EP2000988B1 - Electronic voting device and vote counting system - Google Patents

Electronic voting device and vote counting system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2000988B1
EP2000988B1 EP07405162A EP07405162A EP2000988B1 EP 2000988 B1 EP2000988 B1 EP 2000988B1 EP 07405162 A EP07405162 A EP 07405162A EP 07405162 A EP07405162 A EP 07405162A EP 2000988 B1 EP2000988 B1 EP 2000988B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
voting
communication
module
appliance
values
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EP07405162A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2000988A1 (en
Inventor
Hansjörg Stucki
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Synegration AG
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Synegration AG
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Priority to AT07405162T priority Critical patent/ATE553462T1/en
Priority to EP07405162A priority patent/EP2000988B1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C13/00—Voting apparatus
    • G07C13/02—Ballot boxes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C13/00—Voting apparatus

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electronic voice output device and a voice detection system. More particularly, the present invention relates to an electronic balloting device and a voice recognition system having at least one electronic voice detection device for giving or receiving consent from users when voting, for which purposes voice delivery values are received via a user interface in the voice output device and transmitted to the voice recognition device (s).
  • EP 1 148 447 discloses a voice output device and a voice detection system according to the preamble of claim 1 or 5.
  • WO 2006/088736 An electronic voting system is described which includes several possibilities for registration and voting.
  • the system allows for WO 2006/088736 the vote on the Internet by means of a computer running on a computer. Browser or via mobile phones or PDAs (Personal Data Assistant). Voting may also be on-site via local voting stations which have touch screens or also include browsers running on a computer.
  • To check in the voting system WO 2006/088736 To submit a vote locally by means of a portable and mobile terminal wirelessly, a user would have to use his mobile phone, which in votes with simultaneous vote of a large number of participants, for example, at a shareholders' meeting or conference, because the local radio cell in question may be overloaded.
  • each smart card with identifier is removably inserted into a voice output device.
  • the voice output device identifies itself to a tune detection device by radio with the identifier stored on the smart card.
  • the chip card also includes a transponder, by means of which the voice output device can identify itself to existing operating terminals, for example, to transfer its voting rights to another person via the operating terminal.
  • EP 1353299 a wireless voting system is known in which votes on a poll question about input keys in portable voting devices are input and transmitted by radio to a central query and evaluation unit.
  • the voting system after EP 1353299 also allows the transmission of voting instructions and voting questions from the central unit to the voting machines.
  • voting systems allow the radio-based transmission and recording of votes on the spot in a central unit.
  • An electronic voice response voting device includes a user interface for accepting votes from a user, and a communication module for wirelessly transmitting the votes to a voice recognition system having at least one voice detection device.
  • the communication module has a plurality of communication channels for the radio-based transmission of the vote output values to the voice recognition device and is arranged to transmit the voice output values to the voice recognition device via a communication channel selected from these communication channels.
  • the voting machines can be dynamically provided with different voting instructions and voting questions via the different communication channels, without each voting device being included in the voting process during the voting procedure Time-consuming procedures must be addressed individually. It is also possible to carry out several different or delayed polls simultaneously via different communication channels without the individual voting methods interfering with each other.
  • At least some of the communication channels are allocated to adjacent frequency bands of a frequency band.
  • the communication module comprises a plurality of different transmitting / receiving units, which are each assigned to one of the communication channels.
  • the transceiver units comprise, for example, a mobile radiotelephone unit, a local radio network unit, a Bluetooth unit and / or a data radio unit in the 860 MHz band, in particular in the 868 MHz band.
  • the voice output device comprises a selection module which is set up to select the communication channel on the basis of a group assignment of the voice output device.
  • the selection module is, for example, also configured to select the communication channel based on an external signal received in the voice output device, the signal comprising a position signal, a voice determination signal, a tuning identification signal, a tuning center identification signal, a group identification signal or a room identification signal.
  • the present invention also relates to a voice detection system having at least one corresponding electronic voice detection device for receiving the expressions of intent.
  • the tune detection apparatus includes a communication module for receiving the expressions as Voting scores transmitted by users via the radio-based voting machines.
  • the communication module has several communication channels for receiving the vote output from the voting machines. At least some of the communication channels are allocated to adjacent frequency bands of a frequency band.
  • the communication module of the voice-recording device is set up to broadcast different voting instructions by broadcast over different communication channels with different frequency ranges.
  • FIGS. 1, 2 . 3A, 3B and 3C In each case, different designs and / or arrangements of voting systems for recording and evaluating expressions of intent are shown in votes, in particular at shareholder and general meetings, in which typically participate a plurality of users, for example, one or more hundreds or even thousands of voters.
  • the voting systems each comprise a plurality of electronic voting devices 1, each assigned to one of the voting users for its expression of will, one or more vote-capture devices 2 for accepting submitted votes with the expressions of will, and at least one computer-based voting center 3 for requesting, collecting, and evaluating votes.
  • the voting devices 1 are designed to be mobile and portable and have an independent power supply, eg a (rechargeable) battery. As in the FIGS. 1, 2 .
  • the voice detection device 2 is connected to the voting center 3 via an interface 23.
  • the voice detection device 2 and the voting center 3 are integrated into a common or separate housing.
  • one or more voice detection devices 2 are connected to the voting center 3 via a communication link.
  • the interface 23 or the communication connection is, for example, a serial data line, for example an RS422 interface.
  • the voice recognition device (s) 2 and the voting center 3 form a voice recognition system 6.
  • the voice output device 1 comprises a user interface 13 for displaying voting instructions or voting questions and for input of voting values by the user.
  • the user interface 13 includes, for example, a display and controls such as buttons, switches, rotary switches or input buttons.
  • the user interface 13 includes a touch screen that not only has a display for displaying voting data and graphical controls, but also includes sensors for touch-based input of voice votes by the user, such as a touch screen as executed in the iPhone of Apple Inc.
  • the vote output values are then input by the user by touching graphic touch areas provided with assigned voting options on the touch screen, for example, "YES", “NO”, "CONTENT” or "CORRECTION".
  • the voice output device 1 additionally comprises a communication module 11 for the radio-based transmission of the voice output values to a voice detection device 2.
  • the communication module 11 is set up, to selectively transmit the vote output values to the voice recognition device 2 via one of a plurality of available communication channels.
  • the communication module 11 comprises a radio-based transmitting / receiving unit 111, which is set up to transmit data signals, in particular the voice output values, selectively to the voice recording device 2 in one of a plurality of adjacent frequency ranges of a frequency band.
  • the transmitting / receiving unit 111 comprises, for example, a radio data transmission unit with a radio frequency chip for data radio in the 860 MHz band, in particular in the ISM868 band (Industrial, Scientific, Medical) an 868 MHz band, with a plurality of channels in adjacent frequency bands, for example one data transmission rate each of up to 110 kbps per second per channel.
  • the communication module 21 comprises, in particular, a transmission / reception unit 211 for receiving the voice output values over a plurality of communication channels, in particular over several adjacent frequency ranges in the frequency band of the voice output devices 1.
  • the communication module 11 comprises a plurality of different transceiver units 112, 113 and 114, which respectively allow the transmission of the voice output values to the voice detection device 2 via at least one communication channel.
  • the transceiver units 112, 113, 114 include, for example, a mobile radiotelephone unit, eg a mobile radiotelephone module for data transmission in a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) or another mobile network, eg by means of a data transmission method such as EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), GPRS (Generalized Packet Radio Services), HSCSD (High Speed Circuit Switched Data) or HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access); a local radio network unit, in particular a WLAN module (Wireless Local Area Network); a Bluetooth unit and / or a data radio unit as above in connection with the embodiment according to FIG.
  • GSM Global System for Mobile Communication
  • UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunication System
  • a data transmission method such as
  • the communication module 11 is additionally set up, the voice output values by means of the transmitting / receiving units 112, 113, 114 via a network access unit 4, for example a private wireless router, a so-called access point or a network unit in a mobile network, via a landline 5, in particular via the Internet, to a geographically remote voting device 2 or voting center 3 to transmit.
  • a network access unit 4 for example a private wireless router, a so-called access point or a network unit in a mobile network, via a landline 5, in particular via the Internet, to a geographically remote voting device 2 or voting center 3 to transmit.
  • the communication module 11 also includes an identification module for identifying and authenticating the user, such as a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module), or a cryptographic module for transmitting a cryptographic access ticket or certificate for the identification and / or authentication of the user as entitled participants in the vote concerned.
  • SIM Subscriber Identity Module
  • the tune detection device 2 comprises a corresponding communication module 21 for receiving voice output values from a plurality of voice output devices 1 via different communication channels.
  • the communication module 21 comprises a plurality of transceiver units 212, 213, 214 for radio-based reception of transmitted voice output values from the transceiver units 112, 113, 114 of the voice output devices 1.
  • the communication module 21 comprises a communication unit 215 for accepting voice output values from geographically remote tuned recording device 2 via the Fixed network 5, in particular via the Internet.
  • the communication module 21 also includes an identification module for identifying and authenticating the user, for example based on a SIM, or a corresponding cryptographic module for identifying and / or authenticating the user as a legitimate subscriber based on a cryptographic access ticket or certificate from Voice dispenser 1.
  • an identification module for identifying and authenticating the user, for example based on a SIM, or a corresponding cryptographic module for identifying and / or authenticating the user as a legitimate subscriber based on a cryptographic access ticket or certificate from Voice dispenser 1.
  • the voice output device 1 comprises a processing module 12, for example a programmable processor, eg an 8-bit processor HCS08 from Motorola, for controlling and interacting with the user interface 13 and the communication module 11.
  • the processing module 12 is in particular equipped for data transmission or data reception via the communication module 11 to control and in an embodiment also to encrypt and decrypt.
  • the processing module 12 also includes a selection module 121, which is preferably designed as a programmed software module for controlling the processor.
  • the selection module 121 is set up to determine the communication channel to be used for the transmission of the vote output values. The selection is based, for example, on the basis of a group assignment of the relevant voice output device 1.
  • the group assignment is stored, for example, in the voice output device 1 as a group code.
  • the group assignment is executed as a fixed allocation or as a programmable allocation, which is defined by an operator or the user via the user interface 13 or by the voting center 3 or the voice recording device 2 via a communication channel of the communication module 11.
  • the selection module 121 is set up, the group assignment on the basis of a received external signal and stored in the voice output device 1.
  • the selection module 121 determines the group assignment for example on the basis of a position signal, for example a GPS signal (Global Positioning System), a network-based location indication from a mobile network signal or a position indication from a voice detection device 2.
  • the selection module 121 determines the group assignment based on a voice determination signal , a voting identification signal, a tuning center identification signal, a group identification signal and / or a room identification signal, which are transmitted to the voting devices 1 separately or as part of voting instructions or voting questions, for example as a corresponding code, for example from the voting device 2 or voting center 3 respectively.
  • the group assignment can also be made in an embodiment of the selection module 121 also based on the (largest) field strength of signals received from voice detection devices 2, whereby voting devices 1, for example, the nearest respectively arranged in the same room tune detection device 2 assigned.
  • the selection module 121 is set up for certain votes to allow the user to choose the transmission / reception unit 112, 113, 114 to be used for the transmission of the vote output values.
  • the voting center 3 or the voice recording device 2 indicates to the voice output device 1 which of the transmission / reception units 112, 113, 114 is to be used for the transmission of the voice output values, and the selection module 121 selects the transmission / reception unit 112, 113, 114 automatically or restricts the choice accordingly.
  • the voting center 3 or the tune detection device 2 comprises a control module 25 embodied as a programmed software module, which is arranged to control the voice detection device 2 such that the voice detection device 2 broadcasts different voting instructions or polling questions via different communication channels having different frequency ranges.
  • the different voting instructions are, for example, written in different languages and / or refer to different voting questions for different groups of voting participants, whereby different voting questions can refer, for example, to different votes being carried out in a building at the same time or to a same vote, which in a building in different rooms is moved in time.
  • the control module 25 is also set up to control the voice detection device 2 such that the voice detection device 2 transmits speech determination devices, voting identification signals, voting center identification signals, group identification signals and / or room identification signals separately or as part of the voting instructions or voting questions, eg as a corresponding code, to the voting machines 1.
  • the division of the transmission of the voting instructions to different communication channels is also made, for example, on the basis of the group assignment, eg German voting instructions via channel A to a first group of voting machines 1, which handles the data traffic with the voice detecting device 2 via the channel A, and English voting instructions Channel B to a second group of voice output devices 1, which handles the traffic with the voice detection device 2 via the channel B.
  • the group assignment can also be made by the voting center 3 or the voting device 2 on the basis of a local table in which groups to different Are assigned to a first group via channel A to the voting machines 1 assigned to the first group, and the group assignment to a second group is addressed via channel B to the voting machines 1, that of the second group assigned.
  • the channel via which the group assignment is received is then selected by the selection module 121 in the voice output device 1 for the transmission of the voice output values to the voice detection device 2.
  • the voice recording device 2 or the voting center 3 transmits a request or instruction relating to preferred language or group membership via broadcast over one or more communication channels and lets the user determine his speech perspective group assignment himself via the user interface 13.
  • the tune detection device 2 or the voting center 3 comprises an assignment module 24 designed as a programmed software module, which is set up to allocate received voice output values to a group on the basis of the communication channel via which the voice output values are received.
  • the FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the electronic voting device 1, in which the user interface 13 is arranged in a main module 1 ', which is connected via a coupling interface 100 for the data exchange and the electrical power supply with an expansion module 10.
  • the coupling interface 100 enables removable mechanical and electrical coupling of the expansion module 10 to the main module 1 '.
  • the expansion module 10 is embodied, for example, as a base station, into which the main module 1 'can be inserted, so that the main module 1' is received in the base station in such a way that a mechanical and electrical connection via the coupling interface 100 he follows.
  • the main module 1 ' is embodied, for example, as a communication terminal, eg as an iPhone by Apple Inc.
  • the expansion module 10 comprises the communication module 11 with the radio-based transmitting / receiving unit 111 and optionally the processing module 12 with the selection module 121.
  • the communication module 11 arranged in the extension module 10 makes possible the radio-based transmission of voice output values that are input via the touch screen of the main module 1 'and the representation of tuning instructions that are received by the transmission / reception unit 111.
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B show examples of arrangements of the voting system, in which a plurality of voting machines 1 and one or two respectively connected to a voting center 3 vote detection devices 2 in a room, such as a voting room, are arranged.
  • a voting center 3 vote detection devices 2 in a room, such as a voting room.
  • several language groups or voting groups can be defined, operated and / or queried via different communication channels.
  • FIG. 3C shows an example of an arrangement of the voting system in which a plurality of voice output devices 1 and a plurality of voice detection devices 2 are arranged in a plurality of rooms.
  • a plurality of voice output devices 1 and a plurality of voice detection devices 2 are arranged in a plurality of rooms.
  • several language groups, voting groups or votes can be defined, operated and / or queried via different communication channels.

Abstract

The device (1) has an user interface (13) for receiving voting values of a user, and a communication module (11) for radio-based transmission of the values to a vote counting device (2). The module is arranged and provided over multiple communication channels, where the values are transmitted to the counting device over the selected channel from multiple channels. The module has transmitting and receiving units (112-114) assigned to one of the channels, where the transmitting and receiving units have a Bluetoothunit and a radio data transmission unit in a 860 megahertz band.

Description

Technisches GebietTechnical area

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein elektronisches Stimmabgabegerät und ein Stimmerfassungssystem. Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft insbesondere ein elektronisches Stimmabgabegerät und ein Stimmerfassungssystem mit mindestens einer elektronischen Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung zum Abgeben respektive Erfassen von Willensbekundungen von Benutzern bei Abstimmungen, wobei für Willensbekundungen Stimmabgabewerte über eine Benutzerschnittstelle im Stimmabgabegerät entgegengenommen und funkbasiert an die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung(en) übermittelt werden.The present invention relates to an electronic voice output device and a voice detection system. More particularly, the present invention relates to an electronic balloting device and a voice recognition system having at least one electronic voice detection device for giving or receiving consent from users when voting, for which purposes voice delivery values are received via a user interface in the voice output device and transmitted to the voice recognition device (s).

Stand der TechnikState of the art

EP 1 148 447 offenbart ein Stimmabgabegerät und ein Stimmerfassungssystem gemäss Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1 bzw 5. EP 1 148 447 discloses a voice output device and a voice detection system according to the preamble of claim 1 or 5.

In der Patentanmeldung WO 2006/088736 wird ein elektronisches Abstimmungssystem beschrieben, welches mehrere Möglichkeiten für die Registrierung und Stimmenabgabe umfasst. Insbesondere ermöglicht das System nach WO 2006/088736 die Stimmabgabe über das Internet mittels eines auf einem Computer ausgeführten . Browsers oder mittels Mobilfunktelefonen oder PDAs (Personal Data Assistant). Die Stimmabgabe kann auch vor Ort über lokale Stimmabgabestationen erfolgen, welche über Berührungsbildschirme verfügen oder ebenfalls auf einem Computer ausgeführte Browser umfassen. Um im Abstimmungssystem nach WO 2006/088736 eine Stimmabgabe vor Ort mittels eines portablen und mobilen Endgeräts drahtlos abzugeben, müsste ein Benutzer sein Mobilfunktelefon benutzen, was bei Abstimmungen mit gleichzeitiger Stimmabgabe einer Vielzahl von Teilnehmern, beispielsweise bei einer Aktionärsversammlung oder einer Konferenz, nicht geeignet ist, da die betreffende lokale Funkzelle möglicherweise überlastet würde.In the patent application WO 2006/088736 An electronic voting system is described which includes several possibilities for registration and voting. In particular, the system allows for WO 2006/088736 the vote on the Internet by means of a computer running on a computer. Browser or via mobile phones or PDAs (Personal Data Assistant). Voting may also be on-site via local voting stations which have touch screens or also include browsers running on a computer. To check in the voting system WO 2006/088736 To submit a vote locally by means of a portable and mobile terminal wirelessly, a user would have to use his mobile phone, which in votes with simultaneous vote of a large number of participants, for example, at a shareholders' meeting or conference, because the local radio cell in question may be overloaded.

In der Patentanmeldung DE 10 2004 020 351 wird ein weiteres elektronisches Abstimmungssystem beschrieben, in welchem jeweils eine Chipkarte mit Kennung entfernbar in eine Stimmabgabevorrichtung eingeführt wird. Die Stimmabgabevorrichtung identifiziert sich gegenüber einer Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung per Funk mit der auf der Chipkarte gespeicherten Kennung. Die Chipkarte umfasst zudem einen Transponder, mittels dessen sich die Stimmabgabevorrichtung gegenüber weiter vorhandenen Bedienungsterminals identifizieren kann, um beispielsweise über das Bedienungsterminal sein Stimmrecht auf eine andere Person zu übertragen.In the patent application DE 10 2004 020 351 another electronic voting system is described in which each smart card with identifier is removably inserted into a voice output device. The voice output device identifies itself to a tune detection device by radio with the identifier stored on the smart card. The chip card also includes a transponder, by means of which the voice output device can identify itself to existing operating terminals, for example, to transfer its voting rights to another person via the operating terminal.

Aus der Patentanmeldung EP 1353299 ist ein drahtloses Abstimmungssystem bekannt, in welchem Stimmabgaben zu einer Abstimmungsfrage über Eingabetasten in portable Abstimmungsgeräte eingegeben und per Funk an eine zentrale Abfrage- und Auswertungseinheit übermittelt werden. Das Abstimmungssystem nach EP 1353299 ermöglicht zudem die Übertragung von Abstimmungsinstruktionen und Abstimmungsfragen von der Zentraleinheit an die Abstimmungsgeräte.From the patent application EP 1353299 a wireless voting system is known in which votes on a poll question about input keys in portable voting devices are input and transmitted by radio to a central query and evaluation unit. The voting system after EP 1353299 also allows the transmission of voting instructions and voting questions from the central unit to the voting machines.

Die bekannten Abstimmungssysteme ermöglichen zwar die funkbasierte Übermittlung und Erfassung von Stimmabgaben vor Ort in einer Zentraleeinheit. Alternative Übertragungsmöglichkeiten für die Stimmabgabe stehen jedoch nicht zur Verfügung und die gezielte Übermittlung von unterschiedlichen Abstimmungsinstruktionen und Abstimmungsfragen an verschiedene Abstimmungsgeräte ist nicht vorgesehen.Although the known voting systems allow the radio-based transmission and recording of votes on the spot in a central unit. However, there are no alternative ways of casting votes and there are no plans to send different voting instructions and voting questions to different voting machines.

Darstellung der ErfindungPresentation of the invention

Es ist eine Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ein elektronisches Stimmabgabegerät und ein Stimmerfassungssystem zum Erfassen von Willensbekundungen von Benutzern bei Abstimmungen vorzuschlagen, welche nicht die Nachteile der bekannten Systeme aufweisen. Es ist insbesondere eine Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ein elektronisches Stimmabgabegerät und ein Stimmerfassungssystem mit mindestens einer elektronischen Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung vorzuschlagen, welche die gezielte Übermittlung von unterschiedlichen Abstimmungsinstruktionen und Abstimmungsfragen an verschiedene Abstimmungsgeräte ermöglichen.It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic voice output device and a voice detection system for detecting To propose expressions of consent from users who do not have the disadvantages of the known systems. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to propose an electronic ballot and a voice recognition system with at least one electronic voice recognition device, which enable the specific transmission of different voting instructions and voting questions to different voting devices.

Gemäss der vorliegenden Erfindung werden diese Ziele durch die Elemente der unabhängigen Ansprüche erreicht. Weitere vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen gehen ausserdem aus den abhängigen Ansprüchen und der Beschreibung hervor.According to the present invention, these objects are achieved by the elements of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are also evident from the dependent claims and the description.

Ein elektronisches Stimmabgabegerät für Willensbekundungen bei Abstimmungen umfasst eine Benutzerschnittstelle zum Entgegennehmen von Stimmabgabewerten von einem Benutzer, und ein Kommunikationsmodul zur funkbasierten Übermittlung der Stimmabgabewerte an ein Stimmerfassungssystem mit mindestens einer Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung.An electronic voice response voting device includes a user interface for accepting votes from a user, and a communication module for wirelessly transmitting the votes to a voice recognition system having at least one voice detection device.

Die oben genannten Ziele werden durch die vorliegende Erfindung insbesondere dadurch erreicht, dass das Kommunikationsmodul über mehrere Kommunikationskanäle für die funkbasierte Übermittlung der Stimmabgabewerte an die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung verfügt und eingerichtet ist, die Stimmabgabewerte über einen aus diesen Kommunikationskanälen selektierten Kommunikationskanal an die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung zu übermitteln. Durch die Bereitstellung mehrerer Kommunikationskanäle bestehen im Stimmabgabegerät alternative Übertragungsmöglichkeiten für die Stimmabgabe. Zudem können die Stimmabgabegeräte über die verschiedenen Kommunikationskanäle dynamisch mit unterschiedlichen Abstimmungsinstruktionen und Abstimmungsfragen versorgt werden, ohne dass jedes Stimmabgabegerät während dem Abstimmungsverfahren in einem zeitaufwendigen Verfahren einzeln adressiert werden muss. Es ist auch möglich über unterschiedliche Kommunikationskanäle gleichzeitig mehrere verschiedene oder zeitlich verschobene Abstimmungen durchzuführen, ohne dass sich die einzelnen Abstimmungsverfahren gegenseitig stören.The above-mentioned objects are achieved by the present invention in particular in that the communication module has a plurality of communication channels for the radio-based transmission of the vote output values to the voice recognition device and is arranged to transmit the voice output values to the voice recognition device via a communication channel selected from these communication channels. By providing multiple channels of communication, there are alternative ways to vote in the voting machine. In addition, the voting machines can be dynamically provided with different voting instructions and voting questions via the different communication channels, without each voting device being included in the voting process during the voting procedure Time-consuming procedures must be addressed individually. It is also possible to carry out several different or delayed polls simultaneously via different communication channels without the individual voting methods interfering with each other.

Erfindungsgemäss sind mindestens gewisse der Kommunikationskanäle benachbarten Frequenzbereichen eines Frequenzbands zugeteilt.According to the invention, at least some of the communication channels are allocated to adjacent frequency bands of a frequency band.

In einer Ausführungsvariante umfasst das Kommunikationsmodul mehrere verschiedene Sende-/Empfangseinheiten, die jeweils einem der Kommunikationskanäle zugeordnet sind. Die Sende-/Empfangseinheiten umfassen beispielsweise eine Mobilfunktelefonieeinheit, eine Lokalfunknetzeinheit, eine Bluetooth-Einheit und/oder eine Datenfunkeinheit im 860MHz-Band, insbesondere im 868MHz-Band.In one embodiment, the communication module comprises a plurality of different transmitting / receiving units, which are each assigned to one of the communication channels. The transceiver units comprise, for example, a mobile radiotelephone unit, a local radio network unit, a Bluetooth unit and / or a data radio unit in the 860 MHz band, in particular in the 868 MHz band.

Erfindungsgemäss umfasst das Stimmabgabegerät ein Selektionsmodul, das eingerichtet ist, den Kommunikationskanal auf Grund einer Gruppenzuordnung des Stimmabgabegeräts zu selektieren. Das Selektionsmodul ist beispielsweise auch eingerichtet, den Kommunikationskanal auf Grund eines im Stimmabgabegerät empfangenen externen Signals zu selektieren, wobei das Signal ein Positionssignal, ein Sprachbestimmungssignal, ein Abstimmungsidentifikationssignal, ein Abstimmungszentralenidentifikationssignal, ein Gruppenidentifikationssignal oder ein Raumidentifikationssignal umfasst.According to the invention, the voice output device comprises a selection module which is set up to select the communication channel on the basis of a group assignment of the voice output device. The selection module is, for example, also configured to select the communication channel based on an external signal received in the voice output device, the signal comprising a position signal, a voice determination signal, a tuning identification signal, a tuning center identification signal, a group identification signal or a room identification signal.

Neben dem elektronischen Stimmabgabegerät bezieht sich die vorliegende Erfindung zudem auf ein Stimmerfassungssystem mit mindestens einer entsprechenden elektronischen Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung zum Empfangen der Willensbekundungen. Die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung umfasst ein Kommunikationsmodul zum Empfangen der Willensbekundungen als Stimmabgabewerte, die von Benutzern mittels der funkbasierten Stimmabgabegeräte übermittelt werden. Das Kommunikationsmodul verfügt über mehrere Kommunikationskanäle für den Empfang der Stimmabgabewerte von den Stimmabgabegeräten. Es sind mindestens gewisse der Kommunikationskanäle benachbarten Frequenzbereichen eines Frequenzbands zugeteilt.In addition to the electronic voice output device, the present invention also relates to a voice detection system having at least one corresponding electronic voice detection device for receiving the expressions of intent. The tune detection apparatus includes a communication module for receiving the expressions as Voting scores transmitted by users via the radio-based voting machines. The communication module has several communication channels for receiving the vote output from the voting machines. At least some of the communication channels are allocated to adjacent frequency bands of a frequency band.

In einer Ausführungsvariante ist das Kommunikationsmodul der Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung eingerichtet, unterschiedliche Abstimmungsinstruktionen per Broadcast über verschiedene Kommunikationskanäle mit verschiedenen Frequenzbereichen auszusenden.In one embodiment variant, the communication module of the voice-recording device is set up to broadcast different voting instructions by broadcast over different communication channels with different frequency ranges.

Kurze Beschreibung der ZeichnungenBrief description of the drawings

Nachfolgend wird eine Ausführung der vorliegenden Erfindung anhand eines Beispieles beschrieben. Das Beispiel der Ausführung wird durch die folgenden beigelegten Figuren illustriert:

  • Figur 1 zeigt ein Blockdiagramm, welches schematisch ein Abstimmungssystem mit einem elektronischen Stimmabgabegerät für Willensbekundungen bei Abstimmungen und eine entsprechende Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung darstellt.
  • Figur 2 zeigt ein Blockdiagramm, welches schematisch ein weiteres Abstimmungssystem mit einem elektronischen Stimmabgabegerät und einer entsprechenden Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung darstellt.
  • Figur 3A zeigt ein Übersichtsdiagramm, welches ein Beispiel einer Anordnung von mehreren elektronischen Stimmabgabegeräten und einer entsprechenden Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung in einem Abstimmungssaal darstellt.
  • Figur 3B zeigt ein Übersichtsdiagramm, welches ein Beispiel einer Anordnung von mehreren elektronischen Stimmabgabegeräten und entsprechenden Stimmerfassungsvorrichtungen in einem Abstimmungssaal darstellt.
  • Figur 3C zeigt ein Übersichtsdiagramm, welches ein Beispiel einer Anordnung von mehreren elektronischen Stimmabgabegeräten und entsprechenden Stimmerfassungsvorrichtungen in mehreren Abstimmungssälen darstellt.
  • Figur 4 zeigt ein Blockdiagramm, welches schematisch ein elektronisches Stimmabgabegerät für Willensbekundungen bei Abstimmungen darstellt, welches ein entfernbares Kommunikationsmodul aufweist.
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example. The example of the embodiment is illustrated by the following attached figures:
  • FIG. 1 FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a voting system with an electronic voting hand-held voting device and a corresponding voice-sensing device. FIG.
  • FIG. 2 FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically illustrating another voting system including an electronic balloting device and a corresponding voice detecting device.
  • FIG. 3A FIG. 12 is an overview diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement of a plurality of electronic ballasts and a corresponding voice-recording device in a ballot room.
  • FIG. 3B FIG. 11 is an overview diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement of a plurality of electronic ballasts and corresponding voice detecting devices in a ballot room.
  • FIG. 3C FIG. 11 is an overview diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement of a plurality of electronic ballasts and corresponding tune detection devices in a plurality of ballrooms.
  • FIG. 4 FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electronic voice response voting device having a removable communication module. FIG.

Wege zur Ausführung der ErfindungWays to carry out the invention

In den Figuren 1, 2, 3A, 3B und 3C sind jeweils verschiedene Ausführungen und/oder Anordnungen von Abstimmungssystemen zur Erfassung und Auswertung von Willensbekundungen bei Abstimmungen, insbesondere bei Aktionärs- und Generalversammlungen dargestellt, an welchen typischerweise eine Vielzahl von Benutzer teilnehmen, beispielsweise ein oder mehrere Hundert oder gar Tausende von Abstimmenden. Die Abstimmungssysteme umfassen jeweils mehrere elektronische Stimmabgabegeräte 1, die jeweils einem der abstimmenden Benutzer für seine Willensbekundung zugeteilt sind, eine oder mehrere Stimmerfassungsvorrichtungen 2 zum Entgegennehmen von übermittelten Stimmabgabewerten mit den Willensbekundungen, sowie mindestens eine computerbasierte Abstimmungszentrale 3 zum Anfragen, Sammeln und Auswerten der Stimmabgabewerte. Die Stimmabgabegeräte 1 sind mobil und portabel ausgestaltet und verfügen über eine unabhängige Stromversorgung, z.B. eine (aufladbare) Batterie. Wie in den Figuren 1, 2, 3A, 3B und 3C schematisch dargestellt ist, ist die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 mit der Abstimmungszentrale 3 über eine Schnittstelle 23 verbunden. Je nach Ausführungsvariante sind die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 und die Abstimmungszentrale 3 in ein gemeinsames oder in separate Gehäuse integriert. Im letzteren bevorzugten Fall sind eine oder mehrere Stimmerfassungsvorrichtungen 2 über eine Kommunikationsverbindung mit der Abstimmungszentrale 3 verbunden. Die Schnittstelle 23 respektive die Kommunikationsverbindung ist beispielsweise eine serielle Datenleitung, z.B. eine RS422-Schnittstelle. Die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung(en) 2 und die Abstimmungszentrale 3 bilden ein Stimmerfassungssystem 6.In the FIGS. 1, 2 . 3A, 3B and 3C In each case, different designs and / or arrangements of voting systems for recording and evaluating expressions of intent are shown in votes, in particular at shareholder and general meetings, in which typically participate a plurality of users, for example, one or more hundreds or even thousands of voters. The voting systems each comprise a plurality of electronic voting devices 1, each assigned to one of the voting users for its expression of will, one or more vote-capture devices 2 for accepting submitted votes with the expressions of will, and at least one computer-based voting center 3 for requesting, collecting, and evaluating votes. The voting devices 1 are designed to be mobile and portable and have an independent power supply, eg a (rechargeable) battery. As in the FIGS. 1, 2 . 3A, 3B and 3C is shown schematically, the voice detection device 2 is connected to the voting center 3 via an interface 23. Depending on the embodiment variant, the voice detection device 2 and the voting center 3 are integrated into a common or separate housing. In the latter preferred case, one or more voice detection devices 2 are connected to the voting center 3 via a communication link. The interface 23 or the communication connection is, for example, a serial data line, for example an RS422 interface. The voice recognition device (s) 2 and the voting center 3 form a voice recognition system 6.

Wie in den Figuren 1 und 2 dargestellt ist umfasst das Stimmabgabegerät 1 eine Benutzerschnittstelle 13 zur Anzeige von Abstimmungsinstruktionen respektive Abstimmungsfragen und zur Eingabe von Stimmabgabewerten durch den Benutzer. Die Benutzerschnittstelle 13 umfasst beispielsweise eine Anzeige und Bedienungselemente wie Tasten, Schalter, Drehschalter oder Eingabeknöpfe. Vorzugsweise umfasst die Benutzerschnittstelle 13 jedoch einen Berührungsbildschirm der nicht nur eine Anzeige zum Darstellen von Abstimmungsdaten und grafischen Bedienungselementen aufweist, sondern auch Sensoren umfasst zur berührungsbasierten Eingabe von Stimmabgabewerten durch den Benutzer, beispielsweise ein Sensorbildschirm wie er im iPhone von Apple Inc. ausgeführt wird. Die Stimmabgabewerte werden dann von den Benutzer durch Berühren von auf dem Sensorbildschirm angezeigten grafischen, mit zugewiesenen Abstimmungsoptionen versehenen Berührungsbereichen eingegeben, beispielsweise "JA", "NEIN", "ENTHALTUNG" oder "KORREKTUR".As in the Figures 1 and 2 1, the voice output device 1 comprises a user interface 13 for displaying voting instructions or voting questions and for input of voting values by the user. The user interface 13 includes, for example, a display and controls such as buttons, switches, rotary switches or input buttons. Preferably, however, the user interface 13 includes a touch screen that not only has a display for displaying voting data and graphical controls, but also includes sensors for touch-based input of voice votes by the user, such as a touch screen as executed in the iPhone of Apple Inc. The vote output values are then input by the user by touching graphic touch areas provided with assigned voting options on the touch screen, for example, "YES", "NO", "CONTENT" or "CORRECTION".

Das Stimmabgabegerät 1 umfasst zudem ein Kommunikationsmodul 11 für die funkbasierte Übermittlung der Stimmabgabewerte an eine Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2. Das Kommunikationsmodul 11 ist eingerichtet, die Stimmabgabewerte selektiv über einen von mehreren verfügbaren Kommunikationskanälen an die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 zu übermitteln.The voice output device 1 additionally comprises a communication module 11 for the radio-based transmission of the voice output values to a voice detection device 2. The communication module 11 is set up, to selectively transmit the vote output values to the voice recognition device 2 via one of a plurality of available communication channels.

In der Ausführungsvariante nach Figur 1 umfasst das Kommunikationsmodul 11 eine funkbasierte Sende-/Empfangseinheit 111, welche eingerichtet ist Datensignale, insbesondere die Stimmabgabewerte, selektiv in einem von mehreren benachbarten Frequenzbereichen eines Frequenzbands an die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 zu übermitteln. Die Sende-/Empfangseinheit 111 umfasst beispielsweise eine Datenfunkeinheit mit einem Hochfrequenzfunkchip für den Datenfunk im 860MHz-Band, insbesondere im ISM868-Band (Industrial, Scientific, Medical) einem 868MHz-Band, mit mehreren Kanälen in benachbarten Frequenzbereichen, die beispielsweise jeweils eine Datenübertragungsrate von bis zu 110 KBits/Sekunde pro Kanal ermöglichen.In the embodiment according to FIG. 1 For example, the communication module 11 comprises a radio-based transmitting / receiving unit 111, which is set up to transmit data signals, in particular the voice output values, selectively to the voice recording device 2 in one of a plurality of adjacent frequency ranges of a frequency band. The transmitting / receiving unit 111 comprises, for example, a radio data transmission unit with a radio frequency chip for data radio in the 860 MHz band, in particular in the ISM868 band (Industrial, Scientific, Medical) an 868 MHz band, with a plurality of channels in adjacent frequency bands, for example one data transmission rate each of up to 110 kbps per second per channel.

In der Ausführung nach Figur 1 umfasst die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 ein entsprechendes Kommunikationsmodul 21 zum funkbasierten Empfang von Stimmabgabewerten von mehreren Stimmabgabegeräten 1. Das Kommunikationsmodul 21 umfasst insbesondere eine Sende-/Empfangseinheit 211 zum Empfangen der Stimmabgabewerte über mehrere Kommunikationskanäle, insbesondere über mehrere benachbarte Frequenzbereiche im Frequenzband der Stimmabgabegeräte 1.In the execution after FIG. 1 The communication module 21 comprises, in particular, a transmission / reception unit 211 for receiving the voice output values over a plurality of communication channels, in particular over several adjacent frequency ranges in the frequency band of the voice output devices 1.

In der Ausführungsvariante nach Figur 2 umfasst das Kommunikationsmodul 11 mehrere verschiedene Sende-/Empfangseinheiten 112, 113 und 114, die jeweils die Übermittlung der Stimmabgabewerte an die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 über mindestens einen Kommunikationskanal ermöglichen. Die Sende-/Empfangseinheiten 112, 113, 114 umfassen beispielsweise eine Mobilfunktelefonieeinheit, z.B. ein Mobilfunktelefoniemodul für die Datenübertragung in einem GSM- (Global System for Mobile Communication), UMTS- (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) oder anderen Mobilfunknetz, z.B. mittels eines Datenübertragungsverfahrens wie EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), GPRS (Generalized Packet Radio Services), HSCSD (High Speed Circuit Switched Data) oder HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access); eine Lokalfunknetzeinheit insbesondere ein WLAN-Modul (Wireless Local Area Network); eine Bluetooth-Einheit und/oder eine Datenfunkeinheit wie oben im Zusammenhang mit der Ausführungsvariante nach Figur 1 beschrieben wurde. In einer Ausführungsvariante ist das Kommunikationsmodul 11 zudem eingerichtet, die Stimmabgabewerte mittels der Sende-/Empfangseinheiten 112, 113, 114 über eine Netzzugangseinheit 4, beispielsweise ein privater WLAN-Router, ein so genannter Access Point oder eine Netzwerkeinheit in einem Mobilfunknetz, über ein Festnetz 5, insbesondere über das Internet, an eine geografisch entfernt angeordnete Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 respektive Abstimmungszentrale 3 zu übermitteln. Für die entfernte Stimmabgabe über das Internet umfasst das Kommunikationsmodul 11 zudem ein Identifizierungsmodul zur Identifizierung und Authentifizierung des Benutzers, beispielsweise ein SIM (Subscriber Identity Module), oder ein Kryptografiemodul zur Übermittlung eines kryptografischen Zutrittstickets oder Zertifikats für die Identifizierung und/oder Authentifizierung des Benutzers als berechtigten Teilnehmer an der betreffenden Abstimmung.In the embodiment according to FIG. 2 For example, the communication module 11 comprises a plurality of different transceiver units 112, 113 and 114, which respectively allow the transmission of the voice output values to the voice detection device 2 via at least one communication channel. The transceiver units 112, 113, 114 include, for example, a mobile radiotelephone unit, eg a mobile radiotelephone module for data transmission in a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) or another mobile network, eg by means of a data transmission method such as EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), GPRS (Generalized Packet Radio Services), HSCSD (High Speed Circuit Switched Data) or HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access); a local radio network unit, in particular a WLAN module (Wireless Local Area Network); a Bluetooth unit and / or a data radio unit as above in connection with the embodiment according to FIG. 1 has been described. In one embodiment, the communication module 11 is additionally set up, the voice output values by means of the transmitting / receiving units 112, 113, 114 via a network access unit 4, for example a private wireless router, a so-called access point or a network unit in a mobile network, via a landline 5, in particular via the Internet, to a geographically remote voting device 2 or voting center 3 to transmit. For the remote vote over the Internet, the communication module 11 also includes an identification module for identifying and authenticating the user, such as a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module), or a cryptographic module for transmitting a cryptographic access ticket or certificate for the identification and / or authentication of the user as entitled participants in the vote concerned.

In der Ausführung nach Figur 2 umfasst die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 ein entsprechendes Kommunikationsmodul 21 zum Empfang von Stimmabgabewerten von mehreren Stimmabgabegeräten 1 über unterschiedliche Kommunikationskanäle. Das Kommunikationsmodul 21 umfasst mehrere Sende-/Empfangseinheiten 212, 213, 214 zum funkbasierten Empfang übermittelter Stimmabgabewerte von den Sende-/Empfangseinheiten 112, 113, 114 der Stimmabgabegeräte 1. Zudem umfasst das Kommunikationsmodul 21 in einer Ausführungsvariante eine Kommunikationseinheit 215 zum Entgegennehmen von Stimmabgabewerten von geografisch entfernt angeordneten Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 über das Festnetz 5, insbesondere über das Internet. Für die entfernte Stimmabgabe über das Internet umfasst das Kommunikationsmodul 21 zudem ein Identifizierungsmodul zur Identifizierung und Authentifizierung der Benutzer, beispielsweise basierend auf einem SIM, oder ein entsprechendes Kryptografiemodul zur Identifizierung und/oder Authentifizierung des Benutzers als berechtigten Teilnehmer basierend auf einem kryptografischen Zutrittsticket oder Zertifikat vom Stimmabgabegerät 1.In the execution after FIG. 2 For example, the tune detection device 2 comprises a corresponding communication module 21 for receiving voice output values from a plurality of voice output devices 1 via different communication channels. The communication module 21 comprises a plurality of transceiver units 212, 213, 214 for radio-based reception of transmitted voice output values from the transceiver units 112, 113, 114 of the voice output devices 1. In addition, the communication module 21 comprises a communication unit 215 for accepting voice output values from geographically remote tuned recording device 2 via the Fixed network 5, in particular via the Internet. For the remote vote over the Internet, the communication module 21 also includes an identification module for identifying and authenticating the user, for example based on a SIM, or a corresponding cryptographic module for identifying and / or authenticating the user as a legitimate subscriber based on a cryptographic access ticket or certificate from Voice dispenser 1.

Wie in den Figuren 1 und 2 dargestellt ist, umfasst das Stimmabgabegerät 1 zudem ein Verarbeitungsmodul 12, beispielsweise ein programmierbarer Prozessor, z.B. ein 8 Bit Prozessor HCS08 von Motorola, zur Steuerung und Interaktion mit der Benutzerschnittstelle 13 und dem Kommunikationsmodul 11. Das Verarbeitungsmodul 12 ist insbesondere eingerichtet die Datenübertragung respektive den Datenempfang über das Kommunikationsmodul 11 zu steuern und in einer Ausführungsvariante auch zu verschlüsseln und zu entschlüsseln. Das Verarbeitungsmodul 12 umfasst zudem ein Selektionsmodul 121, das vorzugsweise als programmiertes Softwaremodul zur Steuerung des Prozessors ausgeführt ist. Das Selektionsmodul 121 ist eingerichtet, den für die Übermittlung der Stimmabgabewerte zu verwendenden Kommunikationskanal zu bestimmen. Die Selektion basiert beispielsweise auf Grund einer Gruppenzuordnung des betreffenden Stimmabgabegeräts 1. Die Gruppenzuordnung wird beispielsweise im Stimmabgabegerät 1 als Gruppencode gespeichert. Die Gruppenzuordnung wird als feste Zuordnung oder als programmierbare Zuordnung ausgeführt, welche von einem Betreiber oder dem Benutzer über die Benutzerschnittstelle 13 oder von der Abstimmungszentrale 3 respektive der Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 über einen Kommunikationskanal des Kommunikationsmoduls 11 definiert wird.As in the Figures 1 and 2 In addition, the voice output device 1 comprises a processing module 12, for example a programmable processor, eg an 8-bit processor HCS08 from Motorola, for controlling and interacting with the user interface 13 and the communication module 11. The processing module 12 is in particular equipped for data transmission or data reception via the communication module 11 to control and in an embodiment also to encrypt and decrypt. The processing module 12 also includes a selection module 121, which is preferably designed as a programmed software module for controlling the processor. The selection module 121 is set up to determine the communication channel to be used for the transmission of the vote output values. The selection is based, for example, on the basis of a group assignment of the relevant voice output device 1. The group assignment is stored, for example, in the voice output device 1 as a group code. The group assignment is executed as a fixed allocation or as a programmable allocation, which is defined by an operator or the user via the user interface 13 or by the voting center 3 or the voice recording device 2 via a communication channel of the communication module 11.

Für die dynamische Gruppenzuordnung im Stimmabgabegerät 1 ist das Selektionsmodul 121 eingerichtet, die Gruppenzuordnung auf der Basis eines empfangenen externen Signals zu bestimmen und im Stimmabgabegerät 1 zu speichern. Das Selektionsmodul 121 bestimmt die Gruppenzuordnung beispielsweise auf Grund eines Positionssignals, beispielsweise ein GPS-Signal (Global Positioning System), ein netzwerkbasierte Standortangabe aus einem Mobilfunknetzsignal oder eine Positionsangabe von einer Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2. In weiteren Ausführungen bestimmt das Selektionsmodul 121 die Gruppenzuordnung auf Grund eines Sprachbestimmungssignals, eines Abstimmungsidentifikationssignals, eines Abstimmungszentralenidentifikationssignals, eines Gruppenidentifikationssignals und/oder eines Raumidentifikationssignals, die beispielsweise von der Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 respektive Abstimmungszentrale 3 separat oder als Teil von Abstimmungsinstruktionen oder Abstimmungsfragen an die Stimmabgabegeräte 1 übermittelt werden, z.B. als entsprechender Code. Die Gruppenzuordnung kann in einer Ausführungsvariante vom Selektionsmodul 121 zudem auch basierend auf der (grössten) Feldstärke von von Stimmerfassungsvorrichtungen 2 empfangenen Signalen vorgenommen werden, wodurch Stimmabgabegeräte 1 beispielsweise der nächstliegenden respektive der im gleichen Raum angeordneten Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 zugeordnet werden.For the dynamic group assignment in the voice output device 1, the selection module 121 is set up, the group assignment on the basis of a received external signal and stored in the voice output device 1. The selection module 121 determines the group assignment for example on the basis of a position signal, for example a GPS signal (Global Positioning System), a network-based location indication from a mobile network signal or a position indication from a voice detection device 2. In further embodiments, the selection module 121 determines the group assignment based on a voice determination signal , a voting identification signal, a tuning center identification signal, a group identification signal and / or a room identification signal, which are transmitted to the voting devices 1 separately or as part of voting instructions or voting questions, for example as a corresponding code, for example from the voting device 2 or voting center 3 respectively. The group assignment can also be made in an embodiment of the selection module 121 also based on the (largest) field strength of signals received from voice detection devices 2, whereby voting devices 1, for example, the nearest respectively arranged in the same room tune detection device 2 assigned.

Das Selektionsmodul 121 ist eingerichtet für bestimmte Abstimmungen dem Benutzer eine Wahl der für die Übermittlung der Stimmabgabewerte zu verwendenden Sende-/Empfangseinheit 112, 113, 114 zu ermöglichen. In einer Ausführungsvariante zeigt die Abstimmungszentrale 3 respektive die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 dem Stimmabgabegerät 1 an, welche der Sende-/Empfangseinheiten 112, 113, 114 für die Übermittlung der Stimmabgabewerte zu verwenden ist/sind, und das Selektionsmodul 121 selektiert die Sende-/Empfangseinheit 112, 113, 114 automatisch oder schränkt die Wahlmöglichkeit entsprechend ein.The selection module 121 is set up for certain votes to allow the user to choose the transmission / reception unit 112, 113, 114 to be used for the transmission of the vote output values. In one embodiment variant, the voting center 3 or the voice recording device 2 indicates to the voice output device 1 which of the transmission / reception units 112, 113, 114 is to be used for the transmission of the voice output values, and the selection module 121 selects the transmission / reception unit 112, 113, 114 automatically or restricts the choice accordingly.

Die Abstimmungszentrale 3 oder die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 umfasst ein als programmiertes Softwaremodul ausgeführtes Steuermodul 25, das eingerichtet ist, die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 so anzusteuern, dass die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 unterschiedliche Abstimmungsinstruktionen oder Abstimmungsfragen per Broadcast über verschiedene Kommunikationskanäle mit verschiedenen Frequenzbereichen aussendet. Die unterschiedlichen Abstimmungsinstruktionen sind beispielsweise in verschiedenen Sprachen abgefasst und/oder beziehen sich auf unterschiedliche Abstimmungsfragen für verschiedene Gruppen von Abstimmungsteilnehmer, wobei unterschiedliche Abstimmungsfragen sich beispielsweise auf verschiedene Abstimmungen beziehen können, die in einem Gebäude gleichzeitig durchgeführt werden, oder auf eine gleiche Abstimmung, die in einem Gebäude in verschiedenen Räumen zeitlich verschoben durchgeführt wird. Das Steuermodul 25 ist zudem eingerichtet, die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 so anzusteuern, dass die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 Sprachbestimmungssignale, Abstimmungsidentifikationssignale, Abstimmungszentralenidentifikationssignale, Gruppenidentifikationssignale und/oder Raumidentifikationssignal separat oder als Teil der Abstimmungsinstruktionen oder Abstimmungsfragen, z.B. als entsprechender Code, an die Stimmabgabegeräte 1 übermittelt. Die Aufteilung der Übermittlung der Abstimmungsinstruktionen auf unterschiedliche Kommunikationskanäle wird beispielsweise ebenfalls auf der Basis der Gruppenzuordnung vorgenommen, z.B. deutsche Abstimmungsinstruktionen über Kanal A an eine erste Gruppe von Stimmabgabegeräten 1, welche den Datenverkehr mit der Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 über den Kanal A abwickelt, und englische Abstimmungsinstruktionen über Kanal B an eine zweite Gruppe von Stimmabgabegeräten 1, welche den Datenverkehr mit der Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 über den Kanal B abwickelt. Die Gruppenzuordnung kann jedoch auch durch die Abstimmungszentrale 3 respektive Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 auf Grund einer lokalen Tabelle vorgenommen werden, in welcher Gruppen zu unterschiedlichen Stimmabgabegeräten 1 zugeordnet sind, somit wird eine Gruppenzuordnung zu einer ersten Gruppe über Kanal A an die Stimmabgabegeräte 1 adressiert, die der ersten Gruppe zugeordnet sind, und die Gruppenzuordnung zu einer zweiten Gruppe wird über Kanal B an die Stimmabgabegeräte 1 adressiert, die der zweiten Gruppe zugeordnet sind. Der Kanal, über den die Gruppenzuordnung empfangen wird, wird dann vom Selektionsmodul 121 im Stimmabgabegeräte 1 auch für die Übermittlung der Stimmabgabewerte an die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 selektiert. In einer Ausführungsvariante übermittelt die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 respektive die Abstimmungszentrale 3 eine Anfrage respektive Anweisung betreffend bevorzugter Sprache oder Gruppenzugehörigkeit per Broadcast über einen oder mehrere Kommunikationskanäle und lässt den Benutzer seine Sprachrespektive Gruppenzuordnung selber über die Benutzerschnittstelle 13 bestimmen.The voting center 3 or the tune detection device 2 comprises a control module 25 embodied as a programmed software module, which is arranged to control the voice detection device 2 such that the voice detection device 2 broadcasts different voting instructions or polling questions via different communication channels having different frequency ranges. The different voting instructions are, for example, written in different languages and / or refer to different voting questions for different groups of voting participants, whereby different voting questions can refer, for example, to different votes being carried out in a building at the same time or to a same vote, which in a building in different rooms is moved in time. The control module 25 is also set up to control the voice detection device 2 such that the voice detection device 2 transmits speech determination devices, voting identification signals, voting center identification signals, group identification signals and / or room identification signals separately or as part of the voting instructions or voting questions, eg as a corresponding code, to the voting machines 1. The division of the transmission of the voting instructions to different communication channels is also made, for example, on the basis of the group assignment, eg German voting instructions via channel A to a first group of voting machines 1, which handles the data traffic with the voice detecting device 2 via the channel A, and English voting instructions Channel B to a second group of voice output devices 1, which handles the traffic with the voice detection device 2 via the channel B. However, the group assignment can also be made by the voting center 3 or the voting device 2 on the basis of a local table in which groups to different Are assigned to a first group via channel A to the voting machines 1 assigned to the first group, and the group assignment to a second group is addressed via channel B to the voting machines 1, that of the second group assigned. The channel via which the group assignment is received is then selected by the selection module 121 in the voice output device 1 for the transmission of the voice output values to the voice detection device 2. In one embodiment variant, the voice recording device 2 or the voting center 3 transmits a request or instruction relating to preferred language or group membership via broadcast over one or more communication channels and lets the user determine his speech perspective group assignment himself via the user interface 13.

In einer Ausführungsvariante umfasst die Stimmerfassungsvorrichtung 2 oder die Abstimmungszentrale 3 ein als programmiertes Softwaremodul ausgeführtes Zuordnungsmodul 24, das eingerichtet ist, empfangene Stimmabgabewerte auf Grund des Kommunikationskanals, über den die Stimmabgabewerte empfangen werden, einer Gruppe zuzuordnen.In one embodiment variant, the tune detection device 2 or the voting center 3 comprises an assignment module 24 designed as a programmed software module, which is set up to allocate received voice output values to a group on the basis of the communication channel via which the voice output values are received.

Die Figur 4 zeigt eine Ausführungsvariante des elektronischen Stimmabgabegeräts 1, bei welchem die Benutzerschnittstelle 13 in einem Hauptmodul 1' angeordnet ist, das über eine Kopplungsschnittstelle 100 für den Datenaustausch und die elektrische Speisung mit einem Erweiterungsmodul 10 verbunden ist. Die Kopplungsschnittstelle 100 ermöglicht eine entfernbare mechanische und elektrische Kopplung des Erweiterungsmoduls 10 mit dem Hauptmodul 1'. Das Erweiterungsmodul 10 ist beispielsweise als Basisstation ausgeführt, in welche das Hauptmodul 1' eingeführt werden kann, so dass das Hauptmodul 1' in der Basisstation so aufgenommen wird, das eine mechanische und elektrische Verbindung über die Kopplungsschnittstelle 100 erfolgt. Das Hauptmodul 1' ist beispielsweise als Kommunikationsendgerät ausgeführt, z.B. als iPhone von Apple Inc. Das Erweiterungsmodul 10 umfasst das Kommunikationsmodul 11 mit der funkbasierten Sende-/Empfangseinheit 111 und optional das Verarbeitungsmodul 12 mit dem Selektionsmodul 121. Das im Erweiterungsmodul 10 angeordnete Kommunikationsmodul 11 ermöglicht die funkbasierte Übermittlung von Stimmabgabewerten, die über den Sensorbildschirm des Hauptmoduls 1' eingegeben werden, sowie die Darstellung von Abstimmungsinstruktionen, die von der Sende-/Empfangseinheit 111 empfangen werden.The FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the electronic voting device 1, in which the user interface 13 is arranged in a main module 1 ', which is connected via a coupling interface 100 for the data exchange and the electrical power supply with an expansion module 10. The coupling interface 100 enables removable mechanical and electrical coupling of the expansion module 10 to the main module 1 '. The expansion module 10 is embodied, for example, as a base station, into which the main module 1 'can be inserted, so that the main module 1' is received in the base station in such a way that a mechanical and electrical connection via the coupling interface 100 he follows. The main module 1 'is embodied, for example, as a communication terminal, eg as an iPhone by Apple Inc. The expansion module 10 comprises the communication module 11 with the radio-based transmitting / receiving unit 111 and optionally the processing module 12 with the selection module 121. The communication module 11 arranged in the extension module 10 makes possible the radio-based transmission of voice output values that are input via the touch screen of the main module 1 'and the representation of tuning instructions that are received by the transmission / reception unit 111.

Die Figuren 3A und 3B zeigen Beispiele von Anordnungen des Abstimmungssystems, bei welchen mehrere Stimmabgabegeräte 1 und eine respektive zwei mit einer Abstimmungszentrale 3 verbundene Stimmerfassungsvorrichtungen 2 in einem Raum, z.B. ein Abstimmungssaal, angeordnet sind. Über unterschiedliche Kommunikationskanäle können beispielsweise mehrere Sprachgruppen oder Abstimmungsgruppen definiert, bedient und/oder abgefragt werden.The FIGS. 3A and 3B show examples of arrangements of the voting system, in which a plurality of voting machines 1 and one or two respectively connected to a voting center 3 vote detection devices 2 in a room, such as a voting room, are arranged. For example, several language groups or voting groups can be defined, operated and / or queried via different communication channels.

Die Figur 3C zeigt ein Beispiel einer Anordnung des Abstimmungssystems, bei welchen mehrere Stimmabgabegeräte 1 und mehrere Stimmerfassungsvorrichtungen 2 in mehreren Räumen angeordnet sind. Über unterschiedliche Kommunikationskanäle können beispielsweise mehrere Sprachgruppen, Abstimmungsgruppen oder Abstimmungen definiert, bedient und/oder abgefragt werden.The FIG. 3C shows an example of an arrangement of the voting system in which a plurality of voice output devices 1 and a plurality of voice detection devices 2 are arranged in a plurality of rooms. For example, several language groups, voting groups or votes can be defined, operated and / or queried via different communication channels.

Claims (9)

  1. Electronic voting appliance (1) for expressions of wishes in ballots, comprising:
    a user interface (13) for accepting voting values from a user, and
    a communication module (11) for the radio-based transmission of the voting values to a vote registration apparatus (2),
    wherein
    the communication module (11) has a plurality of communication channels for the radio-based transmission of the voting values to the vote registration apparatus (2) and is set up to transmit the voting values to the vote registration apparatus (2) via a communication channel selected from these communication channels, wherein the provision of the plurality of communication channels means that the voting appliance contains alternative options for receiving ballot instructions and alternative transmission options for the voting values, wherein at least some of the communication channels have been assigned to adjacent frequency ranges in a frequency band, characterized
    in that the voting appliance has a selection module (121) which is set up to determine the communication channel that is to be used for transmitting the voting values, wherein said selection module selects the communication channel on the basis of a programmable group association of the voting appliance (1), wherein the programming is carried out by an operator or user using the user interface (13) or by a ballot control centre (3) via a communication channel of the communication module (11).
  2. Voting appliance (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the communication module (11) comprises a plurality of different transmission/reception units (111, 112, 113, 114) which are each associated with one of the communication channels.
  3. Voting appliance (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the transmission/reception units (111, 112, 113, 114) comprise at least two units from a mobile radio telephony unit, a local radio network unit, a Bluetooth unit and a data radio unit in the 860-MHz band or in the 868-MHz band.
  4. Voting appliance (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the selection module (121) is set up to select the communication channel on the basis of an external signal received in the voting appliance (1), wherein the signal comprises at least one from a position signal, a language determination signal, a ballot identification signal, a ballot control centre identification signal, a group identification signal and a room identification signal.
  5. Vote registration system (6) having a multiplicity of electronic voting appliances according to one of Claims 1 to 4 and having at least one electronic vote registration apparatus (2) for receiving expressions of wishes for ballots, comprising:
    a communication module (21) for receiving voting values which are transmitted by users using radio-based voting appliances (1),
    wherein
    the communication module (21) has a plurality of communication channels for receiving the voting values transmitted on a radio basis by the voting appliances (1), wherein the provision of the plurality of communication channels means that the voting appliance contains alternative options for receiving ballot instructions and alternative transmission options for the voting values, wherein at least some of the communication channels have been assigned to adjacent frequency ranges in a frequency band,
    characterized
    in that the voting appliance has a selection module (121) which is set up to determine the communication channel that is to be used for transmitting the voting values, wherein said selection module selects the communication channel on the basis of a programmable group association of the voting appliance (1), wherein the programming is carried out by an operator or user using the user interface (13) or by a ballot control centre (3) via a communication channel of the communication module (11), and in that the vote registration apparatus (2) has an association module (24) in order to associate perceived voting values with a group on the basis of the communication channel via which the voting values are received.
  6. Vote registration system (6) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the communication module (21) is set up to send out different ballot instructions by broadcast using different communication channels with different frequency ranges.
  7. Vote registration system (6) according to either of Claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the communication module (21) comprises a plurality of different transmission/reception units (211, 212, 213, 214, 215) which are each associated with one of the communication channels.
  8. Vote registration system (6) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the transmission/reception units (211, 212, 214, 215) comprise at least two units from a mobile radio telephony unit, a local radio network unit, a Bluetooth unit, a landline unit and a data radio unit in the 860-MHz band or in the 868-MHz band.
  9. Vote registration system (6) according to one of Claims 5 to 8, characterized by means for transmitting a signal to the voting appliances (1) for the purpose of determining a communication channel that is to be used for transmitting voting values, wherein the signal comprises at least one from a position signal, a language determination signal, a ballot identification signal, a ballot control centre identification signal, a group identification signal and a room identification signal.
EP07405162A 2007-06-05 2007-06-05 Electronic voting device and vote counting system Not-in-force EP2000988B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT07405162T ATE553462T1 (en) 2007-06-05 2007-06-05 ELECTRONIC VOTING DEVICE AND VOTE RECORDING SYSTEM
EP07405162A EP2000988B1 (en) 2007-06-05 2007-06-05 Electronic voting device and vote counting system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP07405162A EP2000988B1 (en) 2007-06-05 2007-06-05 Electronic voting device and vote counting system

Publications (2)

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EP2000988A1 EP2000988A1 (en) 2008-12-10
EP2000988B1 true EP2000988B1 (en) 2012-04-11

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EP2711900A1 (en) * 2012-09-20 2014-03-26 Synegration AG Electronic system and method for calibration

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4333245A1 (en) * 1993-09-30 1995-04-27 Maschf Augsburg Nuernberg Ag Data acquisition and analysing device
DE19607113C2 (en) * 1996-02-26 1999-06-10 Wolfgang Beyersdorf System for recording the number of voters entitled to one or more votes as well as recording and evaluating with or without weighting the votes or abstentions cast by the voters
DE19737830C2 (en) * 1997-08-29 2000-04-27 Ericsson Telefon Ab L M Method, communication system and device for switching calls on a common channel to another channel
DE19825978A1 (en) * 1998-06-10 1999-12-23 Wolf Dieter Goedecke Data acquisition device
EP1148447A1 (en) * 2000-04-21 2001-10-24 Microflight S.r.l. Method and apparatus for collecting and transmitting the results of votes
CH705435B1 (en) * 2002-04-12 2013-03-15 Synegration Ag Electronic voting system and wireless voting system.
DE102004020351A1 (en) * 2004-04-24 2005-11-10 Haubrok Corporate Events Gmbh Electronic voting system uses mobile phone units coupled to identification system using data base

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ATE553462T1 (en) 2012-04-15

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