Perpetual referendum system

The PRS addresses inefficiencies in existing voting systems by enabling continuous, accessible, and incentivized electronic referendums with real-time analytics, enhancing citizen participation and decision-making processes.

WO2025178479A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-08-28RSE ON REM INSTITUTE OF PHILOSOPHY POLITICAL SCIENCE & RELIGIOUS STUDIES OF THE COMMITTEE OF SCIENCE OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & HIGHER EDUCATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KZ2024/000004
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-02-21
Publication Date
2025-08-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing voting systems lack the ability to conduct referendums, are limited to offline voting, do not provide accurate vote counting in electronic voting, restrict unauthorized access, and lack modules for election campaigns, making them inefficient for continuous public opinion collection and decision-making.

Method used

A permanent referendum system (PRS) with touch screen voting devices connected via a unified network, allowing anonymous visual expression of opinions using emoji emoticons, offering bonuses, and integrating with a central server for data analysis and reporting, ensuring accessibility and reliability.

Benefits of technology

Enhances voting reliability and accessibility, stimulates citizen participation through incentives, and provides real-time analytics for effective decision-making by governments and organizations.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The claimed technical solution relates to systems and devices for conducting referendums and voting. Proposed is a perpetual referendum system comprising voting devices which are connected to one another by an internetwork that includes a central database server, wherein each voting device comprises: a module for uploading a subject to be voted on, which is connected to the database server; a voting module with a touch-sensitive screen, which is connected to the upload module; a processing unit with a data storage module, which is connected to the voting module and is configured to be capable of processing voting data and storing voting data and system settings; and a data sending module connected to the processing unit and to the database server. The central database server is configured to be capable of performing analysis and generating summary reports on the results obtained from received voting data. The invention increases the reliability of the voting process by allowing the voter to track the outcome of their own vote when it is counted, while remaining anonymous.
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Description

[0001] System for permanent referendum

[0002] The present technical solution relates to systems and devices for conducting referendums and voting, including voting devices connected to each other by means of a unified network. The invention is a comprehensive system in the field of collecting public opinion, ensuring ease of use, effective data processing and a high level of communication between the system and users.

[0003] The prior art contains many known systems and devices for conducting voting, including client devices connected to each other via a unified network.

[0004] 'So, from document RU2652443C1, 26.04.2018, a system is known that contains: one computing device of the voting organizer, having a means of registering observers, intended to create identification data for each observer (a public key and a decentralized register of records of formed votes received by the observer from the relevant voters), and a means of counting voters' votes, intended to verify the authenticity of decentralized registers of records and, on the basis of decrypted information, to calculate the number of voters' votes cast for each of the candidates, a computing device of at least two observers, having a means of registering voters' votes, and voters' computing devices.

[0005] Its disadvantage is also that within the framework of this system it is impossible to raise the issue of the need for voting within the system, to hold a referendum on it, since there is no voting preparation module.

[0006] From document RU 2290695, 27.12.2006, a system is known that contains a control terminal with an official's workstation, connected via a network controller to terminals at voting locations, containing voting devices with display means, devices for processing voting results with means for dynamically forming local databases with provision of access regulations. The voting terminal is designed with the ability to save and display established forms of protocols on voting results, as well as to provide said protocols on a non-volatile medium.

[0007] The disadvantage of this solution is that it is not intended for conducting electronic voting online; there is no accuracy in determining the number of votes of voters collected using electronic voting.

[0008] From document RU 2452029, 27.05.2012, a system is known that contains a module for selecting addresses of voter register records in the system server database, a module for managing the selection of voter register records in the database, a module for setting modes for processing incoming voter messages, a module for counting the number of citizens who voted, a module for receiving records from the system server voter register database, a module for identifying citizens' control data, a module for receiving a voting ballot from the system server database, a data switching module, a module for identifying the selected candidate during citizen voting, and a module for recording the number of votes cast by citizens for the selected candidates.

[0009] The disadvantage of this solution is the limitation of unauthorized access to data during voting, as well as the complexity of the voting procedure.

[0010] The prior art also includes a voting system that includes client devices connected to each other via a unified network that includes at least one server containing a sequentially connected voting module and a voting results recording module.

[0011] Thus, in document WO2013191592 A1 of 27.12.2013, a system for conducting voting is described, including client devices connected to each other using a unified network, including at least one server containing 220 sequentially connected voting module and voting results recording module, characterized in that the voting module includes a voting preparation module and an election campaign management module.

[0012] The disadvantage of this solution is that the system does not have a module for conducting an election campaign. All this limits the possibilities of using the voting system.

[0013] In general, the declared solution relates to computing technology and can be used in anonymous electronic voting systems during elections, surveys, referendums, which require the personal appearance of the voter at the polling station or the holding of voting and referendums.

[0014] The invention is a permanent referendum system (PRS) designed to collect public opinion on current issues in public places. The PRS includes a touch screen for visual polls, where citizens express their opinions using emoji emoticons. Bonuses are provided for participation. The collected data is transmitted to a central server for analysis, reporting and decision-making. The invention provides an effective mechanism for involving citizens in public processes and decision-making.

[0015] The technical result of the invention is to increase the reliability of voting due to the emergence of guarantees that the voter himself, while remaining anonymous, can track the fate of his personal expression of will when it is recorded.

[0016] The claimed technical result is achieved by the fact that a system for a permanent referendum is proposed, including voting devices connected to each other using a unified network, including at least one central database server, wherein each voting device contains

[0017] - voting topic loading module connected to the database server,

[0018] - a voting module with a touch screen, connected to the download module and designed to display the voting topic and select visual assessments for the respondent,

[0019] -- a processor unit with a data storage module, connected to the voting module, and designed with the ability to process voting data, save voting data and system settings,

[0020] - a data direction module connected to a processor unit and a database server, wherein the central database server is designed with the ability to analyze and generate summary reports based on the results of the received voting data.

[0021] In one of the embodiments of the declared system FOR a permanent referendum, the data sending module is designed with the ability to send the results and reports of voting to the respondent's user device

[0022] In one of the embodiments of the declared system for a permanent referendum, it contains a module for calculating incentives connected to the central database server and is designed with the ability to send bonus points, units to the balance of the phone, or benefits or other incentive units to the user device of the respondent.

[0023] The stated solution also applies to the voting device used in the permanent referendum system which contains

[0024] - a voting topic loading module, designed with the ability to connect to a database server.

[0025] - a voting module with a touch screen, connected to the download module and configured to display the voting topic and select visual assessments for the respondent. - a processor unit with a data storage module, connected to the voting module, and configured to process voting data, save voting data and system settings,

[0026] - a data direction module connected to the processor unit and configured to connect to the database server.

[0027] In one embodiment of the voting device used in the permanent referendum system, it has a speaker for voice announcements, for greetings, thanks and motivational messages with the ability to provide audio accompaniment to the respondent and provide information about questions and answers, ensuring accessibility for users with hearing impairments.

[0028] In one version of the voting device used in the permanent referendum system, it has a wireless communication module for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology to provide communication and data transmission.

[0029] In one embodiment of the voting device used in the permanent referendum system, the processor unit is designed with the ability to automatically turn off or switch the voting device to power saving and standby mode.

[0030] In one version of the voting device used in the permanent referendum system, it has a built-in lithium-ion and integrated solar batteries designed with the ability to automatically track solar movement to optimize battery charging and uninterrupted operation over a long period of time.

[0031] In one embodiment of the voting device used in the permanent referendum system, the voting module with a touch screen is designed with the ability to select visual assessments for the respondent in the form of emoji emoticons, and has buttons with tactile markings and a font in relief to ensure accessibility and convenience for respondents with low vision or blindness.

[0032] In one embodiment of the voting device used in the permanent referendum system, it contains a microphone with the ability to receive and transmit voice commands for the convenience of users with limited physical capabilities or visual impairments.

[0033] The stated solution is explained by the following figures of the drawing.

[0034] Fig. 1 - Schematic diagram of the system for a permanent referendum.

[0035] Fig. 2 - Schematic diagram of a voting device used in a permanent referendum system. According to Fig. 1-2, the permanent referendum system (1) includes voting devices (2) connected to each other by means of a unified network including at least one central database server (3), wherein each voting device (2) contains

[0036] -- voting topic loading module (11), connected to the database server

[0037] (3),

[0038] - a voting module (4) with a touch screen (12), connected to the loading module 11) and designed with the ability to display the topic for voting and select visual assessments (7) for the respondent (8),

[0039] - a processor unit (5) with a data storage module, connected to the voting module, and designed with the ability to process voting data, save voting data and system settings,

[0040] - a data direction module (6) connected to the processor unit (5) and the database server (3), wherein the central database server (3) is designed with the ability to analyze and generate summary reports based on the results of the received voting data.

[0041] In one of the embodiments of the declared system for a permanent referendum, the data sending module (b) is designed with the ability to send the results and voting reports to the user device (9) of the respondent.

[0042] In one of the embodiments of the declared system for a permanent referendum, it contains a module for calculating incentives (10) connected to the central database server (3) and is designed with the ability to send bonus points, units to the balance of the phone, or benefits or other bonus units to the user device (9) of the respondent.

[0043] The stated solution also applies to the voting device (2) used in the permanent referendum system (1) which contains

[0044] - a module for loading (11) a voting topic, designed with the ability to connect to a database server (3),

[0045] - a voting module (4) with a touch screen (.12), connected to the download module (11) and designed with the ability to display the topic for voting and select visual assessments (7) for the respondent (8),

[0046] - a processor unit (5) with a data storage module, connected to the voting module (4), and configured to process voting data, save voting data and system settings, - a data direction module (6), connected to the processor unit (5) and configured to connect to the database server (3).

[0047] In one embodiment of the voting device (2) used in the permanent referendum system, it has a speaker (15) for voice notifications, for greetings, gratitude and motivational messages.

[0048] In one embodiment of the voting device (2) used in the permanent referendum system, it has a wireless communication module (13) for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology to provide communication and data transmission.

[0049] In one embodiment of the voting device (2) used in the permanent referendum system, the processor unit (5) is designed with the ability to automatically turn off or switch the voting device (2) to energy saving and standby mode.

[0050] In one version of the voting device (2) used in the permanent referendum system, it has a built-in high-capacity lithium-ion battery (14) for uninterrupted operation over a long period of time.

[0051] In one embodiment of the device for voting (2) used in the system for a permanent referendum, the voting module (4) with a touch screen is designed with the ability to select visual assessments for the respondent in the form of emoji emoticons.

[0052] The permanent referendum system is a complex device created with the aim of improving and perfecting the mechanisms for collecting public opinion and citizen participation in making important decisions. This system aims to increase the effectiveness of interaction between citizens and governing bodies, as well as to create a tool that facilitates broader and more regular public involvement in decision-making processes.

[0053] The main problems and tasks solved by the device:

[0054] Modern society faces challenges that require constant attention to the needs and preferences of citizens. Traditional methods of collecting public opinion, such as surveys and public hearings, are often limited in their frequency and are unable to reflect rapid changes in public sentiment. The declared system is aimed at solving this problem by offering a permanent mechanism for collecting data in public places, which allows for a more rapid response to pressing issues.

[0055] The system implements the concept of visual assessment, providing respondents with a simple and intuitive way to express their opinion. The use of emojis to express emotional reactions ensures the universality and accessibility of this mechanism for various age groups and socio-cultural contexts.

[0056] In order to stimulate active participation of citizens in surveys, the invention proposes a bonus system, which may include various types of rewards, such as units on the balance of the phone, benefits or other benefits. This not only motivates citizens to actively participate in surveys, but also contributes to the construction of long-term mutually beneficial relations between citizens and government bodies.

[0057] The declared system and device are designed for effective collection, analysis and processing of public opinion. The following characteristics are unique features and advantages:

[0058] 1) Continuous data collection through a continuous flow of feedback from citizens.

[0059] 2) Visual assessment, offering citizens a choice of different emojis to express their attitudes towards specific issues, making the participation process intuitive and accessible to a wide range of users.

[0060] 4) Bonus system to stimulate active participation.

[0061] 5) Permanent analytics in real time.

[0062] The solution offers a wide range of opportunities for effective use in various fields. Its unique capabilities for collecting and analyzing public opinion open up prospects for improving communication between citizens and government agencies in various scenarios. This makes it a universal tool for interacting with society and improving decision-making processes. The following use cases can be cited as examples:

[0063] 1) Urban management and improvement (assessment of the quality of roads, parks, public spaces and other infrastructure, collection of citizens’ suggestions for improving the urban environment).

[0064] 2) Education (determining the needs and preferences of students and staff in educational institutions, collecting feedback on the quality of educational programs).

[0065] 3) Healthcare (assessment of the quality of services and equipment in medical institutions, collecting opinions on the medical services provided) 4) Transport and logistics (determining citizens’ preferences in public transport, assessing satisfaction with the transport infrastructure).

[0066] 5) Public administration (determining public opinion on issues of legislation and public policy, collecting proposals for improving the public administration system).

[0067] 6) Sociocultural and sports events (assessment of interest and satisfaction with the events, collection of proposals for improving the organization of cultural and sports events).

[0068] The integration of the permanent referendum system into the activities of private companies provides an opportunity to improve interaction with clients and staff, as well as more accurate analysis of market opinion for making strategic decisions. For example:

[0069] 1) Customer experience (measuring customer satisfaction levels in real time, collecting feedback on products and services to continuously improve the offering).

[0070] 2) Personnel management (determining the opinions and needs of employees regarding the work environment and working conditions, systematically collecting proposals to improve corporate culture).

[0071] 3) Marketing and advertising (Measuring the effectiveness of advertising campaigns among the target audience, assessing the perception of the brand and products).

[0072] 4) Market research (collecting opinions of potential clients about new products and services, analyzing the market reaction to changes in the market situation).

[0073] The technical characteristics of the declared permanent referendum system are the use of a device with dimensions that ensure convenient placement in public places (for example, 1.5 meters high). The case is weather-resistant, made of durable materials that provide protection from external factors.

[0074] Visual and audio systems. High-resolution touch screen for easy survey completion. Built-in voice notification system for greetings, thanks and motivational messages. Optimized display parameters for clear display even in bright sunlight. Built-in high-quality speakers for playing voice notifications and supporting voice commands. Communication capabilities. Wireless technologies: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for communication with the central system and data transfer.

[0075] Processor and ppapammyayatt'y.. Powerful processor that provides high performance in data processing and execution of program code. Built-in memory with sufficient capacity to store software, survey data and system settings.

[0076] Power supply. High-capacity lithium-ion battery for long-term continuous operation. Automatic power-off or standby mode to save power

[0077] Software. Optimized operating system that supports stable operation of the device. User interface for creating, managing and analyzing surveys. Built-in algorithms and system for analyzing data and generating summary reports on survey results.

[0078] Security and privacy. Use of modern encryption methods to protect citizens' data. Built-in security measures to prevent unauthorized access. Security measures to prevent vandalism and unauthorized access to internal components.

[0079] Description of the operating principle of the declared system and device.

[0080] The principle of operation of the permanent referendum system is aimed at maximum involvement of citizens in decision-making processes and provision of a convenient, fast and effective way of collecting public opinion. In particular:

[0081] 1) The device is installed in public places such as city squares, parks, shopping centers, airports and other places with large crowds of people.

[0082] 2) The device operates in standby mode until someone approaches it or starts interacting with the touch screen.

[0083] 3) When a citizen approaches, the touch screen is activated, displaying visual surveys on current issues. For example, the city may ask for an assessment of the condition of roads, the level of public transport service, etc.

[0084] 4) Citizens express their opinion by choosing the appropriate emoji emoticon that reflects their emotional reaction to the question asked. For example: very dissatisfied, dissatisfied, neutral, good, very good, excellent.

[0085] 5) After completing the survey, citizens are given “bonuses” for their participation, such as credits to their phone balance, discounts from local companies, or other incentives. 6) The collected data is transmitted wirelessly (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) to a central server for further processing and analysis.

[0086] 7) On the central server, the data is analyzed to generate summary reports and statistics on public opinion.

[0087] 8) The collected results are provided to akimats for decision-making. For example, decisions on improving infrastructure, improving service quality, etc.

[0088] 9) The system may also include a feedback function, allowing citizens to offer their ideas or comments.

[0089] 10) The SPR can be further configured to conduct surveys based on specific events, seasonal changes or requests.

[0090] In the modern world, active participation of citizens in making important public decisions is becoming a key aspect of democracy development. In order to ensure effective and convenient collection of public opinion, the proposed system of permanent referendum was developed.

[0091] The system includes voting devices connected into a single network. The central database server serves as the most important part of the system, providing storage and processing of data.

[0092] Equipped with integrated solar panels, the permanent referendum system provides an uninterruptible power source. An automatic solar tracking system optimizes charging, ensuring the efficient use of renewable energy sources.

[0093] To ensure accessibility for all categories of users, adaptive interfaces have been implemented into the system. Specialized buttons with tactile markings and raised font provide comfortable use for people with poor vision or complete blindness.

[0094] The integrated voice command system makes it much easier for users with limited physical capabilities or visual impairments to interact with the system.

[0095] The audio system provides dynamic playback of question and answer information, ensuring full accessibility for users with hearing impairments.

[0096] This innovative permanent referendum system not only promotes active citizen participation in important decision-making, but also adds a new level of accessibility and convenience to the process of expressing public opinion.

Claims

Formula 1. A system for a permanent referendum, including voting devices connected to each other by means of a unified network including at least one central database server, characterized in that each voting device contains - voting topic loading module connected to the database server. - a voting module with a touch screen, connected to the download module and configured to display the voting topic and select visual assessments for the respondent, -- a processing unit with a data storage module, connected to the voting module, and configured to process voting data, save voting data and system settings, - a data routing module connected to the processor unit and the database server. The central database server is capable of analyzing and generating summary reports based on the voting data received.

2. A system for a permanent referendum, according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the data sending module is designed with the ability to send the results and voting reports to the respondent’s user device.

3. A system for a permanent referendum, according to paragraph 1, characterized in that it contains a module for calculating incentives connected to a central database server and is designed with the ability to send bonus points, units to a telephone balance, or benefits or other incentive units to the respondent’s user device.

4. A voting device used in the permanent referendum system according to paragraphs 1-3, characterized in that it contains - a voting topic loading module capable of connecting to a database server, - a voting module with a touch screen, connected to the download module and configured to display the voting topic and select visual assessments for the respondent, - a processing unit with a data storage module, connected to the voting module, and configured to process voting data, save voting data and system settings, - a data direction module connected to the processor unit and configured to connect to the database server.

5. The voting device according to paragraph 4, characterized in that it contains a speaker for voice notifications, greetings, thanks and motivational messages with the ability to provide audio accompaniment to the respondent and provide information about questions and answers, ensuring accessibility for users with hearing impairments.

6. A voting device according to paragraph 4, characterized in that it contains a wireless communication module for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology to ensure communication and data transmission.

7. A voting device according to paragraph 4, characterized in that it contains a processing unit designed with the ability to automatically turn off or switch the voting device to power saving and standby mode.

8. A voting device according to paragraph 4, characterized in that it has a built-in high-capacity lithium-ion battery and integrated solar batteries designed with the ability to automatically track solar movement to optimize battery charging and ensure uninterrupted operation over a long period of time.

9. A voting device according to paragraph 4, characterized in that the voting module with a touch screen is designed with the ability to select visual assessments for the respondent in the form of emoji emoticons, and has buttons with tactile markings and a font in relief to ensure accessibility and convenience for respondents with low vision or blind people.

10. A voting device according to paragraph 4, characterized in that it contains a microphone with the ability to receive and transmit voice commands for the convenience of users with limited physical capabilities or visual impairments.

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