1.1.1. Votes cast on voter’s display

When this function is activated, the VM shows the following display:

VD_F_1_2

Expressions in this display have the following meanings:

· [Eleca> to [Elece> = Names of the polls held at the same time. If there are less polls held there would be blanks from right to left.

· <Na] to <Ne] = For each poll, the total number of votes cast (including, in the case of multiple polls, null votes (see section 1.3.1)).

If button “D” (“BACK”) is pressed, the VM will return to the “Close polling” menu (§5.1).

1.2. Test Voter’s Panel programming

When the VM is in Functions mode and button “B” is pressed on the VM keypad, the voter’s display shows the following “Test voter’s panel programming” menu if the VM detects a programmed ballot module:

VD_F_2a

With this function it is possible to compare the contents of the ballot module to the positioning and naming on the screen ballot paper of the candidates/referendum choices. This enables the assignment of individual preference buttons on the voter’s panel to particular candidates or referendum choices to be verified.

The user has the following options:

· PROGRAMMING ON PRINTER. The layout of the voter’s panel and some other data regarding the poll is printed on paper (§5.2.1)

· PROGRAMMING ON VOTER’S DISPLAY. The layout of the voter’s panel is displayed on the voter’s display (§5.2.2)

· BACK. The VM exits the “Test Voter’s Panel programming “ function and returns to the main Functions menu (§5)

When the VM is in the Functions mode and button “B” is pressed on the VM keypad, the voter’s display shows the following display if no ballot module is present in the VM:

VD_F_2b

1.2.1. Programming on printer

When this function is activated from the “Test voter’s panel programming” menu, the voter’s display shows the following:

VD_F_2_1

The layout on the printer of the “programming” material looks as follows:

Expressions in the printout have the following meanings:

· [wwwwww] = ID of the VM

· [hhhhhh> = Hardware version of the VM in E²PROM, e.g. 02.00

· [ssssss> = Software version of the program in EPROM, e.g. 01.00

· [CheckE] = Checksum of the software in the even EPROM, e.g. 0012EF34

· [CheckO] = Checksum of the software in the odd EPROM, e.g. 0065BA93

· [mmmmmm] = Ballot module ID

· [Datedate] = Date of the poll, e.g. 03.11.2001

· <PollS.] = Polling station number were the poll(s) is/are being taken

· [CU display x> = Display lines on the CU

· [Voters display x> = Display lines on the VD

· <Elecx] = Name of the poll

· <Const.] = Name of the constituency

· <Nbr] = Total number of votes cast on the machine at this poll (including, in the case of multiple polls, the number of null votes (see section 1.3.1))

· <Nul] = Number of null votes (see section 1.3.1) stored for this poll

· [aa..aa> = String printed for current poll, maximum 72 characters

· [Programmed infox> = Candidates details, listed in ballot paper order of candidates, or referendum choices

· <c] = Column number of the preference button

· <r] = Row number of the preference button

· <n] = Poll number

· <l] = Number of the candidate/referendum choice assigned to the specified preference button

If button “D” (“STOP”) is pressed, the printing process is cancelled and the VM returns to the “Test Voter’s Panel programming” menu (§5.2). When the printing cycle completed the VM automatically returns to the “Test Voter’s Panel programming” menu.

1.2.2. Programming on voter’s display

When this function is activated from the “Test Voter’s Panel programming” menu, the following display is shown:

VD_F_2_2a

If a button is pressed which is programmed, the following display is shown:

VD_F_2_2b

If a button is pressed which is not programmed, the following display is shown:

VD_F_2_2c

Expressions in the displays VD_F_2_2a, VD_F_2_2b and VD_F_2_2c have the following meanings:

· <c] = Column number of the button pressed

· <r] = Row number of the button pressed

· [Programmed information a>, [Programmed information b> = Information programmed in the ballot module for the button pressed, maximum 80 characters

· [n> = Poll number of the button pressed

· <l] = Number of the candidate/referendum choice within the poll/referendum of the button pressed

If button “D” (“BACK”) is pressed, the VM returns to the “Test voter’s panel programming” menu (§5.2).

1.3. Test voting machine

When the VM is in the Functions mode and button “C” is pressed on the main Functions menu, the following “Test voting machine” menu is displayed:

VD_F_3

By pressing the relevant button on the VM keypad, the VM will switch to particular functions as follows:

· A…“TEST PRINTER”. Test if the printer print all characters (§5.3.1)

· B…“TEST DISPLAYS”. Test if all displays function correctly (§5.3.2)

· C…“TEST BUTTONS”. Tests that buttons can be detected (§5.3.3)

· D…“BACK”. The VM exits the “Test voting machine “ function and returns to the main Functions menu (§5)

1.3.1. Test printer

When this function is activated in the “Test voting machine” menu, the printer prints a test pattern. The test pattern comprises the characters ‘!’ (ASCII 21H) to ‘y’ (ASCII 79H) and this pattern will shift one character to the left every line. The printout looks as follows:

During this test the following display is shown:

VD_F_3_1

If button “D” (“STOP”) is pressed, the printing process is aborted and the VM returns to the “Test voting machine” menu (§5.3).

1.3.2. Test displays

When this function is activated in the “Test voting machine” menu, the following test pattern is shown on both the voter’s display and the CU display:

VD_F_3_2, CD_F_3_2

The test pattern comprises the characters ‘!’ (ASCII 21H) to ‘y’ (ASCII 79H) and this pattern will shift left until the end of the test is reached or button “D” is pressed on the VM keypad. The test pattern on the voter’s panel shows characters in the following sequence:

· All horizontal bars

· Shift numbers 1 to 56 from up to down

· Shift X from up to down

· Shift all segments on from up to down

All segments will stay on until the test is finished. The VM returns to the “Test voting machine” menu (§5.3).

1.3.3. Test buttons

When this function is activated in the “Test voting machine” menu, all buttons on both the CU and voters panel can be tested. The following display is shown:

VD_F_3_3a

If the first button is pressed, the following display is shown:

VD_F_3_3b

Expressions in the displays VD_F_3b have the following meanings:

· In case of the CU [Button> = Respectively “FUNCTIONS”, “VISUAL IMP”, “SPARE BUTTON 3” and “ACTIVATE w” where the last expression means the buttons below the CU display and w = 1, P, D, E, L, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

· In case of the VM keypad [Button> = Respectively “0”, “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”, “7”, “8”, “9”, “*”, “#” and “SOFTKEY x” where x = from A to C

· In case of the voter’s panel [Button> = Respectively “SPARE BUTTON 1”, “SPARE BUTTON 2”, “CAST VOTE(S)” and “column y, row zz” where y = from 1 to 5 and zz = from 1 to 30, right aligned

When a button operates correctly, i.e. it closes upon being pressed, the display will show the corresponding message followed by “ pressed”. Should a button be faulty and not close then the display will not change. This would then require further investigation by a qualified service technician.

When button “D” (“BACK”) is pressed, the VM returns to the “Test voting machine” menu (§5.3).

1.4. About voting machine

When the VM is in the main Functions menu and button “D” is pressed on the VM keypad, the following “About voting machine” menu is displayed:

VD_F_4

This menu offers the following options:

· A…VERSIONS AND CHECKSUMS. Menu for displaying the hardware versions of the main electronic board, communication board and LCD boards and the software version of the program in EPROM, communication board and LCD boardss (§5.4.1)

· B…CLEAR BACK UP BALLOT MODULE. Delete the contents of the back up ballot module (§5.4.2)

· C…PRINT SETTINGS. Print the settings of the VM (§5.4.3)

· D…BACK. The VM returns to the main Function menu (§5)

1.4.1. Versions and checksums

When this function is activated in the “About voting machine” menu, the following display is shown:

VD_F_4_1

This menu offers the following options:

· A…MAIN BOARD. Menu for versions and checksums of the main electronic board (§5.4.1.1)

· B…CONNECTION BOARD. Menu for versions and checksum of the connection board (§5.4.1.2)

· C…LCD BOARD. Menu for versions and checksums of the 5 LCD boards (§5.4.1.3)

· D…BACK. The VM returns to the “About voting machine” menu (§5.4).

1.4.1.1. Main board

When the VM is in the “Versions and checksums” menu and button “A” relating to the main electronic board is pressed, the following menu is displayed:

VD_F_4_1_1

This menu offers the following options:

· B…HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE VERSIONS. Displays the hardware version of the main electronic board and the software version of the program in EPROM (§5.4.1.1.1)

· C…CHECKSUMS. Displays the checksums of the even and odd EPROM (§5.4.1.1.2)

· D…“BACK”. The VM returns to the “Versions and checksums” menu (§5.4.1).

1.4.1.1.1. Hardware and software versions

When this function is activated in the “Main board” menu, the following display is shown:

VD_F_4_1_1_1

Expressions in this display have the following meanings:

· [hhhhhh> = Hardware version in E²PROM of the voting machine, e.g. 02.00

· [ssssss> = Software version of the program in EPROM, e.g. 01.00

When button “D” (“BACK”) is pressed, the VM returns to the “Main board” menu (§5.4.1.1).

1.4.1.1.2. Checksums

When this function is activated in the “Main board” menu, the following display is shown:

VD_F_4_1_1_2

Expressions in this display have the following meanings:

· [CheckE] = Checksum of the program in the even EPROM, e.g. 01AB6C41

· [CheckO] = Checksum of the program in the odd EPROM, e.g. 3109FA76

When button “D” (“BACK”) is pressed, the VM returns to the “Main board” menu (§5.4.1.1).

1.4.1.2. Connection board

When the VM is in the “Versions and checksums” menu and button “B” relating to the connection board is pressed, the following menu is displayed:

VD_F_4_1_2

This menu offers the following options:

· B…HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE VERSIONS. Displays the hardware version of the connection board and the software version of the program in the connection board (§5.4.1.2.1)

· C…CHECKSUM. Displays the checksum of the software in the connection board (§5.4.1.2.2)

· D…“BACK”. The VM returns to the “Versions and checksums” menu (§5.4.1).

1.4.1.2.1. Hardware and software versions

When this function is activated in the “Connection board” menu, the following display is shown:

VD_F_4_1_2_1

Expressions in this display have the following meanings:

· [hhhhhh> = Hardware version of the connection board, e.g. 02.01

· [ssssss> = Software version of the connection board, e.g. 01.03

When button “D” (“BACK”) is pressed, the VM returns to the “Connection board” menu (§5.4.1.2).

1.4.1.2.2. Checksum

When this function is activated in the “Connection board” menu, the following display is shown:

VD_F_4_1_2_2

Expression in this display has the following meaning:

· [Checks] = Checksum of the program in the connection board, e.g. 01AB6C41

When button “D” (“BACK”) is pressed, the VM returns to the “Connection board” menu (§5.4.1.2).

1.4.1.3. LCD board

When the VM is in the “Versions and checksums” menu and button “C” relating to the LCD board is pressed, the following menu is displayed:

VD_F_4_1_3

This menu offers the following options:

· B…HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE VERSIONS. Displays the hardware versions of the 5 LCD boards and the software version of the program in the 5 LCD boards (§5.4.1.3.1)

· C…CHECKSUMS. Displays the checksums of the 5 LCD boards (§5.4.1.3.2)

· D…“BACK”. The VM returns to the “Versions and checksums” menu (§5.4.1).

1.4.1.3.1. Hardware and software versions

When this function is activated in the “LCD board” menu, the following display is shown:

VD_F_4_1_3_1

Expressions in this display have the following meanings:

· <hhh] = Hardware version of the 5 LCD boards, e.g. 02.01

· <sss] = Software version of the 5 LCD boards, e.g. 01.03

When button “D” (“BACK”) is pressed, the VM returns to the “LCD board” menu (§5.4.1.3).

1.4.1.3.2. Checksums

When this function is activated in the “LCD board” menu, the following display is shown:

VD_F_4_1_3_2

Expression in this display has the following meaning:

· [Checks] = Checksum of the program in the 5 LCD boards, e.g. 0FA37C49

When button “D” (“BACK”) is pressed, the VM returns to the “LCD board” menu (§5.4.1.3).

1.4.2. Clear back up ballot module

When this function is activated in the “About voting machine” menu, the following display is shown:

VD_F_4_2a

When button “B” is pressed, the contents of the back up ballot module are deleted and the following display is shown:

VD_F_4_2b

When this function is finished the VM automatically returns to the “About voting machine” menu (§5.4).

If there is no back up ballot module in the VM when this subfunction is activated, the following display is shown:

VD_F_4_2c

When button “D” (“BACK”) is pressed, the VM returns to the “About voting machine” menu (§5.4).

1.4.3. Print settings

When this function is activated in the “About voting machine” menu, the following display is shown:

VD_F_4_3

The printout looks as follows:

Expressions in the printout have the following meanings:

· [wwwwww] = ID of the VM

· [hhhhhh> = Hardware version of the VM in E²PROM, e.g. 02.00

· [ssssss> = Software version of the program in EPROM, e.g. 01.00

· [CheckE] = Checksum of the software in the even EPROM, e.g. 0012EF34

· [CheckO] = Checksum of the software in the odd EPROM, e.g. 0065BA93

· [xxxxxx> = Hardware and software versions of communication and LCD boards, e.g. 01.03

· [Checks] = Checksums of the communication and LCD boards, e.g. 0145AF1B

· [Poll type x> = Type of poll which can be held with this VM

When the printout is finished or button “D” (“STOP”) is pressed, the VM returns to the “About voting machine” menu (§5.4).

2. The state “Service” (Only for maintenance purposes by authorised service engineers)

The VM is placed in the Service mode either by manually turning a DIPswitch on the main electronic board or by inserting a ‘SERVICE’ ballot module with a special ID. When connected to power in this mode, the VM operates only limited functions to enable servicing to take place.

The VM voters panel displays the following Service menu:

VD_M

Expressions in this display have the following meanings:

· [ssssss> = Software version of the program in EPROM, e.g. 01.00

· [hhhhhh> = Hardware version of the VM in E²PROM, e.g. 02.00

By pressing the relevant button on the VM keypad, the VM will switch to particular functions as follows:

· Deblocking the VM. This line is displayed only if the VM is blocked (§6.1)

· Changing the settings of the VM (§6.2)

· Execution of service functions (§6.3)

The CU shows the following display as long as the VM is in Service mode:

CD_M

2.1. Deblock voting machine

When a checksum in one of the ballot modules is not correct (arising from a vote or some other information) this ballot module will be blocked. As a consequence the VM will not accept any further votes. Deblocking a ballot module involves deleting all data in the module. This can only be done when the module is placed in the programming slot of the PRU and votes stored in the module have been downloaded into the IES software.

If the VM itself detects an error, which can be traced back to incorrect functioning of the VM hardware, it will be blocked. If a VM is blocked, the second line of VD_M is displayed and by pressing button “B”, the VM can be deblocked. In Service mode it is possible to trace how the VM became blocked.

2.2. Voting machine settings

When the VM is in the main Service menu and button “C” is pressed, the following Voting machine settings menu is displayed:

VD_M_1

The service engineer has the following options:

· A…Print the settings of the VM (§6.2.1)

· B…Change the ID of the VM (§6.2.2)

· C…Change the type of hardware used by the VM (§6.2.3)

· D…Go back to the main Service menu (§6)

2.2.1. Print settings

When the service engineer activates this function in the “Voting machine settings” menu, the VM prints its settings and displays the following while printing is in progress:

VD_M_1_1

An example of the print out is shown:

The expressions in the print out have the following meanings:

· [wwwwww] = ID of the VM

· [Type> = Type of machine: VM for voting machine or PRU for programming/reading unit

· [hhhhhh> = Hardware version of the VM in E²PROM, e.g. 02.00

· [ssssss> = Software version of the program in EPROM, e.g. 01.00

· [CheckE] = Checksum of the software in the even EPROM, e.g. 0012EF34

· [CheckO] = Checksum of the software in the odd EPROM, e.g. 0065BA93

· [xxxxxx> = Hardware or software version of communication or display board, e.g. 01.03

· [Checks] = Checksum of the software in the communication or display board, e.g. 0125BF93

· [Baud> = Baud rate of the communication port, e.g. 2400 or 9600

· [Poll type n> = Names of the poll types available in the software

If button “D” (“STOP”) is pressed, the printing process is cancelled and the VM returns to the “Voting machine settings” menu (§6.2). If the printing cycle is completed, the VM returns to the “Voting machine settings” menu.

2.2.2. Change ID of the VM

When this function is activated in the “Voting machine settings” menu, the following display is shown:

VD_M_1_2

This menu has the following options:

· A…SYMBOL LEFT. The cursor moves one position to the left and the symbol is deleted. This option will not be shown on the display if the cursor stands on the most left position.

· B…SYMBOL RIGHT. The cursor moves one position to the right and a new symbol is added. This option will not be shown on the display if the cursor stands on the most right position.

· C…CONFIRM. Saves the new VM ID. The E²PROM, containing all errors and events, will be deleted completely and the new ID will be assigned to the VM.

· D…BACK. Return to the state “Voting machine settings” (§6.2)

To enter the ID the following options are available:

· A digit can be entered via the VM keypad

· PREVIOUS SYMBOL (* from VM keypad). The symbol underneath the cursor will be replaced by the previous symbol from the ASCII set.

· NEXT SYMBOL (# from VM keypad). The symbol underneath the cursor will be replaced by the next symbol from the ASCII set.

2.2.3. Change machine

This function enables the type of hardware used by the machine to be altered. The hardware can be used in a PRU or a VM. The difference between the VM and PRU is the displays and the keyboard/buttons otherwise the hardware for both types is the same. The software uses the “Change machine” function to determine which part of the program should be activated after starting up.

If the service engineer activates this function in the “Voting machine settings” menu, the following display is shown:

VD_M_1_3

In display VD_M_1_3 the current settings of the machine are displayed:

· [Machine type> = “Voting machine” or “Programming/reading unit”

The following options are possible:

· A…CHANGE. Machine can be switched from VM to PRU and back

· B…CHANGE HARDWARE VERSION. Set the hardware version of the main electronic board (§6.2.3.1)

· BACK. Return to the “Voting machine settings” menu (§6.2)

2.2.3.1. Change hardware version

If the service engineer selects this option in the “Change machine” menu, the following display is shown:

VD_M_1_3_1

In display VD_M_1_3_1 the current hardware version is shown.

The following options are possible:

· A…INCREMENT MAJOR. Increase the major number of the hardware version

· B…INCREMENT MINOR. Increase the minor number of the hardware version

· C…RECOVER. First decrease the minor number to zero and then the major number to zero by one step at a time. Every step has to be activated by the service engineer

· D…BACK. Return to the “Change machine” menu (§6.2.3)

2.3. Service functions

The VM records data about some major actions and any (machine) errors. The Service function enables these historical data to be viewed either on the voters display or on printout.

When the VM is in the main Service menu and the service engineer presses the button ”D”, the following display is shown:

VD_M_2

The “Service functions” menu has the following options:

· A…PRINT HISTORY. Print the historical data (§6.3.1)

· B…DISPLAY HISTORY. Displays the historical data (§6.3.2)

· D…BACK. Return to the main Service menu (§6)

2.3.1. Print history

When this function is activated in the “Service functions” menu, the following is shown in the voters display:

VD_M_2_1

This menu has the following options:

· A…PRINT ERROR HISTORY. Printing of the data from the error history

· B…PRINT EVENT HISTORY. Printing of the data from the event history

· D…BACK. Return to the “Service functions” menu (§6.3)

If button “A” (“PRINT ERROR HISTORY”) is pressed the following display appears:

VD_M_2_1_1

The print out looks as follows:

When printing is finished or if button “D” (“STOP”) is pressed, the display VD_M_2_1 reappears.

If button “B” (“PRINT EVENT HISTORY”) is pressed the following display appears:

VD_M_2_1_2

The print out looks as follows:

When printing is finished or if button “D” “STOP”) is pressed, the display VD_M_2_1 reappears.

The expressions in both print outs have the following meanings:

· [wwwwww] = ID of the VM

· [ttt] = Hour and minutes after start up, e.g. “ 8:25”

· <eee] = Code of the error or event

2.3.2. Display history

When this function is activated in the “Service functions” menu, the following is shown in the voters display:

VD_M_2_2

This menu has the following options:

· A…DISPLAY ERROR HISTORY. Displaying of the data from the error history

· B…DISPLAY EVENT HISTORY. Displaying of the data from the event history

· D…BACK. Return to the “Service functions” menu (§6.3)

If the “DISPLAY ERROR HISTORY” option is selected, the following display appears:

VD_M_2_2_1

If the “DISPLAY EVENT HISTORY” option is selected, the following display appears:

VD_M_2_2_2

The expressions in both displays have the following meanings:

· <eee] = Code of the error or event

· [ttt] = Hour and minutes after start up, e.g. “ 8:25”

The first error or event shown is the most recent one to have occurred. The choice “NEXT” is not on the display. If the first error or event to have occurred is displayed, the choice “PREVIOUS” disappears from the display. When button “D” (“BACK”), is pressed, the display VD_M_2_2 reappears.

3. Errors

3.1. Error types

· Operating errors. These errors occur if the voter does not follow the prescribed voting sequence. Any such error is shown as a message on both the voters display and on the CU. When an error occurs an audio feedback signal of 3 short beeps is made to get the attention of the voter.

· Hardware errors. These errors are divided in two categories.

· Ballot module errors. The machine goes to “Error” mode. After restarting, the machine will be blocked and it is not possible to vote with this machine (§7.2).

· Other hardware errors. The machine goes to “Error” mode. The VM has to be restarted before it will allow further voting (§7.2).

· Keyboard/button errors. These are generally accidental errors where someone or something presses a button (e.g. something is lying on the voters panel or someone is leaning on the voters panel) (§7.3).

3.2. The “Error” state

If an error occurs, the VM will go into the “Error” state. The error code will be stored in the error history and event history. In cases where the error can threaten the ballot module, the “BLOCK” code will be stored in the history.

Errors which can affect the ballot module are those that switch the status of the ballot module in normal mode from “OK” to an error code. This would occur for example when a write action (storing a vote, storing the ID of the VM before the first vote) in the ballot module is not completed correctly.

The voters display will show the following:

VD_E_1

The CU will show the following display:

CD_E_1

The expressions in both displays have the following meanings:

· <eee] = Errorcode.

· [Eleca> to [Elece> = Names of the polls held at the same time. If there are less than five polls held there will be blanks from right to left.

· [St. a> to [St. e> = Mode of the election.

· <Na] to <Ne] = Total number of votes cast on the machine at this poll including, in the case of multiple polls, the number of null votes (see section 1.3.1).

The only way to exit the “Error” state is to switch off the mains power and then switch it on again. This must be done for two reasons:

· By switching off and on the mains power all hardware is initialised and in a predefined state

· After power is switched on the complete machine is tested again (inclusive ROM and RAM)

3.3. Voters Panel button error

There are two reasons why an error could occur:

· A button cannot be pressed and is permanently an open circuit.

· A button is permanently closed, and in effect acts like a short circuit.

There is no electronic method of detecting a button that cannot be pressed. The malfunctioning of a button can be detected only by pressing all buttons in the “Test buttons” subfunction of the “Test voting machine” Function (§5.3.3).

The software can always detect a button that is pressed. The software does not know if the button pressed is defective or if someone or something is pressing that specific button. The button test is automatically carried out at start up and during the normal operation of the VM at polling day. If a button gets stuck in the “pressed” position during polling day, it will be detected automatically because of tests done while the machine runs.

3.3.1. Button error at start-up

At start up, a test is performed to check if any button is stuck in the “pressed” position. If this is the case then after several seconds, the VM goes to the “Button error” mode and the next displays are shown:

VD_E_2

CD_E_2

As indicated above, the only way to exit this “Error” state is to switch off the mains power and then switch it on again. An error code will be written in the E²PROM so the service engineer can check which button causes the problem.

3.3.2. Button error during normal operation

If during normal operation several buttons are pressed at the same time, this will result in an error message. The person who causes the problem will be informed by the display and by a beep. The following displays are shown:

VD_E_3

CD_E_3

If one button is pressed longer for than 5 seconds, the VM will react with a series of beeps. There are two possible solutions:

· Someone is leaning on the Voter’s Panel by mistake. The beeps prompt the person to release the button in which case the error is solved and the beep stops.

· It is a real button error. The polling station staff cancel the beep by turning off the mains power and switching it on again. This causes the VM to test the buttons as described in §7.3.1 and detect if it is a real error.

If a button error appears during normal operation, after 10 seconds an event code is written in E²PROM.

3.4. No printer paper

If the printer runs out of paper during printing, the following displays are shown:

VD_E_4

CD_E_4

There are two options for the user:

· “PROCEED PRINTING”. After a new roll of paper has been inserted in the printer, pressing button C will cause printing to proceed.

· “STOP”. The printing aborts.

This error is not written in E²PROM.

3.5. Printer error

If the printer reports an error, the following displays are shown:

VD_E_5

CD_E_5

There are two options for the user:

· “PROCEED PRINTING”. Machine proceeds printing after the error is resolved by operator action.

· “STOP”. The printing aborts.

This error is written in E²PROM.

3.6. Blockage

If an error code occurs in the E²PROM that threatens the ballot module, the voting machine cannot be used for voting.

After start up the following displays are shown:

VD_E_6

CD_E_6

In some minor error cases the user is able to let the program continue by pressing “D” (“CONTINUE”). This line is shown if a ballot module is put into a non-blocked machine to obtain a print out of the poll. If this line is not shown, the machine is blocked and cannot be used. Only a Nedap service engineer can deactivate a blockage. The blockage can be solved (§6.1) only in Service mode which is set either by manually turning a DIPswitch on the main electronic board or by installing a special ballot module in the VM.

The expressions in both displays have the following meaning:

· <eee] = Errorcode

· [Eleca> to [Elece> = Names of the polls held at the same time. If there are less than five polls held there will be blanks from right till left.

· [St. a> to [St. e> = State of the poll.

· <Na] to <Ne] = Total number of votes cast on the machine at this poll including, in the case of multiple polls, the number of null votes (see section 1.3.1).

4. Diagnosis

4.1. Start up test

When the VM is connected to a power source the following tests are performed automatically within the VM. This occurs every time the VM is started up. As some of the tests are completed a beep can be heard. Information relating to the progress of tests is displayed on the CU display.

· Test the functioning of the Vpp panic circuit

· Test the functioning of the watchdog panic circuit

· Test the programming voltage circuit

· Test the watchdog timeout

· ROM test. The checksum of the program in EPROM is checked against the last two bytes in EPROM.

· RAM test. Patterns are used to check if the RAM is secure.

· Keyboard test. The keyboard is tested for any short-circuits.

· Ballot module test. The contents of the ballot module are tested for integrity.

4.2. Diagnosis during normal operation

During normal operation, some tests are performed automatically to check that the machine is continuing to function correctly, e.g.:

· Test that programming voltage is within limits for storing votes.

· Check several devices to ensure that operational status is unchanged after start up.

· The ballot module is tested in the “Voting” mode to check that all votes already stored are still stored correctly.

If an error is found in the “Voting” mode, the VM will change to the “Error” state.

5. Facility for visually impaired persons

There is an RS-232 port on every VM, which can be connected to an external device. The output to this port corresponds to the preference buttons pressed. The external device has to convert this output to the spoken names of the candidates and their political party or to the referendum choices.

The CU button controlling the visually impaired device must be pressed before one of the poll activation buttons 1, P,D, E or L is pressed. If the button for the visually impaired on the CU is pressed, an X is displayed on the upper right corner of the CU display, indicating that the device for the visually impaired has been activated. The last line of the display on the VM will also show the text: “Device for visually impaired active” and this text will blink.