WO2002084606A1 - Systeme et procede de vote - Google Patents

Systeme et procede de vote Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002084606A1
WO2002084606A1 PCT/IL2001/000345 IL0100345W WO02084606A1 WO 2002084606 A1 WO2002084606 A1 WO 2002084606A1 IL 0100345 W IL0100345 W IL 0100345W WO 02084606 A1 WO02084606 A1 WO 02084606A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
voting
token
vote
electronically
voter
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2001/000345
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Stephanie Wald
Original Assignee
Nds Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nds Limited filed Critical Nds Limited
Priority to GB0224930A priority Critical patent/GB2379067A/en
Priority to US10/258,293 priority patent/US20030094489A1/en
Priority to IL15243601A priority patent/IL152436A0/xx
Priority to PCT/IL2001/000345 priority patent/WO2002084606A1/fr
Publication of WO2002084606A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002084606A1/fr

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07CTIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C13/00Voting apparatus

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system and a method for electronic voting.
  • the determination of the preferences and/or opinions of members of an audience is frequently desired in order to evaluate the popularity of a performance. If the members of the audience are gathered in a central location, such as a theatre for example, then gathering such opinions and/or preferences is relatively easy. For example, paper questionnaires can be distributed to the members of the audience, who would then write or mark answers to various questions on the paper document. This document would then be returned to the theatre personnel, who could use the information contained therein to decide which types of performances should be scheduled, for example. Alternatively or additionally, theatre personnel could ask the members of the audience questions directly about the performance and/or about possible future performances, in order to ascertain the preferences and/or opinions of the audience members. In any case, such polling is clearly simplified by having the members of the audience together at one location.
  • audience members or potential audience members, who are scattered at a plurality of locations.
  • viewers of television programs are more difficult to contact, as such television programs are typically watched at the home of the viewer, such that the audience members are scattered over a large number of separate locations.
  • audience members are not gathered in one central location, as they are for theatre performances, for example.
  • Other examples of devices for displaying media content to a widely scattered audience include, but are not limited to, radio and computational devices connected to the Internet.
  • Mechanisms which are known in the art for gathering the preferences and/or opinions of members of such scattered audiences include a number of passive polling mechanisms.
  • US Patent No. 4,972,503 describes a method and apparatus for determining the channel of a plurality of predetermined channels to which a remotely controlled receiver is tuned, in order to identify audience viewing habits.
  • Other mechanisms which are known in the art are also able to determine which television programs are being displayed by a television, or at least to identify the time and channel for the display, which can be used to determine which television programs are of interest to the viewer.
  • passive mechanisms have the disadvantage of only being able to determine the television program which is being watched, but cannot actively inquire as to the preferences and/or opinions of the audience members.
  • Such active inquiry requires active polling mechanisms, with the participation of the viewer
  • active polling mechanisms include receiving information from audience members through the telephone, with an automated response system, as described for example in US Patent No. 5,473,673, in which audience members answer coded questions which have been provided through a television set. Audience members could also send such information through a computational device connected to the Internet, for example through a menu from which selections are made.
  • Other, more manual mechanisms for receiving active polling information include facsimiles and telephone calls in which the audience member leaves a message and/or speaks with a live operator in order to transmit the information, as well as Internet-based mechanisms such as e-mail messages and/or an electronic messaging system.
  • the difficulty with such active polling mechanisms is that automatic mechanisms limit the audience member to a given set of questions and answers, such as "Do you like this television program?", or "Of these television programs, which do you prefer?" Furthermore, if the audience member is presented with a menu from which selections must be made, regardless of whether the menu is presented through the Internet, with an automated telephone response system, or even through an interactive television, the process of selection is not linked to the viewing experience of the audience member. Thus, currently available polling mechanisms cannot link the action of gathering opinions and/or preferences of the audience member with the experience of the performance itself.
  • None of the disclosed background art solutions describes a mechanism for active polling of a plurality of distributed audience members which does not require such polling to occur at a predetermined time.
  • none of the background art solutions is able to directly link the action of polling to the experience of the audience members, such that the opinion and/or preferences of the audience members can be gathered at the time that the performance is experienced by the audience members.
  • none of the background art solutions enable the audience member to submit such opinions and/or preferences to a fully automated system for receiving and tallying such information.
  • the present invention fulfills these needs by providing a fully automated system and a method for electronic voting by an audience member at an electronically-distributed event, such that the audience member selects a choice from within the electronically-distributed event by voting with a token.
  • the choice may optionally be one of a plurality of choices within the electronically-distributed event; for example, selecting one of a plurality of songs as the choice by voting.
  • the choice may also optionally be a selection of the entire electronically-distributed event itself; for example, voting for a particular television program as the choice.
  • the token is a unique one-time token.
  • the token is preferably usable only within a predetermined lifespan, such that the time period for collecting the data is predefined. If the audience is to be allowed to submit more than one preference, or to have more than one "vote", preferably a plurality of tokens are provided to the audience member. According to one embodiment, such a plurality of tokens are all preferably of equal weight, or generic. Alternatively, such tokens may optionally and preferably be classified, in which a first token is for voting for a first preference, a second token is for voting for a second preference, and so forth. In this case, the tokens are stated to be ranked and the vote is also ranked, in which ranking refers to a hierarchy of preferences, such as first place, second place and so forth.
  • the voting mechanism is implemented through interactive television.
  • Such an interactive television would preferably feature a voting software module for being operated by the interactive television.
  • the software module would preferably provide some type of visual indication to the audience member, for example through the display of text and/or an icon through the interactive television.
  • the audience member would receive at least one token, preferably from a central distribution authority.
  • the token itself is then optionally stored at a memory of the interactive television, or alternatively is stored on a smart card or other portable memory which is in communication with the interactive television
  • the audience member When the audience member wishes to vote by selecting a choice, optionally and preferably the audience member activates the voting software module for voting
  • the voting software module determines if one or more tokens are available to the audience member for voting If so, the audience member indicates that a token should be submitted for voting, thereby becoming a voter If there are a plurality of classified tokens, then the audience member must select a particular class of token according to the preferences of the audience member, for example, a first preference for the most preferred choice, a second preference for the next most preferred choice, and so forth
  • the token is then preferably submitted to the central voting authority
  • the vote thus consists of associating a token with broadcast media content through the interactive television, such that the token is "associated" with the electronically-distributed event by being used in order to select a choice from within the electronically-distributed event as previously described
  • these different devices include but are not limited to a radio and a
  • a voting method for use by a voter comprising: receiving a voting token, the voting token being associated with an electronically-distributed event; choosing a vote, the vote being associated with an electronically-distributed event; invalidating the voting token, thereby preventing repeated use of the token for voting; and transmitting the vote to a voting center, wherein the voting token is invalidated before transmission of the vote.
  • a system for voting by an audience member with a vote according to an electronically-distributed event comprising: (a) a central authority for distributing a token for voting to the audience member; and (b) an end user device for receiving the token from the central authority and for receiving the vote from the audience member, such that the token is returned to the central authority according to the vote of the audience member.
  • the term “electronically-distributed event” refers to any one or more appropriate displays or units of media content.
  • the term “electronically-distributed event” could optionally refer to a plurality of separate television programs, if the plurality of television programs is available as choices for voting.
  • the electronically-distributed event comprises a plurality of sub-events, and the vote is associated with at least one, and more preferably exactly one, sub-event.
  • display refers to any appropriate type of playback or playing out of media content data for a user, including but not limited to, the audible production of audio data and the visible production of video data, and combinations thereof.
  • network refers to a connection between any two or more computational or other electronic devices which permits the transmission of data.
  • computational device includes any appropriate type of digital instrument which is capable of operating a software program.
  • interactive television refers to any appropriate device which is capable of displaying video data to a user, and which is also able to transmit input data from the user to a remote computational device. It should be noted that the video display functionality and the input data transmission functionality could optionally be implemented in two separate devices, which would then collectively be termed the interactive television
  • broadcast media content includes video data, audio data or a combination thereof
  • a software application could be written in substantially any suitable programming language, which could easily be selected by one of ordinary skill in the art
  • the programming language chosen should be compatible with the computational device according to which the software application is executed
  • suitable programming languages include, but are not limited to, C, C++, Java and Assembly
  • the present invention could be implemented as software, firmware or hardware, or as a combination thereof
  • the functional steps performed by the method could be described as a plurality of instructions performed by a data processor
  • "Applied Cryptography” by Bruce Schneier, John Wiley 2nd ed 1996 is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, for the teachings regarding cryptography and techniques for implementation thereof, particularly pages 112-115 and 125-134
  • FIG 1 is a schematic block diagram of a first exemplary system according to the present invention
  • FIG 2 is a schematic block diagram of a second exemplary system according to the present invention
  • FIG 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary method according to the present invention.
  • the present invention is of a fully automated system and a method for electronic voting by an audience member at an electronically-distributed event, such as a broadcast of media content, or any other appropriate type of performance
  • the audience member can therefore also be designated as the "voter" according to the present invention
  • the audience member selects a choice from within the electronically-distributed event by voting with a token.
  • the choice may optionally be one of a plurality of choices within the electronically-distributed event; for example, selecting one of a plurality of songs as the choice by voting.
  • the choice may also optionally be a selection of the entire electronically-distributed event itself; for example, voting for a particular television program as the choice.
  • the token is "associated" with the electronically-distributed event by being used in order to select a choice from within the electronically-distributed event, either as one of a plurality of choices within the electronically-distributed event, or even as the entire electronically-distributed event.
  • the voting may therefore be viewed as covering a set of possible vote-able options, as defined within the voting token: for example, the set of all songs played on a specific channel during one program on one day; the set of all songs played on a specific channel between a specific end time and a specific beginning time; the set of all programs played on any channel between a specific end time and a specific beginning time, and so forth. All such sets can be viewed as answering a particular question, such as "What is your favorite song today?" or "Which program would you not want your children to watch?"
  • the token is a unique one-time token.
  • the token is preferably usable only within a predetermined lifespan, such that the time period for collecting the data is predefined. If the audience is to be allowed to submit more than one preference, or to have more than one "vote", preferably a plurality of tokens are provided to the audience member. According to one embodiment, such a plurality of tokens are all preferably of equal weight, or generic. Alternatively, such tokens may optionally and preferably be classified, in which a first token is for voting for a first preference, a second token is for voting for a second preference, and so forth.
  • the voting mechanism is implemented through an end user device for displaying media content, a particularly preferred, but non-limiting, example of which is interactive television.
  • an interactive television would preferably feature a voting software module for being operated by the interactive television.
  • the software module would preferably provide some type of visual indication to the audience member, for example through the display of text and/or an icon through the interactive television.
  • the audience member would receive at least one token, preferably from a central distribution authority.
  • the token(s) are delivered automatically to the interactive television device at the start of the voting period Alternatively, the token(s) are only delivered upon request of the audience member
  • the token itself is then optionally stored at a memory of the interactive television, or alternatively is stored on a smart card or other portable memory which is in communication with the interactive television
  • the audience member activates the voting software module for voting
  • the voting software module determines if one or more tokens are available to the audience member for voting
  • the voting software module also preferably determines whether the time period for voting is still running, such that voting is still allowed The information regarding such a time period is more preferably transmitted to the interactive television device with the token or tokens
  • the audience member indicates that a token should be submitted for voting according to a choice which is associated with the electronically-distributed event If there are a plurality of classified tokens, then the audience member must select a particular class of token according to one or more preferences, for example, a first preference, a second preference, and so forth The token is then preferably submitted to the central voting authority
  • the vote thus consists of associating a token with broadcast media content through the interactive television, optionally also according to a specific preference of the audience member for classified tokens
  • the selection of the audience member, and hence the vote itself is not limited to a predetermined finite set of choices
  • the choices which are associated with the electronically-distributed event may optionally only be determined at the time of the event, such as the time of broadcast of media content Indeed, these choices may even be determined in "real time", such that the availability of a particular selection for voting is only known during the event, as for a broadcast of songs in which the audience members select the songs to be played during the broadcast event itself
  • the interactive television or other end user device displays a "vote now" icon or other immediate indication of the availability of a particular choice, such that the end user device does not need to receive a predetermined list of choices before the voting process occurs
  • the transmission of the vote, and hence the voting mechanism can be personalized and secured by using any appropriate type of standard interactive television authentication scheme, such as the "Value@TVTM” scheme (NDS Limited, United Kingdom).
  • a scheme preferably encrypts the token and/or causes the token to be transmitted through a secure channel.
  • the electronically-distributed event with which the vote is associated is identified with an identifier, which is more preferably secured with encryption or another security mechanism.
  • suitable identifiers include but are not limited to an identifier provided with the event itself, such as an identifier obtained from the EPG (electronic program guide) information stream for a television program; a special identifier transmitted for the purposes of voting and therefore related to the event as a whole or to any segment thereof to which voting is applicable; and a time stamp.
  • the interactive television or other end user device which is used for the present invention includes a renewable security module, such as a smart card for example.
  • the renewable security module is itself preferably secured, such that information contained within this module is protected from unauthorized access.
  • the security module receives the encrypted token. Most preferably, the operation of the security module is transparent or substantially transparent to the end user.
  • the end user device is preferably in communication with the network control center through a network, which could be the Internet for example, but which could also be a cable network and/or satellite communication, for example.
  • a network which could be the Internet for example, but which could also be a cable network and/or satellite communication, for example.
  • Other options for communication with the network control center include, but are not limited to, communication through the PSTN (public switched telephony network) and/or wireless communication devices, such as cellular telephones for example.
  • PSTN public switched telephony network
  • wireless communication devices such as cellular telephones for example.
  • two separate modes of communication could also be used, one such mode for the forward path (communication from the network control center to the end user device) and a different communication mode for the return path (communication from the end user device to the network control center).
  • the end user device is in communication with the network control center indirectly, for example through the use of a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM for example, which could optionally be sent to the end user for distribution of content and/or codes, for example.
  • a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM for example
  • Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system according to the present invention for automated voting by an audience member.
  • system is described with regard to implementation with interactive television, it is understood that this is for the purposes of illustration only and is without any intention of being limiting in any way.
  • a system 10 features an end user device 12 with an associated security module 14.
  • End user device 12 also features a media player 16 for playing back or otherwise displaying at least one type of media content, such as audio content for example.
  • the media content is associated with an electronically-distributed event, such as the broadcast of a television program, for example.
  • media player 16 is preferably an interactive television.
  • End user device 12 is preferably also in communication with a central authority 18 through a network 20.
  • Network 20 could be substantially any appropriate type of suitable network, including but not limited to, PSTN (public switched telephony network), wireless networks (such as those for cellular telephones, for example), the Internet, a cable network or a satellite distribution mechanism.
  • central authority 18 is only required to handle functionality related to voting by the audience member, or user, through end user device 12.
  • central authority 18 may also control broadcasts of media content to end user device 12, although alternatively such broadcasts may be handled by a different component of system 10 (not shown).
  • a voting software module 22 is launched by end user device 12 for performing actions related to voting with the audience member.
  • Noting software module 22 may optionally receive a signal from central authority 18 to initiate operations at the start of the voting period, or alternatively may be launched at the request of the audience member. Also alternatively, such voting periods may be scheduled in advance with voting software module 22 by central authority 18.
  • voting software module 22 preferably receives one or more tokens from central authority 18, either automatically or alternatively at the request of the audience member.
  • each token is a unique single use token for a single vote, such that the audience member is only able to submit a single token for selecting a choice in order to vote in connection to any particular broadcast event, such as the selection of a favorite song, for example.
  • each token is a unique single use token, but a plurality of classified tokens are given to the audience member for any voting event, such that the audience member is able to express a plurality of ranked preferences by selecting a plurality of choices. For example, a first token would be used for the first preference, or most preferred choice, of the audience member, a second token for the second preference, and so forth.
  • the token(s) are optionally transmitted through the same medium as the electronically-distributed event with which they are associated, such that both the broadcast media content and the tokens are transmitted through network 20.
  • the tokens are transmitted through a different medium than the broadcast media content.
  • transmitted token(s) are optionally stored at a memory 24 of end user device 12, or alternatively are stored on a smart card 26 or other portable memory which is in communication with end user device 12. More preferably, as shown, smart card 26 is removably operatively associated with security module 14.
  • voting software module 22 determines if one or more tokens are available to the audience member for voting. In addition, voting software module 22 also preferably determines whether the time period for voting is still running, such that voting is still allowed. Optionally and more preferably, voting software module 22 also determines whether the vote applies to the currently displayed electronically-distributed event, such as the currently displayed television program. This issue may be important since some votes may optionally be usable across a range of channels for distribution of such events, and/or for multiple such events, while votes may optionally only be applicable in the context of a particular electronically-distributed event, for example. Furthermore, a vote may also optionally be submitted for an interactive application.
  • the information regarding such a time period is more preferably transmitted to end user device 12 with the token or tokens. If these conditions are fulfilled, the audience member indicates that a token should be submitted for voting If there are a plurality of classified tokens, then the audience member must select a particular class of token according to the preferences of the audience member, for example, a first preference for a first or most preferred choice, a second preference for the second or next most preferred choice, and so forth Preferably, only available classes of tokens are shown as being available for voting through voting software module 22 The token is then preferably submitted to central authority 18. The vote thus consists of associating a token with broadcast media content through end user device 12, optionally also according to a specific preference of the audience member for classified tokens
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a second exemplary system according to the present invention, with added security and privacy protection functions.
  • a system 30 features a number of the same components as Figure 1, which are identically numbered to indicate similar or identical functions.
  • system 30 features a return path handler 32 as shown, which is in communication with end user device 12 and central authority 18, and which is preferably connected to both end user device 12 and central authority 18 through network 20
  • return path handler 32 protects the privacy of the audience member by preventing central authority 18 from associating the action of voting with the token with a particular, identified user, as described in greater detail below. Additional protection is preferably provided through encryption of the token itself, also as described in greater detail below
  • central authority 18 preferably issues encrypted tokens to end user device 12. These encrypted tokens are optionally and more preferably associated with an application identifier.
  • the application identifier most preferably contains sufficient information for enabling voting software module 22 to determine the time period during which voting is permitted, and/or to display information about the particular voting event to the audience member
  • voting software module 22 should preferably be able to display information about the rules for voting, as well as information about the particular broadcast event or events, and/or the particular media content, for which the voting process is being conducted.
  • Voting software module 22 is therefore preferably able to decrypt at least a portion of the token, for example according to a public key encryption mechanism
  • a portion of the token is decrypted, while at least a portion of the token is not decrypted.
  • the portion of the token which is not decrypted is then optionally and more preferably returned to central authority 18 as a validity proof
  • central authority 18 optionally and preferably issues an encrypted item identifier, which voting software module 22 also preferably associates with a particular item for display to the audience member
  • suitable identifiers include but are not limited to an identifier provided with the event itself, such as an identifier obtained from the EPG (electronic program guide) information stream for a television program, a special identifier transmitted for the purposes of voting and therefore related to the event as a whole or to any segment thereof to which voting is applicable, and a time stamp
  • this particular aspect of the embodiment of Figure 2 may also optionally and preferably be implemented with the embodiment of Figure 1, in order to specifically associate the vote with a particular electronically-distributed event, such as a particular television program for example
  • the identifier is thus useful for secure identification of the proper association between the vote and the electronically-distributed event for which the vote is intended
  • any appropriate type of security mechanism could optionally be used, including but not limited to encryption
  • the item identifier identifies that particular song or television program for which the audience member has voted This step is necessary in order to prevent return path handler 32 from determining how the audience member voted
  • return path handler 32 is preferably able to determine whether the audience member voted (if a vote was previously submitted for an item), but is not able to identify the specific item since the item identifier is encrypted
  • the vote transaction message is then signed by using any appropriate method which enables return path handler 32 to determine that vote transaction message is in fact a valid, authenticated message from that particular audience member
  • a private key scheme could optionally be used in order to guarantee the identity of the voting audience member
  • Return path handler 32 then preferably tracks which audience members have voted on any particular voting event, but is unable to determine the nature or outcome of the vote Rather, return path handler 32 is preferably only able to determine whether a vote is received This limited ability to determine whether an audience member has voted is sufficient to prevent unauthorized multiple votes for a single voting event by a single audience member, but also protects the privacy of the audience member Assuming that the vote is valid, return path handler 32 preferably removes any information for specifically identifying the audience member from the vote transaction message, and then forwards the remainder of the vote transaction message, including the encrypted token and the encrypted item identifier, to central authority 18 Optionally, general identification information for the audience member, which is useful for statistical purposes for example, is forwarded with the vote transaction message Thus, information related to the specific identity of the viewer is preferably not sent to central authority 18, although as previously noted, optionally general information about the viewer is returned to central authority 18
  • Central authority 18 then preferably decrypts the token and the item identifier More preferably, the vote is recorded if the vote is determined to be valid, for example, if the token itself is determined to be a valid token Most preferably, the validity of the voting process is further protected by causing a token to be removed from end user device 12, or otherwise marked as unavailable by voting software module 22, to prevent the audience member from attempting to perform an invalid action
  • the connection between return path handler 32 and central authority 18, for example through network 20, is secure
  • SSL secure socket layer
  • TLS transport layer security
  • voting software module 22 may wait until all tokens associated with a particular voting event have been used before submitting these tokens to return path handler 32, for example if the audience member must rank a plurality of preferences with a plurality of classified tokens Alternatively, each token may be submitted separately to return path handler 32, and hence to central authority 18, which enables real-time updates to be performed for the voting process.
  • votes for each audience member are preferably stored at end user device 12, for example at memory 24 and/or smart card 26.
  • Voting software module 22 would then submit all votes from each audience member at one time to return path handler 32, more preferably at a predetermined time for reporting these votes. Most preferably, the predetermined time would be allocated differently to different end user devices 12 in order to avoid overwhelming return path handler 32 and/or central authority 18.
  • the audience member is at least able to view those voting events for which the audience member has voted, and also the vote that was cast in each instance
  • the audience member is also able to change one or more votes which have already been cast.
  • such information is provided through voting software module 22, such that preferably the vote(s) are stored at end user device 12.
  • both the information about votes which have been cast and the ability to change such votes are optionally provided through return path handler 32 and/or central authority 18.
  • return path handler 32 and/or central authority 18 could optionally return the encrypted vote transaction message to end user device 12, which would then decrypt and display the information to the audience member.
  • end user device 12, and more specifically voting software module 22 would also receive one or more token(s), in order for the audience member to be able to change the vote.
  • voting software module 22 could receive a message indicating that the token is to be considered as though it had been returned, such that the token is again available to the audience member for voting.
  • the results are reported to audience members, for example through a display at end user device 12
  • the display may optionally be incorporated into the event of broadcasting media content for which the voting process has been performed, or alternatively may optionally be displayed through the user interface provided by voting software module 22
  • the results may not be reported
  • the results may not be reported to the audience members, who may instead be rewarded in some other manner for their participation
  • the benefit could also optionally be provided to the audience member as part of a contest, for example to reward the audience member or members who vote the most frequently
  • suitable rewards and/or benefits are disclosed in granted United Kingdom Patent No. GB 2326004 and in corresponding US Patent Application 09/089,717, which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
  • loyalty points or other benefit could optionally be provided automatically through return path handler 32, which could for example be in contact with another component of system 30 for recording such a benefit for the audience member (not shown). Since return path handler 32 is already aware of the identity of the audience member, providing such a reward through communication with return path handler 32 is preferred.
  • Figure 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary method according to the present invention for voting with a token.
  • the audience member or voter first receives a voting token which is associated with an electronically-distributed event.
  • the voting token and the electronically-distributed event may optionally be distributed through the same medium, or alternatively may be distributed through different media. In either case, both the voting token and the electronically-distributed event are preferably received by one or more end user devices.
  • the voting token is associated with a choice, which is itself associated with the electronically-distributed event and which is then expressed as the vote of the audience member.
  • the voting token is transmitted to a central authority, such as a voting center for example.
  • a central authority such as a voting center for example.
  • the token is somehow prevented from being reused.
  • the end user device preferably either marks the token as being used and hence unavailable, or alternatively deletes the token itself from a memory of the end user device.
  • the audience member is allowed to change a vote, for example by replacing the token with a new token, or alternatively by retrieving the token and previous associated vote, and submitting the token with a new associated vote.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système et un procédé entièrement automatisé permettant à un membre d'une audience de voter avec un seul jeton à emploi unique. De préférence, ce jeton ne peut être utilisé que pendant une durée de vie prédéterminée, de sorte que la période de collecte des données est prédéfinie. Si l'audience est autorisée à soumettre plus d'une préférence ou à 'voter' plus d'une fois, une pluralité de jetons sont de préférence fournis au membre de l'audience. Selon un mode de réalisation, de préférence, cette pluralité de jetons présentent tous un poids égal ou sont génériques. Dans une variante, ces jetons peuvent éventuellement et de préférence être classés de sorte qu'un premier jeton sert à voter pour une première préférence, un second jeton sert à voter pour une seconde préférence, et ainsi de suite.
PCT/IL2001/000345 2001-04-16 2001-04-16 Systeme et procede de vote WO2002084606A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0224930A GB2379067A (en) 2001-04-16 2001-04-16 Voting system and method
US10/258,293 US20030094489A1 (en) 2001-04-16 2001-04-16 Voting system and method
IL15243601A IL152436A0 (en) 2001-04-16 2001-04-16 Voting system and method
PCT/IL2001/000345 WO2002084606A1 (fr) 2001-04-16 2001-04-16 Systeme et procede de vote

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IL2001/000345 WO2002084606A1 (fr) 2001-04-16 2001-04-16 Systeme et procede de vote

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002084606A1 true WO2002084606A1 (fr) 2002-10-24

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GB (1) GB2379067A (fr)
IL (1) IL152436A0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2002084606A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1530169A1 (fr) * 2003-11-10 2005-05-11 Alcatel Procédé permettant d'effectuer un vote par des terminaux portables

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EP0556853A2 (fr) * 1992-02-21 1993-08-25 ITALTEST S.r.l. Système de vote électronique et procédé
US5473673A (en) 1993-04-08 1995-12-05 Koninklijke Ptt Nederland N.V. System for transmitting selection code signals to TV or radio stations
EP0711075A1 (fr) * 1994-11-07 1996-05-08 Koninklijke KPN N.V. Système de télévote
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1530169A1 (fr) * 2003-11-10 2005-05-11 Alcatel Procédé permettant d'effectuer un vote par des terminaux portables

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