Electronic Signing System Using Credential Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for verifying identity and authority, such as physical badges and paper documents, lack efficiency and security in digital contexts, particularly in managing and verifying electronic signatures across multiple credentials issued by different entities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for electronically signing content items using multiple credentials, where a package is generated including the content item and data for the selected credential, which can be digitally signed using a private key, and includes features like QR codes for verification, and allows for annotations like handwritten signatures, enabling secure and efficient sharing across different users and platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical badges and paper documents are used for identity verification and signing, then reliability and authenticity are established, but efficiency and ease of operation deteriorate due to manual handling and verification processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical badges and paper documents with electronic credentials and digital signatures. The system uses electronic credential data structures, digital signature algorithms, and automated verification processes to substitute mechanical and manual operations, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining reliability through cryptographic security mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of identity verification and signing functions. Instead of physical credentials, the system uses electronic credential representations that can be replicated and verified digitally, enabling efficient copying and distribution of credential information without compromising authenticity through cryptographic validation
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple credentials from different entities are managed, then versatility and adaptability improve, but device complexity and difficulty of detection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments credential management into distinct functional components: credential storage, credential selection, signature generation, and verification. Each credential is represented as a separate data structure with standardized fields, allowing the system to handle multiple credentials from different entities through modular, organized data management rather than monolithic complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal credential data structure and verification framework that can accommodate credentials from multiple different entities through standardized schemas. The system uses a unified approach to credential representation and digital signature verification that works across diverse credential types and issuing authorities, reducing complexity through standardization rather than requiring separate management systems for each credential type
3Ease of operation
If digital signatures are implemented without structured credential packages, then ease of operation improves, but reliability and measurement precision deteriorate due to lack of verification data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by structuring credential data into standardized packages before the actual signing operation. The credential data structure includes all necessary verification information (credential identifier, issuer, subject, validity period) organized in advance, so that when the digital signature is applied, the verification data is already prepared and embedded, ensuring reliability without complicating the signing operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a structured credential data package as an intermediary between the digital signature and the verification process. This intermediary structure contains all necessary credential information and links it to the signed content, facilitating easy verification while maintaining operational simplicity. The credential package acts as a mediator that carries verification data without requiring complex separate verification procedures
Data Source
AI summary
This specification describes technologies relating to applying electronic signatures to content items. In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include receiving a content item and receiving a request to electronically sign the content item by a user by associating the content item with a credential associated with the user, the request comprising data identifying the credential from among a set of credentials that are associated with the user. The method may further include generating a package comprising the content item and data for the identified credential.