Signature Tablets

ClinicTracker acquires digital signatures via signature tablets or mouse pads. Most customers prefer using the Topaz System product line because it uses technology that conforms with (or exceeds) all current state and federal regulations regarding electronic digital signatures. A Topaz e-signature is cryptographically bound in such a way that the signature can only be verified in the context of the original document. If even a single space has changed between when the document was signed and when the document was next opened, the validation will fail and the signature will not be displayed.

JAG Products, LLC is an authorized reseller for signature tablets from Topaz Systems. We can offer a significant discount off the retail price. Please contact us to discuss the best options for your specific needs, or visit this page for pricing information.

Connecting to Signature Tablets

The following instructions should provide the information you need to connect a Topaz signature tablet to computers running ClinicTracker. When you first plug in the USB cable from the tablet, you will be prompted to install a set of drivers. Let Windows proceed with the driver installation using its defaults. If the installation is successful, it will create a port over which the signature tablet can communicate with other programs.

In some instances you will need to configure the communication between the computer and tablet manually. To view and update the connection type and port which ClinicTracker uses to communicate with the signature tablet, go to Help -> Configure Signature Tablet. The top of the form will display the connection type and port, which you may also update on this screen. 

Click the View Serial Port Information button to determine the serial ports your computer is currently using. Enter the number for each of the active COM ports in the "Signature COM Port" field until you enter the one that works.  

If this method doesn’t work, right-click on My Computer, then click Manage. On the left side of the screen, select Device Manager. On the right side of the screen, expand Ports (COM & LPT) and look for an item that says "USB Serial Port." Included in the description should be a COM number (e.g. COM2). Try entering that number in the "Signature COM Port" field.

When you attempt to sign a document using the tablet for the first time, you may get an error message that ClinicTracker cannot communicate with the device. If this is the case, you will be asked if you want to update the connection information. After you update the information, ClinicTracker will try to connect using the new information.

Connecting to Signature Tablets Over a Terminal Server Connection

You can access certain models of Topaz signature tablets even when you use thin-client technology, such as terminal services.

To determine the port the system is using for a serial connection, return to the Configuration form and click the View Serial Port Information button. You will see a command prompt that displays the serial ports currently in use on your computer. A line that includes "RdpDrPort" indicates a communication port that has been shared over the Remote Desktop connection. In the case below, the port is COM1. You would therefore want to configure ClinicTracker to communicate with the signature tablet over port "1." If multiple ports include "RdpDrPort", you may need to try each to find which one is correct.

Additional Support Information

You may be required to install an additional driver if you are connecting to a terminal server. You can download that driver from this website: http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm .

If your local computer is not recognizing the tablet, please visit http://www.sigpluspro.com, click on the link corresponding to your tablet model, and follow the on-screen instructions. You will want to first unplug the signature tablet, then run the installation package, then plug the tablet back in.

For additional support, please contact Topaz Systems, Inc. at 805-520-8286.