Method and system for processing electronic documents

Details Method and system for processing electronic documents Method and system for processing electronic documents

2000-12-28

2003-08-19

Darrow, Justin T. (Department: 2132)

Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support

Multiple computer communication using cryptography

Particular communication authentication technique

C713S155000, C713S160000, C713S161000, C713S181000, C705S067000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06609200

ABSTRACT:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application incorporates by reference the following patent applications or publications:
1. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/418,190, filed Apr. 7, 1995, naming John Doggett, Frank A. Jaffe et al. and Milton M. Anderson as inventors.
2. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/033,896, filed Dec. 20, 1996, to Anderson et al.
3. Published PCT Patent Document WO 96/31965, published Oct. 10, 1996, pertaining to International Application No. PCT/US96/04771.
The present invention relates to electronic documents and, more particularly, to electronic documents that are both human readable and computer readable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Preparation and storage of copies of documents for paper transactions is expensive and time consuming. Completion of such transactions among geographically distant parties has traditionally required conventional transmission mechanisms, such as mail, with inherent delays associated with such mechanisms. Record keeping for such transactions has required significant additional steps, such as keeping a checkbook log for personal checks, keeping copies of prescriptions and medical records, making many duplicates of mortgage applications, and the like.
The digital computer and computer network make it possible to eliminate many of the drawbacks of paper transactions. The digital computer is a powerful data processing tool that allows a user to organize, store and analyze data at volumes and rates that would be impossible by any prior known techniques. The computer network is a similar step forward. By linking together several computers and by providing shared resources and cross-platform communications, engineers have developed the computer network into a tool that provides sufficient processing power to provide improved access to sophisticated applications by users at remote locations and to permit easy transmission of electronic documents between such locations.
One of the most widely accepted and heavily used networks is the Internet. The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks formed into a single world wide network, using an agreed-upon protocol. A user, through the Internet, can interactively transmit messages with users in different countries. Similarly, a user in the U.S. connected to files and libraries and other jurisdictions such as Europe and Asia, can download files for personal use. Accordingly, the Internet computer network provides strong communications functions similar to the communications functions provided by ham radio operators. Moreover, the Internet computer network acts like a universal library, providing electronic access to resources and information available from Internet sites throughout the world.
In addition to the inherent inefficiencies of paper transactions, other problems exist. Many of these problems relate to documents that require signatures. In particular, in order for a reader of a paper document to determine that a particular document or part of a document has been signed, the reader must be given access to the entire document; thus, a party who may only need to know that the document has been signed must be given access to the entire document, including any confidential information contained therein. Signatures are used in a wide range of contexts, including financial instruments, contracts, mortgage applications, and medical records and prescriptions, to indicate the agreement, consent or authority of the signer. Transactions that require signatures have traditionally employed conventional means for execution, such as pen and paper. As used herein, “signature” has its broadest source; that is, it means any indication of agreement, consent, certification, acceptance, or other giving of authority, that is associated with a person or entity.
The present invention leverages the power of distributed network computing to overcome many of the inherent inefficiencies of paper transactions.
It is well known that digital computing and computer networks reduce or eliminate many of the inherent inefficiencies in dealing with documents. Word processing programs are used almost universally by individuals and businesses who produce, store and transmit documents. However, documents that require signatures are a special case that present special problems. The signature itself is the first problem, since a signature is traditionally thought of as a manual signature. Protocols for signing electronic documents have been developed, including cryptographic digital signature algorithms, more particularly discussed below.
In addition to the problem of associating a signature with a document, other special problems are likely to exist in cases of documents that require signatures or affect commercial transactions. In particular, special requirements or protocols may apply to the content of such documents. For example, detailed rules exist as to how various actors are required to complete or respond to the information on each part of a paper check or other financial instrument. Similarly, rules exist as to how to complete and process a mortgage loan application. Different parts of medical records are also completed pursuant to protocols that require specific action on the part of medical personnel, insurers, and the like. In each of these cases the logical content of the different parts of the document is important, and a need exists to use the logical structure in the storage, manipulation and transmission of such document so that documents can be sent to known protocols. For example, if a protocol requires that a document bear a date, a logical element of the document should be defined for data information. Moreover, the protocols associated with signed documents are often established over time through custom and usage, so a need exists to permit electronic documents that closely mirror current practice. Also, although most individuals or businesses have computers, certain functions continue to be performed without the aid of a computer, such as viewing a human signature. Thus, it is important that documents that require signatures not only be machine processable, but also human readable.
A group of computer languages has been developed to help users manipulate documents according to logical content. Such languages, known as “markup languages,” are a powerful tool in processing documents. Markup languages also have other advantages more particularly described below. One of the most important such languages is the Standard Generalized Markup Language (“SGML”). Certain advantages of an embodiment of the present invention may be understood by developing an understanding of SGML.
SGML is defined by the International Organization for Standardization in ISO 8879 (Information processing—Text and office systems—Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML), ([Geneva]: ISO, 1986)). SGML is an international standard for the definition of device-independent, system-independent methods of representing texts in electronic form. SGML is an international standard for the description of marked-up electronic text. More particularly, SGML is a meta-language formally describing markup languages. In the present context, the word “markup” covers all sorts of special markup codes inserted into electronic texts to govern formatting, printing, or other processing. More generally, markup, or encoding, can be defined as any means of making explicit an interpretation of a text.
A markup language is a set of markup conventions used together for encoding texts. A markup language must specify what markup is allowed, what markup is required, how markup is to be distinguished from text, and what the markup means. SGML provides the means for doing the first three; a specific markup language such as that of the present invention fulfills the last function for particular contexts.
Three characteristics of SGML distinguish it from other markup languages: emphasis on descriptive rather than procedural markup; document type definitions; and independence from any one system for representing t

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Method and system for processing electronic documents does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Method and system for processing electronic documents, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and system for processing electronic documents will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3103601