program, for reading the bar code, to generate data relating to the person identified thereby for processing thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for minority view reduction including a plurality of user controlled assemblies each with means for producing a positive response, a negative responses and a system inhibit response, a group attitude indicator means for registering the collective user positive responses, negative responses and for inhibiting further registration of either positive and negative responses with any system disable response. Communication is provided between the group attitude indicator and each of the user control assemblies for indicating to the group the registered collective responses and inhibiting the registering means upon determination of any system inhibit response from any member of the group. The user control assemblies may be hand-held button panels or microswitch means positioned at the maxillary jaw muscles. The indicator means can be a column of lights or a pair of lights each of whose brilliance is controlled in accordance with the responses.

Abstract: A microprocessor based mark-sense ballot card reading system has automatic mark detection threshold adjustment, automatic skew and card speed correction, and provision for simultaneous, accurate reading of both sides of a ballot card regardless of card input orientation. A multidispatch, miltipage real time control program is utilized to enable multiple event detection on each card side and asynchronous processing of such multiple events on a two-sided card. Positive document sensing and control are monitored by the microprocessor control system. A folded card path card transport mechanism with diverter stations operates under microprocessor control to determine card destination.

Abstract: An audience polling system includes a plurality of wireless transmitters, each transmitter capable of transmitting a pulse of electromagnetic energy on a selected one of a group of predetermined frequencies. Each frequency selected on which to transmit corresponds to one of a group of suggested responses to a given stimulus. The polling system includes a receiver for receiving the transmitted pulses and electronic counters for tallying the number of pulses received on each of the selected frequencies. An electronic display presents the results of the tallying for observation by the audience or others.

Abstract: A voting system employing a plastic registration card having a magnetically recordable section thereon. The voter inserts the card in a recording station which may be at any local convenient location, such as a bank, a post office or the like for recording his election selections on the card. He then presents the card on election day to a precinct voting center where a vote-casting machine reads the information on the card, first to verify the identification of the voter, and secondly, if the identification is acceptable, to tabulate the results. The vote casting machine provides a hard copy output for use at the precinct. It is connected through the telephone lines to a central tabulating unit which compiles voting results from several precincts.