System and method for providing an online electronic signature

Abstract

A system is provided for generating an online electronic signature. The system includes a computer interface module which records movement of a cursor on a computer screen and outputs the recorded data. A signature generation module which receives the recorded data and generates a graphical image based upon the recorded data.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS

[0001] This patent claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/593,210 filed on Dec. 21, 2004, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for recording an electronic (digitized) signature. More particularly, the present invention relates to a creating and recording an electronic signature over the Internet, such as via a web browser.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Since the outset of the Internet, electronic commerce has proliferated dramatically. It is now common place to transact all types business over the Internet. Retail sales have benefited from the Internet, and now most merchants have web sites that allow online purchasing via a website or online catalogue. All that is needed to complete a purchase is access to the Internet and a credit card.

[0006] Online merchants are handicapped by the lack of a written contract signed by its customers. If an online purchaser disputes a credit card transaction, the merchant will not have a signed contract to prove the legitimacy of the transaction. As a result, online vendors are exposed to undue risk.

[0007] Thus, there is a need for systems and methods for generating and capturing electronic signatures for online transactions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided for generating an online electronic signature. The system includes a computer interface module which records movement of a cursor on a computer screen and outputs the recorded data. A signature generation module is also included which receives the recorded data and generates a graphical image based upon the recorded data.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for capturing an online electronic signature is provided. The method can include a step of downloading online content to a client computer interface. As a result of the downloading, a signature block is displayed on the client computer interface. The signature block captures coordinate data from a computer peripheral device. A graphical image of a signature is generated from the coordinate data.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided for capturing an online electronic signature. The system may include a web server configured to store and transmit online content, a client interface and a signature capture program. The client interface may be configured to access the web server and download and display the online content. The signature capture program may be configured to display a signature block on the client interface, to capture coordinate data of a computer cursor within the signature block, and to generate a signature image based on the captured coordinate data.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided for capturing an online electronic signature via a web browser on a client computer interface. The system includes a signature capture program configured to display a signature block on the client interface within the web browser, to capture coordinate data of a computer cursor within the signature block, and to generate a signature image based on the captured coordinate data.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided for generating an online electronic signature. The system may include means for interfacing with a client computer, recording movement of a cursor on a computer screen and outputting recorded coordinate data. The system may also include means for receiving the recorded coordinate data and generating a graphical image based upon the recorded coordinate data.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a web browser for displaying online content is provided. The web browser includes a computer interface module which records movement of a cursor on a computer screen and outputs the recorded data. The web browser further includes a signature generation module which receives the recorded data and generates a graphical image based upon the recorded data. The web browser further includes means for invoking the computer interface module such that online content displayed with the web browser can invoke the computer interface module.

[0014] The invention maybe used to capture signatures, especially over the Internet. Signatures can be stored as a graphic image file for further viewing. The present invention may also be used to capture drawings or sketches to be used for later use.

[0015] Further applications and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed below with reference to the drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is view of a signature block according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a view of a signature block including an email address form field, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a view of a signature block including additional form fields according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system for capturing an online electronic signature according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a screen shot of a signature image generated according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an online signature capture process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] While the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, a number of illustrative embodiments are described herein with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as providing examples of the principles of the invention and such examples are not intended to limit the invention to preferred embodiments described herein and/or illustrated herein.

[0023] The main component of the present invention is a program, application, module, or component, such as Flash, JavaScript, Java, Java applet, ActiveX control, etc. that displays a drawing pad on a computer screen (e.g., within a web browser window) and captures signatures input via a mouse or other peripheral device (e.g., writing pad, keyboard arrows, touch pad, etc.). The coordinates of the inputted signature may be stored locally in a file, database, etc. for further viewing/editing of the signature, used to generate a graphic image file of the signature, or transmitted (e.g., as a character string) to a remote server for storage, creation of a graphic image file, or for viewing or editing.

[0024] For example, referring to FIG. 1, a signature box (drawing-pad) 102 can be displayed on a computer screen, such as within a web browser window. The signature block 102 can be part of a larger form object 100 that can include text, graphics or fields for other data entry.

[0025] The drawing-pad 102 may be displayed on the computer screen in any shape (e.g., rectangle-shaped) and is configured to allow the computer user to draw, for example, to sign their name or initials. For aesthetic reasons, it may be preferable to include a signature block that is sized to match a corresponding form or web page. The drawing-pad 102 may appear, for example, on an Internet shopping cart or web form. The preferred functions provided are: [0026] Draw: to write the signature [0027] Clear: to erase a signature [0028] Submit: to send, submit, or store the signature.

[0029] The drawing-pad 102 is configured to capture the coordinates input from a peripheral device, such as a mouse. The capture process preferably outputs x and y coordinates of the location of the windows cursor within the drawing-pad 102. The captured coordinates may then be used to create a graphical image of the signature. The coordinates or the graphical image file or both could be stored for later use. For example, stored coordinates of the signature/drawing could be edited in the future, and could be used to generate a graphic image file (gif) or other image file (e.g., .bmp, .jpg, etc.), when finally completed.

[0030] Preferably, signatures are displayed within drawing-pad 102 while the user is entering the signature. For example, the drawing-pad 102 could be configured to use a computer mouse input to generate a signature. When the left mouse button (not shown) is depressed, and the windows cursor is within the drawing-pad 102, the coordinates of the mouse cursor can be captured and simultaneously displayed to the user via a program display function (e.g., Flash line draw command) so that the user can see the signature. Captured signatures, signature data, graphical objects, etc. may be accessed by any means, such as online through a web page or link.

[0031] The signature coordinates or graphic image may be submitted and/or stored along with any additional accompanying data, which could be used to identify the signature or signer. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a form field to enter the email address could be included in a separate block 104. Any data could be stored or captured with a signature. For example, one or more of the following: a Client ID, Customer ID, an IP address, a Session ID, an email address, and Company ID, etc. This additional data may be supplied by the signer by typing it into form fields, or it may be embedded in the HTML or code or client program used to host or display the drawing-pad 102. If required data is missing or invalid, the signature capture process could be configured to display an appropriate error message to the user in the form of a dialog box, web page, etc.

[0032] Another example is shown in FIG. 3. An HTML form includes fields 300 for entry of City, Location, Zip, Phone, 800#, and Fax number. The drawing pad 102 has an Erase button 302 next to it and a Submit button 304 below it. If the Submit button 304 is depressed before all the fields are filled in or before the signature is drawn, then an error message could be generated. In other words, the functionality of the drawing-pad 102 can be integrated with an HTML document, XML form, etc.

[0033] When additional data is supplied, it may be stored, for example in a database, to aid in future lookup of the captured signature. In the alternative or in addition thereto, the data could be captured with the signature. The signature and its accompanying data could be submitted independently from the rest of the form, for example from a web page. If it is submitted to the server with the form, the server may redirect or download a web page to the client. If it is submitted independently, the form or the signature capture program may display a dialog box to the user when the signature has been submitted or if there is an error.

[0034] The signature or drawing can be captured on the client side, for example, with program executed by a web browser. The program could comprise written instructions in any computer programming language having the appropriate capabilities, but is preferably designed specifically for online (e.g., Web) applications, such as HTML, Flash, JavaScript, etc. The program can be configured to record x and y coordinates of the signature, which may be used for viewing/editing/storage, and/or send the coordinate data to a server for viewing/editing/storage. An image generation program or module may use the coordinates to create the signature or drawing as a graphic image, which can be stored as a file on a file system, possibly for access online or in a database.

[0035] One skilled in the art will understand that the signature capture and image generation processes could be combined and implemented by a single computer program or by several separate components residing together or remote from each other. For example, a Flash program could be downloaded with an HTML page to capture the signature data and send the data to a remotely located C++ program, which generates the image of the signature.

[0036] The signature may be submitted or uploaded to a server as coordinates, for example, in an ASCII delimited character string, or as a graphic image file. A server may use the coordinates to create graphic image file, and may store the graphic image file or coordinates for future display or editing.

[0037] The present invention may be used in nearly any type of computer architecture configuration, such as stand-alone or client/server program, application, or component. As an example, FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system for capturing online electronic signatures according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] As shown, the system 400 could include a web server 402, a signature link server 404 coupled with a storage device 406, and a client interface 408, each coupled with or otherwise in communication with an electronic data network 410, such as the Internet.

[0039] The web server 402 may be configured to provide online content such as HTML pages, java programs, streaming broadcast data or multimedia services, etc. Such content maybe accessed and displayed, played, executed, etc. by client 408, such as via a web browser such as INTERNET EXPLORER. Within the content to be displayed may be a call, such as an embedded object request, which causes the client 408 to access the signature link server 404 and download a program element configured to display a signature block, such as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3. The client 408 runs the program and the user may enter a signature, such as via a peripheral device, such as a computer mouse. The client displays and captures the signature to the user. The signature data may be stored locally or transmitted directly to the signature link server 404, which can be configured to generate a graphical image of the signature. Otherwise, a graphical image of the signature could be generated locally and transmitted to the signature link server 404.

[0040] The signature link server 404 can store signature data (e.g., coordinate data) or signature images in a storage device 406, which may be part of the server or a separate data storage device. As described above, additional data can be stored with the signature image (e.g., in the image itself, in a text file on the file system, etc.) or in a database. For example, form data may be transmitted to the signature link server 404 along with the signature data and/or a graphical image. The form data could be stored in the storage device 406, such as in a database, and linked to the graphical image of the signature or to the signature data.

[0041] Preferably, the signature data and/or image files can be made accessible via the electronic data network 410. Alternatively, signature data, additional data, and/or graphical images could be transmitted directly to the web server 402 from the client 408.

[0042] The generated image can be a signature only, or may include other elements, such as text element related to contract terms or other information associated with an online transaction. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, several clauses are combined with the signature to form an online electronic signed contract.

[0043] After the signature and optional data is received by the server, the server may save and/or display the receipt of the transaction or the agreement text for which the signature was required. For instance, when making a purchase online, the resulting "Thank You" page may DISPLAY the details of your order along with the signature image embedded in the HTML as a signed receipt for the customer to print for future reference. This data may be optionally re-displayed with a dynamic webpage that gathers the data from storage and displays it preferably as HTML along with the embedded signature image. This data could optionally be stored as a static HTML webpage on the server for future reference, especially for the merchant to print off in case of a credit card chargeback dispute.

[0044] As another example, when submitting a signature in order to agree to an agreement or Terms & Conditions, the next page could display the agreement or Terms & Conditions with the signature image embedded at the bottom of the webpage. In other words, the FIG. 5 "Thank You" page could store the agreed-upon text and/or accompanied data within the signature graphic image file itself or as text on the webpage along with the signature graphic image file.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for capturing an online electronic signature. The method may be implemented with systems and programs as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5.

[0046] At step S6-1, when a user accesses a program, web page, etc. which is configured to use an online signature according to an embodiment of the present invention, a signature display block or drawing pad is displayed on the user computer separate from or in connection with the corresponding program, web page, etc. The signature display block or drawing pad is preferably configured to perform at least the signature capture and display process.

[0047] At S6-2 the user signs in the drawing via a computer peripheral device, such as a mouse. If the drawing is acceptable to the user, he or she may submit the drawing via a submit function or button (S6-3). At S6-4, stored captured data is sent to a server for storing and/or generation of the graphical signature. As described above, additional information may be submitted with the coordinate data or with the signature image and therefore, the signature capture process may be coordinated with other data entry.

[0048] A clear function or button can also be provided. If at step S6-3 the clear function is executed, coordinate data is erased and processing returns to step S6-1.

[0049] Data may also be sent directly to a server application upon submission (S6-5). A server application can store the signature coordinate data or generate an appropriate graphical image of the signature for display and/or storage, which may also include other items such as text or data (S6-6). The accompanied data may be stored separately from the graphic image file, such as in a database and/or in a text file and/or in a static HTML "receipt" webpage of the transaction.

[0050] If there is a problem (S6-7) with the signature or data related thereto, an error message can be displayed (S6-8) and processing can be returned to step S6-1. Data may be erased or left in place for correction. Otherwise, a final step can be performed (S6-9), such as redirecting the user to another web page, program, etc. (S6-10) or displaying a success message indicating that the transaction is complete and/or the signature has been successfully captured and generated (S6-11).

[0051] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the signature capture program could be included within a web browser as standard functionality or as a browser plug-in. Web pages could invoke the signature capture feature of the web browser through standard HTML or browser-specific HTML.

[0052] Thus, a number of preferred embodiments have been fully described above with reference to the drawing figures. Although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions could be made to the described embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for generating an online electronic signature, said system comprising: a computer interface module which records movement of a cursor on a computer screen and outputs the recorded data; a signature generation module which receives said recorded data and generates a graphical image based upon said recorded data.

2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said computer interface module records coordinate data of said cursor.

3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said computer interface module includes a signature block object which is displayed on the screen of a computer, and said computer interface records and outputs coordinate data of cursor movement within said signature block object.

4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said computer interface module comprises a flash program.

5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said computer interface module comprises a browser plug-in.

6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said computer interface module comprises a built-in component of a web browser.

7. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said computer interface module comprises a java applet.

8. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said computer interface module comprises a downloadable computer program.

9. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said computer interface module is installed onto a first computer and said signature generation module is installed on a second computer and said data is transmitted from said computer interface module to said signature generation module over an electronic data network.

10. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein said computer interface module is configured to store said coordinate data in a file and transmit said file to said signature generation module, and said signature generation module is configured to read said coordinate data from said file.

11. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein said cursor is moved on said computer by a computer mouse, and said coordinate data is recorded only when a mouse button is depressed on said mouse.

12. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein said cursor is moved on said computer screen via a peripheral device input into said computer.

13. The system as recited in claim 12, wherein said peripheral device input into said computer comprises a computer mouse, and said computer interface module is configured to record coordinate data only when a mouse button is depressed upon said mouse.

14. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein said computer interface module is further configured to transmit a signal to said signature generation module to begin signature generation.

15. The system as recited in claim 13, wherein said computer interface module is further configured to transmit a signal to said signature generation module to begin signal generation.

16. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said computer interface module is further configured to transmit a signal to said signature generation module to begin signature generation.

17. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said computer interface module is further configured to display an error message when a data error occurs with entry of data into a corresponding form.

18. A method for capturing an online electronic signature, comprising steps of: downloading online content to a client computer interface; as a result of said downloading, displaying a signature block on the client computer interface, said signature block capturing coordinate data from a computer peripheral device; and generating a graphical image of a signature from said coordinate data.

19. The method for capturing an online electronic signature as recited in claim 18, wherein said displaying a signature block step includes a step of downloading a signature block program based on link embedded in said online content, said signature block program configured to display the signature block on the client computer interface and capture the coordinate data from a computer peripheral device.

20. The method for capturing an online electronic signature as recited in claim 18, wherein said computer client interface includes a web browser for displaying said online content to a computer user, and said displaying a signature block step includes a step of executing a signature block module based on an embedded command in said online content, said signature block module configured to display the signature block on the client computer interface and capture the coordinate data from a computer peripheral device.

21. The method for capturing an online electronic signature as recited in claim 20, wherein said signature block module comprises a plug-in to said web browser.

22. The method for capturing an online electronic signature as recited in claim 20, wherein said signature block module comprises included in said web browser.

23. The method for capturing an online electronic signature as recited in claim 20, wherein said signature block module comprises embedded in said online content.

24. A system for capturing an online electronic signature, comprising: a web server configured to store and transmit online content; a client interface configured to access said web server and download and display said online content; and a signature capture program configured to display a signature block on said client interface, to capture coordinate data of a computer cursor within said signature block, and to generate a signature image based on said captured coordinate data.

25. A system for capturing an online electronic signature via a web browser on a client computer interface, said system comprising: a signature capture program configured to display a signature block on said client interface within said web browser, to capture coordinate data of a computer cursor within said signature block, and to generate a signature image based on said captured coordinate data.

26. The system for capturing an online electronic signature as recited in claim 25, wherein said a signature capture program is stored remote from said client computer interface and is downloadable to said web browser.

27. The system for capturing an online electronic signature as recited in claim 25, wherein said a signature capture program is downloaded and executed by said client computer interface as a result of an embedded object call in online content displayed by said web browser.

28. The system for capturing an online electronic signature as recited in claim 27, wherein said online content includes a form for entering data, and wherein: said signature capture program is configured to capture data entered into said form and link said data with at least one of said coordinate data and said signature image.

29. The system for capturing an online electronic signature as recited in claim 26, wherein: said signature capture program is configured to capture data entered into said form and link said data with at least one of said coordinate data and said signature image.

30. The system for capturing an online electronic signature as recited in claim 26, wherein: said signature capture program comprises a signature capture module configured to capture coordinate data of a computer cursor within said signature block, and a signature generation module configured to generate said graphical signature based on said captured data; wherein said signature capture module and signature generation module reside on different computer devices.

31. A system for generating an online electronic signature, said system comprising: means for interfacing with a client computer, recording movement of a cursor on a computer screen and outputting recorded coordinate data; means for receiving said recorded coordinate data and generating a graphical image based upon said recorded coordinate data.

32. The system as recited in claim 31, wherein said means for interfacing records coordinate data of a computer windows cursor controlled by a peripheral computer device.

33. The system as recited in claim 31, wherein said means for interfacing includes a means for displaying a signature block object on the screen of a computer, and records and outputs coordinate data of cursor movement within said signature block object.

34. The system as recited in claim 31, wherein said means for interfacing comprises a flash program.

35. The system as recited in claim 31, wherein said means for interfacing comprises a browser plug-in.

36. The system as recited in claim 31, wherein said means for interfacing comprises a built-in component of a web browser.

37. The system as recited in claim 31, wherein said means for interfacing comprises a java applet.

38. The system as recited in claim 31, wherein said means for interfacing comprises a computer program.

39. The system as recited in claim 31, wherein said means for interfacing is installed onto a first computer and said means for receiving is installed on a second computer, and said data is transmitted from said means for interfacing to said means for receiving over an electronic data network.

40. The system as recited in claim 32, wherein said means for interfacing stores said recorded coordinate data in a file and transmits said file to said means for receiving, and said means for receiving reads said coordinate data from said file.

41. The system as recited in claim 33, wherein said cursor is moved on said computer by a computer mouse, and said coordinate data is recorded only when a mouse button is depressed on said mouse.

42. The system as recited in claim 33, wherein said cursor is moved on said computer screen via a peripheral device input into said computer.

43. The system as recited in claim 42, wherein said peripheral device input into said computer comprises a computer mouse, and said means for interfacing record coordinates data only when a mouse button is depressed upon said mouse.

44. The system as recited in claim 31, wherein said means for interfacing transmits a signal to said means for receiving to begin signature generation.

45. The system as recited in claim 31, wherein said means for interfacing transmits a signal to said means for receiving to begin signature generation.

46. A web browser, comprising: means for displaying online content; a computer interface module which records movement of a cursor on a computer screen and outputs the recorded data; a signature generation module which receives said recorded data and generates a graphical image based upon said recorded data; and means for invoking said computer interface module such that online content displayed with said web browser can invoke said computer interface module.

47. The web browser as recited in claim 46, wherein said computer interface module records coordinate data of said cursor.

48. The web browser as recited in claim 46, wherein said computer interface module includes a signature block object which is displayed on the screen of a computer, and said computer interface records and outputs coordinate data of cursor movement within said signature block object.

49. The web browser as recited in claim 47, wherein said computer interface module is configured to store said coordinate data in a file, and said signature generation module is configured to read said coordinate data from said file.

50. The web browser as recited in claim 48, wherein said cursor is moved on said computer by a computer mouse, and said coordinate data is recorded only when a mouse button is depressed on said mouse.

51. The web browser as recited in claim 48, wherein said cursor is moved on said computer screen via a peripheral device input into said computer.

52. The web browser as recited in claim 51, wherein said peripheral device input into said computer comprises a computer mouse, and said computer interface module is configured to record coordinate data only when a mouse button is depressed upon said mouse.

53. The browser as recited in claim 52, wherein said computer interface module is further configured to display an error message when a data error occurs with entry of data into a corresponding form.

54. The system as recited in claim 31, wherein said means for interfacing is installed onto a same computer as said means for receiving is installed.