JP3779223B2 - Ballot paper reading method and electronic ballot reading unit of electronic voting apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a voting paper reading method and an electronic voting reading unit for an electronic voting device, and more particularly, to an electronic voting system for conveying an inserted voting paper and reading information described therein. The present invention relates to a reading method and an electronic voting reading unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Currently, voting methods in elections are performed by voters who fill in a predetermined ballot on the election ballot with the names of candidates for voting. Then, in general, the voter folds the completed ballot paper in half so that the entry surface side is inside, and posts it in a predetermined ballot box, and the voter's vote is completed. The ballot box is transported to the counting place after all the voting is completed, the posted ballots are taken out to the desk, and one by one is categorized and counted for each candidate name. Then, the counting results for each polling place are tabulated and the winning candidate is determined.
[0003]
In recent years, an electronic voting system that automates a series of operations from voting to counting has been proposed.
In such an electronic voting system, for example, a ballot is issued to a voter in advance, and a voter who intends to vote enters an entry for identifying a candidate to vote on the ballot. Then, the voter inserts the ballot into the electronic voting device installed at the polling place. In the electronic voting apparatus in which the voting paper is inserted, the contents written on the voting paper are read by image recognition or the like, and the voting paper is stored inside. The read information is automatically totaled at a terminal to which an electronic voting device is connected. The voting data for each polling place is collected in the vote counting server of the counting place, and all the voting data is totaled.
[0004]
By introducing such an electronic voting system, the time for counting votes can be greatly shortened, and the number of people involved in counting votes can be reduced. In addition, it is expected that there will be no question cards leading to invalid votes.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when introducing an electronic voting system, from the viewpoint of confidentiality, etc., if the completed ballot is folded in half so that the entry side is inside, as in the case of conventional election voting, it is inserted into the electronic voting device. However, even if the electronic voting device can convey the ballot paper, there is a problem in that it cannot recognize the contents written inside the half-fold.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above point, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic voting apparatus that can normally recognize information held in a voting sheet inserted in two.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the ballot paper reading method of the electronic ballot device that conveys the inserted ballot paper and reads the information of the ballot paper, the length of the inserted ballot paper is detected and detected. When it is determined that the ballot is folded in half from the length, the ballot isPassing between a rotating paper correction roller and a brake roller rotating in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the paper correction roller.Straighten the information on the ballotNewsA ballot paper reading method for an electronic voting device is provided.
[0008]
  According to such a ballot paper reading method of the electronic voting apparatus, when it is determined whether or not the inserted ballot paper is folded in two and it is determined that the paper is folded in half, the paper is folded in half. BallotPass between the rotating paper correction roller and the brake roller rotating in the opposite direction.After correcting straight in the electronic voting device, the information it has is read. As a result, the information contained in the two-fold ballot can be recognized normally. In addition, since the half-folded voting form once inserted is processed in the electronic voting device without being returned to the voter side, complicated operations such as re-insertion, which was necessary when it was not read in the past, are unnecessary. become.
  Further, according to the present invention, in the voting paper reading method of the electronic voting apparatus that conveys the inserted voting paper and reads information contained in the voting paper, the length of the inserted voting paper is detected and the detected length is detected. When the voting paper is determined to be folded in half, the voting paper is rotated in the electronic voting device with a paper correction roller that rotates, and an impeller that rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the paper correction roller, A ballot paper reading method for an electronic voting apparatus is provided, wherein the information contained in the ballot paper is read by passing the information between the two and the straight ball paper.
  According to such a ballot paper reading method of the electronic voting apparatus, when it is determined whether or not the inserted ballot paper is folded in two and it is determined that the paper is folded in half, the paper is folded in half. After the voting paper is corrected between the rotating paper correction roller and the impeller rotating in the opposite direction and straightened in the electronic voting apparatus, the information contained therein is read.
  Further, according to the present invention, in the voting paper reading method of the electronic voting apparatus that conveys the inserted voting paper and reads information contained in the voting paper, the length of the inserted voting paper is detected and the detected length is detected. When the ballot is determined to be folded in half, an operation for correcting the ballot is straightened in the electronic voting device, the thickness of the ballot is detected, and the thickness detected from the detected thickness If it is determined that the ballot is folded in half, the operation of correcting the ballot in a straight manner is repeated in the electronic ballot device, the ballot is straightened, and the information contained in the ballot is read. A ballot paper reading method for an electronic voting apparatus is provided.
  According to such a voting paper reading method of the electronic voting apparatus, it is detected from the length whether or not the inserted voting paper is folded in two, and the voting paper determined to be folded in two is used. On the other hand, when it is determined that the sheet is folded in two by detecting the thickness, the operation of correcting the straight is repeated, and the information of the ballot paper corrected to the straight is read. .
[0009]
  Furthermore, in the present invention,In the ballot paper reading method of the electronic voting device that conveys the inserted ballot paper and reads the information of the ballot paper, the ballot paper is a front / back recognition code for identifying the front and back, and the front side for identifying the left and right sides of the front side It has a left / right recognition mark and a back side left / right recognition mark for identifying the left and right sides of the back side,Inserted in halfSaidThere is provided a ballot paper reading method for an electronic voting apparatus, which determines the front / back and top / bottom / left / right directions of a ballot paper and reads information contained in the ballot paper while being folded in half.
[0010]
This method makes it possible to read a folded voting sheet without correcting it straight.
Further, in the present invention, in the electronic voting reading unit of the electronic voting apparatus that conveys the inserted voting paper and reads information contained in the voting paper, a paper length detection sensor that detects the length of the inserted voting paper; A paper correction roller for conveying the voting paper; a brake roller disposed opposite to the paper correction roller and rotating in a direction opposite to a rotation direction of the paper correction roller; and disposed downstream of the paper correction roller; An electronic voting reading unit of an electronic voting apparatus, comprising: an image sensor that reads information included in the electronic voting device.
[0011]
  According to the electronic voting reading unit of such an electronic voting apparatus, when the paper correction roller rotates, the brake roller rotates in the opposite direction. Therefore, the two-fold voting paper includes the paper correction roller and the brake roller.WhenIt is corrected straight by passing between. As a result, the information contained in the two-fold ballot is normally recognized in the electronic voting apparatus.
  Furthermore, in the present invention, in the electronic voting reading unit of the electronic voting apparatus that conveys the inserted voting paper and reads the information that the voting paper has, a paper length detection sensor that detects the length of the inserted voting paper; A paper correction roller that conveys the voting paper; an impeller that is disposed opposite to the paper correction roller and that rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the paper correction roller; and that is disposed downstream of the paper correction roller; An electronic voting reading unit of an electronic voting apparatus, comprising: an image sensor that reads information included in the electronic voting device.
  According to the electronic voting reading unit of such an electronic voting apparatus, when the paper correction roller rotates, the impeller rotates in the opposite direction, so that the half-folded voting paper is separated between the paper correction roller and the impeller. It is corrected straight by passing between.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a case where the embodiment is applied to an electronic voting apparatus that conveys and reads a symbol type voting sheet that employs a mark method as a voting sheet.
[0013]
First, the electronic voting apparatus will be described.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the electronic voting apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a diagram of an operation surface of the electronic voting apparatus.
The electronic voting apparatus 10 has an operation screen 11 for a voter to perform a confirmation operation or the like according to a guidance display at the time of voting. The operation surface on which the operation screen 11 is provided is a light shielding plate 12 on both sides. It is blocked. A voting paper insertion slot 13 into which the symbol-type voting paper 20 is inserted in a folded state or in a straight state is provided in the operation surface.
[0014]
Here, the symbol type ballot 20 includes, for example, a candidate name, a party name thereof, and a number corresponding thereto, and the candidate number to be voted, a party number, etc. are marked by the voter. Thus, the candidate is specified.
[0015]
An electronic voting reading unit 30 is disposed at the back of the voting paper insertion slot 13 into which such a symbolic voting paper 20 is inserted. At the time of voting, the inserted symbolic ballot 20 is conveyed through the electronic ballot reading unit 30 and the information it has is read.
[0016]
The symbol type ballot paper 20 from which the mark has been read is stored in a ballot box 40 provided on the exit side of the electronic ballot reading unit 30.
Next, the electronic voting reading unit of the electronic voting apparatus will be described.
[0017]
1 is a side view of the electronic ballot reading unit, and FIG. 4 is a plan view of the electronic ballot reading unit.
The electronic ballot reading unit 30 is provided with a ballot paper conveyance path 31 for conveying the symbolic ballot paper 20 from the ballot paper insertion slot 13 to the ballot box 40 shown in FIG. .
[0018]
In addition, the electronic voting reading unit 30 has paper width detection sensors 32a and 32b each composed of a pair of photo sensors sandwiching the voting paper conveyance path 31 and a paper length detection sensor 33 behind the voting paper insertion slot 13. ing. When the presence of the symbolic voting paper 20 is detected by both of the paper width detection sensors 32a and 32b, it indicates that the symbolic voting paper 20 is inserted in an appropriate direction. The paper length detection sensor 33 cooperates with the paper width detection sensor 32b, and when the presence of the symbolic voting paper 20 is detected by both of them, the symbolic voting paper 20 is folded in half. Indicates not.
[0019]
On the downstream side of the paper width detection sensors 32a and 32b and on the upstream side of the paper length detection sensor 33, the transport roller 34a and the pinch roller 35a are disposed to face each other in the voting paper transport path 31. . The inserted symbol type ballot paper 20 is conveyed downstream while being sandwiched between the conveying roller 34a and the pinch roller 35a.
[0020]
Further, a paper correction roller 36 and a brake roller 37 are disposed opposite to the conveyance roller 34 a and the pinch roller 35 a and upstream of the paper length detection sensor 33. The paper correction roller 36 rotates in both the direction of conveying the inserted symbolic voting paper 20 downstream from the voting paper insertion slot 13 and the direction of conveying the symbolic voting paper 20 toward the voting paper insertion slot 13. It can be done.
[0021]
The brake roller 37 is configured to move in the vertical direction with respect to the voting paper conveyance path 31 and is in contact with and away from the paper correction roller 36. The brake roller 37 is normally retracted from the voting paper conveyance path 31 and can rotate in a direction in which the symbol type voting paper 20 is conveyed toward the voting paper insertion slot 13 when in contact with the paper correction roller 36. Yes.
[0022]
Further, a conveyance roller 34b is provided downstream of the sheet length detection sensor 33, and a thickness detection roller 38a is disposed opposite to the conveyance roller 34b. One end of a thickness sensor detection lever 38c that is rotatable about a shaft 38b is fixed to the thickness detection roller 38a. The thickness detection roller 38a is normally disposed in contact with the conveyance roller 34b in the voting paper conveyance path 31.
[0023]
Further, a reflective thickness sensor 38d is disposed at a position facing the free end side of the thickness sensor detection lever 38c. The thickness sensor 38d determines the thickness of the symbolic voting paper 20 based on a change in the distance from the thickness sensor detection lever 38c when the symbolic voting paper 20 passes between the transport roller 34b and the thickness detection roller 38a. It has become.
[0024]
Further downstream of the transport roller 34b, transport rollers 34c and 34d are disposed, and pinch rollers 35c and 35d are disposed to face each other. Similarly to the paper correction roller 36, the transport rollers 34b, 34c, and 34d are configured to transport the inserted symbolic voting paper 20 downstream from the voting paper insertion slot 13 and the symbolic voting paper 20 to the voting paper insertion slot 13. It can be rotated in both directions of the conveyance direction.
[0025]
Image sensors 39a and 39b for reading information contained in the symbol voting paper 20 are arranged between the conveyance rollers 34b and 34c and between the conveyance rollers 34c and 34d, respectively. The image sensors 39a and 39b are arranged with the voting paper conveyance path 31 in between, so that the symbol type voting paper 20 can be read from both sides.
[0026]
In the electronic voting apparatus 10 provided with the electronic voting reading unit 30 having the above-described configuration, when the half-folded symbolic voting paper 20 is inserted from the voting paper insertion slot 13, the electronic voting paper reading unit 20 uses the electronic voting reading unit 30. Correct straight.
[0027]
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an operation for correcting a folded symbol-type voting paper straight. When the half-fold symbolic voting paper 20 is detected by the paper length detection sensor 33, the symbolic voting paper 20 stops while being sandwiched between the paper correction roller 36 and the brake roller 37.
[0028]
At this time, the brake roller 37 rotates in a direction in which the symbol type voting paper 20 is conveyed toward the voting paper insertion slot 13, and in conjunction with the rotation of the brake roller 37, the paper correction roller 36 moves the symbol type voting paper. 20 is rotated in a direction to convey it downstream from the voting paper insertion slot 13. As a result, when the opening of the half-fold symbolic voting paper 20 faces in the direction of conveyance downstream from the voting paper insertion slot 13, the piece of paper on the side of the brake roller 37 is placed on the voting paper insertion slot 13. The sheet piece on the sheet correction roller 36 side is sent to the downstream side and corrected straight.
[0029]
When the sheet is not straightly corrected by the correcting operation by the brake roller 37 and the sheet correcting roller 36 and is conveyed to the downstream while being folded in half, the image sensors 39a and 39b or the thickness sensor 38d shown in FIGS. It is recognized that it is folded in half. At this time, the symbol type ballot paper 20 is reversely conveyed to the state shown in FIG. 5, the correction operation is performed again, and this operation is repeated until it is corrected straight.
[0030]
Thus, the symbolic ballot paper 20 inserted into the electronic ballot reading unit 30 is not discharged from the ballot paper insertion slot 13 to the voter side after passing through the paper width detection sensors 32a and 32b. Processed within.
[0031]
Next, an operation flow in the electronic voting reading unit 30 of the electronic voting apparatus 10 will be described.
6 and 7 are operation flowcharts of the electronic ballot reading unit. FIGS. 6 and 7 show an operation when the symbol-type voting paper 20 is conveyed and read without using the thickness sensor 38d.
[0032]
When the symbolic voting paper 20 is inserted into the voting paper insertion slot 13 of the electronic voting device 10, the electronic voting reading unit 30 uses the symbolic voting paper 20 conveyed through the voting paper conveyance path 31 to detect the paper width. It is determined whether or not the detection is made by both 32a and 32b (step S1).
[0033]
Here, when it is determined that the symbol-type voting paper 20 is detected by both the paper width detection sensors 32a and 32b, the electronic voting reading unit 30 drives the transport roller 34a to reach the pinch roller 35a. The symbol-type voting paper 20 is taken in and conveyed (step S2).
[0034]
Thereafter, the conveyed symbolic voting paper 20 passes between the paper correction roller 36 and the brake roller 37, and the leading end side thereof is detected by the paper length detection sensor 33 (step S3). Then, when the leading end side of the symbol type voting paper 20 is detected by the paper length detection sensor 33, it is determined whether the rear end side is also detected by the paper width detection sensor 32b (step S4).
[0035]
If it is determined in step S4 that the paper width detection sensor 32b has not detected the electronic ballot reading unit 30, the electronic ballot reading unit 30 recognizes that the inserted symbolic ballot paper 20 is folded in two (step S5). ).
[0036]
When the symbolic ballot paper 20 is folded in half, the electronic ballot reading unit 30 stops driving the paper correction roller 36 and temporarily stops the conveyance of the symbolic ballot paper 20 (step S6).
[0037]
Subsequently, the electronic ballot reading unit 30 contacts the brake roller 37 with the paper correction roller 36 and rotates in a direction in which the symbol type ballot paper 20 is conveyed toward the ballot paper insertion slot 13 (step S7). Then, in conjunction with the rotation of the brake roller 37, the paper correction roller 36 is rotated in the direction in which the symbol type voting paper 20 is conveyed downstream from the voting paper insertion slot 13 (step S8). After the symbolic voting paper 20 passes through the paper length detection sensor 33, the brake roller 37 stops rotating and retracts from the voting paper transport path 31.
[0038]
Here, when the opening of the half-fold symbolic voting paper 20 is directed in the direction of conveyance downstream from the voting paper insertion slot 13, the paper piece on the side of the brake roller 37 is inserted into the voting paper insertion slot 13. The sheet piece on the sheet correction roller 36 side is sent to the downstream side and corrected straight.
[0039]
On the other hand, when the half-folded symbol-type voting paper 20 is not corrected straight by the interlocking rotation operation of the brake roller 37 and the paper correction roller 36, it is conveyed downstream in a folded state.
[0040]
The symbolic ballot paper 20 that has passed through the brake roller 37 and the paper correction roller 36 is further conveyed by the conveyance roller 34b, and it is determined whether or not the marks on the symbolic ballot paper 20 can be read by the image sensors 39a and 39b. (Step S9). If it is determined that the mark on the symbolic ballot 20 can be read, the symbolic ballot 20 is conveyed by the conveying rollers 34c and 34d and sent to the ballot box 40 side to read the electronic ballot. The operation of the unit 30 ends.
[0041]
If it is determined that the marks on the symbolic ballot paper 20 cannot be read by the image sensors 39a and 39b, the electronic ballot reading unit 30 stops the conveyance of the symbolic ballot paper 20 (step S12). . Then, the symbolic ballot paper 20 is reversely conveyed in the direction of the ballot paper insertion slot 13 (step S13), and the reverse conveyance of the symbolic ballot paper 20 is stopped when the state shown in FIG. 5 is reached (step S13). S14).
[0042]
Subsequently, as in steps S7 and S8, the brake roller 37 is rotated in the direction opposite to the direction in which it is conveyed toward the voting paper insertion slot 13 (step S15), and in conjunction with this, the paper correction roller 36 is rotated. Then, it rotates in the direction of conveying it downstream from the voting paper insertion slot 13 (step S16). At this time, when the detection of the symbolic voting paper 20 by the paper length detection sensor 33 is finished, the conveyance is temporarily stopped, and the symbolic voting paper 20 is conveyed again (step S17). Then, the symbolic ballot paper 20 is conveyed by the conveying rollers 34b and 34c, and it is determined whether or not the marks on the symbolic ballot paper 20 can be read by the image sensors 39a and 39b (step S18). Here, when it is determined that the mark on the symbolic ballot paper 20 has been read, the symbolic ballot paper 20 is conveyed by the conveying rollers 34c and 34d and sent out to the ballot box 40 side, and electronic voting is performed. The operation of the reading unit 30 ends.
[0043]
Further, when it is determined in step S18 that the marks on the symbolic ballot paper 20 cannot be read by the image sensors 39a and 39b, the process returns to step S12 to correct the symbolic ballot paper 20 straight again. The operation after step S12 is repeated until the reading is performed.
[0044]
In step S1, if either of the paper width detection sensors 32a and 32b cannot be detected, the conveyance roller 34a is not operated as an abnormal paper width, and the symbol-type voting paper 20 is taken into the inside. Is rejected (step S10). In step S4, when the leading end side of the symbolic ballot paper 20 is detected by the paper length detection sensor 33 and the rear end side is detected by the paper width detection sensor 32b, the electronic ballot reading unit 30 It is recognized that the symbolic ballot 20 is not folded in half (step S11). Then, the symbolic ballot paper 20 is conveyed as it is, and the operations after step S9 are performed.
[0045]
Next, the operation of the electronic ballot reading unit 30 when using the thickness sensor 38d will be described. When the electronic ballot reading unit 30 determines that the symbolic ballot paper 20 is not corrected straight based on the thickness information detected by the thickness sensor 38d, the electronic ballot reading unit 30 can repeatedly perform the correction operation.
[0046]
FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of the electronic voting reading unit when the thickness sensor is used. When the thickness sensor 38d is used, the operations from step S1 to step S8 shown in FIG. 6 are the same as when the thickness sensor 38d is not used.
[0047]
After the correction operation by the paper correction roller 36 and the brake roller 37, the symbol type voting paper 20 is conveyed between the conveyance roller 34b and the thickness detection roller 38a. Then, it is determined whether or not the symbolic ballot 20 has been corrected straight in the previous correction operation (step S21). Here, if it is determined that the symbolic ballot 20 is folded in half and has not been corrected straight by the correcting operation, the conveyance of the symbolic ballot 20 is stopped (step S22). Then, the symbolic voting paper 20 is reversely conveyed in the direction of the voting paper insertion slot 13 (step S23), and the reverse conveyance is stopped when the symbolic voting paper 20 is in the state shown in FIG. Step S24).
[0048]
Subsequently, the brake roller 37 is rotated in the direction opposite to the direction in which it is conveyed toward the voting paper insertion slot 13 (step S25), and in conjunction with this, the paper correction roller 36 is moved downstream from the voting paper insertion slot 13. Rotate in the direction of transport to (step S26). At this time, when the detection of the symbolic voting paper 20 by the paper length detection sensor 33 is finished, the conveyance is temporarily stopped, and the symbolic voting paper 20 is conveyed again (step S27).
[0049]
Then, when the symbol type voting paper 20 is conveyed between the conveying roller 34b and the thickness detecting roller 38a, it is determined again whether or not it has been corrected to straight (step S28). Here, if it is determined that the symbolic voting paper 20 is corrected straight, the symbolic voting paper 20 is conveyed as it is, and the mark on the symbolic voting paper 20 is marked by the image sensor 39a or the image sensor 39b. It is determined whether or not the reading was successful (step S29). When the mark on the symbolic voting paper 20 is read, the symbolic voting paper 20 is conveyed by the conveying rollers 34c and 34d and sent to the ballot box 40 side, and the operation of the electronic voting reading unit 30 is completed. .
[0050]
If the mark on the symbolic ballot paper 20 is not read in step S29, the operations from step S12 to step S18 shown in FIG. 7 are performed.
[0051]
If it is determined in step S21 that the symbolic voting sheet 20 has been corrected straight, the symbolic voting sheet 20 is conveyed as it is, and it is determined whether or not the mark in step S29 has been read. Is done.
[0052]
Further, if it is determined in step S28 that the symbolic voting paper 20 has not been corrected straight, the process returns to step S22, and an operation for correcting the symbolic voting paper 20 to straight again is performed. Until this is done, the operations in and after step S22 are repeated.
[0053]
As described above, the electronic ballot reading unit 30 of the electronic balloting device 10 can correct the symbol-type ballot paper 20 inserted in half into a straight shape in the electronic balloting device 10 and store it in the ballot box 40. become able to. Therefore, the symbolic ballot 20 once inserted in the electronic voting apparatus 10 can be processed in the electronic voting apparatus 10 without returning it to the voter side. As a result, complicated operations such as re-insertion, which has been necessary in the case where reading has not been performed in the past, are also unnecessary.
[0054]
Before the symbolic ballot 20 is stored in the ballot box 40, information specified from the read information, for example, a marked candidate number, is displayed on the operation screen 11, and the information is confirmed by the voter. After confirmation work such as pressing a button, the ballot box 40 is stored.
[0055]
In the electronic ballot reading unit 30 described above, the brake roller 37 disposed opposite to the paper correction roller 36 may be configured as an impeller.
[0056]
FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of an electronic voting reading unit having an impeller. However, in FIG. 9, the same elements as those in the electronic voting reading unit 30 shown in FIG.
[0057]
In the electronic ballot reading unit 30 a, an impeller 37 a is disposed so as to face the paper correction roller 36. The impeller 37 a rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the paper correction roller 36 with the blade pressed against the paper correction roller 36. Due to the rotation of the impeller 37a, the half-fold symbolic voting paper 20 is corrected straight.
[0058]
In the above description, the case where the symbolic voting paper 20 adopting the mark method or the like is used in the electronic voting device 10 has been described. It is also possible to use a voting paper other than the paper 20.
[0059]
Next, a description will be given of a method of reading a symbol-type voting sheet inserted in a half-fold state without correcting it straightly. When the electronic ballot reading unit reads the symbol-type insertion sheet in a folded state, it recognizes the front, back, top, bottom, left, and right in the folded state, and specifies the address position of the mark entered therein.
[0060]
FIGS. 10A and 10B are plan views of the symbol-type voting paper in the case of reading in a folded state, where FIG. 10A shows the front side and FIG. 10B shows the back side.
As shown in FIG. 10A, the symbolic ballot 50 for reading in a folded state has a front side left / right recognition mark 51 which is a recognition mark for specifying the right and left as shown in FIG. Yes. Further, an upper / lower recognition code 52 which is a recognition code for specifying the upper and lower sides is provided below the symbol type ballot 50.
[0061]
Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, the symbol type voting paper 50 has a back side left / right recognition mark 53 which is a recognition mark for specifying the left and right sides as shown in FIG. Furthermore, a front / back recognition code 54, which is a recognition code for specifying the front / back, is provided on the upper side of the symbol-type ballot 50.
[0062]
As the material of the symbol voting paper 50, a material that can recognize a mark (PCS value: 0.6 or more) from both the front and back sides thereof is used.
According to such a symbol-type ballot 50, even if it is folded in half, the recognition mark and the recognition code can be read to determine the front, back, top, bottom, left and right, and the address of the mark written on this The position can be recognized. When the symbolic voting form 50 is read while being folded, the electronic voting apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2 can be used. However, in this case, the electronic voting reading unit 30b included in the electronic voting apparatus 10 has a function of reading the recognition mark and the recognition code of the symbol type ballot 50 and the mark entered by the voter. This reading function can be realized by an image sensor, for example.
[0063]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart in the case of reading the symbol type voting paper while being folded in half.
When the symbolic ballot 50 shown in FIG. 10 is inserted into the ballot insertion slot 13 in a folded state, the electronic ballot reading unit 30a first detects the leading end of the inserted symbolic ballot 50. Performed (step S40). Next, the front and back recognition code 54 is checked (step S41) and the vertical recognition code 52 is checked (step S42) by the image sensor on the half-fold symbolic ballot 50. Subsequently, the front side left / right recognition mark 51 is checked (step S43) and the back side left / right recognition mark 53 is checked (step S44).
[0064]
From the results of the checks in steps S41, S42, S43, and S44, the positions of the front, back, top, bottom, left and right paper surfaces of the inserted symbolic voting paper 50 are determined (step S45). Then, it is determined whether or not the address position of one written mark can be recognized (step S46). If it is determined that the address position can be recognized, information specified from the address position, for example, The marked candidate number, candidate name, etc. are displayed on the operation screen 11 (step S47). Here, the voter is asked whether the information read from the symbolic ballot 50 is the same as or not identical to the information entered (step S48). Become.
[0065]
If the mark address position cannot be recognized in step S46, and if the information read in step S48 and the entered information are not identical, the symbolic ballot 50 is placed on the voter side. Return (step S49).
[0066]
As a result, even if the symbol-type voting sheet 50 is inserted in half, the mark written on the mark-like voting sheet 50 can be read while being folded in two, and voting can be performed efficiently.
[0067]
In the above description, the electronic voting device 10 detects and warns when the voter tries to leave without confirming the content displayed on the operation screen 11. The voting is not completed by means such as a sound or warning lamp. Only when this confirmation operation is performed, the operation of the electronic ballot reading units 30, 30 a, 30 b is finished, and the symbolic ballots 20, 50 are stored in the ballot box 40.
[0068]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the present invention, when the length of the inserted voting sheet is detected and it is determined that the voting sheet is folded in two, the folded voting sheet is straightened in the electronic voting apparatus. After correction, the information contained in the ballot is read. As a result, the information contained in the two-fold ballot can be recognized normally. Furthermore, since the folded voting paper once inserted is processed in the electronic voting apparatus without being returned to the voter side, the operability is improved and voting can be efficiently performed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view of an electronic voting reading unit.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the electronic voting apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a diagram of an operation surface of the electronic voting apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of an electronic voting reading unit.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an operation of correcting a folded symbol-type voting paper straight.
FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart (No. 1) of the electronic ballot reading unit;
FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart (No. 2) of the electronic ballot reading unit;
FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of the electronic voting reading unit when the thickness sensor is used.
FIG. 9 is a side view of an electronic voting reading unit having an impeller.
FIGS. 10A and 10B are plan views of a symbol-type voting sheet when it is read in a folded state, in which FIG. 10A shows the front side and FIG. 10B shows the back side.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for reading a symbol-type voting paper while being folded in half.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Electronic voting equipment
11 Operation screen
12 Shading plate
13 Ballot insertion slot
20, 50 Symbolic ballot
30, 30a, 30b Electronic ballot reading unit
31 Voting paper path
31a Transport guide
32a, 32b Paper width detection sensor
33 Paper length detection sensor
34a, 34b, 34c, 34d Conveying roller
35a, 35c, 35d Pinch roller
36 Paper Correction Roller
37 Brake roller
37a impeller
38a Thickness detection roller
38b axis
38c Thickness sensor detection lever
38d thickness sensor
39a, 39b Image sensor
40 ballot box
50 Symbolic ballot
51 Front left / right recognition mark
52 Vertical recognition code
53 Back side left / right recognition mark
54 Front / back recognition code

Claims (8)

In a ballot paper reading method of an electronic voting apparatus that conveys an inserted ballot paper and reads information contained in the ballot paper,
Detect the length of the inserted ballot,
When it is determined from the detected length that the voting sheet is folded in half, the voting sheet is rotated in the electronic voting device in a direction opposite to the rotating direction of the rotating sheet correcting roller and the sheet correcting roller. Pass between the rotating brake rollers and straighten it,
2. A ballot paper reading method of an electronic voting apparatus, characterized in that information contained in the ballot paper is read. In a ballot paper reading method of an electronic voting apparatus that conveys an inserted ballot paper and reads information contained in the ballot paper,
Detect the length of the inserted ballot,
When it is determined that the voting paper is folded in half from the detected length, the voting paper is rotated in the electronic voting device in a direction opposite to the rotating direction of the paper correction roller and the paper correction roller. Pass between the rotating impeller and correct it straight,
2. A ballot paper reading method of an electronic voting apparatus, characterized in that information contained in the ballot paper is read. In a ballot paper reading method of an electronic voting apparatus that conveys an inserted ballot paper and reads information contained in the ballot paper,
Detect the length of the inserted ballot,
When it is determined that the ballot is folded in half from the detected length, an operation is performed to correct the ballot straight in the electronic voting device,
Detecting the thickness of the ballot,
If it is determined from the detected thickness that the voting paper is folded in half, repeat the operation of correcting the voting paper straight in the electronic voting device,
Modify the ballot to straight,
2. A ballot paper reading method of an electronic voting apparatus, characterized in that information contained in the ballot paper is read. In a ballot paper reading method of an electronic voting apparatus that conveys an inserted ballot paper and reads information contained in the ballot paper,
The ballot has a front / back recognition code for specifying the front and back, a front side left / right recognition mark for specifying the left / right front side, and a back side left / right recognition mark for specifying the left / right side of the back side,
Confirm the front and back and top / bottom / left / right orientation of the ballot inserted in half-fold,
A ballot paper reading method for an electronic voting apparatus, characterized in that the information contained in the ballot paper is read while being folded in half. In the electronic voting reading unit of the electronic voting device that conveys the inserted voting paper and reads the information that the voting paper has,
A paper length detection sensor for detecting the length of the inserted voting paper;
A paper correction roller for conveying the voting paper;
A brake roller disposed opposite to the paper correction roller and rotating in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the paper correction roller;
An image sensor disposed downstream of the paper correction roller and reading information contained in the voting paper;
An electronic voting reading unit of an electronic voting apparatus, comprising: 6. The electronic voting reading unit of the electronic voting apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a paper width detecting sensor for detecting a width of the inserted voting paper. A thickness detection roller that is disposed opposite the conveyance roller and is movable in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction;
A thickness sensor detection lever which is arranged so as to be rotatable about an axis and whose one end is fixed to the thickness detection roller;
A thickness sensor that is arranged opposite to the free end side of the thickness sensor detection lever and determines the thickness of the voting paper passing between the transport roller and the thickness detection roller by a change in distance from the thickness sensor detection lever;
The electronic voting reading unit of the electronic voting apparatus according to claim 5, comprising: In the electronic voting reading unit of the electronic voting device that conveys the inserted voting paper and reads the information that the voting paper has,
A paper length detection sensor for detecting the length of the inserted voting paper;
A paper correction roller for conveying the voting paper;
Wherein is disposed opposite to the paper fix roller, an impeller you rotate in the direction opposite to the rotational direction of the paper modifying roller,
An image sensor disposed downstream of the paper correction roller and reading information contained in the voting paper;
An electronic voting reading unit of an electronic voting apparatus, comprising:

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