Digital Signature Routing and Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for applying and collecting digital signatures in electronic documents lack support for natural signature graphics, leading to security issues and inefficiencies in managing multiple signatures, particularly in merging edits and determining signature placement.
Innovation Solution
An application program generates a hash value from an electronic document including a signature graphic, creates a digital signature object with cryptographic data, and embeds it as a cryptographic signature, allowing for secure visualization and routing of digital signatures, including automatic selection and sequencing of signature lines for multiple signers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If natural signature graphics are used in electronic documents, then the visual authenticity and user acceptance of signatures is improved, but the cryptographic security is worsened because application programs allow anyone to easily replace the signature graphic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the signature graphic (visual element) from the digital signature (cryptographic element). The signature graphic is displayed for visual authentication, while the digital signature object containing cryptographic data provides security. This segmentation allows each element to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital signature object as an intermediary that links the signature graphic to cryptographic verification. This object contains cryptographic data that binds the graphic to the document, preventing unauthorized replacement while maintaining visual authenticity.
2Productivity
If multiple copies of electronic documents are sent to multiple signers for collecting signatures, then the signature collection process is completed, but the document management complexity increases due to managing various versions and merging edits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple document versions and signature collections into a single centralized electronic document. All signers interact with the same document instance, and their signatures are accumulated in sequence, eliminating the need to manage separate copies and manual merging of edits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system automatically tracks which signers have signed, identifies the next signer in sequence, and manages document versions centrally. This automated feedback loop reduces manual intervention and complexity in managing multiple document versions.
3Productivity
If signers are sent multiple document copies to find their signature position, then all signatures can be collected, but the time and resources required for signature collection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining signature lines in the electronic document with specific positions and associated signer identities. This preparation is done before signature collection begins, so signers are immediately directed to the correct location without needing to search through the document.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically identifies and directs each signer to their specific signature line based on predefined associations between signers and signature positions. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual guidance or document searching by signers, reducing time and resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are provided for securely visualizing and routing digital signatures in an electronic document generated by an application program executing on a computer system. The application program may generate an electronic document for receiving a signature graphic, and calculate a hash value from the electronic document and the signature graphic, and create a cryptographic signature from the hash value using a cryptographic encryption method. The electronic document is digitally signed by embedding the cryptographic signature therein. The application program may further collect and route digital signatures by automatically collecting signatures from individual signers, one-by-one, and identify the appropriate signature line for each signer to sign. The application program may further generate a user interface for creating and collecting digital signatures.