WO2003073383A1

WO2003073383A1 - Voting device

Info

Publication number: WO2003073383A1
Application number: PCT/JP2003/002141
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masatoshi Furuya; Kenji Fujii; Hiroyuki Mari; Toshiaki Yamagata; Toshifumi Arai; Toshio Masuda; Kazunori Andou
Original assignee: Hitachi,Ltd.
Priority date: 2002-02-27
Filing date: 2003-02-26
Publication date: 2003-09-04
Also published as: JPWO2003073383A1; AU2003211725A1

Abstract

It is possible to provide a voting method using an information processing device based on candidate information printed on a slip of paper. In a voting device, a voting result is recorded on a recording medium as a voting record original by utilizing a voting card having voting right information indicating that a voting right exists. A voting slip contains printed candidate information, candidate identification image for identifying a candidate, and check image for checking the voting content. When the voting card is inserted into a voting card reader/writer, an image reading unit reads a candidate identification image specified by a pen tip of an input device from the voting slip. After this, a data display unit displays candidate information corresponding to the candidate identification image which has been read by the image reading unit. The input device reads the check image from the voting slip and after this, the candidate displayed on the data display unit is recorded as a validly voted candidate.

Description

Details ^:

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a ballot paper and a voting device used in elections and referendums. Background Art In the current election voting, 0 A in voting has not progressed, and the counting and counting work is done manually, so there is a problem that much time and money is spent until counting is completed, resulting in poor efficiency. Was. In the current voting method, which is self-written on a ballot, the voter may get an invalid vote due to a mistake in entry even though he intended to vote for a candidate or political party. In addition, the ballot paper used for current election voting is only printed on paper, so it is not possible to forge the ballot paper itself or take it back and transfer it to other voters. Was possible.

To cope with such a problem, there is, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-166682 (hereinafter referred to as prior art 1). According to Prior Art 1, an elector who has finished checking the electoral list at the reception desk receives a token card (a memory card or a magnetic card with a built-in semiconductor memory chip) and inserts it into a voting device. The voting device is activated (voting possible), and voting is performed by selecting the candidate who wants to vote from the list of candidates displayed on the screen of the voting device. The entered voting content is It is recorded electronically in a storage device.

By recording voting data electronically in a storage device as in the prior art 1, the counting of voting becomes quicker, and the time from counting to completion of counting is greatly reduced. In addition, since ballot papers are not used, the problem of invalid votes due to entry errors, forgery of ballot papers, and take-out can be solved. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The size of the physical display surface of the voting device shown in the above-mentioned prior art 1 is, for example, 15 inches. At this time, if the number of candidates is very small, the names of the candidates displayed on the screen can be displayed in a sufficiently large size from the perspective of human vision. However, depending on the election, the number of candidates may exceed 50, making it impossible to display all of the candidates in a single screen large enough.

In order to address this issue, for example, a voting device with a large screen that can display the number of elected persons may be used, but not only is the transportation to the polling place bulky, but also The device itself becomes expensive. In the election method using electronic voting as in the conventional technology 1, if the number of voting stations per municipality is M and the number of voting devices per voting station is N, M * N voting devices are required, and the introduction of voting devices These costs have the greatest impact on overall election expenses

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Therefore, as a normal voting device, a device having a standard size as small as 15 inches is preferred. In order to display a large number of candidates on such a screen size, it is necessary to reduce the font size, but this is difficult for the elected person to view and causes erroneous operations.

Conversely, in order to secure a certain size or more, the screen scroll function, They rely on a magnifying glass display function and screen switching, but they lack the fairness of the display to the elected candidate, and extra operations are required for the electorate. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for displaying all candidates in a single screen large enough for human sight even when the number of candidates is large, and at a low cost. It is to provide a voting device that can be suppressed.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a voting device of the present invention includes an operation device and a voting management device. In voting, a candidate selection form, a voting card, and an original record of voting are used. The operating device has a pen-like shape, and includes a pen tip, a pen core, a pen pressure sensor, an image sensor, an image processing device, a memory, and a data transmitting / receiving device. The voting management device is a flat and thin case, and has a data display surface, a voting card reader / writer, a voting record original writer, a voting record original extraction protection mechanism, and a data transmission / reception device. . The data transmission / reception device of the operating device and the data transmission / reception device of the voting management device are connected by a cable. The candidate selection sheet is ordinary paper, and is printed with candidate information, a part for the voter to select the candidate, and a part for the voter to confirm the selection.

In the above configuration, the voter inserts a voting power for identifying whether or not a vote is possible in the election into the reader / writer for a voting card, and uses the pen tip of the operating device to identify the candidate. When the user touches the part to be selected or the part to confirm the selection, the image processing device obtains the candidate information code, displays the candidate information on the display screen, and asks the voters to confirm the selection. Wait and record the candidate information in the original voting record.

According to the voting device, the information to be displayed on the display unit is limited to the selection candidate or the like, so that the entire voting device can be made compact. In addition, a list of candidates can be displayed in a list on the selection sheet, This is effective for ensuring fairness and ensuring visibility for electors. In the voting apparatus, an image coded by a certain function F is printed with the election type, the candidate's name, and the political party to which the affiliation belongs as a parameter, and the image is read to obtain the code. The election type, the candidate's name, and the political party to which the candidate belongs may be acquired from the code by G, which is the inverse function of G. By doing so, there is no need to exchange programs or setting information for each election, which is advantageous in terms of operation. In addition, the layout for selecting candidates for each election can be made freely at the discretion of the election administrator.

Further, in the voting device, an optical compensation mechanism may be provided in a housing of the operation device. Here, it is assumed that the optical compensation mechanism is made of a material that can absorb external light and that can come into contact with the candidate selection sheet in a face-to-face manner. Also, the structure is such that it does not roll when only the optical compensation mechanism is placed on a horizontal table with this surface facing down. In addition, the area surrounded by this surface can enclose the area for reading candidate information and the like. In addition, the shooting distance between the lens and the candidate selection paper shall be ensured. Furthermore, parts made of a material with a high coefficient of sliding friction, such as rubber, are attached to the surface in contact with the optical compensation mechanism. On the other hand, the switch of the operating device shall operate by pressing the button or the operating device against the candidate selection paper.

In this voting device, it is assumed that the operating device has a pen-like shape. Here, in the actual election, there are many people whose hands tremble, so that it may be impossible to make the position of the pen tip of the operating device match the candidate selection code image on the candidate selection sheet. Therefore, by providing an optical compensation mechanism in the housing of the operating device, it is possible for a voter who is an elector to capture a code image with little blur.

Further, in the voting device, the contact surface of the optical compensation mechanism of the operation device is A component made of a material having an antistatic effect such as a system may be attached. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the generation of static electricity due to the contact between the operation device of the voting device and the candidate selection sheet when capturing a code image with less blur.

Also, in the voting apparatus, in the case of multiple elections, the background color of the candidate selection paper of the voting apparatus is changed for each election, and the background color is generated in addition to the parameters, and the candidate information is generated. Is also good. Then, the display device of the voting device extracts the background color from the candidate information, and displays the color of the display screen according to the extracted background color. In this way, it is possible for voters to identify each election more easily in response to the need to support multiple elections (for example, mayoral election and city council election) with one voting device. . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a voting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a procedure of a voter when using the voting device of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation order in the operation device of the voting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation order in the voting management device of the voting device of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing encoding and decoding of the election type and candidate attribute according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a second operating device of the voting device of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a case where the voting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention supports multiple elections. It is a figure showing a candidate selection sheet.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing data of a voting card when the voting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention supports multiple elections.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a voting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a detailed block diagram of the operation device of the voting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the appearance of the operating device of the voting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of candidate information printed on a candidate selection sheet according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between regions of candidate information printed on a candidate selection sheet according to the second embodiment of the present invention and a contact surface of an optical compensation unit.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating geometric conditions of the optical compensation unit of the operating device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a blur prevention unit and an electrostatic prevention unit of the optical compensation unit of the operating device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a view showing another example of the outer shape of the operating device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an optical compensator of an operating device linked to a switch according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a candidate selection sheet according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the voting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a candidate selection sheet when there are many candidates in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows a candidate selection form in a multiple election according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the correspondence of screen display.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of installation of the voting device of the second embodiment of the present invention on a stand.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a voting apparatus in a case where a polling place and a counting place are connected online according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a flow of a preparation operation up to the voting start time on the election manager side in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a tip of the zero vote confirmation work immediately after the election manager's voting start time in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of polling places and the order of movement of voters in the polling place in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a work flow after the voting end time on the election manager side in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure recorded in a recording original or a duplicate according to the second embodiment of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 shows a voting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and a candidate selection sheet used when the voting apparatus is used. In the voting apparatus, some related components such as a battery, which are not directly related to the features of the present invention, are not shown.

The voting device includes an operation device 100 for selecting a candidate and a voting management device 110 for confirming the selected candidate. In addition, a candidate selection sheet 120 on which candidate information is printed on normal paper is used. In addition, When using the voting device, at the polling place, each voter who is a voter is a legitimate voter in the election, as opposed to the electoral list, and has not yet voted at that time It is assumed that information for identifying this fact is held internally and a readable voting card has been received from the information processing device. It is desirable that the voting card contain only information that does not violate the confidentiality of the voting, without including information identifying the elector.

The operating device 100 has a pen-like shape, and the pen tip 101, pen core 102, pen pressure sensor 103, image sensor 104, image processing device 105, memory 106, Data transmission / reception device 107 is provided.

The voting management device 110 is a flat, thin case, with a data display surface 111, a voting card reader / writer 112, a voting record original 113, and a voting record original. Equipped with a sampling protection mechanism 114 and a data transmission / reception device 115. The data transmission / reception device 107 of the operation device 100 and the data transmission / reception device 115 of the voting management device 110 are connected by a cable 116. The original voting record is the one that stores the results of voting, uses them for counting votes, and keeps them in a designated hangar during the term of the election. The original voting record will be inserted into the original voting record line 113 before the start time of the voting or when the elector confirms the zero vote, with the presence of the election administrator, and the voting record Locked to prevent unauthorized removal by the original removal protection mechanism 1 1 4. It should be noted that whether the confirmation of zero votes of the original voting record is made before or after the original voting record is purchased shall be in accordance with the operational rules. The voting management device 110 may further be provided with a voting record duplicate book to create an original voting record and a duplicate voting record that have exactly the same contents. However, the original voting record and the duplicate voting record may be clearly identified by the election administrator by some means (eg, a sticker on the media). Must be identifiable.

The candidate selection form 1 2 0 contains candidate information 1 2 1 indicating the candidate's name and the political party to which it belongs, a section 1 2 2 for voters to select candidates, and a section 1 for voters to confirm the selection 1 2 and 3 are printed. An image that can be read by the image sensor 104 of the operating device 100 (whether visible or invisible) is printed on the part 122 for selecting a candidate. It may be applied either when the printed image itself is directly related to the candidate identification information or when it is indirectly related. For example, the case where the image is directly associated is a case where the specific image is directly associated with the candidate information such as a bar code, and the case where the image is indirectly associated is where the image is located on the printing surface. In this case, the candidate information is associated with the position of the printing surface.

In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus in the operation device has a relation table between the image and the candidate information, and generates the candidate information by referring to the table when reading the image and transmits the candidate information to the voting manager. . However, the read image information or intermediate stage information may be transmitted to the voting manager, and code conversion may be performed inside the voting manager to extract candidate information.

The voting device consisting of the operating device 100 and the voting management device 110, and the candidate selection form 120 are placed on the voting table, and can be viewed by anyone other than the voter. This ensures that the secret of the vote is not violated. In addition, the ballot management device shall be fixed to the ballot entry table with sufficient strength to prevent unauthorized removal from the polling place.

FIG. 2 shows a voting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a procedure of using a voter when using a candidate selection sheet used when using the voting apparatus.

Voters who have received a voting card will be asked to use the voting equipment The voting management device 110 is inserted into the voting card reader / writer 112 of the voting card (step 201). Next, the voter uses the operating device 100 to select a candidate using the pen tip 101 of the operating device while viewing the candidate information 1 21 printed on the candidate selection form 120. Touch the part 1 2 2 you want (step 202). At this time, if the voting device operates normally, the information of the selected candidate is displayed on the data display surface 111 of the voting management device 110. Next, if there is no mistake in the display or it is not necessary to correct the candidate to be selected, the voter touches the confirmation part 1 2 3 of the candidate selection form (step 2 03 ). At this time, if the voting device operates normally, the candidate information is recorded in the original voting record by the voting management device 110, and the candidate information is recorded in the original voting record. A message indicating that voting has been completed is displayed above, prompting you to remove the voting card. Finally, the voter removes the ballot and returns it to the election manager (step 204). The right column of Fig. 2 shows the corresponding internal processing of the voting device according to the operation of the voter. This will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show the operation of the voting apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The pen tip of the operating device 100 and the pen core 101 and the pen core 102 are the candidate selection papers (they are touchable and do not contain ink etc.) When the pen tip of the operating device touches something, the brush The pressure sensor 103 operates (step 301), the image sensor 104 operates (step 302), and the image acquired by the image processing device 105 is disassembled (step 304). 303) This data is stored in the memory 106 (step 304), and the data set stored in the memory is stored in the data transmitting / receiving device 107, 115. Data communication with the voting management device is performed via (step 305).

In the data generated in step 303, code A representing candidate information There are four types: code B for confirmation information, error code C; and normal operation code D. When the pen tip 101 touches the part 1 2 2 to select a candidate for the selected paper, a code 8 and code D are generated, and the pen tip 101 touches the confirmation part 1 2 3 of the selected paper. Generates code B at times, and generates error code C when touched elsewhere, or when recognition by image processing fails.

The data set 310 stored in the memory in step 304 is divided into a candidate information area 311 and a confirmation information area 312, and code A overwrites the candidate information area, code B, code C, code D overwrites the confirmation information area. The overnight set [candidate information area, confirmation information area] has the following status.

State 0: [No code, No code] (Initial state)

Condition 1: [Code A, Code D] (When the candidate selection area is touched and the device operates normally)

Status 2: [Code A, Code; B] (After status 1, touch the confirmation area and operate normally.)

Condition 3: [Code A, Code C] (After abnormal operation after Condition 1) Condition 4: [No code, Code D] (After normal operation, touch the confirmation part and operate normally)

State 5: [No code, code B] (After state 4, touch the confirmation part and operate normally)

State 6: [No code, code C] (After abnormal operation after state 0) The operation of the voting management device 110 differs depending on the state of the data set received in step 410.

In the case of state 1, confirm that the voting card is valid (steps 402, 403), and put the candidate information on the data display surface 111 of the voting management device. Information (step 4 1 1).

In the case of state 2, confirm that the voting card is valid (steps 402, 403), and the candidate's information is recorded in the original voting record by the original voting record line 114. Additional recording is performed (step 4 05), the completion of the recording is displayed on the data display surface 1 1 1 (step 4 06), and the voting card is disabled by the voting card reader Z-ray 1 1 3 (Step 407), the voting card can be removed (Step 408), and data indicating that voting has been completed is transmitted to the operating device via the data transmission / reception devices 115, 107 (Step 409). . At this time, the operation device sets the data in the memory to the initial state.

In the case of state 3, error information is displayed on the data display surface 11 1 of the voting management device (step 4 13).

In the case of state 4, confirm that the voting card is in a valid state (steps 402, 403), and no candidates are selected on the data display surface 111 of the voting management device. Is displayed (step 4 1 2).

In the case of state 5, confirm that the voting card is valid (steps 402 and 403), and record the candidate information in the original voting record by using the original voting record line 114. (Step 4 05), the completion of recording is displayed on the data display surface 11 1 (Step 4 06), and the voting power is disabled by the voting card reader / writer 1 13 ( In step 407), the voting card is pulled out (step 408), and data indicating that voting has been completed is transmitted to the operating device via the data transmitting / receiving devices 115 and 107 (step 409). At this time, the operation device sets the data in the memory to the initial state. If the processing shown in State 5 is not permitted by the rules, the processing shown in State 4 shall be performed.

In the case of state 6, error information is displayed on the data display surface 1 1 1 of the voting management device. Display (step 4 1 3).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, if only the candidate information, the candidate selection part, and the confirmation part are printed on the selection paper, which is a mere paper, only the operation equipment of the voting device touches the selection paper. The candidate information can be recorded on the original record of the voting, and the voting can be completed. The voting device used at this time consists of only a pen-type operating device and a flat-panel thin voting management device, but the data display section of the voting management device displays one candidate's information. It only needs to be able to display in minutes, it is not necessary to make it larger than necessary, and the entire voting device will be inexpensive. This is effective for transport, storage, installation, and power consumption of the voting device. In addition, the voting device's operating devices can be freely moved in the physical space, so that it is easy to use. The voting management device is fixed to the entry table, so there is almost no fear of unauthorized removal. Since the selection paper is paper, even if the number of candidates is as large as 50 or more, all the candidates can be displayed on one side with characters large enough, Can solve the problem of unfairness. In addition, it is possible to flexibly respond to cases where it is required to display external characters and symbols, such as those permitted by law, when submitting candidate information.

The secrets of the voting can still be protected from viewing by the entry table, and the original voting record is not included in the elector's personal information.

Regarding the prevention of illegal voting and double voting, if the operation is included by comparing the electoral list at the reception desk and issuing a voting card that can write the validity / invalidity status for the election as usual, Can handle enough. It is desirable that the voting card be as difficult to falsify as possible. However, if the voting card is signed using a public key cryptosystem using IC force, the cost will increase.

The readability of the original ballot record during the term of If the type of election, the candidate's name, and the party to which it belongs are recorded in a standard ASCII code, etc., it is almost always guaranteed. In addition, the original voting record is added to each voting, so it is not merged with voting by other voters, but is recorded for each voting, and can be kept as it is after counting votes.

No matter how many candidate selection sheets are copied, the security of voting will not be impaired. Therefore, even if the number of polling places is M and the number of voting devices is N, the number of M * N selection sheets can be increased quickly. And can be prepared at low cost. As shown in Fig. 5, the code A of candidate information to be printed on the selected paper is converted to the code A = F (reversal function of F) by using the reversible functions F and G (the inverse function of F). (Step 503), and the voting device uses [Electronic Type, Candidate Name, Affiliated Party] = G (code A) as the original voting record. If data to be written is obtained (step 5 13), the voting device does not need to change the settings depending on the type of election or the candidate. The only changes that need to be made are the printing of the selected sheet. According to the current system, candidates can be changed up to the day before the voting day, but it is quite effective in terms of operation to change only the selection form.

FIG. 6 shows another voting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the voting device shown in Fig. 6 and the voting device shown in Fig. 1 is that the voting device shown in Fig. 6 is provided with a button or lever-operated switch 61 outside the housing of the operating device. Only when the voter turns on this switch, the image near the pen tip is acquired to obtain candidate information and confirmation information. The operating device of the voting device shown in Fig. 6 does not require a pen pressure sensor.

In the operation device of this voting device, the number of operations that the voter turns on the switch increases, but the operation device does not need to touch the selection paper, and the candidate information selection part and the confirmation information part are printed You just need to point in the direction . In other words, since there is no contact, there is no need to worry about voting traces remaining on the selection sheet.

Although the first embodiment of the present invention has been described assuming that the election is a single election at the polling place, it is easy to extend and support multiple elections with one voting device. Hereinafter, this method will be described.

For multiple elections, prepare all candidate selection forms for the election to be handled at the polling place. For example, in Figure 7, “100th A 巿巿 Congressional Elections” 7001 and “50th B Prefectural Governor Elections” 7202 are prepared on the table. At this time, most electors can vote in either election, but only in one case. For example, if an elector has just moved from city C in the same prefecture B, he is not a voter in the A 巿 city council election at the time of preparing the electoral list, but is a voter in governor B's election. In order to prepare for such a case, as shown in FIG. 8, the voting card 130 contains information to identify that it is a valid voter for each election and that no vote has been made at that time. Fill 801, 802. This information may be stored on a single voting card, or the information may be stored on separate voting cards. With such preparation, when the voter operates the operating device and touches the candidate selection part or confirmation information part of each election, while confirming that the information of the voting card is valid Operate. The information on the voting card in Fig. 8 indicates that the voting for the “Governor of B prefecture election” has already been completed, and that the voting for the “80,000 city councilor election” is possible.

In this way, the functions required of the voting device, whether in a single election or multiple elections, can be handled with almost the same functions.

As above, the first embodiment of the present invention has been described.

According to the present embodiment, the candidate information and the candidate If only the selected portion and the confirmation portion are printed, the voting can be completed by recording the candidate information in the original voting record simply by touching the selection sheet with the operating device of the voting device. The voting device used at this time is composed of only a pen-type operation device and a flat-type thin voting management device, but the data display section of the voting management device displays candidate information for one person. As long as it can be displayed, there is no need to make it larger than necessary, and the entire voting device will be inexpensive. This is effective for transporting, storing, installing, and consuming power for voting equipment. The operating device of the voting device is easy to use because it can be freely moved in the physical space, and the voting management device is fixed to the entry table, so there is almost no fear of unauthorized removal. Since the selection paper is paper, even if the number of candidates is as large as 50 or more, all the candidates can be displayed in one side with large enough characters. Can solve the problem of unfairness. In addition, it is possible to respond flexibly even if it is required to display external characters or symbols as permitted by law in the notification of candidate information.

The secrets of the voting can still be protected from viewing by the entry table, and the original voting record is not included in the elector's personal information. Regarding the prevention of illegal voting and double voting, if the operation is included by comparing the electoral list at the reception desk and issuing a voting card that can write the validity / invalidity status for the election as usual, Can handle enough. It is desirable that the voting card be as difficult to falsify as possible. However, if an IC card is used as the voting card and signature is performed by a public key cryptosystem, the cost increases.

The readability of the original voting record during the term of the term is almost always guaranteed if candidate information, such as a standard ASCII code, is used to record the type of election, the candidate's name, and the political party to which they belong. Is done. Also vote Since the original record of each record is added to each vote, it is not merged with the votes of other voters, but is recorded for each vote, and can be kept as it is after counting the votes.

No matter how many candidate selection sheets are copied, the safety of voting will not be impaired, so even if the number of polling stations is M and the number of voting devices is N, the number of M * N selection sheets can be reduced quickly. And can be prepared at low cost. The code A of the candidate information to be printed on the selection paper is obtained by using the reversible functions F and G (the inverse function of F), and the code A = F (the type of the election, the candidate's name, and the party to which he belongs). By generating and using the voting device, the type of the election, the candidate's name, the political party to which it belongs = G (code A), and requesting a day to write in the original voting record, There is no need to change settings depending on the type of election or the candidate. The only changes that need to be made are the printing of the selected paper. According to the current system, candidates can be changed up to the day before the voting date, but changing the selection form alone is quite operational. If the operation device of the voting device is made switch-type non-contact rewritable, the operation of turning on the switch by voters increases, but the operation device does not need to touch the selection paper. However, there is no worry that voting marks will remain on the selection sheet.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the function that the voting device should have is almost the same regardless of whether it is a single election or a multiple election.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 9 shows the overall configuration of a voting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The voting device 0 includes a candidate selection sheet 2 on which candidate information is printed, an operation device 1 for acquiring candidate information, a display device 4 for confirming the contents of the voting, and a voting record original or copy duplicate 8. It has a voting recording device 5 for recording the contents of voting, and an information processing device 3 for performing information processing and controlling each device / device. I do. In addition, the operator may be provided with a card reader / writer 6 that reads and writes from the voting power door to confirm that the operator is a voter and has not yet voted. Although FIG. 9 shows a diagram in which these devices and devices are connected by wiring, some of them may be integrated. For example, the information processing device 3, the display device 4, the recording device 5, and the card reader / writer 6 are integrated. However, only the candidate selection form 2 is not integrated with other equipment. In this embodiment, the candidate selection sheet 2 is defined as a part of the voting apparatus 0, but may be defined as not included in a part of the voting apparatus 0.

FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the operating device 1 of the voting device 0 and its peripheral portion in the second embodiment of the present invention. The operating device 1 includes a lens 12, an image sensor 13 such as a CCD that converts captured images into electric signals, and a video signal processing unit that converts captured images into signals in a specified format. 14, a data transfer interface 15 for transferring the signal to an external information processing device, and a switch 11 for driving a video signal processing unit are built-in. Switch 11 itself is typically driven mechanically or by some other means. An optical compensator 16 is provided outside the housing 10 on the lens side so as to secure a shooting distance between the candidate selection paper 2 and the lens 12. The interface 15 is also connected to a cable 20 for transferring data to an external information processing device.

FIG. 11 shows the appearance of the operating device 1 of the voting apparatus 0 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The housing 10 of the operating device 1 has a cylindrical shape, and the front surface 31 corresponding to the lens 12 has a cylindrical optical compensator 1 made of a material that can absorb external light. 6 are provided. However, the inside is hollow. In addition, a button 34 that can be pushed by the operator is provided on the rear surface 32 of the housing opposite to the lens side. When the button is pressed, the switch 11 operates, and the switch 11 drives the video signal processing unit 14. Note that the button 34 need not necessarily be provided on the rear surface 32, and may be located on the side surface 33 of the housing. However, in the case of the side surface 33, the possibility of inducing the movement of the operating device 1 by the button operation is higher than in the case of the rear surface 32.

FIG. 12 shows an example of candidate information to be printed on the candidate selection sheet 2 in the second embodiment of the present invention. The candidate selection sheet 2 used in this embodiment includes a print area 41 for each candidate, characters indicating the attributes of the candidate 4 2, and an image (candidate information) in which the attributes of the candidate are coded. 3 is printed. Here, a coded image usually uses a bar code or a two-dimensional code. The well-known two-dimensional code standards include QR code, matrix code, and PDF 417 code. If a two-dimensional code is used, a long character string can be coded as a parameter. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the use of the two-dimensional code will be described.

FIG. 13 illustrates the relationship between the candidate information and the area of the contact surface of the optical compensation unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The contact surface 51 of the optical compensation unit is a surface where the candidate selection sheet 2 and the optical compensation unit 16 are in contact with each other when the voter operates the operating device 1 and is voting. If the is used stably, all of the outer periphery of the contact surface 51 comes into close contact with the candidate selection paper 2. However, it is possible to obtain candidate information even if some or all are not closely attached. However, in this case, it is recommended that the operation (voting) be performed by bringing the entire outer periphery of the contact surface 51 into close contact, because the timing of the button operation by the voter may cause the operation device 1 to shake. I do. At this time, the contact surface 51 of the optical compensation unit 16 must be sufficient to enclose the candidate information 43 printed on the candidate selection paper 2 inside. In other words, candidate selection form 2 When preparing the candidate, the candidate information must be printed in a size such that it enters inside the contact surface 51 of the optical compensation unit 16. However, the imaging device built in the operating device 1 has a limit in resolution, and therefore may not be too small.

FIG. 14 shows the geometric conditions of the optical compensation unit 16 of the operating device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In general, if the focal length of lens 12 is F, the shooting distance between lens 12 and candidate selection paper 2 is A, and the distance between lens 12 and image sensor 13 is B, then F = Ideally, the relation AB / (A + B) holds. In the operating device 1 of the present embodiment, since it is assumed that the voter operates the contact surface 51 of the optical compensation unit 16 in close contact with the candidate selection sheet 2, the optical compensation unit 16 The geometric condition in the vertical direction is such that the shooting distance A satisfies the above equation. However, even if there are some errors, blurring and blurring can be corrected by image processing.

FIG. 15 shows a shake preventing unit or an electrostatic preventing unit of the optical compensation unit 16 of the operating device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. A material 71 (for example, rubber) having a large coefficient of sliding friction with paper is adhered to the contact surface 51 of the optical compensation section 16. Voters are often uncertain and unable to operate the operating device 1 stably. Thus, by bonding such a material 71, slipping is reduced when a voter brings the optical compensation section 16 of the operating device 1 into contact with certain candidate information. This is particularly important when the button of the operating device 1 is pressed, and as a result, an image with less blur can be acquired.

Similarly, a material Ί 1 (for example, rubber) having an antistatic effect is bonded to the contact surface 51 of the optical compensation section 16. Seasons and weather conditions are irrelevant on election days, such as public office elections, and the polling stations used are not necessarily good in environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Therefore, static electricity is generated especially during the dry season. The situation is easy. The voting apparatus 0 of the present embodiment uses a large number of electronic components, and static electricity is likely to cause a failure. In particular, rubbing (friction) frequently occurs between the entry table (generally made of metal), the candidate selection paper 2, and the optical compensation unit 16 of the operating device, so that static electricity is likely to be generated. It is. Thus, by bonding such a material 71, when the voter contacts the optical compensation section 16 of the operating device 1 on the candidate information, the internal electrons due to static electricity The effect on parts can be reduced.

FIG. 16 shows an example of the outer shape of the operating device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 9 to 15, the case 10 and the optical compensator 16 of the operation device 1 have been described as having a cylindrical shape. Also, it has been described that the optical compensator 16 is connected to the front surface 31 (the lens-side surface) of the housing 10. However, the shape is not limited to this from the viewpoint of usability and design.

FIGS. 16 (a) to 16 (c) show the difference in the shape of the optical compensation unit 16. The optical compensators 81 and 83 in FIGS. 16 (a) and (c) are different in size between the connection surface and the contact surface. This is effective when the casing 10 is made thinner to improve usability and when the candidate information is relatively large. The optical compensators 82 and 83 in FIGS. 16 (b) and (c) differ from the case shape in that the connecting surface and the contact surface are square.

FIG. 16D shows a case where the optical compensator 16 is connected to the side surface 33 of the housing 10. In this case, it is more convenient to arrange the button 34 on the side surface 33 than on the rear surface of the housing 10. In addition, various designs are conceivable, such as making the housing 10 flat, having a curved surface, or having irregularities.

FIG. 17 shows an optical compensation unit 16 of the operating device 1 linked to the switch according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Housing 10 of operation device 1 and optical compensation unit Insert the extendable elastic mechanism 91 into the connection part with 16. Then, the base 92 on the side of the housing 10 and the contact circuit 93 on the base 92 are fixed so as to interlock with the housing 10. On the other hand, the conductive rubber 94 on the optical compensator 16 side is fixed so as to interlock with the optical compensator 16. When the conductive rubber 94 and the contact circuit 93 come into contact with each other, an electric current flows through the base 92 and plays a role of a switch. When the voter operates the operating device 1 and presses the optical compensator 16 strongly against the candidate selection paper 2, a force to shrink the elastic mechanism 9 1 works, and the conductive rubber 9 4 and the contact circuit 9 3 When the gap is reduced by the gap, the switch operates to acquire candidate information. This eliminates the need to provide a button on the operating device 1, thereby simplifying the operation of the voter. If the clearance is sufficiently small, the amount of vertical movement is small, and a high-quality image with little blur and blur when acquiring candidate information can be obtained.

FIG. 18 shows a candidate selection sheet 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The candidate selection form 2 is composed of a character string area 100000 indicating the type of election, an area 10010 for selecting a candidate, and an area 1◦20 for deciding a vote. The operating device 1 does not acquire information from the character string area 10000 indicating the election type, but acquires information from the candidate selection area 1100 and the vote determination area 1200. The order of the candidates in the candidate selection area 1100 is determined by lottery or the like.

In general, in public office elections, it is necessary to prevent double ballot fraud, and voting cards are one of the effective methods. The voting card stores data (flag) for confirming the validity of one vote in the election, and the voting device operates normally only when this flag (flag) is valid. Can be completed. This flag will be invalidated after the voting details are recorded in the original record or duplicate. Here, it is assumed that voting is in effect. Voters vote according to the following procedure.

(1) Obtain candidate information 43 from the candidate selection area 101.

(2) Obtain voting information 103 or redo information from the voting confirmation area 102.

The information processing device 3 of the voting device 0 is programmed so that the voting is not fixed (recorded) even if the process proceeds to the process (2) without going through the process (1). This is to prevent a vote from being finalized (recorded) without confirmation of the voter's intention. Thus, the basic procedure for the voter to handle the operating device 0 is as simple as two.

The candidate information 43 is an image in which the election type, candidate name, political party name, and the like are coded as parameters. For example, “100th East-West Mayoral Election”, “Taro Tozai”, and “A Party” are included as paramount nights. When the voter selects this candidate information (coded image), the voting device can extract the "100th East-West Mayoral Election", "Taro East-West", "AB Party", and so on. On the other hand, the voting information is an image in which “voting” is coded, and the undo information is an image in which “redo” is coded as a special command as a parameter. The coded image of these special commands should not be confused with the coded image of candidate information.

FIG. 19 shows a display example of the voting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

When the voter has performed the procedure of (1) above, the display section of the display device 4 shows the election type 111, candidate name and political party name 112, and a message to the voter. 1 1 3 0 is displayed. The size of each character should be sufficient for some low-vision people. At this point, the voting details are not recorded in the original record or the duplicate, and the voter is merely asking whether the voting details are correct. Next, the voters When the procedure of (2) was performed, the contents of the voting were recorded in the original record and the duplicate record, and a message 1140 to the voter on the display unit of the display device 4 was displayed, and the voting was completed. Tell. This concludes the election voting. In practice, the voting card invalidates the right to one vote for the election, and the instruction to remove the voting card is also issued at this timing. After this, the same voter cannot obtain information from the same candidate selection form 2.

In this way, by printing the candidate list on the candidate selection sheet 2 and confirming the contents of the voting on the display device 4, the character size (visibility) sufficient for the low-vision can be ensured. The display device 4 can be reduced in size. Due to miniaturization, it has an advantage in installation, transportation, storage, etc.

FIG. 20 shows a candidate selection sheet 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention when there are many candidates. When there are many candidates for the election, for example, the candidate selection form 2 is pasted on a menu spreadsheet 1200 that can be spread, so that the list of candidates can be displayed. This will ensure fairness to the candidate.

FIG. 21 shows the correspondence between the candidate selection form 2 and the display on the display device 4 in the multiple election according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Voting for multiple elections may be held on the same poll date and at the same polling place. At this time, in order to avoid confusion, voting is currently carried out for each election by distinguishing the entry table and the ballot box. However, in this embodiment, electronic voting corresponding to a plurality of elections can be made possible by the voting device 0 on one entry stand.

In the voting apparatus 0 of the present embodiment, the candidate selection form 2 is prepared for each election. For example, prepare 13 1 for the east-west mayoral election and 13 2 for the east-west municipal assembly election, and attach both election sheets to each entry table. At this time, for each election Change the background color of the candidate selection form 1 3 1 and 1 3 2. For example, light blue and light yellow respectively. On the other hand, the display device 4 displays the image by changing the background color according to each election. In other words, when the operation is performed using the candidate selection paper 13 1, the background color is set to light blue 13 3, and when the operation is performed using the candidate selection paper 13 2, the background color is light yellow 1 3 4 This makes it easier for voters to confirm the election in multiple elections. To achieve this, color information may be added as a parameter when generating coded images of candidate information, voting information, and redo information. FIG. 22 shows an example in which the voting apparatus 0 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is installed on a stand. FIG. 22 (a) shows an example in which one voting device 0 is installed on one entry stand 140 with a stand-alone door. The entry stand 140 secures an appropriate height so that voters can vote easily and makes it difficult to see from the side. In this example, the information processing device 3, the display device 4, the recording device 5, and the voting card reader / writer 6 in the voting device 0 are integrated and installed on the entry stand 140. In general, the stands used in current paper-based voting are not designed to carry structurally heavy equipment. However, the voting device 140 of the present embodiment is advantageous in terms of weight because the display device 4 can be downsized. FIG. 22 (b) shows an example in which only the recording device 144 is externally mounted, and is installed not on the entry stand 140 but in a location that is difficult to access by voters. For voters, it is sufficient on the entry stand 140 to be able to insert a voting card, cast a vote, and confirm voting by display. That is, the information processing device 3, the display device 4, and the voting power-reader / writer 6 are integrated 14 2. Placing the recording device 144 in an inaccessible location reduces the risk that the original or duplicate copy of the voting will be abusive. In addition, by attaching the recording device 144 externally, The weight of the voting device 0 is also reduced.

FIG. 22 (c) shows an example in which the voting devices 0 on a plurality of entry stands 140 share one recording device 144. The voting device body 144 of each entry stand 140 is connected to the hub 146 via a network cable 147, and the information processing device 145 with the built-in recording device 145 is also a haptic 146. Connected to. The voting device main body 14 and the information processing device 144 having a built-in recording device 5 transmit data such as voting contents by a data communication protocol. It is a so-called client server method. If this device configuration is used, the required number of original records and duplicates required at the polling place will be reduced. In other words, the number of votes that need to be counted at the counting office is reduced, and it is superior when counting votes. However, if the server 144 goes down during the voting, the server must be reliable because the use of all the clients 144 following it must be stopped.

FIG. 23 shows the overall configuration of a voting apparatus 0 in a case where a polling place and a counting place are connected online in the second embodiment of the present invention. When the polling place and the counting place are connected to the wide area network 155 using the network equipment group 153 and 154 such as firewalls and firewalls, and the polling place and the counting place are online. This is an example. In this example, the recording device 5 is installed at the counting station side, and in order to complete the voting action by the operation of the voter (writing the voting content on the original record 8), the information processing is performed for each voting. It is necessary to perform sequential data communication between the devices 15 1 and 15 2. The voting content itself does not include anything that violates the confidentiality of the voter's voting, but if the voting content is disclosed to the outside before the balloting time, the voting content will reveal the advantages and disadvantages of the candidate. In both cases, it is desirable to perform encrypted communication on the network between the network devices 15 3 and 15 4 at both locations.

FIG. 24 is a vote start time on the election manager side in the second embodiment of the present invention. The flow of the preparation work up to now is shown. The election manager prepares a layout of the candidate selection form 2 using dedicated software at the election administration office or the like (step 161). At this time, candidate information (coded image) is also generated using the attributes of each candidate as parameters. When the layout of the election is completed, the required number of copies of the candidate selection form 2 are printed in print (step 162). Alternatively, only one sheet may be printed and the required number of copies may be prepared by a copier. Then, a connection test with the main body of the voting device 0 (a set excluding the candidate selection paper 2) is performed (step 1663). If the test is successful, distribute the required number of copies (number of copies + spares) to the person in charge at each polling place (step 1664). Up to this point, preparations can be concentrated in one place, such as the election office.

The person in charge at each polling place transports the candidate selection form 2 and other necessary equipment to the polling place (step 1655), and installs a voting device 0 including the candidate selection form 2 on each entry stand 140. Make the necessary settings (step 16). Then, the final operation check test is completed, and the system waits until the voting start time (step 1667).

FIG. 25 shows the flow of the zero vote confirmation work immediately after the voting start time on the election manager side in the second embodiment of the present invention. Immediately after the start time of voting, the original record and the copy of the medium to be duplicated are opened in the presence of the voters (step 171), and the label is attached to the medium (step 172). The label only needs to describe the distinction between primary and secondary and the type of election. If multiple elections are recorded on a single medium, it is desirable to list all election types on the lapel. Next, the recording original and the duplicate are inserted into the recording device 5 (step 1773), and it is confirmed by the display device 4 that the recording original or the duplicate has not been previously recorded (step 174). Do not lock the original record and duplicates so that they cannot be illegally extracted. Take the necessary steps (steps 175). The above description is an example, and zero vote confirmation is not always performed according to this procedure.

FIG. 26 shows an example of the layout of polling places in the second embodiment of the present invention and the order in which voters move in the polling place. At the reception 181, the voters of the election make a simple check, and at the corner 182 against the electoral list, compare the election postcards they bring with the electoral list. The electoral list consists of a list of voters in the election, and those who have completed the absentee vote and who have completed comparisons with the electoral list are indicated on the electoral list as such. Once the roster has been checked, you will receive a voting card at the voting card issuing office 183 with the data for the right to vote in the election activated. Next, go to the kitchen 1 84, enter a voting card, and select and acquire candidate information on the candidate selection form using the operating device. The acquired candidate information is confirmed on the display device. Next, finalize the voting, record the contents of the voting in the original record and the duplicate, complete the voting, and remove the voting card. Finally, have the voting cards collected at the voting card collection site 1885.

FIG. 27 shows an operation of the election manager after the voting end time in the second embodiment of the present invention. The person in charge at each polling place performs the termination processing of the voting device 0 (step 191), unlocks the key, and extracts the original record and the duplicate from the recording device 5 (step 192). The original record and the duplicate are sealed as required (step 1993). At the counting station, the original record with seal sent from each polling place is prepared on the receiving table (step 1994), and the seal is released together with the signal of the counting (step 1995). (Step 196). The counting and counting work is performed by reading the original record into the counting and counting device.

FIG. 28 shows an example of a data structure recorded in a recording original or a duplicate in the embodiment of the present invention. Data structure recorded in the original record 200 includes the election type and the candidate name. The political party name is optional. In some cases, one election type is included for each vote, and one election type is assigned to the entire original record.To handle multiple elections with one original record, the election type must be set for each vote. It is better to record. The counting and counting device sorts and processes votes for each election type, and counts the candidate's votes by candidate name.

As above, the second embodiment of the present invention has been described.

According to the present embodiment, the following effect is further obtained in addition to the effect of the first embodiment. In other words, even if the voter cannot operate the operation device stably, relatively stable operation is possible, and as a result, the acquisition of candidate information and the extraction of voting content are stabilized. . In other words, it will also reduce the average time for all voters to vote.

Second, voting can be performed simply by pressing the operating device against the relevant part of the candidate selection form without pressing any buttons. In addition, the influence on the electronic components of the voting device due to static electricity or the like can be reduced.

In addition, during multiple elections, the correspondence between the candidate selection form and the display screen on the display device can be easily understood, and voting errors can be reduced.

The above embodiments have been described based on the Japanese public office election system, but the mechanism of the voting device is also effective in countries and regions other than Japan. In addition, the present invention is effective not only in voting in public office elections but also in referendums and questionnaires.

As described above, according to the present invention, even when the number of elected persons is large, all the elected persons can be displayed on one side with a size large enough for human sight, and the cost for that can be displayed. It is possible to provide a voting device that can keep the voting low.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A voting device that records a voting result in a storage medium serving as an original record of voting by using a voting power having voting right information indicating that one has voting rights in an election,

The voting device includes an input device having a pen tip portion and an image reading portion, and a voting processing device connected to the input device and having a data display portion and a voting card reader / writer,

A voting paper printed with candidate information, a candidate identification image for identifying the candidate, and a confirmation image for confirming the voting content, with the voting card inserted in the voting card reader / writer. After reading the candidate specifying image specified by the pen tip of the input device by the image reading unit, the candidate information corresponding to the candidate specifying image read by the image reading unit is displayed on the data display unit. And displaying the candidate displayed on the data display unit as a valid voter after the input device reads the confirmation image from the ballot paper.

2. A voting device that uses a voting card having voting right information indicating that one has voting rights in an election, and records the voting results in a storage medium serving as the original record of voting.

The voting device includes a pen tip, an image reading unit, an input device including an operation switch, a voting processing device connected to the input device, and including a data display unit and a voting card reader / writer. When the operation switch of the operating device is pressed with the voting power inserted in the voting power reader Z-ray reader, candidate information for specifying candidate information and a candidate is displayed. For voting, and a confirmation image for confirming the voting content Reading the candidate identification image from paper, displaying candidate information corresponding to the candidate identification image read by the image reading unit on the data display unit, and the input device displaying the confirmation image from the ballot paper A voting device, wherein after reading, the candidate displayed on the data display section is recorded as a valid voter.

3. The voting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

The candidate identification image printed on the ballot includes information for identifying the code obtained by the first function based on the type of election and the candidate attribute, and the voting device When the information is obtained, the type of election and the attribute of the candidate are obtained from the code by the second function having an inverse function to the first function, and the obtained information is stored in the medium serving as the original record of voting. A voting device characterized in that:

4. A candidate selection form on which candidate information is printed, an information processing unit for extracting voting contents based on information obtained from the candidate selection form, a voting confirmation display unit for confirming voting contents, In a voting device including a voting recording unit that records the contents of a voting in a record original and an operating device operated by a voter, the operating device includes a lens and an imaging device that captures light captured through the lens. A video signal processing unit for converting image information obtained by the imaging device into a video signal of a predetermined standard; a switch for driving the video signal processing unit; and an information processing unit for extracting the voting content. An interface for transmitting the video signal, a cable for transmitting the signal, an optical compensation mechanism for securing necessary optical conditions between the lens and the candidate selection sheet, and a casing held by the voter Body and body Be those,

The optical compensation mechanism has a contact surface that comes into contact with the candidate selection sheet, The area surrounded by the contact surface is larger than the reading area of the candidate information printed on the candidate selection sheet, and has a vertical shooting distance required for focusing between the lens and the candidate selection sheet. A voting device characterized by being covered with a material that transmits external light.

5. The voting device of claim 4, wherein

The optical compensation mechanism and the housing are connected by an elastic mechanism, a conductive rubber is fixed on the optical compensation mechanism side, a contact circuit is fixed on the housing side, and a fixed distance is provided between the conductive rubber and the contact circuit. When a constant pressure or more is applied to the contact surface side of the optical compensation mechanism, the switch is activated when the housing is pushed in and the contact circuit comes into contact with the conductive rubber. To be

6. The voting device according to claim 4, wherein

A voting device characterized in that a component made of a material having a high coefficient of sliding friction with paper is provided on the contact surface of the optical compensation mechanism.

7. The voting device according to claim 4, wherein

A voting device characterized in that a component made of a material having an antistatic effect is provided on a contact surface of an optical compensation mechanism.

8. The voting device of claim 4, wherein

A voting apparatus characterized in that the candidate information is a coded image obtained by adding data representing a background color of a candidate selection sheet to a parameter.