RU2265887C2 - Method for automatic processing of voting papers and device for realization of said method - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: equipment for automatic collection of information about vote results.

SUBSTANCE: method includes inserting vote papers into track and moving them along track while synchronously reading their full width images on both sides of sheet with recognition of voter marks and qualification of papers with concurrent marking of invalid papers, read image if transformed to digital code signals, appropriate for semi-tone presentation of image and also lighting level is automatically set, determined by white field of paper and corrections are introduced compensating unevenness of transfer of signals by objective and distortions, caused by blinks from parts of optical track and deviation of sensitivity of elements of reading photo-receiver, on basis of multiplication of signals of image of each element of read string of vote paper on coefficients, determined for each read element during scanning of white field.

EFFECT: higher trustworthiness of results due to improved reliability of recognition of marks put down by voters.

3 cl, 2 dwg

Description

The invention relates to techniques for the automated collection of information on voting results and can be used to read information from ballots and register this information at central stations, can be used in precinct election commissions in the process of preparing for elections and referenda at all levels in accordance with applicable law. The main components of the complex can also be used in the inter-election period for information from city authorities, local administrations and other public services. The complex is designed to read ballots from all candidates, register voting results in the form of protocols on paper and on magnetic media (floppy disks) and transmit the results to higher commissions via the telecommunication network.

It is a well-known method for the automated processing of ballots for voting, including the preparation of ballots, entering ballots and moving them along the path, followed by scanning their images, recognizing the type of ballots and the information entered by voters, classifying ballots, and counting votes.

A disadvantage of the known solution is that the method is focused on the processing of specially designed ballots of a rigid form, since the image is not read out over the entire width of the sheet, but only certain parts of it that contain marks, while the marks are read only from one side of the sheet. Such an approach implies a high accuracy in the production of ballots, and hence their higher cost. This limits the maximum number of positions in the ballot and does not allow the processing of forms of arbitrary form. When voting, the ballot must be lowered into the device in a certain way, which in the conditions of real elections is not acceptable, since the voter who comes to the polls does not undergo special training before voting. In real conditions, this leads to a violation of the secrecy of the ballot, since when voting, the voter needs the help of the operator. When implementing the known method, it is not possible to sort ballots into different compartments.

Known systems for counting votes in the voting process, which contain input means for cards (ballots), a scanning tool, a processing device, a device for transmitting information to a central point on which a computer is located, can be communicated via radio, LED or wire lines [ 1], [2], [3].

A device for recording sign information is known, which comprises means for transporting a document to a reading zone — to a scanning zone, a reading device and a document sorting device [4].

The closest in technical essence to the claimed method of automated processing of ballots is a method of automated processing of ballots [5], including the preparation of ballots, and their movement along the path with simultaneous scanning of their image across the entire width of each sheet of the ballot simultaneously from both sides, recognizing the type of ballot and entered in them, information by voters, classification of ballots and their sorting with division into valid and invalid with simultaneous labeling ballot papers and vote counting.

However, this method does not provide sufficient reliability for the recognition of voter marks, since it does not take into account the uneven transmission of light by the lens, interference from glare of the optical path and the dispersion of the sensitivity of the elements of the reading photodetector, it takes time to pre-configure the reader for the peculiarity of each sheet of the ballot, its whiteness, color and does not provide protection against failures when introducing folded in half or 2 sheets of ballots into the path, does not provide the input of the next ballot up to approx nchaniya complete processing the information from the previous one.

A method for automated processing of ballots is carried out using a device that contains a ballot scanner connected by a communication line to a stand-alone recognition station, the scanner is configured to automatically control the double-sided reading of ballots, as well as programmatically control the sorting and marking of ballots, and the recognition station is made with the ability to identify bulletin markings and programmatically control sorting into a scanner e.

The disadvantage of this device is the complicated hardware and insufficient security of the communication line, which means the possibility of outside interference in the voting results. In addition, the scanner does not compensate for interference due to the uneven transmission of light by the lens over the entire width of the ballot and because of the glare of the optical path and the spread of the sensitivity of the elements of the reading light receiver, the scanner does not automatically adjust to the characteristics of each sheet of the bulletin according to its whiteness and color, the scanner does not ensure the correctness of automated vote counting, as there is no protection against failures when a doubled ballot or double ballots are inserted into the path.

The closest technical solution to the device for implementing the proposed method for the automated processing of ballots is a ballot box [6], containing a container with a lid in which a hole for the ballots is made, a guide, the first and second transporting drums associated with the electric drive, two readers consisting of light sources, lenses and photodetector blocks located opposite the windows in the guide between the first and second transporting drums, d photosensor located in the holes of the guide, one of which is installed in front of the first and the other in front of the second transport drum, a thickness gauge of ballots located in the hole on the guide in front of the first transport drum, an invalid ballot gauge, consisting of a punch kinematically connected to an electromagnet, and a counting unit, to the input of which the outputs of the photosensors and photodetector blocks are connected, and to the outputs are electric drives, an indicator and an electromagnet.

The disadvantage of such a ballot box is that it does not provide sufficient reliability for detecting voter marks, because the irregularity of light transmission by the lens, interference from glare of the optical path and the spread of sensitivity of the elements of the reading photodetectors are not taken into account.

The main task to which the invention is directed is to ensure the reliability of the results obtained by increasing the reliability of recognition of marks put down by voters on ballots.

The problem is solved using the proposed method for the automated processing of ballots for voting and devices for its implementation.

The proposed method for the automated processing of voting ballots, like the prototype, includes the input of ballots and their movement along the path with the simultaneous reading of their image over the entire width of the sheet on both sides of the ballot.

Unlike the prototype, the read-out image of the ballot is converted into digital code signals corresponding to the grayscale representation of the image, and at the same time, the illumination level of the ballot specified in the white field is automatically set and corrections are made for the uneven transmission of signals by the lens for distortion caused by glare from the optical path details and scatter the sensitivity of the elements of the reading photodetector, based on the multiplication of the image signals of each element read ballot lines for the coefficients determined for each reading element when scanning a white field.

In addition, in the proposed method, a ballot paper of any format is used without limiting the number of columns on two sides of the sheet, and when a ballot paper is entered into the path, the thickness of the ballot sheet is measured.

The essence of the proposed method for the automated processing of ballots is to provide the ability to read information across the entire width of the sheet and on both sides of the ballot, the ability to receive a ballot of any orientation and any format, without limiting the number of columns on both sides of the sheet, with the possibility of protecting against the simultaneous entry of two or more bulletins or a sheet folded in half with automatic adjustment of the light to the level of whiteness and color of the ballot when reading the white field of the ballot and cally entering corrections for the distortions caused by uneven light transmitting lens, flares from the details of the optical path and spread sensitivity photodetectors sensing elements defined on a white field bulletin.

The proposed device for implementing the automated processing of ballots, as well as the prototype, contains a container with a lid in which a hole for the ballots is made, a guide, first and second transporting drums associated with electric drives, a ballot thickness sensor connected to the tolerance zone detector, the first and the second reader, consisting of light sources, lenses and photodetector blocks located opposite the windows in the guide, two photosensors located in the hole tiyah guide, one of which is set before the first, and the other - to the second conveying drum, and invalid votes timer counting unit.

In contrast to the prototype, a third photosensor installed in the guide hole after the second transporting drum, a program control unit and a video module block containing a generator generating control signals for photodetector blocks and signals synchronizing ballot transportation with a scan in photodetector blocks, a two-channel analog, are additionally introduced into the device -digital converter of signals from photodetector blocks into a digital code, providing recording of half-tone signals ballot images in the memory of the counting unit, a two-channel random access memory for storing image signals from the photodetector blocks before transferring them to the counting unit for recognizing voter marks, a two-channel random access memory for storing correction factors and a two-channel multiplier for entering corrections for the unevenness of light transmission by the lens , for distortions caused by glare from the details of the optical path and the spread of photo sensitivity receivers, while the outputs of the first, second and third photosensors and the output of the tolerance zone detector are connected to the inputs of the program control unit, and the inputs of the electric drive and the marker of invalid ballots are connected to the outputs, the outputs of the photodetector blocks of the first and second reading devices are connected to the first inputs, the second inputs are connected via a serial synchronous SPI bus, the program control unit is connected, and the output of the video module block is connected to the counting block via programmable input ports a PCI output for configuring and controlling the video module, supporting the exchange of information between the software control unit and the counting unit, and also for transmitting corrected image signals to the counting unit.

The essence of the device for implementing the proposed method lies in the fact that the video module block is capable of generating control signals for the photodetector blocks and converting the halftone image signals of the ballot into a digital code for writing to the memory of the counting unit, as well as generating signals that synchronize the transportation of ballots with a scan in the photodetector blocks.

The video module block is capable of storing correction factors in RAM and introducing corrections for the uneven transmission of light by the lens, for distortions caused by glare from parts of the optical path and the spread in the sensitivity of photodetector elements. Corrections are entered on the basis of the element-wise multiplication of the image signals of the elements of the read line of the ballot by the coefficients determined for each element when reading the white field of the ballot, independently for each reader.

The video module block is configured to set the black level and amplify image signals independently for each reader according to control commands received from the counting unit via the PCI bus.

The task set when creating a method for automated processing of ballots and devices for its implementation, was made possible thanks to the following.

The use of the voting device made it possible to concentrate all the processing of ballots and vote counting in one place, which led to a reduction in the length of communication lines and an increase in the reliability of the product.

A device for implementing the proposed method, equipped with a ballot thickness sensor and a tolerance zone detector, does not allow the drive of the transporting unit to be switched on when two ballots or double one ballot are folded into the device, it provides protection against failures in the vote count.

The introduction of a program control unit into the device with photo sensors, a bulletin thickness sensor and an electric drive connected to it allows you to transfer the program control functions of the transportation unit from the counting unit to the program control unit, thereby freeing up the computing resource of the counting unit, which reduces the processing time and classification of the newsletter.

The electric drive of the transporting drums, controlled from the program control unit with the possibility of separately turning on and off the first and second transporting drums, reduces the time the device is ready to receive the next bulletin, that is, increases its productivity.

The introduction of a video module block into the device, to the first inputs of which photodetectors of readers are connected, and a program control block is connected to the second inputs via the serial synchronous SPI bus, made it possible to convert the image signals of the ballot to a digital code corresponding to the grayscale image, to determine the white level of the white field of the ballot and establish the necessary coverage of the bulletin, determine and store in the random-access memory (RAM) the values of the correction factors ffitsientov and to introduce corrections to the digital image signal on the transmission light lens unevenness on the distortion caused by glare from the details of the optical path and spread sensitivity photodetectors sensing elements, image signals before transmission bulletin in a counting unit for the labeling and detection bulletin voter marks.

Thus, the combination of the above features allows us to solve the problem.

The invention is illustrated by drawings, where figure 1 shows a General view of a device for implementing a method of automated processing of ballots, figure 2 presents a functional block diagram of a device for implementing the proposed method.

The proposed method for the automated processing of ballots is as follows.

On ballots having a typographic text without limiting the number of columns, a stamp indicating the number of the precinct election commission, the voter makes a mark, which, according to the law, represents any sign in the box. Ballot papers printed on paper 210 mm wide (A4 format) and lengths from 230 to 600 mm, as well as ballots printed on paper 299 mm wide (A3 format), are used. When using such forms, it is possible to place several ballots on one sheet, which greatly increases the information capacity of bulletins.

When you turn on (power) the device for implementing the method of automated processing of ballots performs self-control tests. Before voting begins, information on the number of candidates and the location of the corresponding sections of the ballot (squares), in which voters must be marked, are written to the counting block of the device using the diskette and keyboard connected to the device’s counting unit, and lower and upper threshold values of the tolerance zone of the ballot thickness. After that, the device is ready to enter and process the newsletter and the indication “Enter the newsletter” on its top panel lights up. When “Enter ballot” is lit on the top panel, the voter manually directs the ballot to the device’s inlet. The device accepts ballots in any orientation, without returning incorrectly dropped ballots to the voter. However, if the ballot is entered with a significant bias, it will be returned back to the voter. After the ballot is correctly entered into the device, information is read out over the entire width of the sheet and from both sides, while synchronous sheet movement and image reading are provided. Halftone image is converted to digital code. At the beginning of the movement of the ballot, a white field is read, by the signal of which the optimal level of brightness and illumination are determined, correction factors are determined to take into account distortions caused by uneven transmission of light by the lens, glare in the optical path, and the spread of sensitivity of the elements of the reading photodetectors. Correction factors are remembered for the entire duration of the passage of the bulletin along the path. In this case, the signals of each line of the read image are multiplied element by factor by correction factors, thereby eliminating distortions in the image signals of the newsletter and the white level for all read lines is referenced to one value. The read and corrected image of the ballot is recognized in the counting block. The software allows you to categorize ballots into categories: valid, invalid and of an undefined form, identifies voters' marks in squares and calculates votes and marks invalid ballots and ballots of an undefined form.

A device for implementing a method for the automated processing of ballots contains a container 1, closed by a lid 2, in which a hole 3 for the ballots is made. Behind the hole 3, there is a guide 4 in which a first transport drum 5 is connected, connected by friction wheels 6 and 7 with an electric motor 8, and a second transport drum 9, connected by friction wheels 10 and 11 with an electric motor 12. Electric motors 8 and 12 together with a control unit ( not shown) form an electric drive 13 ballots (figure 2). The first photosensor 14 and the thickness gauge of the ballot 15 are located in the holes of the guide 4 in front of the first transport drum 5, the second photosensor 16 is installed in the hole of the guide 4 in front of the second transport drum 9. Between the first 5 and second 9 transport drums in the guide 4 there are windows opposite which on one side of the rail there is a first reader consisting of a light source 17 and a lens 18, behind which a first block of photodetectors 19 is located, on the other hand, a second reader at troystvo consisting of a light source 20 and lens 21, behind which is a second block 22 of photodetectors. In front of the second transporting drum 9, a tooth disk 23 is located, on both sides of which support belts 24 are made. A tooth disk 23 is rotatably mounted on a lever 25 kinematically connected with an electromagnet 26. The disk 23 is capable of rotation as well as movement perpendicular to the guide 4 The device also has a tolerance zone detector 27 (Fig. 2), a counting unit 28 and an indicator 29. The counting unit 28 also has an input 30 for recording information about ballots.

The light sources 17 and 20 can be made in the form of linear fluorescent lamps of white light or a line of light-emitting diodes connected to the outputs of electronic ballasts 31 and 32, the inputs of which are connected to the outputs of the program control unit 33.

The device has a software control unit 33, a video module unit 34.

In the hole of the guide 4 after the second 9 transporting drum, a third photosensor 35 is installed. The thickness gauge of the ballot 15 (Fig. 2) is connected to the input of the detector of the tolerance zone 27, the output of which and the output of the sensors 14, 16 and 35 are connected to the inputs of the program control unit 33, to the outputs of which are connected to the electric drive 13 and the electromagnet 26. The photodetector blocks 19 and 22 are connected to the first inputs of the video module 34, and the software block 33 is connected to the second inputs of the video module block 34 via a serial synchronous SPI bus. The output unit of the video module 34 is connected to the counting unit 28 via the PCI bus.

The electric drive 13 may contain up to 2 DC motors 8 and 12 (for example, DPM-30), alternating current (for example, UKD-32) or stepper (for example, DShP-200).

The photosensors 14, 16 and 35 can be made in the form of optocouplers using KIPD-4 LEDs and FT2K phototransistor. The sensor 15 of the thickness of the ballot can also be made in the form of an optocoupler using an infrared emitting diode AL107B and an FT2K phototransistor. As a light source 17 and 20, linear OSRAM FM11W840 fluorescent lamps connected to electronic devices operating at an increased frequency can be used (Rokhlin G.N. Gas-discharge light sources. M.-L., "Energy", 1966, p. 347-358). Blocks 19 and 22 of photodetectors can be implemented on the basis of multi-element photodetector arrays of CCDs from SONY LX523A, NEC mPD3734A, and contact-type photodetector arrays combined with a linear illuminator from DYNA IMAGE CORP. Video module block 34 can be implemented on the basis of a specialized programmable LSI company ALTERA with a degree of integration of more than 3000 gates / crystal, two-channel analog-to-digital conversion 36 AD 9822JR of Analog Devices. The tolerance zone detector 27 can be implemented on comparison circuits, for example, on two K1401CA1 analog comparators, each of which is installed on the upper and lower threshold values of the tolerance zone detector (V. Shilo. Linear integrated circuits in electronic equipment. - M: “Soviet Radio "P.228-229, 368. The counting unit 28 can be made in the form of a single-board microcomputer (iUKI-740E PCSA Bus Pentium, CPU card W / 10/100 Mbps), to the input / output ports of which a video module block 34 is connected via the PCI bus through which signals are transmitted from the block of software control messages 33 to the counting unit 28 and commands from the counting unit 28 to the program control unit 33.

An indicator 29 is also connected to the ports of the microcomputer, which can be made in the form of a multi-digit digital display using digital indicators AL324B, a display, etc. The program control unit 33 can be implemented on the basis of mass programmable circuits, for example, PIC microcontrollers PIC 16 CXX (PIC microcontrollers Application Practice. DMR Press, 2002).

The video module block 34 includes a two-channel analog-to-digital converter 36, a two-channel multiplier 37, a random access memory (RAM) of correction factors 38, a buffer RAM 39, a PCI bus communication unit 40, through which the video module block 34 is connected to the counting unit 28, the generator control pulses of photodetectors 41, a clock 42 for general synchronization of the operation of the device and the communication unit of the SPI bus.

The photodetector control pulse generator 41 is connected to the clock pulse generator 42 for overall synchronization of the operation of the device.

A specific example of a method for automated processing of voting ballots using the proposed device.

Before voting begins, information on the number of candidates and the location of the corresponding sections of the ballot (the squares in which voters must be put down, as well as when lowering the test ballot from the sensor 15) are recorded using the diskette and keyboard connected to the input 30 of the counting block 28 bulletin thickness, lower and upper threshold values of the tolerance zone of its thickness.

In the voting process, the voter makes a mark in the ballot and directs it to the hole 3 of the cover 2. When moving in the guide 4, the ballot blocks the light flux of the first photosensor 14 and reduces the flow of the sensor 15 of the thickness of the ballot.

The signal from the output of the sensor 15 of the thickness of the ballot enters the detector of the tolerance zone 27 and, if it is within the specified tolerance zone, the signal from the output of the detector of the tolerance zone 27 together with the signal from the output of the first photosensor 14 enters the program control unit 33, providing at its output the activation signal of the electric motor 8 of the electric drive 13. The rotation of the electric motor 8 is transmitted through the friction wheels 6 and 7 to the first transport drum 5, which transports the ballot along the guide 4. In this case, the ballot passes past the window in the guide 4, where its sections are illuminated by the light fluxes from the light sources 17 and 20. The light flux reflected from the white field of the ballot is focused by lenses 18 and 21 onto the photodetector units 19 and 22. At the outputs of the blocks 19 and 22 of the photodetectors, signals appear that carry information about the magnitude of the light flux reflected from each element of the read bulletin line.

These signals are fed to a two-channel analog-to-digital converter 36 in the block of the video module 34 (Fig. 2), converted to a digital code corresponding to a grayscale image, and written to the buffer RAM 39. Based on the analysis of the light distribution in the white field of the newsletter sheet, the counting unit 28 generates correction factors for each element of the read line. Correction factors are stored in RAM of correction factors 38 for the duration of the ballot, and the signals from each read line of the image of the ballot are multiplied in block 37 by the received coefficients as the ballot passes by the window in the guide 4. At the same time, the counting block 28 through the video module 34, the program block control 33 and electronic ballasts 31 and 32 regulate the amount of luminous flux of light sources 17 and 20, providing optimal illumination at the input of blocks 19 and 22 photodetectors. When 4 marks marked by the voter appear in the guide window, the reflected light flux from these elements drops, which leads to a change in the signal at the output of photodetector units 19 and 22. These signals through analog-to-digital converters in the video module 34 are fed to the counting unit 28, which determines in which section of the newsletter the signal has changed. In this case, the signals from each read line of the image of the ballot after being converted to the digital code of the ADC 36 pass through the two-channel multiplier 37, the buffer RAM 39 and through the communication unit 40 via the PCI bus, enter the counting unit 28. At the initial moment, all the correction factors 38 in the RAM the coefficients are equal to 1, therefore, the code corresponding to the grayscale image with all the irregularities through the buffer RAM 39, the communication unit 40 via the PCI bus, enters the counting unit 28, which estimates the maximum signal level and generates a code corresponding to etstvuyuschy optimal level of illumination. At the same time, the counting unit 28 generates correction factors. The lighting control code for the PCI bus through the communication unit 40, the SPI communication unit via the SPI bus in the video module unit 34 is transmitted via the program control unit 33 to the ballast device 31 and 32 for regulating the luminous flux of the light sources 17 and 20, providing optimal illumination.

With further transportation along the guide 4, the bulletin closes the luminous flux of the second photosensor 16. The signal from the output of the photosensor enters the program control unit 33, enabling the motor 12 to turn on.

The rotation of the electric motor 12 is transmitted through the friction wheels 10 and 12 to the second transport drum 9, which captures the ballot and carries it further along the guide 4. After the entire ballot passes by the second photosensor 16, the light flux in it opens, the signal from its output enters the program control unit 33 , which generates a stop signal for electric motors 8 and 12. The first and second conveying drums 5 and 9 are stopped, and the upper part of the ballot remains in the guide 4, in contact with orym conveying drum 9. The counting unit 28 performs processing to read the bulletin information, determining the presence on the ballot marks affixed voter, and their number. If there is one mark on the ballot, it is considered valid, and in accordance with the location of this mark in the memory of the counting unit 28 is recorded “vote” cast for one candidate or “against all” candidates. If the ballot does not have any marks of the voter or more than one mark, it shall be considered invalid. In this case, the counting unit 28 generates a signal supplied to the electromagnet 26, the turning lever 25. In this case, the disk with teeth 23 moves perpendicular to the guide 4, and the teeth break through the holes on the ballot, and the support belts 24 protect the ballot from warping and tearing. At the same time, at the end of the processing of the read information, the counting unit 28 generates a signal of readiness for receiving the next ballot and a signal to turn on the electric motor 12, the second transport drum 9 starts to rotate, the ballot leaves the guide 4 and enters the tank 1. At the same time, it passes the third photosensor 35. If the ballot was invalid, the tooth disk 23 will break through the holes in the ballot, and when the ballot is moved by the second transport drum 9, the tooth disk 23 starts to rotate, breaking new apertures in the bulletin. After the ballot leaves the guide 4 and the whole ballot passes by the third photosensor 35, the light flux in it opens, the signal from its output goes to the program control unit 33, which generates stop signals for the electric motor 12 and the electromagnet 26 is turned off, and the lever returns to its original position.

In the voting process, in the memory of the counting block 28, the “votes” cast for each candidate are summed up. The counting unit 28 also generates a signal for the number of dropped ballots. After the election, the voting results using the keyboard connected to the input 30 of the counting unit 28 can be displayed on the indicator 29, as well as, if necessary, on a printing device, modem, etc.

Thus, the proposed method and device for its implementation provide automated counting of votes cast in the election process for each candidate, as well as against all candidates.

The advantages of the invention are to expand the functionality and improve operational characteristics, namely:

- makes it impossible to enter into the device a folded ballot, as well as folded together two or more ballots, which eliminates errors in the automated vote counting;

allows you to take into account the corrections for uneven signal transmission by the lens, for distortions from glare in the optical path and for the spread of the sensitivity of the elements of reading photodetectors, which improves the reliability of detection of voter marks and thereby reduces the likelihood of errors in the automated counting of voters, and also allows you to enter the ballot in the device by either side;

- allows you to read marks of any color;

- provides optimal exposure of the photodetector block during the reading of information at different reflection coefficients of the paper on which the bulletin is printed;

- significantly reduces the time until ready to receive the next ballot, which makes it possible to use, for example, two devices instead of three at large polling stations;

- does not require periodic sharpening of the punch of the punch.

Sources of information

1. Germany, patent No. 4000133, IPC G 07 C 13/00, 11/07, 1991

2. International application (WO) No. 91/01333, IPC G 07 C 13/00, 11/07, 1991

3. USA, patent No. 3793505, IPC G 07 C 13/00, 1974

4. Russian Federation patent №2113728, IPC G 07 D 7/00, 1998

5. Russian Federation patent No. 2172981, IPC G 07 C 13/00, 2001 - prototype.

6. Russian Federation, utility model certificate No. 21644, IPC G 07 C 13/07, 2002 - prototype.

Claims (3)

1. A method for automated processing of ballots, including entering ballots into the path and moving ballots along the path with synchronous reading of their images across the entire width and on both sides of the sheet with recognition of voter marks and qualification of ballots with the simultaneous marking of invalid ballots and vote counting, characterized in that the readable image of the ballot is converted into signals of a digital code corresponding to a halftone the presentation of the image and at the same time automatically set the illumination level of the bulletin defined by the white field and introduce corrections for the irregularity of the signal transmission by the lens for distortions caused by glare from the optical path details and the sensitivity spread of the read photodetector elements, based on the multiplication of image signals of each element of the read ballot line by the coefficients determined for each reading element when scanning a white field. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that they use a ballot of any format without limiting the number of columns on both sides of the sheet. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the ballot is entered into the path, the thickness of the ballot sheet is measured.

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