DE102011084804A1 - Computer implemented method for transmitting signed contract over network for data network through application program of computer, involves requesting file by user at computer and transmitting request through network to server - Google Patents

Abstract

The computer implemented method involves requesting a file by a user at a computer and transmitting the request through a network to a server, and transmitting the file by the network from the server to the computer. The file has contract to be signed. The contract data is displayed on a touchscreen of the computer such that the contract data is represented similar to a written contract and is checked by the user. The signature is created on the touchscreen of the computer by the user, where the signature is digitized. A signature file is generated from the contract data and the digitized signature. The signature file is transmitted to another computer.

Description

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for transmitting a signed contract over a network for data, wherein a first and a second computer is connected to the network, wherein the first computer has a touch screen and the second computer is provided for receiving the signed contract ,

Certain declarations of intent (contracts) require a written form with a handwritten signature, which does not require the transmission of the original. This written declaration of intent can therefore also be available as a copy or, in particular, a remote copy, eg. As transmitted via the Internet scan or sent over the telephone network fax. Since recently z. B. the presence of a declaration of consent of a consumer necessary so that companies or call centers to potential customers send advertising or may call for advertising purposes. For this purpose, it is customary, contract texts by mail or e-mail, z. B. as a Word file to send them and then physically sign. The signed contract must then reach the contracting party, eg. B. by mail, as a fax or by e-mail as a scan. In any case, the undersigned must take further technique, eg. As printers, fax, scanner and can not bring about the contract exclusively on the computer. If he is on the road, he can not conclude the contract. Despite willingness to conclude, convenience often does not come to a close. In addition, the delay may reduce the initial willingness to settle, so that the transaction does not materialize.

Therefore, it is important that making such a statement with your own signature is made as easy as possible for the customer.

The digitization of a signature is technically solved: During parcel tracking, the receiver acknowledges receipt of his shipment on a touchpad of a handheld computer. This signature is then linked to the shipment data and is stored for verification purposes. A transmission of the signature over a network, e.g. B. mobile network, therefore does not take place.

There are also drawing programs for touchscreen screens, by means of which any drawings, including signatures, digitized stored on the computer as a file and z. B. as a mail attachment, can be freely transferred.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to simplify the delivery of a declaration with a handwritten signature.

This object is achieved by a computer-implemented method for transmitting a signed contract over a network for data having the features of the main claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The inventive computer-implemented method for transmitting a signed contract, z. B. a consent of a consumer to receive advertising, via a network for data, such. For example, the Internet. The term "signed contract" within the meaning of the invention covers a file with contract data which is connected / provided with a digitized signature. The Internet offers a wide penetration, existing technology on the part of consumers and proven transmission paths. The network is connected to a first and a second computer. The first computer has a touch-screen display, and is usually a mobile terminal, e.g. B. Iphone, iPad or the like. The first computer is assigned to the person who is to sign the contract and send the signed contract. The signed contract will be sent to the second computer, which is intended to receive the signed contract. Furthermore, a server is connected to the network, wherein the term "server" is to be interpreted functionally. The server serves to transmit certain information to the first computer, and it is essential to the invention whether this server is a single device, a plurality of devices or merely a functionality of the second computer.

• a) Zuerst fordert der Nutzer an seinem ersten Computer eine Datei an und die Anforderung wird durch das Netzwerk zu einem Server übertragen, wobei, wie oben dargestellt, der Server auch eine Funktionalität des zweiten Computers sein kann. Die Anforderung durch den Nutzer kann auf alle im Internet üblichen Arten geschehen, z. B. durch das Anklicken eines speziellen Links oder Drücken eines Button zum Start eines Downloads. Die Anforderung kann auch dadurch geschehen, dass der Nutzer auf seinem ersten Computer ein Anwendungsprogramm startet und dieses automatisch oder auf Anforderung, gegebenenfalls nach Identifizierung (Eingabe einer ID, Passwort und/oder Code) oder durch den Nutzer, die Anforderung übermittelt.
• b) In einem nächsten Schritt wird die Datei durch das Netzwerk vom Server zum ersten Computer übertragen, wobei es nicht erfindungswesentlich ist, ob ein direkter Transfer vom Server zum ersten Computer stattfindet. Maßgeblich ist, dass der Server beziehungsweise eine entsprechende Funktionalität veranlasst, dass die Datei zum ersten Computer über das Netzwerk übertragen wird. Dabei enthält die Datei die Vertragsdaten, z. B. die Daten eines Mobilfunkvertrages, den Vertragsinhaber und eine vertragsgegenständliche Vertragsbedingung, z. B. eine Einwilligung in die Zusendung von Werbung. Die Vertragsdaten können dabei in beliebiger Form vorliegen, insbesondere als maschinenlesbare Informationen, bei denen Variablen bestimmte Werte zugewiesen werden, wie z. B. „KUNDE = 1209832; WERBUNG EINWILLIGUNG = TRUE” oder auch in einem anderen Format, z. B. als Word-Datei, PDF oder Grafik. Letztere Formate wurden somit vor Übertragung in der Datei auf den ersten Rechner aus den Vertragsdaten erstellt. Die Datei enthält also in irgendeiner Form die Vertragsdaten des zu unterzeichnenden Vertrages, welche unmittelbar oder nach einer Aufbereitung durch ein Anwendungsprogramm auf dem ersten Computer angezeigt werden können.
• c) In einem folgenden Schritt werden die Vertragsdaten auf dem ersten Computer zur Überprüfung durch den Nutzer dargestellt. Vorzugsweise werden dabei die Vertragsdaten ähnlich wie bei einem schriftlichen Vertrag dargestellt, also in Form einer Tabelle oder eines Schriftstücks. Dies erleichtert dem Nutzer die Überprüfung. Je nachdem, wie im vorherigen Schritt b) die Vertragdaten übermittelt wurden, werden diese entweder durch das Anwendungsprogramm aufbereitet und zur grafischen Darstellung gebracht. Aus der Information „WERBUNG EINWILLIGUNG = TRUE” wird dann beispielsweise ein angekreuztes Kästchen mit dem Text „Hiermit stimme ich der Übermittlung von Werbung zu” generiert und vom Anwendungsprogramm angezeigt. Alternativ werden die bereits als Word-, PDF- oder Grafikdatei vorliegenden Vertragsdaten unmittelbar vom Anwendungsprogramm dargestellt. Dabei kann in jedem Fall das Anwendungsprogramm durchaus auf bewährte plattformspezifische Hilfsprogramme, wie z. B. Textviewer, Grafikprogramme oder Bildbetrachter zurückgreifen. Dies geschieht, ohne dass der Nutzer diese Programme gezielt aufrufen muss. Der Vorteil liege darin, dass der Nutzer unmittelbar die gewohnten Anzeigeprogramme nutzen (z. B. Blättern, Scrollen, Zoomen) kann, ohne sich auf Eigenheiten des vorliegenden speziellen Anwendungsprogramms einlassen zu müssen. Der Schritt des Überprüfens der Vertragsdaten kann auch darin bestehen, dass diese geändert werden, d. h. der Nutzer in denen angezeigten Vertragsdaten Änderungen vornimmt, z. B. Adress-Änderungen, Verlängerungen, Kündigungen, Bestellungen bzw. Abbestellungen von Optionen (z. B. zeitweilige Auslandsflatrate) oder Einwilligung in den Erhalt von Werbung bzw. Widerruf desselben. Die zugesandten Vertragsdaten können daher auch ein lediglich dem Nutzer zugeordnetes Dokument mit rudimentären Daten, z. B. Kundennummer, sein, wobei der Nutzer sämtliche Vertragsänderungen selber auswählen muss.
• d) In einem weiteren Schritt leistet der Nutzer seine Unterschrift auf dem Touchscreen-Bildschirm des ersten Computers, welche digitalisiert wird. Diese Technik ist seit langem bekannt und kann durch übliche Mailprogramme realisiert werden. Das Ergebnis wird derart zwischengespeichert, dass der Schritt e) durchgeführt werden kann. Je nachdem, welchen Zweck man mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren verfolgt, kann die digitalisierte Unterschrift auf dem ersten Computer abgespeichert oder lediglich im RAM zwischengespeichert werden. Erfindungsgemäß kommt es nicht darauf an, wann diese Unterschrift geleistet und digitalisiert wird. Die Unterschrift kann z. B. von dem Anwendungsprogramm ein einziges Mal verlangt, digitalisiert und abgespeichert werden, so dass der Nutzer bei jeder erneuten Vertragsänderung lediglich auf die hinterlegte Unterschrift zurückgreifen muss. Bevorzugt ist jedoch, dass dieser Schritt d) stets und gegebenenfalls aufs Neue nach dem Überprüfen der in Schritt c) dargestellten Vertragsdaten durchgeführt wird. Dies entspricht am ehesten den Verkehrsgewohnheiten und verhindert Missbrauch der hinterlegten Unterschrift. „Ein Vertrag wird erst gelesen und dann unterzeichnet.” Die Digitalisierung führt in der Regel dazu, dass die Unterschrift als Grafik gespeichert bzw. zwischengespeichert wird und als solche auf dem Computer dargestellt werden kann.
• e) Wenn die Vertragsdaten und die digitalisierte Unterschrift auf dem Computer vorliegen, wird eine Unterschriftsdatei erzeugt, welche aus den Vertragsdaten und der digitalisierten Unterschrift gebildet wird. Dabei kommt es nicht darauf an, ob es sich um eine einzige Datei oder eine Vielzahl miteinander verbundener aber separater Dateien handelt. Eine einzige Datei kann insbesondere eine Grafik oder ein Standardformat (Word, PDF, etc.) bestehend aus dem Vertrag und der darauf kopierten überlagerten digitalisierten Unterschrift sein. Alternativ kann es sich um eine komprimierte Datei mit den Vertragsdaten und der digitalisierten Unterschrift handeln. Wichtig ist lediglich, dass die digitalisierte Unterschrift eindeutig den Vertragsdaten – unabhängig von deren Form – zugeordnet ist.
• f) Schließlich findet eine Übertragung der Unterschriftsdatei an den zweiten Computer durch das Anwendungsprogramm statt. Diese findet nur dann statt, wenn der Nutzer gemäß den oben genannten Verfahrenschritten die Vertragsdaten angezeigt bekommen hat, diese virtuell unterzeichnet und der Übermittlung zugestimmt hat, z. B. durch Betätigung einer Schaltfläche auf seinem ersten Computer. Erst damit erfolgte die Übermittlung der Willenserklärung an den zweiten Computer.

The method according to the invention comprises the following steps:

• a) First, the user requests a file on his first computer and the request is transmitted through the network to a server, where, as indicated above, the server may also be a functionality of the second computer. The request by the user can be done in all common ways on the Internet, eg. Eg by clicking on a special link or by pressing a button to start a download. The request can also be made by the user starting an application program on his first computer and transmitting the request automatically or on request, if necessary after identification (input of an ID, password and / or code) or by the user.
• b) In a next step, the file is transmitted through the network from the server to the first computer, wherein it is not essential to the invention whether a direct transfer from the server to the first computer takes place. The decisive factor is that the server or a corresponding functionality causes the file to first computer is transmitted over the network. The file contains the contract data, eg. B. the data of a mobile phone contract, the contract holder and a contractual contractual condition, eg. B. consent to the sending of advertising. The contract data can be present in any form, in particular as machine-readable information in which variables are assigned specific values, such. B. "CUSTOMER = 1209832; ADVERTISEMENT = TRUE "or in another format, eg. As a Word file, PDF or graphics. The latter formats were thus created before transmission in the file on the first computer from the contract data. The file thus contains in some form the contract data of the contract to be signed, which can be displayed on the first computer immediately or after a preparation by an application program.
• c) In a following step, the contract data is displayed on the first computer for review by the user. Preferably, the contract data are presented similar to a written contract, ie in the form of a table or a document. This facilitates the user's review. Depending on how the contract data was transmitted in the previous step b), these are either prepared by the application program and brought to the graphical representation. From the information "ADVERTISEMENT = TRUE", for example, a ticked box with the text "I agree to the transmission of advertising" will be generated and displayed by the application program. Alternatively, contract data already available as a Word, PDF or graphic file is displayed directly by the application program. In any case, the application program can be based on proven platform-specific utilities, such. B. Textviewer, graphics programs or image viewer fall back. This happens without the user having to call these programs specifically. The advantage lies in the fact that the user can directly use the usual display programs (eg scrolling, scrolling, zooming) without having to get involved in the peculiarities of the present special application program. The step of verifying the contract data may also be to change them, ie the user in which displayed contract data makes changes, eg. Eg changes of address, extensions, cancellations, orders or cancellations of options (eg temporary foreign flatrate) or consent to the receipt of advertising or revocation thereof. The sent contract data can therefore also only a user associated document with rudimentary data, eg. As customer number, the user must select all contract amendments themselves.
• d) In a further step, the user makes his signature on the touchscreen screen of the first computer, which is digitized. This technique has been known for a long time and can be realized by standard mail programs. The result is buffered so that step e) can be performed. Depending on which purpose is pursued with the method according to the invention, the digitized signature can be stored on the first computer or only temporarily stored in the RAM. According to the invention, it does not matter when this signature is made and digitized. The signature can z. B. by the application program requires a single time to be digitized and stored, so that the user must resort to the deposited signature with each renewed contract change. However, it is preferred that this step d) is carried out always and possibly again after checking the contract data shown in step c). This most closely matches the traffic habits and prevents misuse of the deposited signature. "A contract is first read and then signed." The digitization usually leads to the signature being saved as a graphic or buffered and can be displayed as such on the computer.
• e) If the contract data and the digitized signature are present on the computer, a signature file is generated, which is formed from the contract data and the digitized signature. It does not matter whether it is a single file or a large number of connected but separate files. In particular, a single file may be a graphic or standard format (Word, PDF, etc.) consisting of the contract and the superimposed digitized signature copied thereon. Alternatively, it may be a compressed file containing the contract data and the digitized signature. It is only important that the digitized signature is clearly assigned to the contract data - regardless of its form.
• f) Finally, a transfer of the signature file to the second computer by the application program takes place. This takes place only if the user has received the contract data according to the above-mentioned process steps, signed them virtually and has agreed to the transmission, for. B. by pressing a button on his first computer. Only then was the transmission of the declaration of intent to the second computer.

The advantage of the invention lies in the fact that no media change is expected of the user, but this can receive the contract data on a single device, display, check, if necessary change, sign with his signature and finally send back to the addressee. The method is able to use the existing functionalities of conventional smartphones / pads and builds on them.

Preferably, prior to step a), an application program is transmitted and executed on the first computer, which performs steps a) to f). The inventive method would namely in cumbersome form quite feasible with existing computer programs: the contract data could be received as e-mail, converted into a graphic, overlaid with a digitized on the computer signature, stored the entire work as a graphics file and then as an e-mail attachment sent to a recipient to be specified by the user. However, these steps are inconvenient, time consuming, and require skills in the graphics editing, file system, and e-mail arts. According to the invention, however, an application program is provided, which performs all steps. The application program can certainly rely on existing functionalities of the first computer, z. For example, you can call daughter programs for graphics editing or e-mail, but these programs do not need to be found and executed by the user. The application program orchestrates all subsidiary programs, which prevents incorrect operation. In particular, the method was carried out without the user having to leave the application program or actively carry out task changes.

Preferably, the file to be transmitted to the user contains individual contract data related only to the particular user. This may be the master data of the user, but also a specific concrete contract change, which z. B. was previously prepared via a web interface or a telephone.

In order to make this individual file accessible to the user, it is necessary for it to be identified. This can be done, for example, by the user entering a user-related code in the application program. This has the advantage that a common application program can be used for all users, which is particularly useful when the operating system of the first computer installation of application programs only via a specific shop, eg. App Store, allowed. Such a code can also be automatically generated and entered, for. B. by a deposited on the first computer anyway unique feature, for example, cookie, IMSI, phone number, etc ..

Then the application program transmits the code over the network and the file intended for the particular user is assigned to the code and transmitted to the first computer.

Preferably and as an alternative to the above identification, before the step a) the user is informed of a link in the network under which the file can be downloaded. The user no longer has to identify himself; Rather, the assignment is made via the location of the individually determined for him file. Thus, an individual file for the user is previously generated in the manner described above, deposited and communicated to the user, where this file is located. This can be done by phone, orally or by e-mail. The distinction can also be made by the fact that the user calls a website and there an identification feature, eg. B. enters his user ID or a previously transmitted code to get to the individual for the user specific file. The file preferably also includes the application program in addition to the individual contract data related only to the specific user. The application program is then executed on the first computer, which performs the steps a) to f), as explained above, in particular, without the user having to leave the application program.

• – Führen eines Telefonats mit den Nutzer durch einen Mitarbeiter und dabei Abstimmen von Vertragsinhalten mit dem Nutzer
• – Erfassung der Vertragsdaten zur Erstellung der Datei mit den Vertragsdaten durch den Mitarbeiter.

Preferably, the process is preceded by the following steps:

• - Make a phone call with the users by an employee and thereby agree on contractual content with the user
• - Collect the contract data for the creation of the file with the contract data by the employee.

This would deprive the user of the work of editing the contract data and merely controlling the contract displayed on his first computer. Another advantage is that the entire contract change from the user's point of view using only one computer, namely the smartphone can be handled. The user can see, control, sign and return the contract data immediately after the call with the employee on the same device, as well as optionally change, archive and later retrieve it.

• – Aufruf einer Webseite durch den Nutzer
• – Ändern von Vertragsdaten durch den Nutzer
• – Erzeugung der Datei mit den Vertragsdaten und Bereitstellung auf dem Server.

Preferably, the process is preceded by the following steps:

• - Calling a website by the user
• - Change of contract data by the user
• - Creation of the contract data file and provisioning on the server.

The user can thus comfortably via his usual internet-enabled device, eg. Example PC, the contract data to view and fill, possibly even establish a new contractual relationship, while the use in relation to smartphones more comfortable input options (mouse, keyboard). The review and signing of the contract, however, takes place as described above, taking advantage of the strengths of smartphones.

Preferably, the contract data is already available as a graphic or any digital document, e.g. In a standard such as PDF, JPEG. Thus, standard programs can be used, both in the creation and in the display of the same. If he has the contract data the appearance of a document, this increases the acceptance of the user and thus the willingness to conclude the contract. It makes it easier for the user to check the document.

If preferably the digitized in step d) signature exists as a graphic and is copied electronically by the application program in the present as graphics contract data, can be resorted to standard algorithms from image processing and you get the visually familiar appearance of a signed contract. Preferably, the signature on the contract can be virtually moved by the user on the touchscreen screen, moved into the signature field and / or scaled. Again, the strengths of the operation of smartphones are exploited.

Finally, preferably in step e) the application program stores the graphic with the incorporated digitized signature as a signature file in a graphics format. It is therefore again a standard format.

Preferably, before transferring from step f), the signature file is displayed for final inspection. It creates the usual appearance of a signed contract. Only then, d. H. After checking, the user starts the transmission and thus gives the declaration of intent.

After successful transmission of the signed contract, the user preferably receives a confirmation that this has been received by the recipient. To this end, after step f) the second computer confirms via the network the receipt of the contract data by means of a message to the first computer and the application program indicates to the user the receipt of the contract data, e.g. B. via a suitable visual or audible signal.

Preferably, after transmission of the signed contract, the user can view it at any time on his first computer. The contract is archived. For this purpose, the application program stores the signature file which is available as a graphic or in another standard format on the first computer. This is usually done after receiving the confirmation. The easiest way is to store these graphics or standard files on a location commonly found on the computer for archiving your own files, such as: As the "picture album" in the case of graphics and photos. This procedure makes it easy to find and view the automatically archived contract files.

Preferably, the application program has an editor for changing contract data or can call one. In this case, after step b) and before step f), the user can not only view the contract data himself at his first computer, but also change it.

Claims (12)

A computer-implemented method of communicating a signed contract over a network for data, wherein a first and a second computer is connected to the network, the first computer having a touch screen and the second computer being for receiving the signed contract, with the following steps: a. Requesting a file by a user at the first computer and transmitting the request through the network to a server, b. Transferring the file through the network from the server to the first computer, the file containing contract data of the contract to be signed, c. Displaying the contract data on the touchscreen screen of the first computer, in particular such that the contract data is presented in a similar way to a written contract and can be checked by the user, d. Making a signature on the touch screen screen of the first computer by the user and digitizing the signature provided by the user on the touch screen screen, e. Generation of a signature file, which is formed from the contract data and the digitized signature. f. Transfer the signature file to the second computer. The method of claim 1, wherein before the step a) an application program is transmitted and executed on the first computer, which performs the steps a) to f), in particular without the user having to leave the application program. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the file contains individual contract data related only to the particular user, wherein the user enters a user-related code in the application program; the application program transmits the code over the network; the file intended for the particular user is associated with the code and transmitted to the first computer. The method of claim 1, wherein before step a) the user is notified of a link in the network under which the file is downloadable, the file containing an application program and individual contract data related only to the particular user; and the application program is executed on the first computer, which performs the steps a) to f), in particular without the user having to leave the application program. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method precedes the following steps: - Make a phone call with the users by an employee and thereby agree on contractual content with the user - Collection of contract data for the creation of the contract data file. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method precedes the following steps: - calling a website by the user, - Change of contract data by the user - creation of the contract data file and provisioning on the server, Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contract data is present as a graphic and preferably in step d) digitized signature exists as a graphic and electronically copied by the application program in the contract data available as a graphic and in step e) from the application program, the graphics with the copied digitized signature saved as a signature file in a graphic format. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein prior to the transfer from step f) the signature file is displayed and the transmission is started by the user. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein after step f) the second computer confirms via the network the receipt of the contract data by means of a message to the first computer and the application program indicates to the user the receipt of the contract data. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein stored on the first computer by the application program present as graphics or in another standard format signature file, in particular after receiving the confirmation and / or in a computer usually provided for archiving their own files storage location. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the application program has or can call an editor for changing contract data, so that after step b) and before step f) the user can change the contract data. Computer with a touchscreen screen and an application program running thereon, which is such that it controls in the method according to any one of the preceding claims, all running on the first computer steps and / or performs.