DE2613474A1 - Electronic vote selection device - has symbol displays, read and write elements and has temporary storage, accumulation and transfer elements - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic vote selection device has symbol displays, read and write elements, temporary storage, accumulation and transfer elements. The voters selection relating to a particular symbol is recorded in order to generate a selection signal for temporary storage. The selection signals from the temporary storage facility are accumulated and transferred after each voter has completed the selection. A maximum vote signal source indicates the maximum number of selections which an individual voter could make. The legal formats (31A to 31C) represent the main part of the mechanism to prevent invalid error votes. The votes are selected at the vote selection connections (32A).

Description

DESCRIPTION:

Auxiliary device for carrying out elections Choice registration Extract from the publication An electronic voting machine with a number of connections that allow almost any choice to be made, and this with the smallest effort of apparatus for a relevant election vote. A display list In addition to an identification label there are the names of the candidates with the respective Office. An election employee, made possible by pressing a switch on the machine display the selection selection on the keypad. The voter presses a switch to identify the office to be elected or the current issue, then he does on the keypad its selection, thereupon a representative signal of the Selection stored in the temporary memory and the display list illuminated. The voter presses the switch of the office or question to be elected, registered the number of the candidate or question and sees his selection during the memory recording on the display list. The circuit will not take more than a given number of Allow votes for a specific office or question to be saved, and a invalid vote appears on the display list if the voter more than allowed Tried to register number of official or current issues. The voter can if he wishes by enrolling for a relevant office or current issue indicate your choice by pressing the keypad. When the signal a registered vote has taken place, it is entered in the temporary memory. If the registered vote is correct, the vote can be registered for the office concerned will. The registered vote cannot be seen by other voters for so long until the election is over and all other enrollment votes have been counted. After submission the voice, actuated the voter an entry counter, which all votes that are in the temporary memory to an appropriate buffer, e.g. computer, transferred.

Development of the Invention The given invention is concerned with the automatic electoral registration, in particular it is a new one Apparatus and technology to collect the votes reliably, quickly and safely, that were registered by voters by hand, and achieved this with a relative economic apparatus that has extraordinary flexibility when it comes to it It is about a large number of electoral forms, a lot of candidates who offices to be elected and acceptable votes for each office to accommodate. The invention, together with an easily programmed computer, is particularly suitable for register the voices, first in the local area and then in the central office.

The result of the voting mood is of the utmost necessity in order to to secure the democratic process in any election if it is a political one Offices, changes in the law, or private elections to hold positions in an organization. If there is a small number of voters, the election can be held with a voting slip It is assumed that the incumbent electoral employees are honest and carefully distribute and collect the ballot papers. The disadvantage the ballot in big elections is unquestionable. Any vote from any ballot box must be handled and counted. Apart from the time required, the opportunity making some mistake here is obvious. Hence will from many electoral authorities prefer the automatic technique of counting votes.

Mechanical automatic voting machines are used here used. Here we have an awkward machine in every voting booth.

Each apparatus is set up individually for each choice, and in one certain mechanical sequence also set. The voter takes part in the voting machine approach, operate the lever and cast his vote. Pulling back the curtains causes his election to be registered and the apparatus is for the next voter ready. After the election is over, the votes are cast by hand at each polling station counted. Moving the voting machines in and out of the pubs for each election is very disadvantageous. The equipment is expensive to store. Another disadvantage of the voting machines is their relative immobility. Every apparatus must have enough Voter channels are provided to the largest expected number of candidates included, although it is rare for all of them to be used. The result is a expensive unwieldy mechanical apparatus.

Other automatic voting machines require hand-perforated cards or marked ballot papers with a special device. Sort and special machines count the individual cards to count the votes. This technique is quite not error-free.

A compilation of previous types of voting machines can be found one in U.S. Patent No. 3,793,505. Despite the diversity in the constructions of earlier types of voting machines, the electronic voting machine has no essential Gained penetration in the market for the automatic voting machine.

It is the coveted object of this invention to provide a better automatic Bringing voting machines on the market has one or more disadvantages of the previous one Voting machines, before mentioned, turns off.

Another object of the invention is to achieve the above-mentioned object through a reliable, relatively uncomplicated apparatus with a variety of choice formats economically, and is particularly suitable when he is with connected to a simple programming computer.

As a further object, the invention is intended to include one or more of the above Realize goals in connection with the enrollment votes.

As a further object, the invention is intended to include one or more of the above Achieve goals with a voting machine that allows voters to make their choices to see and change if he wishes, before transferring to the entire sum will.

As a further object, the invention is intended to include one or more of the above Achieve goals by using the voting machine as part of another expanded unit can work, e.g. through two voting machines connected to a voting point or by adding additional storage capacity and accessories to almost enable all choices with the least amount of effort.

As a further object, the invention is intended to include one or more of the above Achieve goals of holding an easy-to-vett and fraud-proof election.

Still another object of the invention is one or more of the above Achieving goals is that the secrecy of the voice is maintained.

Still another object of the invention is one or more of the above Achieving goals is to get an accurate election result, not just the votes of a voter but the number of selections that the voter could have made but didn't do it.

Still another object of the invention is one or more of the above The aim is to handle the transmissions of the representative votes in such a way that that a computer can function as a collection point for candidate votes.

Furthermore, the aim of the invention is to seek one or more of the above aims be able to produce a simple voting machine and prevent the electorate, to elect more than the specified number of candidates for a particular office.

Summary of the Invention The invention sets out the candidates for the individual offices as well as the designated designations, such as numbers, characterizing each candidate, each office, and differentiating each candidate from the other as well as the points to be voted on in the election. A voice selection which the voter can operate is present to the desired candidate or To determine election point (political issues). A display list is available reveals the voter's voice chosen above. A temporary collection point for the incoming signals of the representative votes, those of the voters are chosen has, is present; a facility which the already elected votes of the voters can selectively pick up; a facility that has the final vote selection of the voter Transfer from the temporary collection point to the total number of votes, e.g. computer can, if he is convinced that the displayed selection corresponds to his wishes.

From another point of view, it is the invention a body for the election of the specific number of candidates for office that it prevents another vote for the office in the temporary store to register, and the failed attempt is shown on the display.

Another feature of the invention is the possibility of blank Counting votes, and thus every potential vote is taken into account.

Another feature of the invention is the ability to enroll votes which the following voter cannot observe even though these votes have been counted.

Many other improvements, features, and objects of the invention are used in the following description, together with the accompanying drawings, apparently.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figures la, b, c represent block diagrams from which the three separate components of the novel electronic voting machine can be seen, and the three different ways as the legal format in the Apparatus can be incorporated, Figure la representing the preferable way.

Figure 2 shows a block diagram in which the apparatus is in a subject Is set up locally for an election. The set has a temporary assigner Transmission of vote selections from several voting booths to just one counting machine, in this case a mini computer.

Figure 3a is the preferred vote readout connection from perspective seen from where the offices, candidates and questions appear on a board and the Selections are made in a separate place with the help of a code for each possible choice made.

FIG. 3b shows a different arrangement of the voting list dar; the voter place in connection with the office to be elected, if desired one Presentation table and list of candidates.

Figure 3c is a top view of another candidate list and a Opening to collect the election selections.

Figure 3d is the side view of the paper tape apparatus showing the Shows feeder, electromechanical counter and the printing mechanism.

FIGS. 4a to 4c show other construction options for the selection readout connection of lights and switches associated with the respective names, candidate list or Ask; in detail: Figure 4a is the front view of the voting board Figure 4b shows the candidate list Figure 4c. Here the voting board is shown from the side as in Fig. 4a, Raised at an angle, viewed and the horizontal compartment for candidate enrollment as shown in Fig. 4d.

Figure 4d shows the top view of the compartment in which the inscription and of the candidate registration Mechanimus.

Figure 5 is a block diagram of the hand-moving input connection of the electronic voting machine, which shows which part of the machine receives a specific input.

Figures 6a-6b show perspectives and diagrams of the inscription part of the apparatus; in detail: FIG. 6a shows the side view of the writing machine with the door open and the ballot paper presented to the voter.

Figure 6b is the front view of the writing machine with the door closed.

Figure 6c is the side view of the enrollment door in the closed position Position.

Figures 6d and 6e are enlargements of the lock and switch, that belong to the enrollment door. The lock and switch are by legal Format lock is checked, which then releases the registration area.

Figure 7 is another perspective view of the selection keypad from the machine.

Figure 8 shows the selection selection keypad of the encoder.

FIG. 9a shows the 'active status register' (ASR) which contains the format word contains and the three sub-parts.

Figure 9b shows the bit representation of the format word within of the active status register (ASR>.

Figure 10 illustrates the legal local format apparatus that supports the Input keypad shows which one is needed to set up an election.

Figure 11 is a block diagram of the preferred implementation of the election selection connection of the legal format apparatus and election selection memory.

Figure 12a is a block diagram of another legal format apparatus, which is connected to the dial selection memory.

Figure 12b is a block diagram of a legal format shutter, flip flops that provides the candidate closure for a single office for one vote.

FIG. 12c shows the legal format of the flip flop switch integrally to the individual office locks to create a group office of 3 votes; and -i '.'. Figure 13 is a block diagram of the dial counter apparatus.

As for the drawings, the arrangement of the legal format is particularly shown in Fig. la, b, c. It is possible to use the legal format on many merging other avenues without the essential concept herein described, to change. The 3 representations in Fig. 1a to Fig. 1c are only used for explanation possible compilations and should not be considered exclusive. Since the figures have the same basic components, they will be described together.

The legal format 31A, 31B, 31C represents the main part of the locking mechanism to prevent the invalid wrong votes. The votes are sent to the election selection Connections 32A, 32B, 32C selected. Only the validly elected votes are given to the voter displayed; the voter can cancel a vote and keep any other selection. After all of the desired selections have been made, the votes are put together with the blank votes for each office on line 36A, 36B, 36C in the voice collection machine filed.

The dial allocator registrar 42A, 42B, 42C taps the sequence after the voice transmissions from the selection port 32A, 32B, 32C one after the change from. Likewise, for the apparatus in Figures la and lc, ask for the legal format 38A, 38C the information from the local legal format 31A, 31C in sequence from Selection connection 32A, 32C, and allows the legal format 31 with several Elective selection ports 32 to use.

The legal format 31 is unique in its versatility what the Concerning position of choice. The connection options that make it work of the apparatus take place only in the legal format, so that the election selection Mechanism in dial selection port 32 and dial recorder in dial counter apparatus 32 fixed numbers are assigned. In this regard, is all three candidates a clasp that constantly serves this group is assigned the same principle any other mechanism not described herein, but for which patent rights, which are described below, can be claimed where a group of 8 candidates always one closure, grouped in 4, is assigned. In any case, the permanent candidate numbers and registered mail numbers are permanent Lock numbers assigned.

As far as the individual figures are concerned, Figure 1A is obvious represents the preferred mode of legal format: Legal format 31A serves one Locally by sending the electoral statement data on line 37A to the other legal Format 41A, which takes place within the choice selection display 32A. The local legal format 31A is set up before the election, while the local selection format 41A of the local legal format is stored every time the voter the start switch 43 is operated.

The selection of candidates is carried out in the election selection connection 32A, sent on line 43A to the selection legal module format 41A to determine if the valid vote numbers for the office are not yet were made. At the same time, question selections are checked to determine whether the question has not yet been determined. If a valid selection has been made, it is sent back to dial selection port 32A through line 35A and laid out. Each selection is checked when it is made.

Another apparatus in its simplest form is that in Figure 1B is shown. The legal format 31B cannot be switched off at the election selection Port 32B connected. Each legal format 31B is set up prior to the election. Voice selections are sent on line 34B and returned on line 35B, to indicate if they are valid.

Figure 1C shows a second alternative configuration. This is used a legal format 31C for an entire establishment. All choices from the individual Voice selection ports 32C become legal on line 34 through allocators 38C Format 31C sent for validation. Line 35C sent valid votes of legal format 31C returned through allocator 38C to issue to the correct selection selection connection 32C.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the multiple election selection ports 32,12 numbered from 1 to m, shows which to a central dial counter apparatus 33 are connected. Each port 32 contains one of the configurations of the Choice selection connection 32 or legal format 31 or forwarding to the central local legal format 31, as described in Figures la to lc. The choice of Configurations depend on the individual elections in the respective district, Country or State that will buy the voting meter apparatus. Data are from the selection Terminal 32 sent to the dial counter mini-computer 33 in the following manner: After the voter has made his selection, he operates a register selector switch 44, this then produces a certain signal to choose connection of the sequence after through the allocator 32 as usual in electronic use, and to the transmission on line 36 to computer input 32. The data can be sent within computer 32 can be decrypted as usual in use for telegraphic transmission to a remote computer. The choice of connection allocator 2 and the minicomputer 32 are usually housed in the same case rather than as separate units viewed by the spectator.

As for Figure 3A, we see a perspective view here of the selection selection connection 32A as it is preferably put together.

Port 32 in housing 52 is divided into two main parts, almost vertical voting display area 46 and the almost horizontal Walilselection Area 47. The voting display area h6 contains: candidate and party Identifiers 52 they appear in any of the three standard voting formats let horizontal, vertical or Australian paper vote. the Instruction site 53 in which simple instructions are listed for the operation the machine, and the question 54, the questions on the paper in the plexiglass case 55 includes. After the questions have been advertised for a particular choice, will be the leaves held in place with two latches 56. A removable plexiglass shade 57 protects the instruction and candidate placement areas. Shutter 61 leaves open the plexiglass screen and allow the list of candidates to be inserted before the election day, and closes the plexiglass screen during the election in order to protect against the erroneous or fraudulently protecting the candidate list. On every candidate's name the party and question is printed an identification number so that they are different from each other differs. The voter chooses in the election selection room with the help of the Identification number

In the election selection space 47, the votes are elected step by step.

First, the voter presses the start button 43 on the election supervisor Best release button 62 is attached. If the person is entitled to vote, then press the polling supervisor pushes the release button 62 and the start button 43 gives the polling machine free to choose. Second, the voter chooses to vote question by using the question counter 62 switches on or off. Then the selector on the keypad 63 presses the identification number for the desired candidate or questions; the keypad could also be a gear switch to have. Then he presses the stimulus button 67 or the lock button TI for questions, For candidate selections, the lock number 64 shows the first digit and the candidates Display 66 shows the second digit for one or more candidates. Yes or no votes appear at the question display 68. The displays could be from an inclined raised tinted plexiglass screen 65 must be covered to avoid the excessive influence of light on the readout displays. Instead of the election selection area 47, which is firmly at the polling station, the selection machine could take the form of a hand calculating machine with keypad, which is connected to the format analyzer 31 by a cable is.

A handheld selection device would be given to the voter make it possible to combine the reading with the display in the best possible way.

Candidate readings are only displayed if they are valid, i.e.

if the office associated with the selection, not the total who has received validly authorized votes. Not all candidate options one Office are displayed at the same time on the display. For an office where the candidate ad If the number of electorate exceeds, not all options for the office can be shown at the same time. While it would be possible to advertise a candidate for To build multiple possibilities, such a candidate advertisement would not be economical be as advantageous as the preferred configuration of the apparatus here. However building such a unit is within the principles of this invention possible, and could be particularly cheap if LED indicators are cheaper in the future will. Any number of the candidate advertisement is, with the help of the digital display, possible within the scope of the invention.

To cancel a choice made before the vote was registered (it is impossible to cancel after the vote has been registered) the Voters, in the arrangement of the apparatus preferred here, simply the one in question Re-select selection; If he so wishes, he can also press the cancel button 72. The cancel button is not necessary because canceling not only complements the voice, it is a convenience for the voter.

Sliding door 73 gives access to the registration department for all dialing on the preferred apparatus Fig. 3A. To enroll the office lock number is pressed on the selection keypad 63 and the Register button 74 is actuated. This gets the same search action for a valid one Vote out as selection button 67 causes selection for a candidate number 63. However, the registration votes cannot be canceled after the registration was used because the office number was automatically printed on the registered paper and the enroll active light 75 illuminates. The voter opens the door 73 of the Register the case by sliding the lever 76 to the left and thereby the registered slip receives. Then the voter can cast a vote for office; because the identification number of the Office is printed on paper is the inscription of a single vote recognizable. The enrollment process can take place as many times as there are valid votes occur.

The total of the registrations, plus the total of the votes, plus the bare votes for office are evidence of complete and accurate Result of the electronic voting system, since it corresponds to the number (sum) of the people who voted in the restaurant, put together. The invention therefore enables the accuracy to check each other's number of votes.

The register button 44, when pressed, does the election selection module Deactivate to prevent further voting by the voter and signaled the polling apparatus to register all votes and blank votes from this connection. When the votes and blank votes are counted, a signal is sent back and the election registration light 77 is lit and remains lit until the election selection Connection is reactivated by the election supervisor through the input button 62 in preparation for the next voter.

Table A is an illustration of the 3 voting formats; any one of which the voter can have the same accessibility to the voting display area 46 of the preferred combination for optional selection connection 32 is presented will. The horizontal voting display is characterized by the fact that the Parties are set up vertically, the offices are set up horizontally and the candidates of a party are placed horizontally next to each other. The vertical The voting display has set up the parties horizontally, the offices vertically and the candidates from the party are vertically positioned one below the other. The Australian paper Abstiamformat has the first office, the candidate the first Office, the party to which each candidate is affiliated, sets up, and provides the remaining offices in the same format. An identification number is everyone Candidate names attached Table A is set out on the following page.

Relates to Fig. 3b - there is an alternative representation of the choice selection Connection 32 with the voting display zone 46, which is located below the voting selection zone 47 is located. A colored plexiglass shield 97 shades the entire election selection zone 47. The write indicator button 74 remains in the election selection zone. The enrollment door 73 is located in voting display zone 46.

A device that can be connected at will is also shown, the large office display 101, which is a light panel. Another, too Any device to be connected at will is the group selection device 102 on what the party signs are put up 103 and accompanied by a button 104 which lit when a particular group is selected, button 104 sets one valid selection.

TABLE A BALLOT FORMAT HORIZONTAL, VERTICAL, AND FROM TRALIAN PAPER BALLOON ARRANGEMENTS HORIZONTAL Superior U.S. Count President Governor Senate Representative Judge Democratic 11 DOE 21 CROW 31 SOCK 41 SALVESEN 51 JONES Republican 12 RACK 22 HAWK 32 SACK 42 SVEDLOCK Socialist 13 MOSS 43 SWANSON Labor 14 RATHBONE Independent 15 LIVINGSTONE VERTICAL Democratic Republican Socialist Labor Independent President 11 DOE 12 RACK 13 MOSS 14 RATHBORNE 15 LIVINGSTONE Governor 21 CROW 22 HAWK Senate 31 SOCK 32 SACK U.S. Representative 41 SALVESEN 42 SVEDLOCK AUSTRALIAN PAPER BALLOT President Senate Superior Court.Judge 11 DOE 31 SOCK 51 JONES 12 RACK 32 SACK 13 MOSS U.S. Representative 14 RATHBONE 41 SALVESEN 15 LIVINGSTONE 42 SVEDLOCK Governor 43 SWANSON 21 CROW 22 HAWK Relates to Fig. 3c - there you can see the Top view of another candidate line-up and a paper tape option. Valid votes appear as selected on the digital display 105 in the zone this choice "(this choice), the previous selection becomes the zone" previous Selection "(previous) 107 is advanced and is added to the rolled up paper tape that always comes out from slot 111 is printed. All valid selections will be stored in the election selection memory 173 (FIG. 11), the voter can if it so desires to be checked and is ready to be forwarded to the vote counting apparatus when the registration button 44 is pressed.

The selection and cancellation votes are taken by the voter after he has received the Has finished elections, removed on the paper tape.

FIG. 3d is a side view of the voting selection tape apparatus of FIG shown in Fig. 3c. The paper tape 112 is mounted on the ratchet wheel 113 which is Automatically rotates each time a number goes through the electromechanical Counter 114 is printed. The counter is based on the code number that precedes it in the zone Selection "107 is set, i.e. the previously valid selection. The voter is free to choose to cancel the current candidate selection. The voter is also free to do so to cancel the current selections before his vote is printed on the paper tape will. A feed 115 guides the paper tape 116 to the printing block 117. The counter 114 has the preceding numbers 121 which are at the given time on the paper tape through the block and the ribbon 117 are printed. When the ratchet 113 is rotated, appears the band 122, the voter's earlier selection through a slot 111.

Concerning Figs. 4a to 4d - another embodiment of the Elective selection connection apparatus which with lights and switches that Everyone Selection can be connected is provided. This ~ board can be of length to be mounted afterwards in order to display a vertical matching display format, or an Australian paper matching format, or it can be mounted side-by-side, as demonstrated herein to present a horizontal voting display. The voting format presentation is flexible.

The start button 43 starts the voting machine. The voter determines his selection whereby he is on the Tittel of the offices 83A, party number 82A, and the candidate names 84A, and then the selection button 67A for the candidate is characteristic, presses. Group selection is exercised through the group button 104A. Figure 4b is an enlargement of the selection button 67A associated with each candidate name is. When button 67A is pressed, candidate display 66A is illuminated like an elevator button, only with a name instead of a number. It enlightens only, and only if a valid vote has been cast. All selection buttons and buttons 67 are rebound free, which is well known to those skilled in the art, so only one voice is triggered by pressure.

Relates to Fig. 4a again - the question zone has a yes and no button 68A for each question, indicating where the Yes or No buttons illuminate around one To suggest choice, only they cannot both be exercised for the same question. Each row of offices 83A has a registered indicator button 74A attached which Checks the legal format lock to see if the enrollment for the office represents a valid choice, and if so, it does the inscribing active light 75 activate. The entire display list is with a removable plexiglass protection 57A, which is locked with the voice shutter 61A to prevent it at any Get part of the vote during the election.

Relates to Fig. 4c - a raised side view of the selection terminal 32, housing. The start selection button 43 is at the top of the display list at an angle 4a, the headings of the Amtertittel 83A just below that Registration buttons 74 of the offices next to it, the candidate 82A and the party display 84A underneath and finally comes the question display 68A.

The election selection port 32B is of the type shown in the block diagram Fig. 1B is illustrated where a legal format 31B is attached to each port is mounted directly below the selection display 32B with the aid of struts 127 is. Access to the back of the legal format is obtained by using security locks 124 opens which door 125, which swings on a hinge 126, opens. access must be kept ready to use the legal format in the particular section prior to the To introduce election days. Door 125 remains closed on election day. Data from the Selection displays 32B are sent on line 36B to the voting counter apparatus 33B (Fig. lb) after the register selection button 44 (Fig. 4d) has been pressed.

Relates to FIG. 4d - the front view of the horizontal compartment 123 it is shown that the active registration light 75, the registration door 73, the registration button 44 and the election registration light 77 contains.

As for Figure 5, here we have a block diagram of the manual Supply connection, as well as the accessories of the voting machine and the assigned operators are shown. This diagram counts in a row the use and location of the selection switches on. The first row 124 represents the technician's control switches for the Voting registration unit 33: the second row counts the technicians' control switches for the legal Format 31. These are at the format Entry keypad 181 and will be discontinued a week or two prior to the election. The next rows 126, 127 represent the election day controls of the local Employees; the switches are connected to the legal lock format 31, and the election registration unit 33 and the switches provide the election selection terminal 32 controls are shown. The selector switches are located on the selector selection Port 32. The next row 131 counts the selector switches that are not used with every choice are used on, or only those optionally used by the voter or those which are adapted to the legal format for a specific implementation. The last Rich 132 contains switches which are generally connected to the normal dial selection connection 32 belong.

Concerning Figs. 6a through 6d - An enrolling mechanism is here shown.

This enrollment mechanism provides the basis for simplicity of the invention because with it the registered votes with a permanent lock number the registered votes are a supplementary part of the legal format 31, and because a case which is in a convenient place to write, serves the voter for all registrations.

See Fig. 6a - where a side view of the inscribing mechanism will be shown. Rungs 133 are used to structurally secure the mechanism. The paper roll 134 is a bare paper roll below the input tray 123, which is performed in single layers 135 or in double copy layers 135 if that central wheel is turning. The paper is fed over the writing support 137 and back, guided along path 141 into take-up spool 142. The take-up spool 142 is driven by wheel 143. The wheel 136 of the drive spool 134 rotates at the same time with the wheel 143 of the take-up reel 142. Both wheels move in a measured manner distance and then remain until the next valid registration notification firmly locked. None of the coils can be passed by the voter on the exposed paper cannot be rotated by pulling or pushing; E.g. the access of the voter to registered paper is limited to a certain part of the paper, whereby the secrecy of the previous enrollment is preserved, and a fraud becomes prevented by not making more than one enrollment at the same time can. Certain mechanisms that advance the paper step by step are the Known in the art and does not form part of this invention.

When the voter presses the registered input lever 74, im legal format sought after the named office. When the blocker is saturated or if the office does not exist in the election, nothing happens.

If the office is active and the blocker is not saturated, arise some automatic movements in the following order: 1. The blocker will moved one step further to another voice and cannot go through the present one Voters for the current vote will be reset because the enrollments fail can be extinguished.

2. The active exchange number printer 144 prints the exchange number on the Registered roll of paper.

3. The take-up spool 142 is advanced one step and effected by advancing the drive coil 134 one step, the previous enrollment is fed out of the register case, and the paper is for a new one Enrollment provided. The office number associated with this enrollment is shown.

4. The shutter and switch 145 are opened and allow to open the enrollment door by the voter.

5. The active inscription light 75 comes on. Then the voter takes the hand lever 76 shown in the open position and opens the enrollment door.

Figure 6b is a top plan view of the enrollment machine that includes the enrollment door locked shows. As described above, in order to register, the voter presses the Enroll button 74 and if the enrollment is a valid selection for the active one Represents office, illuminates the active inscription light.

This drawing illustrates the mechanism for preferred choice selection Connection of Figure 3. The only required modification to the alternative choice selection Connection of Fig. 4 is to be set up that instead of a write button 74 for the The enrollment door consists of an enrollment button 74 for each separate office in the matrices consists.

Figure 6c is a side view of the write-in mechanism, wherein the enrollment door is closed and this prevents the paper from being seen.

Figure 6e is an enlarged side view showing the enrollment door 73 at the top and which is shown closed in Fig. 6d.

The relay is controlled by the registered lock and switch.

The active write-in light 75, when illuminated, sends a signal through a lock 145, the office number counter and printer 144, the roll of paper moves forward 143, on line 155 to relay 151 to lock and switch 145.

The signal creates a magnetic field that locks the relay 151 from the lower position, as shown below in Fig. 6d, to the raised position, as shown at the top, so that the enroll door 73 is in the open position 146 can be moved. When the door 73 is opened as wide as possible, touch it the electrical contact 153 on the shift lever 76 the electrical contact 154 on the Register 123 and sends a signal on line 152 to the lock and switch 145 of the magnetic field which the relay 151 in the raised position holds, goes out. The signal sends, on line 152, through the contact of the two pieces of metal 153 and 154 if the door 73 is open, also a signal on line 155 to the active one Switch off the registration light 75. When the registered door back in the locked Position is pushed after the enrollment is made, then the relay drops Lock 151 down, and closes the door 73 until the next one active enrollment light illuminated. As the relay shutter 151 is released when the enroll door 73 moves from the closed position 147 to the open position 146 is pushed, the door will not open again. Therefore leaves the open Door 73 position see a sign which reads: "Caution, do not close the door until the next enrollment ".

Referring to Fig. 7, another representation of the selection keypad Apparatus 63 is shown where 81 candidates for 27 offices using 2 digital Shutter number display can be selected. On the other hand, through use of 3 digital lock numbers, one-digit candidate number, the possible numbers of candidates and asking questions increases to 729. Each candidate will assigned a two-digit number, with the first digit of the number being a lock number represented and visible in the shutter number display 64, and the second Place the candidate number represented and in the candidate number display 66A is visible. Lights numbered 1 through 9 66A indicate selections for candidates, associated with the issuing closure number. There are two for questions Digit numbers on the clasp number display 64 visible.

Keypad 63 has decimal keys from 1 to 9, and yes and no keys.

Candidates are selected using the two digits of the candidate Number are touched, and then the dial input registration lever 67 is pressed. The first digit is visible on the clasp number display 64.

Previous selections associated with the lock number appear immediately on the candidate number display 66A. The chosen candidate number will not be visible until the legal format has decided that the selection is legal.

This display illustrates the quality of a number. the permanent is served to the candidate to use, and to form office by making a group of candidate numbers, because in a large office, one with more than 10 Candidates who display themselves at least once to hold the same office, will change. While the voter chooses a one-time number of candidates, there is no one-time office number, unless only if it is through logic in the keypad encoder 156 is produced, which with the format word in the selection selection memory 173 connected is. In the preferred apparatus, show themselves to the voters for high offices consecutive lock digits, while only one lock digit for 3 small office is visible.

Each lock digit represents 3 word formats, as shown in the table B is shown. Table B is listed on the following page.

TABLE B Format Word Number 1 1 2 3 Interlock 2 4 5 6 Number Displayed 3 7 8 9 to the 4 10 11 12 Voter 5 13 14 15 6 16 17 18 7 19 20 21 8 22 23 24 9 25 26 27 Comment: Format words 28 to 32 which are in the memory are not used in this table.

Previously selected candidates can be deleted by changing the candidate number on the keypad 63 re-selects, and then actuated the cancel lever 72. The first Digit shows up in the shutter number display 64, and the second number is from the number of candidates display 66A expires. When a candidate name 63 is pressed and the cancel lever 72 is moved if this number has not been selected beforehand, the candidate is elected, and if the selection is legal it will be included in the candidate count Display 66A visible. The cancel lever 72 is connected to the selection button 67 and an undo is just a complement to a voice.

Registrations are selected by adding 2 digits on the keypad 63 and then by sliding the enrollment registration lever 74. The first digit is shown in the shutter number display 64 and the second Position is visible in the responsible active registration light 75, 2W, 5W, or 8W. The active registration light comes on and only comes on when the shutter is activated has not yet been completed for the office.

Questions are selected by turning on the question switch 62. the two digits from the question number are with keypad 63 is keyed, and the shutter lever 71 is moved; both digits from the number of questions are shown by the number of locks on display 64. An earlier selection of yes or no is automatically shown on the question display. Yes or no is chosen by pressing the dedicated button on the keypad 63. The selections are indicated by yes or no lights 68 if there is a valid one Voice is. Groups are selected by pressing a digit on the keypad 63 is operated and the group lever 104; valid selections are then automatic Identified in a row by the lock number display 64 and the candidate Display number 66A.

Referring to Fig. 8 - a representation of the choice selection keypad 63 and keypad encoder 156 is shown. The input selection button 43 operates the Keypad encoder 156 on line 161 when input button 62 is on line 162 the input dial lock 157 has released. The selection selection keypad 63 consists 9 digits, yes, no, and 7 input lines 163 are the inputs on line 164 to keypad encoder 156. Each voice selection is a 2-digit input through Keypad 63 and then a pulse on an entry strip 163. Must be for questions the switch 62 must be closed. Table C shows the effect of each input strip on a digital key input.

TABLE C Entry Bars question vote erase write-in slate interlock yes / no switch Vote x Entry Bar Erase x Effect on Digital Write-in x Key Slate x Entry Question x x on A mod 3 counter 165, within the keypad encoder 156 part of the logic is used with other logic systems that are technically knowledgeable Circles are well known, this one does the locking number and the candidate number using a format word closure addresses and candidate addresses. Just digital combinations that address a candidate number provide the output on line 171 through keypad encoder 156 to choice selection memory 173 The other output is on line 172 from the encoder keypad 156 to the lock number Display 64 outlined. The circuit for the question switch 62 is also on the line 166 connected to a switch 167 outside the housing of the voting booth, so that the voter can turn off part of the machine such as the office or question. When the voter switch 167 is active, the voter is question switch 62 ineffective or closed.

Relates to Figure 9A - A representation of the active status registrar ASR 174 is shown used for review and enrollment in the nucleus of the electronic voting machine is used - the format word. The first ASR 174A contains the active format word in local legal format 31A; the second ASR 174AA holds the active format word in each legal selection format 41A.

The format word is composed of 12 bits, which are divided into 3 sub-words divided be, each of 4 bits. The election selection bits 177 receive votes for 3 candidates and a clasp. A clasp is with every candidate, question, or enrollment vote used. The office extension bits 175 describe the length of the office and from or page by page to the next format word, or a special situation. These generate the key for entering and exiting the sequential format words, into the selection selection ASR 174AA by systematically searching for an empty closure within a certain office. The candidate input bits 176 determine whether the selection selection bits 177 for the format word active or passive in a certain Choice are.

The format word is useful because the office extension bits 175 and the candidate input bits 176 in the local ASR 174A are set prior to the election can and remain set during the election. The setting in the local ASR 174A occurs directly through the input keypad 181 on an enabled writing line 182. The election selection bits 177 are cleared in the local ASR 174A before the election and are then set by each voter in the election selection ASR 174AA. During the Election is the voter's access from the dial selection keypad 63 to the extension office bits 175 and candidate input bits 176 prevents an ineffective enrollment for these bits 175, 176 of the legal format ROM 194, Figure 11 input on line 195 to the selection selection ASR 174AA takes place. The voting system is essentially free of falsification, since this arrangement fraudulent manipulation of the format word during and after the Makes choice easy to discover.

Figure 9B provides a representation of the active status registrar ASR 174, where a clear view of the 12 instruction bits in the format word is given. There are 4 selection bits 177. Three selection bits 183 are connected to an office closure section bit 184. Each vote is at an election selection bit 183 and at a lock bit 184 displayed, except for registered votes, which are set in the shutter 184 in stages and are therefore not different dated, and are actually the same as in the Official Closure 184. A registered letter Voice can never be canceled and does not require separate votes bit 183 only one lock bit 184.

Eight format bits 175, 176 control access to the selection selection bits 177. There are four office format bits 175. The up bit 185 sets the upper limit of each office in the first format word of the office. The Ab-bit 186 sets the lower one Limit in the last format word of the office. Group selection for the following format word is set with groups bit 187. The extra bit 191 is used for special situations such as anti-individual pulses, primaries and nominated candidates and groups of large Counting. There are 4 input bits 176 which describe it as a selection bit is active or passive. Each election selection bit 183 has a candidate input bit 193 connected. The shutter selection bit 184 is a shutter input bit 194 connected.

Concerning Fig. 10 - A block diagram is shown representing the logical Arrangement from the local legal format Apparatus 31A illustrates wherein the methods for a particular choice to be described. The main part of the apparatus is the indefinite access memory RAM 196 that is as large or as small as the voting format Capacity of the entire voting machine. A sequential Memories are substituted for this or any other RAM therein described with no noticeable change to the claims that follow hereafter.

Here we are talking about a machine that has 384 bits and a memory which is arranged in 32 format words of 12 bits, where each bit has a choice of 32 which can hold 96 total candidates with 256 bits of legal format information. It is clear that with more storage space and modifications to the display list too three digits the capacity of the machine can be increased, e.g. a storage of 1536 bits would be the formation of 128 format words with 1024 format bits that Allow 128 closure offices and 384 candidates to control. After that, the operation of the apparatus without specifying a maximum or minimum capacity, described.

Only one format word is active at any one time, an ASR 174A accommodates a word format. Each 12 bit format word has an address. A mission Port address button 192 allows input on line 201 for sequential addresses Encoder 202, which allows entry on line 203 to RAM 196, which then stores the addressed word via input on line 204 to the ASR 174A. Exit back to RAM 196 is on line 205 after the format word for the choice was made. Every format word in memory is by the programming engineer addressed, and set in the manner described above in connection with Figure 9b, to satisfy the voting format claims of that particular choice by the entry keypad format 181 and the enrollment on line 182 enabled, is used. On election day, the format input keypad is 181 by a lock switch and locking hood 206 disabled and then deployed on line 182, which is used to release ASR 174A.

In a similar way, on election day, access to the whole is legal Format and counter mechanism prevented by a lock and hood.

On election day, the information stored in the legal place is provided the Output product, through line 207 to storage output device 211, where they the starting product for line 37A to any choice selection legal format 4A in the Locally represents. The output on line 37A of the entire contents of RAM 196 is made for each voter, and is triggered by a signal on line 37A from Start button 43 of each selection selection port 32A activated.

Referring to Figure 11 - Here is a block diagram of the logic Arranging the election selection connection legal format apparatus 41A illustrated. The main functions of the legal format are: The validity of each selection check which entered the keypad 63 dial input; the ESR 174AA and use the legal format lock ROM 194 to determine if a selection is also actually valid; only valid selections of the voter on the active one Display selection display 75, 66, 68; only valid selections will be stored in the election selection port memory 173, and all votes in that Dial counter apparatus; -33A, which is connected to a fuse against power failure 212 is to unite.

The valid votes and blank votes of each voter are in the Dial counter apparatus 33A on line 36A after the registration dial 44 is pressed is filed. The entire choice selection storage 173 is set to zero by the Output on line 213 from legal format ROM 194 after signal 77 is received was reset and then each time again on a line 37A of the election selection Memory 173 from local legal format memory 196 loaded when the input select button 43 is actuated.

More details: The choice of legal format Apparat 41A works in the following way. The keypad encoder 156 is through the exit the Lock 157 deployed on line 161. The lock 157 is open through the entrance Line 214 from input selector 43 and input on line 162 from the okalist Input button 62 Figure 3A, the outside of the housing of the dialing connection 32 is provided. The output of the keypad encoder 156 is located on line 172, this becomes 1) on line 215 for the current selection lock 216 and 2) on line 172 to the address of the selected candidate or question and the attached format word to the selection selection memory 173 sent in. The address memory 173 sends the correct format waiting on line 217 to the ASR 174AA.

The ASR 174AA sorts out the selection: First, the bits 177 compared to the candidate input bit 176 to see the selection is zero, if so, the selection is not issued and goes not through the legal lock series. If the selection is active, it becomes with compared to its election selection bit 177 to see if it has already been selected, if it has been selected, the deletion process is made active in the "Flirom" 194, if it was not elected, the Flirom 194 activates the voting process. The Flirom 194 systematically compares the format word closure by using the office extension bit 175, which is described in FIGS. 9a and 9b, is used. The closures the who are entitled to a certain office are questioned in sequence by using their format words in the choice selection memory 173 of the legal format address encoder 221 on line Address 222 and store the addressed format word in ASR 174AA. In the ASR 174AA asks the lock selection bit 184 to see if it has been selected was, and is with the closure input bit 194 to determine the "zero select", compared. If all closures associated with an office are zero or full are, is the Selection zeroed and not issued to the voter. If there is an empty closure associated with an office, the closure is put into the ASR 174AA by going through an exit on line 223 from Flirom 194 goes.

Use the up and down trunk extension bits 175 from ASR 174AA the information contained in the Flirom 194 to on line 224 the Flirom Adress Activate encoder 221. The Flirom 194 is on line 270 through prime time Set 271 activated. The Flirom address encoder 221 produces on line 222 in the election selection memory 173 to query the format words within the offices. The Flirom address encoder 221 contains a counter 232 which is determined by the format word Selection counter 226 is placed on line 233. The entrance on line 234 to the legal format address encoder 221 of the up and down group bit from Flirom 194 counts down the counter 232 when the intercom lock is in the next word, like it is displayed in bit 186 of the ASR 174AA. The counter 232 counts in stages up when there is an official lock in the next word, as it is on bit 185 is displayed, or is displayed on group bit 187 of the ASR 174AA. Every time when the Flirom address encoder counter counts up or down in steps the selection memory 173 is addressed on line 222 and the addressed format word replaces the one that was in ASR 174AA. In this way the format words, which belong to a single office in rows in the ASR 174AA deposited up to one empty lock is found, or until all format words associated with an office have found full closures. The legal format counter 235 keeps track of which Format word closure of an office is activated in stages when the Flirom 194 after a format word the higher one Position in the row, searches, and gradually counts down if the format word searched for is in a lower position in the row. After the lock is set, the Flirom address encoder becomes Counter 232 incremented or decremented by the entrance on line 234 from legal Format counter 235 is set until the legal format counter 235 has taken the zero position Has. The Flirom address encoder counter 232 is set to zero by the input of the legal Format counter 235 reset to line 234 when the legal format counter 235 is on Zero has returned and at the same time indicates that the format word in ASR 174AA is the word that contains the current selection. Both the current one Selection registrar 225 and the format word selection counter 226 are from the ongoing selection lock 216 in the usual manner well known to those skilled in the art, addressed. The input to the lock 216 comes from the encoder 156 keypad on line 215 and the selection selection memory 173 on line 172. The input on line 227 to the current selection registrar 225 is the address of the selected election selection bit 183. The input on line 231 to format dial selection counter 226 is a Unique number, which is sent to the format word and with the current selection connected. The voice goes through the exit of Flirom 194 on line 236 to the current selection registrar 225, which is on line 237 the relevant Select selection bit 183 in the ASR 174AA.

The first digit of the selection represents the exit from the keypad Encoder 156 on line 171, and is at lock number display 64 figure 7 issued. The second digit is the one contemplated in Flirom 194 in ASR 174AA to see if it represents a valid vote.

Valid selections from the registry registrar 241 will be made displayed. The contents of the ASR 174AB come through from line 242 the delivery lock 243 and goes to line 244 to the delivery memory registrar 241, when the delivery lock 243 is released. The display lock 243 is through the Output on line 245 from legal format counter 245 enabled when the counter is at zero. The display memory 241 could be a format word with selections in itself and could have had a new selection that has just been found valid received, i.e. a new version of the same format word could go to the swap memory 241 could be sent, or the swap memory? 41 could receive a new format word which indicates that there is a new selection from the selection selection keypad 63 is. In either case, the legal format counter 235 is zero. During the time, that other format words of an office with the up or down extension bits are searched, the legal format counter 235 is not at zero. Invalid selections are never issued. It is evident that the expenses of the selections of more than one format word by setting up multiple candidate display lights 66 can be made possible by using several display status registrars 241 and addressed a plurality of format words by the legal format address encoder 221 in order to interpret votes of an important office within the election selection memory.

The display register 241 contains the election selection bits 177 from the format word. A yes or no vote represents the exit that is on line 246 to a lock 247 by exit on line 251 from the question counter 62 is released. The yes or no display is determined by the output of lock 247 activated on line 252. The candidate votes represent the outcome that is on Line 253 from the delivery store Rer registrer 241 to he lock 264, which on Line 256 by voice wiped out or groups entry levers 67, 72, 104 is enabled and sets the output on line 255 to the candidate Display 66 represents. Registered votes represent the exit, which is on line 257 a Sperry 261 provided by the registered entry lever 74 on line 262 is as well as the exit on line 263 to the active registration light 75. The earlier one Selected enrollment votes are never interpreted because the enrollment is active Light 75 indicates that the lock has just been set and that the registered door opened. What now follows is the description of how the enrollment door is left blank will. The inscribing active light 75 places its number on line 155 and the Lock number display places its number on line 264, through a lock 145, which is enabled by the exit on line 155 from the write actit Light 75 will. The digits then place the entrance on line 267 to the registration office number Indicator 14kA, which in turn indicates the registration office number printer on line 265 1443 activates the paper roll advance mechanism 143 on line 266 activated. Even after some time, the inscribed active light does around long enough To advance the roll of paper, on line 155 the relay 152, which is the enrollment door 73 releases, activate.

Figures 12a to 12c - represent block diagrams of another legal one Format shutter apparatus 31 represented by the use of switches that set the format Replace extension bits 175 in the format word. To reiterate this Legal format can be in any of the 3 basic forms of the electronic voting machine be incorporated as illustrated in Figure la, lb, lc, but is preferable Execution of the one shown in Figure le, because there the switches for the entire restaurant can be set.

Figure 12a is a block diagram showing the various parts of the legal Format 31C are shown. Each election selection port 32C has a keypad Encoder 156C which on line 34c, through an allocator 38c, the assigned format word in the local election selection memory 173, addressed. The format word consists of 4 election selection bits 177C and 4 candidate input bits 176C, and has no lock Selection bit 184 and no closure input bit 194. The candidate input bits 176C are related before the election in exactly the same way as before was described with Figure 10, set. The addressed format word is in the ASR 174C kept. A vote is set on the addressed election selection bit 183. If bit 183 has already been selected, bit 183 is complemented instead of set. The Flirom 194C, activated by the main counter 271C on line 270C, sets the Sequence on a line 195C to ASR 174C in order to select the selection bit 183 with the Compare connected candidate input bit 193 to determine that in this selection it is not set to zero. A zero candidate input bit 193 will cause the voice set in selection bit 183 to be is complemented and zeroed. The choice of address output on line 34c from the keypad encoder 156C through the allocator 380 the input is also on line 34c to the two locks 272, 273. The selection lock 273 is activated by the selection button 67 Approved. The vote becomes flip flop 276 on line 274, that of selection is connected.

The cancel lock 272 is released by the cancel button 72, and the cancellation becomes flip flop 276 on line 275, the one of the selection is connected, sent.

The flip flop 276 places a set selection signal on line 277 to the ASR 174C if there is an empty shutter. When the ASR 174C does a set Receives a dialing signal, the format word from the ASR 174C on line 217C becomes the dialing selection memory 173C suspended, and loops back on line 340 from election selection memory 173C the allocator 34C to the display register 231C for the active selection display on the associated display 75, 66, 68, in the same manner as in the context above with FIG. 11 was described. When the shutter flip flop 276 for a given Office is set, the output on line 277 to the ASR 174C indicates so, and the content it is unloaded in the ASR 174C and not returned to the dialing selection memory 173C.

With this implementation of the legal format 31C, the voter could help to offer two more levers on the optional selection port 32C. A candidate selection review lever 281 and a question selection review lever 282 which through keypad encoder 156 on line 34C enters a format word into the Choice selection memory 173C by allocator 38C, address, and the format word is to display memory registrar 241C on line 34C for the associated display 66, 68 sent back without setting or canceling a selection.

As described above in connection with Figure 11, if the If the registration dial 44 is pressed, the contents of the dial selection memory will go 173C on line 36C to dial meter set 33C. Additionally, signal the registration buttons 44 the format closure flip flops 276: the flip flops which are active in this particular Elections that have not been cast by a vote will be on line 36CC filed in order to register the blank vote for the office in the dialing counter on apparatus 33C.

When all the votes or blank votes have been discarded, a Election registrar signal returned on line 36C to election selection memory 173C and the voter registrar light 72 is illuminated.

Relates to Figure 12b - A single office fastener flip flop 276 is provided shown, which allows the voter only for one and no more candidates with the Office connected to choose. The voice or set input is on line 274 and the cancel or cancel input is set on line 275; both come from keypad encoder 156 in dial selection port 32C. Different switches interrupt the transmission lines to get the single office flip flop 276 for the the entire length of the machine to be connected if necessary to accommodate the major offices. Table C shows the state of the switches that control the flip flop 276, shown in Figure 12b, represent one and only one selection to close.

TABLE C Single Office Interlock Vote Erase Test Previous Interlock Interlock OPEN 293 294 283 284 285 286 CLOSED 291 292 297 295 296 DON'T CARE 287 A voter places the designated flip flop 276 on a polling line 274. The line entry switches 291, 295 are both closed, the following exchange line switches 283, 285 are both open and the next dial lock interlock switch 293 is open, so sets the election selection the closure flip flop 276. One cancellation on line 275 the closure complements in a parallel manner as one does it Voice sets.

Exit from shutter flip flop on line 297 goes to ASR 171cm because the test lock switch 297 is closed. The previous shutter switch 287 can be either open or closed.

Figure 12c is a block diagram showing 3 individual closures 303, 307, 305 combined to form a group of 3 shows. So many closures as necessary can be grouped together for a specific office.

Votes and cancellations of a format word are sent to a particular Closure flip flop addressed. A voice for the first shutter 303 appears on election line 274. The vote signal is through line 306 to election input 274 of the last lock 305 continued in the office. It is from the entrance to the next Office, by the open switch 285, prevented.

One vote that at last lock 305 of the office on line 274 appears, comes through switch 291, which is closed, is kicked through the closed switch 293 as an input on line 311 for selection disable 301. The open switch 295 prevents the signal from appearing in the set position of flip flops 276. Dial lock 301 is in ready position on line 312 when the output on line 313 from the previous shutter 304 was flip flop 276. The output on line 314 of the dial lock 301 sets the input on line 314 to Closure flip flop 276.

Switches, when set as shown in Tables D, E, and F, allow the Amalgamation of many individual locks to form an office group.

TABLE D First Interlock of Multiple Vote Office Vote Erase Test Previous Interlock Interlock OPEN 285 286 297 287 291 292 CLOSED 283 284 DON'T CARE 293 294 295 296 TABLE E Center Interlocks of Multiple Vote Office Vote Erase Test Previous Interlo ck Int erlock OPEN 291 292 297 CLOSED 283 284 287 285 286 DON'T CARE 293 294 295 296 TABLE F Last Interlock of Multiple Vote Office Vote Erase Test Previous Interlock Interlock OPEN 283 284 295 296 CLOSED 285 286 297 287 291 292 293 294 WN'T CARE none Only one last lock 305 and only one first lock 303 is present. They are so named because while elected for a group office will, the former is the last to be set, and the latter is the first to be set is set. Central locks can be connected as long as there is n-2 of there are, being equal to the number of shutter flip flops 276 in the machine is. In the first shutter 303 the switch 287 is from the output of the previous one Shutter open and the input on line to dial block 301 is set to "high" above line 316 so that lock 301 is automatically released when a Dial entrance on line 311 exists.

The central shutter works in the same way, except that the switch 287 is closed and the input on line 311 is released for dial blocking is held by the previous shutter 303 flip flop 276 exit on line 313 by exit on line 212 from line 316.

The selection signal comes to selection lock 301 on line 311 from an inverter 317 through the 'closed switch 283. The open line input switch 291 prevents the voting signal from coming directly from election line 274. A "high" exit 314 from dial lock 301 acts as a set input on line 322 to flip flop 276 sent. A "low" output of the dial lock 301 becomes a "high" input to the next Allocator choice lock 301, because of choice inverter 317.

After the last closure 305 has been set, flip flop 276 will the output on a line 277 to the ASR 1740 and from the test closure the output on the. Suspend the ASR 1740 and the contents are discarded. The test closure Exit on line 277 can only come from the last lock 305 in the office. All other Test lock lines 277 are set aside because the test lock switches 297 are open.

It should be noted that the cancellation lock 302 is through the exit on line 313 from their own associated lock 3 on flip flop 276 set while the dial lock 301 is through the exit on line 313 of the next Allocator shutter 3 set to 1 flip flop 276 disabled.

The void exit on line 315 from the shutter flip flop 276 provides the number of naked votes in the polling machine 33C. before of choice, any unused fastener flip flops 276 will be "high" on line 316 set by a switch 317. Since they are raised, the locks prevent the voter from registering the invalid votes, moreover they will not be the Register bare votes in the voting counter on apparatus 33C.

Relates to Figure 13 - a block diagram of dial counter apparatus 33 is shown, which can be small for special purposes, like a mini computer of the DEC PDP8, the HP 2100 or a Data General Nova. Special applications 323 are including identifying whatever used for the vote counting equipment becomes: area codes and by-elections, locks and stamps, a resettable public Counter, a non-resettable protection counter and a preferred real time Uhr 334. All these devices serve the security function, the attempted electoral fraud to discover. The clock 334 registers the time on line 335 on the pre-selection test sheet Deduction, the 5-minute interval deductions, and the deduction of the results after the local were closed. A deduction of the number of votes will be made at 5-minute intervals during the election printed in order to counter the deceptive manipulations of the votes to any one Protect time of the registration process, tampering with the various memories to prevent and obtain a tentative total of votes in case the vote registration unit 33 stops working and must be replaced by a replacement machine during the Choice.

Input on line 36 to dialing counter apparatus 33 is through the allocator 32 and computer interface 42 controlled. The transfer and control logic 324 represent controls within the computer that control certain voices on line 326 connect to certain storage registrars 325, and on line 326 certain Blank Connect votes to specific voting memory registrars 325. The transferier and kontrol logic 324 also transfers votes on line 327 from the voting memory Register 325 for pressure and output communicator 331.

Printer 331 provides a printed copy of the contents of the Voting memory registrar 325 before the polling stations open them for 5 minutes of the election and after the bars close. Only the beginning and end total of the votes is available to the local employee, the withdrawal of votes during the day made is locked and cannot be seen unless in the event a recount.

There is a special output communicator 331, which sends in Election registration signal 77 on line 332 from the election counter apparatus 33 to the election selection module 32 after the votes of a voter and blank votes have been registered. The voting process should preferably be from a power supply in a building that is self-sufficient, where the election takes place, be dependent because the election is interrupted If someone switches off the machine, the power supply to the building can be switched off turned off by a switch or when the power supply is due to a storm or any natural disaster is interrupted. An emergency power supply 212 will be present as a preference, so the election continues can, when the power supply fails.

The specific technique of accumulating and printing the votes is not part of this invention and is obviously known to those skilled in the art. the Invention facilitates this accumulation. In a particularly convenient form of the invention, identified with each potential selection by a certain number, needs the computer only accumulates and subtracts those of each of these numbers Sum of each number, will be the number of the vote cast of that selection by also identifying the blank votes by a special number. The invention therefore facilitates the billing of every affirmative and blank given Voice in a particularly convenient way, the invention also makes it easier to set up prior to each choice by keypad selection, separable cable connection and / or switch operations to obtain the viewable number of each vote for each office.

It is obvious that those who are skilled in the art are now many other uses and modifications thereof, and deviations from that special exhibition described herein, can be made without departing from the inventive concept to deviate. Thus, the invention should be construed as: Any and all new Properties and new combinations of properties or those that the apparatus owns and the technique disclosed herein to be embraced and only by the spirit and The scope of the attached claim is limited.

What is claimed is the following: Blank page

Claims (17)

Claims 1. Voting machine consisting of: expenses for items which are chosen to display with a symbol for each selection; Means to one Read the item to be chosen; Means to a corresponding Voter selection belonging to a relevant symbol to be entered in order to generate a voting signal to create for temporary storage; Provisional storage means for the inclusion of any such polling signal mentioned; Collection means for the reception selection signals from said temporary storage means; and means the effect the transfer of the mentioned selection signals from the said preliminary Storage means to the mentioned accumulation means after each voter has his Selection has ended. 2. Voting machine according to claim 1 and further consisting of: One maximum selection signal source that shows the maximum number of selections that a Make an individual voter for the said items to be chosen could; Means of counting the numbers of the selections made by the said voter made for said items; and means to get the final number with to compare the said maximum voting signal in order to find any additional voting signals, connected to a certain object, from entering the temporary store to block if the latter number is the designated maximum number of the said corresponds to the maximum dialing signal. 3. Voting machine in accordance with claim 1 and further consisting of: Means for generating all voting signals in a digital representation, the selected ones Wahler's selection for a particular object; and said accumulation means includes means for counting the number of times each digit coded readout from said temporary storage means to said accumulation means is transferred and thereby creates an advertisement to the total number of the submitted To get votes for an item. 4. Voting machine in accordance with claim 1 and further consisting of: Means of issuing a display of the voting signal that is still in the temporary Storage is for an item to be selected, and so through it the voter from his selection, which is still in the temporary memory and waiting for the transfer to said accumulation means to inform; and means for canceling the votes still in said temporary storage means to allow a voter to make another selection before the Transferring the vote selection signal from said temporary storage means to the said accumulation means takes place. 5. Voting machine in accordance with claim 2 and further consisting of: Means for producing a blank counter signal which is the difference from the Number of the readouts available to the voter and the number of the readouts which the voter made represents; and means for transferring said blank counters Signals to said accumulation means when said means to accomplish transferring said signals from said preliminary Storage means to said means of accumulation, the transfer of said-Wahisignate from cause mentioned temporary storage means to said accumulation means. 6. Voting machine in accordance with claim 1 and further consisting of: a registered means for obtaining the registered votes; Funding for procurement a registration signal when a voter wishes to register the registration vote; Means responding to said write-in signals, said write-in means ready to make; Said registration means with a normally shielded registration area for the inclusion of a registered vote, which only said by the latter Enroll signal can be revealed; Means through said write-in signal to provide a registered signal to said temporary storage means, be addressed; and means available to the voter for said registration area to shield in order to ensure that the writing surface that has just been written on, is led to a hidden deposit with a registered voter only his can see their own enrollment votes. 7. Voting machine in accordance with claim 6 and further consisting of: A source of the maximum voting signal that indicates how an individual voter will can choose maximum numbers of selection for said item; Funds for the counting of numbers of the readings that the said voter for the mentioned object has made; and means for comparing the latter count with said maximum Election signal, to any additional election signals, with a certain object connected to block from intrusion into the temporary memory when the last Counting corresponds to the maximum number and by the said voice signal has been designated, and then to the voter the uncovering of said registration area until another item has been selected for voting is prevented. 8. A voting machine in accordance with claim 6 wherein: said mailing means an opaque movable sealed door means contains 5 µm in normal condition to protect said registration area; Means based on the last write-in signal to unlock the said movable door means react, and the voter enable said door means to open in order to register his voice on the said registration area; and means that enable the voter to do that Door means to close to cause the registration area that is straight is moved to said protected deposit and then from said door means is locked, the selector making a readout for each registered signal can enroll. 9. A voting machine in accordance with claim 7 wherein: said mailing means has an opaque, movable, usually sealed, belt around said To protect the registration area normally; Means responding to the latter said write-in signal to unlock said movable door means react to the voter enable said door means to be opened and its stones on said registration surface to write down; and means that enable the voter to close said door means in order to cause the just described writing surface to the mentioned hidden Deposit is moved, and then to close said door means, wherein the Voters can only write one selection for each write-in signal. 10. Voting machine in accordance with claim 1 and further consisting of: Means to enable the transfer of said voice signals from the said temporary storage means for accumulation means for storing each Voter selection takes place on a recording medium. 11. Voting machine in accordance with claim 10 in which: said last said means for storing the printed matter and tape containing the printed matter Imprints of symbols corresponding to the voter's selection of the said transfer temporary storage means to said accumulation means. 12. Voting machine in accordance with claim 2 and further comprising: Memory registration means, attached to each item, for storing the maximum Voice signal attached to each item for that choice; and lockable Means, each memory registration means with a maximum selection signal associated with the item is attached for this vote before the election, by mistake, and at the same Time prevent the maximum dialing signal from being stored in any storage means cannot be changed during the election if the said lockable agent was locked from the rest of the apparatus during the election. 13. Voting machine in accordance with claim 2 wherein: said source of the maximum voting signal represents a locking means for each ready vote; Each locking means takes a initially assumed reset position ("reset state") one before a voter makes his selection and becomes a "set state" accepted if the voter makes his corresponding selection to the ordinal number ("order number") of the connected closure means makes; and said means for comparison, consist of means showing the position of the last said closure means that are attached to a particular object determine to some additional To prevent selection signal from entering the temporary memory if that said last locking means assumes the set position. 14. Voting machine in accordance with claim 13 and further from means consisting of a designation of any closure means that is in said set position if said Selection signals from said temporary storage means to said accumulation means be transferred so, thereby a representative signal the numbers of the bare Accumulate votes attached to an item that have just been elected. 15. Voting machine in accordance with claim 6 and further comprising means to perceive at least said write-in signal for the imprint on the said inscription area, from a representative symbol of an object, which has just been chosen by the voter description on the said area. 16. A choice method with the apparatus according to claim 1, its method includes: Take steps to select an item to be chosen and select with the said means for making the reading to a voting signal, representative the readout in said temporary storage means; to repeat the previous steps; and to indicate the end of the election to the Transferring the selection signal from said temporary storage means to the to effect said accumulation agent. 17. A wabl method with the apparatus according to claim 8 which method: includes the steps for reading out an item to be selected in order to a selection with the said means for the selection for the registration of a Voice, and a sign-in signal indicating enrollment in establish said storage means and unlock said movable door means; for moving said movable door means to expose the writing surface; to register a selection on said registration area; and closing of said door means to cause the area just described in said Storage space is moved and then said door means is closed.