Signature Capture Device Hash Sum Embedding for Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biometric-electronic signature systems face challenges in securely integrating outside signatures into electronic workflows without media breaches, particularly due to limitations in displaying electronic documents on signature capture devices and ensuring the integrity of biometric data during transfer.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a computer apparatus and a separate signature capture apparatus that generates and verifies a hash sum of an electronic document, displays it on both devices, captures the signature, encrypts it using the hash sum, and embeds the hash sum in the signature image, ensuring the document's integrity and authenticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a signature capture apparatus is used to electronically capture a handwritten signature, then the need for media breach (printing and signing physically) is eliminated, but the security and integrity of the captured biometric data during transfer to the computer apparatus deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A hash sum is introduced as an intermediary element that links the electronic document to the captured signature data. The hash sum is generated from the electronic document, transmitted to the signature capture apparatus, and then embedded in the captured signature image before transmission to the computer apparatus. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the signature data is bound to the specific document content, preventing manipulation and ensuring integrity during transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical media-based signature capture with an electronic system that uses hash sums and embedding techniques. Instead of physically printing and signing documents, the system uses cryptographic hash functions and data embedding to create secure electronic signatures that are bound to the document content, eliminating the need for physical media while maintaining security.
2Ease of operation
If the electronic document is displayed on a separate computer apparatus monitor, then the document can be viewed, but the signer cannot confirm that the document displayed is the same one being signed on the signature capture apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by displaying the hash sum on both the computer apparatus monitor and the signature capture apparatus. After the signature is captured and processed, the system provides feedback to the signer by showing the same hash sum on both devices, allowing the signer to visually confirm that the document being signed is indeed the same one displayed on the computer apparatus. This feedback mechanism eliminates doubt about document identity.
3Productivity
If biometric data is transmitted from the signature capture apparatus to the computer apparatus, then the signature can be processed, but the data becomes vulnerable to manipulation and alteration
Solution Approach 1:
The hash sum is generated from the electronic document content before the signature capture process. This preliminary action creates a cryptographic fingerprint of the document that is then transmitted to the signature capture apparatus and embedded in the captured signature image. By performing this action beforehand, the system ensures that the signature data is pre-bound to the document content, making it impossible to manipulate the biometric data without altering the document hash, thus maintaining integrity during transmission and processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a method and apparatus for electronically capturing a handwritten signature. The method comprises providing a computer apparatus (100) having a first monitor (120), and a signature capture apparatus (1) having a second monitor (13), the signature capture apparatus (1) being an individual unit separate from the computer apparatus (100) and being configured to electronically capture a signature of the signer and biometric data of the signer's signature. A first hash sum of the electronic document (130) to be signed is generated in the computer apparatus (100) and transmitted to the signature capture apparatus (1). On the first monitor (120) of the computer apparatus (100) the electronic document (130) to be signed and the first hash sum of the electronic document (130) are displayed. On the second monitor (13) of the signature capture apparatus (1) the first hash sum transmitted from the computer apparatus (100) is also displayed. After electronically capturing the signature of the signer made on the signature capture apparatus (1) the signature data are encrypted using the transmitted first hash sum. In the signature capture apparatus (1) a digital signature image (34) of the captured signature of the signer is generated and the first hash sum is embedded in the generated digital signature image (34) by using a specified secret embedding technique. In the computer apparatus (100) the embedded first hash sum is extracted according to the specified secret embedding technique. The encrypted signature data and the document signed on a computer-readable medium are stored on a computer-readable medium and/or forwarded to a computer-readable medium for storing purposes, if the extracted hash sum is identical with the first hash sum generated in the computer apparatus (100).