METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ELECTRONICALLY CAPTURING A HANDWRITTEN SIGNATURE USING EMBEDDING TECHNIQUE

A method and apparatus for encrypting an electronic document involves a computer having a first monitor and a signature capture apparatus configured to capture a handwritten signature on a second monitor. A hash sum of the electronic document generated in the computer is transmitted to the signature capture apparatus. The electronic document and the first hash sum thereof are displayed on the first monitor. The first hash sum is also displayed on the second monitor. After electronically capturing the handwritten signature, the signature data are encrypted using the first hash sum. A digital signature image is generated in the signature capture apparatus and the first hash sum is embedded therein. The embedded first hash sum is then extracted in the computer. If the extracted hash sum is identical to the first hash sum generated in the computer apparatus, the encrypted signature data and the signed document are stored.