Voting Machines Patents (Class 235/51)
  • Patent number: 7819319
    Abstract: A method and system for electronic voting over a network, from a terminal (Te) connected to an administrative server (SA) and to a vote-counting server (SCV). An authentication certificate (CA) and a single-use password (UPWe) are calculated and transmitted (A) from the server (SA) to the voter (Eu), an electronic ballot paper (EB) and an anonymous reference (AREu) are transmitted (B) from the terminal (Te) to the server (SCV) and, upon verification (B1) of the anonymous reference, the vote and the paper are validated (B3), the paper is counted, a confirmation of receipt (ACW) and an electoral register document (DVR) are transmitted from the server (SCV) to the terminal (Te). The terminal (Te) signs the register and transmits (C) the signed register (SDVR) to the server (SA) which closes (D1) the vote of the voter (Eu).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: France Telecom
    Inventors: François Vernay, Jacques Traore, Antoine Bonamour
  • Patent number: 7789306
    Abstract: A voting method. A ballot paper is received. The received ballot paper includes a recorded vote. The recorded vote includes candidate/party information for an election held on a voting day in a jurisdiction. The ballot paper includes a burnable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag including an on-tag fuse that is not blown. The recorded vote is not revealable while the fuse is not blown and is revealable in response to the fuse being subsequently blown. After the ballot paper is received, the ballot paper is authenticated and the fuse is blown to reveal the recorded vote, followed by counting the ballot paper and directing the ballot paper to a candidate box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frederic Bauchot, Jean-Yves Clement, Gerard Marmigere, Pierre Secondo
  • Publication number: 20100127064
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Bruce Barnes, Wayne Robert Heinmiller, Nikhil S. Marathe
  • Patent number: 7667871
    Abstract: In some embodiments, techniques for voting and visual cryptography may include various enhancements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventors: James A. Roskind, Aaron T. Emigh
  • Patent number: 7637429
    Abstract: An electronic voting system includes a vote security device (VSD), a user interface for presenting a ballot to a voter, and an audit trail printer operatively coupled to the VSD. The printer prints an audit trail ballot only in response to verifying encrypted and/or digitally signed messages received from the VSD that indicates the voter's ballot selections. The printer is structured to allow the voter to view but not access the audit trail ballot. The voter is able to accept or reject the audit trail ballot using the user interface. If the ballot is rejected, the VSD causes the printer to print a rejection indicator on the ballot, and if the voter accepts the ballot, the VSD causes the printer to print an acceptance indicator on the ballot. A digitally signed record of the voter's ballot selections is generated and stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Cordery, Matthew J. Campagna, Bertrand Haas
  • Patent number: 7635087
    Abstract: A method for processing ballots having page numbers comprises imaging the ballot; determining the page numbers from the images and whether the page numbers are in a sequence. If the page numbers are in a page number sequence, then decoding the voting selections marked on the ballot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Avante International Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Kwong-Tai Chung, Victor Jun Dong, Xiaoming Shi
  • Patent number: 7635088
    Abstract: A method and system for marking a ballot or sheet may comprise making selections in a session using an interface, e.g., including a keyboard, a touch screen, a button, a switch, voice recognition apparatus, a Braille keyboard, a pen with writing recognition interface, or a combination thereof, producing a paper ballot or sheet for the session by printing the selections on a sheet form or printing a sheet form including the selections, and optionally submitting the printed paper ballot or sheet for reading the selections printed thereon. The printed ballot or sheet may include an identifier for the selected template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Avante International Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Kwong-Tai Chung, Victor Jun Dong
  • Patent number: 7617978
    Abstract: An integrated ballot assembly formed from a backing assembly, a ballot book, and connection between the ballot book and the backing assembly. The backing assembly is formed from a planar support card and an integrally formed, co-planar ballot card that is temporarily secured to the planar support card along a perforation line. The ballot book is formed from several voting information sheets that are arranged from top to bottom in a stack of successively lower voting information sheets where each sheet is progressively narrower. The ballot card has progressively leftward moving voting columns, and the ballot book is connected to the planar support card with the right edges of its successively narrower sheets corresponding to and aligned with successive ones of the voting columns. When completed, the ballot card may be removed directly from the integrated ballot assembly along the first perforation line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventors: Leonard N Albrecht, Walter E Albrecht
  • Publication number: 20090250510
    Abstract: The invention relates to voting devices. The inventive method consists in identifying a voter who, afterwards, selects one of the voting options and simultaneously drops a voting ball in a vertical receiving transparent cylinder placed on a lighttight screen. The falling ball touches the end of the cantilever platform of a mechanical counter, which is fastened to the side surface of said cylinder and records on the digital display thereof the total number of casted votes, and afterwards, the end of the cantilever platform of a mechanical counter, which records on the digital display thereof the total number of voters who selected a specific voting option. The final voting results are determined by comparing the total number of recorded votes for each voting option with the total number of voters and with results of instrumental video monitoring. The voting results are afterwards published. Said invention makes it possible to increase the reliability and credibility of a voting procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Alexandr Nikiforovich Kondrashov
  • Patent number: 7597258
    Abstract: A system is provided for improved elections which may separate the identity of the voter from the content of the vote she casts. The system may be implemented using electronic or other communication methods. Separate entities may be used to implement the system, with one entity acting as a member services system, and another entity acting as an election services system. The member services system may control voter information for all members of a group eligible to vote in a specific election. The election services system may control the voting process, including receiving votes from members, without having access to the voter information controlled by the member services system. The two entities might be configured so that no single person or organization may connect the voter information to a particular vote. This separation of voter information from information in the members' votes may comply with various government regulations relating to elections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: CCComplete, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald B. Feldkamp, G. Scott Scholler, Michael J. Baum, Robert C. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20090224031
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a vote recording and tabulation system for use with a plurality of electronic voting machines, including a first plurality of voting machine monitors configured with a software system permitting a poll worked to verify software utilized during an election, an independent tabulation system for accepting votes stored on the plurality of electronic voting machines, and a digital signature assigned to each vote cast by the voting machine monitor software running on the electronic voting machine, whereby each vote is downloaded to the independent tabulation system, wherein the independent tabulation system verifies the digital signature assigned to each vote and tabulates the final vote total.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Len Simonis
  • Publication number: 20090224030
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ballot box assembly for securely storing a paper ballot generated by an interactive user terminal includes a housing, a ballot storage chamber, an aperture and a drive assembly. The housing is provided for holding the ballot generated by the interactive user terminal. The housing includes a coupling portion for removeably securing the housing to the interactive user terminal. The ballot storage chamber is disposed within the housing. The aperture is provided for receiving the ballot from the interactive user terminal when the housing is secured to the interactive user terminal. The aperture passes through the housing. The drive assembly is provided for conveying the ballot from the aperture to the inner ballot storage chamber. The drive assembly selectively blocks passage of the ballot between the aperture and the ballot storage chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: James L. Kapsis
  • Publication number: 20090179071
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Alisa Jones Backert, Christopher Charles Backert, Christopher Charles Dahl
  • Publication number: 20090173777
    Abstract: The system provides a venue for Internet users to actively participate in the daily legislative process of government and rate individual politician's performance against voting data presented by constituents. The system posts pending legislation, within a political system, to an interactive web site where users vote for or against a piece of legislation and may post opinions. The results are continuously tallied and posted for review according to voting district and political affiliation. After legal votes are placed within the legislative body, a statistical rating is given individual political members according to their voting record against their constituents voting record. The system also provides a method for users to propose legislation and petition signatures for introduction into a political system. Security software, user-input data and codes are used to ensure a one user-one respondent system for data and statistical accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Jim Leon Ward
  • Publication number: 20090173778
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a ballot marking device adapted to mark a ballot and either return the marked ballot to the voter or automatically deposit the marked ballot into a secure ballot box attached to the marking device. The device includes a presentation device operable to present to the voter a plurality of election choices and ballot handling choices, and an input device operable to receive from the voter at least one selection corresponding to the election choices and at least one instruction corresponding to the ballot handling choices. The device also includes a marking mechanism operable to record the received voter selection on the ballot, a transport mechanism operable to transport the ballot through the device, and a diverter operable to direct the ballot from the transport mechanism into the attached ballot box. An associated method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Eugene M. Cummings, Sean Brockhouse
  • Publication number: 20090152339
    Abstract: A tamper proof electronic voting machine with intuitive user interfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Richard Hawkins, Ping Shao
  • Patent number: 7537159
    Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, the invention is a data entry device intended for use by voters during an election to enter selected choices. Its basic functions are to display available options and accept voter input. Its design achieves simplicity in its preparation, deployment, and operation at any given electoral event. It also furnishes accuracy, reliability, durability, and reusability. It connects in a standard protocol to a voting station's host processor. It accepts up to 300 key codes, each one potentially a unique selection. Names, symbols, or pictures identifying candidates are printed on a paper template compliant with the device's geometry, inserted prior to an election, and visible through the device's transparent cover. When the number of candidates or valid options in a contest exceeds its capacity, additional identical units can be chain-connected, until a sufficient number of voting options are available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: SmartMatic International Corporation
    Inventors: Antonio Mugica, Roger A Pinate, Roberto E Zamorano, Eduado M Correia, Edilmo D Palencia
  • Publication number: 20090101703
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for a board of directors to vote on a board document that includes the following steps in order: A. an administrator uploads a board document for consideration onto a processing centre and configures an associated voting module; B. the administrator creates, or reuses an existing, director voting account associated with each director and uploads this to the processing centre; said voting account includes an authenticated graphical indicia for that director; C. the administrator configures the processing centre to allow access to the board document and associated voting module; D. the administrator supplies each director with login details for their voting account; E. each director logs in to their voting account and reviews the board document; H. each director logs into their voting account and casts a non rescindable vote relating to the board document, and appends their graphical indicia to that vote.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Alastair Mark Percival, Alessandro Sodi, Robert Howard Craig, Nicolas Jon Smith, Bert Matthijs Van Brakel, Christopher Roderick McLeod
  • Patent number: 7516891
    Abstract: Disclosed are voting systems based on paper ballots that provide integrity of the election outcome through the novel use of encrypted votes and other techniques. In some example embodiments, holes through layers allow voters to see and mark symbols on lower layers, carbonless coatings allow voters to obtain substantially identical marks on facing surfaces, self-adhesive stickers are removed from one position and placed by voters hiding vote-revealing indicia on a second position, and scratch-off layers bearing vote-revealing indicia are destroyed while being removed to expose coded information. Simplified cryptography for realizing these systems is also presented. Related systems allow those with various disabilities to develop and check voted ballot forms that are substantially indistinguishable from those voted by other voters. Inclusion of write-in votes is provided for. Also provided are inclusion of provisional ballots and spoilt ballots and integration with registration sign-in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: David Chaum
  • Patent number: 7516892
    Abstract: A voting system includes one or more voting machines provided at a specific location, wherein for each authorized voter one of the voting machines is adapted to record a first set of voting selections, and one or more validation machines provided at the specific location, wherein for each authorized voter one of the validation machines is adapted to present the first set of voting selections to the authorized voter and record a second set of voting selections only if the first set of voting selections is confirmed. A first vote tally is determined from the first set of voting selections of each authorized voter, and a second vote tally is determined from the second set of voting selections of each authorized voter. The first vote tally is then compared to the second vote tally, wherein a vote modification may have occurred if the tallies do not match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Bertrand Haas, James A. Euchner
  • Publication number: 20090084837
    Abstract: A method for voting by peers via mobile devices operating in a network on behalf of their owners, comprising iteratively sending by a plurality of peers votes for candidates to a peer and determining by the peer, according to the votes, at least one winner candidate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Meir Kalech, Sarit Kraus, Gal A. Kaminka, Claudia V. Goldman-Shenhar
  • Patent number: 7497377
    Abstract: A new system for electronic polling. The system employs a plurality of voter check-in stations which display voter identity information and enable poll workers to verify voting eligibility. Each check-in station is connected to the internet by any available means. Periodically, the check-in station sends a block of information to a web site. The block of information includes a list of the registration numbers of all of the voters who have voted and the last time-stamp of information that it has updated onto the local database. The web site responds with a block of information containing a list of voters who have been reported as voting in other areas of the jurisdiction also a list of voters whose status has changed. The check-in station uses this information to update the local database with the voting status and eligibility status of the voters on its database. The voter check-in process runs only against the local database thereby eliminating the reliance on communications with the web site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: David Watson
  • Patent number: 7458512
    Abstract: The invention broadly comprises a computer-based method and system for verifying an electronic voting process, comprising the steps of generating an original digital fingerprint of an electronic record at a first time and transmitting the original digital fingerprint. The method generates a validation digital fingerprint of the electronic record at a second time later than the first time and compares the original and validation digital fingerprints. The method generates and compares digital fingerprints of voting software during certification and testing, during installation in a voting machine, while the machine is in government possession, and during active use in a voting period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: IP.com, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Colson, Peter J. Vanderheyden, Mark R. O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20080230594
    Abstract: Methods, systems and program products for securely voting by providing a secure voting module in communication with a voting device. A voter signs onto the voting device using a unique voter identification, and the voter's voting selections are written to the voting device. A scrambled voter identification is generated using the unique voter identification and a unique encryption value of the secure voting module, whereby the voting selections and the scrambled voter identification are stored in the secure voting module. Once voting has ended, first and second fuses are blown within the secure voting module for destroying the unique encryption value and for permanently storing the voting selections and scrambled voter identification in a read only secure voting module that maintains voter anonymity while preventing any further physically writing thereto. The voting results may then be counted, re-counted or validated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jay H. Anderson, Edward E. Kelley, Franco Motika
  • Patent number: 7406480
    Abstract: A system and method of registering voters and tabulating an election is provided. A voter database is maintained with a record of each eligible voter comprising at least one voter characteristic. Based on the at least one voter characteristic, a set of positions and issues for which the voter is eligible to vote is determined. The set of positions and issues is printed onto a ballot. The ballot may be printed on demand or mailed to the voter along with a return envelope and an anonymous ballot envelope. A system and method for tabulating and auditing election results is also provided. Voted ballots are scanned and computer readable visual representations of the ballots are generated and stored. The visual representations are analyzed to generate vote data. The visual representation, vote data and ballot are associated with each other by a unique ballot identification. Visual representations of ballots can be retrieved based on a database query and displayed along with the associated vote data for review.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventors: John Seibel, Nicholas Koumoutseas
  • Patent number: 7395964
    Abstract: Methods, systems and program products for securely voting by providing a secure voting module in communication with a voting device. A voter signs onto the voting device using a unique voter identification, and the voter's voting selections are written to the voting device. A scrambled voter identification is generated using the unique voter identification and a unique encryption value of the secure voting module, whereby the voting selections and the scrambled voter identification are stored in the secure voting module. Once voting has ended, first and second fuses are blown within the secure voting module for destroying the unique encryption value and for permanently storing the voting selections and scrambled voter identification in a read only secure voting module that maintains voter anonymity while preventing any further physically writing thereto. The voting results may then be counted, re-counted or validated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jay H. Anderson, Edward E. Kelley, Franco Motika
  • Patent number: 7387244
    Abstract: A voting system and method with a voter verifiable real-time audit log is disclosed. The voting system includes at least one voting terminal operable to record a plurality of poll worker actions and a plurality of voter actions taken at the voting terminal. The voting system also includes at least one printer connected to the voting terminal that is operable to print the poll worker actions and the voter actions on a continuous paper roll so as to create a printed audit log in real-time as the poll worker actions and the voter actions are taken at the voting terminal. Preferably, the paper roll is secured within a locked housing such that the audit log is inaccessible to a voter using the voting terminal. The locked housing includes a display window that enables the voter to review a portion of the audit log associated with the voter in order to verify the voter actions printed on the paper roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Election Systems & Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Bolton, Robert Hogzett, Michael Dammann
  • Patent number: 7360702
    Abstract: A method of processing votes in an election includes receiving a voter identity for a voter, receiving a vote set for the voter, providing a phrase to the voter based on the received vote set, generating a unique receipt number for the voter and providing the receipt number to the voter, and associating the voter identity and the receipt number with one another in a first function. The method further includes generating a unique vote number for the voter, associating the vote set, the vote number and the receipt number with one another in a second function, and associating the phrase and the vote number with one another in a third function that is provided to the voter. The method includes associating the vote number with the vote set in a fourth function that is accessible for purposes of later verifying proper counting and contesting of a vote.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Bertrand Haas
  • Patent number: 7306148
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an advanced voting system includes one or more computing devices. The one or more computing devices display ballot questions to the voter and receive interactive voter selections from the voter. A ballot generator generates encoded ballots encoded with the voter selections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Populex Corp.
    Inventor: Sanford J. Morganstein
  • Patent number: 7270269
    Abstract: A secure device for electronic voting employs a write-once vote-recording medium. The medium has an initial writing mode in which data can be written but not read and a subsequent reading mode whereby data can be read but writing is permanently disabled. Once switched from the writing mode to the reading mode, it cannot be switched back. A hardware mechanism provides successful write confirmation The medium can be installed like a cartridge into a vote-recording device. The voting device provides encryption/authorization that combines polling parameters with voter information to produce a “fuse string”. For each vote, a fuse string is written to the array. The poll is “closed” by switching the medium to “read” mode, preventing further modification or tampering. To read out the results of the poll, an auditor enters “password” information to decode/decrypt the recorded information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Subramanian S. Iyer, Gregory J. Fredeman, Chandrasekharan Kothandaraman, Alan Leslie
  • Patent number: 7210617
    Abstract: An election system provides, in one example, each voter with multiple physical “layers” that the voter is able to choose between. The voter takes part of the layers as a kind of receipt and the other layers are retained and/or destroyed by the system. The actual vote is not readily revealed by the layers taken by the voter, thus protecting against improper influence. In the voting booth, when all the layers are combined, however, the voter is readily able to verify the vote. Moreover, posted images of the layers not taken by the voter can be used to compute the election results in a way that is verifiable by interested parties. The results cannot be changed without substantial probability of detection and privacy of votes can be maintained unless a number of parties are compromised or collude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: David Chaum
  • Patent number: 7197167
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for registration comprises a computer and a server in communication via a network, an intranet and/or the Internet, means for entry of data into the computer, and a signature or biometric digitizer including coupling software for directly entering digitized signature or biometric data electronically into the computer. The data and digitized signature or biometric data are communicated to the server. The registration apparatus and method may be utilized for voter or other registration and/or another transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Avante International Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Kwong-Tai Chung, Xiaoming Shi
  • Patent number: 7172118
    Abstract: A system and method is provided overcoming decision-making and communications errors to produce expedited and accurate group choices. The invention provides collective outcomes that are resilient to communication and decision making errors, and which are provided with a minimum wait time. The system comprises a user interface engine that provides a channel to the features of the present invention, an agenda manager module for creating and presenting questions, a user manager module that controls interactions with user who request questionnaires, submit response data, and request access to analytical results, and a report manager module that identifies collective outcomes that are resilient to error and/or that weight individual votes to optimize the group's performance in producing one or more correct or optimal collective choices. A common data exchange allows communication between the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Trustees of Stevens Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Arnold B. Urken
  • Patent number: 7163147
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for marking a pre-printed paper ballot which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked by the apparatus. If the ballot is to be machine marked, the ballot is inserted into the marking apparatus and candidate selections are presented to the voter on a touchscreen. Candidate selections entered on the touchscreen are marked on both the top and bottom sides of the ballot utilizing a dual print head to mark spaces corresponding to the selected candidates, and the ballot is returned to the voter in a form which enables the voter to visually confirm that his selections have been marked. The ballot, whether hand-marked or machine-marked, is inserted in a ballot scanning device, wherein it is tallied and deposited in a ballot box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Automark Technical Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Eugene M. Cummings
  • Patent number: 7152792
    Abstract: The disclosure is for an apparatus and method for voting that are based on personal computers. All data and software, including the operating system, voting software, and original ballot information are on a single portable data storage medium, such as a diskette. During use, voting results and security-check information are added to the same portable storage medium. The apparatus also includes a tamper detectable seal for a diskette in the computer and means for officials to authorize each voter to begin voting. In one sealing system diskette removal is prevented by a blocking plate that slides into the diskette slot above the diskette and an extension fastened to the diskette is also attached to the blocking plate assuring that the diskette cannot be removed until a visible seal is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Charles A. Gaston
  • Patent number: 7152156
    Abstract: An Internet voting system is provided with security against malicious software by using a bootable CD ROM to boot voter client machines for use in elections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Hart InterCivic, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Leroy Babbitt, Simon Harry George Roberts, Neil McClure
  • Patent number: 7090128
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collecting documents that are electronic newspapers, magazines, and books into sets (one or more objects) and distributing them to passenger vehicles. Once distributed to the vehicles, individual documents of the document sets are distributed, possibly for a fee, to the passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Systems and Software Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney J. Farley, Joseph J. Renton
  • Patent number: 7077313
    Abstract: A method for reading ballots comprises reading/imaging each ballot transported on a transport path including reading/imaging orientation indicia and a jurisdiction identifier thereof and voting selections marked thereon; determining from the orientation indicia the orientation of each ballot; processing the jurisdiction identifier for each ballot for selecting a template; and recording the voting selections marked on each ballot in accordance with the selected template and the determined orientation of the ballot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Avante International Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Kwong-Tai Chung, Victor Jun Dong, Xiaoming Shi
  • Patent number: 7054829
    Abstract: A method and system for validating the creation and submission of absentee ballots is provided. An authentication/validation mark is generated and printed on an absentee ballot and/or the envelope that contains the absentee ballot. The authentication/validation marks include information such as, for example, the date and time of printing, an identification and location of the vote validator that generated and printed the mark, a unique identifier of the mark, and a digital signature of the authentication/validation data. Upon receipt of the absentee ballot by election officials, the authentication/validation marks printed on the absentee ballot and/or envelope containing the ballot can be verified by authenticating the digital signature and verifying the validity of the data in the mark. If the mark is verified, the authenticity and creation/submission dates of the absentee ballot are guaranteed and the absentee ballot can be accepted as a valid absentee ballot for election purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Campo, David T. Nassef, Robert A. Cordery
  • Patent number: 7049956
    Abstract: A portable kit for use at a polling place to ease access of a disabled person to voting facilities. The portable kit includes a case containing a base, a collapsible post for mounting on the base and an activation switch mountable on the post and having a radio transmitter for emitting a radio signal when operated by a disabled person. A sign is also provided on the post to alert the disabled person of the presence of the assistance. A radio receiver and loudspeaker is provided inside the polling place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Inclusion Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick H. Hughes, Jr., H. Hollister Rundy, IV
  • Patent number: 7032821
    Abstract: An electronic voting system includes a controller and one or more voting stations. The voting stations each have a liquid crystal display that is electronically configurable to present voters with ballot information. A mobile ballot box includes memory storage that is used to transport electronic ballot data to and from an election headquarters. The visual display on the LCD at the casting of each ballot is checked against electronic records of votes, as they are stored. The electronic ballot information includes a plurality of ballot styles that the controller selectively provides to the voting stations depending upon voter authorization corresponding to a particular style. The voting stations may be retrofitted with access units that facilitate voting by disabled or physically challenged persons. A complete audit trail is maintained of all operator interaction with the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Hart InterCivic, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil L. McClure, Ralph David Wieland, Victor L. Babbitt, Robert A. Nichols
  • Patent number: 7007842
    Abstract: The present invention is an ink-based electronic voting apparatus that generates a paper ballot for every voter. The voter marks a ballot with a probe as he/she would with a conventional ink-based system. In one embodiment, the paper ballot is situated underneath the surface of an input board electrically connected to a computer. A vote is cast when the probe is depressed onto the ballot at a designated input point. The electrical interaction between the probe and the input board generates a vote signal for recording and causes ink to be released from the probe to mark a corresponding spot on the paper ballot. As such, votes are electronically recorded for fast tabulation while paper ballots are generated for manual and/or optical scanner recounts to safeguard against computer errors and tampering. Furthermore the voting apparatus has a build-in mechanism to prevent undervoting and overvoting and thus increases valid votes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventors: Richard Hawkins, Ping Shao
  • Patent number: 6997383
    Abstract: An electronic voting system includes a ballot card, accepting apparatus, and at least one voting apparatus. The accepting apparatus issues a ballot card in accordance with a vote acceptance request. The voting apparatus performs voting processing in accordance with a vote request using the ballot card. The accepting apparatus includes an acceptance time recording section which records the acceptance time on the ballot card when issuing the ballot card. The voting apparatus includes a timeout detecting section and unauthorized use warning display section. Before performing voting processing upon reception of a vote request, the timeout detecting section determines whether or not a preset timeout time has elapsed from the acceptance time recorded on the ballot card to the time of voting. The unauthorized use warning display section outputs a warning message when the timeout detecting section determines that the timeout time has elapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Kondou
  • Patent number: 6968999
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating and recording both an electronic and printed ballot for each voter during voting. The system can employ a variety of vote selection techniques 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 voters 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 through the printing of a paper record for verifying voter intent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: David C. Reardon
  • Patent number: 6964372
    Abstract: A table-based wired information system includes a table having a plurality of actual positions designed to receive people and a monitor positioned so as to be observed by people at any of the plurality of actual positions. A flat ribbon cable with a plurality of electrical conductors less than the number of available positions is affixed to an under-surface of the table in a flat orientation by an adhesive backing. A plurality of vote boxes, each including a multi-position switch, are adhesively attached to the under-surface at each of the actual positions. The cable is coupled to the monitor system and each of the vote boxes is coupled to the cable intermediate the ends by a press-on insulation displacement connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: William M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6959281
    Abstract: Computer-aided methods (making and using), along with a corresponding machine, article of manufacture, and data structures, is provided for conducting a poll with high reliability to produce a demographic profile corresponding to an accumulation of response data from encrypted identities. The method includes: for each one of a plurality of local computers, carrying out registration substeps of: (i.) receiving an application for Participant registration, the application including Participant identification data and Participant demographic data; and (ii.) if the application is accepted, then issuing respective registration data, including encrypted Participant identification data; thereafter, for a portion of the local computers, carrying out polling substeps of: (iii.) receiving digital signals over the Internet including the encrypted Participant identification data and poll response data for a first question in a poll; and (iv.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Freeling, Daniel E. Geer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6947966
    Abstract: A system and method for interactively affecting the course of a program or programming content. Viewer purchase electronic tokens which can be used to vote on the sequence of content in a broadcast whether it be audio, video or a combination thereof. Users are periodically polled by a server to vote on the direction that a broadcast is taking. The broadcast is then modified with real-time or stored content based upon the polling results from the viewers. Thus communities of voters have a chance to vote on the direction of content. The invention also allows sub-communities to be formed to pre-vote on a broadcast so that the sub-community can possible vote as a bloc on the direction and content of programming that is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Road Runner HoldCo LLC
    Inventors: Frederick J. Oko, Jr., Qiyue Sun
  • Patent number: 6942142
    Abstract: A voting ballot is provided that comprises a number of selection areas positioned thereon. The voting ballot also includes a ballot specification embodied in a two dimensional bar code and a number of coordinates included in the ballot specification. Each of the coordinates indicates a position of one of the selection areas on the voting ballot relative to a predefined point on the voting ballot. Also, the voting ballot includes at least one contest identified in the ballot specification, wherein at least one of the selection areas is associated with the at least one contest. In addition, the present invention provides for a voting machine and method for tabulating and storing votes cast on the voting ballot as well as a system and method for creating the voting ballot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: James W Barmettler, Kevin G. Currans, Sally Kaneshiro
  • Patent number: 6892944
    Abstract: A machine readable ballot comprises a ballot sheet having a voting identifier including a representation of election jurisdiction information and a unique ballot identifier. A plurality of contest regions each have two or more mark spaces for making voting selections. The contest regions correspond to contests in the jurisdiction represented by the election jurisdiction information, and the representation of election jurisdiction information and the mark spaces are machine readable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Amerasia International Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Kwong-Tai Chung, Victor Jun Dong
  • Patent number: RE40449
    Abstract: A voting system provides for a computer-prepared and computer-printed election ballot generated by input from the voter, and provides for auto-verification whereby the voter has the opportunity and the responsibility to inspect the computer-printed ballot with his or her votes. The voting system also provides for correction of the votes of the voter in the computer station and correction of the votes of the voter shown on the printed ballot if such votes are not shown on the printed ballot as intended by the voter. Ultimately, the voter is presented with a printed ballot prepared by the voting station and its connected printer which accurately presents the votes of the voter for submission by the voter for final tabulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: Anthony I. Provitola, Michael R. McDermott