SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION USING UNIQUE IDENTIFIERS ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTRONIC ADDRESSES

• US 20150249635A1
• Filed: 10/13/2014
• Published: 09/03/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 09/13/2010
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: BUMP Network, Inc.
• Original Assignee: BUMP Network, Inc.
• Inventors: Thrower, Frederick Mitchell III, Phipps, Andrew Michael
• Application Number:
  US14/513,129
• Publication Number:
  US 20150249635A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/08 Annexed information, e.g. attachments
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/214 using selective forwarding
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/48 Message addressing, e.g. address format or anonymous messages, aliases
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/52 for supporting social networking services

Abstract

A method and system for electronically communicating with a user knowing only a unique identifier associated with that user is described. An electronic message having an address based upon the unique identifier and consistent with an assigned convention is sent from a portable device and received by a server system. The message sent may include attachments such as, for example, pictures, audio and/or video files. The server system includes or is capable of accessing an electronic repository in which a plurality of unique identifiers are respectively associated with a corresponding plurality of profiles. Upon receipt at the server system, the message and any attachments are stored in association with a profile corresponding to the unique identifier. The server system then facilitates access to the message information and any attachments in accordance with the profile.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for facilitating electronic communication using unique identifiers, the method comprising:

establishing an electronic repository in which a plurality of unique identifiers are respectively associated with a corresponding plurality of profiles;

receiving an electronic message having an address based upon at least one identifier of the plurality of unique identifiers;

determining the address is of a predefined address format specific to the plurality of unique identifiers;

storing message information included within the electronic message in association with a profile included within the plurality of profiles wherein the at least one identifier is associated with the profile; and

facilitating access to the message information in accordance with the profile.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the facilitating access includes sending a notification relating to the message information consistent with the profile.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the facilitating access includes storing the message information in a web-based stored messaging system.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the facilitating access includes sending the message information in an e-mail message addressed to an e-mail address included within the profile.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the facilitating access includes forwarding the message information to a messaging platform.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the facilitating access includes placing a call to a telephone number included within the profile.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the call includes a notification relating to the existence of the message information.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the facilitating access includes forwarding the message information to a social networking platform.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the facilitating access includes posting the message information to a web site.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one identifier is associated with multiple electronic addresses.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the multiple electronic addresses are respectively associated with multiple physical addresses within an area defined by a zip code.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the multiple electronic addresses are respectively associated with multiple phone numbers included in an area code.

13. The method of claim 1 further including determining that the electronic message includes at least one attachment and storing the at least one attachment separately from the message information.

14. The method of claim 13 further including facilitating access to the at least one attachment.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein the facilitating access includes receiving a request to access the message information and verifying legitimacy of the request.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the verifying legitimacy includes verifying that a receiver of the request is rightfully associated with the at least one identifier.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein the electronic message is generated by a mobile device based upon barcode information accessible to the mobile device, the barcode information incorporating the at least one identifier.

18. A computer-implemented method for facilitating electronic communication using unique identifiers, the method comprising:

establishing an electronic repository in which a plurality of unique identifiers are respectively associated with a corresponding plurality of profiles;

receiving an electronic message having an address based upon at least one identifier of the plurality of unique identifiers;

storing message information included within the electronic message in association with a profile included within the plurality of profiles wherein the at least one identifier is associated with the profile; and

receiving a request to access to the message information; and

verifying legitimacy of the request.

19. The method of claim 18 further including determining the address is of a predefined address format specific to the plurality of unique identifiers.

20. A computer-implemented method for facilitating electronic communication, comprising:

receiving message information;

receiving a unique identifier corresponding to an electronic address wherein the unique identifier is formatted consistent with predefined identifier format included among a plurality of predefined identifier formats; and

sending an electronic message to the electronic address.

21. (canceled)

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24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)