Automatic Document Exchange and Execution Management

• US 20100274863A1
• Filed: 07/02/2010
• Published: 10/28/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Adobe Inc.
• Original Assignee: Echosign Incorporated (Adobe Inc.)
• Inventors: Foygel, Dan A., Zwelling, Jeffrey M., Lemkin, Jason M.
• Granted Patent: US 8,583,705 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/206
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00209 Transmitting or receiving image data, e.g. facsimile data, via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network, the internet, I-fax
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00212 Attaching image data to computer messages, e.g. to e-mails
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/2179 Interfaces allowing access to a plurality of users, e.g. connection to electronic image libraries
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/2183 the stored images being distributed among a plurality of different locations, e.g. among a plurality of users
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/2187 with image input from a plurality of different locations or from a non-central location, e.g. from one or more users
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/2191 for simultaneous, independent access by a plurality of different users
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/324 intermediate the transmitter and receiver terminals, e.g. at an exchange
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32411 Handling instructions for routing or relaying

Abstract

The exchange of documents for signature can be performed efficiently using an automatic routing system that associates a document with appropriate identifying metadata. The routing can be facilitated through facsimile in which the metadata is encoded on a return facsimile cover sheet that is routed with the document. Appropriate central exchange servers have appropriate input and out subsystems to perform the document routing. The executed documents can be conveniently archived for efficient document storage and access, such as network access to one or more of the parties.

Claims

1. A method implemented by a computer system for exchanging documents for execution, the method comprising:

routing a document automatically for electronic signature based on routing information received from an originator through a secured website, wherein the routing comprises providing access to a copy of the document and sending an electronic mail message to a recipient at a recipient address; and

tracking the return of the executed document, wherein the executed document is received through the secured website.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the secured website requires a password for access.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the routing information comprises the identities of the signatories for the document and information relating to the source of the document for execution.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the routing information further comprises contact information of the signatories.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein a request for the document for execution is sent to the originator after receiving the routing information.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving the document from the originator and associating metadata with the document wherein the metadata comprises information identifying the document and the routing information.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the electronic mail message is sent over the Internet.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the recipient accesses the document through a secured website and wherein instructions are provided for the return of the electronic signature.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the recipient accesses the document as an e-mail attachment.

10. The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving the electronic signature from the recipient through the secured website.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving the electronic signature from the recipient as an e-mail attachment.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the electronic signature is compliant with the E-Signature Act of 2000.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the signature corresponds with an acknowledgement of approval.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the routing information prompts the access to a document for a recipient through the secured website and the association of the metadata with the document.

15. The method of claim 10 wherein the executed document is archived for later access by authorized individuals.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein the routing of the document comprises forwarding of the document to a plurality of signatories.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein one of the signatories is the originator.

18. A method implemented by a computer system for exchanging documents for execution, the method comprising:

routing a document automatically for electronic signature based on routing information received from an originator through a secured website, wherein the routing comprises providing access to a copy of the document through the secured website; and

tracking the return of the executed document, wherein the executed document is received through the secured website.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the routing information comprises the identities of the signatories for the document and information relating to the source of the document for execution.

20. The method of claim 18 further comprising receiving the electronic signature from the recipient through the secured website.