{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853817","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853817","title":"Generating enhanced digital signatures for artifacts","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-11-23T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","G06F","G06F","G06F","H04L","H04L","H04L","G06F","H04L"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"A system comprises a memory, interface, and processor. The system is operable to store a plurality of attestations, where at least one of the plurality of attestations comprise a reason statement for signing an artifact. The system is further operable to display at least one of the plurality of attestations and receive a first selection of a first attestation. The system generates an expanded artifact by concatenating the artifact and the first attestation. The system creates a first digital signature based on the expanded artifact creates a first enhanced digital signature by applying the first digital signature and the first attestation. Further, the system stores the first enhanced digital signature."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Generating Enhanced Digital Signatures for Artifacts patent introduces a system that enhances traditional digital signatures by incorporating attestations, or reason statements, directly into the signature process. This addresses the problem of limited context in standard digital signatures, which often lack information about why an artifact was signed. The key technical approach involves concatenating the artifact with a selected attestation, generating a digital signature based on the expanded artifact, and creating an enhanced digital signature that combines the initial signature and the attestation. This enhanced signature is then stored, providing a comprehensive and auditable record.\n\nThe business value of this innovation lies in its ability to increase trust and transparency in digital transactions. By providing clear context for signatures, it reduces the risk of fraud and errors, and it enhances compliance with regulatory requirements. This has significant applications across various industries, including software development, healthcare, and finance, where the authenticity and integrity of digital artifacts are critical. \n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is substantial, driven by the increasing reliance on digital processes and the growing need for enhanced security measures. Organizations seeking to protect their data and maintain trust with stakeholders will find this innovation a valuable asset. The ability to verify not only the authenticity of an artifact but also the reasons behind its signing can significantly improve confidence in digital workflows. This patent offers a way to add a layer of security to digital signatures that was previously missing.","layman_explanation":"The Generating Enhanced Digital Signatures for Artifacts patent addresses a critical gap in current digital security practices: the lack of context in digital signatures. Traditional digital signatures verify the identity of the signer but provide no information about the reasons or circumstances surrounding the signing of a digital artifact. This limitation can lead to uncertainty, mistrust, and potential security vulnerabilities.\n\nThis innovation works by allowing users to attach 'attestations,' or reason statements, to their digital signatures. These attestations provide context and explain why the artifact was signed. For example, in a software development scenario, an attestation might state that a particular software build has passed all security tests. This attestation is then combined with the digital signature to create an 'enhanced digital signature,' which provides both identity verification and contextual information.\n\nThis technology matters because it significantly enhances the security and transparency of digital transactions. By providing clear and auditable reasons for signing an artifact, it reduces the risk of fraud, errors, and malicious activity. It also improves compliance with regulatory requirements, as organizations can demonstrate that their digital processes are transparent and accountable. This technology has the potential to transform how we verify and trust digital artifacts across various industries.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology could be integrated into various applications, including software development, healthcare, finance, and supply chain management. As digital security threats continue to evolve, the need for enhanced digital signatures will only grow, making this innovation a valuable asset for organizations seeking to protect their data and maintain trust with their stakeholders.","technical_analysis":"The Generating Enhanced Digital Signatures for Artifacts patent details a system designed to augment traditional digital signatures with contextual attestations. The technical architecture comprises a memory module for storing a plurality of attestations, an interface for displaying these attestations and receiving user selections, and a processor for generating expanded artifacts and creating enhanced digital signatures. The core of the system lies in its ability to concatenate an artifact with a selected attestation, thereby creating an expanded artifact upon which a digital signature is based. This signature is then combined with the attestation to form an enhanced digital signature.\n\nImplementation involves secure cryptographic algorithms for generating the digital signatures, such as RSA or ECDSA. The concatenation process must be carefully implemented to prevent tampering or unauthorized modification of the artifact or attestation. Integration with existing systems can be achieved through standard APIs and data formats, allowing for seamless incorporation into existing workflows. Performance characteristics will depend on the choice of cryptographic algorithms and the size of the artifacts and attestations. However, the system is designed to minimize overhead by optimizing the concatenation and signature generation processes.\n\nCode-level implications include the need for secure storage and retrieval of attestations, as well as robust error handling and validation to ensure the integrity of the enhanced digital signatures. The system should also support various attestation formats to accommodate different use cases and regulatory requirements. This technology provides a significant advancement in digital signature technology by adding a layer of context and meaning that is not present in traditional signatures. This enhances security, auditability, and trust in digital transactions.","business_analysis":"The Generating Enhanced Digital Signatures for Artifacts patent presents a significant business opportunity by addressing the growing need for enhanced security and transparency in digital transactions. The market opportunity is substantial, driven by the increasing reliance on digital processes and the escalating threat of cyberattacks. Organizations across various industries, including software development, healthcare, finance, and government, are seeking more robust methods for verifying the authenticity and integrity of digital artifacts.\n\nThe competitive advantages of this technology include its ability to provide contextual information about digital signatures, which is lacking in traditional signature methods. This enhanced transparency can significantly reduce the risk of fraud and errors, as well as improve compliance with regulatory requirements. The revenue potential lies in licensing the technology to organizations that require enhanced digital signature capabilities, as well as offering it as a service through cloud-based platforms.\n\nBusiness models can include subscription-based licensing, usage-based pricing, and customized solutions tailored to specific industry needs. Strategic positioning involves targeting industries where trust and security are paramount, such as financial services and healthcare. ROI projections indicate a strong return on investment due to the increasing demand for enhanced digital security and the potential for significant cost savings through reduced fraud and improved compliance.\n\nThis technology offers a compelling value proposition for businesses seeking to enhance their digital security posture and build trust with their customers. Its ability to provide contextual information and improve transparency makes it a valuable asset in today's digital landscape.","faqs":null,"topics":["digital signatures","artifact verification","attestation","digital security","blockchain","generating","enhanced","digital"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Enhanced Digital Signatures for Artifacts - Patent US-9853817","description":"Discover how Generating Enhanced Digital Signatures for Artifacts improves digital security by adding attestations. Full patent analysis, claims, and technical details.","keywords":["digital signatures","artifact verification","attestation","digital security","blockchain","patent","patent US-9853817"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853817","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853817","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Generating enhanced digital signatures for artifacts\" (US-9853817). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853817","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853817","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853817","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T05:48:42.199Z"}