Claims:1. A single embedded system (SiES) (102) to exercise franchise from any location in a country, the system comprising:
a housing of the SiES (102) located in a venue to manage elections in a plurality of constituencies, said SiES allows an elector of any of the constituencies to franchise in favour of contesting candidates and perform dis-connection of any or a combination of wired or wireless communication during poll operations;
one or more supporting units adapted to support the SiES to perform control operations, franchising, elector verification and any combination thereof, the one or more supporting units comprising:
an elector verification unit (EVU) (104) adapted to perform verification of the elector by comparing identity attributes of the elector with an authorized database (112);
a data loading unit (DLU) (106) coupled to the SiES, said DLU adapted to load enfranchisement sheets and candidate symbols of each constituency of the plurality of constituencies into the SiES;
a result counting unit (RCU) (108) coupled to the SiES, said RCU adapted to capture and display result data of each constituency of the plurality of constituencies from the SiES; and
a franchise counting unit (FCU) (110) adapted to calculate aggregate franchises exercised against each candidate from each constituency of the plurality of constituencies.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the SiES is configured to manage elections for single constituency in the country, defined number of constituencies in the country, all the constituencies in the country and any combination thereof.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the SiES (102) configured to:
perform control operation using control buttons in a control block of the SiES;
perform poll operations using enfranchisement buttons of the SiES, wherein the enfranchisement buttons are partitioned into at least two portions, each portion contain defined number of enfranchisement buttons based on the enfranchisement sheet;
perform QR code status verification using QR code reader of the SiES, wherein the QR code reader verifies elector ID, status of the elector verification, date, time of the elector verification and elector constituency information;
perform navigation operations using light emitting diode (LED) illuminated navigation buttons of the SiES, wherein upon activation of next navigation button, the next enfranchisement sheet is displayed when the number of contesting candidates are more than defined number of candidates, and upon activation of the previous navigation button, the previous enfranchisement sheet is displayed when the number of candidates is more than defined number of candidates and the displayed enfranchisement sheet is second sheet or more; and
display corresponding messages on a liquid crystal display (LCD) display.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, the SiES (102) allows visually handicapped electors to exercise franchise using Braille markers and head set, wherein Braille markers determines candidate position and the head set prompts the contesting candidate sequence on the enfranchisement sheet.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the SiES (102) comprises printer that is assembled with an automatic mechanical shutter, which opens to view the franchise slip by the elector, wherein the franchise slip is visible to the elector about a defined time and the printer gets locked with closing of the mechanical shutter.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the SiES (102) configured to:
perform, upon activation of the SiES, automatic health check (AHC);
print the AHC report on the printer; and
replace, on receipt of non-operative state signal from the AHC, the SiES and display corresponding message on the LCD display.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the EVU (104) configured to:
verify the identity attributes of the elector with the authorized database, the identity attributes pertaining to electoral photo identity card (EPIC) card; and
display, upon successful verification of the elector, corresponding message on display and generate a QR code, wherein the QR code comprises elector ID, elector verification status, date, time of the elector verification and constituency information.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the DLU (106) configured to:
receive, from the authorized database, the enfranchisement sheets and candidate symbols of each constituency of the plurality of constituencies;
display the received enfranchisement sheets and candidate symbols of the plurality of the constituencies;
disconnect, from the authorized database, to communicate with the SiES;
print the enfranchisement sheets and candidate symbols of the plurality of the constituencies; and
communicate with the SiES to load the enfranchisement sheets and candidate symbols of the plurality of the constituencies into the SiES.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the RCU (108) configured to:
receive, from the SiES, the result data of each constituency of the plurality of constituencies;
display the candidate result of each constituency of the plurality of constituencies;
display round wise candidate result of each constituency of the plurality of constituencies; and
display the total constituency wise result of each candidate;
10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the FCU (110) configured to:
calculate aggregate franchises exercised against each candidate from each constituency of the plurality of constituencies based on candidate number printed on a paper roll; and
display constituency wise aggregate franchises polled for each candidate.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates, in general, to digital enfranchisement system, and more specifically, relates to a single embedded system (SiES) to exercise franchise from anywhere.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Recently all countries used paper franchises and manual counting before the introduction of digital franchising. The paper franchises were widely criticised because of fraudulent franchising and booth capturing by the loyalists. The printed paper franchises were also more expensive and require substantial post- franchising resources to count thousands of individual franchises.
[0003] Digital Enfranchisement Systems (DES) are now increasingly finding use in elections, particularly those for electing local/national governments to avoid the above problems. DES is used to enable people to exercise franchises digitally and it is also used to aid in casting and counting franchises. Once the elector casts his/her franchise, the machine automatically locks itself and disables casting the elector from casting another franchise.
[0004] The DESs completely eliminate the possibility of casting ‘Invalid Franchises’ by enabling a more authentic and accurate reflection of the choice of the electorate. More people will be able to cast franchises by using DESs, in less time. The counting process is very quick and the result can be declared within 3 to 5 hours as compared to 30-40 hours of manual counting, on an average.
[0005] An example of such DES is recited in a patent WO02/084607A1, that relates to an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) that consists of control unit (CU), ballot unit (BU) and voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT). The BU which contains sixteen candidate buttons and indicator lamps for each candidate button is interconnected to VVPAT and CU through a five-meter length cable. The CU initially set for a particular number of contesting candidates, activates the VVPAT and BU. Once the voter costs his/her vote on the BU the ballot slip is printed on the VVPAT. The voting continues until all the voters cast their votes. Another example is recited in a patent US4015106 that relates to a microprocessor-based switch operated voting panel and vote selection indicating device. The voter selected switch combination is converted to a digital code which is temporarily stored. The vote is recorded in a permanent form upon completion of voting in both a print-out and in an electronic memory.
[0006] Although multiple digital enfranchisement systems exist today, these systems suffer from significant drawbacks and based on the advancement in digital technology the expectations of the authorities to conduct elections, political parties and electors are increased. Therefore, it is desired to develop an optimized DES with high security, highly reliable, tamper-proof, transparent, optimized, simple to use and allow the elector to exercise franchise from anywhere in the country.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0007] An object of the present disclosure relates, in general, to digital enfranchisement system, and more specifically, relates to a single embedded system (SiES) to exercise franchise from anywhere.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that is cost-effective, simple to use, portable and allows the elector to exercise franchise from anywhere in the country.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that enables appropriate redundancy and data encryption means so as to ensure highly reliable, secure, transparent, verifiable and optimized franchising.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that goes to non-operational state in case of force opening/attempt for interference.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that eliminates interconnection issues, use of multiple units in an election booth, less manpower to conduct an election, eliminates invalid electors, invalid franchises, cumbersome procedures and disputes in segregation of invalid franchises and invalid electors as in previous franchising scheme.
[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that minimizes the labour drastically at poll preparation centres, polling centres as well as counting centres.
[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that is fool proof and user-friendly.

SUMMARY
[0014] The present disclosure relates, in general, to digital enfranchisement system, and more specifically, relates to a single embedded system (SiES) to exercise franchise from anywhere. The main objective of the present disclosure is to overcome the limitations of the prior art by providing a single embedded system (SiES) to exercise franchise from anywhere in a country. The system enables the elector of any of the constituencies to franchise in favour of contesting candidates. The system manages elections for single constituency in the country, defined number of constituencies in the country, all the constituencies in the country and any combination thereof. The system shall perform control operations, enfranchisement operations, franchise printing, count constituency wise result, verifying the elector ID and quick response (QR) code reading in a single embedded system, which is highly secured, reliable, tamper-resistant, optimized, easy to use, elector privacy is ensured and allows the elector to exercise franchise from anywhere in the country.
[0015] The system can be constructed using injection moulded plastic parts, which provide consistent quality, high volume output for mass production. An assembly of plastic components is used in the construction of a machine to achieve consistent quality and cost-effective products. The system can be designed with an injection moulded carrying case for movement/transportation to any location for usage. The system construction shall have multilevel interlocking panels/sections making it fool proof and easy to use by a common man. The proposed system can replace the previous franchising machine with a highly reliable, secure, optimized and verifiable franchising procedure. The proposed system shall have strong and unique security features. For instance, the system can go in a non-operational mode in case any attempt is made to force open/tamper/sabotage any sensitive hardware of the system.
[0016] The present disclosure aims at enabling a highly secured, optimized, transparent, verifiable, cost-effective, simple to use, portable, highly reliable system and allows electors to exercise franchise from anywhere in the country. The system enables appropriate redundancy and data encryption means so as to ensure highly reliable, secure, transparent, verifiable and optimized franchising. The system eliminates interconnection issues, use of multiple units in an election booth, less manpower to conduct an election, eliminates invalid electors, invalid franchises, cumbersome procedure and disputes in segregation of invalid franchises and invalid electors as in previous franchising scheme and minimize the labour drastically at poll preparation centres, polling centres as well as counting centres.
[0017] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary view of single embedded system (SiES) and its supporting units to exercise franchise from anywhere, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary view of a SiES, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary view of elector verification unit (EVU), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary view of data loading unit (DLU), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary view of result counting unit (RCU), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary view of the franchise counting unit (FCU), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0026] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0027] The system of the present disclosure enables to overcome the limitations of the prior art by exercising franchise from anywhere. The system may be a single unit system, which is only the unit to be used in a booth/venue to conduct the election and the elector may belong to any of the constituencies in that country. During poll preparation, the enfranchisement sheets of all/defined constituencies and corresponding candidate symbols may be loaded into the system to conduct the election. Once the above data is loaded, the system is ready for use, it shall allow the user to perform control operations, franchise operations, print operations, checks elector verification status and franchise verification and allows navigation operations to display the enfranchisement sheets. The embedded controller used in the system may carry its computational program etched permanently at the time of manufacturing. The program cannot be changed once the embedded controller is programmed during the manufacturing of the system. The system may be powered by a battery pack, and it also shall be used with the main power supply if available. The system may record a plurality of franchises per constituency, cater to a plurality of constituencies i.e., based on the number of constituencies in the country and may cater to a plurality of candidates per constituency.
[0028] The advantages achieved by the system of the present disclosure can be clear from the embodiments provided herein. The system is cost-effective, portable, simple to use and allows the elector to exercise franchise from anywhere in the country. The system enables appropriate redundancy and data encryption means so as to ensure highly reliable, secure, transparent, verifiable and optimized franchising. The system goes non-operational state in case of force opening/attempt for interference and eliminates interconnection issues, use of multiple units in an election booth, less manpower to conduct an election, eliminates invalid electors, invalid franchises, cumbersome procedures and disputes in segregation of invalid franchises and invalid electors as in previous franchising scheme. The system minimizes the labour drastically at poll preparation centres, polling centres as well as counting centres. The present disclosure provides the system that is fool proof and user-friendly. The present disclosure can be described in enabling detail in the following examples, which may represent more than one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary network implementation of SiES and its supporting units to exercise franchise from anywhere, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] According to a network implementation 100, the single embedded system (SiES) 102 can include a housing located in a venue to manage elections in multiple constituencies, the SiES allows an elector of any of the constituencies to franchise in favour of contesting candidates. One or more supporting units adapted to support the SiES to perform controlling, franchising, elector verification and any combination thereof, where the supporting units can include elector verification unit (EVU) 104, data loading unit (DLU) 106, result counting unit (RCU) 108 and franchise counting unit (FCU) 110 shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 respectively. The SiES 102 shown in FIG. 2 and described in detail below is only the unit to be used in a booth to conduct the election and the elector may belong to any of the constituencies in that country. The present disclosure relates to a digital enfranchisement using SiES 102, which is a single unit, it shall be a unit which is highly optimized, reliable, secured, transparent, simple to use and cost-effective machine, which shall play a significant role in conducting elections in any country. The SiES 102 may include several modules in a single embedded system that can be designed to conduct elections using digital apparatus, which can perform controlling, franchising, and franchise and elector verification in the same unit.
[0031] The SiES 102 enable the elector of any of the constituencies to cast franchise in favour of contesting candidates. The system manages elections for single constituency in the country, defined number of constituencies in the country, all the constituencies in the country and any combination thereof. The SiES 102 can include a power-on switch, power-on LED, status LED, control buttons, printer, LCD display, enfranchisement buttons, QR code reader, navigation buttons, beeper and aggregate display. In an embodiment, the elector may use navigation buttons to cast his/her franchise once the enfranchisement sheet is displayed on LCD display, by pressing any one of candidate buttons (also interchangeably referred to as enfranchisement buttons). If the number of contesting candidates in that constituency is more than defined per enfranchisement sheet, the elector shall press NEXT navigation button, to display the next set of candidates and so on. If the elector wants to go back to the previous enfranchisement sheet and exercise franchise, he/she may press PREV navigation button. On press of candidate key the franchise is printed and it shall be displayed only for defined time to view by the elector and then the franchise may get registered with beep to indicate successful exercise of franchise. The LCD display may be turned off and the system may not allow further enfranchisement till the next elector QR code verification is successful.
[0032] The present disclosure can include candidate buttons, which are LED illuminated buttons. Upon activation of the candidate button, the LED may glow till the franchise is registered and once the franchise is registered the LED may be deactivated. In another embodiment, when the candidate button is activated by the elector, the system may print the candidate symbol and the number then only the automatic mechanical shutter may open to view the franchise slip by the elector. The franchise slip may be visible to the elector about defined time and the printer shall get locked again with closing of mechanical shutter. The navigation buttons, on press of NEXT navigation button, the next enfranchisement sheet when the number of contesting candidates are more than defined shall be displayed. On press of PREV navigation button, the elector may be allowed to go back and view the previous enfranchisement sheet when the number of contesting candidates are more than defined and the elector currently viewing second enfranchisement sheet or more. The constituency information and the aggregate polled franchises shall be displayed automatically on the aggregate display on every exercise of franchise by the elector which may be viewed by the polling officer for record purpose and it shall also display battery status to know the health of the battery.
[0033] The EVU 104 (shown in FIG. 3 and described in detail below) is a separate unit to perform verification of the elector by comparing identity attributes of the elector i.e., electors photo identity card (EPIC) with an authorized elector database 112. The EVU is an embedded unit that can include a power-on switch, QR code reader, QR code generator, LCD display, power-on LED, status LED, buttons and printer in a single unit. The EVU 104 may be connected to the authorized website on internet, after successful mutual authentication, the elector verification shall be performed by comparing the EPIC card information with the authorized website elector information data on the internet. On successful elector verification, the EVU 104 may display the elector ID and elector verification status on LCD display, then it shall generate and print the QR code, which consists of elector ID, elector verification status, date & time of elector verification and elector constituency information.
[0034] When the elector places the QR code on the QR code reader, the system shall verify the elector ID, elector verification status, date & time of the elector verification and elector constituency information before displaying the enfranchisement sheet on the LCD display. The system may not display enfranchisement sheet if status of the elector verification not valid.
[0035] The DLU 106 is an accessory unit (shown in FIG. 4 and described in detail below) that is coupled to the SiES 102 to load enfranchisement sheets and candidate symbols of each constituency from an authorized source/website 112. The DLU 106 can be an embedded unit that includes a power-on switch, LCD display, power-on LED, status LED and buttons. The DLU 106 can be connected to the authorized website on the internet, after successful mutual authentication between DLU 106 and authorized website on internet all or a defined number of enfranchisement sheets and candidate symbols of each constituency shall be loaded into DLU 106. After successful loading, the enfranchisement sheets and candidate symbols can be verified by displaying each enfranchisement sheet on the DLU 106 display. DLU 106 may also print the enfranchisement sheets and candidate symbols for verification if required. The DLU 106 may load the enfranchisement sheets and candidate symbols of each constituency into SiES 102 or multiple SiESs during poll preparation.
[0036] The present disclosure includes two more supporting units, which may be used after the election during result counting. The supporting units are RCU 108 and FCU 110. The RCU 108 (shown in FIG. 5 and described in detail below) coupled to the SiES 102 and may capture the constituency-wise result data from the SiES and store it in its memory. The RCU 108 can be an embedded unit consists of a power-on switch, LCD display, power-on LED, status LED, buttons and serial port to capture the constituency wise result data from single or multiple embedded units 102. RCU 108 may allow the defined number of SiES to be connected to it to capture the constituency wise result data from all the SiESs sequentially. The RCU 108 have a serial port to capture the constituency wise result data from a defined number of SiES 102 sequentially after successful mutual authentication with each and every SiES with RCU. The RCU 108 may capture the constituency wise result from all the connected SiES round wise (each round is based on the authorized customer requirement in that country) and displays the cumulative result of each constituency in that round and it shall also display the total cumulative as on that round.
[0037] The FCU 110 (shown in FIG. 6 and described in detail below) is an independent unit and may count each candidate aggregate franchises polled based on the candidate number, which is printed on the paper roll during the poll. The FCU 110 can be an embedded unit that includes a power-on switch, camera, LCD display, power-on LED, status LED and two spindles, where the two spindles are configured to roll the paper from one spindle to the other. The FCU 110 can capture the candidate information with the help of camera attached to it when the paper roll is rolling from one spindle to another, it shall calculate the constituency wise aggregate franchises exercised against each candidate. The FCU 110 shall display the aggregated franchises exercised for each candidate constituency-wise.
[0038] For example, as soon as a particular elector places his/her QR code on the system, it shall verify the elector ID, elector verification status, date & time of the elector verification and his/her constituency information. The DLU 106 shall display the list of enfranchisement sheets loaded on it, the user is allowed to press DISP button to view the enfranchisement sheet. On successful verification, the corresponding constituency enfranchisement sheet can be displayed on the LCD display of the system 102 and the elector shall be allowed to cast his/her choice, then the franchise is printed and it is stored in the system then the machine gets locked. Even if someone presses that button or any other button, no further franchise can be recorded until the next elector QR code verification. During result counting the polling staff shall connect SiES 102 to RCU 108 and switch on RCU 108 first and then switch on SiES 102 sequentially. After successful mutual authentication of each SiES 102 with RCU 108, it shall send the result data to RCU 108 automatically. Then the RCU 108 shall compute the cumulative result and display. The FCU 110 counts aggregate polled franchises of each candidate from each constituency and shall display the same. This way the system ensures the principle of "Franchise from anywhere”.
[0039] In an embodiment, the proposed SiES 102, EVU 104, DLU 106, RCU 108 and FCU 110 may check the health of the buttons through the reading of general-purpose input-output pins (GPIO) that checks the logic levels, indicating the failure to the user on LCD display. In an embodiment, the SiES 102, EVU 104, DLU 106, RCU 108 and FCU 110 can check the voltage of the battery and compares against the minimum limit. An error is displayed in case the voltage is below the limit on the LCD display. In another embodiment, the proposed SiES 102, EVU 104, DLU 106, RCU 108 and FCU 110 may have a unique serial number for each of the unit, which can be traced from manufacturing till delivery of the system to the end-user. The serial number shall be embedded in the embedded controller, once it is programmed during manufacturing it cannot be altered. In another embodiment, the SiES 102, EVU 104, DLU 106, RCU 108 and FCU 110 can be operated using self-contained batteries, for instance, alkaline/ chargeable batteries/main power supply if required. The above four units shall be configured with battery status monitoring hardware so that their batteries can be/replaced/recharged well in advance.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary view of SiES, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The proposed SiES 102 can include power-on LED, control buttons, enfranchisement buttons, navigation buttons, QR code reader, printer, LCD display, aggregate display and battery. The power-on LED indicates ON status of the SiES 102, control buttons perform control operations like clearing the previously conducted enfranchisement data, finishing the election, counting and displaying the election end result and printing different reports. The enfranchisement buttons may perform enfranchisement operations. The navigation buttons may perform navigation operations, where upon activation of NEXT button, SiES 102 may display the next enfranchisement sheet and upon activation of PREV button, the SiES 102 may display the previous enfranchisement sheet. The QR code reader may read the QR code to verify elector ID, elector verification status, date & time of the elector verification and constituency information of the elector. The printer may print candidate slip, diagnostics reports and election reports. The LCD display may display messages of all the above operations and may display constituency enfranchisement sheets. The aggregate display may display constituency information, aggregate franchises polled on every franchise cast and battery status. The battery may power the SiES 102.
[0041] The SiES 102 may perform an automatic health check (AHC) for the power-on LED, status LED, control buttons, printer, LCD display, enfranchisement buttons, QR code reader, navigation buttons, beeper, aggregate display and battery. The failures of the SiES 102 encountered during the AHC may be displayed on the LCD display to the user. The SiES 102 may be replaced on any of the failures such as key stuck, QR code reader failure, printer failure, status LED failure, LCD display failure, aggregate display failure, beeper failure and /or power on LED failure. In another aspect, the SiES 102 may be replaced when it is in a non-operative state if there is any attempt made to force open or sabotage sensitive hardware.
[0042] The elector can press the enfranchisement buttons to exercise his/her franchise. The SiES 102 may accommodate defined number of candidates per enfranchisement sheet with a defined number of buttons available on the SiES 102. When the defined number of candidates or less than defined number of candidates are contesting in the election as the buttons are divided into two partitions, each partition shall contain the defined number of buttons, accordingly the enfranchisement sheet. The enfranchisement buttons defined shall be in the left/right partition. The number of enfranchisement sheets on the SiES 102 shall be as per the number of candidates contesting in an election in which the proposed SiES 102 is being deployed, and each button with LED shall indicate to the elector that his/her franchise has been exercised in favour of the candidate.
[0043] The SiES may control the enfranchisement sheets 102 as required, in case more candidates are in the electoral fray. In an exemplary embodiment, the defined number of enfranchisement sheets shall be displayed in a sequence per constituency on the press of the navigation button NEXT, thereby handling of an election with the defined number of competing candidates. When the elector wants to check the previous enfranchisement sheet, he/she shall press the PREV navigation button.
[0044] In an embodiment, the SiES 102 may store the franchises cast by different electors of each constituency in separate memory blocks and shall display the election end results for each constituency sequentially at the end of the electoral process. The SiES 102 may store each franchise in a pre-determined format. The number of franchises for each constituency, that is, the SiES 102 may store complete information in a digital format of a franchise cast by the elector such as elector sequence number, candidate franchised for, date & time log of franchise cast and any relevant information required. In an exemplary embodiment, the elector sequence may be hidden at all times to ensure the confidentiality of the franchises cast. In another exemplary embodiment, the SiES 102 can store a defined number of franchises per constituency. In another embodiment, the SiES 102 can display configurable parameters, for instance, number of enfranchisement sheets loaded, number of candidates per constituency and it can display the status of an election as per user configurable parameters, for instance, conclusion of the election, result of the election, aggregate franchises polled and the likes.
[0045] In an embodiment, the SiES 102 can be configured for single poll single choice. It can be configured for different number of candidates for different constituencies by loading the enfranchisement sheets for different constituencies and candidate symbols for each constituency. In another embodiment, the SiES 102 can be configured for single poll multi choice. It can be configured for different number of candidates for different constituencies to elect multiple candidates by loading the enfranchisement sheets for different constituencies and candidate symbols for each constituency. In another embodiment, the SiES 102 can be configured for multi poll single choice. It shall be configured for multiple elections with different number of candidates for different constituencies to elect single candidate per each election by loading the enfranchisement sheets for different constituencies and candidate symbols for each constituency. In another embodiment, the SiES 102 can be configured for multi poll multi choice. It shall be configured for multiple elections with different number of candidates for different constituencies to elect multiple candidates per each election by loading the enfranchisement sheets for different constituencies and candidate symbols for each constituency.
[0046] In an aspect, the SiES 102 can be configured by loading one constituency enfranchisement sheets and candidate symbols for that constituency to conduct the election only for one constituency to avoid crowd. In another aspect, the SiES 102 can be configured by loading defined number of constituency enfranchisement sheets and candidate symbols for each constituency to conduct elections for defined number of different constituencies using SiES 102. The SiES 102 can be configured by loading defined number of constituency information. The authorized authority can identify the electors much in advance, who belongs to other constituencies wish to exercise franchise from wherever they are and identify the specific polling booths for those candidates to exercise franchise, to avoid crowd/confusion by polling staff and the electors.
[0047] In an embodiment, the SiES 102 can allow electoral process with plurality of constituencies based on the country’s requirement and candidates i.e., defined number of candidates per constituency and also record plurality of franchises i.e., defined number of electors per constituency under the supervision of single polling officer operating SiES 102. Maximum constituencies can be defined based on the country, where the SiES 102 is planned to use and maximum candidates per constituency can be customer defined number of candidates.
[0048] In another embodiment, the control block on the SiES 102 can be covered with a rectangular rib to prevent insertion of any external material and it can be locked physically during poll. The control block comprises LED illuminated control buttons. On activation of the button the LED can glow till the functionality of that operation is complete. The LCD display can display power on messages, erase functionality related messages, end result functionality related messages, print functionality related messages, on successful QR code status verification it shall display enfranchisement sheet. The enfranchisement sheet can display the indenter specified details such as the names of contesting candidates, their serial number, candidate symbol and photo in two columns. Green LED shall be provided for indicating the energized condition of the SiES 102 to the elector.
[0049] For example, during the poll, the SiES 102 can verify the QR code, on successful QR code verification, the enfranchisement sheet can be displayed on the LCD display. The elector can be allowed to cast his/her franchise and can print the candidate slip and it shall display for defined time duration, and the franchise can get registered with beeper sound to indicate successful cast of franchise. Then the LCD display can be turned off, the SiES 102 cannot allow further franchising till the next elector QR code verification. This process shall continue till all the electors complete their franchising. Once the polling is complete the polling officer can unlock the control block physically and shall conclude the election, the SiES 102 can display conclude related messages on the LCD display, then the polling officer can lock the control block and the SiES 102 can be located in a strong room till the result day. During the end result, control block shall be unlocked by the returning officer and can check the end result, the SiES 102 can display the end result related messages. The polling staff shall print the election reports if required for verification. Before the mock poll the control block on the SiES 102 can be locked, then only the elector i.e., the party representatives and polling staff can be allowed to cast his/her franchise for mock poll.
[0050] Once the mock poll is complete with multiple constituencies configured, the polling officer can unlock the control block in front of party representatives. Then the polling officer can conclude the mock poll. The conclude related messages is displayed on the LCD display, then the polling officer can check the result on the SiES 102. The SiES 102 can display end result related messages and it shall be shown to all the party representatives, once all the party representatives are convinced, the polling officer can unlock control block and erase the mock poll data. The LCD display on the SiES 102 shall display erase related messages, party representatives also confirm this procedure. Then the control block can be locked in the presence of party representatives.
[0051] After the mock poll, the control block shall be unlocked, then close the mock poll, then display the mock poll result to all the party representatives. Once all the party representatives satisfied with results then erase the mock poll franchising data. When the actual poll is complete on the SiES 102 with multiple constituencies configured, the polling officer shall unlock the control block in front of party representatives. Then the polling officer can unlock the conclude button then concludes the poll on the SiES 102. The SiES 102 displays conclude related messages on the LCD display, then the control block is locked by the polling officer in front of party representatives and the SiES 102 shall be sent to strong rooms identified by authorized authority in that country.
[0052] In another embodiment, during the end result, the control block shall be un-locked by the returning officer in front of party representatives and can display end result on LCD display each constituency wise sequentially, if the SiES 102 can be configured for multiple constituencies. If the SiES 102 is configured for single constituency, it shall display only single constituency results. In another embodiment, if the SiES 102 is configured for single poll single choice and multiple constituencies, it shall display end result each constituency wise sequentially. If the SiES 102 is configured for single poll single choice and single constituency, it shall display only single constituency results. In another embodiment, if the SiES 102 is configured for single poll multi choice and multiple constituencies, it can display end result for single election with multiple choice each constituency wise sequentially. If the SiES 102 is configured for single poll multi choice and single constituency, it shall display single poll multi choice for only single constituency results.
[0053] In another embodiment, if the SiES 102 is configured for multi poll single choice and multiple constituencies, it shall display end result for multiple elections with single choice each constituency wise sequentially. If the SiES 102 is configured for multi poll single choice and single constituency, it shall display multi poll single choice only for single constituency results. In another embodiment, if the SiES 102 is configured for multi poll multi choice and multiple constituencies, it shall display end result for multiple elections with multiple choices each constituency wise sequentially. If the SiES 102 is configured for multi poll multi choice and single constituency, it shall display multi poll multi choice only for single constituency results.
[0054] In another embodiment, the SiES 102 shall print the reports, after result is seen at least once. The SiES 102 shall display health check reports, result report, hourly data report etc., on press of defined combination of control buttons which is displayed on the LCD display. The SiES 102 shall not allow any operation by the elector once the elector casts his/her franchise and can indicate beeper sound on successful franchise cast after successful candidate slip printing.
[0055] In another embodiment, once the elector casts his/her franchise, the polling officer of that booth shall put stamp “FRANCHISED” on the QR code slip. In case, if the elector casts his/her franchise in one polling booth and goes to another polling booth with QR code generated in the previous polling booth the elector is not allowed for franchising. In an embodiment, the SiES 102 shall include a hard material i.e., thermoplastic casing, LCD display and associated components such as embedded controller, knobs, buttons, printed circuit boards, printer, QR code reader etc., and all associated circuitry and interconnections to enable its function as elaborated here under. The SiES 102 can also have appropriate redundancy and data encryption means so as to ensure highly reliable, secure, transparent, verifiable and optimized franchising system.
[0056] In an embodiment, the embedded controller used in SiES shall be of one time programmable (OTP) and used to store computational programs. Hence the firmware used in the SiES shall not be changed or modified once fused. Various means can be used to check data integrity and any possibility of corruption in data generated, shall immediately raise appropriate alerts and/or stop operation of the compromised SiES. The SiES can store encrypted data into its memory based on encryption techniques, which shall be enabled by advanced cryptographic methods.
[0057] In an embodiment, the proposed SiES 102 can be used by the visually handicapped electors. Braille markers enable visually handicapped electors to determine its position and he/she shall be given a head set which shall prompt the candidate sequence on the enfranchisement sheet. The proposed SiES 102 can be completely sealed during the actual poll, except its operational areas like enfranchisement buttons, QR code reader and navigation buttons. During the mock moll or actual poll, the SiES 102 shall not be connected to any wired or wireless communication media. In another embodiment, SiES 102 shall not carry any wireless/wired communication mechanism and shall not communicate to any other computational hardware using communication mechanism.
[0058] The SiES 102 shall include a unique feature in aspects of security wherein the unit goes in a non-operational state in case of force opening/attempt for interference. In an embodiment, the SiES 102 shall include an isolated battery and aggregate display compartments at the back of the SiES 102 that shall provide an ease while changing of battery and opening & placing aggregate display to view by the polling officer during poll.
[0059] In another embodiment, the SiES 102 can be configured during poll preparation by loading enfranchisement sheets of all/defined constituencies and candidate symbols of each constituency. Once the SiES 102 is configured it is ready for conducting elections. Once the elector is ready with QR code slip after elector verification, he/she shall place the QR code slip on the QR code reader on SiES 102, which shall verify the elector ID, elector verification status, Date & Time of the QR code and elector constituency information then the SiES 102 shall display the elector’s constituency enfranchisement sheet on the LCD display. Once the enfranchisement sheet is displayed, the elector shall cast his/her franchise by pressing any one of the candidate buttons, the franchise shall be printed on the printer and it shall be visible only for defined time to view by the elector, then the franchise shall be registered with the beeper sound to indicate successful cast of franchise. The proposed SiES 102 shall store the franchise ID information in its data memory to verify duplicate elector. In another embodiment, the proposed SiES 102 shall display a message “DUPLICATE ELECTOR”, when the elector is trying to verify QR code on the SiES 102 after casting the franchise or intentionally he/she tries to franchise more than once.
[0060] In another embodiment, the proposed SiES 102 shall ensure that only genuine SiES 102 shall be deployed during an election and has a mechanism that shall readily display any evidence of tampering. Both the hardware as well as software used in the proposed SiES 102 shall run AHC aimed at ensuring that the proposed SiES 102 shall completely ready to be deployed and have no defects, spuriousness etc. The SiES 102 shall be customized in accordance with a customer’s requirement of their unique polling procedures. Each of the SiES 102 shall be self-contained with power supplies i.e., alkaline battery.
[0061] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary view of EVU, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The EVU 104 adapted to perform verification of the elector before poll. The EVU 104 can include power-on switch, power-on LED to indicate EVU power-ON status, QR code reader to read the QR code on the EPIC card, printer to print the QR code after successful elector verification, LCD display to display the elector verification status. In an embodiment, upon successful elector verification, the printer can print the QR code automatically. In case, if the print is not in a proper format, then a button can be pressed for printing the QR code, if required.
[0062] In an embodiment, the proposed EVU 104 shall perform monitoring of the health status by inbuilt AHC tests of power-on LED, LCD display, QR code reader, buttons and printer as well as battery. In another embodiment, the proposed EVU 104 can be connected to the authorized authority database server 112 to perform the elector verification. The EVU 104 shall authenticate mutually with the authorized authority database server, on successful mutual authentication, the EVU 104 shall verify the elector identification by comparing the EPIC card data with authorized authority database server data and shall confirm whether the elector is genuine or not.
[0063] In another embodiment, before franchising the elector shall perform elector verification on EVU 104. Elector verification shall include the QR code reader to read the EPIC card provided by authorized authority of that country, QR code generator shall generate QR code after successful elector verification, the printer shall print the QR code and LCD display shall display power on messages, elector verification status, QR code generation status and print status. In another embodiment, the EVU 104 shall include a unique feature in aspects of security wherein the unit goes in a non-operational state in case of force opening/attempt for interference.
[0064] In another embodiment, the EVU 104 shall have the capability to prevent duplicate electors during elector verification. Once the elector is verified in any polling booth a log shall be created on successful elector verification and it shall be sent to authorize authority database server. In an aspect, if the elector casts his/her franchise in one polling booth and goes to the polling booth for elector verification, the EVU 104 shall display “DUPLICATE ELECTOR” on its display. In another embodiment, the EVU 104 shall not generate QR code, in case of elector verification failure due to non-authenticity of the elector then the elector shall not be allowed for franchising.
[0065] In an embodiment, the EVU 104 shall be replaced on any of the failures such as power on switch failure, button stuck, QR code reader failure, printer failure, LCD display failure, and /or power on LED failure. In another aspect, the EVU 104 shall be replaced when it is in the non -operative state if there is any attempt made to force open or sabotage sensitive hardware. In another embodiment, the EVU 104 shall have a unique serial number, authentication and a security mechanism based on cryptographic methods when it is connected to authorized authority database server. In another aspect, the unique serial number, the authentication and the security mechanism based on cryptographic keys, which shall be valid for life of the unit. In an embodiment, the EVU 104 shall include an isolated battery compartment at the back of the EVU 104 that provides ease while changing of battery and opening during poll. It can also be connected to the main power supply, where ever provision is available.
[0066] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to EVU 104, which shall be connected to the authorized authority database server for elector verification in place of conventional manual elector verification. In an embodiment, the polling officer shall perform the elector verification with the help of EVU 104, which shall verify the elector information by reading the electors QR code on the EPIC card and compares with the authorized elector information, on successful QR code verification, the EVU 104 shall generate another QR code which shall consist of elector verification status, date & time of the elector verification and elector constituency information. The generated QR code shall be printed and it shall be given to the elector for franchising. The LCD display shall display corresponding messages during the above process.
[0067] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary view of DLU, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4, the DLU 106 adapted to perform the loading of the constituency enfranchisement sheets and candidate symbols of each constituency. The DLU 106 includes power-on switch, power-on LED, status LED, serial connector, LCD display and buttons. In an embodiment, the DLU 106 shall perform the AHC for the power-on LED, status LED, serial connector, LCD display and buttons, then the self-test status shall be displayed on the LCD display to the user.
[0068] In an embodiment, the DLU 106 shall perform mutual authentication on every power-on when it is connected to the SiES 102 using advanced cryptographic techniques. In an embodiment, the DLU 106 shall be replaced on any of the failures such as power on switch failure, button stuck, LCD display failure, status LED, serial connector and /or power on LED failure. In another aspect, the DLU 106 shall be replaced when it is in the non-operative state if there is any attempt made to force open or sabotage sensitive hardware.
[0069] In an embodiment, during poll preparation initially, the polling staff shall connect DLU 106 to the authorized authority database server, after successful mutual authentication all/defined enfranchisement sheets of constituencies and candidate symbols of each constituency shall be loaded into the DLU 106. Then the DLU 106 shall be disconnected from the authorized authority database server, then the polling staff verifies the enfranchisement sheets and candidate symbols of each constituency on display, if required the enfranchisement sheets can be printed for verification. Once the enfranchisement sheet verification is complete, the DLU 106 shall be connected to a network switch and SiES 102 i.e., a defined number of the SiES are connected to the communication interface in serial to load the enfranchisement sheets and candidate symbols for each constituency at a time in all connected SiES 102.
[0070] In an embodiment, the DLU 106 shall display the list of enfranchisement sheets loaded on it, the user is allowed to press DISP button to view the enfranchisement sheet. If the user wanted to view another enfranchisement sheet, he/she shall press the OK button, then press the NEXT/PREV button and then press the DISP button. In another embodiment, the DLU 106 shall include a unique feature in aspects of security wherein the unit goes in a non-operational state in case of force opening/attempt for interference. In an embodiment, the DLU 106 shall be made to operate only with customer approved SiES 102 and may not communicate with any other machine.
[0071] In another embodiment, the DLU 106 shall have a unique serial number, an authentication and security mechanism based on cryptographic methods when it is connected to either the SiES 102 or the authorized authority database server. In another aspect, the unique serial number, the authentication and the security mechanisms are based on the cryptographic keys, which shall be valid for the life of the unit. In an embodiment, the DLU 106 shall include an isolated battery compartment at the back of the DLU 106 that provides ease while changing of battery and opening during poll preparation. It shall also be connected to main power supply, where ever provision is available.
[0072] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to DLU 106 for loading enfranchisement sheets and candidate symbols for each constituency in place of the conventional manual method of poll preparation, which takes a significant amount of time. In an embodiment, the DLU 106 shall be connected through wired media, when it has to communicate with SiES 102 only during poll preparation, where both SiES 102 and DLU 106 shall authenticate using cryptographic techniques, and establish secure communication with each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the DLU 106 and SiES 102 shall authenticate each other using cryptographic techniques and then establish a secure communication channel for subsequent communication over the connected media. In an exemplary embodiment, the process of secure communication between DLU 106 and SiES 102 shall protect against replay attacks by use of pay load diversification. In another embodiment, the SiES 102 provides a single interface for communications with DLU 106.
[0073] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary view of RCU, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The RCU 108 adapted to perform constituency wise end result counting. The RCU 108 comprises of power-on switch, power-on LED, status LED, serial connector to connect multiple SiESs, LCD display and buttons. In an embodiment, the RCU 108 shall perform the AHC for the power-on LED, status LED, serial connector, LCD display and buttons, then the health check status shall be displayed on the LCD display to the user. In another embodiment, the RCU 108 shall perform mutual authentication with the connected SiES 102 on every power-on using advanced cryptographic techniques.
[0074] In an embodiment, the RCU 108 shall be replaced on any of the failures such as power on switch failure, button stuck, LCD display failure, status LED, serial connector and /or power on LED failure. In another aspect, the RCU 108 shall be replaced when it is in a non-operative state if there is any attempt made to force open or sabotage sensitive hardware. During result counting the polling staff shall connect SiES 102 to RCU 108 and switch on RCU 108 first and then switch on SiES 102 sequentially. After successful mutual authentication of each SiES 102 with RCU 108, it shall send the result data to RCU 108 automatically. Then the RCU 108 shall compute the cumulative result and display if required print the cumulative result.
[0075] In an embodiment, the RCU 108 shall display the round wise cumulative result and total cumulative result. In another embodiment, the RCU 108 shall include a unique feature in aspects of security wherein the unit goes to a non-operational state in case of force opening/attempt for interference. The RCU 108 shall be made to operate only with customer approved SiES 102 and may not communicate with any other machine. In another embodiment, the RCU 108 shall have a unique serial number, an authentication and security mechanism based on cryptographic methods when it is connected to SiES 102. In another aspect, the unique serial number, the authentication and the security mechanisms are based on the cryptographic keys, which shall be valid for the life of the unit.
[0076] In an embodiment, the RCU 108 shall include an isolated battery compartment at the back of the RCU 108 that provides ease while changing of battery and opening during result counting. It shall also be connected to the main power supply, where ever provision is available. In another embodiment, the RCU 108 is a unit for capturing and displaying constituency wise result data. It shall also display cumulative constituency wise result round wise and total cumulative result of each constituency in place of the conventional manual method of calculating result.
[0077] In an embodiment, the RCU 108 shall be connected through wired media, when it has to communicate with SiES 102 only during result counting, where both SiES 102 and RCU 108 shall authenticate using cryptographic techniques, and establish secure communication with each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the RCU 108 and SiES 102 shall authenticate each other using Cryptographic techniques and then establish a secure communication channel for subsequent communication over the connected media. In an exemplary embodiment, the process of secure communication between RCU 108 and SiES 102 shall protect against replay attacks by the use of payload diversification. In another embodiment, the SiES 102 provides a single interface for communications with RCU 108.
[0078] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary view of the FCU, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The FCU 110 adapted to perform counting of the aggregate candidate electors for each constituency based on the candidate number from the paper roll and displaying the constituency wise candidate result. The FCU 110 comprises of camera, power-on switch, power-on LED, status LED, LCD display and buttons.
[0079] In an embodiment, the FCU 110 shall perform the AHC for the camera, power-on LED, status LED, LCD display and buttons, then the health check status shall be displayed on the LCD display to the user. In an embodiment, the FCU 110 shall be replaced on any of the failures such as power on switch failure, camera failure, button stuck, LCD display failure, status LED, and /or power-on LED failure. In another aspect, the FCU 110 shall be replaced when it is in the non-operative state if there is any attempt made to force open or sabotage sensitive hardware. In an embodiment, the FCU 110 shall display the constituency wise candidate result on its LCD display. In another embodiment, the FCU 110 shall include a unique feature in aspects of security wherein the unit goes to a non-operational state in case of force opening/attempt for interference. In an embodiment, the FCU 110 shall not communicate with any other machine/unit/system.
[0080] In an embodiment, the FCU 110 shall include an isolated battery compartment at the back of the FCU 110 that provides ease while changing of battery and opening during franchise counting. It shall also be connected to the main power supply, where ever provision is available. In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to FCU 110 for counting aggregate polled franchises of each candidate from each constituency and shall display the same.
[0081] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the system 102 of the disclosure may be provided using some or all of the mentioned features and components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0082] The present disclosure provides a system that is cost-effective, portable, simple to use and allows the elector to exercise franchise from anywhere in the country.
[0083] The present disclosure provides a system that enables appropriate redundancy and data encryption means so as to ensure highly reliable, secure, transparent, verifiable and optimized franchising.
[0084] The present disclosure provides a system that goes non-operational state in case of force opening/attempt for interference.
[0085] The present disclosure provides a system that eliminates interconnection issues, the use of multiple units in an election booth, less manpower to conduct an election, eliminates invalid electors, invalid franchises, cumbersome procedures and disputes in segregation of invalid franchises and invalid electors as in previous franchising scheme.

[0086] The present disclosure provides a system that minimizes the labour drastically at poll preparation centres, polling centres as well as counting centres.
[0087] The present disclosure provides a system that is fool proof and user-friendly.