U.S. patent application number 12/878199 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-30 for method and system for formation of electronic documents.
Invention is credited to C. Douglass Thomas.
Application Number | 20100332974 12/878199 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34317343 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100332974 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thomas; C. Douglass |
December 30, 2010 |
Method and System for Formation of Electronic Documents
Abstract
A method and system for creation of customized documents over a
network as well as for negotiation of contents for documents over a
network (e.g., Internet) are disclosed. In one aspect, professional
documents can be created in an automated manner. In another aspect,
negotiation of documents (or their contents) can be performed in an
automated manner. In either case, the customization and/or
negotiation is efficient, cost-effective and useful.
Inventors: |
Thomas; C. Douglass;
(Campbell, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TI Law Group
2055 Junction Avenue, #205
San Jose
CA
95131-2116
US
|
Family ID: |
34317343 |
Appl. No.: |
12/878199 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11093002 |
Mar 28, 2005 |
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12878199 |
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09458834 |
Dec 13, 1999 |
6873992 |
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11093002 |
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60112234 |
Dec 14, 1998 |
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60152683 |
Sep 7, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
715/255 ;
709/219 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 67/2823 20130101;
H04L 67/10 20130101; G06F 40/186 20200101; Y10S 707/99943 20130101;
G06Q 40/00 20130101; G06F 16/9566 20190101; G06Q 10/10 20130101;
G06F 40/20 20200101; G06F 40/166 20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/255 ;
709/219 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/00 20060101
G06F017/00; G06F 15/16 20060101 G06F015/16 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method for producing a customized
document using a network, said method comprising: receiving, from a
local machine, a customization request to customize a document
template at a server machine, the server machine being coupleable
to the local machine via the network; retrieving, at the server
machine, an interview question set for the selected document
template; sending the interview question set to the local machine
where questions from the interview question set are able to be
presented; receiving, at the server machine, answers to the
questions of the interview question set; performing expert
processes to produce a customized document based on the selected
document template and the answers; and transmitting the customized
document to the local machine or other machine via the network.
2. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the
customized document has a non-editable format, such that as
received from the server machine the customized document is useable
by not alterable.
3. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein
said performing the expert processes are computer implemented and
operate on the server machine.
4. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein at
least one the answers are used to select from available alternative
portions associated with the selected document template.
5. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein
said selecting of the document template to be customized operates
to select a document package, wherein said performing the expert
processes operate to produce a plurality of related customized
documents based on the selected document package and the
answers.
6. A computer-implemented method for producing a customized
document using a network, said method comprising: receiving a
customization request for an electronic document, the customization
request including or associating to customization data; determining
a template document based on the customization request; obtaining a
command set for use by an application program; and producing a
customized electronic document from the template document in
accordance with at least a portion of the customization data by
using the command set operating on the application program.
7. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 6, wherein the
customized electronic document is a completed electronic form.
8. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 6, wherein the
customization request is initiated by a requestor, and wherein said
method comprises: sending the customized electronic document to the
requestor via the network.
9. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 6, wherein the
customization data results from answers to an interview question
set.
10. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 6, wherein
the customization request is initiated by a requestor, and wherein
the customization data results from answers by the requestor to an
interview question set.
11. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 6, wherein
the command set being obtained corresponds to the template
document.
12. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 6, wherein
different template documents have different command sets
corresponding thereto.
13. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 6, wherein
the customized electronic document has a non-editable format, such
that the customized electronic document is useable but not
alterable by a recipient.
14. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 6, wherein
the template document pertains to a plurality of different
electronic documents, and wherein said producing produces a set of
customized electronic documents from the template document.
15. A method for enhancing functionality of a server coupled to a
network, said method comprising: operating the server to receive a
request for a file from a requestor; linking an application program
to the web server; operating the application program in accordance
with a command set to produce a processed file; and returning the
processed file to the requestor.
16. A method as recited in claim 15, wherein said operating of the
application program operates to produce the processed file in
accordance with requestor information associated with the
request.
17. A method as recited in claim 15, wherein the command set is a
macro or a program executable by the application program.
18. A method as recited in claim 15, wherein said returning of the
processed file comprises placing the processed file in a
non-alterable format.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/093,002, filed Mar. 28, 2005, and
entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONIC NEGOTIATION OF
DOCUMENTS," the content of which is hereby incorporated by
reference, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/458,834, filed Dec. 13, 1999, and entitled
"METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED DOCUMENT GENERATION," the content
of which is hereby incorporated by reference, which claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/112,234, filed Dec.
14, 1998, and entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED DOCUMENT
GENERATION," the content of which is hereby incorporated by
reference, and which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/152,683, filed Sep. 7, 1999, and entitled
"SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRONIC FILING OF DOCUMENTS, PROVIDING
AND UPDATING ON-LINE FORMS AND REGISTRATIONS, OR MONITORING
DOMAINS", the content of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to document creation and, more
particularly, to automated document generation.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Various types of documents often need to be created for all
types of uses. Many times the documents require careful wording for
clarity or legal purposes. As an example, legal documents need to
be carefully crafted to provide the legal protection sought.
However, the creation of documents is largely still manually
performed by skilled or experienced persons. There are many books
and sample documents that can be found after some effort, but it is
difficult to not only locate the appropriate samples or forms but
also to complete or alter the samples or forms for a user's
particular situation. There are difficulties in finding the
appropriate form to utilize and then, if found, how to properly
complete the form is very difficult.
[0006] Also documents, such as legal documents, are often
negotiated using paper versions. The paper version are sent between
parties or attorneys who negotiate certain portions of the
documents until all terms are agreed to or the negotiation fails.
The paper versions are sent by manual mail or facsimile. Recently,
documents are have been transmitted electronically between parties
or attorneys. Even still, the negotiation of the contents is not
efficient, particularly in the nature which changes to provision
are made.
[0007] Neither document creation through use of forms nor document
negotiation are easily performed without expert assistance. In the
case of legal documents, the expert assistance needed is provided
by an attorney.
[0008] Thus, there is a need for improved approaches to create or
negotiate documents in an efficient and simplified way without the
need for expert assistance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Broadly speaking, the invention relates to creation of
customized documents over a network as well as for negotiation of
contents for documents over a network. In one aspect of the
invention, professional documents can be created in an automated
manner. In another aspect of the invention, negotiation of
documents (or their contents) can be performed in an automated
manner. In either case, the customization and/or negotiation
according to the invention is efficient, cost-effective and
useful.
[0010] The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including
as a method, a computer system, an apparatus, and a computer
readable media.
[0011] As a computer-implemented method for producing a customized
document using a network, one embodiment of the invention can, for
example, include at least: receiving, from a local machine, a
customization request to customize a document template at a server
machine, the server machine being coupleable to the local machine
via the network; retrieving, at the server machine, an interview
question set for the selected document template; sending the
interview question set to the local machine where questions from
the interview question set are able to be presented; receiving, at
the server machine, answers to the questions of the interview
question set; performing expert processes to produce a customized
document based on the selected document template and the answers;
and transmitting the customized document to the local machine or
other machine via the network.
[0012] As a computer-implemented method for producing a customized
document using a network, one embodiment of the invention can, for
example, include at least: receiving a customization request for an
electronic document, the customization request including or
associating to customization data; determining a template document
based on the customization request; obtaining a command set for use
by an application program; and producing a customized electronic
document from the template document in accordance with at least a
portion of the customization data by using the command set
operating on the application program.
[0013] As a method for enhancing functionality of a server coupled
to a network, one embodiment of the invention can, for example,
include at least: operating the server to receive a request for a
file from a requestor; linking an application program to the web
server; operating the application program in accordance with a
command set to produce a processed file; and returning the
processed file to the requestor.
[0014] The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different
embodiments or implementations may yield one or more of the
following advantages. One potential advantage of the invention is
that document customization can be performed over a network using
an automated system that is readily available whenever needed by a
requestor. Another potential advantage of the invention is that
negotiation of the contents of documents can be performed over a
network in a manageable manner. Yet another potential advantage of
the invention is that the document customization and/or negotiation
can be centrally controlled and managed by a server machine. Still
another potential advantage is the ability to produce professional
quality documents in an efficient, cost-effective and automated
way.
[0015] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of
example the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The present invention will be readily understood by the
following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural
elements, and in which:
[0017] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a document creation and
delivery system according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a document server according to
one embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of document processing according to
one embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of document processing according to
another embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIGS. 4A and 4B are flow diagrams of client-side document
processing according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of server-side document processing
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of document creation and delivery
business processing;
[0024] FIG. 7A is a block diagram of a document negotiation system
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 7B is a block diagram of a server machine that manages
document negotiation for the document negotiation system according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of electronic negotiation
processing according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of first party processing according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of second party processing
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIGS. 11A and 11B are flow charts of negotiation server
processing according to one embodiment of the invention; and
[0030] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of document customization
processing according to one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] The invention relates to an invention relates to creation of
customized documents over a network as well as for negotiation of
contents for documents over a network. The invention is able to
perform the creation and/or negotiation in an automated manner such
that the customization and/or negotiation is efficient,
cost-effective and useful.
[0032] A first aspect of the invention pertains to the creation of
customized documents over the Internet. The documents can be of a
variety of types. One particular document type particularly suited
for use with the first aspect of the invention are legal documents.
Many documents have a legal character to them some include
contracts, employment agreements, registration forms, license
agreements, etc.
[0033] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a document creation and
delivery system 100 according to one embodiment of the invention.
The document creation and delivery system 100 includes a document
server 102 and a document requestor's machine 104. The document
server 102 couples to the Internet 106, typically through a high
speed data link. The document requestor's machine 104 typically
couples to the Internet 106 through an Internet Service Provider
(ISP) 108. The ISP 108 typically connects to the Internet 106 using
a high speed data link. Examples of high speed data links include
T1, T4, ISDN or xDSL. The document requestor's machine 104 couples
to the ISP 108 over a data link such as typically provided by the
Public Service Telephone Network (PSTN). The data link can be
provided in a wired or wireless manner. Generally speaking, the
requestor will interact with the document requestor's machine 104
to request the creation and delivery of a specified document from
the document server 102 to the document requestor's machine 104.
The document server 102 will operate to question or interrogate the
requestor through communications over the Internet 106 to obtain
the information needed to produce the specified document. Once the
document server 102 has sufficient information to produce the
specified document, the document server 102 produces the specified
document in a customized way for the requestor and then forwards
the specified document that has been created to the document
requestor's machine 104 through the Internet 106.
[0034] FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a document server 150
according to one embodiment of the invention. The document server
150 is, for example, suitable for use as the document server 102
illustrated in FIG. 1A. The document server 150 includes a document
server module 152 that control the operation of the document server
150. The document server 150 also includes a payment module 154, a
document template storage 156, a question set storage 158, expert
logic 160, and user library storage 162. The payment module 154 is
used to accept electronic payment for the production of a specified
document in accordance with the invention. As an example, the
electronic payment can be provided by accepting a credit card
number and expiration date for the production of a specified
document for a requestor. The document template storage 156 stores
various document templates that are supported by the document
server 150. The question set storage 158 stores the question sets
for the various document templates stored in the document template
storage. The expert logic 160 is provided and predetermined so that
the document server 150 is able to automatically customize a
particular document template in accordance with the answers to the
particular question set. The expert logic and the question sets are
specific to particular document templates. The user library storage
162 provides for storage for document storage that have been
produced for subsequent usage or for storage of general information
to minimize subsequent question sets or for archival purposes.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of document processing 200
according to one embodiment of the invention. The document
processing 200 is, for example, performed by the document
requestor's machine 104 and the document server 102 illustrated in
FIG. 1A. In this embodiment, the document being processed or
produced is a legal document.
[0036] The document processing 200 initially selects a legal
document template at block 202. The selected legal document
template represents the type of legal document that the requestor
desires to receive. Then, at block 204, a question set for the
selected legal document template is retrieved. A question set is
typically retrieved from a storage location associated with the
document server 102 (e.g., question set storage 158). The question
set is typically particular to the selected legal document
template. Following block 204, the questions from the question set
are displayed in block 206. Here, the display of the questions from
the question set is on the document requestor's machine 104 so that
the requestor (user) is able to understand the questions.
Typically, the requestor would read the displayed questions;
however, the questions could also be presented to the requestor in
an audio or video manner. Next, at block 208, responses to the
displayed questions are obtained. Here, the requestor responds to
the questions as is appropriate. Then, at block 210, the selected
legal document template is customized, in accordance with the
responses that have been obtained and expert legal logic, to
produce a customized legal document. The expert legal logic is
associated with the selected legal document and is used to produced
the customized legal document by selecting or producing appropriate
language (i.e., text) for the customized legal document. Typically,
the customization would be performed on the document server 102,
which would thereafter forward the customized legal document to the
document requestor's machine 104. Following block 210, the document
processing 200 is complete and end.
[0037] The expert legal logic (expert knowledge) can be
predetermined for the selected legal document template. Hence, the
responses to the questions from the question set are used in
accordance with the expert legal logic to make legal decisions
about the content to be placed in the customized legal document.
Hence, the expert legal logic can impact the particular paragraphs
of text placed in (or removed from) the customized legal document
as well as the particular verbiage used in the paragraphs.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of document processing 300
according to another embodiment of the invention. The document
processing 300 is, for example, performed by the document
requestor's machine 104 and/or the document server 102 illustrated
in FIG. 1A. In this embodiment, the document being processed or
produced is a legal document.
[0039] The document processing 300 initially selects the legal
document template in block 302. Then, in block 304, an associated
question set for the selected legal document template is received
from a server machine. For example, the server machine can be the
document server 102 illustrated in FIG. 1A or the document server
150 illustrated in FIG. 1B. Next, the requestor is automatically
queried for responses to the questions of the associated question
set in block 306. The presentation of the questions to the
requestors can be controlled by the server machine or the client
machine. In one implementation, the question set is a question and
logic set because it includes not only questions but also logic.
The question and logic set can allow for more sophisticated
presentation of the questions to the requestor. For example, the
sequence or ordering of the questions can be altered based on
answers to previous questions and the logic. As another example,
one or more questions can by skipped based on answers to previous
questions and the logic. In general, the questions can appear
differently to requestors depending on answers to previous
questions and the logic. The logic within the question and logic
set can also operate to reduce erroneous inputs. Preferably, the
question set is not a mere form that the requestor completes on
their own, but instead a sophisticated series of questions that
guide the requestor in providing information needed so that expert
legal logic can determine the appropriate text to provide in the
customized legal document. In one implementation, one or more of
the questions presents a predetermined list of acceptable or
representative answers from which the user can choose.
[0040] In block 308, the responses to the questions are then
transmitted to the server machine. Following block 308, a
customized legal document is produced 310 in accordance with the
responses to the questions and expert legal logic. Here, the
customized legal document can be created by completing certain
predefined areas in the legal document template or, instead, by
producing the legal document (at least portions thereof) from the
responses to the questions and the expert legal logic. In either
case, the expert legal logic controls the content and verbiage of
the customized legal document being produced. In one embodiment the
expert legal logic is implemented by computer program code.
Thereafter, the customized legal document is forwarded in block 312
to the requestor's machine in a protected form such that the
customized legal document cannot be altered. In other words, the
customized legal document can be displayed and printed by the
requestor but its content cannot be edited or altered. Following
block 312, the document processing 300 is complete and ends.
[0041] The document processing is typically performed by a
combination of client-side processing and server-side processing.
The client-side processing is performed on a client-side computer,
such as the document requestor's machine 104 illustrated in FIG.
1A, and the server-side processing is, for example, performed by
the document server 102 illustrated in FIG. 1A. The client-side
computer and the server-side computer communicate through a
network, such as the Internet 106 illustrated in FIG. 1A.
[0042] FIGS. 4A and 4B are flow diagrams of client-side document
processing 400 according to one embodiment of the invention. The
client-side document processing 400 initially requests a web page
for document customization in block 402. Here, the requestor will
direct a network browser to a particular web page that is designed
to perform document customization. Next, at decision block 404, the
client-side document processing 400 determines whether a response
to the request for the web page has been received. When the
requested web page has not yet been received, the client-side
document processing 400 awaits the reception of the requested web
page. Once the requested web page has arrived, the web page is
displayed at block 406. Here, the web page being displayed contains
available document types. The available document types associated
with the web page can be provided, displayed or presented in a
variety of different ways. One way the document types can be
provided is in a list which may or may not be categorized into
different types or groupings. Another way the document templates
can be provided is through the use of a document selection wizard
(search assistant) that would assist the requestor in locating a
particular document type for a specific document that is desired.
In one implementation, the document types are templates.
[0043] Next, in block 408, a document type to be customized is
selected. An interview question set for the selected document type
is then requested in block 410. At this point, the client-side
document processing 400 waits for the arrival of the interview
question set. In block 412, the client-side document processing 400
determines whether the interview question set has been received. As
long as the interview question set has not yet been received, the
client-side document processing 400 repeats the block 412.
[0044] Once the client-side document processing 400 receives the
interview question set, one or more of the questions from the
interview question set are displayed at block 414. Then, answers to
the displayed one or more questions are provided in block 416.
Here, the requestor will interact with the requestor's machine
(e.g., via network browser) to provide the answers to the one or
more questions associated with the interview question set that are
displayed. Next, in block 418, a determination of whether there are
more questions in the interview question set to be processed. When
the block 418 determines that there are more questions to be
processed, the client-side document processing 400 returns to
repeat the block 414 and subsequent blocks.
[0045] On the other hand, when the decision block 418 determines
that there are no more questions to be processed, the answers to
the interview questions are submitted to the server machine along
with a request for the customized document in block 420. Then, the
client-side document processing 400 awaits the reception of the
customized document at block 422.
[0046] Once the customized document has been received from the
server machine, the customized document can be printed, stored or
displayed at block 424. Typically, the customized document will not
be able to be altered, edited or otherwise changed so that the
integrity of the document is preserved, and the document is not
inappropriately used in the future for another different situation
than the one it was originally intended. One way to provide the
locked or unalterable format is in a portable document form (e.g.,
pdf) with the content protected so it is unalterable. Additionally,
by preventing the customized document from being altered, edited or
otherwise changed, the web site providing the document
customization is more likely revisited the next time the requestor
needs a document supported by the document processing system.
Following block 424, the client-side document processing 400 is
complete and ends.
[0047] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of server-side document processing
500 according to one embodiment of the invention. The server-side
document processing 500 begins with a decision block 502 that
determines whether the incoming request to the server machine is a
request to begin document customization. When the incoming request
is determined to be a request to begin document customization at
block 502, then a web page with available document types is sent to
the requestor's machine in block 504. Following block 504, the
server-side document processing 500 is complete and ends.
[0048] On the other hand, when the incoming request is not a
request to begin document customization, a decision block 506
determines whether the incoming request is a request for a question
set. When the decision block 506 determines that the incoming
request is a request for a question set, then an interview question
set for the selected document type is identified in block 508.
Then, following block 508, the identified interview question set is
sent 510 to the requestor's machine. Following block 510, the
server-side document processing 500 is complete and ends.
[0049] Alternatively, when the incoming request is neither a
request to begin document customization nor a request for a
question set, a decision block 512 determines whether the incoming
request is a request to produce a customized document. When the
decision block 512 determines that the incoming request is a
request to produce a customized document, then answers to the
questions of the identified interview question set are received at
block 514. In one implementation, the answers to the questions of
the identified interview question set can be provided together with
the request to produce the customized document. In another
implementation, the answers to the questions of the identified
interview question set are separately sent to the server machine.
Next, the answers that have been received can be processed using
predetermined expert logic for the selected document type to
produce a customized document in block 516. The customized document
is then sent to the requestor's machine that block 518. Following
block 518, the server-side document processing 500 is complete and
ends.
[0050] Additionally, in the situation in which the incoming request
is determined in the block 512 not to be a request to produce a
customized document, the server-side document processing 500 is
also complete and ends. In this case, the receive request is
assumed to be unrelated to the document processing according to the
invention. However, the server machine can service a variety of
other types of requests and support other functionality as
understood by those skilled in the art.
[0051] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of document creation and delivery
business processing. The document creation and delivery business
processing 600 is, for example, suitable as a method for doing
business over the Internet or other type of network that supports a
variety of users.
[0052] The document creation and delivery business processing 600
begins by providing an Internet site having available at least one
customizable legal document at block 602. After the Internet site
is provided and made available, eventually a request will be
received at the Internet site from a remote user requesting to
customize the customizable legal document at block 604. Next,
electronic payment of a fee to produce a customized legal document
can be accepted at the Internet site at block 606. Then, the remote
user that has requested the creation of the customized legal
document is interviewed at block 608 to obtain answers to a
question set associated with the customizable legal document.
Thereafter, the customized legal document is produced in block 610.
The customized legal document is produced in accordance with the
answers to the questions of the question set, predetermined expert
legal logic, and the customizable legal document itself. Once the
customized legal document is produced, the customized legal
document is supplied to the remote user at block 612 such that its
content cannot be altered. In other words, the customized legal
document that is delivered to the remote user enables the user to
view, print and store the customized legal document but does not
permit the remote user to thereafter edit or alter the customized
legal document. By not permitting the customized legal document
that is provided to the remote user to be altered, the document
creation and delivery business processing 600 encourages its remote
users to revisit the Internet site when other supported legal
documents are needed. It also discourages its remote users from
later misusing the customized legal document for different
situations. Following the block 612, the document creation and
delivery business processing 600 is complete and ends.
[0053] Further, the invention can be provided as a document
processing system in which a web server automatically utilizes an
application program (such as a word processing application) to
produce a customized document. The web server activates the
application program (e.g., word processor, spreadsheet or database
program) to produce the customized document by executing a macro or
embedded program. Typically, application programs like word
processor, spreadsheet or database programs support macros and some
further support embedded programs. For example, Microsoft Word,
Excel and Access, for example, all support macros and/or embedded
programs. With Microsoft, the embedded programs are based on Visual
Basic and often referred to as Visual Basic Applications (e.g.,
VBA). In any case, by activating the application program and the
macro or embedded program, the web server can produce a customized
document. In one implementation, the customized document is
produced by customizing a template document. The customization can,
if desired, utilize computer implemented expert logic and
requestor's answers to various questions as noted above. Hence, the
web server's functionality is able to be enhanced with the
functionality of existing application programs and macro or
embedded programs that operate therein.
[0054] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of document customization
processing 1200 according to one embodiment of the invention. The
document customization processing 1200 pertains to an embodiment in
which a macro within a word processing application is used, though
as noted above embedded programs within application programs could
also be used. The document customization processing 1200 is, for
example, performed on the document server 102 of FIG. 1 which can
operate as a web server.
[0055] The document customization processing 1200 begins with a
decision 1202 that determines whether a custom document request has
been received. In one implementation, the custom document request
is provided from a network browser operating on a user machine that
couples to the web server over a network (e.g., the Internet). When
the decision 1202 determines that a custom document request has not
yet been received, the document customization processing 1200
awaits the reception of the custom document request. Once the
decision 1202 determines that a custom document request has been
received, the custom document request is parsed 1204 to obtain
document type and question set answers. More generally, the
question set answers contain customization information used to
produce the customized document. Typically, the customization
information (e.g., question set answers) is provided by a user
using the network browser. Next, a template document and a macro
file are determined 1206 based on the document type and the
question set answers. The macro file could alternatively be an
embedded program. The customized document is then produced 1208 by
modifying the template document in accordance with the question set
answers using the macro file executed by a word processing
application. In other words, the word processing application (or
other application programs) produce the customized document. The
word processing application can operate on the web server or
another computing machine coupled thereto. After the customized
document is produced 1208, the customized document is forwarded
1210 to the requestor. Optionally, the customized document can be
provided in an unalterable format. Following block 1210, the
document customization processing 1200 is complete and ends.
[0056] An additional feature of the invention can optionally
provide document packages instead of single documents to a
requestor. These document packages can group several customizable
documents which are often needed by requestors at about the same
time. In such a case, the question set can be efficiently used for
multiple documents that are within a document package. The
customized documents provided by the document package are able to
be delivered to the requestor as a document package. The document
packages can be for lots of different circumstances. One example of
a document package is a new employee legal document package. Such a
new employee legal document package might, for example, include an
employment contract, invention agreement, tax withholding form, and
company policies. Another example of a document package is a
departing employee legal package. Yet another example of a document
package is a stockholder's legal package. Such a stockholder's
legal package might, for example, include a stockholder's
agreement, a disclosure or registration statement document, and a
right of first refusal agreement. Still another example of a
document package is a software development package. Such a software
development package might, for example, include a software
development agreement, software specification document, and
copyright assignment.
[0057] Yet another feature of the invention is to optionally
provide for library storage for requestors. Requestors who foresee
reusing the document creation system of the invention can be
provided with a virtual library where they can store the documents
they previously created or descriptive information about the
requestor. The document creation system can then make use of the
information stored in the library storage by reducing the number of
questions in the question set and thus reducing the interaction
required with the requestor to produce subsequent document. The
library storage provided by the virtual library can act as a
document archive for requestors, and thus facilitate retrieval of
copies of documents previously created using the document creation
system. An example of the library storage is the user library
storage 162 illustrated in FIG. 1B.
[0058] Still another feature of the invention is that the system
can also provide a certification indication for the resulting
documents that have been created. In one implementation, the
certification is formed in and becomes part of the resulting
document. Preferably, the certification would be done in the server
machine. The certification can serve as an indication that the
document creation system was used to create the document in a fair
manner. Alternatively or additionally, the certification can
indicate the relative balance of rights in the resulting document
or provide a power rating. For example, a high power rating can
mean that the document favors its creator, a neutral power rating
can indicate that the document is largely neutral and a low power
rating can indicate that the document disfavors its creator. The
certification can indicate relative balance of rights or power
rating in many ways, such as numerically (e.g., 1-10) or
graphically through a scale or bar graph. One particular
implementation of a scale graph is where each side of the scale
graph represents a party to the customized legal document, and the
relative heights of the side of the scale graph indicate the
relative advantages the customized legal document offers to the
party associated with the higher height of the side of the scale
graph.
[0059] A second aspect of the invention pertains to the negotiation
of the contents of documents. The documents can be of a variety of
types. One particular document type particularly suited for
negotiation of its content are legal documents. The second aspect
can be used alone or together with the first aspect of the
invention.
[0060] FIG. 7A is a block diagram of a document negotiation system
700 according to one embodiment of the invention. The document
negotiation system 700 includes a server machine 702, a first party
machine 704 and a second party machine 706. The first and second
parties are parties to a document that is negotiated between the
first and second parties and controlled by the server machine 702.
The server machine 702 provides automated management of the
negotiated contents of the document. The first party machine 704
and the second party machine 706 communicate with the server
machine 702 through the Internet 708. The first party machine 704
couples to the Internet 708 through, for example, an Internet
Service Provider (ISP) 710. The second party machine 706 couples to
the Internet 708 through, for example, a private network 712.
[0061] FIG. 7B is a block diagram of a server machine 750 that
manages the document negotiation for a document negotiation system
according to one embodiment of the invention. The server machine
750 is, for example, suitable for use as the server machine 702
illustrated in FIG. 7A. The server machine 750 includes a
negotiation manager 752 that manages the negotiation of the
document contents through communications with first and second
parties. The negotiation manager 752 couples to a network interface
754 to facilitate the communications with the first and second
parties over a network (e.g., Internet 708). A payment module 756
provides processing that enables a requestor to provide electronic
payment for the use of the document negotiation system. A document
storage 758 provides for storage of the documents being negotiated.
A negotiation state storage 760 can provide storage of information
describing the negotiation state for a particular document. For
example, the negotiation state information can include provisions
agreed to, provisions not agreed to, information on parties, party
due to respond, etc.
[0062] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of electronic negotiation
processing 800 according to one embodiment of the invention. The
electronic negotiation processing 800 can, for example, be
performed by the document negotiation system 700 illustrated in
FIG. 7A.
[0063] The electronic negotiation processing 800 initially forms an
electronic document in block 802. The electronic document is formed
by an originator of the electronic document. Here, the electronic
document can be merely retrieved from a storage location or the
electronic document can be actually created from a template or
otherwise (such as using techniques discussed above with respect to
the first aspect, for example). Next, the electronic document is
electronically sent to a remotely located person with a summary
explanation and a review question set at block 804.
[0064] The originator thus creates or selects the electronic
document, and then the electronic document is sent to the remotely
located person. The remotely located person is then asked to accept
the contents of the electronic document in its current state or
provide alterations to the content of the electronic document. To
facilitate the remotely located person's understanding of the
electronic document, the summary explanation explains the general
outline of the provisions of the electronic document. The summary
explanation is particularly useful for those not skilled in the
area to understand the provisions of the electronic document. The
review question set are questions that are presented to the
remotely located person to facilitate their review of the
electronic document.
[0065] Next, responses to the questions from the review question
set are obtained from the remotely located person at block 806.
These responses are generally associated with whether the remotely
located person accepts the contents of the electronic document or
what proposed alterations the remotely located person has for the
electronic document.
[0066] Then, in block 808, the responses to the review question set
are electronically sent to the originator together with a reply
summary explanation. Here, the reply summary explanation indicates
the extent to which the remotely located person has consented to
the content of the electronic document. For example, the remotely
located person could accept the electronic document as it was
prepared by the originator or can accept a portion of the
electronic document and request that certain alterations be made.
Following block 806, the electronic negotiation processing 800 is
complete and ends. However, it should be noted that additional
processing can occur to alter the electronic document in accordance
with the responses from the remotely located person or to partially
or completely deny the proposed alterations (by originator) and
respond back electronically to the remotely located person. Thus,
the processing can continue such that the electronic document is
reviewed by the parties until entirely accepted or one party breaks
off negotiations.
[0067] FIGS. 9-11B are flow diagrams that pertain negotiation
processing between first and second parties with use of a
negotiation manager (negotiation server) according to the
invention.
[0068] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of the first party processing 900
according to one embodiment of the invention. The first party
processing 900 is, for example, the processing performed by the
first party machine 704 illustrated in FIG. 7A.
[0069] The first party processing 900 initially forms an electronic
document at block 902. In one embodiment, the electronic document
can be formed in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.
In other embodiment, the electronic document can be formed by
retrieval from a storage device or creation using a word-processing
program. Then, at block 904, the electronic document is sent to the
negotiation server. Here, the electronic document is sent to the
negotiation server for delivery to the second party.
[0070] At this point, the first party processing 900 can operate to
form and send out other electronic documents or receive a
negotiation request from the second party that is responsive to the
electronic document that the negotiation server sent to the second
party. To form and send out other electronic documents, blocks 902
and 904 can be repeated.
[0071] A decision block 906 causes the first party processing 900
to await the reception of a negotiation request. In other words,
when the decision block 906 determines that a negotiation request
has been received from the negotiation server, additional
processing is invoked or can be invoked. It is understood that in
this embodiment the negotiation request will include some sort of
summary explanation together with a reply question set. In block
908, the reply summary explanation and at least one question of the
rely question set are displayed for the first party. Here, the
reply summary explanation and the at least one question are
displayed on a display device associated with the first party
machine. Next, the first party responds to questions of the reply
question set in block 910. The responses to the questions enable
the first party to easily accept or decline a proposed alteration
to the content of the electronic document. Next, the responses are
electronically sent to the negotiation server at block 912.
Following block 912, the first party processing 900 is complete and
ends.
[0072] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of second party processing 1000
according to one embodiment of the invention. The second party
processing 1000 is, for example, performed by a second party
machine, such as the second party machine 706 illustrated in FIG.
7A.
[0073] The second party processing 1000 begins by determining
whether a negotiation request has been received at block 1002. As
long as a negotiation request has not been received, the second
party processing 1000 is essentially inactive. Once a negotiation
request has been received, the second party processing 1000 is
invoked or can be invoked. Once invoked, a summary explanation and
at least one question of the review question set are displayed at
block 1004. Here, the summary explanation and the at least one
question of the review question set are displayed on a display
device associated with the second party machine. Then, responses to
the questions of the review question set are obtained in block
1006. These responses enable the second party to either accept,
decline or propose alterations to the contents of the electronic
document. After the responses are obtained, the responses are
electronically sent to the negotiation server at block 1008.
Following block 1008, the second party processing 1000 is complete
and ends.
[0074] FIGS. 11A and 11B are flow charts of negotiation server
processing 1100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The
negotiation server processing 1100 is, for example, performed by
the server machine, such as the server machine 702 illustrated in
FIG. 7A.
[0075] The negotiation server processing 1100 begins with a
decision block 1102 that determines whether an electronic document
has been received. When an electronic document has been received,
the negotiation server processing 1100 operates to initiate a
negotiation session between the first party and the second party.
Here, it is assumed that the electronic document has only two
parties to the document. However, it should be understood that with
documents having additional parties, the negotiation processing
according to the invention can interact with more than two parties.
In any case, when the decision block 1102 determines that an
electronic document has been received for negotiation processing, a
summary explanation and a review question set are prepared for the
electronic document at block 1104. In an implementation where the
electronic document is created using the first aspect of the
invention, the summary explanation and the review question set are,
as an example, able to be predetermined or automatically determined
from codes accompanying or embedded in the electronic document.
Then, at block 1106, the electronic document, the summary
explanation and the review question set are electronically sent to
the second party as a negotiation request. Following block 1106,
the negotiation server processing 1100 is finished processing the
electronic document that has been received and thus awaits
additional requests. However, the server machine records the state
and contents of the electronic document for subsequent use.
[0076] On the other hand, when the decision block 1102 determines
that an electronic document has not been received, a decision block
1108 determines whether second party responses have been received.
When the decision block 1108 determines that second party responses
have been received, a decision block 1110 determines whether the
second party has accepted the current contents of the electronic
document. When the decision block 1110 determines that the second
party has not accepted the contents of the electronic document,
then the negotiation server processing 1100 continues to negotiate
the electronic document. Namely, a reply summary explanation and a
reply question set are prepared for the electronic document at
block 1112. Here, the reply summary explanation and the reply
question set are determined in accordance with the second party
responses. In one implementation, the reply summary explanation and
the reply question set are, as an example, predetermined or
automatically determined from the second party responses as well as
the state and contents of the electronic document. Then, at block
1114, the electronic document, the reply summary explanation and
the reply question sent are electronically set to the first party
as a negotiation request. In this case, the second party has not
accepted the contents of the electronic document, but has proposed
alterations to the electronic document. Hence, the first party is
notified of the proposed alterations that the second party has
requested in the negotiation request. Following block 1114, the
negotiation server processing 1100 is complete and ends as the
request including the second party responses has been fully
processed.
[0077] Alternatively, when the decision block 1110 determines that
the second party responses indicate that the second party has
accepted the contents of the electronic document, then the
negotiation of the contents for the electronic document is
completed. Hence, the electronic document is then finalized at
block 1116. Thereafter, the finalized electronic document is
distributed to the first and second parties at block 1118. In one
implementation, the finalized electronic document is sent to the
first and second parties in a locked or unalterable format such
that the parties can view, read or print but not edit or alter the
finalized electronic document. One way to provide the locked or
unalterable format is in a portable document form (e.g., pdf) with
the content protected so it is unalterable. Following block 1118,
the negotiation server processing 1100 is complete and ends as the
negotiation has been completed and the electronic document has been
finalized.
[0078] On the other hand, when the decision block 1108 determines
that the incoming request does not include second party responses,
a decision block 1120 determines whether the incoming request
includes first party responses. When the decision block 1120
determines that the incoming request does not include first party
responses, then the negotiation server processing 1100 is complete
and ends. Alternatively, when the decision block 1120 determines
that the incoming request does include first party responses, then
the negotiation server processing 1100 performs the following
operations. Initially, a decision block 1122 determines whether the
first party responses indicate that the first party has accepted
the current contents of the electronic document. If so, the
processing associated with blocks 1116 and 1118 is performed as
discussed above. On the other hand, when the first party responses
indicate that the first party has not accepted the contents of the
electronic document, then a reply summary explanation and a reply
question set for the electronic document are prepared at block
1124. Then, the electronic document, the reply summary explanation
and the reply question set are electronically sent to the second
party as a negotiation request in block 1126. In one
implementation, the reply summary explanation and the reply
question set are, as an example, predetermined or automatically
determined from the first party responses as well as the state and
contents of the electronic document. Following block 1126, the
negotiation server processing 1100 is complete and ends.
[0079] The communications with the parties negotiating the
electronic document can be through a variety of mediums. For
example, the communications can be through electronic mail or the
parties can interact with a web site supporting the document
negotiation system. In the case of the web site implementation,
electronic mail, paging or telephone can signal a party to access
the web site for further negotiating of the electronic document.
The communications with the parties can also be protected (or made
secure) through password requirements and/or encryption
schemes.
[0080] While the document negotiation system described above uses a
negotiation server in some embodiments, the system can also operate
without a server be providing additional processing at the client
side. One advantage of a server based design is that the client
side can be "thin" clients, such as a network browser (e.g., HTML
browser).
[0081] A further feature of the invention is that signatures can be
electronically attached to the finalized electronic document. The
electronic signature can be a bitmap image of a party's signature
or instead just a "click acceptance" effective signature. Another
feature is that the document negotiation system can provide for
document archival. In the event of a dispute as to the document's
execution (signature) or contents in the future, the document could
be retrieved from the document negotiation system. Also the
document's creation history could also be archived for subsequent
retrieval in the event of a dispute.
[0082] The invention can also be embodied as computer readable code
on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any
data storage device that can store data which can be thereafter be
read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium
include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, magnetic
tape, optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium
can also be distributed over a network coupled computer systems so
that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a
distributed fashion.
[0083] The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different
embodiments or implementations may yield one or more of the
following advantages. One potential advantage of the invention is
that document customization can be performed over a network using
an automated system that is readily available whenever needed by a
requestor. Another potential advantage of the invention is that
negotiation of the contents of documents can be performed over a
network in a manageable manner. Yet another potential advantage of
the invention is that the document customization and/or negotiation
can be centrally controlled and managed by a server machine. Still
another potential advantage is the ability to produce professional
quality documents in an efficient, cost-effective and automated
way.
[0084] The many features and advantages of the present invention
are apparent from the written description, and thus, it is intended
by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of
the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes
will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation as
illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and
equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *