JP2026008098A - Ballot paper issuing device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a ballot paper delivery device that can appropriately prevent the erroneous delivery of ballot papers.
[Solution] A ballot paper distribution device having an input unit for inputting an instruction to start the ballot paper distribution operation, a storage unit inside the device body that stores a plurality of ballot papers, and a paper distribution mechanism that feeds the ballot papers stored in the storage unit one by one from the storage unit, passes through a transport path, and discharges them from a paper outlet.The ballot paper distribution device also has an imaging device inside the device body that captures images of the ballot papers, a recognition unit that recognizes text information from the images captured by the imaging device, a memory unit in which election types are stored in advance, a selection unit that selects from the memory unit the election type that corresponds to the text information recognized by the recognition unit, and an alarm unit that alarms the election type selected by the selection unit.
[Selected Figure] Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a ballot delivery device for delivering ballots to voters.

Ballot paper delivery devices have traditionally been used in elections. Ballot paper delivery devices store a large number of ballot papers and dispense one ballot paper each time an operator presses a switch. The dispensed ballot paper is then delivered to the voter, either by the operator removing it and handing it to the voter, or by the voter removing it themselves. Therefore, ballot paper delivery devices can reliably deliver ballot papers to voters one by one, and can also accurately count the number of ballot papers dispensed, helping to streamline ballot paper management.

By the way, ballot papers differ depending on the type of election, and the corresponding ballot paper is set in the ballot paper distribution device for each type of election. If the wrong type of ballot paper is set in the ballot paper distribution device, the wrong ballot paper will be distributed.

To prevent such erroneous distribution of ballot papers, the applicant has proposed a ballot paper distribution device such as that described in Patent Document 1.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-021424

The ballot paper distribution device in Patent Document 1 prevents the incorrect distribution of ballot papers by automatically checking the color of the ballot paper. However, in simultaneous local elections, ballot papers of the same color may be used. In such cases, the type of election cannot be determined by the color of the ballot paper, so the type of election must be determined by visually checking the ballot paper. However, there is a risk of incorrect ballot paper being distributed due to confirmation errors such as misreading the type of election.

The present invention aims to provide a ballot delivery device that can appropriately prevent the incorrect delivery of ballots.

The ballot paper distribution device of the present invention comprises an input unit for inputting an instruction to start the ballot paper distribution operation, a storage unit for storing a plurality of ballot papers within the device body, and a paper distribution mechanism for feeding the ballot papers stored in the storage unit one by one from the storage unit, passing them through a transport path, and discharging them from a paper outlet. The ballot paper distribution device is characterized by having an imaging device provided within the device body for capturing images of the ballot papers, a recognition unit for recognizing text information from the images captured by the imaging device, a memory unit in which election types are stored in advance, a selection unit for selecting from the memory unit the election type that corresponds to the text information recognized by the recognition unit, and a notification unit for notifying the election type selected by the selection unit.

In addition to the above configuration, the present invention can also have the following configuration:

(a) The storage unit stores related character information in association with the election type, and includes a determination unit that compares the related character information with the character information recognized by the recognition unit and determines that the related character information corresponds to the character information, and the selection unit selects the election type based on the determination result of the determination unit.

(b) The device is characterized by having a confirmation input unit for inputting a judgment as to whether the election type notified by the notification unit is appropriate.

(c) It is characterized by having a setting unit that sets a reference election type that serves as a standard, and a matching unit that matches the election type selected by the selection unit with the reference election type set by the setting unit.

(d) The election type of the ballot paper for which the confirmation input unit has input a judgment that the election type is appropriate is set as the reference election type.

(e) The system is characterized by including a first cancellation control unit that controls the operation of distributing the ballot paper to cancel if the matching unit determines that the election type of the ballot paper does not match the reference election type.

(f) The recognition unit is characterized by having a second cancellation control unit that controls the ballot paper delivery operation to be canceled if the character information cannot be recognized.

(g) The recognition unit is characterized by including a third cancellation control unit that controls the ballot paper delivery operation to be canceled if the election type corresponding to the recognized character information is not stored in the memory unit.

(h) The imaging device is capable of acquiring color images and is equipped with a color discrimination unit that determines color information of the ballot paper based on the color image acquired by the imaging device, and a threshold setting unit that sets a threshold value required to acquire a monochrome image of the ballot paper based on the color information, and the recognition unit recognizes the character information from the monochrome image acquired based on the threshold value set by the threshold setting unit.

According to this invention, the character information on the ballot paper is recognized and the election type corresponding to the recognized character information is notified, allowing the operator to easily recognize the election type on the ballot paper and preventing the delivery of the wrong ballot paper.

Furthermore, according to the present invention having the above configuration (a), the selection unit selects the election type based on the determination result that the related character information stored in the memory unit corresponds to the character information recognized by the recognition unit, allowing for quick selection of the election type.

Furthermore, according to the present invention equipped with the above configuration (b), a confirmation input unit is provided for inputting the confirmation result of the election type, so the device can be operated according to the results of the operator's confirmation of whether the election type notified by the notification unit is appropriate.

Furthermore, according to the present invention having the above configuration (c), there is a setting unit that sets the base election type and a matching unit, so by matching the base election type with the election type selected by the selection unit, it is possible to determine whether the election type on the ballot paper is appropriate.

Furthermore, according to the present invention having the above configuration (d), if the confirmation result of the election type is correct, the election type selected by the selection unit is set as the base election type, making it easy to set the base election type and preventing the wrong base election type from being set.

Furthermore, according to the present invention having the above configuration (e), the first cancellation control unit is provided, which makes it possible to prevent the mistaken issuance of inappropriate ballots whose election type does not match the reference election type.

Furthermore, according to the present invention having the above configuration (f), since a second cancellation control unit is provided, if the recognition unit is unable to recognize the character information, it is possible to prevent the erroneous issuance of ballot papers that may be inappropriate.

Furthermore, according to the present invention having the above configuration (g), since a third cancellation control unit is provided, it is possible to prevent an inappropriate ballot from being mistakenly distributed if the recognition unit is unable to accurately recognize the character information.

Furthermore, according to the present invention having the above configuration (h), since it is equipped with a color discrimination unit and a threshold setting unit, the threshold required for acquiring a monochrome image can be set to an appropriate value based on the color of the ballot paper discriminated by the color discrimination unit. Furthermore, since the recognition unit recognizes text information from a monochrome image acquired using a threshold set to an appropriate value, it is possible to recognize text information with high accuracy regardless of the color of the ballot paper.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a ballot paper delivery device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the device main body with the upper cover open. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the device body with the upper cover closed. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the device body with the upper cover open. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a dispensing device including a control unit. FIG. 10 is a rear view of the upright wall of the storage section. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a group of switches on the back of the controller unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing data to be stored in a data table. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a dispensing device according to a modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a dispensing device according to a modified example of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a ballot paper. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a dispensing device according to a modified example of the present invention.

(Overall structure)
Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a ballot paper delivery device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in Figure 1. This delivery device (ballot paper delivery device) 1 comprises a device main body 10 and a controller unit 9. In this example, the device main body 10 and the controller unit 9 are provided separately.

(Device body)
The device main body 10 is a housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes an upper cover 111. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the device main body 10 with the upper cover 111 open, FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the device main body 10 with the upper cover 111 closed, and FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the device main body 10 with the upper cover 111 open. Note that FIGS. 4 and 5 show the side covers of the device main body 10 in perspective, and do not illustrate the side covers. The upper cover 111 is integrally formed by approximately the rear half of the top wall 11 of the device main body 10 and the upper part of the rear wall 15. A front edge 112 of the upper cover 111 is fixed to a pivot 16. The pivot 16 extends across both side plates 17 of the device main body 10 in the width direction (the direction of the arrow X) and is rotatably supported by the both side plates 17. That is, the upper cover 111 is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft 16 relative to the apparatus body 10, and is opened and closed by rotating up and down around the rotation shaft 16 as a fulcrum.

Furthermore, the opening and closing of the upper cover 111 is detected, for example, by an opening and closing detection unit 65 as follows:

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the open/close detection unit 65 is provided on the outside of the side plate 17 near the front edge 112 of the upper cover 111. The open/close detection unit 65 includes a detection switch 66 and a lever 67. The detection switch 66 is a microswitch consisting of a switch body 661 and an actuator 662. The detection switch 66 is fixed to the side plate 17. The lever 67 is fixed to the side end of the rotating shaft 16 so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft 16. When the upper cover 111 is closed, as shown in Figure 4, the lever 67 presses the actuator 662, i.e., the detection switch 66 is in the ON state. When the upper cover 111 is open, as shown in Figure 5, the lever 67 is separated from the actuator 662, i.e., the detection switch 66 is in the OFF state. As a result, the open/close detection unit 65 detects the opening and closing of the upper cover 111 by indicating ON/OFF.

The device main body 10 has inside it a storage section 2 that stores multiple ballot papers P, a paper delivery mechanism 3 that removes the ballot paper P located at the forefront of the storage section 2 from the storage section 2, transports it through the transport path 31, and delivers it from the paper outlet 32, a collection mechanism 4 that collects the ballot paper P being transported from the paper delivery mechanism 3, and a collection section 42 that stores the collected ballot papers P. The top cover 111 covers part of the collection section 42 and all of the storage section 2. The top cover 111 is configured to allow the storage section 2 to be seen from the outside, and specifically is made transparent.

The device body 10 has a power switch 101 for turning power from the power source on and off, and a connector 102 for connecting to the power source, located in one corner of the rear wall 15. Furthermore, the device body 10 has a control unit 7 (Figure 6) that controls the operation of the entire device. Figure 6 is a block diagram of the dispensing device 1, including the control unit 7. The control unit 7 is realized by a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.

(Controller section)
The controller unit 9 is connected to the control unit 7 of the device main body 10 via a cord 91, and is configured to send control signals to the control unit 7. The controller unit 9 has operation keys 92 and 93, a display panel 94, a confirmation switch 95, a mute switch 96, and the like.

Operation keys 92 and 93 are input units for entering instructions to start the distribution operation of the ballot paper P.

The confirmation switch 95 is integrated with an LED that forms the indicator lamp. A white LED is preferably used as the LED.

As shown in Figure 8, various switches are provided on the back of the controller unit 9. Switch 901 is a "voter count switch" that displays the voter turnout rate on the display panel 94 when the number of voters is entered. Switch 902 is a "usage area switch" that selects the prefecture and ward/city/town/village. Switch 903 is an "election type designation switch" that selects and specifies the type of election. Switch 904 is an "announcement switch" that selects the gender of the announcer and the timing of the announcement. Switch 905 is a "volume - switch" that decreases the volume. Switch 906 is a "volume + switch" that increases the volume. Switch 907 is a "clear switch" that sets the number of ballots displayed to "0". Finally, switch 908 is a "paper setting switch" that sets the type of paper.

(Storage section)
The storage section 2 is configured as a space for storing multiple ballot papers P and is surrounded by a vertical wall 21, a bottom wall 22, and side walls 23. The vertical wall 21 is slightly inclined so that its top faces forward, separating the storage section 2 from the paper delivery mechanism 3. The bottom wall 22 is inclined so that its front portion is slightly lower toward the paper delivery mechanism 3. As shown in FIG. 2 , the ballot papers P are stored in the storage section 2 in an upright position along the vertical wall 21 and stacked from the vertical wall 21 side, i.e., stacked vertically. Furthermore, as shown imaginarily by the dashed line in FIG. 7 , the ballot papers P are loaded and stored in the storage section 2 with their long sides G oriented along the width direction (direction of arrow X) of the device main body 10. The bottom wall 22 is provided with a pressing member 24 that presses the stored ballot papers P toward the vertical wall 21. The retaining member 24 is a transparent plate that is movable in the forward and backward directions (the direction of the arrow Y) and is constantly biased by a spring (not shown) toward the standing wall 21. The ballot paper P is placed in the storage section 2 facing backwards so that the printed surface of the ballot paper P can be imaged by the image sensor 61 (described later).

(Paper delivery mechanism)
When an instruction to start dispensing a ballot paper P is input by pressing operation key 92 or 93 once, paper delivery mechanism 3 operates once as follows: That is, as shown in Figure 2, first, the ballot paper P located at the forefront of storage section 2 is removed from storage section 2 by take-out roller 331 and handling member 332 and fed to conveyance path 31. At this time, eccentric roller 333 rotates to periodically protrude from upright wall 21 into storage section 2, causing overlapping ballot papers P to oscillate, creating gaps between ballot papers P and making it easier to remove a single ballot paper P.

The transport path 31 is equipped with a pair of front and rear transport guides 311. The transport guide 311 installed at the front of the transport path 31 has an opening 312. As shown in FIG. 2, the opening 312 is provided in a linear guide portion of the front transport guide 311. The opening 312 is formed in a rectangular shape that is horizontally elongated in the transport direction of the ballot paper P. The transport path 31 is equipped with multiple transport rollers 341, 342, 343, and opposing rollers 344 arranged opposite each of the transport rollers 341, 342, 343. The ballot paper P sent into the transport path 31 is nipped between the transport rollers 341, 342, 343 and the opposing roller 344, and is transported to the paper removal opening 32 by the rotation of each of the transport rollers 341, 342, 343. The ballot paper P is transported while rotating the removal detection member 351, protruding from the paper outlet 32. When the removal detection member 351 returns from its rotated state, its lower portion is pressed down, causing it to stop with a portion protruding from the paper outlet 32. The removal detection member 351 is constantly biased in its return direction by a spring (not shown). When the leading edge of the next ballot paper P is detected by a pair of paper leading edge detection sensors 361, the operation of all rollers stops. When the ballot paper P protruding from the paper outlet 32 is then removed by the voter, the rotation of the removal detection member 351 is detected by sensor 362, and a sound announcing the name of the election type is played from the speaker 51 built into the front of the device main body 10.

(Recovery mechanism)
The collection mechanism 4 includes a removal guide member 41 that can rotate to protrude into the transport path 31. When the removal guide member 41 rotates to protrude into the transport path 31, it forms a passage 40 between the transport path 31 and the transport roller 343, connecting the transport path 31 and the collection section 42, thereby allowing the transported ballot paper P to escape from the transport path 31 to the collection section 42. An opposing roller 345 is also provided downstream of the passage 40, facing the transport roller 343. The ballot paper P passes through the passage 40, is nipped between the transport roller 343 and the opposing roller 345, and is transported to the collection section 42 by the rotation of the transport roller 343. The removal guide member 41 is controlled by the control unit 7 to rotate and protrude into the transport path 31 when, for example, the paper leading edge detection sensor 361 detects overlapping ballot papers P. Therefore, the collection mechanism 4 can prevent overlapping ballot papers P from protruding from the paper outlet 32.

(Collection Department)
The collection section 42 is configured as a space where ballot papers P transported along the passage 40 are stacked, and is surrounded by a bottom wall 43 and side walls 44. The bottom wall 43 is inclined so that it becomes higher in the rear direction. The side walls 44 are, for example, the same walls as the side walls 23 that constitute the storage section 2.

(Image sensor)
An image sensor 61 is installed inside the device main body 10, in front of the conveyance path 31. The image sensor 61 is an imaging device of the present invention. The image sensor 61 captures an image of the ballot paper P facing the image sensor 61 as it is conveyed along the conveyance path 31, thereby capturing a color image and/or a monochrome image of the ballot paper P. The imaging time required for the image sensor 61 to capture an image of a certain size is shorter for a monochrome image than for a color image. As shown in FIG. 2 , the image sensor 61 is positioned so that its imaging surface faces the conveyance path 31 through an opening 312 in a conveyance guide 311 installed in front of the conveyance path 31. The image sensor 61 is configured, for example, by a CIS (contact image sensor).

(Control unit)
The control unit 7 includes a recognition unit 71, a selection unit 72, a determination unit 73, a setting unit 74, a comparison unit 75, and a cancellation unit 76.

The abort unit 76 includes at least a first abort control unit 761, a second abort control unit 762, and a third abort control unit 763. The abort unit 76 is configured to abort the distribution operation of the ballot papers P. For example, when the paper leading edge detection sensor 361 detects overlapping ballot papers P, the abort unit 76 aborts the distribution operation and collects the overlapping ballot papers P in the collection unit 42. At this time, the notification unit 5, described below, is activated to issue a message indicating that overlapping ballot papers P has been detected.

(Storage part)
The control unit 7 is connected to a storage unit 8. The storage unit 8 has a data table 81 for storing the names of multiple election types and character information associated with each election type, i.e., related character information.

Data table 81 pre-stores data such as that shown in FIG. 9. This data includes the names of the first through nineteenth election types and the first through nineteenth related character information associated with the first through nineteenth election types. Each related character information is composed of character information including a first required character, a second required character, and prohibited characters. For example, the third related character information is associated with the third election type, "Supreme Court National Review," and is stored with the character "判" (judgment) as the first required character, the character "官" (official) as the second required character, and no prohibited characters. For example, the nineteenth related character information is associated with the nineteenth election type, "民" (national referendum), and is stored with the character "国" (country) as the first required character, the character "民" (people) as the second required character, and the character "官" (official) as the prohibited character. Prohibited characters designate characters that do not appear on the target ballot paper P.

(Notification Department)
The control unit 7 is connected to the notification unit 5. The notification unit 5 is composed of a speaker 51 and/or a display panel 94.

[Activation]
Next, the operation of the dispensing device 1 having the above configuration will be described.

(1) Initial Setup When using the delivery device 1, the operator first performs the initial setup. The initial setup involves specifying the "election type" of the official ballot paper to be delivered by the delivery device 1. The "election type" is specified by one of the following procedures.

(Step 1) The operator turns on the power switch 101 to power on the distribution device 1. Opens the top cover 111 and loads the ballot papers P to be distributed into the storage section 2, then closes the top cover 111. Presses either of the operation keys 92 or 93 on the controller unit 9. When operation key 92 or 93 is pressed, the control unit 7 activates the paper distribution mechanism 3 and begins the distribution operation. The operation keys 92 and 93 function as an input unit for inputting an instruction to start the distribution operation of the ballot papers P.

When the paper delivery mechanism 3 is activated, the ballot paper P located at the forefront of the storage section 2 is removed from the storage section 2 and fed to the transport path 31. The control unit 7 activates the image sensor 61 to capture an image of the fed ballot paper P and acquire an image of part of or the entire paper. In this embodiment, the image sensor 61 is operated to capture a monochrome image, which shortens the image capture time compared to capturing a color image. The control unit 7 also activates the collection mechanism 4 during the initial setup process. When the collection mechanism 4 is activated, the fed ballot paper P is ejected and collected by the collection section 42. In other words, during the delivery operation during the initial setup process, the ballot paper P is not transported to the paper removal port 32, but is transported to the collection section 42.

The recognition unit 71 performs OCR processing or AI-OCR processing (hereinafter collectively referred to as "character recognition processing") on the image acquired by the image sensor 61 to recognize the characters written on the ballot paper P. In other words, the recognition unit 71 recognizes character information. In the character recognition processing, the recognition unit 71 distinguishes between background and character portions based on a preset threshold, converts the character portions into character codes, and recognizes the character information. Note that because the image acquired by the image sensor 61 is a monochrome image, the time required for character recognition processing can be shortened compared to when using color images.

The determination unit 73 compares the character information recognized by the recognition unit 71 with the related character information stored in the data table 81. For example, if the character information recognized by the recognition unit 71 is "Vote for the election of members elected in the House of Representatives single-seat constituency," the determination unit 73 determines that the first related character information including "low" and "low" corresponds to the character information recognized by the recognition unit 71. Based on the determination result of the determination unit 73, the selection unit 72 selects the first election type, "House of Representatives single-seat constituency," from the data table 81 as the election type. In other words, the selection unit 72 selects the election type that corresponds to the character information recognized by the recognition unit 71 from the memory unit 8.

By the way, various ballot papers P generally contain the character string "vote," and in order to distinguish the 19th election type "National Referendum" shown in Figure 9, it is necessary to use the character information for "national" and "civil." The ballot paper P for the third election type "Supreme Court Referendum" contains the character string "National Referendum Vote for Supreme Court Judges," which includes the character information for "national" and "civil." Therefore, it is not possible to distinguish between a "National Referendum" and a "Supreme Court Referendum" based on the character information for "national" and "civil." Therefore, the related character information for the 19th election type includes the character "official" as a forbidden character. As a result, for example, when the recognition unit 71 recognizes the character information for "National Referendum to Amend the Constitution of Japan," the character "official," which is a forbidden character, is not included, and the determination unit 73 can determine that the related character information for the 19th election type corresponds to the character information recognized by the recognition unit 71. Therefore, by including information about unacceptable characters in addition to the first and second required characters in the related character information, it is possible to more appropriately determine which related character information corresponds to the character information recognized by the recognition unit 71.

When an election type is selected using the selection unit 72, an audio guide is played from the speaker 51 (notification unit 5) informing the operator of the selected election type. Instead of or in addition to the audio guide, the selected election type is displayed on the display panel 94 (notification unit 5). Because the election type is announced to the operator by the speaker 51 and/or display panel 94, the operator can easily confirm the election type on the fed ballot paper P.

The operator checks whether the election type announced by the notification unit 5 (speaker 51, display panel 94) is appropriate. In other words, the operator checks whether the election type on the fed ballot paper P matches the election type on the ballot paper P that the operator wishes to issue.

If the election type notified by the notification unit 5 is appropriate, the operator presses the confirmation switch 95 on the controller unit 9. At this time, the confirmation switch 95 functions as a confirmation input unit that inputs a judgment that the election type is appropriate.

Furthermore, if the election type is not appropriate, the operator presses the mute switch 96. At this time, the mute switch 96 functions as a confirmation input unit that inputs a judgment that the election type is not appropriate. When the mute switch 96 is pressed, the notification unit 5 notifies the operator by voice or display that the ballot papers P loaded in the storage unit 2 need to be replaced with appropriate ballot papers P.

When the confirmation switch 95 is pressed, the setting unit 74 sets the election type notified by the notification unit 5 as the base election type. Once the base election type is set by the setting unit 74, the initial setting process is complete.

(Step 2) A different step from step 1 above will be described. The operator turns on the power switch 101 to power on the issuing device 1. Then, they operate switch 903 (election type designation switch) on the controller unit 9. Each time switch 903 is pressed, the names of the first through nineteenth election types shown in Figure 9 are announced in order by voice guidance or display. For example, to select the tenth election type, "Prefectural Assembly Member," switch 903 is pressed ten times.

Once the desired election type is announced, press the confirmation switch 95. When the confirmation switch 95 is pressed, the setting unit 74 sets the election type selected by pressing switch 903 the required number of times as the base election type. Once the base election type has been set by the setting unit 74, the initial setting process is complete.

(2) Once the initial setting work for delivery is completed, a message prompting the operator to load the ballot papers P into the storage unit 2 is announced by the notification unit 5 via voice guidance or display. The operator loads an appropriate number of ballot papers P into the storage unit 2 in accordance with the announced message.

Then, the operator begins the distribution process. That is, when a voter arrives, the operator presses operation key 92 or 93, which functions as an input unit, once. At this time, if the voter is male, the operator presses operation key 92 for men, and if the voter is female, the operator presses operation key 93 for women.

When operation key 92 or 93 is pressed once, the paper delivery mechanism 3, image sensor 61, recognition unit 71, selection unit 72, judgment unit 73, matching unit 75, first to third cancellation control units 761 to 763, collection mechanism 4, and notification unit 5 are activated. The paper delivery mechanism 3 feeds a ballot paper P from the single-sheet storage unit 2. The image sensor 61 captures an image of the fed ballot paper P. The recognition unit 71 performs character recognition processing, as during the initial setup process, and recognizes character information from the image captured by the image sensor 61.

The determination unit 73 compares the character information recognized by the recognition unit 71 with the related character information stored in the memory unit 8, and determines whether the related character information corresponds to the character information. If the determination unit 73 determines that the related character information corresponds to the character information, the selection unit 72 selects the election type that corresponds to the character information recognized by the recognition unit 71 from the memory unit 8 (data table 81).

The matching unit 75 matches the election type selected by the selection unit 72 with the reference election type set by the setting unit 74. If the matching unit 75 determines that the election type matches the reference election type, it transports the fed ballot paper P to the paper outlet 32. The ballot paper P protrudes from the paper outlet 32. The ballot paper P protruding from the paper outlet 32 is removed by the voter and handed to that voter. On the other hand, if the matching unit 75 determines that the election type does not match the reference election type, the first cancellation control unit 761 is activated, and the delivery operation of the ballot paper P is stopped. The first cancellation control unit 761 activates the collection mechanism 4 and the alarm unit 5. When the collection mechanism 4 is activated, the exclusion guide member 41 rotates so as to protrude into the transport path 31. Inappropriate ballot papers P determined to be inconsistent by the matching unit 75 are guided by the exclusion guide member 41 and transported through the passage 40 to the collection unit 42 for collection. Additionally, when a ballot paper P is collected by the collection unit 42, the notification unit 5 issues a voice or display message stating that the fed ballot paper P is different from the ballot paper P to be issued, and/or a message urging the user to check the ballot paper P loaded in the storage unit 2.

If the distribution operation is canceled, the operator opens the upper cover 111 and rechecks to see if there are any inappropriate ballot papers P for the wrong election type loaded in the storage unit 2. If there are any inappropriate ballot papers P for the wrong election type loaded, the operator removes the inappropriate ballot papers P. The operator also removes any inappropriate ballot papers P collected in the collection unit 42. The operator then closes the upper cover 111 and begins the distribution operation again. The collection mechanism 4 prevents the mistaken distribution of ballot papers P for an inappropriate election type. The notification unit 5 also allows the operator to recognize that a ballot paper P for an inappropriate election type has been fed and remove the unnecessary ballot papers P from the storage unit 2, preventing the mistaken distribution of ballot papers P during subsequent distribution operations.

However, there are cases where the recognition unit 71 is unable to recognize character information. For example, if the ballot paper P is loaded upside down in the storage unit 2, the surface of the ballot paper P on which the characters are written (printed side) will not face the image sensor 61. In this case, the image captured by the image sensor 61 will not contain any characters (character information). The recognition unit 71 is unable to recognize character information from an image that does not contain characters (character information). In addition, if the printing on the ballot paper is too faint or is unclear due to bleeding, etc., the recognition unit 71 may not be able to recognize character information from the image captured by the image sensor 61.

In this embodiment, if the recognition unit 71 is unable to recognize the text information, the second cancellation control unit 762 is activated and the delivery operation of the ballot paper P is halted. Similar to the first cancellation control unit 761, the second cancellation control unit 762 activates the collection mechanism 4 and the notification unit 5, causing the inappropriate ballot paper P to be collected by the collection unit 42, and a message to be announced by the notification unit 5 via a guide voice or display. At this time, the notification unit 5 issues a message stating that the text information on the ballot paper P could not be read, and/or a message urging the user to check the ballot papers P loaded in the storage unit 2.

If the distribution operation is canceled, the operator opens the top cover 111 and rechecks to see if there are any inappropriate ballot papers P loaded upside down in the storage unit 2. If any ballot papers P loaded upside down are found, the operator removes the inappropriate ballot papers P. The operator also removes any inappropriate ballot papers P collected in the collection unit 42. The operator then closes the top cover 111 and begins the distribution operation again. The collection mechanism 4 prevents the erroneous distribution of ballot papers P with unrecognizable text information. The notification unit 5 also allows the operator to know that a ballot paper P with unrecognizable text information has been fed and removes ballot papers P with potentially unrecognizable text information from the storage unit 2, preventing the erroneous distribution of ballot papers P during subsequent distribution operations.

In addition to the issuance operation, if the character information cannot be recognized during "Step 1" of the initial setup operation, the second cancellation control unit 762 may be activated to cancel the issuance operation.

Furthermore, there are cases where the recognition unit 71 is unable to accurately recognize the character information. For example, if there is a printing error on the ballot paper P or if the ballot paper P is transported at an angle, the recognition unit 71 may be unable to accurately recognize the character information. Specifically, for example, if the recognition unit 71 mistakenly recognizes the character "長" (major) as the character "民" (resident) due to printing error or skewing on a ballot paper P bearing the words "Mayoral Election Vote," the character information will be recognized as "Citizen Election Vote." If the determination unit 73 correctly recognized the character information "Mayoral Election Vote," the associated character information for the 11th election type (see Figure 9) would correspond. However, because the character information "Citizen Election Vote" was mistakenly recognized, none of the associated character information for the 1st to 19th election types would correspond. In other words, in this case, the election type corresponding to the character information recognized by the recognition unit 71 is not stored in the memory unit 8.

In this embodiment, if the election type corresponding to the character information recognized by the recognition unit 71 is not stored in the memory unit 8, the third cancellation control unit 763 is activated and the delivery operation of the ballot paper P is canceled. Similar to the first and second cancellation control units 761 and 762, the third cancellation control unit 763 activates the collection mechanism 4 and the notification unit 5, causing the inappropriate ballot paper P to be collected by the collection unit 42, and a message to be announced by the notification unit 5 via a guidance voice or display. At this time, the notification unit 5 issues a message to the effect that the character information on the ballot paper P could not be properly recognized, and/or a message urging the user to check the ballot papers P loaded in the storage unit 2.

If the distribution operation is canceled, the operator opens the top cover 111 and rechecks whether there are any inappropriate ballot papers P with poor printing or stains loaded in the storage unit 2. If there are any inappropriate ballot papers P with poor printing or stains loaded, remove the inappropriate ballot papers P. Also, remove any inappropriate ballot papers P collected in the collection unit 42. Then, close the top cover 111 and start the distribution operation again. The collection mechanism 4 prevents the erroneous distribution of inappropriate ballot papers P, for example, ballots where the election type corresponding to the character information recognized by the recognition unit 71 is not stored in the memory unit 8. Furthermore, the notification unit 5 allows the operator to recognize that ballot papers P for which the election type is not stored have been fed and remove ballot papers P from the storage unit 2 where the character information may not be accurately recognized, preventing the erroneous distribution of ballot papers P during subsequent distribution operations.

In addition to the issuance operation, the third cancellation control unit 763 may also be activated to cancel the issuance operation if the character information cannot be accurately recognized during "Step 1" of the initial setup operation.

Furthermore, when the delivery operation is aborted by the first to third abort control units 761 to 763, the ballot paper P is collected in the collection unit 42 and a message is announced by the notification unit 5 via a guidance voice or display. However, a retry operation may be performed in which the ballot paper P is collected in the collection unit 42 and the delivery operation of the next ballot paper P is initiated. This retry operation is initiated automatically, without the operator needing to press the operation key 92 or 93 again. During the retry operation, if the ballot paper P is transported to the paper outlet 32 without the first to third abort control units 761 to 763 being activated, the voter will remove the ballot paper P from the paper outlet 32 and deliver it. Furthermore, even if the retry operation is performed a predetermined number of times, a message is announced when the delivery operation is aborted by the first to third abort control units 761 to 763. In this way, even if the delivery operation is aborted, the retry operation can be initiated automatically, allowing the ballot paper P to be delivered to the voter promptly.

[Modification 1]
A first variant of the dispensing device 1 described above will now be described. The image sensor 61 in this variant captures an image of the ballot paper P to acquire a color image and a monochrome image. Figure 10 is a block diagram of the dispensing device 1 of this variant. As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 7 in this variant includes a color discrimination unit 77 and a threshold setting unit 78. The color discrimination unit 77 discriminates the color (color information) of the ballot paper P based on the color image acquired by the image sensor 61. The threshold setting unit 78 sets the threshold required to acquire a monochrome image based on the color information of the ballot paper P.

During "Step 1" of the initial setup process and the delivery process, when operation key 92 or 93 is pressed and the ballot paper P is fed and transported to a position opposite image sensor 61, image sensor 61 captures an image of only a specified distance (e.g., 5 mm) from the leading edge of the ballot paper P, capturing a color image. Image sensor 61 is equipped with a red sensor that receives red light, a green sensor that receives green light, and a blue sensor that receives blue light, and captures a color image by receiving light with each sensor. Capturing a color image takes time because it requires capturing images using the red, green, and blue sensors. Therefore, in this modified example, processing time can be shortened by limiting the range in which the color image is captured (e.g., limiting it to a range of 5 mm from the leading edge of the ballot paper).

The color discrimination unit 77 performs color discrimination processing on the color image acquired by the image sensor 61 to determine the color (color information) of the ballot paper P. The color information of the ballot paper P is defined by the R, G, and B values in the RGB color model. Light received by the red, green, and blue sensors of the image sensor 61 is expressed as R, G, and B values according to the amount of light received (the intensity of the received light). Furthermore, the R, G, and B values are all expressed in 256 levels from 0 (zero) to 255, with (R, G, B) = (0, 0, 0) representing black and (R, G, B) = (255, 255, 255) representing white. The color information determined by capturing an image of each color of ballot paper P with the image sensor 61 is expressed as the following values (hereinafter referred to as "reference values"). The "pink" ballot paper P is represented by (R,G,B) = (254,227,213), the "green" ballot paper P is represented by (R,G,B) = (218,225,155), the "yellow" ballot paper P is represented by (R,G,B) = (253,239,173), the "light blue" ballot paper P is represented by (R,G,B) = (221,232,213), the "orange" ballot paper P is represented by (R,G,B) = (252,205,164), and the "white" ballot paper P is represented by (R,G,B) = (253,252,243). In other words, in the color discrimination process, the color discrimination unit 77 determines the color information (R value, G value, and B value) of the ballot paper P based on the color image acquired by the image sensor 61.

However, the color information of each ballot paper P determined by the color discrimination unit 77 may have different values even when an image of a ballot paper P of the same color is captured due to color variations caused by factors such as paper quality. Therefore, a range of values for each color information is set for each color of ballot paper P and stored in the memory unit 8. This range of each value is set to a predetermined range that includes the above-mentioned reference value. Specifically, for example, "pink" is set to the range of (R, G, B) = (242 to 255, 215 to 239, 201 to 225), "green" is set to the range of (R, G, B) = (206 to 230, 213 to 237, 143 to 167), "yellow" is set to the range of (R, G, B) = (241 to 255, 227 to 251, 161 to 185), "light blue" is set to the range of (R, G, B) = (209 to 233, 220 to 244, 201 to 225), "orange" is set to the range of (R, G, B) = (240 to 255, 193 to 217, 152 to 176), and "white" is set to the range of (R, G, B) = (235 to 255, 235 to 255, 235 to 255).

The threshold setting unit 78 sets a threshold value necessary for acquiring a monochrome image of the ballot paper P based on the color information of the ballot paper P determined by the color discrimination unit 77. For example, the threshold value is set to approximately half (one-half) the largest value of the color information values (R value, G value, and B value) of the ballot paper P. Specifically, according to the above reference values, the threshold value is set to "127" for a "pink" ballot paper P, "113" for a "green" ballot paper P, "126" for a "yellow" ballot paper P, "116" for a "light blue" ballot paper P, "126" for an "orange" ballot paper P, and "126" for a "white" ballot paper P. These threshold values are stored in the memory unit 8 in association with the range of the color information of the ballot paper P, and the threshold setting unit 78 retrieves the threshold value corresponding to the color information of the ballot paper P from the memory unit 8 and sets it as the threshold value to be used for acquiring a monochrome image. For example, if a ballot paper P is imaged by the image sensor 61 and the color information determined by the color determination unit 77 is (R, G, B) = (220, 225, 165), this matches the range of color information for "green," so the threshold setting unit 78 retrieves the threshold corresponding to the color information for "green" from the memory unit 8 and sets the threshold to "113."

Then, the image sensor 61 captures an image of the ballot paper P in a range downstream from a predetermined distance from the leading edge (for example, a range from 5 mm from the leading edge to the trailing edge). At this time, the image sensor 61 captures the image using the most appropriate sensor (color sensor) from the red sensor, green sensor, or blue sensor based on the color (color information) of the ballot paper P determined by the color discrimination unit 77. The color sensor corresponding to the largest value of the color information of the ballot paper P (R value, G value, and B value) is used as the most appropriate sensor for the image capture. Specifically, for example, ballot papers P with the above color information "pink," "yellow," "orange," and "white" are captured using the red sensor of the image sensor 61 because the R value has the greatest output. Furthermore, ballot papers P with "green" and "light blue" are captured using the green sensor of the image sensor 61 because the G value has the greatest output.

At this time, the image sensor 61 acquires a monochrome multi-value image and binarizes the monochrome multi-value image based on the threshold set by the threshold setting unit 78 to acquire a monochrome image (binary image). The binarization process may be performed simultaneously while imaging the ballot paper P, or may be performed after imaging the entire imaging range. Therefore, the image sensor 61 of this modified example is configured to image the ballot paper P and acquire a color image and a monochrome image.

The recognition unit 71 recognizes character information from a monochrome image in a range downstream from a position a predetermined distance from the leading edge of the ballot paper P. In other words, the recognition unit 71 recognizes character information from a monochrome image acquired based on the threshold set by the threshold setting unit 78.

According to this modified example, the imaging range is limited when acquiring a color image, thereby shortening the time required to acquire a color image. The color discrimination unit 77 discriminates the color of the ballot paper P based on the color image acquired by the image sensor 61, eliminating the need for a separate color sensor for reading the color of the ballot paper P and allowing for a more compact device. Based on the color information of the ballot paper P determined by the color discrimination unit 77, an image is acquired in which the text portion can be properly recognized relative to the color of the ballot paper P. Furthermore, since the image is acquired using one of the red, green, and blue sensors, the image can be acquired in a short time. Furthermore, since the image is acquired using one of the red, green, and blue sensors, the amount of data for the acquired image can be reduced, thereby reducing the memory capacity required for storage in the memory unit 8, for example. The threshold setting unit 78 sets a binarization threshold based on the color information of the ballot paper P, allowing for an appropriate threshold to be set according to the color of the ballot paper P. The image acquired by the image sensor 61 is binarized using the threshold set by the threshold setting unit 78, allowing for a monochrome image to be acquired in which the text portion can be properly recognized based on the color of the ballot paper P. Because the recognition unit 71 recognizes text information from a monochrome image, it can complete the character recognition process in a shorter time than when recognizing text information from a color image. Furthermore, it can accurately recognize text information regardless of the color of the ballot paper P.

[Modification 2]
A second variant of the dispensing device 1 will now be described. Figure 11 is a block diagram of the dispensing device 1 of this variant. As shown in Figure 11, the control unit 7 in this variant includes a paper size comparison unit 79. The cancellation unit 76 further includes a fourth cancellation control unit 764. The paper size comparison unit 79 compares the paper size of the captured ballot paper P based on the image acquired by the image sensor 61.

In "Step 1" of the initial setup process, the image of the entire paper acquired by the image sensor 61 is stored in the memory unit 8 as a reference image. After the initial setup process is completed, the distribution process begins. During the distribution process, the paper size comparison unit 79 compares the image acquired by the image sensor 61 with the reference image stored in the memory unit 8. The paper size comparison unit 79 determines whether the deviation, expressed as the absolute value of the difference between the paper size of the ballot paper P in the acquired image and the paper size of the ballot paper P in the reference image, is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. The paper size of the ballot paper P is the paper size in the direction along the long side G of the ballot paper P (see Figures 7 and 12). If the deviation in paper size between the two images is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, the fourth cancellation control unit 764 is activated because there is a risk that the ballot paper P being transported is an inappropriate ballot. The fourth cancellation control unit 764 controls the operation of distributing the ballot paper P to be canceled. The fourth abort control unit 764, like the first to third abort control units 761-763, activates the collection mechanism 4 and the notification unit 5, the ballot paper P is collected in the collection unit 42, and a message is announced by the notification unit 5 via audio or visual guidance. At this time, the notification unit 5 issues a message indicating that the ballot paper P is the wrong size and/or a message urging the user to check the ballot paper P stacked in the storage unit 2. If the paper size difference between the two images is less than a predetermined amount, the transported ballot paper P is dispensed from the paper outlet 32. The paper size of the ballot paper P compared by the paper size comparison unit 79 may be the paper size along the short side F of the ballot paper P (see Figures 7 and 12), or the paper size along both the long side G and the short side F of the ballot paper P.

This modified example is equipped with a paper size comparison unit 79, which compares the paper size of the ballot paper P based on the reference image stored during the initial setup process and the image acquired during the distribution process, making it easy to determine the amount of paper size discrepancy. Furthermore, the fourth cancellation control unit 764 controls the distribution operation to be cancelled if the amount of paper size discrepancy is a predetermined amount (e.g., 10 mm) or more, thereby preventing an inappropriate ballot paper P from being mistakenly distributed.

[Modification 3]
A third modification of the dispensing device 1 will now be described. Figure 12 shows a ballot paper P. In this modification, the recognition unit 71 determines whether the orientation of the characters in the text information included in the image is portrait or landscape based on the image acquired by the image sensor 61.

There are two types of ballot paper P: a first-type ballot paper P1 shown in Figures 12(a) and (b), in which characters are printed vertically along the short side F of the ballot paper P; and a second-type ballot paper P2 shown in Figures 12(c) and (d), in which characters are printed vertically along the long side G of the ballot paper P. The ballot paper P also has writing columns in which the names of the election candidates and the yes and no options are written. The writing columns are printed so that they are surrounded by a frame K, as shown in Figure 12. As shown in Figure 7, the ballot paper P is loaded in the storage section 2 with the long side G of the ballot paper P oriented along the width direction (direction of arrow X) of the device main body 10. The first-type ballot paper P1 shown in Figure 12(a) is loaded in the storage section 2 with the characters oriented upright and the printed side of the ballot paper P1 facing the retaining member 24. The first-type ballot paper P1 shown in Figure 12 (b) is loaded in the storage unit 2 with the characters upside down and the printed side of the ballot paper P1 facing the retaining member 24. The second-type ballot paper P2 shown in Figures 12 (c) and 12 (d) is loaded in the storage unit 2 with its long side G turned 90 degrees so that it is aligned with the width direction (arrow X direction) of the device main body 10, as shown in Figures 12 (e) and 12 (f). When the image sensor 61 acquires an image of the ballot paper P during "Step 1" of the initial setup process and the delivery process, the recognition unit 71 recognizes the border line K of the entry column and calculates the vertical dimension LH and horizontal dimension LW of the border line K. The recognition unit 71 determines the orientation of the characters in the text information contained in the image based on the calculated vertical and horizontal dimensions LH and LW of the border line K. For example, as shown in Figures 12(e) and 12(f), if the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the frame line K are such that the vertical dimension LH is smaller than the horizontal dimension LW, the character orientation is determined to be horizontal. Conversely, as shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), if the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the frame line K are such that the vertical dimension LH is larger than the horizontal dimension LW, the character orientation is determined to be vertical. The recognition unit 71 then performs character recognition processing on the image based on the determined character orientation. After the initial setup is complete, the delivery process begins. During the delivery process, the recognition unit 71 also performs character recognition processing on the image based on the character orientation determined during the initial setup. Note that the character orientation may also be determined based on the ratio of the vertical and horizontal dimensions LH and LW of the frame line K (aspect ratio).

In this modified example, the recognition unit 71 determines the orientation of the characters in the image based on the image acquired by the image sensor 61, eliminating the need for the operator to set the character orientation. Furthermore, the recognition unit 71 performs character recognition processing on the image based on the determined character orientation, allowing for accurate character recognition.

[Modification 4]
A fourth modification of the distributing device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 12. In this modification, a switch (paper setting switch) 908 functions to set the orientation of the characters written on the ballot paper P.

By pressing switch 908, the paper type of the ballot paper P loaded in the storage unit 2 is selected in the orientation shown in (a), (b), (e), and (f) of Figure 12. Paper type is represented, for example, as "portrait paper" or "landscape paper," with "portrait paper" referring to the first-type ballot paper P1 shown in Figures 12(a) and (b), and "landscape paper" referring to the second-type ballot paper P2 shown in (e) and (f) of the same figure. "Portrait paper" is set when first-type ballot paper P1 is loaded in the storage unit 2 and the characters are oriented vertically. "Landscape paper" is set when second-type ballot paper P2 is loaded in the storage unit 2 and the characters are oriented horizontally. In this way, by pressing switch 908 to select whether the ballot paper P loaded in the storage unit 2 is the first-type ballot paper P1 or the second-type ballot paper P2, the orientation of the characters written on the ballot paper P is set.

During the initial setup process, switch 908 is pressed to set the paper type. Then, when performing "Procedure 1" during the initial setup process, the operator presses operation key 92 or 93. When the distribution operation begins and the image of the ballot paper P is acquired by the image sensor 61, the recognition unit 71 performs character recognition processing on the image based on the set character orientation. Note that if "Procedure 2" is performed during the initial setup process and the operator selects the appropriate election type in accordance with the guidance voice or display, as described above, character recognition processing is not performed during the initial setup process. After the initial setup process is completed, the distribution process begins. During the distribution process, the recognition unit 71 performs character recognition processing on the image based on the character orientation set during the initial setup process.

In this modified example, the orientation of the characters printed on the ballot paper P is set by pressing switch 908 to set the paper type, making it easy to set the character orientation. Furthermore, the recognition unit 71 performs character recognition processing on the image based on the set character orientation, allowing for accurate character recognition.

[Modification 5]
A fifth modification of the dispensing device 1 will now be described. In this modification, the control unit 7 stores the image acquired by the image sensor 61 in the storage unit 8 when the first to fourth cancellation control units 761 to 764 are activated. The dispensing device 1 is also configured to be connectable to an external terminal via wired or wireless connection, or to an external storage medium directly or via wired connection. Examples of external terminals include personal computers, smartphones, tablets, etc. Examples of external storage media include portable storage media such as hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SSDs), and USB memory.

During "Step 1" of the initial setup process and the delivery process, if any of the first through fourth abort control units 761-764 is activated during the delivery of the ballot paper P, the delivery operation will be aborted. In this case, the control unit 7 captures an image of the ballot paper P using the image sensor 61 and stores the acquired image in the memory unit 8. The operator can connect an external storage medium, such as a USB memory, to the delivery device 1 and copy or move the stored image data from the memory unit 8 to the USB memory for storage. In other words, the image stored in the memory unit 8 can be retrieved using the USB memory. The operator can investigate the reason why the first through fourth abort control units 761-764 were activated by reading the image data stored on the USB memory using a computer or other device and checking the image of the ballot paper P.

[Modification 6]
The following describes a sixth variant of the dispensing device 1. In this variant, the control unit 7 determines that ballot papers have been replenished each time the upper cover 111 is opened or closed, and activates the paper dispensing mechanism 3, the collection mechanism 4, the image sensor 61, the recognition unit 71, the selection unit 72, the determination unit 73, the collation unit 75, and the cancellation unit 76.

Specifically, for example, when the delivery operation is stopped and the operator opens the top cover 111, the open/close detection unit 65 (detection switch 66 is in the off state) detects that the top cover 111 has been opened. When the operator removes inappropriate ballots from the storage unit 2 or the collection unit 42 and closes the top cover 111, the open/close detection unit 65 (detection switch 66 is in the on state) detects that the top cover 111 has been closed. When the open/close detection unit 65 detects that the top cover 111 has been opened and closed, the control unit 7 resumes the delivery operation and feeds a new ballot P even if the operation key 92 or 93 is not pressed. The control unit 7 activates the paper delivery mechanism 3, image sensor 61, recognition unit 71, selection unit 72, judgment unit 73, and matching unit 75. If the comparison unit 75 determines that the fed ballot paper P is a "mismatch," for example, the control unit 7 stops the delivery operation by ceasing the operation of the paper delivery mechanism 3. The control unit 7 then operates the collection mechanism 4 and the cancellation unit 76 to collect the ballot paper P in the collection unit 42. The control unit 7 also operates the notification unit 5 to issue a warning that the fed ballot paper P is different from the ballot paper P that should have been delivered, by displaying a message on the display panel 94 of the controller unit 9 or announcing it through the speaker 51.

In this modified example, when the open/close detection unit 65 detects the opening or closing of the upper cover 111, it automatically controls the ballot paper P distribution operation to resume, thereby improving workability after the distribution operation has been stopped.

[Modification 7]
A seventh modified example of the dispensing device 1 will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the dispensing device 1 of this modified example. As shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 7 in this modified example includes, for example, a recognition unit 71, a selection unit 72, a determination unit 73, and a cancellation unit 76, but is simply configured without including a setting unit 74 and a matching unit 75. Furthermore, for example, the cancellation unit 76 includes a second cancellation control unit 762, a third cancellation control unit 763, and a fifth cancellation control unit 765, but does not include a first cancellation control unit 761.

Specifically, for example, when operation key 92 or 93 is pressed, the control unit 7 activates the paper delivery mechanism 3, the notification unit 5 (speaker 51, display panel 94), the image sensor 61, the recognition unit 71, the selection unit 72, and the judgment unit 73. The control unit 7 initiates the delivery operation of the ballot paper P and notifies the operator of the election type of the fed ballot paper P. If the election type notified by the notification unit 5 is appropriate (the notified election type matches the election type of the ballot paper P to be delivered), the operator presses the confirmation switch (confirmation input unit) 95. When the confirmation switch 95 is pressed, the control unit 7 activates the paper delivery mechanism 3 to transport the ballot paper P to the paper outlet 32. If the election type notified by the notification unit 5 is inappropriate (the notified election type does not match the election type of the ballot paper P to be delivered), the operator presses the mute switch 96. At this time, the mute switch 96 functions as a confirmation input unit that inputs a judgment that the election type is inappropriate. When the mute switch 96 is pressed, the fifth cancellation control unit 765 is activated, halting the dispensing operation by halting the operation of the paper dispensing mechanism 3. The fifth cancellation control unit 765 then activates the collection mechanism 4, and the ballot paper P is collected in the collection unit 42. The fifth cancellation control unit 765 also activates the notification unit 5, which issues a warning that the fed ballot paper P is different from the ballot paper P that should have been distributed, by displaying a message on the display panel 94 of the controller unit 9 or announcing it through the speaker 51.

In this modified example, the operator uses the confirmation input unit (confirmation switch 95, mute switch 96) to input a judgment as to whether the election type notified by the notification unit 5 is appropriate, thereby controlling the distribution and collection of ballot papers P, thereby preventing the mistaken distribution of inappropriate ballot papers P. Furthermore, by simply configuring the control unit 7 so as not to include a setting unit 74 or a matching unit 75, there is no need for complicated control. Therefore, there is no need to use a high-performance, expensive CPU for the control unit 7, and an inexpensive CPU can be used, making it possible to reduce the cost of the distribution device 1.

As described above, the ballot delivery device of the present invention can appropriately prevent inappropriate ballots from being delivered by mistake.

1 Delivery device (ballot paper delivery device)
10 Device body 111 Upper cover (opening and closing cover)
2 Storage section 3 Paper delivery mechanism 31 Transport path 32 Paper removal port 42 Recovery section 5 Notification section 51 Speaker (an example of a notification section)
61 Image sensor (imaging device)
7 Control unit 71 Recognition unit 72 Selection unit 73 Determination unit 74 Setting unit 75 Collation unit 76 Cancellation unit 761 First cancellation control unit 762 Second cancellation control unit 763 Third cancellation control unit 764 Fourth cancellation control unit 765 Fifth cancellation control unit 77 Color discrimination unit 78 Threshold setting unit 79 Paper size comparison unit 8 Memory unit 81 Data table 9 Controller unit 94 Display panel (an example of a notification unit)
95 Confirmation switch (confirmation input section)
96 Mute switch (confirmation input section)
P Ballot paper

Claims (9)

An input unit for inputting an instruction to start the ballot paper delivery operation,
Inside the device body,
a storage section for storing a plurality of the ballot papers;
A paper delivery mechanism that feeds the ballot papers stored in the storage unit one by one from the storage unit, passes them through a conveying path, and discharges them from a paper outlet;
A ballot paper delivery device comprising:
An imaging device provided inside the device body that captures an image of the ballot paper;
a recognition unit that recognizes character information from the image acquired by the imaging device;
a storage unit in which election types are stored in advance;
a selection unit that selects, from the storage unit, the election type corresponding to the character information recognized by the recognition unit;
a notification unit that notifies the election type selected by the selection unit;
A ballot paper distribution device comprising: The storage unit stores related character information in association with the election type,
a determination unit that compares the related character information with the character information recognized by the recognition unit and determines whether the related character information corresponds to the character information;
The selection unit selects the election type based on the determination result of the determination unit.
2. The ballot delivery device according to claim 1. A confirmation input unit is provided for inputting a judgment as to whether the election type notified by the notification unit is appropriate.
3. A ballot paper delivery device according to claim 1 or 2. A setting unit that sets a reference election type as a reference;
a matching unit that matches the election type selected by the selection unit with the reference election type set by the setting unit;
4. The ballot delivery device according to claim 3, further comprising: 5. The ballot paper distribution device according to claim 4, wherein the election type of the ballot paper for which the confirmation input unit has input a judgment that the election type is appropriate is set as the reference election type. The system further includes a first cancellation control unit that controls the delivery of the ballot paper to be cancelled when the verification unit determines that the election type of the ballot paper does not match the reference election type.
A ballot paper delivery device according to claim 4 or 5. A second cancellation control unit controls the recognition unit to cancel the delivery of the ballot paper if the character information cannot be recognized.
2. The ballot delivery device according to claim 1. The recognition unit includes a third cancellation control unit that controls the ballot paper delivery operation to be canceled if the election type corresponding to the recognized character information is not stored in the memory unit.
2. The ballot delivery device according to claim 1. the imaging device is capable of acquiring a color image;
A color discrimination unit that discriminates color information of the ballot paper based on the color image acquired by the imaging device;
A threshold setting unit that sets a threshold required to acquire a monochrome image of the ballot based on the color information,
the recognition unit recognizes the character information from the monochrome image acquired based on the threshold value set by the threshold value setting unit.
2. The ballot delivery device according to claim 1.