System and Method for Decoding Marks on a Response Sheet

摘要

A ballot tabulation device includes a scanner operable to obtain an image of at least a portion of a paper ballot that includes a voter response area. A processor applies a virtual template to the image to identify a center point for the voter response area. The virtual template comprises a set of characteristic points positioned in predetermined locations in relation to the center point of the voter response area, wherein the characteristic points comprise points that are common to a plurality of sample ballot images. The processor also defines a response window that is centered on the center point of the voter response area, and analyzes the response window to determine if the voter response area is marked by a voter.

主权项

1. A ballot tabulation device for analyzing one or more voter response areas on a paper ballot, comprising:
a scanner operable to obtain an image of at least a portion of the paper ballot that includes a voter response area; a processor operable to analyze the image by:
applying a virtual template to the image to identify a reference point for the voter response area;using the reference point for the voter response area to define a response window; andanalyzing the response window to determine if the voter response area is marked by a voter.