This document serves as a comprehensive "Download Links & Installation Guide" for SigWeb, a software component developed by Topaz Systems Inc. The guide, version 1.3, was last updated on March 10, 2017, and outlines the necessary steps for both first-time installations and re-installations of SigWeb. Topaz Systems Inc. specializes in signature capture and verification technology, and SigWeb is an integral part of their ecosystem, enabling web-based signature capture from their signature pads.
Function Description:
SigWeb is a software installer designed to facilitate the integration of Topaz signature pads with web applications. Its primary function is to allow users to capture electronic signatures directly from Topaz signature pads into web-based forms or applications. This is achieved by installing necessary drivers and services that enable communication between the physical signature pad and the web browser. The software ensures that the signature data, once captured on the pad, can be rendered and processed within a web environment, typically appearing in a designated signature box on a webpage. The guide specifically mentions testing the installation using a demo page (www.sigplusweb.com/sigwebtablet_demo.htm), where users can click "Sign," sign on their pad, and see the signature appear on the screen, confirming successful integration.
Important Technical Specifications:
While the document doesn't list explicit technical specifications like processor requirements or RAM, it provides crucial information regarding the installation process that implies certain technical considerations:
- Elevated Command Prompt: A key technical requirement for installation is running the SigWeb installer from an "elevated command prompt" (i.e., "Run as administrator"). This indicates that the installer requires administrative privileges to modify system files, install services, and register components necessary for its operation. This is a common requirement for software that interacts closely with hardware and system-level processes.
- Operating System Compatibility (Implied): The screenshots provided in the guide, particularly those showing the "Command Prompt" and "Services" windows, are consistent with Microsoft Windows operating systems (e.g., Windows 7, 8, or 10). The mention of "Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601]" in the command prompt screenshot confirms compatibility with Windows 7, and by extension, likely newer versions of Windows due to backward compatibility.
- Signature Pad Models: The guide differentiates between installer paths based on the signature pad model's suffix:
c:\sigweb.exe for pads ending in "-HSB-R", "-BHSB-R", and "-B-R".
c:\sigwebbsb.exe for pads ending in "-BSB-R" and "-BBSB-R".
This distinction suggests different driver sets or software configurations are needed for various Topaz pad models, likely due to differences in their underlying communication protocols or hardware architectures (e.g., USB HID vs. serial emulation).
- System Services: SigWeb installs a system service named "Topaz SigWeb Tablet Service." This service runs in the background, enabling continuous communication and functionality between the signature pad and web applications. The service is configured to start "Automatic (Delayed Start)" and runs under the "Local System" account, indicating its critical role in the system's operation.
- Web Browser Compatibility (Implied): The guide states that users should "be sure to close all open browsers (i.e. Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc.)" before installation. This implies that SigWeb interacts with web browsers and that an active browser session might interfere with the installation of necessary browser plugins or components.
- File System Interaction: The installation process involves downloading an executable file (
sigweb.exe or sigwebbsb.exe) and placing it in a specific location (e.g., C:\). The command prompt is then used to execute this file, highlighting the direct interaction with the file system.
Usage Features:
The guide focuses heavily on the installation process, which is a prerequisite for using SigWeb. Key usage features, as inferred from the installation steps, include:
- Web-Based Signature Capture: The core feature is enabling the capture of handwritten signatures from Topaz pads directly into web applications. This is crucial for digital document workflows, e-commerce, and any scenario requiring legally binding electronic signatures in a web environment.
- Model-Specific Installation: Users must identify their specific Topaz signature pad model to choose the correct installer (
sigweb.exe or sigwebbsb.exe). This ensures compatibility and proper driver installation for optimal performance.
- Interactive Installer: The installer is designed to be interactive, guiding the user through the process and prompting for actions, such as plugging in the signature pad at the appropriate time (especially for "-BSB-R" or "-BBSB-R" models).
- Testing Mechanism: A dedicated demo page (
www.sigplusweb.com/sigwebtablet_demo.htm) is provided to allow users to immediately verify the successful installation and functionality of SigWeb. This is a critical user-friendly feature for troubleshooting and confirmation.
- Error Handling/Support: The guide explicitly directs users to contact Topaz Dev Support (
devsupport@topazsystems.com) if they encounter issues during testing, indicating a support structure for users.
Maintenance Features:
The "Re-Installation Steps" section of the guide outlines the procedures for maintaining SigWeb, particularly when an existing installation needs to be updated or repaired. These steps highlight several maintenance-related features:
- Administrator Login: All maintenance operations, like re-installation, require logging into the computer with an "Administrator-level account." This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized changes to system services and software.
- Stopping System Services: Before re-installing, users are instructed to locate and stop the "Topaz SigWeb Tablet Service" through the Windows Services manager. This ensures that the service is not active while its components are being modified or replaced, preventing conflicts and ensuring a clean re-installation.
- Uninstalling Existing Software: The guide details how to uninstall the existing "SigWeb" software via "Programs and Features" in the Control Panel. This is a standard maintenance procedure to remove old or corrupted installations before installing a new version, ensuring a fresh start and preventing potential software conflicts.
- Clean Re-installation Process: The re-installation process essentially mirrors the "First-Time Install Steps" after the old version has been stopped and uninstalled. This "clean slate" approach is a robust maintenance strategy to resolve issues that might arise from corrupted files or incomplete previous installations.
- Troubleshooting Visibility: The guide includes instructions on how to adjust the "View by:" setting in the Control Panel to "Small icons" if "Administrative Tools" or "Programs and Features" are not immediately visible. This is a helpful troubleshooting tip for users navigating the Windows interface during maintenance.
In summary, SigWeb is a crucial software component for integrating Topaz signature pads with web applications, designed for ease of installation and maintenance on Windows operating systems. It ensures secure and reliable capture of electronic signatures, supported by clear installation guidelines and dedicated technical support.