Systems and methods for electronic communication using unique identifiers associated with electronic addresses

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.

We claim: 
     
         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.