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Reliability in Embedded Software. Joseph Lucas. Requirements. Real time/reactive operation Small size, low weight Safe and reliable Harsh environment Cost sensitivity. Software in Elections. Before Electronic Voting Done with Paper Ballots Punch Cards or Written Form
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Reliability in Embedded Software Joseph Lucas
Requirements • Real time/reactive operation • Small size, low weight • Safe and reliable • Harsh environment • Cost sensitivity
Software in Elections • Before Electronic Voting • Done with Paper Ballots • Punch Cards or Written Form • Counting process was done manually • Advantages • Accurate and Reliable • Disadvantages • Slow and requires many dedicated officials
Software in Elections (cont) • Electronic Voting • In 2002, Congress passed Help America Vote Act • Replaced punch card voting systems • Discrepancies found in Election 2004 • Bush was favored in • Ohio and Wisconsin – 4% • Pennsylvania – 5% • Florida and Minnesota – 7% • New Hampshire – 15% • In New Jersey during the Presidential Primary in 2008 • At least 5 for 21 counties reported discrepancies on the number of Republicans and Democrats casting votes.
Impact • The American society has not yet benefited • Companies that supply voting machines claim reliable and accurate products • Yet, discrepancies still occur • Unacceptable • Computer Science has advanced over the years to handle every vote.
Conclusion • Software Developers need to take Responsibility on any errors. • Independent testing to ensure reliable and accurate results. • Developers need to be competent in the requirements of the software.
References • http://www.ece.cmu.edu/~koopman/iccd96/iccd96.html • http://www.fec.gov/hava/hava.htm • http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/22/opinion/22sat2.html • Tatchell, Peter. “The Vote Grab: Voting Machines Are Unreliable and Innacurate.” The Independent. October 29, 2008.