Electronic Document Signing Item Classification and Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to automate the recognition of different types of signing items in electronic documents, such as signature lines, date fields, checkboxes, and radio-buttons, to create electronic document packages with metadata, and to distinguish between electronic and wet-sign items for efficient processing and delivery in computer networks.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a processor and memory processes electronic documents to segment images, generate classification data, and identify signing items, categorizing them as electronic-sign or wet-sign items. It produces two documents: one with electronic-sign items and metadata for delivery to an electronic signing service, and another with wet-sign items for client machine printing, including signer identification and conditional logic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electronic documents are processed to automatically recognize and separate different types of signing items, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for advanced image processing and classification systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electronic document into multiple image processing segments, allowing parallel processing of different regions. Each segment is independently analyzed for signing items, which improves processing efficiency while managing complexity through modularization of the analysis task
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary classification system that acts as a mediator between raw image processing and final signing item identification. This intermediary layer generates classification data that simplifies the subsequent identification process, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity
2Ease of operation
If metadata and conditional logic are integrated into electronic documents for automated signing, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase for accurate item placement and association
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-processing the electronic document to identify and classify all signing items before the actual electronic signing process. Metadata and conditional logic are attached in advance to the identified items, ensuring accurate placement and association before the signing operation occurs, thus maintaining precision while improving operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a structured representation or copy of the document's signing elements with associated metadata and conditional logic. This copied structure maintains precise spatial relationships and logical associations from the original document, enabling accurate item placement to be preserved while simplifying the signing operation through the use of this structured copy
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus has a processor and a memory connected to a bus. The memory stores instructions executed by the processor to receive an electronic document from a network. Image processing segments are formed. The image processing segments are processed to generate classification data including text strings. Image processing segments are also processed to identify signing items such as signature lines, date and text fields, checkboxes, and radio-buttons. Each signing item is categorized as an electronic-sign item or a wet-sign item. A first electronic document is produced with pages from the electronic document that have electronic-sign items and a second electronic document is produced with pages from the electronic document that have wet-sign items. The first electronic document is augmented with metadata characterizing locations of and any conditional logic associated with the electronic-sign items. A signer identification code is also included for each item to indicate which signer the item applies to in the case of multiple signers. The first electronic document is sent to the network for delivery to a machine supporting an electronic signing service. The second electronic document is sent to the network for delivery to a client machine.