Web Signing Server for Distributed Electronic Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack an effective method for emailing a document for electronic signature that ensures a legally binding process, as they fail to control document modification and signing sequence, and require special software and certificates, limiting their acceptance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for distributed electronic signatures that create a signing template specifying signature placement, signer authentication, and workflow, allowing documents to be sent via email for signing, with a web service managing the process and ensuring document integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PKI signed document method is used, then document authentication and signing control are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring special software and certificates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web signing server as an intermediary between the document sender and signer. The server hosts the signing template and manages the signing process, eliminating the need for clients to have PKI software or certificates. The server acts as a trusted mediator that performs authentication and signing control remotely through standard web browsers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical PKI system (requiring installed software and certificate management) with a web-based system. Instead of using local cryptographic operations and certificate validation, the system uses server-side processing with templates that define signing parameters, substituting complex local mechanics with simpler web interface interactions.
2Reliability
If DocuSign service is used, then legally binding signature process is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring registration and web-based authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring a signing template that contains all signing parameters, signer information, and workflow definitions before distribution. The template is attached to the email document, so when the signer opens it, the signing process is already prepared and can be initiated immediately without requiring prior registration or complex authentication setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the signer to initiate the signing process directly from the opened document without needing to register with a service provider. The template embedded in the document provides all necessary instructions and parameters, enabling the signer to complete the process independently through a simple web interface.
3Productivity
If email distribution of signable document is allowed, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of control over document modification and signing sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the document into two parts: the signable document content (which can be freely distributed via email) and the signing template (which contains control parameters). The template is attached to the document and works independently to enforce signing rules, allowing the document to be distributed freely while maintaining control through the separate template component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the signer's actions (opening the document, initiating signing) automatically trigger server-side validation and processing. The web signing server receives the signing initiation, validates it against the template parameters, and controls the signing sequence, providing real-time feedback and enforcement of document integrity rules without restricting distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for distributed electronic signature documents. A method for distributed electronic signature documents includes creating a signing template that contains information about how a signable document is to be signed. A signable document is created to be distributed to a signer for signing. The signable document is electronically transmitted to the signer. A message is sent using an activatable control in the signing document to a web signing server to invoke the signing process. A browser window is opened on a signer's computer in order to execute the signing process.