Cross-Device Electronic Signature via Barcode Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in electronically signing documents on desktop or laptop computers due to the lack of touch-sensitive surfaces and cameras, making the process cumbersome, while handheld devices offer convenience but are less suitable for document review.
Innovation Solution
A workflow that allows users to leverage a desktop computer for document review and manipulation while using a smartphone with a touch-sensitive surface and camera to acquire electronic signatures, with a barcode or unique code linking the devices for seamless signature application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If users use desktop or laptop computers for electronic signature, then document review is convenient due to larger screen, but signature acquisition is cumbersome due to lack of touch-sensitive surfaces and cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between desktop document viewing and signature acquisition. The mobile device captures the document display via camera, processes the signature input through touch-sensitive surface, and transmits it back to the desktop system, enabling seamless cross-device operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the desktop computer to gain signature acquisition capabilities by integrating with a mobile device. The desktop retains its document management and display functions while the mobile device provides touch-sensitive input and camera functions, creating a universal system that combines both device strengths.
2Ease of operation
If users use handheld devices for electronic signature, then signature acquisition is convenient using touch-sensitive surfaces and cameras, but document review is cumbersome due to smaller screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electronic signature workflow into distinct functional segments: document review and management on the desktop device with larger screen, and signature capture and input on the mobile device with touch-sensitive surface. This segmentation allows each device to operate in its optimal performance zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary that captures the document display through its camera, processes signature input through its touch-sensitive surface, and transmits the signature data back to the desktop system where the full document can be viewed and the signature applied.
3Ease of operation
If additional hardware is added to enable signature acquisition on desktop computers, then signature capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding specialized signature capture hardware to the desktop computer, the system leverages the universal functionality of a mobile device that users already possess. The mobile device's existing camera and touch-sensitive surface are repurposed for signature acquisition, eliminating the need for additional desktop hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves dual purposes: it functions as both the user's personal computing device and as the signature capture instrument. The device uses its own built-in camera and touch interface to perform signature acquisition without requiring external accessories or additional hardware components.
Data Source
AI summary
A user manipulates a document using a desktop computer with a large screen. Upon deciding to sign the document, the user invokes a “Sign with Mobile” workflow that causes a two-dimensional barcode to be displayed. Using a signature acquisition application executing on his or her smartphone, the user scans the displayed barcode and creates an electronic signature by snapping a photograph of a conventional pen-and-paper signature or by detecting a handwritten signature drawn on a touch sensitive surface. The signature acquisition application sends the resulting electronic signature to the desktop computer, for example via an electronic signature server. The user is then able to apply the electronic signature to the document as desired.