EP2711900A1 - Electronic system and method for calibration - Google Patents

Abstract

The system comprises a central electronic voice acquisition unit and several portable electronic voting input device having a display (1) for displaying a voting, template input buttons (2-5) for the input of submitted proposal, and a transmission unit for wireless transmission of votes to voice acquisition unit. The proposal is composed of several sub-templates, in which a single sub-template is selected and a vote on selected sub-template is entered, while the voting on several sub-templates of a proposal submitted is jointly transmitted to the voice acquisition unit. An independent claim is included for a method for performing voting in a meeting using electronic system.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to an electronic system for performing a vote according to the preamble of claim 1, a portable electronic voice input device according to the preamble of claim 13 and a method for performing a vote in a meeting according to the preamble of claim 14.

STATE OF THE ART

At shareholder meetings with many participants electronic voting systems have proven themselves. These voting systems include a central electronic tune detection unit and multiple portable electronic voice input devices. Each shareholder receives such a portable voice input device assigned to him and his number of votes before entering the meeting room. During the meeting, he can enter his voice via buttons in the voice input device, whereupon his expression of will transmitted by radio to the central voice recording unit, there recorded and evaluated. So it is possible, even at meetings with several hundred people within a few seconds or minutes after a vote to show the vote already.

EP 1 353 299 discloses a system which has now proven very successful in practice. This system allows current voting questions to be communicated to the individual voice input devices during the meeting and displayed there on a display. This increases flexibility during the assembly, as new voting issues or that already prepared voting questions can be reworded. In addition, the voice input devices are easy to use and do not require time-consuming introductions or user training.

Still time consuming, however, are choices of a group of people, e.g. of directors, since each person must be elected individually.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an electronic system and an electronic method for selecting a group of persons which simplify the choice and still allow individual expression of will to each individual.

This object is achieved by a system having the features of claim 1, by a portable electronic voice input device having the features of claim 13, and by a method of performing a reconciliation with the features of claim 14.

The electronic voting system comprises a central electronic tune detection unit and a plurality of portable electronic voice input devices. Each voice input device has a display for displaying a voting template, input means for voting on the voting template and a transmitting means for wireless transmission of voting to the central voice detection unit. The voting template is composed of several sub-templates. By means of the input means of the voice input device, a single sub-template in the voice input device is selectable, and a vote to this selected sub-template is entered into the voice input device. Votes on several sub-templates of the ballot paper are transmitted together to the central voting unit.

In the procedure for conducting a vote in a meeting with a electronic system, a central electronic voice recognition unit and a plurality of portable electronic voice input devices are used with a display, with input means and with a transmitting means, wherein when the vote a voting template on the display of the voice input devices is displayed and in the voice input devices entered votes to the central voice recognition unit wirelessly be transmitted and recorded there. The voting template is provided as a bundle of multiple sub-templates in the voice input device, wherein the sub-templates are individually selectable by the user of the voice input device and a vote to the respective selected sub-template in the voice input device is entered. The votes on several sub-templates of the voting template are transmitted jointly to the central voting unit.

A voting template is a concrete voting question or a concrete election proposal, to which the user of the voice input device can express his opinion or his will.

The voting template according to the invention is a bundle of questions or election proposals, which are dealt with in a single voting session. Nevertheless, the individual sub-templates, i. answer the individual questions or the individual nominations, individually by the user. The transmission of the answers or expressions of will to the central voice recording unit takes place according to the invention for several sub-templates together. Preferably, all replies to all sub-templates are sent together to the central registration unit in a single data transmission packet. Preferably, only all sub-templates can be communicated to the central voice-recording unit.

This simplifies the voting, since not every sub-template, eg every name of a list, must first be provided individually as a question and then individually queried. The reaction times between the availability of the election list and the receipt of all wills are shorter with this bundled query than with individual queries. In addition, the user receives an overview of a complex voting template or a list with several to choose People.

The choice list can include exactly the number of persons to be elected. However, it can also have more people. In the latter case, the user or the voter is requested to select from a list of m available persons n. Preferably, there is a control module which checks if no more people are chosen than there are seats. This control module can be provided for example in the voice input device. In this case, it preferably checks the correct input before the transmission of the vote to the central registration unit. However, the control module can also be present, for example, in the central detection unit, so that after receiving the transmitted voice input an error message can be sent to the specific voice input device and can be asked to re-input voice.

Preferably, all the sub-templates of a voting question exist as a common text and they can be displayed together on the display of the voice input device. If the display is too small to display all sub-templates or the entire text at a glance, the entire text content and thus all sub-templates are preferably displayed by "scrolling" on the display.

Preferably, the voting template is in the form of a list or a table. Preferably, each sub-template of a row corresponds to the list or the table. The line may consist of one or more underlying lines of words, letters or other symbols. Preferably, there is a box in each row, which the user of the portable voice input device can provide with a cross and thus with a consent. The user can thus agree by simply ticking this sub-template or this choice. This is particularly advantageous in the case of a list.

In a preferred embodiment, the voting template is present in the voice input device in a format that allows input to the voice input device from votes to individual sub-templates of the voting template in any order. This simplifies the use of the voice input device.

The user can first review all sub-templates and already at the first review to those who express his intention, to which he has already decided. Afterwards, he can review the voting template as often as he likes and enter expressions of will on individual sub-templates or change the already entered expressions of will again.

In a preferred embodiment, the voting template is already present in the voting device before a first vote in a form in which there is a pre-registered vote for each sub-template. If the user agrees with this proposal, he can confirm this by a single operation of an input means. The expression of will takes place in this case with minimum time and in the simplest way. This is particularly advantageous if only candidates are proposed in an election list, which are elected by the majority of the voters present.

Preferably, however, in this case, the list with the pre-entered expressions of will still be changed by the user or voter. In this case, the sub-templates, i. Here are the individual nominations for the individual candidates, individually changeable, without changing the other presets. That If a voter disagrees with only one or a few of the proposed candidates, he or she can change those entries without having to explicitly consent to the other candidates already selected for election. This procedure also facilitates the use of the voice input device and significantly shortens the time taken to record the voice.

Preferably, in all variants and embodiments, a confirmation of the expression of will is required before it is transmitted to the central tune detection unit. Preferably, a means is provided for this purpose in the voice input device, which allows a transmission of entered and / or preset votes at the earliest after entering a Stimmabgabebestätigung. This means may be, for example, a simple question which the user must reconfirm by entering an input means. Preferably, he does not have to confirm the expression of will for each submission individually, but he can for the whole Confirm the voting template, eg the bundle of questions or the election list, with a single input.

In the case of unchanged pre-determined votes, the transmission to the central voting unit is preferably releasable by a single vote confirmation.

The expression of intent can be actively transmitted from the voice input device to the central tuner unit after the confirmation has been entered. Preferably, however, the central tune detection unit calls each voice input device, thus activating the transmission of the intention. This invocation is preferably by broadcast commands to all voice input devices or to a group of voice input devices.

Depending on the embodiment of the system, the voting templates may already be stored in each voice input device. Alternatively or additionally, they may also be communicated to the individual voice input devices during the assembly by the central tuner unit or another central unit. This transmission preferably takes place via a broadcast command to all or to a selected group of voice input devices.

If a voting template is too extensive to be sent in a single data packet to the individual voice input devices, it can be processed in a central processing unit, for example in the central voice recognition unit, before it is transmitted. It can for example be divided into the individual sub-templates or bundles of such sub-templates, which are transmitted to the voice input devices in separate data packets. The individual data packets of a common voting template can preferably be combined in the voice input device into a single data block and displayed as common text on the display of the device. The voice input device is preferably equipped with a corresponding processor and data memory for this purpose. The data packets transmitted by the voice input devices to the central voice recognition unit preferably no longer contain the text of the voting template, but only Data identifying the user and / or the voting device, the characteristics of the voting template and the statements of will. Other relevant for the vote data, such as the number of votes per user, are preferably assigned in the center.

The individual voice input devices are each assigned to a user and thus personified. The devices are in particular assigned to how many votes the corresponding user has.

In particular, the in EP 1 535 299 described methods and steps are used, the content of which is no longer explicitly given here. The devices and units are also preferably developments of the devices described in EP'299. In particular, the input keys or fields are freely programmable. The contents of EP'299 are hereby incorporated by reference.

Further embodiments according to the invention and variants of the method according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Versammlungsraums, in welchem das erfindungsgemässe elektronischen Abstimmungssystem eingesetzt ist;

Figur 2

eine schematische Darstellung eines portablen elektronischen Stimmeingabegeräts;

Figur 3

eine schematische Darstellung einer Bildschirmanzeige mit einem ersten Bildschirminhalt;

Figur 4

eine schematische Darstellung einer Bildschirmanzeige mit einem zweiten Bildschirminhalt und

Figur 5

eine schematische Darstellung einer Bildschirmanzeige mit einem dritten Bildschirminhalt.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the drawings, which are merely illustrative and not to be construed restrictive. In the drawings show:

FIG. 1

a schematic representation of a meeting room in which the inventive electronic voting system is used;

FIG. 2

a schematic representation of a portable electronic voice input device;

FIG. 3

a schematic representation of a screen display with a first screen content;

FIG. 4

a schematic representation of a screen display with a second screen content and

FIG. 5

a schematic representation of a screen display with a third screen content.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIG. 1 In this room or outside there is a central tune detection unit Z, one or more antennas A distributed in the hall and at least one voice input device G per meeting participant. If guests or observers are also admitted to the meeting, it is of course also possible more people than devices G to be present.

The tune detection unit Z has a reception module for receiving signals of the voice input devices G transmitted via the antennas A. If the data traffic is bidirectional, each voice input device G also has such a reception module. Either the tuner detection unit Z or the antennas A and / or the devices G, preferably both or all three, additionally have a transmission module in order to transmit data packets via the antennas A. The transmission preferably takes place via radio via the antennas A. The voice detection unit Z can preferably reach the individual devices G via broadcast commands. Preferably, an individual contacting of the individual voice input devices G by the central unit Z is possible. This system is detailed in EP 1 353 299 described. However, other types of transmission of data packets via radio can also be used.

The central unit Z is the voice version. However, it can also, as in EP 1 353 299 described, send voting templates to the G devices. Preferably, the unit Z has an input terminal to enter voting questions. The unit Z preferably also has means, for example via a computer, to evaluate and display the recorded voices. The ad can be on a Screen of the unit Z done. Preferably, however, it is connected to other terminals or to a large screen to display the vote result to the chairperson (s) of the meeting.

This in FIG. 2 shown portable electronic voice input device G preferably has the size of a mobile phone, such as an iPhone on. It has a screen 1 and input means 2, 3, 4, 5. The screen 1 can be designed as a "touch screen", so that the input means are integrated in the screen 1. In this example, however, they are designed as separate buttons 2, 3, 4, 5, which are arranged below and / or laterally and / or above the screen 1. Preferably, the keys 2, 3, 4, 5 are freely programmable.

The FIGS. 3 to 5 each show a screen content. In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 2 Now the screen is formed by an oblong rectangle. The lines 6 and 7 columns are here only for better understanding and are usually not shown. The illustrated screen 1 thus has 21 columns and 8 rows. This is exemplary. Other screens can be used.

On the screen a voting template is shown, which consists of several sub-templates. For example, there is a choice list in which seven people can be selected. There are seven seats available and there are seven people available for election. In FIG. 3 the names of the first four candidates and arrows pointing up and down are visible on the screen. By pressing the input means, here the key 3, the screen can be scrolled and the names of the candidates No. 5 to No. 7 become visible. This is in FIG. 4 recognizable.

For each sub-template, ie for each line and for each candidate, a voice can be entered. For this purpose, the input key 4, which is designated as SET, is pressed and the previous setting is changed. This means that if the box behind the candidate is already checked, the cross will be deleted. If it is empty, a cross is added. Preferably, the user can repeat this as often as he wishes and also change values already entered by him.

Preferably, this list of choices, i. the election template, already preceded and the voter only has to, if he does not want to give a candidate the vote, with the appropriate keys 2, 3 on his line and remove the cross.

If the voter agrees with his voice input to the individual sub-templates or he wants to accept the entire default proposal unchanged, he presses the enter button 5 and goes one step further. This is in FIG. 5 shown. Here he sees again which fields he ticked and which he left empty. Depending on the election template, another overview of the chosen expression of will can also be displayed here. By pressing the button 4, he comes back to the previous representations and can change his input. By pressing the button 5 he definitely confirms his expression of will and can not change it anymore. Depending on the type of system, the vote is now transmitted abruptly to the central tune detection unit Z or it is then transmitted to the central unit Z when the specific voice input device G is requested to do so. Preferably, the voter then receives a confirmation on his screen that his expression of will was transmitted to the central unit Z. Preferably, a controller is present in the voice input device G, which prevents an expression of will, ie a vote is transmitted to the central voice detection unit Z, before the user has given his definite consent to this; that is, before he has confirmed his intention.

The election template and the individual sub-templates do not necessarily have to be election lists. They can also be complex questions with multiple sub-questions. In addition, instead of boxes to be ticked, in each case a YES, NO, CONTENTS, or another type of expression of will can be requested.

The election template may already be stored in the voice input device G and be present as a text; eg as a data block, preferably with a register of characters. However, it can also be transmitted in one or more data packets from the central voice detection unit Z or another center to the voice input devices G. In the latter case, out of the several transmitted data packets preferably per election template a single data block, preferably formed with a register in the voice input device G. Furthermore, the already stored in voice input device G election template can be supplemented by submitting another sub-templates or an existing sub-template can be replaced. For example, the name of a candidate who withdraws his candidature may be removed from the list during the meeting. Likewise, a new candidate may be added to the list during the meeting. The corresponding data block present in device G is adapted accordingly in both cases.

If the transmitted voting template is divided into several data packets, it is preferably combined before being displayed in the device G. In response, preferably only the expression of intent, but not the full text of the voting template is returned. In the example described, for example, only the content of the page is accordingly FIG. 5 sent to the central voice recognition unit Z, but not the names of the individual candidates selected. Of course, the necessary identification data for identifying the device G or its user as well as for the voting template are also transmitted in the same data packet. For this be on the EP 1 353 299 directed.

The system according to the invention and the method according to the invention make it possible to simplify and shorten complex voting and voting procedures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Z

central voice detection unit

A

antenna

G

portable voice input device

1

display

2

First enter key

3

Second enter key

4

Third enter key

5

Fourth enter key

6

row

7

column

Claims (15)

An electronic voting system, the system comprising a central electronic voice recognition unit (Z) and a plurality of portable electronic voice input devices (G), each voice input device (G) comprising a display (1) for displaying a voting template, input means (2, 3, 4) includes, 5) for a vote to a vote template and a transmitting means for wireless transmission of the vote to the central voice acquisition unit (Z), characterized in that the voting template is composed of several sub-templates that (using the input means 2, 3, 4, 5) the voice input device (G) a single sub-template in the voice input device (G) selectable and a vote on this selected sub-template in the voice input device (G) is entered, and that votes to several sub-templates of the voting template are common to the central tuner socket unit (Z) can be transmitted. System according to claim 1, wherein all sub-templates of a voting question can be displayed as common text on the display (1) of the voice input device (G). A system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the voting template is in the form of a list. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the votes on all the sub-templates of a voting template are communicated together to the central tune detection unit (Z). System according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the votes on all sub-templates of a voting template exclusively to the central voice recording unit (Z) are transmitted together. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the voting template is present in the voice input device (G) in a format which is input to the voice input device (G) Voice input device (G) of voting on individual sub-templates of the voting template in any order allows. System according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the voting template in the voice input device (G) is present before a first vote in a form in which there is already a preset vote for each sub-template. The system according to claim 7, wherein the preset votes can be changed individually by means of the input means (2, 3, 4, 5). A system according to claim 8, wherein when a single preset vote is changed the remaining preset votes are unchanged. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the voice input device (G) provides a means for allowing a transmission of input and / or pre-set votes at the earliest after input of a vote confirmation. The system of claim 10, wherein the input and / or preset votes of all sub-templates of a voting template are collectively confirmable by a single operation of an input means (5). A system according to claims 7 and 10, wherein in the case of unchanged preset votes, the transmission to the central tune detection unit (Z) is releasable by a single vote confirmation. Portable electronic voice input device (G) for use in a system according to any one of claims 1 to 12. A method of conducting a vote in a meeting with an electronic system, the system having a central electronic Voice recording unit (Z) and a plurality of portable electronic voice input devices (G) with a display (1), with input means (2, 3, 4, 5) and with a transmitting means, wherein in carrying out the vote a voting template on the display (1) the voice input devices (G) is displayed and then in the voice input devices (G) entered votes to the central voice detection unit (Z) transmitted wirelessly and recorded there, characterized in that the voting template as a bundle of multiple sub-templates in the voice input device (G) available the sub-templates are individually selectable by the user of the voice input device (G) and a vote can be entered to the respectively selected sub-template in the voice input device (G), and that the voting to several sub-templates of the voting template together to the central voice recognition unit (Z) be transmitted. The method of claim 14, wherein the voting template is provided in the form of a list of multiple lines, each line forming a sub-template.

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