WO2019193257A2

WO2019193257A2 - Digital document content determination

Info

Publication number: WO2019193257A2
Application number: PCT/FI2019/050276
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pyry LIUKAS; Teemu ÄIJÄLÄ; Teemu MARTTINEN; Sami RINTALA; Tero VALKIALA
Original assignee: Dealsign Solutions Oy
Priority date: 2018-04-05
Filing date: 2019-04-05
Publication date: 2019-10-10
Also published as: WO2019193257A3

Abstract

According to an aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method for determining content of a digital document. The method comprises receiving, by a computer system, via a data communication network a request for the digital document stored in a data storage, the digital document further being associated with a document sending party and a document receiving party, and comprising a plurality of distinct data records, each distinct data record representing a separately agreeable sub section of the digital document; retrieving, by the computer system, the digital document from the data storage; obtaining, by the computer system, via the data communication network an agreement separately for each agreeable sub section of the digital document from the document sending party and the document receiving party; and setting, by the computer system, the digital document to an agreed state when all sub sections of the digital document have been separately agreed by the document sending party and the document receiving party.

Description

DIGITAL DOCUMENT CONTENT DETERMINATION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to the field of computer systems, and more particularly to a method and computer system for agreeing content of a digital document using a data communication network.

BACKGROUND

An agreement of various forms of digital documents can be implemented, for example, as a cloud based service via a data communication network. In this solution a digital document that may be editable or non-editable is stored in the cloud based service, and one or more entities may be given an access and/or editing right for the document. A link to the shared digital document may be sent to each entity, and using the link the shared digital document is accessible using, for example, a web browser. If content of a digital document is to be agreed by multiple parties, each party has to agree with the whole digital document after revisions to the document.

There is a need for a solution that would make an approval or agreement of the digital documents more efficient.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

It is an object of the invention to provide a solution that would make sharing of digital documents more efficient.

This objective is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further embodiments and examples of the invention are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

According to a first aspect, a computer-implemented method for agreeing content of a digital document is provided. The method comprises receiving, by a computer system, via a data communication network a request for the digital document stored in a data storage, the digital document further being associated with a document sending party and a document receiving party, and comprising a plurality of distinct data records, each distinct data record representing a separately agreeable sub section of the digital document; retrieving, by the computer system, the digital document from the data storage; obtaining, by the computer system, via the data communication network an agreement separately for each agreeable sub section of the digital document from the document sending party and the document receiving party; and setting, by the computer system, the digital document to an agreed state when all sub sections of the digital document have been separately agreed by the document sending party and the document receiving party.

In an implementation form of the first aspect, the method further comprises receiving, by the computer system, an editing request of a sub section of the digital document from one of the document sending party and the document receiving party; and requesting, by the computer system, agreement for the edited sub section of the document from the other one of the document sending party and the document receiving party.

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the method further comprises receiving, by the computer system, via the data communication network a request to start a signing process of the digital document from the document sending party or the document receiving party after the digital document has been set to an agreed state.

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the method further comprises receiving, by the computer system, via the communication network information about at least one document authorizer of the document receiving party; associating, by the computer system, the agreed digital document with the at least one document authorizer of the document receiving party; requesting, by the computer system, an authorization from each of the at least one document authorizer of the document receiving party; receiving, by the computer system, via the communication network information about at least one document authorizer of the document sending party; associating, by the computer system, the agreed digital document with the at least one document authorizer of the document sending party; and requesting, by the computer system, an authorization from each of the at least one document authorizer of the document sending party. In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the method further comprises setting, by the computer system, the agreed digital document to an authorized state when each one of the at least one document authorizer of the document receiving side and the at least one document authorizer of the document sending party has provided an authorization.

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the method further comprises storing, by the server, log data relating to actions associated with the digital document.

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the digital document comprises a written document or a contract document.

According to a second aspect, a computer system for agreeing content of a digital document is provided. The computer system comprises at least one processor and at least one memory connected to the at least one processor. The at least one memory stores program instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the computer system to receive via a data communication network a request for the digital document stored in a data storage, the digital document further being associated with a document sending party and a document receiving party, and comprising a plurality of distinct data records, each distinct data record representing a separately agreeable sub section of the digital document; retrieve the digital document from the data storage; obtain via the data communication network an agreement separately for each agreeable sub section of the digital document from the document sending party and the document receiving party; and set the digital document to an agreed state when all sub sections of the digital document have been separately agreed by the document sending party and the document receiving party.

In an implementation form of the second aspect, the at least one memory stores program instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the computer system to receive an editing request of a sub section of the digital document from one of the document sending party and the document receiving party; and request agreement for the edited sub section of the document from the other one of the document sending party and the document receiving party.

In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the at least one memory stores program instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the computer system to receive via the data communication network a request to start a signing process of the digital document from the document sending party or the document receiving party after the digital document has been set to an agreed state.

In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the at least one memory stores program instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the computer system to receive via the communication network information about at least one document authorizer of the document receiving party; associate the agreed digital document with the at least one document authorizer of the document receiving party; request an authorization from each of the at least one document authorizer of the document receiving party; receive via the communication network information about at least one document authorizer of the document sending party; associate the agreed digital document with the at least one document authorizer of the document sending party; and request an authorization from each of the at least one document authorizer of the document sending party.

In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the at least one memory stores program instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the computer system to set the agreed digital document to an authorized state when each one the at least one document authorizer of the document receiving side and the at least one document authorizer or the document sending party has provided an authorization.

In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the at least one memory stores program instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the computer system to store log data relating to actions associated with the digital document.

In a further implementation form of the second aspect, the digital document comprises a written document or a contract document.

According to a third aspect, a computer program is provided. The computer program comprises program code which when executed by at least one processor, performs the method of first aspect. According to a fourth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer- readable medium comprises a computer program comprising program code which when executed by at least one processor, performs the method of first aspect.

According to a fifth aspect, a computer system for agreeing content of a digital document is provided. The computer system comprises means for receiving via a data communication network a request for the digital document stored in a data storage, the digital document further being associated with a document sending party and a document receiving party, and comprising a plurality of distinct data records, each distinct data record representing a separately agreeable sub section of the digital document; means for retrieving the digital document from the data storage; means for obtaining via the data communication network an agreement separately for each agreeable sub section of the digital document from the document sending party and the document receiving party; and means for setting the digital document to an agreed state when all sub sections of the digital document have been separately agreed by the document sending party and the document receiving party.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following examples are described in more detail with reference to the attached figures and drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a computer-implemented method for agreeing content of a digital document.

FIG. 2 illustrates an operation flow when for determining content of a digital document.

FIG. 3A illustrates a simplified illustration of a web page presented with a web browser for a user.

FIG. 3B illustrates a simplified illustration of a web page presented with a web browser for a user.

FIG. 3C illustrates a simplified illustration of a web page presented with a web browser for a user. FIG. 3D illustrates a simplified illustration of a web page presented with a web browser for a user.

FIG. 3E illustrates a simplified illustration of a web page presented with a web browser for a user.

FIG. 4 illustrates another simplified illustration of a web page presented with a web browser for a user when a signing process is initiated.

FIG. 5 illustrates another simplified illustration of a web page presented with a web browser for a user.

FIG. 6 illustrates another simplified illustration of a web page presented with a web browser for a user when a digital document has been signed by both a sending party and a receiving party.

FIG. 7 illustrates a system diagram depicting an exemplary computer system.

In the following identical reference signs refer to identical or at least functionally equivalent features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the disclosure, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific aspects and examples in which the present invention may be placed. It is understood that other aspects may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, as the scope of the present invention is defined be the appended claims.

For instance, it is understood that a disclosure in connection with a described method may also hold true for a corresponding device or system configured to perform the method and vice versa. For example, if a specific method step is described, a corresponding device may include a unit or other means to perform the described method step, even if such unit is not explicitly described or illustrated in the figures. On the other hand, for example, if a specific apparatus is described based on functional units, a corresponding method may include a step performing the described functionality, even if such step is not explicitly described or illustrated in the figures. Further, it is understood that the features of the various exemplary aspects described herein may be combined with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise.

The purpose of the solution is to provide an efficient and easy solution for agreeing contents of digital documents by using a network based solution accessible via a data communication network.

FIG. 1 illustrates a computer-implemented method for agreeing content of a digital document. The method may be implemented, for example, with a computer system or a server providing a cloud service assessable over a data communication network using a web browser, an application running in a mobile terminal.

At 100 a request for a digital document stored in a data storage is received by a computer system via a data communication network. The request may originate from a user terminal that may be, for example, a computer or a mobile device. The digital document comprises a plurality of distinct data records, each distinct data record representing a separately agreeable sub section of the digital document. Each data record may correspond with an independent sub-section of the document, for example, one or more paragraphs discussing a single issue. If the document is, for example, a written document or a contract document, each data record may represent a single clause of the contract document. When the plurality of distinct data records is combined, the combined distinct data records represent the digital document template. The digital document may further be associated with a document sending party and a document receiving party. In an embodiment, the digital document may be a written document of a contract document between the document sending party and the document receiving party. In an example, the document sending or receiving party refers, for example, to a party that may be mentioned in the digital document. The document sending party may be, for example, a natural person or a legal entity, for example, a company. At 102 the digital document is retrieved by the computer system from the data storage. The data storage may store one or more other digital documents that are accessible by the user or other users.

At 104 the computer system obtains via the data communication network an agreement separately for each agreeable sub section of the digital document from the document sending party and the document receiving party. In an example, either of the parties may initiate changes to one or more sub sections of the digital document. In response to this, the computer system may request agreement for the edited sub sections of the digital document from the party that did not initiate the changes.

At 106 the digital document is set by the computer system to an agreed state when all sub sections of the digital document have been separately agreed by the document sending party and the document receiving party. In an embodiment, the computer system automatically sets the digital document to the agreed state when all sub sections of the digital document have been separately agreed by the document sending party and the document receiving party.

FIG. 2 illustrates an operation flow when for determining or agreeing content of a digital document.

A digital document 200 represents a document that is stored in a data storage of a computer system and accessible by one or more users. The digital document comprises a plurality of distinct data records, each distinct data record representing a separately agreeable sub section of the digital document. Each data record may correspond with an independent sub- section of the document, for example, one or more paragraphs discussing a single issue. If the document is, for example, a contract document, each data record may represent a single clause of the contract document. When the plurality of distinct data records is combined, the combined distinct data records represent the digital document template. The digital document may further be associated with a document sending party 202 and a document receiving party 204. In an example, the document sending or receiving party may be, for example, a natural person or a legal entity, for example, a company. In this example, one or more document senders may represent the document sending party or act on behalf of the document sending party. Similarly, one or more document receivers may represent the document receiving party or act on behalf of the document receiving party. This may mean that one or more document senders or document receivers may have a right to access and possibly to edit the digital document 200. The digital document 200 may, in one example, be accessed using a web browser of a user device, for example, a computer, a tablet computer or a mobile device via a data communication network. Alternatively or additionally, a user may have an access to the digital document via the data communication network by an application executed by the tablet computer or the mobile device. Further, the computer system may refer to a server or a cloud service that is accessible via the data communication network.

At 206 the sending party 202 sends or shares the digital document 208 to the receiving party. The sending or sharing may mean that the sending party 202 creates the digital document and gives access to the digital document to one or more document receivers. The document 208 (CONTENT V.0) may refer to the original digital document 200 or to an edited version of it. When the sending party 202 sends the document 208 to the receiving party 204, this may mean that the sending party 202 implicitly agrees to all sub sections of the document 208.

The receiving party 204 has two options after receiving the document 208. It may either edit 210 one or more sub sections of the document 208 or agree 212 with all the sub sections of the document 208. In case the receiving party 204 directly agrees 212 with all the sub sections of the document 208, the processing proceeds to 232 at which an agreed digital document has been established.

The receiving party 204 may also disagree with one or more sub sections of the document 208 and agree with the remaining ones. The receiving party 204 may edit the document 208, i.e. some sub sections of the digital document, and share an edited document 214 (CONTENT V.l) with the sending party 202. Now, similarly to the receiving party 204, the sending party 202 has the possibility either to agree 218 with the modified document 214 or edit 216 the document 214. In case the sending party 202 now agrees with the edited document 214, the processing proceeds to 232 at which an agreed digital document has been established. On the other hand, the sending party 202 may still disagree with one or more sub sections of the modified document 214. The sending party 202 may edit 216 the modified document 214 and share the again modified document 220 (CONTENT V.2) with the receiving party 204.

Again, the receiving party 204 has two options. It may either edit 222 one or more sub sections of the document 220 or agree 224 with all the sub sections of the document 220. In case the receiving party 204 directly agrees with all the edited sub sections of the document 220, the processing proceeds to 232 at which an agreed digital document has been established. On the other hand, the receiving party 204 may still disagree with one or more sub sections of the modified document 220. The receiving party 204 may edit 222 the modified document 220 and share the again modified document 226 (CONTENT V.X) with the sending party 202.

At this point, the sending party 204 does not need to edit 228 the modified document 226 anymore and the sending party 204 agrees 230 with the modified document 226. Thus, the processing proceeds to 232 at which an agreed digital document has been established.

The example illustrated in FIG. 2 discloses an iterative agreement procedure for the sending and receiving parties. Although FIG. 2 illustrates a specific number of iterations, in other examples the number may vary. As the digital document is divided into a plurality of distinct data records, each of them representing a separately agreeable sub section of the digital document, an agreement of the various sub sections can be achieved gradually.

In an example, the computer system may store log data about all actions associated with the digital document. For example, the computer system may store all revisions and changes of sub sections edited by the sending and receiving parties and when the revisions and changes were made.

Further, agreeing with all the sub sections may mean that the sending or receiving party separately agrees each section, for example, using a selection button associated with each sub section. Alternatively, agreeing with all the sub sections may mean that the sending or receiving party performs a single action (for example, selects“agree all”) that then causes the effect that all the sub sections have been separately agreed. Yet in another example, agreeing with all the sub sections may mean that the sending or receiving party wishes to start an authorization or signing process. This has the effect that the sending or receiving party has separately agreed all the sub sections.

FIG. 3A illustrates a simplified illustration of a web page 300 presented, for example, with a web browser for a user representing a document receiving party or with an application executed by a user device. The web page 300 represents a view of a digital document shared with the document receiving party. The web page 300 displays a table of contents section 302 and the digital document 304. The digital document 304 comprises a plurality of distinct data records 306A, 306B, 306C, 306D, 306E, 306F. Each data record 306A, 306B, 306C, 306D, 306E, 306F may or may not be editable. If a data record 306B, 306C, 306D, 306E, 306F is editable, the user is able to edit 310 the data record 306B, 306C, 306D, 306E, 306F to include a desired textual formulation. Each data record 306B, 306C, 306D, 306E, 306F may represent one paragraph, section or clause of the digital document 304.

The table of contents section 302 may comprise headers of each data record 306B, 306C, 306D, 306E, 306F. Each item in the table of contents section 302 may be a link to a corresponding data record 306B, 306C, 306D, 306E, 306F. If the digital document 304 is long thus causing a need to scroll it with the web browser, using the links in the table of contents section 302 the user is able to quickly access a desired data record 306B, 306C, 306D, 306E, 306F.

If the user representing the document receiving party agrees with some of the sub sections, the user may select the agree button 308 of these sub sections. Although FIG. 3A illustrates that a separate agree button 308 is associated with each sub section 306A, 306C, 306D, 306E, another possibility is to enable the user to agree with all the sub sections simultaneously. This can be established, for example, with a single“agree all” button that the user can select.

FIG. 3 A also illustrates that the section 312 may comprise a“review and sign” button 312. Instead of agreeing all sub sections 306A, 306C, 306D, 306E separately, the user may select the review and sign button 312. This has the effect that the user has separately agreed with all the sub sections and wishes to proceed to signing the digital document 304. FIG. 3B illustrates a simplified illustration of a web page 314 presented, for example, with a web browser for a user or with an application executed by a user device. The example view illustrated in FIG. 3B assumes that the receiving party agreed 316 with all but one sub section, i.e. the sub section 306E. This means that the receiving party sent an edited version of the digital document back to the sending party. In an example, the sending party may still be able to edit 310 the already agreed sub sections 306A, 306C, 306D.

Again, the section 302 may enable the user to select the review of sign button 312. Instead of agreeing all sub sections 306A, 306C, 306D, 306E separately, the user may select the review and sign button 312. This has the effect that the user has separately agreed with all the sub sections and wishes to proceed to signing the digital document 304.

In one example, the section 302 may also provide an indication about the current progress status associated with the digital document. The progress status may mean that the header sections in the section 302 may be associated with an indicator whether the corresponding sub section 306A, 306B, 306C, 306D, 306E has been agreed with or not. Alternatively or additionally, a percentage indicator or a progress bar indicating the overall agreement situation may be provided. As an example, if three out of five sub sections have been agreed with, the percentage indicator would show 60% progress status.

FIG. 3C illustrates a simplified illustration of a web page 338 presented, for example, with a web browser for a user or with an application executed by a user device. The web page 338 is similar to the web page 314 illustrated in FIG. 3B. The web page 338 may provide additional indicators 328, 330, 332, 334, 336 to a user reviewing the web page 338. The section 302 may provide the indicators 328, 300. The indicator 328 may indicate that the date sub section 306A has already been agreed by both parties. The indicator 330 may indicate the definitions sub section 306D has been edited. The digital document 304 section may also provide some additional data to the user in the sub sections. The date sub section 306A may provide an indication 334 that the party B has agreed this sub section. If both parties have agreed a particular sub section, this sub section may provide an indicator that both parties have agreed the sub section. For example, the indicator 334 may indicate both parties. The definitions sub section 306D may provide an indication 336 that the party B has edited this sub section. An activity section 332 may provide information about the actions performed with the digital document 304. The activity section 332 may, for example, identify more specifically which sub section 306A-306D was edited or agreed, and may provide a time stamp associated with the action. In an embodiment, only when all parties have agreed with all sub sections (agreement indicated with the indication 328), it is possible to proceed to the actual signing step.

FIG. 3D illustrates a simplified illustration of a web page 342 presented, for example, with a web browser for a user or with an application executed by a user device. The web page 342 illustrates a situation when the sending party or the receiving party has, for example, selected the review and sign button 312. A section 322 may represent a view of the digital document to be signed. A section 320 may provide some additional information to a user. If the user is satisfied with the digital document in the section 322, the user may select a“start signing process” button 324. Alternatively, if the user still wants to edit the digital document, the user may select a“back to negotiation” button 326. The web page 342 may also show the activity sub section 332 illustrated in FIG. 3C. A sub section 340 may provide some advice or indication about the status of the process. In this particular example, the party A cannot yet start the signing process, while the party B could start the signing process. A sub section 344 may provide an overview or a status overview relating to the digital document and/or some analytical data about the digital document. The sub section 344 may, for example, identify the total number of negotiable sections, the number of sections agreed by both parties, the number of sections edited by the party A, the number of sections edited by the party B, and the number of sections in their original form etc. The sub section 344 may also identify how long the negotiation took. It is to be understood that these are only possible examples of data or analytical data about the digital document that can be presented in the sub section 344, and other examples may be used additionally and alternatively.

FIG. 3E illustrates a simplified illustration of a web page 318 presented, for example, with a web browser for a user or with an application executed by a user device. The web page 318 illustrates a situation when the sending party or the receiving party has, for example, selected the review and sign button 312. A section 322 may represent a view of the digital document to be signed. A section 320 may include one more or options that the user may select. If the user is satisfied with the digital document in the section 322, the user may select a“start signing process” button 324. Alternatively, if the user still wants to edit the digital document, the user may select a“back to negotiation” button 326. FIG. 4 illustrates another simplified illustration of a web page presented with a web browser or with an application executed by a user device for a user when a signing process is initiated, for example, by selecting the start signing process option 324 in FIG. 3D.

In a setup window 400 illustrated in FIG. 4, the user may select the number of signers 402 that may be, for example, 1-4 or even more. For each signer 404 A, 404B, a first name and a last name may have to be input. Additionally, an email address and/or a phone number may be input for each signer. If the user wishes to interrupt the process, this may be done by selecting the close button 408. When all information has been input about the signers, the user can proceed to the actual signing process by selecting the invite signers and begin signing button 406.

In one example, if a mobile phone number is used for each signer, it can be used in a two- step verification to verify the identity of the signers.

FIG. 5 illustrates another simplified illustration of a web page 500 presented with a web browser for a user or with an application executed by a user device. The web page 500 may be shown to the document sending party and to the document receiving party when both parties have agreed all sub sections of the digital document and the signing process has been initiated. A section 504 may represent a view of the agreed digital document. A section 502 may give status information about the agreed digital document and various proceeding options. For example, the status 506 of the agreed digital document may be“waiting for signatures”. Further, the section 502 may indicate 508, 510 that neither of the parties has signed the agreed digital document yet.

If the user wants to restart negotiations, the user may do this by selecting the option 514. If the user is satisfied with the agreed digital document and wants to sign the agreed digital document, the user may do this by selecting the option 512. By selecting the sign document option 512, a procedure for signing the digital document initiated. The signing procedure may be implemented using any existing technical solutions for providing an authorization, a signature or an identification. As a simple example, the user may be provided with a signing window in which the user is able to draw a signature using a touch-sensitive display. As another example, the user’s name may be printed using a default font and the signature is considered valid if the user accepts it. As another example, the user may be able to copy- paste his signature as an image from a file. As another example, a strong electronic identification procedure may be used. The strong electronic identification means the verification of an identity by electronic means. With the strong electronic identification, the user can verify his or her identity in various electronic services. The devices used in identification may include the following: online bank identifiers, citizen certificates or mobile certificates issued by telecoms operators.

FIG. 6 illustrates another simplified illustration of a web page 600 presented with a web browser or with an application executed by a user device for a user when a digital document has been signed by both a sending party and a receiving party.

A section 604 shows the content of the agreed and signed digital document. A section 602 shows status information and information about the signed parties. For example, the status 606 of the agreed digital document may be“signed”. Further, the section 602 may indicate 610, 612 that both parties have signed the agreed digital document. The indications 610, 612 may also identify the persons who signed on behalf of the sending party and the receiving party.

Although in FIGS. 3-6 a web page has been used as an example of accessing and communicating with the computer system, this is only one example. Alternatively, a desktop application running in a computer or a mobile application running in a mobile device may provide the same functionality. In these cases, the desktop or mobile application may be connected to the computer system via a data communication network and provide the same functionality as illustrated in FIGS. 3-6.

Further, although FIGS. 3-6 discusses about“a signature” and“signer”, the illustrated solution applies also in a case where an authorization is received from an authorizer. An authorization refers generally in this context to a consent received from an authorizer or identification of the authorizer. A signature from a signer may be considered as one possible solution for providing an authorization.

FIG.7 illustrates a system diagram depicting an exemplary computer system 700 including a variety of optional hardware and software components, shown generally at 702. Any components 702 in the computer system can communicate with any other component, although not all connections are shown, for ease of illustration. The computer system 700 can be any of a variety of computing devices (for example, a computer, a cloud based server etc.) and can allow two-way communications with one or more communications networks, such as the Internet.

The illustrated computer system 700 can include one or more controllers or processors 704 (e.g., signal processor, microprocessor, ASIC, or other control and processing logic circuitry) for performing such tasks as signal coding, data processing, input/output processing, power control, and/or other functions. An operating system 712 can control the allocation and usage of the components 702 and support for one or more application programs 714. The application programs can include common computing applications (e.g., server software), or any other computing application.

The illustrated computer system 700 can include a memory 706. The memory 706 can include non-removable memory 710 and/or removable memory 708. The non-removable memory 710 can include RAM, ROM, flash memory, a hard disk, or other well-known memory storage technologies. The removable memory 708 can include flash memory or other well-known memory storage technologies. The memory 706 can be used for storing data and/or code for running the operating system 712 and the applications 714. Example data can include web pages, text, images, sound files, video data, or other data sets to be sent to and/or received from one or more network servers or other devices via one or more wired or wireless networks.

The computer system 700 can further include at least one physical connector 716, which can be a USB port, IEEE 1394 (FireWire) port, and/or RS-232 port etc.

The illustrated components 712 are not required or all-inclusive, as any components can deleted and other components can be added.

The computer system 700 may be configured to implement the various features, examples and embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-6. The functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more computer program product components such as software components. According to an example, the processor 704 may be configured by the program code which when executed performs the examples and embodiments of the operations and functionality described. Alternatively, or in addition, the functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Program- specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Program-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System- on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), Graphics Processing Units (GPUs).

The functionality of the computer system 700 may be implemented by program instructions stored on a computer readable medium. The program instructions, when executed, cause the computer, processor or the like, to perform the disclosed steps or functionality. The computer readable medium can be any medium, including non-transitory storage media, on which the program is stored such as a Blu-Ray disc, DVD, CD, USB (flash) drive, hard disc, server storage available via a network, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM or a Flash memory having electronically readable control signals stored thereon which cooperate or are capable of cooperating with a programmable computer system such that an embodiment of at least one of the inventive methods is performed. An embodiment of the invention comprises or is a computer program comprising program code for performing any of the methods described herein, when executed on a computer. Another example of the invention comprises or is a computer readable medium comprising a program code that, when executed by a processor, causes a computer system to perform any of the methods described herein.

Further, one or more of the disclosed elements or components 702 of the computer system 700 may constitute means for receiving via a data communication network a request for the digital document stored in a data storage, the digital document further being associated with a document sending party and a document receiving party, and comprising a plurality of distinct data records, each distinct data record representing a separately agreeable sub section of the digital document; means for retrieving the digital document from the data storage; means for obtaining via the data communication network an agreement separately for each agreeable sub section of the digital document from the document sending party and the document receiving party; and means for setting the digital document to an agreed state when all sub sections of the digital document have been separately agreed by the document sending party and the document receiving party.

One or more of the aspects, examples and embodiments discussed above provide a solution that enables efficient, easy and reliable way for various parties to agree about digital documents electronically. As the solution is a centralized solution provided by the computer system, it enables an efficient solution in which there is no need to send any copies of separate intermediate versions of a digital document between the sending and receiving parties. Instead, the computer system provides a centralized system for the sending and receiving party for editing and agreeing about the digital document. Further, the illustrated solution enables providing an approval or agreement for each agreeable sub section of the digital document separately independently from other sub sections. This makes it easier to determine and see which parts of the digital document have already been agreed with.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one example or may relate to several examples. The examples are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that reference to 'an' item may refer to one or more of those items.

The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples without losing the effect sought. The term 'comprising' is used herein to mean including the method, blocks or elements identified, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements. Although the invention and its advantages have been described in detail with reference to specific features and embodiments thereof, it is evident that various changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded simply as an illustration of the invention as defined by the appended claims, and are contemplated to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for agreeing content of a digital document, the method comprising:

receiving, by a computer system, via a data communication network a request for the digital document stored in a data storage, the digital document further being associated with a document sending party and a document receiving party, and comprising a plurality of distinct data records, each distinct data record representing a separately agreeable sub section of the digital document;

retrieving, by the computer system, the digital document from the data storage;

obtaining, by the computer system, via the data communication network an agreement separately for each agreeable sub section of the digital document from the document sending party and the document receiving party; and

setting, by the computer system, the digital document to an agreed state when all sub sections of the digital document have been separately agreed by the document sending party and the document receiving party.

2. A method of claim 1, the method further comprising:

receiving, by the computer system, an editing request of a sub section of the digital document from one of the document sending party and the document receiving party; and requesting, by the computer system, agreement for the edited sub section of the digital document from the other one of the document sending party and the document receiving party.

3. A method of claim 1 or 2, the method further comprising:

receiving, by the computer system, via the data communication network a request to start an authorization process of the digital document by the document sending party or the document receiving party after the digital document has been set to an agreed state.

4. A method of claim 3, the method further comprising:

receiving, by the computer system, via the communication network information about at least one document authorizer of the document receiving party;

associating, by the computer system, the agreed digital document with the at least one document authorizer of the document receiving party; requesting, by the computer system, an authorization from each of the at least one document authorizer of the document receiving party;

receiving, by the computer system, via the communication network information about at least one document authorizer of the document sending party;

associating, by the computer system, the agreed digital document with the at least one document authorizer of the document sending party; and

requesting, by the computer system, an authorization from each of the at least one document authorizer of the document sending party.

5. A method of claim 4, the method further comprising:

setting, by the computer system, the agreed digital document to an authorized state when each one of the at least one document authorizer of the document receiving side and the at least one document authorizer of the document sending party has provided an authorization.

6. A method of any of claims 1 - 5, the method further comprising:

storing, by the server, log data relating to actions associated with the digital document.

7. A method of any of claims 1 - 6, wherein the digital document comprises a contract document.

8. A computer system for agreeing content of a digital document, the computer system comprising:

at least one processor;

at least one memory connected to the at least one processor;

wherein the at least one memory stores program instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the computer system to:

receive via a data communication network a request for the digital document stored in a data storage, the digital document further being associated with a document sending party and a document receiving party, and comprising a plurality of distinct data records, each distinct data record representing a separately agreeable sub section of the digital document;

retrieve the digital document from the data storage; obtain via the data communication network an agreement separately for each agreeable sub section of the digital document by the document sending party and the document receiving party; and

set the digital document to an agreed state when all sub sections of the digital document have been separately agreed by the document sending party and the document receiving party.

9. A computer system of claim 8, wherein the at least one memory stores program instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the computer system to:

receive an editing request of a sub section of the digital document from one of the document sending party and the document receiving party; and

request agreement for the edited sub section of the document from the other one of the document sending party and the document receiving party.

10. A computer system of claim 8 or 9, wherein the at least one memory stores program instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the computer system to:

receive via the data communication network a request to start a signing process of the digital document from the document sending party or the document receiving party after the digital document has been set to an agreed state.

11. A computer system of claim 10, wherein the at least one memory stores program instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the computer system to:

receive via the communication network information about at least one document authorizer of the document receiving party;

associate the agreed digital document with the at least one document authorizer of the document receiving party;

request an authorization from each of the at least one document authorizer of the document receiving party;

receive via the communication network information about at least one document authorizer of the document sending party;

associate the agreed digital document with the at least one document authorizer of the document sending party; and request an authorization from each of the at least one document authorizer of the document sending party.

12. A computer system of claim 11, wherein the at least one memory stores program instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the computer system to:

set the agreed digital document to an authorized state when each one the at least one document authorizer of the document receiving side and the at least one document authorizer or the document sending party has provided an authorization.

13. A computer system of any of claim 8 - 12, wherein the at least one memory stores program instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the computer system to:

store log data relating to actions associated with the digital document.

14. A computer system of any of claims 8 - 13, wherein the digital document comprises a contract document.

15. A computer program comprising program code which when executed by at least one processor, performs the method of any of claims 1 - 7.

16. A computer-readable medium comprising a computer program comprising program code which when executed by at least one processor, performs the method of any of claims 1 - 7.