JP2008131632A - Method for digitally signing contract - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method that enables a party to rapidly sign a contract among a plurality of contracts in a list. <P>SOLUTION: A method of digitally signing a plurality of contracts is disclosed, in which the plurality of contracts is included in a list of contracts. First and second contracts are signed in response to respective actions by a signor and the action that signs the second contract is an extension of the same action that is used to sign the first contract. In this way, a large number of contracts may be signed with a single extended action. This may be of particular use in signing contracts entered into via a computer and, possibly, via the Internet. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[Background technology]
The present invention relates to a method for digitally signing contracts in a contract list.
Contracts and other legal arrangements are inevitable in modern society. In general, a general person enters into a large number of contracts every day by simply or implicitly approving the contract terms. However, in order for an important written contract to be legally binding, both parties need a formal signature.

  The signing of contracts has changed with the computer revolution, especially the Internet. Electronic (or digital) signatures have become commonplace, and since the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (2000) in the United States, now it is just like ink signatures It is legally effective.

  The development of online borrowing in recent years has provided a system that matches borrowers with appropriate lenders. In particular, one system described in co-pending US patent application 11/191775, incorporated herein by reference, is such that borrowing funds are provided by a plurality of individual lenders. In such a system, a contract exists between the borrower and each lender that provides the funds. Therefore, there can be a large number of contracts and the borrower must actively sign each contract. Therefore, signing and considering all the elements of each contract in turn is a rather difficult task for the borrower.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method that allows a party to quickly sign multiple contracts in a list.
[Summary of Invention]
According to the present invention, there is provided a method for signing a plurality of contracts by digital processing,
Signing the first contract in response to an action by the signer;
Signing a second contract in response to an action by the signer;
With
The operation of signing the second contract is a time extension of the same operation as that used for the first contract.

  In accordance with this method, multiple contracts can be signed with a time extension of one operation, in contrast to conventional methods where multiple contracts are signed by repeating individual operations. Thus, a long list of contracts can be signed very easily and quickly. The operation of signing the second contract is preferably a continuous extension of the operation of signing the first contract.

  Preferably, the signer can see at least a summary version of the contract before the contract is signed. Of course, such a process would be a prerequisite for legally valid signed contracts. Therefore, the method may comprise the step of displaying contract identification information before the contract is signed.

  The displayed contract identification information may include information about the contract, for example, a list of both parties with whom the contract has been signed. Alternatively or additionally, for borrowing agreements, the displayed identification information may include a list of offer funds from each lender. Therefore, each contract in the list may be represented as one line of text or a few lines of text. This is particularly advantageous when generating a compact list rather than a list containing the full text of each contract.

  Despite the advantages of providing a compact strike, it is desirable to allow the parties to examine the full text of the contract in order to clarify the effect of the signatures by the parties. Therefore, means may be provided for selecting the displayed identification information of the contract and for displaying further details of the contract or, if necessary, all details of the contract.

  It is also desirable to allow signers to sign contracts individually. While it would be desirable for users to be able to sign large numbers of contracts easily and quickly, providing users with the ability to individually accept contracts in a traditional manner such as checking the "I agree" box Also good.

  The method may further comprise the step of displaying the contract identification information together with a display indicating that the contract has been signed after the contract has been signed. Being able to see a summary version of the contract after signing can be advantageous to the signer. This can provide confirmation to the signer that the contract has been successfully signed. A convenient indication that the contract has been signed may be a checked box.

  The method preferably further comprises the step of displaying at least a portion of the contract list. Many contracts or summary versions thereof may be displayed on the window screen. When a contract in the list is signed, this may change the details of the contract displayed on the window screen. During the signing process, it is preferable that the window screen displays a mixture of signed and unsigned contracts. Before any contract is signed, all contracts on the window screen will be unsigned, and after all contracts have been signed, all contracts on the window screen will be signed. Good.

  The operation of signing the first contract may be a signature tool selection. Most preferably, the method is performed on a computer so that the contract is digitally signed. There are many objects that can be selected as a signature tool in a computing environment. For example, the signature tool may be a specific key on the keyboard or a button provided on the mouse. Further, the signature tool may be an icon that can be selected on a pointer on the screen or a touch sensor type screen. The signature tool is preferably a displayed icon, and the displayed icon is preferably arranged to be selected by a pointer.

  An instruction for the signer may be displayed, and the instruction may be updated according to the status of a plurality of contracts. In this way, the system can be easily operated by the signer. The signing instructions are preferably arranged to be displayed in the vicinity of the signing tool.

  The signing tool may be configured not to operate after all of the plurality of contracts are signed. Therefore, it can be clarified that there is no unsigned contract with the signer, which can be an appropriate instruction for the signer to proceed to the next step.

The time extension of the signature tool selection may be a continuous selection of the signature tool.
The method may further comprise the step of displaying an indication of the contract currently being processed in the list. By indicating the contract currently being processed, an operation for signing the contract may be provided. In particular, the act of signing the first contract may be to move the displayed indication from one contract in the list to the other contract.

The contract currently being processed may be indicated in a number of different ways. Some examples are presented here.
In the first example, the contract currently being processed may be highlighted in the list. According to the first example, a contract can be signed by an action in which the highlight moves from one contract to another. It may be appropriate if the signed contract is the contract from which the highlight is moved or the contract to which the highlight is moved.

  In the second example, the contract currently being processed may be arranged at a preset position in the displayed portion of the list. Also in this example, the contract currently being processed may be the first contract, the second contract, or the first unsigned contract in the list. In an embodiment where there is a window screen that defines the displayed portion of the list, the indication of the contract currently being processed may change when a new portion of the list is displayed on the window screen. Moving the indication of the contract that is currently being processed may result in the contract being signed. The contract to be signed may be a newly contracted contract, or may be a contract that has been processed in the past.

  As a third example, the contract currently being processed may be shown in proximity to the tab of the scroll bar. In this way, the indication of the contract currently being processed may be moved when the tab of the scroll bar is moved relative to the contract in the list. This feature may allow for quick and easy contract offer or approval on easily recognized computer display platforms. In addition, scroll bar tabs often provide the fastest way to scroll to the bottom of the list in an Internet browser. This feature can therefore provide the fastest way to sign the entire contract shown in the list. In addition, tabs on the scroll bar are used to indicate the contract currently being processed, while other methods are used to simply scroll through the list without signing the contract.

  The time extension of the movement of the displayed indication in the list from one contract to another may be a continuous movement of the displayed indication in the list to another contract.

  During the continued selection of the signing tool, the rate at which the contract is signed may be increased. In this way, the rate at which contracts are signed is increased, and contracts shown in long lists can be signed quickly. At the same time, users can change their minds without signing multiple contracts.

  The method may further comprise recording the time the contract was signed. A record of the signing time (timing) associated with the contract creates a certainty for all parties as to when the contract became legal. The digital signature and signature time may be displayed. By displaying the signature along with the time of signing, the parties to the contract can gain further certainty about the legal status of the contract.

  A copy of the signed contract may be stored electronically. Once saved, the signed contract is accessible by the parties in electronic form for downloading or for later reference.

  The contract prepared in the contract list may be a borrowing or lending contract in a system for matching a money lender and a borrower. In this system, a money borrower receives funds from a plurality of lenders. In such a system, the money borrower is obliged to enter into a contract with each lender. This is a typical example where a quick and convenient method of approving or offering multiple contracts is desired.

  The method may further comprise the step of checking contracts in the contract list for digital signatures and notifying if all contracts have been signed. This feature may be used to notify contract parties if unsigned contracts remain in the list. In the situation where a money borrower receives funds from multiple lenders, the contracts in the contract list are interrelated because the contracts in the contract list form part of a large number of contracts. Therefore, in certain embodiments, it can be particularly important to ensure that partial signing of the contract list does not occur.

  The signature in the contract may be canceled after a preset period has elapsed since the signature on the contract. Preferably, the method does not include a step of canceling if all contracts are signed or if the user indicates that he wishes to execute a list of signed contracts.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for signing a contract digitally is provided, the method comprising:
Displaying at least part of the contract list;
Displaying the indication of the contract currently being processed in the list;
Moving the indication of the contract currently being processed from one contract to another contract in response to user input;
Signing a contract digitally in response to moving the contract currently being processed from one contract in the list to another;
It has.

  The indication of the contract currently being processed can move quickly from one contract to another, and in fact can move quickly between each contract toward the bottom of the long list. . By this method, the present invention can provide the advantage that the parties can sign the contract very easily and quickly. This is particularly suitable when a large number of contracts need to be signed. In addition, because the indication of the contract currently being processed is moved in response to the user's input, the user can still directly control the signature of the contract. Thus, the method can increase the ease and speed of signing for a large number of contracts while retaining legal validity in contract law.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for signing a contract digitally is provided, the apparatus comprising:
A display unit that displays at least part of the contract list;
An indicator to indicate the contract currently being processed in the list;
A controller for the user that can be used to move the indicator in the list from one contract to another;
A digital signature unit that digitally signs a contract in response to moving the contract currently being processed from one contract in the list to another contract;
It has.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method for signing a contract digitally is provided, the method comprising:
Displaying at least a portion of the contract list;
Displaying a scroll bar having a scroll tab next to the contract list;
Moving the scroll bar to pass the contract in response to user input;
Signing the contract digitally in response to the scroll bar passing the contract in the contract list;
It has.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program is provided, the computer program comprising:
A program module that displays at least part of the contract list;
A program module that displays the indication of the contract currently being processed in the list;
A program module that moves the displayed indication of the contract currently being processed from one contract in the list to another contract in response to user input;
A program module that signs a contract by digital processing according to the indication of the contract that is currently being processed that moves from one contract in the list to another contract,
It has.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for signing a plurality of contracts in digital processing is provided, the apparatus comprising:
A digital signature unit;
A controller for the user that allows the user to perform an action;
With
The digital signature unit digitally signs the first contract according to the operation by the user, and digitally signs the second contract according to the operation by the user,
The operation of signing the second contract is a time extension of the operation similar to the operation used for the first contract.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program is provided, the computer program comprising:
A program module responsive to a user action and a time extension of a similar action by the user;
A program module that signs the first contract digitally in response to a user action;
A program module for signing a second contract digitally in response to a time extension of the user's action;
It has.
Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention
In the system described in co-pending US patent application 11/191775, the borrower is funded by multiple individual lenders on the online system. The borrower applies for a loan and the system identifies funds from multiple lenders that can be used to provide the loan. The interest rate is determined based on the terms of the contract defined by the individual lender and is proposed to the borrower as an estimate along with the associated monthly repayments.
[Contract establishment]
Upon receipt of the quote for the loan, the borrower reviews the offer based on all relevant factors and decides whether to accept or decline. If the borrower agrees and proceeds with the loan, both parties must:
(I) Overall agreement on lending policy with all lenders and system administrators (ii) Individual agreement with each lender providing funds These agreements are contracts and are In the form, this consent is made online. An electronic or digital signature can be made to accept an electronic contract. These signatures are generally accepted and are considered legally valid in the United States as well as ink signatures.

One overall consent can be reviewed by the borrower and easily approved by standard electronic means such as checking the "I agree" box.
In the current system, the problem arises when multiple approval instructions are required. Funds, including loans requested by the borrower, may be supplied by a number of individual lenders, and a contract must be established with each lender. In some forms of lending systems, the number of lenders may exceed 50, 100, or perhaps 1000, so consider each contract in turn and check the “I agree” box This is undesirable and troublesome for the borrower. Similarly, based on contract law that each of these agreements must be individually signed by the borrower, it is impossible for the borrower to simply “agree with all” of the contract by checking one box. is there.

  FIG. 1 shows, for example, a contract list displayed on an internet browser screen that a borrower must sign to approve a loan quote. The borrower can see a summary of the contract details, including each lender's name and address, the lender's offer to the borrower, and the monthly repayment amount for the loan. In this embodiment, the lender's address is given as the system administrator's address. This provides a degree of secrecy to the lender. For example, as in the example shown in FIG. 2, by clicking on any individual lender, the borrower may inspect the contract for individual contracts.

In FIG. 2, it can be seen that the only details that can change in this type of contract are the name of the lender and the amount offered by the lender (and the associated monthly repayments). Therefore, each contract is actually very similar. As can be seen in FIG. 2, when the displayed contracts can be approved individually, it is not desirable for the borrower to review each contract in the list and approve its terms in this way, however, Can take. In addition, contracts can be individually signed in the list, for example, by conventional methods such as checking the “I agree” box.
[First Embodiment]
In general, an Internet browser includes a window screen that can be scrolled using (i) to (iv).
(I) “Up” and “Down” arrows on scroll bars (210a and 210b in FIG. 1)
(Ii) Mouse wheel (iii) Keyboard arrow key or Page Up / Page Down key (iv) Scroll bar tab In the first embodiment of the present invention, the contract constituting the loan quotation is displayed on the list on the Internet browser screen. Is displayed. The borrower may scroll the contract list using (i), (ii) or (iii). By clicking on a contract in the display screen, each contract in the list may be reviewed or approved individually. Alternatively, each contract may be approved by scrolling through the contracts in the list using the scroll bar tab 212. For example, as seen in FIG. 1 (214a-214c), when the scroll bar tab 212 passes the contract on the screen, the contract is digitally signed by the borrower. If the borrower drags the scroll bar from the top to the bottom of the contract list, it quickly passes through the contracts in the loan quote offer state and approves all these contracts. Since this is the fastest way to scroll to the bottom of the list in an Internet browser, it is advantageous to use the scroll bar tabs in this way.

  When the contract is signed by digital processing, the time stamp generated by the clock on the system server is stored together with the digital signature. In such an embodiment of the present invention, this time stamp is displayed on the screen so that the borrower can confirm that the digital signature has been signed and the time of the signature.

  Once the borrower is satisfied that all contracts have been signed, the “borrow” button 216 shown in FIG. 1 may be clicked. By clicking on the “borrow” button 216, the borrower gives final confirmation that he wants a legal obligation under the signed contract. Selecting this button activates a check procedure (not shown). The check procedure examines each contract in the loan quote to check whether they have been signed by the borrower. If the contracts remain unsigned, the check procedure can output an error message, and the borrower can sign them individually to proceed with the procedure, or scroll bar tab Can be used to sign an unfulfilled contract. In other embodiments, incomplete signatures are prevented by making the “borrow” button 216 visible only once all contracts have been signed.

Once the contract is signed, a copy is stored electronically and stored centrally by the system administrator. Furthermore, another copy of the contract may be saved as a PDF file, for example. This separate copy may be made downloadable by either party and by the system administrator.
[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 4 shows a part of the contract list displayed on the Internet browser screen. Four contracts 401, 402, 403, and 404 of 2000 are displayed on the window screen. The indicator window screen 410 shows the user how many of the 2000 contracts are signed. A “press and hold” button 420 that may be selected when signing a contract is displayed in the contract list. The reset button 430 can be selected from all contracts to clear all signatures.

  The contract may be digitally signed by clicking the “press and hold” button 420 to leave it as it is. By clicking once on the button, one contract in the contract list is signed. However, further contracts are signed by extending the time that button 420 remains clicked. Specifically, the first contract is signed by clicking button 420, the second contract is signed after button 420 remains clicked for time T1, and The third contract is signed after the button 420 is left clicked for a new time T2, and so on.

  T1 is longer than T2, and as a general rule Tn-1 is longer than Tn. In this way, the rate at which contracts are signed is increased. Regarding the time Tn, as “n” increases, the length may be appropriately reduced, or the lower limit may be reached.

  FIG. 4 shows two signed contracts 401 and 402 and two unsigned contracts 403 and 404. Therefore, the user can recognize that the third contract in list 403 is the next contract to be signed if the “press and hold” button 420 is selected. In this way, the third contract 403 can be indicated as a contract that is currently processed in the list.

  A “Next” button 440 is provided to allow the user to proceed to the next step in the process when all contracts in the contract list have been signed. In some embodiments, the “Next” button 440 is selectable by the user only when all contracts have been signed. However, if all contracts are signed and the user does not proceed to the next step for a certain amount of time, the system automatically cancels the signature. If this is not done, the user may forget that the contract has been signed and proceed to the next step in the process without being aware of it. This helps reduce the number of pending contracts that have not been completed by the user, and also minimizes the number of times that an online account must be returned for pending contracts.

  FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate a signing button 501 at various stages during the process of signing multiple contracts. In some embodiments, the signature button 501 of FIGS. 5A-5C may be replaced by the “press and hold” button 420 of FIG.

  The signature button 501 can be selected by operating a mouse pointer. A balloon 502 is provided near the signature button 501 to instruct the user how to proceed according to the status of a plurality of contracts.

  In FIG. 5A, a speech balloon 502 is placed to indicate that all contracts have not been signed. In general, this can be the state before any contract is signed. The text inside speech bubble 502 instructs the user how to proceed by clicking and holding signature button 501.

In FIG. 5B, the callout 502 is positioned to indicate that holding down the signature button can cause further signatures to be signed. Instructions to the user are provided in the text in the speech balloon. Finally, in FIG. 5C, the speech balloon 502 text is placed to indicate to the user that all contracts have been signed. The signature button 501 is arranged so as to be gray with respect to the signature button shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. As a result, the button 501 becomes invalid and can no longer be selected. The text in speech bubble 502 also indicates that the user can proceed by clicking on a button such as “Next” button 440 shown in FIG.
[Other Embodiments]
In other embodiments of the invention, different methods may be used to approve contracts instead of scroll bar tabs that pass beside the contract. For example, the scroll bar tab is simply used to scroll through the contract list, while using any of the methods (i), (ii) or (iii) described above to sign contracts. Also good.

In addition, other methods can be used to sign the contract. The contract may be signed by a means that indicates the contract in the list and this move action causes a signature when moved to indicate the next contract in the list. Specifically, this can be achieved by any of the following (including combinations thereof).
(A) Keyboard stroke (b) Mouse (or other pointer) action (c) Browser scrolling function As an example, while holding down a specific key on the keyboard, a mouse-controlled cursor passes over the contract By doing so, it may be possible to sign a contract.

Although the invention has been described in terms of a borrower approving a contract, it may equally be possible for a borrower to make multiple offers to a lender for lending conditions.
Certain powers of pre-disclosure disclosure are required by the lender (eg, in the UK under the Financial Services Act 2004). In general, such disclosure may include the name of the lender along with other information related to the loan. Each advance contract disclosure must be individually recognized by the borrower. Therefore, the borrower may quickly approve each of the lender's disclosures by using a digital signature according to any of the embodiments described above.

  The method for signing a contract by digital processing described herein may be embodied in an apparatus as shown in FIG. The apparatus includes a display unit 310 for displaying a part of the contract list. In FIG. 3, the contracts displayed in the list are labeled C1, C2, and C3. Indicator 312 points to one contract in the list and the display unit is connected to a central processing unit (CPU) for control. In addition, the CPU 314 includes a control unit 316 that the user can use to move the indicator 312 from one contract to another in the list. Further, the CPU 314 includes a digital signature unit 318 for signing a contract by digital processing in response to an indication of a contract currently being processed that moves from one contract to another contract in the list.

  In other embodiments, an apparatus as shown in FIG. 6 may be provided. FIG. 6 shows a central display processing device 510 connected to a digital signature unit 520 for signing a contract and a controller 530 for electronic communication. The central display processor 510 may display a portion of the contract list 512 and allow the user to sign contracts in the list by operating the controller 530. The controller 530 includes a button 532, and selection of the button sends the contract to the digital signature unit 520 where the contract is signed. By selecting the button 532 to extend in time, multiple contracts are sent to the digital signature unit 520 so that they are signed.

Fig. 2 shows a contract list including embodiments of the present invention. An example of a contract for a borrower in a lending and borrowing system is shown. 1 shows an apparatus in which the present invention is embodied. Fig. 4 shows a part of a contract list including embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 5 illustrates a signature button that can be used at various stages during signing for multiple contracts in an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows another apparatus in which the present invention is embodied.

Claims (25)

A method of signing multiple contracts digitally,
Signing the first contract in response to an action by the signer;
Signing a second contract in response to an action by the signer;
With
The method of signing the second contract is a time extension of the same operation as that used for the first contract.   The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying identification information of the contract before the contract is signed.   3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of displaying identification information of the contract along with an indication that the contract has been signed after the contract is signed.   The method of claim 3, further comprising displaying at least a portion of the contract list.   The method of claim 1, wherein the act of signing the first contract is a signing tool selection action.   6. The method of claim 5, wherein the time extension of the signature tool selection operation is a continuous selection of the signature tool.   The method of claim 5, wherein the signature tool is a displayed icon, and wherein the displayed icon is arranged to be selected by a pointer.   The method according to claim 1, further comprising displaying instructions for the signer and updating the instructions according to a status of a plurality of contracts.   The method of claim 5, wherein the signing tool ceases to operate after all of the plurality of contracts have been signed.   The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying an indication of a contract currently being processed in a list.   The method of claim 10, wherein the act of signing the first contract is moving the displayed indication from one contract to another in a list.   12. The time extension of the movement of one of the displayed indications in the list from one contract to another is a continuous movement of the displayed indication in the list to another contract. The method described in 1.   The method according to claim 11, wherein the contract currently being processed is displayed in proximity to a scroll bar tab.   The method of claim 6, wherein a rate at which a contract is signed increases during a continuous selection of the signing tool.   The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of recording the time at which the contract was signed.   The method of claim 15, further comprising displaying the digital signature and the time of signing.   The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of electronically storing the signed contract.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the contract prepared in the contract list is a borrowing or lending contract in a system for matching a money lender and a borrower.   The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of checking contracts in a contract list for digital signature and notifying if all contracts have been signed.   The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of canceling the signature in the contract after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the signature on the contract. A method of signing a contract digitally,
Displaying at least part of the contract list;
Displaying the indication of the contract currently being processed in the list;
Moving the indication of the contract currently being processed from one contract to another contract in response to user input;
Signing a contract digitally in response to moving the contract currently being processed from one contract in the list to another contract;
With a method.   The method of claim 21, wherein the contract currently being processed is displayed proximate to a scroll bar tab. A device for signing a contract digitally,
A display unit that displays at least part of the contract list;
An indicator for indicating a contract currently being processed in the list;
A controller for a user that can be used in the list to move the indicator from one contract to another;
A digital signature unit for digitally signing a contract in response to moving a contract currently being processed from one contract in the list to another contract;
With a device. A method of signing a contract digitally,
Displaying at least a portion of the contract list;
Displaying a scroll bar having a scroll tab next to the contract list;
Moving the scroll bar to pass the contract in response to user input;
Signing a contract digitally in response to the scroll bar passing a contract in the contract list;
With a method. A device for signing multiple contracts in digital processing,
A digital signature unit;
A controller for the user that allows the user to perform an action;
With
The digital signature unit digitally signs a first contract according to an operation by the user, and digitally signs a second contract according to an operation by the user,
The apparatus for signing the second contract is an extension of time similar to that used for the first contract.

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