Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for ensuring security for a voting machine. The voting machine can include a display screen upon which numerous election choices are displayed for selection by a voter. A detachable printer can also be provided that is adapted to be securely attached to the voting machine and that prints the choices selected among the election choices to a print medium to generate a printed audit trail. A summary of the election choices visible on the display screen can be simultaneously compared with the printed audit trail by the voter poised in a voting position.

Abstract: Apparatus for a multiparty electronic service having at least one host computer being operative to maintain and enforce at least one machine-interpretable service specification (contract) for governing a service between the parties that interact in the processing of a service request. The at least one host computer determines, in accordance with the at least one service specification, the validity of a request and conditionally executes a sequence of processing steps as defined in the service specification. The at least one host computer is further operative to conditionally provide notifications to the contract parties. Machine-interpretable service specifications are negotiated between all parties that cooperate in the processing of a request. Machine-interpretable service specifications can be dynamically added to and cancelled from the system.

Abstract: A voting system utilizing a paper ballot listing a plurality of candidates which includes a marking space for each candidate which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked in an electronic voting station. The voting station includes a ballot marking device and a touch-screen voting terminal. If the ballot is to be machine marked, the ballot is inserted into the marking device and candidate selections are presented to the voter on the touch-screen. Candidate Selections entered on the touch-screen are marked on the ballot by the marking device in marking 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.

Abstract: A facility for discerning corruption of an electronic ballot is described. The facility sends from a first computer system to a second computer system an encrypted ballot that reflects a ballot choice selected by a voter. The facility then sends a confirmation from the second computer system to the first computer system, which serves to convey the decrypted contents of the encrypted ballot as received at the second computer system, and which is generated without decrypting the encrypted ballot. In the first computer system, the facility uses the confirmation to determine whether the decrypted contents of the encrypted ballot as received at the second computer system match the ballot choice selected by the voter.

Abstract: A music work filed for application through on-line transmission or the like is subjected to viewing/listening by audiences through plural kinds of media. The audiences make access to an internet homepage on an internet server 4 of the holder of the audition through a PC (personal computer) 1 or 2, and performs trial-listening of the music work. The audiences also view and/or listen to a live performance in a performance hall. Alternatively, the audiences may view and/or listen to a video performance of television broadcast. Evaluation data based on the results of viewing/listening is input on the internet homepage by the audiences through a PC 6 or a portable communication terminal device 7 on evaluation items conforming to the characteristics of the media. A music work is selected based on the above evaluation.

Abstract: A terminal for marking a paper ballot which lists a plurality of candidates and which includes a marking space for each candidate which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked by the terminal. The terminal scans the ballot to determine the ballot format, and then presents candidate selection options to the voter visually utilizing an LCD touch screen and aurally utilizing a synthesized speech menu. Candidate selections entered utilizing the touch screen menu or utilizing the audio menu are marked on the front and back sides of the ballot in marking 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 or her selections have been marked. The ballot, whether hand-marked or machine-marked, is inserted in a ballot scanning device, wherein the ballot is tallied and deposited in a ballot box.

Abstract: Votes are cast using an electronic voting machine that is configured to transmit the votes cast in electronic form and to memorialize the votes in a persistent and tangible form (such as a printed paper ballot, for example) that is both machine and human readable. To ensure that the voter has the ability to verify that his or her completed ballot accurately reflects his or her voting choices, the present voting machine is configured to securely present the printed ballot for the voter's visual inspection prior to finalizing the voting process. The present electronic voting machine is preferably configured with a read-after-write functionality, wherein one or more scanners read what the voting machine's print head prints, during or immediately after the printing process.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for bonding a pseudonymous identity to an organization to provide assurance that a user claiming to be a member or representative of the organization may anonymously post messages or documents to electronic forum. The system and method includes distribution of tokens from an authentication authority to the organization which can then be provided by the organization to its members. Members register with the authentication authority and designate a pseudonym to associate with the organization and also provide the membership token as proof of membership in the organization.

Abstract: A shuffle with proof having a method for proof generating with small computational resources proportionate to the number of input encrypted messages and a corresponding method for verification. Shuffle is represented by a generalized transformation. Combining a proof that the transformation information is retained and a proof of a condition under which the transformation is met constitute the proof for shuffle. The two proofs are short proportional to the number of input encrypted messages. Transformation information retention is proved in such a manner that, since the response is generated from challenge value in dependency upon transformation, the condition under which the transformation is met is reflected in the response-challenge value relation. If the condition under which the transformation corresponding to the shuffle is selected as the condition for proof, the two proofs may constitute the proof for shuffle.

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.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system to determine a market need before any monies are spent to produce and commercialize an artist. A method and system for determining the market demand for an artist comprising: receiving user input to determine which artist to select from a pool of artists; determining the market demand for said selected artist based on users contributing to a fund for said artist; and producing selected artists that attain a predefined level of user contributions.

Abstract: The invention is a method, system, programmed processor and a program stored on a storage medium used for providing voter confirmation that electronically cast ballots have been properly registered.

Abstract: Internet voting or other Internet transaction comprises transmitting three information packets via the Internet. At least one information packet includes an identifier that is authenticated, such as a key, a biometric digitized signature or other biometric identifier. Where an information packet may include transaction information in a predetermined form, information packets including information in another form may be processed separately.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed which relate to seeking auction bids via interface surfaces printed with information and coded data. The coded data, encoded visibly or invisibly, may be queried by an appropriate sensing device. The sensing device communicates with a computer system. Together, the interface surfaces, sensing device and computer system are capable of effecting auction listing transactions over a network.

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.

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.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for facilitating a self-organizing workforce of one or more workers through payment and recognition incentives, a set of configurable operating rules, and a set of credentials to represent the reputations and organizational capital of individual workers. The system includes a worksite having one or more configurable worksite rules where the one or more workers may work on an idea. Work includes posting to a discussion about the idea, voting on the idea, and recommending an outcome for the idea. Worker credentials for each worker are updated based on a worker's work on the idea within the worksite.

Abstract: A cryptographic process permits one to verifiably shuffle a series of input data elements. One or more authorities or individuals “shuffle,” or “anonymize” the input data (e.g. public keys in discrete log form or ElGamal encrypted ballot data). The process includes a validity construction that prevents any one or more of the authorities or individuals from making any changes to the original data without being discovered by anyone auditing a resulting proof transcript. The shuffling may be performed at various times. In the election example, the shuffling may be performed, e.g., after ballots are collected or during the registration, or ballot request phase of the election, thereby anonymizing the identities of the voters.

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.

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.

Abstract: Method and apparatus with data collection and preprocessing subsystems interconnected by a network, carry out open and secret votes, referenda and public opinion polls. A payment system with communication environment is used with the subsystems and network. A poll data processing center for final processing of the data is connected to the subsystems by the communication environment. Software of the payment system includes functions for carrying out votes, referenda and public opinion polls, for preprocessing the data, for encrypting and decrypting the data, and for placing the data into information blocks to carry out the votes, referenda and polls. To exchange electronic messages containing these information blocks between the subsystems and the processing center, the software of the center includes functions for exchanging the messages, for decrypting the blocks and for accumulating and analyzing the data in the blocks.

Abstract: A secure election system provides a downloadable ballot viewer object for the casting of ballots. The ballot viewer object authenticates the user, permits user interaction in the casting of ballots, seals the cast ballot image by encryption, and transmits the cast ballot to election headquarters. The ballot viewer object may be used to perform secure voting on the Internet.

Abstract: An election apparatus for voter certification, validation and verification of voting, providing a voting device for receiving from a voter a vote for at least one ballot selection in an election and a generator that provides a voter validation receipt bearing a voter validation number containing indicia of the voter and a report of the voting by the voter. An accessor responsive to the voter validation number enables the voter to validate the vote by comparing a report of the vote with an election result tabulated by a vote tabulation center. An election method is disclosed for voters to certify, validate, and verify votes tabulated by a vote tabulation center.

Abstract: A voter Vi encrypts his vote content vi with a public key kPC of a counter C, then concatenates the encrypted vote content xi with a tag ti to obtain a ballot zi, then randomizes it with a random number ri to create a preprocessed text ei, and sends it and a signature si therefor to an election administrator A. The administrator A generates a blind signature di for the preprocessed text ei and sends it back to the voter Vi. The voter Vi excludes the influence of the random number ri from the blind signature di to obtain administrator signature yi, and sends vote data <zi, yi> to a counter C. The counter C verifies the validity of the administrator signature yi and, if valid, generates and publishes a vote list containing the data <zi, yi> to the voter Vi. The voter Vi checks the vote list to make sure that it contains the data <zi, yi> with his tag ti held in the ballot zi.

Abstract: A method of awarding electoral votes to candidates based on their respective shares of the popular vote received. After an election is held, the total number of votes cast for each candidate is tabulated. Each candidate's percentage of the popular vote is then determined. This percentage is then used to determine each candidate's share of electoral votes in the jurisdiction in question. That is, if a candidate receives 42% of the popular vote, then the candidate will be awarded 42% of the state's electoral votes. Consequently, each person's vote will have added significance, as it will directly contribute towards their candidate's share of electoral votes.

Abstract: A portable voting booth may be placed into a closed configuration for transportation and storage where a bivalve case closes to seal an electronic voting device

Abstract: A method of verifiable voting includes receiving election selections, producing a receipt representation of the election selections, the receipt having a unique receipt number for a voter and publishing election results, the election results including the election selections and unique receipt number.

Abstract: A highly efficient mix network for small numbers of inputs is provided. Four data messages would be a typical number of inputs. The structure of sorting/permutation networks is used to permute the input. This is done in a way that changes the position of pairs of items. A mix network is provided which is highly efficient on small input batches and is robust and private in the face of collusion by any minority set of mix servers. Additionally, the mix network method and apparatus has the feature of being publicly verifiable because the mixing method yields a transcript of results that can demonstrate to a third party that the mix proceeded correctly. An apparatus comprised of a plurality of mix servers is provided. Each mix server includes a randomizer network. Each randomizer network receives a plurality of input data messages and performs re-encryption and permutation operations on the plurality of input data messages to form a plurality of output data messages.

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. The voting stations may or may not be interconnected and indeed may operate as a single unit as a complete polling station. The voting system will track the number of votes and continuously display the number of votes cast on a counter system as it clearly displays the voter intent. The automated voting system also provides security for the voter and the system both internal and external. The external security system may be controlled by the polling authorities while the internal security system operates independently. The automated voting system is also capable of providing multiple ballot styles in one or more voting units and provides a touch electronic keyboard for write-in candidates.

Abstract: A system for performing dispute resolution comprising a computer, a communications link between the computer and the Internet and an active issue database, accessible by the computer, containing a plurality of issue files and corresponding voting forms. The system also includes issue presentation software executing on the computer for retrieving issue files and corresponding voting forms from the active issue database and presenting the issue files and corresponding voting forms to users over the communications link. The system further includes vote processing software executing on the computer for receiving the completed voting forms submitted by users over the communications link, updating the issue files in the active issue database to reflect the completed voting forms, and presenting vote tallies to users over the communications link.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of political election ballots, each with a unique, machine readable, serial voter verification number. A receipt is associated with each ballot with the same individual serial number to be given to a voter using the ballot. A computer database contains the serial numbers of all ballots of the plurality used for voting and, with each serial number, a set of specific candidates selected by the voter on that ballot. An internet server provides computer access to the database by voters to verify each candidate recorded as selected by the voter in the election using the unique serial number of the ballot as a key. Each ballot contains bar codes identifying each different candidate for a different political office. At least portions of all of the printed candidate bar codes are not visible to the human eye but are made visible by the voter to identify each candidates selected by the voter on the ballot to register candidate selection by the voter.

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.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for determining winner is capable of keep all of the voting contents secret with permitting only determination of winning or losing, and further permitting the third party to verify the determination. The system generally includes voter sub-systems for voting a voting value indicative of a selected event among a finite number of events, and a management sub-system for identifying at least one voter sub-system voted a winning value determined among the finite number of events as a winner. The voter sub-system includes encrypting parameter obtaining means for obtaining an encrypting parameter depending upon the voting value, encryption processing means for generating a cryptographic voting data by performing encrypting process on the basis of the encrypting parameter obtained by the encrypting parameter obtaining means, and transmitting means for transmitting the cryptographic voting data generated by the cryptography processing means.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the need for real-time functionality in the voting process. A vote tracking and reporting system is provided that will read ballots and transmit encrypted vote data to a secured collection and processing system. The secured collection and processing system totals votes and monitors ballot irregularities. Authorized users access the secured processing system and server to retrieve vote totals. Election authorities can access the secured processing system and server to monitor ballot irregularities to assure that ballots are being properly used and counted.

Abstract: Systems and techniques to gather feedback or other information using a multi-dimensional voting system. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes presenting a voting space having multiple dimensions including a first dimension associated with a first proposition and a second dimension associated with a second proposition. A voter is enabled to select a location within the voting space, the selected location representing a unique combination of a first proposition value and a second proposition value. A record is made of the first proposition value as a vote relative to the first proposition and the second proposition value as a vote relative to the second proposition. Optionally, enabling voters to select a location in the voting space and recording the corresponding votes may be repeated. A distribution of the recorded proposition values in the voting space subsequently may be displayed.

Abstract: A modular voting machine displays a portion of ballot across a number of distinct physical locations on the voting machine. A block of memory is allocated to each of the physical locations which display a portion of the ballot. The blocks of memory are configured by voting officials to associate the physical location on the voting machine with the portion of an actual ballot that is displayed at that physical location. Once the blocks of memory have been configured by voting officials, the information contained in the blocks of memory may be used by a processor to verify a voter's selection of a portion of the ballot displayed at the associated physical location. Once a voter complete his or her selections, the voting machine may record the votes in an internal, encapsulated memory device.

Abstract: An online system (20) for conducting live interactive evaluation, comparison and selection of proposals includes a standardized database architecture that integrates proposal submission and proposal judgement procedures. The system can host multiple applications, each configured separately by the respective application administrator, each with a separate background process and each with a separate application database containing information about proposals, users, and proposals not yet judged by identified users. The separate background processes are registered in a hash table (32) and the different application databases (44) in a settings table in a separate system database (42). The proposal submission procedure allows users to submit proposals, and the judgement procedure allows users to judge submitted proposals. The respective background process rules the application by controlling the flow of proposals, and by facilitating and enhancing interaction by users.

Abstract: A method for secure, electronic, distributed voting using existing automated teller machines (ATMs), comprising issuing each voter an access card that can be read by an ATM and a personal identification number (PIN); enabling the ATMs to read access cards and accept PINs; in response to the reading of an access card and appropriate PIN entry, displaying at the ATM information relating to the vote to be cast; allowing the user to cast votes using one or more ATM functions; identifying a particular ATM function as an indication of finalization of the vote; and in response, automatically tallying the finalized vote.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of processing data for evaluating service providers is disclosed. The method comprises providing a qualitative rating scale for each of a number of service actions performed by the service providers; receiving data from a user in the form of subjective scores on the rating scale for each service action and for each service provider; processing the data to compare ratings scores for service actions of a specific service provider with ratings scores of other service providers for those service actions; and collating the ratings score comparisons to provide an evaluation of the specific service provider's comparative performance. In preferred examples, the method is implemented in the form of web-based software. Aspects of the invention are applicable, for example, to the assessment of equity brokers by traders using their services, and to similar business relationships.

Abstract: Polling method that encourages freely opinionated replies and makes for extensive collection of diverse replies. Free reply processing module 9 assigns an option ID to a free reply contained in reply data and associates this free reply with a survey ID and question ID and stores the same in a survey form database 41. A survey form creation module 6 creates a survey form page based on data in the survey form database 41 using HTML or the like and stores this on a Web server 3. The Web server 3 sends the stored survey form page to a respondent terminal 2.

Abstract: A secure election system provides a downloadable ballot viewer object for the casting of ballots. The ballot viewer object authenticates the user, permits user interaction in the casting of ballots, seals the cast ballot image by encryption, and transmits the cast ballot to election headquarters. The ballot viewer object may be used to perform secure voting on the Internet.

Abstract: System for processing data and disk removal and storage therein. The enclosure contains the means for data processing, disk removal, and disk storage. The system works by inserting a disk into the tray and sliding it forward into the enclosure opening. As the tray proceeds forward, it activates the data processing devices beneath it (if not already activated) that record the data. As the tray proceeds further into the enclosure, the disk is removed from the tray and deposited into the internal storage canister to be used for future reference.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a choice processor that gauges group choice in a computer-mediated environment. The system uses scientific analysis of collective choice processes and outcomes produced by different voting methods to provide result data to guide an individual or group in making decisions synchronously or asynchronously. Three forms of instantaneous result data are provided. First, the system makes use of distinctive user dialogue boxes to communicate a scientific description of the initial conditions of the group choice being initiated by an individual or group. This information is processed to select the voting system or systems that facilitate the achievement of organizational or individual objectives.

Abstract: A method for secure, electronic, distributed voting using existing automated teller machines (ATMs), comprising issuing each voter an access card that can be read by an ATM and a personal identification number (PIN). This card may be a standard bank credit or debit card. ATMs are enabled to read access cards and accept PINs. In response to the reading of an access card and appropriate PIN entry, information relating to the vote to be cast is displayed at the ATM. The user is allowed to cast votes using one or more ATM functions. A particular ATM function is identified as an indication of finalization of the vote. In response, the finalized vote is automatically tallied.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system that enables: (1) a web site (or other information dissemination system) (“site”) to solicit contact information; (2) a user (“user”) to visit the site and to transmit contact information to a site administrator (“administrator”); (3) the administrator to receive contact information from the user; (4) the administrator to transmit petition(s) to the user; (5) the user to receive the unsigned petition(s); and (6) the user to return the signed petition(s) to the administrator.

Abstract: A secure election system provides a downloadable ballot viewer object for the casting of ballots. The ballot viewer object authenticates the user, permits user interaction in the casting of ballots, seals the cast ballot image by encryption, and transmits the cast ballot to election headquarters. The ballot viewer object may be used to perform secure voting on the Internet.

Abstract: The present invention is a forum comprising a telecommunications, web, and paper based technology in which individual member users of the system and client organizations linked to the network system through websites of the system are invited to respond to polls or surveys by entry to the web site, as well as receive and respond to educational information, message board discussions and other related services. The system shares and gathers information in a simplified, secure, and accurate fashion. The web-site offers a message board discussion process for individual member users to correspond with each other and legislators. Individual member users also receive information to purchase products offered by socially conscious companies and to link to those companies directly.