Importance

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Abstract

A computer-based system providing for the electronic approval of documents in parallel. An electronic document is issued for approval by a user at one point in time at some location. It can subsequently be accessed by other users, who can then electronically approve the documents simultaneously or serially. The technology alerts users to any unauthorized modifications which may have been made to the document during subsequent approvals. A document authentication code (DAC 0) is generated, linked to the original document. Subsequent approvals of the document generate a DAC x related to that specific approval as well as approval information such as an individual's handwritten signature as well as any other identifying information (Name, date and time of signing, biometrics, voice, fingerprint, picture, etc.) which may be required for the approval process. If the DAC generated for each subsequent approval matches the DAC 0, the approval is validated, optionally encrypted and stored in an Approval Data Packet (ADP) along with the approval information. A match in the DACs also confirms that users are working from the same document and that the data has not been changed in the interim (i.e. all users are approving the same document). Should the DACs not match, corrective action may be necessary. The data stored in the ADPs may be incorporated into the original document.

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First Claim