JPH0689296A - Ballot box - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automate totalizing work from the recognition up to the totalization and the transfer of information written on a voting paper in a ballot box. CONSTITUTION:This system is provided with a case body 11 equipped with a voting port through which the voting paper is thrown in, a reading part 33, 34 to read the information written on the voting paper 21 thrown into this case body 11, a recognizing part to recognize the information read by this recognizing part 33, 34, a totalizing part to totalize vote information recognized by this recognizing part, and a communicating part to transfer each vote information obtained by the totalizing part to a host computer.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to ballot boxes used for voting in elections.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the election of members of the Diet, prefectural governors, members of the Diet, mayors of municipalities, and members of the Diet, voters receive ballots at polling places based on the Public Office Election Act, and Votes are made by filling in the names of political parties and posting a ballot in the ballot box. After that, the ballot boxes were collected in facilities such as a gymnasium as a vote counting place, the vote counting work was performed manually, and the voting results were collected.

[0003]

As described above, in the conventional election voting, the automation of voting and counting work has hardly progressed, and the counting time is spent because counting is solely done by humans. It was not possible to work quickly and efficiently.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to save labor and improve reliability of election voting and counting work, and to speed up the operation.
An object of the present invention is to provide a ballot box capable of efficiently performing work.

[0005]

That is, the present invention is

(1) A case having a voting slot for inserting a ballot sheet, a reading unit for reading character information written on the ballot sheet posted in the case, and character information read by the reading unit. In the ballot box, a recognition means for recognizing, a totaling means for totaling the voting information recognized by this recognizing means, and a communication means for transferring various voting information obtained by this totaling means to a host computer are provided. It is possible to automate the totalizing work of recognizing, totalizing and transferring the character information written on the ballot.

(2) In the above item (1), the collation means for obtaining the voting information about the corresponding candidate or political party from the character information recognized by the recognition means is provided, and the recognized voting information is more accurate. It can be anything.

(3) In the item (1), display means for displaying the voting information obtained by the collating means, and instruction means for instructing confirmation of the voting information or selection of the voting information based on the displayed voting information. With such a feature, it is possible to prompt the voter to confirm the voting information and perform processing such as correction and selection as appropriate, thereby making it possible to perform a more reliable vote reflecting the intention of the voter.

(4) A case having a voting slot for throwing ballots, a reading means for reading character information written on the ballots thrown in the case, and characteristic data for character recognition are stored. The recognition dictionary is compared with the characteristic data of the character information read by the reading means and the characteristic data stored in the recognition dictionary, and the weighting coefficient is given according to the degree of similarity with the recognition dictionary. Recognizing means for outputting a plurality of recognition candidates, election information storing means storing election information regarding candidates or political parties, recognition candidates recognized by the recognizing means, and elections stored in the election information storing means Collating means for collating the information and obtaining voting information about the corresponding candidate or political party, and display means for displaying the voting information obtained by this collating means,
Instructing means for instructing confirmation of voting information or selection of voting information based on the displayed voting information, totaling means for totaling voting information specified by confirming voting information by this instructing means, and this totaling It is equipped with a communication means for transferring various voting information obtained by means to a host computer, and after recognizing the character information written on the ballot paper in the ballot box, the similarity obtained as a result of the recognition Prompt voters to confirm their recognition candidates with a high degree of accuracy, perform correction and selection processing as necessary, and then perform aggregation and transfer to ensure a more reliable vote that reflects the will of the voters. It is self-sufficient and can automate the counting work from voting, counting and transfer.

(5) In the above item (4), the matching means cumulatively calculates the weighting factors of the recognition candidates corresponding to the voting information, and the display means has a high priority according to the cumulative value of the weighting factors. Since the voting information is sequentially displayed, the voter's confirmation instruction can be facilitated by displaying the recognition candidate having the highest similarity according to the result of the character recognition.

(6) In the above item (4), the collating means cumulatively calculates the weighting factors of the recognition candidates corresponding to the voting information, and the display means has a high priority according to the cumulative value of the weighting factors. The voting information is displayed in order from, and it is possible to check and select voting information from similar recognition candidates with similar similarity depending on the result of character recognition. You can vote more reliably.

(7) In the above item (5) or (6), if the cumulative value of the weighting factors of the voting information confirmed by the instructing device does not meet a predetermined criterion, a notifying device notifying that effect. If the similarity is low and only the certainty as a corresponding recognition candidate is low, the fact is notified and it is possible to shift to a reliable voting process later. it can.

(8) Further, the present invention comprises a casing having a voting slot for depositing a ballot, and a written information interpreting means for interpreting information written on the ballot deposited in the casing.
It is configured to include a voting processing unit that executes a voting process according to the information read by the written information reading unit, so that the voting contents according to the information written on the ballot box put in the ballot box can be immediately displayed. It can be recognized and registered and aggregated,
The voting and counting operations can be automated to perform each of the above operations quickly and with high reliability.

(9) Further, the present invention is a case having a voting opening for throwing a ballot, a means for reading the information written on the ballot posted in the case, and a means for reading by this means. Means for identifying a candidate from the information obtained, means for recording predetermined information on a corresponding ballot when the candidate is identified by this means, and transfer of voting information of the identified candidate to an external device With this configuration, it is possible to instantly recognize and register the voting contents of the ballots placed in the ballot box, and to automate the voting and counting operations to perform each task. It can be performed efficiently, quickly and with high reliability.

(10) Further, in the present invention, in the ballot box according to item (8) or (9), the information in the XX format written on the posted ballot paper (for example, ◯, ×, ν, By using a simple OCR that identifies voting candidates from (etc.), for example, a selection symbol entry field is used using a voting sheet on which a plurality of candidates (or candidate numbers) and selection symbol entry fields are printed. It is possible to vote in a selective manner by filling in ○ or × etc.

(11) Further, in the present invention, in the ballot box according to item (8) or (9), the OMR for identifying the voting candidate from the mark information written on the posted ballot paper is used. Depending on the configuration, for example, it is possible to vote by selecting a mark in the selection mark entry field using a form-like ballot paper on which multiple candidates (or candidate numbers) and selection mark entry fields are printed. Becomes

(12) Further, in the present invention, in the ballot box according to item (8) or (9), there is provided journal recording means for recording the ballot history, and the ballot history in the own ballot box is stored. With this, it is possible to confirm the election result information (voting result information) transferred to the outside, and a highly reliable information management mechanism can be constructed.

(13) Item (3), item (4),
In the ballot box of item (8) or (9), a plurality of collection boxes configured to be separable from the housing and collecting the deposited ballot papers, and a ballot for which recognition processing has been completed by the recognition unit. A holding means for temporarily holding the sheet, and a collecting box selecting means for guiding the ballot paper held by the holding means to a corresponding collecting box according to the instruction state by the instructing means Thus, it is possible to facilitate the counting work after collecting the ballots.

(14) The above items (1), (4),
In the ballot box of the item (8) or the item (9), it is determined that the ballot paper is a regular ballot paper, and the result determined by the discriminating means is not a regular ballot paper. In the case where it is determined, a discharging means for discharging the ballot paper to the outside of the housing, and a notifying means for notifying that the ballot paper put in the box in cooperation with the discharging means is not proper are provided. It is possible to prevent the use of illegal ballots and notify the fact.

(15) The above items (1), (4),
In the ballot box according to item (8) or (9), the reading means is composed of a first reading means and a second reading means for reading the front surface and the back surface of the ballot paper, respectively. It is possible to reliably read the character information written on the paper regardless of whether the paper is placed in the voting slot in the front or back direction.

(16) The above items (1), (4),
In the ballot box of item (8) or (9), a reference mark for determining the reading direction of the ballot paper is set on the ballot paper, and the ballot paper has vertical, horizontal and diagonal directions. It is possible to reliably read the character information written on the paper by detecting the direction of the mail, regardless of which direction the mail is put in the voting slot.

(17) Item (1), item (4),
In the ballot box of item (8) or (9), information indicating the type of election is set on the ballot sheet, and even if a plurality of elections are held at the same time, It is possible to prevent accidental mailing designation of the ballot for the election of.

(18) The above items (1), (4),
In the ballot box of paragraph (8) or paragraph (9), handling and management of voted ballots by providing a means for sealing or sealing the number of voted ballots that have been posted in units of a specified number. Therefore, the reliability can be improved and smooth work can be expected.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A ballot box according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an external structure of a ballot box according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which 11 is a ballot box housing, and the ballot box housing 11 is arranged so that others cannot see the voting operation. The screen 12 is arranged so as to surround the three sides. On the upper surface of the ballot box housing 11, there are provided a voting slot 13 for throwing a ballot and an integrated display input section 14 for confirming the content of the vote.

The integrated display / input unit 14 is formed integrally by laminating a liquid crystal display panel and a transparent tablet for coordinate input, and is used for confirming voting contents or selecting voting contents for the voter. While displaying information and the like, it is possible to execute a confirmation selection instruction operation by pressure-sensitively touching a voter's finger. In addition, a pair of doors 15 and 15 for collecting a plurality of collection boxes (described later) in which the deposited ballot papers are collected are provided and locked on the front surface of the ballot box housing 11.

FIG. 2 shows a voting paper 21 to be put in the voting slot 13.
FIG. Ballot paper 21 as shown
Is printed on one side of it, a "voting paper" character 22, a character writing area frame 23 indicating an area for writing the name of a candidate or party to vote, and three of the four corners. The ballot paper reference mark 24 is printed at the place, and the election classification information 25 using, for example, the letters "Visit" for dividing the type of election is printed at the remaining one corner portion.

The above-mentioned "voting paper" character 22 and character writing area frame 23 are formed by an optical character reading device (hereinafter referred to as "O").
It is printed in a drop-out color of, for example, light blue, which is not read during reading with "CR". Therefore, when reading the ballot paper 21 with the OCR, the characters written in the character writing area frame 23, the ballot paper reference mark 24 at three places, and the election classification information 25
Only will be read.

FIG. 3 shows the basic structure of the inside of the ballot box housing 11, in which the ballot paper 21 put in the voting slot 13 is
The first reading units 3 arranged on the upper and lower sides of the transport path 31 while being transported in the transport path 31 by the transport rollers 32.
After passing through the third reading unit 34 and the second reading unit 34, the voting paper holding unit 35 temporarily holds the voting paper.

The first reading section 33 is composed of, for example, a contact type sensor, while the second reading section 34 is composed of, for example, an optical lens type.
The reading unit 33 and the second reading unit 34 function as the input unit of the OCR.

The voting paper holding unit 35 uses the integrated display / input unit 14 including the liquid crystal display panel 48 and the transparent tablet 47 for the posted voting paper 21 until the confirmation and selection processing is completed and the voting paper is held. 21 is held, and according to the processing result, the voting paper 21 which is interlocked with the above-mentioned conveying roller 32 is conveyed to the upstream side of the conveying path 31 and discharged from the voting port 13 or the downstream of the conveying path 31. It is carried to the side and collected in any of the collecting boxes 42 to 44 described later, or the carrying operation is also performed.

However, the voting paper 21 conveyed from the voting paper holding section 35 to the downstream side of the conveyance path 31 is conveyed to the conveying path 37, by the distribution mechanism 36 interlocked with the voting paper holding section 35.
It is distributed to any of 38.

Ballot paper 21 distributed to the side of the transport path 38
After the selected candidate name or the selected political party name is printed on the surface of one of the pair of print heads 45a and 45b provided so as to sandwich the transport path 38, the collecting box 42 is used as the voting paper 21 for which the candidate is selected. Will be collected.

Further, the voting paper 21 distributed to the side of the transportation path 37 is further conveyed by the distribution mechanism 39 which is linked with the voting paper holding unit 35 and the distribution mechanism 36.
It is distributed to any one of 1.

As a result, the ballot paper 21 distributed to the side of the transport path 40 is the ballot paper 2 that has been read normally.
1 is collected in the collection box 43, and the voting paper 21 sorted to the transport path 41 side is collected in the collection box 44 as the unreadable ballot paper 21. Next, the electronic circuit configuration provided in the ballot box housing 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 21 is a control unit for controlling the entire control operation, and this control unit 51 is a first reading control unit 52, a second reading control unit 53, a memory 54, and a character recognition unit via a bus. 55, a communication interface (I / F) 56, a display controller 57, an input controller 58, a conveyance controller 59, a first print controller 61, and a second print controller 62.

The first read control section 52 and the second read control section 53 control the read operation of the first read section 33 and the second read section 34, respectively, and constitute an OCR. The image data is sent to the memory 54 according to an instruction from the control unit 51.

The memory 54 has a control program area 71 in which an operation control program is stored, an image data buffer 72 for storing input image data, and a candidate data buffer 73 for storing candidate names in advance.
(In this embodiment, the candidate name is stored because the candidate name is entered on the ballot paper, but information such as the political party name may be stored depending on the type of election.) And the character recognition result is stored. Recognition candidate data buffer 74, display screen data buffer 75 storing various display data, area data buffer 7 storing area information for each display screen
6. A recognition dictionary data buffer 77 which stores a dictionary for character recognition, and a format control data buffer 78 which stores control data used for various controls such as a reading position in reading control, a character type such as kana / kanji, and a printing position. have. The display control unit 57 controls the display of the liquid crystal display panel 48 that constitutes the integrated display input unit 14. Also, the input control unit 58
Performs the coordinate input control using the transparent tablet 47 which also constitutes the integrated display input unit 14.

The transfer control section 59 controls the transfer roller 3
2 and the motor 60 for rotatably driving the ballot paper holder 35 are controlled, and the ballot paper 21 that is conveyed by driving the distribution mechanisms 36 and 39 is distributed (collection box 4).
2 to 44) are selectively controlled. The first print controller 61
The second print control unit 62 controls printing on the voting paper 21 by the print heads 45a and 45b. Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 mainly show the contents of the voting process by the control unit 51. At the beginning, the memory 54 so as to prompt the user to insert the voting paper 21 into the voting slot 13.
The display data of the initial screen is read from the display screen data buffer 75 and the display control unit 57 displays the guidance as shown in FIG. 7 according to the data (step S1).

When the ballot paper 21 is actually posted from the voting slot 13 in accordance with this guidance display (step S2), it is determined whether or not the posted ballot paper 21 is legitimate (step S3). .

If it is determined that the ballot paper is not legitimate, the conveyance control unit 59 causes the conveyance roller 32.
Drive the ejected ballot paper from the voting slot 13 (step S4), and at the same time, the characters such as "The mailed paper is not for this ballot box" are integrated to the voter. It is displayed on the display input unit 14 to warn that the ballot is wrong (step S5), and thereafter, the display returns to the guide display of step S1 again.

When it is determined that the voting paper 21 is legitimate, the transportation roller 32 causes the voting paper 21 to be used.
Both front and back sides of the first reading unit 33, the second reading unit 34
(Step S6), and the read image data for two sides is read by the image data buffer 7 of the memory 54.
The voting paper 21 is temporarily stored in the voting paper storage unit 35 while being stored separately in 2 (step S7).

Then, the ballot paper reference mark 24 and the election classification information 25 at three locations are detected from any of the image data for two sides stored in the image data buffer 72 (step S8), so that the ballot paper 21 can be obtained. The side of the input surface where the handwriting is input is specified (step S9).

Further, with respect to the image data on the entry surface side, the direction in which the paper is inserted is specified from the positions of the above-mentioned three voting paper reference marks 24 (step S10).
The area corresponding to the character writing area frame 23, which cannot be actually read by the dropout color, is specified. Next, character recognition processing is performed on the image data of the area corresponding to the character writing area frame 23 (step S1).
1).

This character recognition processing is mainly performed by the character recognition section 55. First, the inclination of the image data corresponding to the character writing area frame 23 is corrected in accordance with the positions of the three voting paper reference marks 24. After that, cutting out is performed for each written character.

In this case, a plurality of characters are written in the character writing area frame 2.
Since it may be written obliquely within 3, the inclination is detected from the position information of each cut out character, and rotation correction is further added.

Thereafter, feature extraction is performed on each image data of each character, and pattern matching is executed using the dictionary stored in the recognition dictionary data buffer 77 of the memory 54 according to the obtained feature pattern. , Characters whose degree of similarity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value are obtained. Based on the character recognition result obtained in this way, subsequently, a candidate name identification process as shown in FIG. 13 is performed (step S12).

That is, as the candidate name specifying process, a plurality of character candidates are listed for each recognized character together with their similarity. FIG. 13A shows each character candidate obtained by performing character recognition processing on the image data when a character such as “Taro Yamada” is written and input in the character writing area frame 23 of the voting paper 21. It is a thing.

Here, for example, with respect to the first character "mountain" which is the input data, the character "mountain" having the highest similarity (score 10) and the character "small" having the second highest similarity (score 9). "
Are listed. Similarly for the second and subsequent characters, similarly, the characters having a certain degree of similarity are sequentially listed in descending order of similarity.

After enumerating the character candidates for each character in this way, the candidate name stored in the candidate data buffer 73 of the memory 54 shown in FIG. 13B is referred to, and FIG.
As shown in, the matching process is performed between the candidate name and a plurality of character candidates of each character, and the candidate names are listed in descending order of overall similarity. That is, in FIG. 13C, the candidate “Taro Yamada” has the highest degree of similarity (total score 40), and the candidate “Taro Yamaguchi” with the second highest degree of similarity is sequentially listed. Indicates. The candidate name obtained in this way is stored in the recognition candidate data buffer 74 together with the information on the overall similarity.

After the above candidate main specifying process is completed, the recognized candidate name is displayed (step S13). In this candidate name display, the candidate name with the highest degree of similarity is first selected and displayed from the recognition candidate data buffer 74 for one person, and FIG. 8 shows the display screen of the integrated display input unit 14. It is an example. Here, as shown in the figure, in the integrated display input unit 14, the characters "Display the reading result." Are displayed on the upper part, and the candidate name "Taro Yamada" with the highest similarity, which is the recognition result, is displayed approximately in the center. And "Do you want to vote for?" Are displayed respectively, and "Yes" and "No" are displayed as selection items at the bottom.

Then, depending on whether or not the portion of the transparent tablet 47 corresponding to either "Yes" or "No" is operated, it is determined whether or not the confirmation can be made next (step S14).

When "Yes" is operated, it is determined that the confirmation has been made, and the similarity of the candidate confirmed next is the highest as compared with the similarities of other candidates. Whether or not, that is, whether or not the result of character recognition has been confirmed by the voter as it is, is determined again by referring to the recognition candidate data buffer 74 (step S20).

When it is judged that the confirmed candidate has the highest similarity to the other candidates, the voting paper 21 held in the voting paper holding unit 35. To the downstream side of the transport path 31, and the sorting mechanism 3
6, the transporting path 37, the sorting mechanism 39, and the transporting path 40 are transferred to the collection box 43 for collecting the normally read ballot paper 21 (step S22).

If it is determined in step S14 that "No" has been operated and no confirmation has been made,
Then, after confirming that the screen is not the list display screen (step S15), it is determined whether or not the candidate names that have not been displayed for confirmation still remain in the recognition dictionary data buffer 77 (step S16).

Here, for example, even if the candidate name “Taro Yamada” of the first candidate is not confirmed, if it is judged that there are still candidate names below the candidate name “Taro Yamaguchi” of the second candidate, it is again determined. By repeating the processing from step S13, the remaining candidate names are sequentially displayed on the integrated display input unit 14 until they are confirmed one by one, as shown in FIG.

However, when the position corresponding to "Yes" on the integrated display input unit 14 is operated in the process of repeatedly executing the processes of steps S13 to S16, it is determined that the confirmation is made at that time. Then, whether or not the similarity of the next confirmed candidate is the highest compared to the similarity of other candidates, that is, whether the result of character recognition is confirmed by the voter as it is The recognition candidate data buffer 74 is again referred to for determination (step S20).

In this case, the similarity of the confirmed candidate is not the highest as compared with the similarities of the other candidates, so the voting paper 21 held in the voting paper holding unit 35 is used. The distribution mechanism 36 conveys the material to the downstream side of the conveyance path 31.
After printing information indicating which candidate name has been selected by a print head 45a or 45b in a predetermined column of the voting paper 21 via the transport path 38, the candidate is selected. Ballot Form 21
Is transferred to the collection box 42 for collecting (step S22).

Further, as a result of repeatedly executing the processing of steps S13 to S16, no confirmation is made even if all candidate names stored in the recognition candidate data buffer 74 are displayed in step S16, and the remaining candidates are not confirmed. If it is determined that there is no name, then a list of candidates is displayed as shown in FIG. 10 using all candidate names stored in the recognition candidate data buffer 74 (step S19), and then the process proceeds to step S14. It is determined whether or not the confirmation is made by the presence / absence of an operation on the integrated display / input unit 14 within a predetermined time.

That is, on this list display screen, all the candidate names stored in the recognition candidate data buffer 74 are displayed, and the portions of the integrated display input section 14 corresponding to the respective candidates are set as the selection areas. While waiting for the voter's selection instruction, the characters "Not applicable" are also displayed in the same row as the candidate name as shown in the figure. Here, the selection operation is performed only when the voter operates the position on the integrated display input unit 14 corresponding to the displayed candidate name, and the integrated display input unit 14 corresponding to "not applicable" is displayed. Even if the upper position is operated, the operation is not accepted and it is not considered that the selection operation is performed.

Here, if the position on the integrated display input unit 14 corresponding to the specific candidate name in the list display screen is operated again, it is determined that the confirmation has been made, and the process proceeds to step S20. If no operation is performed, it is determined that no confirmation is made, and the process proceeds to step S15. However, if it is confirmed that the screen is the list display screen in step S15, a message is displayed, as shown in Fig. 11, "Unfortunately, it cannot be read, so the election management committee should read it." Displays the word "End" that prompts the confirmation operation to end the vote.

Then, wait until there is an operation of the position on the integrated display input unit 14 corresponding to the character "end",
As soon as the operation is performed, the ballot paper 21 held in the ballot paper holder 35 is transported to the downstream side of the transport path 31, and is read via the sorting mechanism 36, the transport path 37, the sorting mechanism 39, and the transport path 41. The ballot paper 21 that has been impossible is transferred to the collection box 44 for collecting (step S18), and the process goes to step S1 to wait for the next ballot paper.

In step S22, the ballot paper 21 that has been normally read is collected in the collection box 44,
Alternatively, the collection box 43 of the ballot paper 21 from which the candidates are selected
After the completion of the collection into the memory 54, the candidate name obtained by confirmation or selection is temporarily stored in the memory 54 as voting data (step S23), and after the calculation processing stored in the control program area 71 is performed (step S23). S2
4) The communication interface 56 transfers the aggregated data to a host computer (not shown) that manages the elections that it controls (step S25).

It should be noted that, although it is an exceptional process in the above processing contents, if no writing input is made in the character writing area frame 23 of the voting paper 21 and this is judged in the character recognition processing, As shown in 12, the characters "white vote" are displayed instead of the candidate name to display the reading result, and "Yes" and "No" as the selection items.
Is displayed and the operation is waited for at any position.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a collection box 44 for collecting the voting papers 21 which have been normally read as a plurality of collection boxes, a collection box 43 for collecting the voting papers 21 for which the candidate has been selected, and unreadable. Was the ballot 2
Although three types of collection boxes, that is, a collection box 44 for collecting 1 are shown,
The present invention is not limited to this, and a collection box may be provided for each actually voted candidate.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the ballot box applied to the voting form of the registered expression in which the candidate's name is entered on the ballot is shown as an example. Next, a symbolic expression for entering a symbol or mark in the candidate's name column An example of a ballot box applied to the ballot format will be described. In addition, here, as a voting format for entering a symbol, in the symbol entry column provided in the vertical or horizontal position of the candidate name column, a symbol of ○ × format such as ○, ×, ν, etc. is provided. As an example of the method of filling out (for example, circle a candidate for voting), mark the mark in the mark column provided corresponding to the name of the candidate for voting in the standard form printed on the ballot paper Take as an example the method of filling in (filling in the fields).

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an external structure of a ballot box applied to the above-described symbolic ballot format, and 111 is a ballot box housing incorporating a symbol reader (simple OCR / OMR).

This ballot box housing 111 is provided with a display section 114 for displaying a guide message on its upper surface, a voting port 113 and a discharge port 114 on its front surface, and the mechanism shown in FIG. The circuit shown in FIG. 17 is provided.

In the ballot box housing 111, a symbol selection type voting sheet 1 for identifying a voting candidate from the writing information in the XX format such as ◯, ×, ν as shown in FIG. 15 or FIG.
21 (121a, 121b) is posted from the voting slot 113.

In FIGS. 15 and 18, reference numeral 124 is a ballot paper reference mark (reading direction reference mark), 126 is a candidate (and political party) entry column, 127 is a symbol entry column entered by the voter, and 128 is It is an election classification ID code. Here, an example of a ballot form in which the O symbol is entered in the symbol entry field 127 is illustrated.

In the paper transport path in the ballot box shown in FIG. 16, the voting paper 121 put in the voting slot 13 is transferred to the upper and lower parts of the transport path while being transported in the transport path 137 by the transport rollers. After passing through the arranged first reading unit 133 and second reading unit 134, the voting paper holding unit 135
Temporarily held in. The first and second reading units 133,
Each of 134 functions as an input unit of the simple OCR.

The ballot paper holder 135 holds the ballot paper 121 until it recognizes the written content of the posted ballot paper 121 and specifies the selection candidate from the content, and according to the recognition processing result. Ballots posted 1
21 is discharged from the discharge port 114, or the recovery box 143.
Collected in any of 144. Here, as an example, valid votes are collected in the collection box 143, invalid votes including white votes are collected in the collection box 144, and unfair voting paper is discharged from the outlet 11.
Discharge from 4. The distribution is performed by the distribution gate 13 driven under the control of the control unit 151 shown in FIG.
6a, 136b.

On the voting paper 121 (121a, 121b) collected in the collection boxes 143, 144, the paper printing unit 145 prints predetermined information such as voting box information (terminal number), acceptance date and time. Further, each time the ballot paper is collected, the collected information is printed as a journal by the journal printing unit 146, and the voting history is compressed and encrypted and stored in the voting history storage unit 183 of the memory 154. In this case, the memory 154 is used to register each print and history.
Collection box information (BC), serial number (S
R), date / time information (TM), etc. are referred to.

Further, the process of specifying the selection candidate is executed by the voting data specifying unit 155 shown in FIG.
Information on the symbol recognition result of the simple OCR (image data read by the first and second reading units 133 and 134) is cut out based on the format information stored in the format control data buffer 178, and the candidate data table 173 is displayed. By referring to this, the candidate in which the O symbol (entry symbol k shown in FIG. 20C) is entered is determined, and the number of votes of the candidate stored in the voting data storage unit 182 is updated. At this time, the first and second reading units 133,
FIG. 20 shows an image extraction process of a handwritten symbol by the simple OCR having 134, and FIG. 19 shows an overall process flow.

Now, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 19, the processing operation of the ballot box for the symbol selection type ballot paper 121 (121a, 121b) as shown in FIG. 15 or 18 will be described.

A symbol selection type ballot sheet 121 in which a ○ symbol is entered in the symbol entry field 127 (the voting candidate is specified by the entry of the ○ symbol) by an elector (voting person) who votes.
When (121a, 121b) is posted from the voting slot 113, the process shown in FIG. 19 is executed under the control of the control unit 151.

In this processing, it is recognized whether or not the deposited ballot paper is legitimate based on the information of the paper discriminating sensor 141. If the ballot paper is not legitimate, the image is not read, The sheet is discharged (returned) from the discharge port 114 (steps T1 and T2 in FIG. 19).

If the posted ballot paper is legitimate, the front and back images on the paper are read by the first and second reading units 133 and 134, and the image data buffer 172 in the memory 154 is read. Stored in (Fig. 19
Steps T3, T4).

Then, according to the format information stored in the format control data buffer 178, from the image stored in the image data buffer 172, the ballot paper reference mark (reading direction reference mark) 124 is read.
The area for recognizing the mark is cut out, the ballot paper reference mark (reading direction reference mark) 124 is detected, the symbol writing surface, the reading direction and the recognition region are specified, and the symbol reading process is executed (FIG. 19). Steps T5 to T8).

The symbol reading process at this time is as shown in FIG.
The pre-registered original ballot paper image before posting, and
The entry symbol (k) as shown in FIG. 11C is extracted by taking the exclusive OR with the ballot image in which the symbol after posting shown in FIG. 1
By the process of 55, the area determination result according to the format information stored in the format control data buffer 178 and the candidate data table 173 are referred to, and a circle symbol (entry symbol k shown in FIG. 20C) is added (vote). Candidates are identified (step T9 in FIG. 19).

If the ○ symbol is correctly entered (that is, if the designated number of people are filled in the recognizable region), it is determined that the candidate is normally identified, Performs vote count processing for the candidates who have been voted.
That is, the number of votes obtained by the candidate stored in the voting data storage unit 182 of the memory 154 is updated. Furthermore, in this case, on the ballot paper 121 (121a, 121b),
The paper printing unit 145 performs predetermined printing such as ballot box information (terminal number), date and time of acceptance, and the paper is collected in the collection box 144. Further, the collected information is displayed in the journal printing unit 14
6, the journal is printed in a journal, the voting history is compressed and encrypted and stored in the voting history storage unit 183 of the memory 154, and the voting information is sent via the communication interface 156 to a higher-level device (control device shown in FIG. 14). 20
0) (steps T10 to T13 in FIG. 19).

At this time, the pre-registered original ballot sheet image before posting shown in FIG. 20 (a) and the ballot sheet image with the post-posting symbol shown in FIG. 20 (b) all match. , ○ symbol (entry symbol k shown in FIG. 20 (c)) is recognized on none of the symbol entry boxes 127, the ballot sheet 121 (121a, 121b)
Is identified as [white vote] and stored in the voting data storage unit 182 (cumulative processing of white votes is performed), and the voting box information (terminal number) is printed on the voting paper 121 (121a, 121b) by the paper printing unit 145. Predetermined printing such as the date and time of receipt is collected in the collection box 144. Further, the collected information is journal printed by the journal printing unit 146, and the voting history is compressed and encrypted and stored in the voting history storage unit 183 of the memory 154 (steps T14 to T15 in FIG. 19). Such processing is repeatedly executed each time the ballot paper 121 (121a, 121b) is posted.

In the second embodiment described above, the ballot box applied to the symbolic voting format in which the ○ symbol is entered in the designated candidate name field has been described as an example. Next, as the third embodiment, A voting box applied to a symbolic voting format in which a mark is entered in the candidate name field will be described as an example with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23.

FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are views showing one format example of the ballot paper in the third embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 301A and 301B are mark type voting papers, 302 is a voting paper reference mark (reading direction reference mark), 303 is a timing mark for designating a reading position, and 304 is a voter's entry candidate selection Voting mark column, 305 is the candidate (and political party) entry column, 306
Is an election classification code mark column.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing the contents of the voting process in the third embodiment. In the process shown in FIG. 23, the reading target is a standard form, that is, the reading position is mark type voting paper 301A, 301B defined by the timing mark 303. Therefore, in consideration of the fact that the first and second reading units 133 and 134 function as the input units of the OMR, respectively, by replacing the symbols in the operation of the second embodiment with marks, the third embodiment can be realized. Since the voting processing operation in this case can be easily understood, its explanation is omitted here.

In the above-described second embodiment, the voter enters a circle in the symbol entry field 127 corresponding to the name of the candidate to vote, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, ×, ν, Δ.
Other symbols may be used, or, for example, in the candidate (and political party) description field 126 in which the name of the candidate to vote is described, a written form surrounding the candidate name may be used. In this case, the symbol entry field 127 is unnecessary.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the ballots collected in the collection box may be bundled, sealed, or sealed and discharged according to a predetermined number of units or according to predetermined conditions. Is also possible. In this case, set a collection bag that has been previously processed for sealing in the collection box, and
Or, when the predetermined collection conditions are met, notify the staff and structure to seal the collection bag when the collection box is moved during collection, or set a collection cardboard box in advance in the collection box,
When a predetermined number of sheets or a predetermined collection condition is reached, the staff is notified and the cover of the recovery cardboard box is folded and sealed when the collection box is moved during collection. It is possible to apply various existing bundles, sealing, and sealing mechanisms such as a structure of bundling with paper bands or elastic bands every time.

In the second and third embodiments described above, the voting data storage unit 182 stores the voting data of each candidate in consideration of reliability and credibility, and at the same time,
On the voting paper 121 (121a, 121b), the paper printing unit 145 prints predetermined information such as voting box information (terminal number), date and time of receipt, and the journal printing unit 146 prints the collected information in a journal. At the same time, the voting history is compressed and encrypted and stored in the voting history storage unit 183 of the memory 154, but a configuration in which a part of the recording means is excluded may be used.

Further, the format of the ballot paper of each voting format is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, various forms can be applied, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0091]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention,

(1) A case having a voting slot for throwing a ballot sheet, a reading means for reading character information written on the ballot box thrown in the case, and character information read by the reading means. Since the recognition means for recognizing, the totaling means for totaling the voting information recognized by this recognizing means, and the communication means for transferring the various voting information obtained by this totaling means to the host computer are provided, it is possible to vote in the ballot box. It is possible to automate the totalizing work of recognizing, totalizing and transferring the character information written on the paper.

(2) In the above item (1), since the collating means for obtaining the voting information about the corresponding candidate or political party from the character information recognized by the recognizing means is provided, the recognized voting information is more accurate. Can be one.

(3) In the above item (1), display means for displaying the voting information obtained by the matching means, and instruction means for instructing confirmation of the voting information or selection of the voting information based on the displayed voting information. Since it is provided, the voter can be asked to confirm the voting information, the correction and selection can be appropriately performed, and the voter's intention can be reflected more reliably.

(4) A case having a voting slot for throwing a ballot, a reading means for reading character information written on the ballot thrown in the case, and storing characteristic data for character recognition. The recognition dictionary is compared with the characteristic data of the character information read by the reading means and the characteristic data stored in the recognition dictionary, and the weighting coefficient is given according to the degree of similarity with the recognition dictionary. Recognizing means for outputting a plurality of recognition candidates, election information storing means storing election information regarding candidates or political parties, recognition candidates recognized by the recognizing means, and elections stored in the election information storing means Collating means for collating the information and obtaining voting information about the corresponding candidate or political party, and display means for displaying the voting information obtained by this collating means,
Instructing means for instructing confirmation of voting information or selection of voting information based on the displayed voting information, totaling means for totaling voting information specified by confirming voting information by this instructing means, and this totaling Since it was equipped with a communication means for transferring various voting information obtained by means to the host computer, the degree of similarity obtained as a result of recognizing the character information written on the ballot paper in the ballot box Encourages voters to confirm high recognition candidates,
Aggregate after performing processing such as correction selection as necessary,
Make sure to reflect the will of the voters to make the transfer,
It is possible to make sure more reliable voting by itself and to automate the counting work from voting, counting and transfer.

(5) In the item (4), the collating means cumulatively calculates the weighting factors of the recognition candidates corresponding to the voting information, and the display means has a high priority according to the cumulative value of the weighting factors. Since the voting information is sequentially displayed from the above, it is possible to facilitate the voter's confirmation instruction by displaying the recognition candidate that seems to have the highest degree of similarity in accordance with the result of character recognition.

(6) In the item (4), the collating means cumulatively calculates the weighting factors of the recognition candidates corresponding to the voting information, and the display means has a high priority according to the cumulative value of the weighting factors. Since the voting information is displayed in order from, it is possible to check and select voting information from similar recognition candidates with similar similarity depending on the result of character recognition. , You can vote more reliably.

(7) In the above item (5) or (6), when the cumulative value of the weighting coefficient of the voting information confirmed by the instructing means does not meet a predetermined criterion, a notifying means for notifying it Since the similarity is low, if only the one with low certainty as a corresponding recognition candidate is obtained, the fact is notified, and it is possible to shift to a reliable voting process later. .

(8) Further, according to the ballot box of the present invention, a case having a voting opening for throwing a ballot, and written information for reading information written on the ballot put in the case can be read. By comprising the reading means and the voting processing means for executing the voting processing in accordance with the information read by the written information reading means, the contents of the voting according to the information written on the ballot box put in the ballot box Can be immediately recognized and registered and totaled, and voting and totaling work can be automated to perform each of the above works quickly and with high reliability.

(9) Further, according to the ballot box of the present invention, there is provided a case having a voting slot for throwing a ballot, and means for reading the information written on the ballot thrown in the case. , Means for identifying a candidate from the information read by this means, means for recording predetermined information on a ballot paper applicable when the candidate is identified by this means, and voting information for the identified candidate By including a means for transferring to an external device, it is possible to instantly recognize and register the voting contents of the ballots posted in the ballot box, and to automate the voting and counting work, Each work can be performed efficiently, quickly and with high reliability.

(10) Further, according to the present invention, in the ballot box of item (8) or (9), the information of the XX format (for example, ◯, ×, ν, △
Etc.) to use a simple OCR to identify the voting candidates, for example, by using a voting sheet on which multiple candidates (or candidate numbers) and selection symbols are printed It becomes possible to easily vote for the selection formula by filling in ○ or ×.

(11) Further, according to the present invention, in the ballot box of item (8) or (9), the voting candidate is specified from the mark information written on the posted ballot paper.
By adopting a configuration using MR, for example, a selection formula in which a mark is entered in the selection mark entry field using a form-like ballot paper in which a plurality of candidates (or candidate numbers) and selection mark entry fields are printed Can be easily voted on.

(12) Further, according to the present invention, in the ballot box of item (8) or (9), the journal record means for recording the vote history is provided, and the vote history in the own ballot box is saved. By doing so, it becomes possible to confirm the election result information (voting result information) transferred to the outside, and it is possible to construct a highly reliable information management mechanism.

(13) Item (3), item (4),
In the ballot box of item (8) or (9), a plurality of collection boxes configured to be separable from the housing and collecting the deposited ballot papers, and a ballot for which recognition processing has been completed by the recognition unit. Since the holding means for temporarily holding the paper and the collecting box selecting means for guiding the ballot paper held by the holding means to the corresponding collecting box according to the instruction state by the instructing means are provided. , It is possible to facilitate the counting work after collecting the ballots.

(14) The items (1), (4),
In the ballot box of the item (8) or the item (9), it is determined that the ballot paper is a regular ballot paper, and the result determined by the discriminating means is not a regular ballot paper. Since it is provided with an ejecting means for ejecting the ballot paper to the outside of the casing when it is discriminated and an informing means for interlocking with the ejecting means and notifying that the ballot paper put in the box is not proper, It is possible to prevent the use of various ballots and notify the fact.

(15) The above items (1), (4),
In the ballot box according to item (8) or (9), the reading means is composed of a first reading means and a second reading means for reading the front surface and the back surface of the ballot paper respectively. The character information written on the paper can be surely read regardless of whether the paper is put in the voting slot in either direction.

(16) Item (1), item (4),
In the ballot box according to item (8) or (9), since the reference mark for determining the reading direction of the ballot is set on the ballot, the ballot can be vertically, horizontally or diagonally. Even if the paper is put in the voting slot in the direction of, the direction can be detected and the character information written on the paper can be surely read.

(17) Item (1), item (4),
In the ballot box of item (8) or (9), since the information indicating the type of election is set in the ballot sheet, even if a plurality of elections are held at the same time, It is possible to prevent the ballot for election from being specified by mistake.

(18) Further, according to the present invention, in the ballot box of the above item (1), item (4), item (8), or item (9), a balloted ballot that has been submitted by voting is sent. By having a means for sealing or sealing a predetermined number of sheets as a unit, it is possible to improve the reliability in handling and managing the voted ballot sheets, and expect smooth work.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a ballot box according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a ballot according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a basic structure inside a ballot box housing according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of voting processing according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of voting processing according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen display state according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen display state according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen display state according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen display state according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a screen display state according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a screen display state according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a matching process of recognition candidate names according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a ballot box according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a format example of a voting paper sheet according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a basic structure inside a ballot box housing in the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another format example of the ballot paper according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the contents of voting processing in the second embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a view for explaining the voting read processing operation in the second embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the format of a voting paper sheet according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a view showing another format example of the ballot paper according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the contents of voting processing in the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

11, 111 ... Ballot box housing, 12 ... Screen, 13,
113 ... Voting port, 14 ... Integrated display input unit, 15 ... Door 21,121,301A, 301B ... Voting paper, 2
2 ... "Voting paper" characters, 23 ... character writing area frame, 24,
124, 302 ... Ballot paper reference mark (reading direction reference mark), 25 ... Election classification information, 31, 37, 38, 4
0, 41 ... Transport path, 32 ... Transport rollers, 33, 133 ...
First reading unit, 34, 134 ... Second reading unit, 3
5,135,138 ... Ballot paper holder, 36, 39, 1
36a, 136b ... Sorting mechanism, 42-44, 143,
144 ... Recovery box, 45a, 45b ... Print head, 47 ...
Transparent tablet, 48 ... Liquid crystal display panel, 51, 151
... Control unit, 52, 152 ... First reading control unit, 53, 1
53 ... Second reading control unit, 54, 154 ... Memory, 55
... Character recognition unit, 56, 156 ... Communication interface (communication I / F), 57, 157 ... Display control unit, 59, 1
59 ... Transport control unit, 60, 160 ... Motor, 61 ... First
Printing control unit, 62 ... Second printing control unit, 71, 171
Control program area, 72, 172, image data buffer, 73, 173, candidate data buffer, 74
... recognition candidate data buffer, 75 ... display screen data buffer, 76 ... area data buffer, 77 ... recognition dictionary data buffer, 78 ... format control data buffer, 112 ... display section, 114 ... discharge port, 145 ...
Paper printing unit, 146 ... Journal printing unit, 127 ... Symbol entry frame, 155 ... Voting data specifying unit, 182 ... Voting data storage unit, 183 ... Voting history storage unit, 200 ... Control device, 303 ... Timing mark, 304 ... Voting Mark column, 306 ... Election division mark column.

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A case having a voting slot for throwing a ballot, a reading unit for reading character information written on the ballot posted in the case, and a character information read by the reading unit is recognized. A voting box comprising: a recognizing means, a totaling means for totaling the voting information recognized by the recognizing means, and a communication means for transferring various voting information obtained by the totaling means to a host computer. 2. The ballot box according to claim 1, further comprising collating means for obtaining voting information on the corresponding candidate or political party from the character information recognized by the recognizing means. 3. A display means for displaying voting information obtained by the collating means, and an instruction means for instructing confirmation of voting information or selection of voting information based on the displayed voting information. The ballot box according to claim 2. 4. A case having a voting slot for throwing a ballot, a reading means for reading character information written on the ballot thrown in the case, and characteristic data for character recognition are stored. The recognition dictionary and the characteristic data of the character information read by the reading means and the characteristic data stored in the recognition dictionary are compared and collated, and a weighting factor assigned according to the degree of similarity with the recognition dictionary is set. A recognizing unit that obtains and outputs a plurality of recognition candidates, an election information storing unit that stores election information about a candidate or a political party, a recognition candidate recognized by the recognizing unit, and election information stored in the election information storing unit. And matching means for obtaining the voting information about the corresponding candidate or political party, display means for displaying the voting information obtained by this matching means, and based on the displayed voting information. Based on this, the instruction means for instructing confirmation of the voting information or the selection of the voting information, the aggregation means for aggregating the voting information identified by confirming the voting information by this instructing means, and the various voting information obtained by this aggregation means And a communication means for transferring the data to a host computer. 5. The collating means cumulatively calculates the weighting factors of the recognition candidates corresponding to the voting information, and the displaying means displays the voting information in descending order of priority according to the cumulative value of the weighting factors. The ballot box according to claim 4, characterized in that. 6. The collating means cumulatively calculates the weighting factors of the recognition candidates corresponding to the voting information, and the displaying means displays the voting information as a list in descending order of priority according to the cumulative value of the weighting factors. The ballot box according to claim 4, characterized in that 7. The informing means for informing that when the cumulative value of the weighting factors of the voting information confirmed by the instructing means does not meet a predetermined criterion, the informing means is provided. Ballot box described. 8. A case having a voting opening for throwing a ballot, a handwritten information reading means for reading information written on a ballot sent in the housing, and a handwriting information reading means for reading the written information. A voting box comprising a voting processing means for executing voting processing according to information. 9. A case having a voting slot for throwing a ballot, a means for reading information written on the ballot posted in the case, and a candidate identified from the information read by this means. Means for recording predetermined information on a corresponding ballot when a candidate is identified by this means, and means for transferring the vote information of the identified candidate to an external device. Ballot box characterized by becoming. 10. ○ × written on a ballot that has been posted
The ballot box according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the voting candidate is identified from the format information. 11. The ballot box according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the voting candidate is identified from the mark information written on the posted ballot paper. 12. The ballot box according to claim 8, further comprising means for recording a voting history. 13. A plurality of collection boxes configured to be separable from the housing, for collecting the deposited ballot papers, and holding means for temporarily holding the ballot papers that have been recognized by the recognition means. 9. A collecting box selecting means for guiding the ballot paper held by the holding means to a corresponding collecting box according to the instruction state of the instructing means. Ballot box described in 9. 14. A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the ballot is a legitimate ballot, and when the discriminating result by the discriminating means is not a legitimate ballot, the ballot is the casing. 10. An ejecting means for ejecting to the outside of the body, and an informing means for informing that the ballot paper put in the box in association with the ejecting means is not a proper one, are provided, 1 or 4 or 8 or 9. Ballot box. 15. The reading unit comprises a first reading unit and a second reading unit for reading the front surface and the back surface of the ballot paper, respectively. Ballot box. 16. The ballot box according to claim 1, wherein a reference mark for determining the reading direction of the ballot is set on the ballot. 17. The ballot box according to claim 1, wherein the ballot paper is set with information indicating the type of election. 18. The ballot box according to claim 1, wherein the ballot box has a means for sealing or sealing a predetermined number of voted ballots that have been cast.