System and method for decoding marks on a response sheet
US8840022B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 2013 |
| Grant date | Sep 23, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N1/00968
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.