Batch Digital Signing Tool Using Cached Certificates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of digitally signing embedded software in documents is cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring individual signing of each document and necessitating access to a digital certificate, which limits efficiency and scalability, especially in organizations with thousands of documents.
Innovation Solution
A software tool that allows for the simultaneous digital signing of multiple documents using a single certificate, accessed once and stored in cache memory, eliminating the need for the originating application to be running or installed, and enabling automated processing through operating system cryptography APIs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual digital signing is performed for each document containing embedded software, then the authenticity and integrity of each document is ensured, but the time and labor required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the digital signing process into two distinct phases: (1) a one-time certificate access and loading phase, and (2) a rapid signature generation phase that can be applied to multiple documents. This segmentation allows the time-consuming certificate access operation to be performed only once, while subsequent signings use the already-loaded certificate in memory, thereby resolving the contradiction between ensuring authenticity and reducing signing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by loading the digital certificate into cache memory before the actual batch signing process begins. This preliminary loading of the certificate eliminates the need for repeated disk access operations during the signing of multiple documents, thus maintaining security verification while dramatically reducing the time required for subsequent signings.
2Reliability
If a digital certificate is kept in a secure location with limited access, then security is maintained, but the rate of digital signing is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism by loading the digital certificate from its secure storage location into the application's cache memory through a controlled, one-time access operation. This intermediary step creates a temporary working copy that can be rapidly accessed during batch signing operations without compromising the security of the original certificate stored in the secure location, thus resolving the contradiction between security and signing rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs copying by creating a temporary in-memory copy of the digital certificate from its secure storage location. This copy resides in the application's cache memory and can be accessed rapidly multiple times during batch signing operations. The original certificate remains securely stored and unchanged, while the copy enables high-speed signing operations, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining security and improving productivity.
3Productivity
If multiple documents are signed simultaneously using a single certificate, then efficiency and productivity are improved, but the complexity of the signing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by automatically managing the certificate loading and signing process for multiple documents. Once the certificate is loaded into cache memory, the system automatically applies signatures to all target documents without requiring manual intervention for each individual signing operation. This automation reduces the perceived complexity for the user while maintaining high productivity, as the system handles the complex operations autonomously.
Data Source
AI summary
A software tool for digitally signing multiple documents is disclosed. When a user wishes to sign multiple documents containing embedded executable code for purposes of authenticating the code, the user launches this software tool. The user specifies the documents which he or she wishes signed. Thereupon, the tool automatically signs each of the documents and displays the results.