Communications system and method for use thereof

Abstract

A communication system and method which connects a first user, associated with a coded article, and a second user, via their communication devices, after the second user has read the coded article. The users are placed into communication with each other should certain conditions be fulfilled and a record is not made of the communication nor are any credentials of the uses exchanged between the users.

Description

[0001] COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] The present application is related to and claims priority from commonly owned: 1) Israel Patent Application No. 318904, entitled: COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF, filed on February 9, 2025, and 2) Israel Patent Application No. 324277, entitled: COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF, filed on October 27, 2025, the disclosures of each of these applications incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present disclosure is directed to communication systems for facilitating communication between communication devices.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Smart doorbell systems offer convenience and security, as users can see, hear, and speak to visitors from anywhere via a smartphone application. Such systems provide real-time communication, but not more beyond this and, accordingly, do not provide a sufficient solution for many users. Additionally, smart doorbells require replacing the existing conventional doorbell with specific hardware and software, which is costly to purchase and install.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] It has been realized, in accordance with this disclosure, that for many uses, where anonymous communication is needed, contemporary systems fail to serve the needs of the users. For example, such systems combine physical devices that are associated with an individual, but fail to conceal the user’s identity, and a computerized management system that stores information about the user and on all such physical devices and can associate these with one another.

[0010] Additionally, contemporary systems fail to provide additional user control of communications, such as when communications can be received and the number of permitted communications or time window for communications.The present disclosure provides a communication system and method which connects a first user, associated with a coded article, and a second user, via their communication devices, after the second user has read the coded article. The users are placed into communication with each other should certain conditions be fulfilled. Records are not made of the communi cation(s) between the users and their communication devices, nor are there any credentials of the uses exchanged between the users.

[0011] The present disclosure provides a physical device, which may be referred to herein as an "ID device" which is associated with a specific user, and which can be used, by other users, to communicate with the user who is associated with the ID device. The user that is associated with such an ID device may be referred to herein as "ID device owner", or at times, in short, as "owner" . An individual who uses the device for the purpose of communicating with the ID device owner, may be referred to herein as "ID device user", or at times, in short, as "user" . The system that manages communication between the ID device owner and the ID device user may be referred to herein as "communication management utility".

[0012] The owner and user use a communication device which may also be referred to as "communication device" or "personal communication device", a particular example being mobile communication devices such as smartphones. The owner-associated communication device may be referred to herein as "owner communication device" or "first communication device", and the user-associated communication device may be referred to herein as "user communication device" or "second communication device", ' or in short form as "owner device" or "user device" , respectively.

[0013] The terms "processor" and "processor utility" are used herein to denote a computerized utility that carries out computerized processing. The processor may be a single processor utility or a distributed processor. The terms "data storage medium", "data storage media" , "storage medium", "storage media" and "memory" may be used interchangeable to denote a computer utility that stores data and / or software code that may be accessed by the processor for storage or retrieval.

[0014] ID devices as per the present disclosure may, for example, be tags, cards, and the like, may comprises a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip carrying encoded information that can be read by a personal communication device of an ID device user, particularly a smartphone, through the near field communication (NFC) functionality of the communication device; may be a variety of printed codes, for example quick response (QR) codes or may generally be a code readable by an optical reader of the communication device; and others. Once read, data representative of the code will be delivered by a user device to thecommunication management utility that can open a two-way communication between the user device and the owner device, through an ad hoc one-time communication gateway, while, typically, concealing the identity of one or both parties to such communication (i.e. that of the ID device owner and that of the ID device user) from the other parry, communication devices, may, for example, be smartphones.

[0015] As will be explained below, the system generates a token for permitted communication sessions (to be referred to also, as a "token") that is associated with the code, and in order to open the two-way communication, the parameters associated with the code should include a valid token. The token may define a number of permitted communication sessions between a user device the owner device using the code, which may be one (i.e. permitting only a one-time communication) or be any other number of communication sessions; may define the ability to communicate during a defined time-period (e.g. during a period for which the ID device owner pays a subscription; during a defined time of day or week, and the like), may define a number of permitted communication sessions using that code, etc. The token is typically defined by a payment that is made by the owner, for example payment for a defined number of communication sessions, payment for a subscription for a period of time, etc. Once the token has been fully used (e.g., the permitted number of communication sessions has been exhausted, the subscription time has been exceeded, etc.) it may be renewed by the owner, e.g., by additional payment. When a user device scans the code and transmits it together with parameters associated with the user's communication device (e.g., its GPS coordinates), to the communication management utility, said utility determines whether the token associated with the code is valid and only if validity is established, communication between the user device and the owner device may be established.

[0016] By embodiments of this disclosure, as will also further explained below, the code is location specific, typically determined by GPS coordinates, and only if the location of the user communication device matches the location of the ID device will the two-way communication be established. The location may be stored in the system's database, for example: a location transmitted by the owner communication device when associating the ID device and linked to a specific location by an association between the code and location (e.g., GPS) coordinates; or a location embedded in the ID device by the owner's communication device when defining the code, e.g. when embedding the code in an RFID circuitry of the ID device through the an NFC functionality of the communication device.

[0017] Dating or matchmaking is one exemplary use. The ID device owner may generate cards through the system, that may have a general description about him printed thereon and inviteinterested ID device users to contact the ID device owner. An RFID chip embedded in the card or an optical insignia may issue a prompt in the communication device that permits the ID device user to either follow up and communicate with the ID device owner or ignore.

[0018] Other examples include tagging of a personal item such as luggage, tagging of pets, and many others.

[0019] Smart doorbell systems are one specific embodiment. There is often the intention to establish a two-way communication between a visitor and a homeowner while one or both sides maintain anonymity. The homeowner, who is the ID device owner in the context of this disclosure, may obtain through the communication management utility, an ID device and attach it to his home's entry. The ID device user, a visitor in this case, may be instructed to place the user's mobile device next to the ID device, and then communication may be enabled between the homeowner, who is the ID device owner, with a visitor, who is the ID device user. This permits the homeowner to control access remotely. In the case of a smart doorbell, the device of the ID device owner may be a dedicated device within the home, but also may be a general communication device, e.g., a smartphone.

[0020] The information in the ID device may be encoded through data embedded in an RFID chip on or within the device, a printed QR code, a barcode or another printed insignia or any other information encoding means. An RFID may be of advantage as it may enable the communication functionality of this disclosure also when optical insignia will be difficult to record. In the case the ID device has an a priori determined code, when the ID device owner associates the ID device with owner device, the code is transmitted to the communication management utility and is stored in the database in association with data of the owner device (e.g., number, IP address, name, address, etc.).

[0021] An ID device with an RFID functionality may also be a blank ID device with an RFID functionality configured for encoding of the relevant information by the ID device owner, for example, utilizing the Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality of the owner communication device. The information is typically encoded such that it cannot be altered thereafter. For such encoding, a client software application (which may be referred to herein as "application" or "app" running on the ID device owner's mobile communication device may be used to enter relevant information. For each ID device the ID device owner may program a GPS location (for an ID device to be used in a specific location), manner of assuming communication, type of communication (audio, video, text), time, etc. Data on the ID device is then transmitted to the communication management utility. The communication management utility has a memory (also referred to herein as "storage medium"') that storesinformation about the ID device owners and the ID devices and can link between the ID devices and the proper ID device owner.

[0022] An ID device user that may be prompted to assume communication based on some printed information on the ID device, based on its location, etc., may bring the ID device into proximity with the user's communication device that may prompt an ID device user’s-initiated communication with the ID device owner. This requires the IP device user's communication device to assume communication with the communication management utility, which may require, although not necessarily so, to download at least a portion of the app to permit communication.

[0023] The communication enabled by the communication management utility of this disclosure may be audio, video, text, or a combination thereof. It may operate over a communication network that may include one or more pr cellular networks Wi-Fi connection or any other applicable communication standard as well as the internet.

[0024] The disclosure is directed to a communication method and system. By some embodiments of this disclosure the communication method and system are such where one or both parties maintain anonymity.

[0025] The disclosure is directed to a communication method, a communication management utility, and an ID device, permitting an anonymous communication of the ID device owner, over a communications network, with an ID device user. The ID device comprises a machine-readable, e.g., smartphone-readable, tag, such as an RFID tag. However, this disclosure is not limited to the use of an RFID tag, and other optical or electromagnetic tags may also be within the framework of the teaching of this disclosure. For example, the communication system may be used as a doorbell system where the ID device, which may be a device placed at a location or attached to an article, may replace the actual doorbell. However, as already noted above, this disclosure is not limited to this application.

[0026] The communication method of this disclosure, that may be carried out by the communication management utility, comprises: (i) receiving from a first communication device associated with a first user and with an article (the ID device) that comprises an article-associated code readable by a communication device, data for the code of the article and of at least one identifier of the first communication device, the first communication device having installed a first communication program permitting the first communication device to communicate with the communication management utility over a communications network; (ii) storing the data for the code and the at least one identifier for the first communication device in storage medium, such that the data for the code is associated with the at least one identifierfor the first communication device; (iii) generating a token associated with said code that defines validity parameters that comprise one or more of time and nature of permitted communication, and storing the token in the storage medium; (iv) receiving from a second communication device (namely a device associated with the ID device user), data representative of the code from the article read by the second communication device, the second communication device having optionally installed a second communication program; (v) analyzing the parameters of the communication to be established between the second and the first communication devices to determine whether they meet the validity parameters for the code-associated token; and (vi) when the code read from the article by the second communication device matches the code data associated with the at least one identifier of the first communication device and when the token is valid for the intended communication, placing the first communication device into communication with the second communication.

[0027] The second communication program may be the same or different than the first communication program in terms of the underlying computer code, its functionality and enabled uses, or may comprise a portion of the functionalities and enabled uses of the first communication program. By way of example, once installed on the second communication device, the second communication program may either be such that will enable the second communication device to have a limited functionality to function only as the second communication device in accordance with this disclosure, namely that of a user, or alternatively may have full functionality to permit it also to assume the role of the first communication device in accordance with this disclosure. Similarly, also the first communication program may have a functionality permitting it to assume the role of the second communication device, namely that of the user in a communication session with another ID device owner.

[0028] A computerized communication system of this disclosure comprises: a data storage medium for storing data and one or more downloadable communication programs to permit communication devices om which the program is installed to communicate with the system, and a computerized processor utility for executing process steps for managing the communication. Said processor utility is configured for carrying out the steps of the communication method that were discussed above.

[0029] Also provided by this disclosure is a communication system that comprises in addition to said computerized communication system, (i) a plurality of said first communication devices device having each said first communication program permitting installed therein, (ii) a plurality of said second communication devices, and (iii) a plurality of articles each comprising an article-associated code readable by a communication device.Further provided by this disclosure is a software application running on a first communication device (namely the owner device), and configured for (i) obtaining an article-associated code read by the device and that is comprised in the article, and associate the code with the device, (ii) communicating over communication networks, with a communication management utility and transmit data of said and at least one identifier of the first communication device to the communication management utility, and to (iii) enabling communication, through a communication gateway opened by the communication management utility, with a second communication device.

[0030] Additionally provided by this disclosure is a software application running on a second communication device (namely the user device), and configured for (i) transmitting an article-associated code read by the device and that is comprised in the article to a communication management utility together with at least one identifier (e.g., GPS coordinates, number, etc.) of the second communication device to the communication management utility, and to (iii) enabling communication, through a communication gateway opened by the communication management utility, with a first communication device.

[0031] Also provided by this disclosure is said ID device.

[0032] By an embodiment of this disclosure, a communication line between the second communication device and the system requires also that the second communication device has a second communication program for communicating with the system over a communications network installed thereon. The second communication program may be some embodiments be the same software application as the first communication program or may be a different software application.

[0033] By an embodiment of this disclosure, the communication method additionally comprises a determination whether the second communication program is installed on the second communication device and if not, inducing a communication session (e.g., with a dedicated server) for downloading and installing the communication program onto the second communication device.

[0034] By an embodiment of this disclosure, if the second communication program is not installed on the second communication device, a link may be provided to the second communication device to download the second communication program. Upon activation of the link, the second communication program downloads and installs on the second communication device and once installed a communication line can be opened between the second communication device and the communication utility to permit the second communication device to transmit data representative of the code and said parameters to thecommunication utility. Upon determining that said validity parameters are valid for the token associated with the code, opening a communication line between the first and the second communication devices.

[0035] By an embodiment of this disclosure the validity parameters for the token comprise one or more of: (i) a time window in which communication session between the first and the second communication devices is permitted, (ii) a counter for number of the communication sessions (number of visitors) that remain for that token, (iii) a type of communication that is permitted between the first and the second communication devices, and (iv) a time period that the token is active, for example, a period of hours, days, months, and the like.

[0036] By an embodiment of this disclosure said generating of the token comprises: (i) permitting the first user to select a plan for the token, which may comprise a collection of payment from the user for the selected plan, (ii) generating a token according to the selected plan, and (iii) storing the token in a storage medium.

[0037] By an embodiment of this disclosure, the communication session between the first and the second communication device is ephemeral, namely no record thereof is stored in any computerized storage medium.

[0038] By an embodiment of this disclosure, the code comprises location-specific data, e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) coordinate. For example, by some embodiments, once the second communication device scans the code of the article (the ID device), the code and the second device's GPS location are transmitted to the communication management utility and a communication session will then only opened if the there is a match between the GPS location of the second communication device and the location of the article.

[0039] According to an embodiment of this disclosure the articles that are provided are intended to be positioned at a location. An example is an article that is intended for placement in a location to serve as a smart doorbell. Another example is an article in the form of a card for use in a dating event and is intended to be used only at the location of such event.

[0040] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the anonymity of at least one of the first communication device and its user and the second communication device and its user is maintained through not exchanging respective identifying information identifying the communication device and its user from the respective device to the other device.

[0041] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the code may be encoded by one or more of: a bar code, a Quick Response (QR) code, a radiofrequency (RF) code, an infrared (IR) code, or any other machine-readable code.According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first and the second communication programs comprise an application downloaded to each of the first and second communication devices from a remote location over a communications network.

[0042] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one identifier of the first communication device comprises one or more of: a device identifier, a telephone number, email, and social media information.

[0043] According to embodiments the at least one identifier for the second communication device comprises one or both of: a device identifier and a user identifier.

[0044] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the communication between the first communication device and the second communication device comprises one or more of text, audio, video, or any combination thereof.

[0045] Further embodiments will be mentioned below.

[0046] EMBODIMENTS

[0047] The following numbered paragraphs and any of their combinations constitute embodiments of this disclosure:

[0048] 1. A communication method, carried out by a computerized communication management utility, the method comprising:

[0049] receiving, from a first communication device associated with a first user and with an article that comprises an article-associated code readable by a communication device, data representative of the article-associated code and of at least one identifier of the first communication device, the first communication device having installed a first communication program permitting the first communication device to communicate with the communication management utility over a communications network;

[0050] storing the data for the code and the at least one identifier for the first communication device in a computerized storage medium, such that the data for the code is associated with the at least one identifier for the first communication device;

[0051] generating a token associated with said code that defines validity parameters that comprise one or more of time and nature of permitted communication, and storing the token in the storage medium;

[0052] receiving, from a second communication device, data representative of the code from the article read by the second communication device;analyzing the parameters of the communication to be established between the second and the first communication devices to determine whether they meet the validity parameters for the code-associated token; and

[0053] when (i) the code read from the article by the second communication device matches the code data associated with the at least one identifier of the first communication device and when (ii) the token is valid for the intended communication, placing the first communication device into communication with the second communication device.

[0054] 2. The communication method of embodiment 1, additionally comprising:

[0055] opening a communication line between the second communication device and the system when the second communication device has a second communication program (which may be the same or different than the first communication program) for communicating with the system over a communications network installed thereon.

[0056] 3. The communication method of embodiment 2, additionally comprising:

[0057] determining whether the second communication program is installed on the second communication device and if not, inducing a communication session for downloading and installing the communication program onto the second communication device.

[0058] 4. The communication method of embodiment 4, wherein

[0059] if the second communication program is not installed on the second communication device, providing the second communication device with a link to download the second communication program, such that upon activation of the link, (1) the second communication program downloads and installs on the second communication device, (2) upon installment, opening a communication line between the second communication device and the communication utility to permit the second communication device to transmit data representative of the code and said parameters to the communication utility, and (3) upon determining that said validity parameters are valid for the token associated with the code, opening a communication line between the first and the second communication devices.

[0060] 5. The communication method of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the validity parameters for the token comprise one or more of: (i) time window in which communication session between the first and the second communication devices is permitted, (ii) a counter for number of the communication sessions (number of visitors or users) that remain for that token, and (iii) type of communication that is permitted between the first and the second communication devices, and (iv) time period that the token is active, for example, a period of hours, days, months, and the like.6. The communication method of any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein said generating comprises:

[0061] permitting the first user to select a plan for the token,

[0062] generating a token according to the selected plan, and

[0063] storing the token in a storage medium.

[0064] 7. The communication method of embodiment 6, wherein said permitting comprises collecting payment from the user for said plan.

[0065] 8. The communication method of any one of embodiments 1-7, wherein the communication session between the first and the second communication device is such that no record thereof is stored in any computerized storage medium.

[0066] 9. The communication method of any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein said code comprises location-specific data.

[0067] 10. The communication method of embodiment 9, wherein said data comprises a global positioning system (GPS) coordinates.

[0068] 11. The communication method of embodiment 10, additionally comprising: performing a GPS validation of the location of the article against the location of the second communication device, and opening the communication session only if the there is a match between the GPS location of the second communication device and the location of the article.

[0069] 12. The communication method of any one of embodiments 1-11, additionally comprising: providing an article including a code readable by a communication device, for placement at a location.

[0070] 13. The communication method of any one of embodiments 1-12, comprising maintaining anonymity of at least one of the first communication device and its user and the second communication device and its user by not exchanging the respective identifying information identifying the communication device and its user from the respective device to the other device.

[0071] 14. The communication method of any one of embodiments 1-13, wherein the first communication device and the second communication device are mobile communication devices.

[0072] 15. The communication method of any one of embodiments 1-14, wherein the communications network comprises the Internet and at least one cellular network.

[0073] 16. The communication method of any one of embodiments 1-15, wherein the code is encoded by one or more of: a bar code, a Quick Response (QR) code, a radiofrequency code, an infrared code, or other machine-readable code.17. The communication method of any one of embodiments 1-16, wherein the article includes a tag attachable to a structure.

[0074] 18. The communication method of embodiment 17, additionally comprising: attaching the tag to the structure at a position proximate to a doorbell, or at a position on the structure in replacement of the doorbell.

[0075] 19. The communication method of any one of embodiments 1-18, wherein the code is readable by near field communication (NFC).

[0076] 20. The communication method of any one of embodiments 1-19, wherein the first and the second communication programs comprise an application downloaded to each of the first and second communication devices from a remote location over a communications network.

[0077] 21. The communication method of any one of embodiments 1-20, wherein the at least one identifier of the first communication device comprises one or more of: a device identifier, a telephone number, email, and social media information.

[0078] 22. The communication method of any one of embodiments 1-21, wherein the at least one identifier for the second communication device comprises one or both of: a device identifier and a user identifier.

[0079] 23. The communication method of any one of embodiments 1-22, wherein the communication between the first communication device and the second communication device comprises one or more of text, audio, video, or any combination thereof.

[0080] 24. A computerized communication system comprising:

[0081] a data storage medium for storing data and one or more downloadable communication programs to permit communication devices on which the program is installed to communicate with the system;

[0082] a computerized processing utility configured for:

[0083] receiving, from a first communication device associated with a first user and with an article that comprises an article-associated code readable by a communication device, data representative of the article-associated code and of at least one identifier of the first communication device, the first communication device having installed a first communication program permitting the first communication device to communicate with the communication management utility over a communications network;

[0084] storing the data for the code and the at least one identifier for the first communication device in a computerized storage medium, such that the data for the code is associated with the at least one identifier for the first communication device;generating a token associated with said code that defines validity parameters that comprise one or more of time or nature of permitted communications, and storing the token in the storage medium;

[0085] receiving, from a second communication device, data representative of the code from the article read by the second communication device;

[0086] analyzing the parameters of the communication to be established between the second and the first communication devices to determine whether they meet the validity parameters for the code-associated token; and

[0087] when (i) the code read from the article by the second communication device matches the code data associated with the at least one identifier of the first communication device and when (ii) token is valid for the intended communication, placing the first communication device into communication with the second communication device.

[0088] 25. The system of embodiment 24, wherein the processing utility is additionally configured for

[0089] opening a communication line between the second communication device and the system when the second communication device has a second communication program for communicating with the system over a communications network installed thereon.

[0090] 26. The system of embodiment 25, wherein the processing utility is additionally configured for

[0091] determining whether the second communication program is installed on the second communication device and if not, inducing a communication session for downloading and installing the communication program onto the second communication device.

[0092] 27. The system of embodiment 26, wherein the processing utility is additionally configured such that

[0093] if the second communication program is not installed on the second communication device, providing the second communication device with a link to download the second communication program, such that upon activation of the link, 1) the second communication program downloads and installs on the second communication device, 2) upon installment, opening a communication line between the second communication device and the processing utility to permit the second communication device to transmit data representative of the code and said parameters to the processing utility, and 3) upon determining that parameters associated with the code define a valid token associated with the code, opening a communication line between the first and the second communication devices.28. The system of any one of embodiments 24-27, wherein the validity parameters for the token comprise one or more of: (i) a time window in which communication session between the first and the second communication devices is permitted, (ii) a counter for number of the communication session (number of visitors or other uses) that remain for that token, (iii) a type of communication that is permitted between the first and the second communication devices, and (iv) a time period that the token is active, for example, a period of hours, days, months, and the like.

[0094] 29. The system of any one of embodiments 24-28, wherein the processing utility is additionally configured to permit the first user to select a plan for the token and generate said token according to the selected plan.

[0095] 30. The system of any one of embodiments 24-29, wherein the processing utility is additionally configured to collect payment from the first user according to the selected plan.

[0096] 31. The system of any one of embodiments 24-30, wherein the processing utility is additionally configured to eliminate any record of the communication session between the first and the second communication device.

[0097] 32. The system of any one of embodiments 24-31, wherein said code comprises location-specific data.

[0098] 33. The system of embodiment 32, wherein said data comprises a global positioning system (GPS) coordinate location.

[0099] 34. The system of embodiment 33, wherein the processing utility is additionally configured for

[0100] performing a GPS validation of the location of the article against the location of the second communication device, and for

[0101] opening the communication session only if there is a match between the GPS location of the second communication device and the location of the article.

[0102] 35. The system of any one of embodiments 24-34, additionally comprising an article that comprises a code readable by a communication device, for placement at a location.

[0103] 36. The communication system of any one of embodiments 24-35, wherein the processing utility is configured for maintaining anonymity of at least one of the first communication device and its user and the second communication device and its user by not exchanging the respective identifying information identifying the communication device and its user from the respective device to the other device.37. The communication system of any one of embodiments 24-36, wherein the first communication device and the second communication device are mobile communication devices.

[0104] 38. The computerized communication system of any one of embodiments 24-27, wherein the communications network includes the Internet and at least one cellular network.

[0105] 39. The computerized communication system of any one of embodiment 24-38, wherein the code includes one or more of: a bar code, a Quick Response (QR) code, a Radiofrequency code, an infrared code, or other machine-readable code.

[0106] 40. The computerized communication system of any one of embodiment 24-39, wherein the article includes a tag attachable to a structure.

[0107] 41. The communication system of embodiment 40, wherein the tag is attachable to a structure at a position proximate to a doorbell, or at a position on the structure in replacement of the doorbell.

[0108] 42. The communication system of any one of embodiments 24-41, wherein the code is readable by near field communication (NFC).

[0109] 43. The communication system of any one of embodiments 24-42, comprising a server utility storing one or more communication programs downloadable from the server, over a communication network, to user-associated communication devices, and wherein the first and the second communication programs comprise an application downloaded from said server to each of the first and second communication devices.

[0110] 44. The communication system of any one of embodiments 24-43, wherein the at least one identifier comprises one or more of: a device identifier, a telephone number, email, and social media information.

[0111] 45. The communication system of any one of embodiments 24-44, wherein the at least identifier for the second communication device comprises one or both of: a device identifier and a user identifier.

[0112] 46. The communication system of any one of embodiments 24-45, wherein the communication between the first communication device and the second communication device comprises text, audio, video, or any combination thereof.

[0113] 47. The communication system of any one of embodiments 24-46, additionally comprising:

[0114] a plurality of said first communication devices device having each said first communication program permitting installed therein;

[0115] a plurality of said second communication devices; anda plurality of articles each comprising an article-associated code readable by a communication device

[0116] 48. A software application running on a first communication device and configured for (i) obtaining an article-associated code read by the device and that is comprised in the article, and associate the code with the device, (ii) communicating over communication networks, with a communication management utility and transmit data of said and at least one identifier of the first communication device to the communication management utility, and to (iii) enabling communication, through a communication gateway opened by the communication management utility, with a second communication device.

[0117] 49. The software application of embodiment 48, for use in the method of any one of embodiments 1-23 or in the system of any one of embodiments 24-47.

[0118] 50. A software application running on a second communication device, and configured for (i) transmitting an article-associated code read by the device and that is comprised in the article to a communication management utility together with at least one identifier of the second communication device, and to (iii) enabling communication, through a communication gateway opened by the communication management utility, with a first communication device.

[0119] 51. The software application of embodiment 50, for use in the method of any one of embodiments 1-24 or in the system of any one of embodiments 24-47.

[0120] 52. An article configured for carrying coded data that may be read by communication device, for use in the method of any one of embodiments 1-23 or in the system of any one of embodiments 24-46.

[0121] 53. A computer usable non-transitory storage medium having a computer program embodied thereon for causing a suitably programmed system to create and prepare for transmission electronic communications, over a communications network, by performing the following process when such program is executed on the system, the process comprising (in the given order or any other suitable order):

[0122] receiving, from a first communication device associated with a first user and with an article that comprises an article-associated code readable by a communication device, data representative of the article-associated code and of at least one identifier of the first communication device, the first communication device having installed a first communication program permitting the first communication device to communicate with the communication management utility over a communications network;storing the data for the code and the at least one identifier for the first communication device in a computerized storage medium, such that the data for the code is associated with the at least one identifier for the first communication device;

[0123] generating a token associated with said code that defines validity parameters that comprise one or more of time and nature of permitted communication, and storing the token in the storage medium;

[0124] receiving, from a second communication device, data representative of the code from the article read by the second communication device;

[0125] analyzing the parameters of the communication to be established between the second and the first communication devices to determine whether they meet the validity parameters for the code-associated token; and

[0126] when (i) the code read from the article by the second communication device matches the code data associated with the at least one identifier of the first communication device, and when (ii) the token is valid for the intended communication, placing the first communication device into communication with the second communication device.

[0127] 54. The non-transitory storage medium of embodiment 53, wherein the process additionally comprises:

[0128] opening a communication line between the second communication device and the system when the second communication device has a second communication program for communicating with the system over a communications network installed thereon.

[0129] 55. The non-transitory storage medium of embodiment 54, wherein the process additionally comprises:

[0130] determining whether the second communication program is installed on the second communication device and if not, inducing a communication session for downloading and installing the communication program onto the second communication device.

[0131] 56. The non-transitory storage medium of embodiment 54, wherein the process additionally comprises:

[0132] if the second communication program is not installed on the second communication device, providing the second communication device with a link to download the second communication program, such that upon activation of the link, (1) the second communication program downloads and installs on the second communication device, (2) upon installment, opening a communication line between the second communication device and the communication utility to permit the second communication device to transmit data representative of the code and said parameters to the communication utility, and (3) upondetermining that said validity parameters are valid for the token associated with the code, opening a communication line between the first and the second communication devices.

[0133] 57. The non-transitory storage medium of any one of embodiments 53-56, wherein the validity parameters for the token comprise one or more of: (i) a time window in which communication session between the first and the second communication devices is permitted, (ii) a counter for number of the communication sessions (number of visitors or other uses) that remain for that token, (iii) a type of communication that is permitted between the first and the second communication devices, and (iv) a time period that the token is active, for example, a period of hours, days, months, and the like.

[0134] 58. The non-transitory storage medium of any one of embodiments 53-57, wherein said generating comprises:

[0135] permitting the first user to select a plan for the token,

[0136] generating a token according to the selected plan, and

[0137] storing the token in a storage medium.

[0138] 59. The non-transitory storage medium of any one of embodiments 53-58, wherein said permitting comprises collecting payment from the user for said plan.

[0139] 60. The non-transitory storage medium of any one of embodiments 53-59, wherein the communication session between the first and the second communication device is such that no record thereof is stored in any computerized storage medium.

[0140] 61. The non-transitory storage medium of any one of embodiments 53-60, wherein said code comprises location-specific data.

[0141] 62. The non-transitory storage medium of embodiment 61, wherein said data comprises a global positioning system (GPS) coordinates.

[0142] 63. The non-transitory storage medium of embodiment 62, wherein the process additionally comprises:

[0143] performing a GPS validation of the location of the article against the location of the second communication device, and opening the communication session only if there is a match between the GPS location of the second communication device and the location of the article.

[0144] 64. The non-transitory storage medium of any one of embodiments 53-63, wherein the process additionally comprises: providing an article including a code readable by a communication device, for placement at a location.

[0145] 65. The non-transitory storage medium of any one of embodiments 53-64, wherein the process additionally comprises:maintaining anonymity of at least one of the first communication device and its user and the second communication device and its user by not exchanging the respective identifying information identifying the communication device and its user from the respective device to the other device.

[0146] 66. A computer usable non-transitory storage medium having a computer program embodied thereon downloadable, over a communications network, to a first communication device and enable the first communication device to: (i) obtain an article-associated code read by the device and that is comprised in the article, and associate the code with the device, (ii) communicate over communication networks, with a communication management utility and transmit data of said and at least one identifier of the first communication device to the communication management utility, and (iii) enable communication, through a communication gateway opened by the communication management utility, with a second communication device.

[0147] 67. A computer usable non-transitory storage medium having a computer program embodied thereon downloadable, over a communications network, to a second communication device and enable the communication device to (i) transmit an article-associated code read by the device and that is comprised in the article to a communication management utility together with at least one identifier of the second communication device, and to (ii) enable communication, through a communication gateway opened by the communication management utility, with a first communication device.

[0148] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0149] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference to the drawings, it is stressed that the particulars shown are schematic and are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the disclosure. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes it apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced.

[0150] Attention is now directed to the drawings, where like reference numerals or characters indicate corresponding or like components. In the drawings:

[0151] FIGs. 1A and IB are exemplary diagrams of a system implementing the teaching of this disclosure;FIG. 2 is an exemplary flow chart of the manner of practicing the method disclosed herein;

[0152] Fig- 3 is a diagram of an example environment for the system in which embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are performed;

[0153] FIG. 4A is a diagram of the architecture of the Application Server of FIG. 3 and the system thereof;

[0154] FIGS. 4B and 4C are diagrams of exemplary databases of the architecture of FIG. 4 A;

[0155] FIGS.5A to 5D, collectively FIG.5, are a flow diagram of a process in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; and

[0156] FIGS. 6A to 6D are diagrams associated with the various subprocesses of FIG. 5.

[0157] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0158] One or more specific and / or alternative embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below, some with reference to the drawings, which are to be considered in all aspects as illustrative only and not restrictive in any manner. It shall be apparent to one skilled in the art that many alternative embodiments to those depicted in the drawings or those described below are possible, within the scope of the teaching of this disclosure. It should also be noted that to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features or details of an actual implementation are described at length in the specification. It is further noted that elements depicted in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, or in correct proportional relationships.

[0159] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and / or methods set forth in the following description and / or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in many ways.

[0160] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied as a system, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take theform of a computer program product embodied in one or more non-transitory computer readable (storage) medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

[0161] The system of the present disclosure, by certain of its embodiments, eliminates the need for expensive hardware, by providing a system that uses already existing devices and systems. As such, the system of such embodiments does not rely on specialized hardware or any specialized installation.

[0162] The disclosed system uses a communication application managed by and is such that parties communicating with each other via the system, via communication devices, such as smartphones, by two-way communication, do not share or exchange credentials, and thus, maintain anonymity of the users (parties) to the communication, during and after the communication.

[0163] The system uses a communication software program (communication program), typically in the form of an application, downloadable to a computerized device, such as a smartphone. As used herein, an “application” is, for example, a computer software package that performs a specific function directly for an end user (end user device) or, in some cases, for another application. An application can be self-contained or a group of programs. The program is a set of operations that runs the application for the user. Applications use the computer's operating system (OS) and other supporting programs, typically system software, to function. An application requests services from and communicates with other technologies via an application programming interface (API). The application, when executing on both user’s computerized devices is mapped to the system, and places the computerized devices into communication (i.e., two-way communication) with each other via the system in an anonymous manner without any credentials of any party associated with a computerized device being revealed, shared, or exchanged. The application also supports two-way communication, for example, in the form of text, audio, video and combinations thereof, between computerized devices.

[0164] The disclosed application may also be controlled by a first party (first user) associated with an article including a readable code, which when read, by a computerized device (also referred to herein as a communication device) of a second party (second user), places the computerized devices of the parties into communication, i.e., a two-way communication, with each other. The first party may control the application, with communication preferences, such as, for example, with preset messages, or specifying whether text, audio, video or combinations thereof are to be used for communicating with the first party, time windows when the first party will accept communications, the types of computerized devices the first party wants to receivecommunications on, and the first party’s ability to cancel the application when desired. Additionally, the first party, via the first party’s computerized device, may control communication with other computerized devices by specific permission entries input into a communication program (application), by the first party inputting one or more specific permission entries into the communication program.

[0165] Reference is now made toFIGs. 1A and IB, which show an exemplary operating environment, including a system 1000, comprising, for example, an article 1002, referred to herein also as an “ID Device”, which includes a code 1003, which is printed, embossed, or otherwise placed on the article 1002. The code 1003 is readable by a computerized device (machine). ID Device 1002, is similar to the tag 102 (of the system 100), detailed below, and may be in the form of a tag (T), sticker, marker, printed matter, such as a newspaper, book or electronic or digital media page, or the like. The system 1000 also includes a communications network 120, to which is linked an application server 130, and computerized devices 140, 150 (the “computerized devices” 140, 150 each referred to as a “device” hereinafter), such as smartphones, for the respective users 1041, 1051 of the system 1000. For explanation purposes, the user indicated by element number 1041 is an “ID device owner” or “owner”, 140, while the user indicated by element number 1051 is an :ID device user” or “user”.

[0166] For the system 1000, elements with the same element number as those discussed hereinbelow are the same or similar.

[0167] FIG. 1 A shows the ID Device owner 1041 initially possessing (and local and in proximity to) the ID Device 1002, with the potential ID Device user 1051 at a position remote to the ID Device. FIG. IB shown the potential ID Device user 1051 now the ID Device 102 user in proximity or now local to the ID Device 1002, with the ID Device owner 1041 (and his device 140) now remote to the ID Device 102. A communication will be established, maintained and terminated by the system 1000 between the ID Device user 1051 and the ID Device owner 1041, as detained herein.

[0168] An exemplary communication method is shown in FIG. 2 The process begins at a START block 1102, where a communication program (i.e., an application 160) is downloaded (or a portion thereof is downloaded by the ID Device user device 1051) for facilitating anonymous communi cation(s) between the devices 150, 140 of the respective between the ID Device user 1051 and the ID Device owner 1041, via the system 1000.

[0169] The process moves to block 1104, where the system 1000 receives, from a first computerized device 140 associated with an article 1002 including a code readable by a computerized device, data for the code of the article and at least one identifier of the firstcomputerized device, the first computerized device having downloaded and installed a communication program, the communication program mapped to a system over a communications network.

[0170] The process moves to block 1106, where the system 1000 stores the data for the code and the at least one identifier for the first computerized device in storage media, such that the data for the code is associated with the at least one identifier for the first computerized device.

[0171] The process moves to block 1108, where the system 1000 receives, from a second computerized device, data including the code from article 1002 read by the second computerized device, the second computerized device having downloaded and installed at least a portion of the communication program. It should be noted that in other embodiments there may not be a need for the user to download any communication program.

[0172] The process moves to block 1110, where in the system 1000, when the code read from the article 1002, as read by the second computerized device matches the code data associated with the at least one identifier of the first computerized device in the storage media, the system 1000 opens a communication session including placing the first computerized device 140 into communication with the second computerized device 150, for example, in accordance with the at least one identifier for the first computerized device 140.

[0173] The process moves to END block 1112, where the process ends. The process may be repeated as long as desired.

[0174] The present disclosure also includes a software product. The software product is, for example, in the form of a computer usable non-transitory storage medium having a computer program embodied thereon for causing a suitably programmed computer system to control communications, for example, by facilitating anonymous communications, between communication devices of users over a communications network, , by performing the following steps when such program is executed on the system. The steps comprise:

[0175] receiving, from a first computerized device 140 associated with an article 1002 including a code readable by a computerized device, data for the code of the article and at least one identifier of the first computerized device, the first computerized device having downloaded and installed a communication program, the communication program mapped to a system over a communications network;

[0176] storing the data for the code and the at least one identifier for the first computerized device in storage media, such that the data for the code is associated with the at least one identifier for the first computerized device;receiving, from a second computerized device, data including the code from the article 1002 read by the second computerized device, the second computerized device having downloaded and installed at least a portion of the communication program; and when the code read from the article 1002, as read by the second computerized device matches the code data associated with the at least one identifier of the first computerized device in the storage media, causing a system 1000 to place the first computerized device 140 into communication with the second computerized device 150 in accordance with the at least one identifier for the first computerized device 140. The present disclosed system may be, for example, a doorbell system. In such a system, the smart doorbell is replaced with an article or tag, which includes a readable code, typically readable by a computerized device, such as a smartphone. The tag with the readable code is positioned on a house (the house being at a physical location, which is represented by maps, GPS coordinates, and the like) or the like, where a doorbell would be on a home, apartment, business, office, or the like.

[0177] The code is associated with a computerized device of a first party, who is associated with the home, apartment, business, or office on which the article has been placed. The code may be read by systems such as Near Field Communications (NFC).

[0178] The code is unique and exclusive to the tag, allowing the tag to be used for a specific use. When a use of the tag is desired, the tag owner (who has previously downloaded a communication program, typically in the form of an application from an application server or the like, the application as disclosed herein), via the application, uploads the identifier of the tag (i.e., the code on the tag or a graphic representation thereof, typically expressed as a series of characters (letters, numbers, and / or symbols) and typically the location of the tag, as well as at least one identifier of the tag owner’s computerized device, to a central or application server. This uploading of data prevents the tag from being used by anyone other than the tag owner.

[0179] While shown for use as a doorbell, tags may also be mounted to other articles, such as doors, gates, windows, post boxes, signs, and vehicles. Additional tags can be attached to portable objects including appliances, furniture, electronics, vehicles, people, and animals, for example, to find the object person, or animal if reported missing or lost.

[0180] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which shows an exemplary operating environment, including a system 100, comprising, for example, an article 102 including a code 103, which is printed, embossed, or otherwise placed on the article 102. The code 103 is readable by a computerized device (machine). The article 102 is, for example, in the form of a tag (T), attachable to a structure (represented by the arrow 109), such as a doorbell 106 on a house 108.The system 100 also includes a communications network 120, to which is linked an application server 130, and computerized devices 140, 150 (the “computerized devices” 140, 150 each referred to as a “device” hereinafter), such as smartphones, for the respective users 141, 151 of the system 100. For explanation purposes, the user indicated by element number 141 is a first party or first user, and is the owner / occupier of the home, building, or grounds, or a party otherwise associated with the tag 102, also known as the “tag owner”, and used the computerized device 140, while the user indicated by element number 151 is a second party or second user, also known as a “visitor” to the house 108, the user of the computerized device 150, who will use or otherwise activate the doorbell 106 of the disclosed system 100, by electronically reading the code 103 on the tag 102, upon arrival at the house 108.

[0181] For explanation purposes the terms, “first user,” “first party,” “owner” “owner / occupier,” “ID device owner,” and “tag owner,” are used interchangeably herein, and are represented by the user 141. Also, for explanation purposes the terms, “second user,” “second party,” “visitor,” “visitor ID device,” and “tag finder” are used interchangeably herein, and are represented by the user 151.

[0182] The code 103 on the article 102 (i.e., the tag) may be, for example, a bar code, Quick-Response (QR) code, Radiofrequency (RF) Code, or any other device or machine-readable code. The code 103 may be read or scanned by computerized devices (such as smartphones) 140, 150 and the like by techniques such as near field communication (NFC). The code 103 may also be a series of characters input be the owner / occupier 141 when registering the tag, or the visitor 151, performing an engagement function with the doorbell system, to “ring” or otherwise activate the disclosed doorbell, to communicate with the owner / occupier 141 of the house 108. The code 103 may serve as an identifier for the tag 102.

[0183] The communications network 120, for example, includes one or more networks, such as Local Area Networks (LAN), or Wide Area Networks (WAN), including public networks such as the internet, as well as cellular or other networks. “Linked” as used herein includes both wired or wireless links, either direct or indirect, and placing the computerized devices, computers, including, servers, components, and the like, in electronic and / or data communications with each other.

[0184] The Application Server or Central Server 130 also defines a system 130', either alone, or with other computers, including servers, components, and applications, e.g., client applications, associated with the application server 130, as detailed below. The system 130' manages and controls communications between the computerized devices 140. 150, for example, smartphones, of the users 141 (owner / occupier / tag owner), 151 (visitor). Theapplication server 130 stores one or more applications (APP) 160, accessible over the communications network 120 by the computerized devices 140, 150, for example, for downloading the application 160 to the respective computerized device 140, 150.

[0185] While the application server 130 is shown, there may be additional servers linked to the communications network 120, controlled by third parties, known as third party servers (TPS) 170. The TPS 170 are optional and may include servers which can convert a physical or map location, such as 123 Main Street, Anytown 12345, USA into Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates, or additional application servers, where various applications, including the application APP 160 are available for downloads by user computerized devices, as well as other servers not germane to the operation of the system 100. Also, the application server 130 may be a single or multiple servers.

[0186] The users 141, 151 are represented by their computerized devices 140, 150 (also known herein as communication devices), typically smartphones, which link to the communications network 120. The computerized devices 140, 150 may also be, for example, for example, cellular phones, tablets, laptops, personal computers, machines, and / or wearable technology, such as watches, bracelets, headsets, or headwear (for example, Google® Glass®)) capable of receiving calls, text messages, SMS messages, email, social media information (such as, accounts and settings), digital video, or other digital or electronic communications.

[0187] The application 160, once installed and running (executing) on the smartphone or other computer or computerized device of the user 141, 151, may include a graphical user interface (GUI) with display buttons, for controlling the application 160. The application 160 and its control buttons are linked to the system 130’. The application 160 may also be such that once active on the user’ s smartphone 140, 150, can read data from the smartphone, such as the device or device identifiers, such as the phone ID (a device identifier specific to the individual phone), telephone number of the smartphone, email of the smartphone and social media information of the smartphone, the location of the smartphone, Internet Protocol (IP) address, application specific identifiers, network identifiers, as well as prompt the user for various input (e.g., tag location, telephone number of the smartphone, email of the smartphone, social media information of the smartphone, and the like) for the system 100.

[0188] The application 160 is, for example, a communication program, which when installed on computerized devices, such as computerized devices 140, 150 maps to the system 130’ of the server 130 (for facilitating communications between each respective computerized device 140, 150 and the server 130, and communications between the computerized devices 140, 150 via the server 130). The application 160 links (connects or joins) two devices associated withthe same code from the same tag. Once a suitable match or correspondence is determined by the system 130’, the devices with the matching code (e.g., tag codes) are placed into communication with each other. The communication between the devices 140, 150 continues until the system 130’ receives an inactivity indicator, such as inactivity over communication between the devices 140, 150 which is past a predetermined time, or a termination signal from one or both of the computerized devices, such as a “hang up” or other termination, including also, for example, the tag 102 being disabled or deleted from the system 130, by the tag owner 141.

[0189] The application 160 may also be controlled by a party associated with the tag 102 (i.e., a tag owner 141), such as the owner / occupier of the house 108. The tag owner first party has downloaded the application 160, also known as a “first communication program”, to the first party communication device 140. For example, the first party owner / occupier 141 may control the application 160 using communication preferences, for example, preset messages, as text, audio, video or combinations thereof, for use when the code is read by the device of the second party (visitors), time windows when the first party may be contacted, the types of communication the first party wants to use (i.e., text, audio, video, or combinations thereof), the types of computerized devices which may communicate via the application, block certain visitors, the first party’s ability to cancel the application, disable the tag, or cancel the tag when desired, and the first party controlling communication with other computerized devices by specific permission entries input into the communication program, by the first party inputting the specific permission entry into the communication program.

[0190] Also, as for the second communication device, this device may only need to download and install a portion of the communication program (the application 160), this at least a portion of the application 160 known as a “second communication program.” This downloaded portion is suitable for obtaining at least the tag identifier, and optionally, the location of the computerized device which reads the tag, and also optionally a device identifier, such as the device ID, and letting it pass or reading it into the system 130’.

[0191] The application 160 can interact with the aforementioned other servers and components over the communications network 120. For example, application 160 may interact with global positioning system (GPS) servers (TPS 170) to translate physical locations, such as 1 Main Street, Anytown, New York 12345 USA to a GPS coordinates, for example, GPS coordinates 407520 N, 737705 W, corresponding to the physical location (address).

[0192] FIG. 4A shows an architecture for the system 130’, in, for example, the application server 130. The system 130' is, for example, network-based, e.g., Internet and CellularNetwork based, and includes one or more smartphone software applications 160, that facilitate communications, for example, between computerized devices (smartphones) 140, 150. The communications may be text, audio, video, or combinations thereof. The communications are such that the device and / or user credentials are not shared, exchanged, or otherwise disclosed to the other one of the respective users 141, 151. This maintains anonymity between the first and second users 141, 151. By “anonymity”, “anonymous” “anonymous” and derivatives thereof, it is meant that data as to the devices 140, 150 and identities, credentials, and other data of the devices 140, 150 and / or the users 141, 151 thereof, is not revealed to the other user or in any way shared or exchanged between any one or both of the users 141, 151 and / or their respective computerized devices 140, 150.

[0193] The example architecture of the system 130’ includes one or more components, engines, circuitries, modules, utilities, and the like, for providing numerous additional server functions and operations, and, for running the processes of the system 130', with those that are germane to the disclosure shown and described below. The application server 130 may be associated with additional storage, memory, caches, and databases, both internal and external thereto.

[0194] The architecture of the system 130', as shown, for example, in the application server 130, includes a processor unit, for example, central processing unit (CPU) 202 formed of one or more processors, electronically connected, i.e., either directly or indirectly, including in electronic and / or data communication with storage / memory 204, a data processing module, circuitry or utility (data processor) 210, a database module, circuitry, or utility (database(s)) 212 in storage media, an application installation module, circuitry, or utility (application installer) 214, and a communications module, circuitry, or utility (communicator) 216. One or more of the aforementioned modules 210, 212, 214, 216, which may be coupled to one or more of the CPU 202 and / or the storage memory 204, forms a communication management utility. Hereinafter the “communication management module” and system 130’ may be used interchangeably.

[0195] Hereinafter, “module,” “circuitry,” and “utility” are used interchangeably herein. The aforementioned components are linked together to be in either direct or indirect communication with any one or more of the components. All of the aforementioned components communicate directly or indirectly with the application 160.

[0196] The Central Processing Unit (CPU) 202 is formed of one or more processors (computerized processors), the multiple processors may be distributed processors, including microprocessors, and hardware processors, for performing the applicationserver 130 and system 130' functions and operations detailed herein, including controlling the a data processing module, circuitry, or utility (data processor) 210, a database module, circuitry, or utility (database(s)) 212 in storage media, a token module or circuitry 214, an application installation module, circuitry or utility (application installer) 216, and a communications module, circuitry, or utility (communicator) 218. The processors are, for example, conventional processors, such as those used in servers, computers, and other computerized devices.

[0197] The processors, for example, may comprise general purpose computers, which are programmed in software, to carry out the functions described herein. The software may be downloaded to the computer in electronic form, over a network, for example, or it may, alternatively or additionally, be provided and / or stored on non-transitory tangible media, such as magnetic optical, or electronic memory.

[0198] The storage / memory 204 is any conventional storage media. The storage / memory 204 stores machine executable instructions for execution by the CPU 202, to perform the processes of the disclosure. The storage / memory 204 also includes machine executable instructions associated with the operation of the components, including a data processing module, circuitry, or utility (data processor) 210, a database module, circuitry, or utility (database(s)) 212 in storage media, the token module 214, the application installation module, circuitry, or utility (application installer) 216, and the communications module, circuitry, or utility (communicator) 218. The storage / memory 204 also, for example, stores rules and policies for the system 130' and the application server 130. The processors of the CPU 202 and the storage / memory 204, although shown as a single component for representative purposes, may be multiple components, and may be outside of the application server 130 and / or the system 130', and linked to the communications network 120.

[0199] The data processing module or circuitry 210 receives data, which is input or automatically sent from the computerized devices 140, 150 of the users 141, 151 to the application server 130. This module 210 also places the received data in one or more of the databases 212 (database 212a from the tag owners 141, as shown in FIG, 4B, and database 212b from the tag finders / visitors 151, as shown in FIG. 4C), and performs comparison functions, to match the tag codes of the for the device 140 of the tag owner 141 (e.g., house owner / occupier), with the device 150 of a tag finder (visitor) 151, in order to place the devices of the tag owner 140 and tag finder (visitor) 150 into communication, e.g., two-way communication, with each other. Should the match be acceptable, the module 210 signals the communications module 216 to open a communication (also known as a communication linebetween the communication (communication line) from the server 130 to the first communication device 140 and connect, i.e., automatically, the communication (communication line) to the communication line already opened between the second computerized device 150 and the server 130 (which was opened automatically upon the successful downloading and installation of the application 160 by the second computerized device 150). Since the communication is made by, and goes through, the system 130’ (or the communication management utility) and the application server 130, the credentials of each party 141, 151, associated with their respective computerized device 140, 150 not shared or exchanged between the parties to the communication (i.e., the now joined communications / communication lines), whereby the parties 141, 151 maintain their anonymity.

[0200] The data received or otherwise obtained from the first device 140, either being read by the application 160, sent by, or input, from, the first device 140 of the user (owner / occupier of the house-tag owner) 141, includes, for example, at least data identifying the code of the tag (also known as a tag identifier) and at least one identifier for the first device 140, such as an identifier (ID) for the device 140 itself, the telephone number, email and social media settings (accounts) of the user 141 of the device, the location of the smartphone, Internet Protocol (IP) address, application specific identifiers, network identifiers, and communication preferences of the user. Typically, also included in the received or obtained information, is the physical location of the tag, for example, a location on a standard map, which may be converted to a GPS location, as detailed above by the application 160 or a GPS server, as a location in GPS coordinates.

[0201] The data received from the device 150 of the second party 151, e.g., the visitor, includes data read from the code on the tag identifying the tag, at least optionally one identifier for the device 150, such as an identifier (ID) for the device 150 itself, and optionally, the location of the tag 102 which was read. The location of the tag 102, is typically the location of the computerized device 150, which read the tag, as this location is readable by the data processing module 210, and automatically sent to the system 130’, but may also be sent to the system 130’ from the device 150, input by the user 151 of the device 150.

[0202] The database(s) 212 include storage media for storing data received and processed by the module 210. For example, the database 212a shown in FIG. 4B shows data from the first party (tag owner), once the tag has been placed at the owner-designated location, and the information for the tag code and the location of the tag, and at least one device identifier for the tag owner’s device 140 has been received by system 130’. It is this information that willbe used by the communications module 216 to connect the visitor’s device 150 with the tag owner’s device 140.

[0203] For example, the database 212a, shown in FIG. 4B includes, for example, data for a code read from the tag by the computerized device 150 of the visitor 151, and / or the location of the device 150 when it read the tag 102 (to establish the location, e.g., in GPS coordinates, of the tag 102). There is also at least one identifier for the device 150 of the visitor 151, such as the device ID. Optional device identifiers include, for example, the email and telephone numbers associated with the device 140 (and its user 141), the users 141 social media. Also stored as a database item, which may be part of the token, are the user’s 141 communication preferences, for receiving communications from the visitor 151, via the system 130’, which also may be part of the token. There is also data for whether the owner 141 has generated a token, and the various conditions of the token, which, for example, include one or more of number of visitors, time when communications are accepted, time period when communications are accepted,

[0204] For example, the database 212b, shown in FIG. 4C, includes, for example, data for a code read from the tag by the computerized device 150 of the visitor 151, and / or the location of the device 150 when it read the tag 102.

[0205] The data associated with the codes in each of the databases 212a (“CODE”), 212b (“CODE READ”) is compared for a match, and depending on whether the data matches, the system 130’ will place the devices 140, 150, into communication with each other, with the connection in the server 130. With respect to the second computerized communication device 150, only a portion of the application 160 need to be downloaded and installed onto the device 150.

[0206] If additional matching is required, the module 210 may be programmed to examine the “LOCATION” entry of both databases 212a, 212b, representative of the location of the tag, placed on the structure by the tag owner, and visited by the visitor, for a match or other acceptable correspondence. This correspondence is known as a geographic validation. Based on this additional match, the devices 140, 150 will be placed into communication with each other. Absent the additional match, the devices 140, 150 will not be connected and the process will terminate.

[0207] The token module 214 or circuitry generates tokens associated with the owner 141 and owner’s device and are associated with the tag 102. This module 214 creates the token by prompting and / or receiving input from the user 141, and stores the token in the database 212a, and activates the token in the system 130’. The module 214 ggenerates a token for permittedcommunication sessions (to be referred to also, simply, as "token") that is associated with the code, and in order to open the two-way communication, the parameters associated with the code should include a valid token. The token may define various validity parameters or payments, including, for example, a number of permitted communication sessions (number of visitors) between a user device the owner device using the code, which may be one (i.e. permitting only a one-time communication) or be any other number of communication sessions; may define the ability to communicate during a defined time-period (e.g. during a period for which the ID device owner pays a subscription; during a defined time of day or week, etc.), may define a number of permitted communication sessions using that code; communication preferences, such as which device the owner 141 prefers to use, social media preferences of the owner 141, and the like.

[0208] The token is typically defined, for example, by a payment that is made by the owner; for example payment for a defined number of communication sessions, payment for a subscription for a time period, etc. Once the token has been fully used (e.g., the permitted number of communication sessions has been exhausted, the subscription time period has been exceeded, etc.) it may be renewed by the owner, e.g., by additional payment. When a user device scans the code and transmits it together with parameters associated with the user's communication device (e.g., its GPS coordinates), to the communication management utility, the communication management utility determines whether the token associated with the code is valid and only if validity is established, communication between the user device and the owner device may be established.

[0209] The token, which is generated, for example, defines validity parameters. The validity parameters, for example, comprise one or more of time, nature of the permitted communication, and further, for example, a time window in which a communication session between the first and the second communication devices is permitted, a counter for number of uses that remain for that token, the type of communication that is permitted between the first and the second communication devices, and a time period that the token is active.

[0210] The token generated, for example is also associated with a code, such as that associated with the article (e.g., tag 102). The token, for example, is typically valid for the intended communication, e.g., placing the first and second communication devices into communication with each other.

[0211] The process of generating the token may comprise, for example, one or more of: permitting the first user to select a plan for the token, and / or generating a token according to a selected plan. The generated token may then be stored in a storage medium. Additionally, thepermitting may, for example, comprise collecting payment from the user for said plan (e.g., selected plan).

[0212] The application installation module 216 checks whether the application 160, which is the aforementioned communication program, has been installed in the respective computerized device 140 (first communication program), 150 (second communication program), and if installed, checks whether the application is active in the computerized device 140, 150. Should the application not be installed, the module 214 sends a link to the device, that when activated by the device user, automatically downloads and installs the application 160 (communication program) on the computerized device. The application 160 is typically obtained from the application server 130, but may also be obtained from other servers, such as servers hosting the application 160, along the communications network 120.

[0213] Should the application 160 be installed on the device 150, but not active, the module 214 sends a prompt or other message to the device for the user 151 to activate the application. In response to the prompt being activated (such as by a contact on the prompt button on the screen display of the device by the user) the application 160 is transmitted and automatically downloaded and installed on the user’s device, for example, the visitor’s, computerized device 150. The application 160, or portion thereof for the second communication device 150, is automatically activated and automatically executes and transmits back to the communication module 218, which opens a communication, i.e., a communication line, between the visitor’s computerized device 150 and the system 130’ in the server 130.

[0214] The communication module 218 opens communications, including communication sessions and / or communication lines (with or without a session being opened) between the devices 140, 150 and the system 130’, in the system 130’ of the server 130. The module 218 then connects the opened communications (the opened communication lines) when at least a “match” of tag codes, as read and / or sent from each respective device 140, 150 and stored in the respective data base 212a, 212b, as indicated by the data processing module 210, which sends a signal or the like, indicating the match, to the communications module 218. The communications module 218 connects the devices 140, 150 by connecting the communications (i.e., the two communication lines) in the server 130 a manner where the parties, e.g., the tag owner 141 and the visitor 151, to the communication (the now joined communication lines), via their respective computerized devices 140, 150, are anonymous to each other, and their credentials are not shared or exchanged with each other.

[0215] The communications module 218 also monitors the communications, i.e., the joined communication lines, between the devices 140, 150, and the system 130’ in the server 130, todetermine whether the communication, i.e., in the joined communication lines, is still active. The communications module 218 monitors the communication, i.e., the joined communications lines, between the computerized devices 140, 150, for activity over the communication lines. Should there not be activity for a predetermined time period, or a hang up or other termination signal has been received from either of the computerized devices 140, 150, the communication is ended, and terminated, as well as the session, if present, is terminated.

[0216] Attention is now directed to FIGs. 5 A to 5D, collectively known as FIG. 5, which show an example process of the disclosed subject matter being used as a doorbell system. The process is formed of subprocesses, and includes computer-implemented subprocesses in blocks 304 to 324, and is typically performed automatically and in real time. In this description of FIG. 5, reference is made to elements shown in FIGs. 3, 4 A, 4B and 4C.

[0217] Also, in this description of the example process of FIG. 3 and the diagrams of FIGs.

[0218] 6A-6D, the first user or first party 141, with the first computerized device 140, is the owner / occupier of the house 108, and is referred to for this example process as the “tag owner” 141. Also, the second user or second party 151, with the second computerized device 150, is the visitor of the house 108, and is referred to for this example process as the “visitor” 150.

[0219] The process begins at a START block 302, and as shown in FIG. 6 A, a tag owner 141 has installed the communication program, i.e., the application A 160 (the first communication program), from the application server 130, on his computerized device 140. The request for the application is shown by the arrow 402 with the application 160 sent for downloading shown by arrow 404. The application A 160 is for communicating with visitors to the house 108 (each time there is a visit to the house 108), via the visitor’s 151 computerized device 150.

[0220] Moving to block 304 and staying in FIG. 6A, the tag owner 141 has also been provided with an article 102, i.e., a tag (a physical article), including a machine-readable code 103, as indicia on the article, capable of being placed on a structure (i.e., a house 108 positioned proximate to the doorbell 106 or in replacement of the doorbell) at a location (i.e., a physical location), typically expressed as a GPS location by GPS coordinates. For purposes of this example process, reference will be made to the aforementioned article 102 as a “tag.” With the tag 102 now attached to the house 108, proximate to the position of the doorbell 106 or at a position in replacement of the doorbell, the process moves to block 306. At block 306, the system 130 (e.g., data processing module 210) receives data from the tag owner device 140, via the application 160 of the computerized device 140, as shown by the broken line arrow 406 in FIG. 6B. The information includes, for example, at least data for the code from the tag, and an identifier for the tag owner device 140, such as the device ID,optionally, with other suitable identifiers for the device 140 being, for example, the telephone number, email and / or social media information, associated with the device 140, and communication preferences of the tag owner 141, all of which may be read by the server 130, or scanned into or input by the tag owner 141, typically via the device 140.

[0221] The process moves to block 308, where the data for the code 103 of the tag 102 and at least one identifier, for example, at least the device identifier (ID) for the first computerized device 140 of the tag owner 141 is stored in storage media, i.e., a database, such as the Tag Owner Database 212a (FIG. 4B). Optionally, the location of the tag 102, for example, in GPS coordinates, is also stored in the database 212a. Additional data stored may optionally include: other device identifiers, such as telephone number, email, social media settings, the article (tag) 102 location, the communication preferences of the tag owner 141, such that the data for the code (and optionally the article location and communication preferences), the location of the smartphone, Internet Protocol (IP) address, application specific identifiers, and network identifiers, for the first computerized device 140.

[0222] Throughout the process, as well as before the START (block 302) or END (Block 340) of the process, the tag owner 141 maintains the ability to cancel the application 160 on his device 140, for example, by uninstalling or disabling the application 160, disable the tag 102, or cancel the tag 102, when desired. With the application or tag 102 canceled, or the tag is disabled, the process will, for example, fail to execute immediately upon the application 160 being canceled, or the tag 102 being canceled or disabled.

[0223] The process moves to block 310, where in an optional process a token is created for the tag owner 141. Moving to block 312, the system 130’ (e.g., data processing module 210) receives, from a second computerized device 150 of a visitor 151 to the house 108, in a data transmission, data including the code from the tag 102, which, for example, was read by Near Field Communication (NFC) 408, by the visitor’s computerized device 150 at the house 108 location, the location of the device 150 which read the tag 102. Optionally, the system 130’ receives at least one identifier for the second computerized device 150, typically the device ID. As shown in FIG. 6C, the data transmission is represented by broken line arrow 410 and is, for example, read by the server 130, and / or sent by or input from (by the visitor 151), typically via the device 150.

[0224] Having received the data in the server 130, for example, by the data processing module 210, the process moves to block 314. At block 314, the application module 216 checks the visitor’s computerized device 150 to determine whether the application 160 or portion thereof, has been downloaded to, and installed on, the visitor’s device 150.If no at block 314, the process moves to block 316, where the application module 216 provides a link to an applications store (e.g., a remote server linked to the communications network 120), the application server 130, or other computer source, for downloading and installing the application 160 or portion thereof, on the visitor’s computerized device 150.

[0225] The process moves to block 318, where if the download and installation is complete, the process returns to block 312, from where it resumes. Should the download and installation not be complete, the process moves to block 320, where it is determined whether there is a time out, a predetermined time for the download / installation of the application 160 to complete, has occurred. Should the timeout not have lapsed, the process returns to block 318, from where it resumes. Should there have been a timeout, at block 320, the process moves to block 340, where it ends.

[0226] With the process resuming from block 312 (from block 314), with the application 160 or portion thereof (the second communication program), downloaded and installed on the visitor’s computerized device 150, the system 130’ stores the received data, of at least the tag ID which was read and optionally the device ID and the location of the visitor’s device 150 when reading the tag 102, in the Visitor database 212b (FIG. 4C). The process moves to block 314, with a yes at block 312 (as the visitor’s computerized device 150 has downloaded the application 160) or portion thereof. The process moves directly from block 314 to block 322.

[0227] At block 322, the communication program, i.e., the application 160, opens a communication, e.g., a communication line, between the visitor’s device 150 and the application server 130 (system 130’), as shown by the arrow 412 of FIG. 6C. The communication is facilitated, for example, by the communications module 218.

[0228] Staying in block 322, the data processing module 210 determines whether there is a match (or other acceptable correspondence), for example, by comparing data, of at least tag codes, in the respective Tag Owner 212a and Visitor 212b databases. If no, there is not a match at block 322, and the process moves to block 340, where it ends. If yes, at block 322, there is a match or correspondence, and the process moves to block 324.

[0229] At block 324, the system 130’ CPU 202 optionally determines whether GPS validation is to be performed. GPS validation includes checking whether the visitor is within an acceptable distance from the tag 102, based on the GPS locations of the tag 102 and the visitor’ s device 150. If GPS validation is performed, the process moves to block 326. If GPS validation is not performed, the process moves to block 328.

[0230] Should GPS validation be performed, the process moves from block 324 to block 326. If the locations of the tag 102 and the visitor device 150 are an acceptable distance from eachother, the process moves to block 328. If the locations of the tag 102 and the visitor device 150 are not at an acceptable distance from each other, the process moves to block 340, where it ends.

[0231] When the process moves to block 328, this is an optional process, which depends on whether a token was created. If a token was not created, the process moves to block 332. If a token was created, the process moves to block 330.

[0232] At block 330, the system determines whether the token is live AND whether the instant visit (e.g., parameters of the visit (in the communication), such as the time of the visit, e.g., date, and / or time of day) and communication (e.g., parameter of the permitted form of communication) between the visitor device 150 and the system 130’ is within the token parameters (validity parameters). If yes, the process moves to block 332. However, should the token not be live OR the token parameters (validity parameters) are not satisfied by the instant visit and communication between the visitor device 150 and the system 130’, the process moves to block 340, where it ends.

[0233] With the process moving to block 332, the application server 130, for example, the communications module 218, opens a communication line, which may be part of an opened communication session, by joining a communications lines from the visitor device 150 to the system 130’, shown as line 420, and from the owner device 140 to the system 130’, shown as line 422, in the system 130’ to facilitate communications between the visitor’s communication device 150 and the tag owner’s communication device 140, as shown in FIG. 6D. In doing so, the communication module 218 has placed the tag owner’s computerized device 140 and the visitor’s computerized device 150 into communication (e.g., two-way communication) with each other. The communication occurs without credentials of the owner 141 or the owner’s device 141 and the visitor 151 or the visitors device 151 being exchanged, so that the owner 141 and the visitor 151 remain anonymous to each other.

[0234] The process moves to block 334, where the system 130’ (e.g., the communications module 216) determines whether the communication over the system set up communication line between the devices 140, 150 is complete. Such a determination includes monitoring the joined communication lines 420, 422 for activity thereon. Should there be activity, a no at block 334, the process returns to block 334 from where it resumes. Should there be inactivity for a predetermined time period, e.g., a time-out, a hang up or other termination signal from one of the computerized devices 140, 150, a yes at block 334, the process moves to block 336.

[0235] At block 336, the communication session, and therefore the communications between devices 140, 150, is complete. The system 130’, for example, the communications module216, terminates the communication session between the devices 140, 150. The termination is such that not any records were made of the now terminated and user and / or device credentials of the owner 141 and visitor were not exchanged.

[0236] The process moves to block 340 where it ends. The process may be repeated, as necessary. The system 100 and the process detailed above may be used by multiple visitors, who each visit the house 108, at different times.

[0237] While shown as a doorbell system, the system 100 disclosed herein is a communications system, and has multiple uses. For example, the system 100 may be used to find or otherwise locate people, animals (e.g., pets), and objects such as vehicles, where a finder of the person, pet or object reads the tag with their computerized device and is placed into communication with the tag owner. Alternately, the tag may be placed on an object that the tag owner wishes to be sold, such that a potential buyer reads the tag on the object and is placed into communication with the tag owner / seller.

[0238] Aspects Of The Disclosure

[0239] The disclosure is directed to a communication method, carried out by a computerized communication management utility. The method comprises: receiving, from a first communication device associated with a first user and with an article that comprises an article-associated code readable by a communication device, data representative of the article-associated code and of at least one identifier of the first communication device, the first communication device having installed a first communication program permitting the first communication device to communicate with the communication management utility over a communications network; storing the data for the code and the at least one identifier for the first communication device in a computerized storage medium, such that the data for the code is associated with the at least one identifier for the first communication device; generating a token associated with said code that defines validity parameters that comprise one or more of time and nature of permitted communication, and storing the token in the storage medium; receiving, from a second communication device, data representative of the code from the article read by the second communication device; analyzing parameters of the communication from the second communication device to determine whether at least some of the parameters meet the validity parameters for the code-associated token; and, when (i) the code read from the article by the second communication device matches the code data associated with the at least one identifier of the first communication device, and (ii) the token is valid for the intendedcommunication, placing the first communication device into communication with the second communication device.

[0240] Optionally, the method is such that it additionally comprises: opening a communication line between the second communication device and the system when the second communication device has a second communication program for communicating with the system over a communications network installed thereon.

[0241] Optionally, the method is such that it additionally comprises: determining whether the second communication program is installed on the second communication device and if not, inducing a communication session for downloading and installing the communication program onto the second communication device.

[0242] Optionally, the method is such that if the second communication program is not installed on the second communication device, providing the second communication device with a link to download the second communication program, such that upon activation of the link, (1) the second communication program downloads and installs on the second communication device, (2) upon installment, opening a communication line between the second communication device and the communication utility to permit the second communication device to transmit data representative of the code and said parameters to the communication utility, and (3) upon determining that said validity parameters are valid for the token associated with the code, opening a communication line between the first and the second communication devices.

[0243] Optionally, the method is such that the validity parameters for the token comprise one or more of: (i) a time window in which the communication session between the first and the second communication devices is permitted, (ii) a counter for number of the communication sessions (number of visitors) that remain for that token, (iii) a type of communication that is permitted between the first and the second communication devices, and (iv) a time period that the token is active, for example, a period of hours, days, months, and the like.

[0244] Optionally, the method is such that said generating comprises: permitting the first user to select a plan for the token, generating a token according to the selected plan, and, storing the token in a storage medium.

[0245] Optionally, the method is such that said permitting comprises collecting payment from the user for said plan.

[0246] Optionally, the method is such that the communication session between the first and the second communication device is such that no record thereof is stored in any computerized storage medium.Optionally, the method is such that said code comprises location-specific data.

[0247] Optionally, the method is such that said data comprises a global positioning system (GPS) coordinates.

[0248] Optionally, the method is such that it additionally comprises: performing a GPS validation of the location of the article against the location of the second communication device, and opening the communication session only if the there is a match between the GPS location of the second communication device and the location of the article.

[0249] Optionally, the method is such that it additionally comprises: providing an article including a code readable by a communication device, for placement at a location.

[0250] Optionally, the method is such that it comprises maintaining anonymity of at least one of the first communication device and its user and the second communication device and its user by not exchanging the respective identifying information identifying the communication device and its user from the respective device to the other device.

[0251] Optionally, the method is such that the first communication device and the second communication device are mobile communication devices.

[0252] Optionally, the method is such that the communications network comprises the Internet and at least one cellular network.

[0253] Optionally, the method is such that the code is encoded by one or more of: a bar code, a Quick Response (QR) code, a radiofrequency code, an infrared code, or other machine-readable code.

[0254] Optionally, the method is such that the article includes a tag attachable to a structure. Optionally, the method is such that it additionally comprises: attaching the tag to the structure at a position proximate to a doorbell, or at a position on the structure in replacement of the doorbell.

[0255] Optionally, the method is such that the code is readable by near field communication (NFC).

[0256] Optionally, the method is such that the first and the second communication programs comprise an application downloaded to each of the first and second communication devices from a remote location over a communications network.

[0257] Optionally, the method is such that the at least one identifier of the first communication device comprises one or more of: a device identifier, a telephone number, email, and social media information.

[0258] Optionally, the method is such that the at least one identifier for the second communication device comprises one or both of: a device identifier and a user identifier.Optionally, the method is such that the communication between the first communication device and the second communication device comprises one or more of text, audio, video, or any combination thereof.

[0259] The disclosure is directed to a computerized communication system. The computerized communication system comprises: a data storage medium for storing data and one or more downloadable communication programs to permit communication devices on which the program is installed to communicated with the system; a computerized processing utility configured for: a) receiving, from a first communication device associated with a first user and with an article that comprises an article-associated code readable by a communication device, data representative of the article-associated code and of at least one identifier of the first communication device, the first communication device having installed a first communication program permitting the first communication device to communicate with the computerized processing utility over a communications network; b) storing the data for the code and the at least one identifier for the first communication device in a computerized storage medium, such that the data for the code is associated with the at least one identifier for the first communication device; c) generating a token associated with said code that defines validity parameters that comprise one or more of time or nature of permitted communications, and storing the token in the storage medium; d) receiving, from a second communication device, data representative of the code from the article read by the second communication device; e) analyzing parameters of the communication from the second communication device to determine whether some of the parameters meet the validity parameters for the code-associated token; and, when (i) the code read from the article by the second communication device matches the code data associated with the at least one identifier of the first communication device, and (ii) the token is valid for the intended communication, placing the first communication device into communication with the second communication device.

[0260] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that the processing utility is additionally configured for opening a communication line between the second communication device and the system when the second communication device has a second communication program for communicating with the system over a communications network installed thereon.

[0261] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that the processing utility is additionally configured for determining whether the second communication program is installed on the second communication device and if not, inducing a communication sessionfor downloading and installing the communication program onto the second communication device.

[0262] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that the processing utility is additionally configured such that if the second communication program is not installed on the second communication device, providing the second communication device with a link to download the second communication program, such that upon activation of the link, 1) the second communication program downloads and installs on the second communication device, 2) upon installment, opening a communication line between the second communication device and the processing utility to permit the second communication device to transmit data representative of the code and said parameters to the processing utility, and 3) upon determining that parameters associated with the code define a valid token associated with the code, opening a communication line between the first and the second communication devices.

[0263] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that the validity parameters for the token comprise one or more of: (i) a time window in which communication session between the first and the second communication devices is permitted, (ii) a counter for number of the communication sessions (number of visitors) that remain for that token, and (iii) a type of communication that is permitted between the first and the second communication devices, and (iv) a time period that the token is active, for example, a period of hours, days, months, and the like.

[0264] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that the computerized processing utility is additionally configured to permit the first user to select a plan for the token and generate said token according to the selected plan.

[0265] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that the computerized processing utility is additionally configured to collect payment from the first user according to the selected plan.

[0266] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that the computerized processing utility is additionally configured to eliminate any record of the communication session between the first and the second communication device.

[0267] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that said code comprises location-specific data.

[0268] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that said data comprises a global positioning system (GPS) coordinate location.

[0269] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that the processing utility is additionally configured for: performing a GPS validation of the location of the article againstthe location of the second communication device, and opening the communication session only if the there is a match between the GPS location of the second communication device and the location of the article.

[0270] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that it additionally comprises an article that comprises a code readable by a communication device, for placement at a location.

[0271] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that the computerized processing utility is configured for maintaining anonymity of at least one of the first communication device and its user and the second communication device and its user by not exchanging the respective identifying information identifying the communication device and its user from the respective device to the other device.

[0272] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that in the first communication device and the second communication device are mobile communication devices.

[0273] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that the communications network includes the Internet and at least one cellular network.

[0274] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that the code includes one or more of: a bar code, a Quick Response (QR) code, a Radiofrequency code, an infrared code, or other machine-readable code.

[0275] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that the article includes a tag attachable to a structure.

[0276] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that the tag is attachable to a structure at a position proximate to a doorbell, or at a position on the structure in replacement of the doorbell.

[0277] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that the code is readable by near field communication (NFC).

[0278] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that there is additionally a server utility storing one or more communication programs downloadable from the server, over a communication network, to user-associated communication devices, and wherein the first and the second communication programs comprise an application downloaded from said server utility to each of the first and second communication devices.

[0279] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that the at least one identifier comprises one or more of: a device identifier, a telephone number, email, and social media information.Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that the at least identifier for the second communication device comprises one or both of a device identifier and a user identifier.

[0280] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that the communication between the first communication device and the second communication device comprises text, audio, video, or any combination thereof.

[0281] Optionally, the computerized communication system is such that it additionally comprises: a plurality of said first communication devices, each of said first communication devices for permitting communication program to be installed therein; a plurality of said second communication devices; and, a plurality of articles each comprising an article-associated code readable by said first communication devices and / or said second communication devices.

[0282] The disclosure is directed to a software application running on a first communication device and configured for (i) obtaining an article-associated code read by the device and that is comprised in the article, and associate the code with the device, (ii) communicating over communication networks, with a communication management utility and transmit data of said and at least one identifier of the first communication device to the communication management utility, and to (iii) enabling communication, through a communication gateway opened by the communication management utility, with a second communication device.

[0283] The disclosure is directed to a software application running on a second communication device, and configured for (i) transmitting an article-associated code read by the device and that is comprised in the article to a communication management utility together with at least one identifier of the second communication device to the communication management utility, and to (iii) enabling communication, through a communication gateway opened by the communication management utility, with a first communication device.

[0284] The disclosure is directed to article configured for carrying coded data that may be read by communication device, for use in the method disclosed in this section above.

[0285] The disclosure is directed to a computer usable non-transitory storage medium having a computer program embodied thereon for causing a suitably programmed system to create and prepare for transmission electronic communications, over a communications network, by performing the following process when such program is executed on the system. The process comprises, in the given order or any other suitable order: receiving, from a first communication device associated with a first user and with an article that comprises an article-associated code readable by a communication device, data representative of the article-associated code and ofat least one identifier of the first communication device, the first communication device having installed a first communication program permitting the first communication device to communicate with the communication management utility over a communications network; storing the data for the code and the at least one identifier for the first communication device in a computerized storage medium, such that the data for the code is associated with the at least one identifier for the first communication device; generating a token associated with said code that defines validity parameters that comprise one or more of time and nature of permitted communication, and storing the token in the computerized storage medium; receiving, from a second communication device, data representative of the code from the article read by the second communication device; analyzing parameters of the communication from the second communication device to determine whether at least some of the parameters meet the validity parameters for the code-associated token; and, when (i) the code read from the article by the second communication device matches the code data associated with the at least one identifier of the first communication device, and (ii) the token is valid for the intended communication, placing the first communication device into communication with the second communication device.

[0286] Optionally, the non-transitory storage medium is such that the process additionally comprises: opening a communication line between the second communication device and the system when the second communication device has a second communication program for communicating with the system over a communications network installed thereon.

[0287] Optionally, the non-transitory storage medium is such that the process additionally comprises: determining whether the second communication program is installed on the second communication device and if not, inducing a communication session for downloading and installing the communication program onto the second communication device.

[0288] Optionally, the non-transitory storage medium is such that the process additionally comprises: if the second communication program is not installed on the second communication device, providing the second communication device with a link to download the second communication program, such that upon activation of the link, (1) the second communication program downloads and installs on the second communication device, (2) upon installment, opening a communication line between the second communication device and the communication utility to permit the second communication device to transmit data representative of the code and said parameters to the communication utility, and (3) upon determining that said validity parameters are valid for the token associated with the code, opening a communication line between the first and the second communication devices.Optionally, the non-transitory storage medium is such that the validity parameters for the token comprise one or more of: (i) time window in which communication session between the first and the second communication devices is permitted, (ii) a counter for number of the communication sessions (number of visitors) that remain for that token, and (iii) type of communication that is permitted between the first and the second communication devices, and (iv) time period that the token is active, for example, a period of hours, days, months, and the like.

[0289] Optionally, the non-transitory storage medium is such that the process additionally comprises: permitting the first user to select a plan for the token, generating a token according to the selected plan, and storing the token in a storage medium.

[0290] Optionally, the non-transitory storage medium is such that said permitting comprises collecting payment from the user for said plan.

[0291] Optionally, the non-transitory storage medium is such that the communication session between the first and the second communication device is such that no record thereof is stored in any computerized storage medium.

[0292] Optionally, the non-transitory storage medium is such that said code comprises location-specific data.

[0293] Optionally, the non-transitory storage medium is such that said data comprises a global positioning system (GPS) coordinates.

[0294] Optionally, the non-transitory storage medium is such that the process additionally comprises: performing a GPS validation of the location of the article against the location of the second communication device, and opening the communication session only if there is a match between the GPS location of the second communication device and the location of the article.

[0295] Optionally, the non-transitory storage medium is such that the process additionally comprises: providing an article including a code readable by a communication device, for placement at a location.

[0296] Optionally, the non-transitory storage medium is such that the process additionally comprises: maintaining anonymity of at least one of the first communication device and its user and the second communication device and its user by not exchanging the respective identifying information identifying the communication device and its user from the respective device to the other device.

[0297] The disclosure is directed to a computer usable non-transitory storage medium having a computer program embodied thereon downloadable, over a communications network, to afirst communication device and enable the first communication device to: (i) obtain an article-associated code read by the device and that is comprised in the article, and associate the code with the device, (ii) communicate over communication networks, with a communication management utility and transmit data of at least one identifier of the first communication device to the communication management utility, and (iii) enable communication, through a communication gateway opened by the communication management utility, with a second communication device.

[0298] The disclosure is directed to a computer usable non-transitory storage medium having a computer program embodied thereon downloadable, over a communications network, to a second communication device and enable the communication device to: (i) transmit an article-associated code read by the device and that is comprised in the article to a communication management utility together with at least one identifier of the second communication device, and (ii) enable communication, through a communication gateway opened by the communication management utility, with a first communication device.

[0299] The implementation of the method and / or system of embodiments of the disclosure can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and / or system of the disclosure, several selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware or by a combination thereof using an operating system or a cloud-based platform (such as those provided by Amazon Web Services™ or Microsoft® Azure™).

[0300] For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to embodiments of the disclosure could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of the disclosure could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, one or more tasks according to exemplary embodiments of method and / or system as described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and / or data and / or a non-volatile storage, for example, non-transitory storage media such as a magnetic hard-disk and / or removable media, for storing instructions and / or data. Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. A display and / or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.For example, any combination of one or more non-transitory computer readable (storage) medium(s) may be utilized in accordance with the above-listed embodiments of the present disclosure. The non-transitory computer readable (storage) medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a readonly memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0301] A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0302] As will be understood with reference to the paragraphs and the referenced drawings, provided above, various embodiments of computer-implemented methods are provided herein, some of which can be performed by various embodiments of apparatuses and systems described herein and some of which can be performed according to instructions stored in non-transitory computer-readable storage media described herein. Still, some embodiments of computer-implemented methods provided herein can be performed by other apparatuses or systems and can be performed according to instructions stored in computer-readable storage media other than that described herein, as will become apparent to those having skill in the art with reference to the embodiments described herein. Any reference to systems and computer-readable storage media with respect to the following computer-implemented methods is provided for explanatory purposes and is not intended to limit any of such systems and any of such non-transitory computer-readable storage media with regard to embodiments ofcomputer-implemented methods described above. Likewise, any reference to the following computer-implemented methods with respect to systems and computer-readable storage media is provided for explanatory purposes and is not intended to limit any of such computer-implemented methods disclosed herein.

[0303] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0304] The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0305] As used herein, the singular form “a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0306] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and / or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

[0307] It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

[0308] The above-described processes including portions thereof can be performed by software, hardware, and combinations thereof. These processes and portions thereof can be performed by computers, computer-type devices, workstations, cloud-based platforms, processors, micro-processors, other electronic searching tools and memory and other non-transitory storage-type devices associated therewith. The processes and portions thereof can also be embodied in programmable non-transitory storage media, for example, compact discs (CDs) or other discs including magnetic, optical, etc., readable by a machine or the like, or other computer usable storage media, including magnetic, optical, semiconductor storage, or other source of electronic signals.

[0309] The processes (methods) and systems, including components thereof, herein have been described with exemplary reference to specific hardware and software. The processes (methods) have been described as exemplary, whereby specific steps and their order can be omitted and / or changed by persons of ordinary skill in the art to reduce these embodiments to practice without undue experimentation. The processes (methods) and systems have been described in a manner sufficient to enable persons of ordinary skill in the art to readily adapt other hardware and software as may be needed to reduce any of the embodiments to practice without undue experimentation and using conventional techniques.

[0310] Although the disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A communication method, carried out by a computerized communication management utility, the method comprising:receiving, from a first communication device associated with a first user and with an article that comprises an article-associated code readable by a communication device, data representative of the article-associated code and of at least one identifier of the first communication device, the first communication device having installed a first communication program permitting the first communication device to communicate with the communication management utility over a communications network;storing the data for the code and the at least one identifier for the first communication device in a computerized storage medium, such that the data for the code is associated with the at least one identifier for the first communication device;generating a token associated with said code that defines validity parameters that comprise one or more of time and nature of permitted communication, and storing the token in the storage medium;receiving, from a second communication device, data representative of the code from the article read by the second communication device;analyzing parameters of the communication from the second communication device to determine whether at least some of the parameters meet the validity parameters for the codeassociated token; andwhen (i) the code read from the article by the second communication device matches the code data associated with the at least one identifier of the first communication device, and (ii) the token is valid for the intended communication, placing the first communication device into communication with the second communication device.

2. The communication method of claim 1, additionally comprising:opening a communication line between the second communication device and the system when the second communication device has a second communication program for communicating with the system over a communications network installed thereon.

3. The communication method of claim 2, additionally comprising:determining whether the second communication program is installed on the second communication device and if not, inducing a communication session for downloading and installing the communication program onto the second communication device.

4. The communication method of claim 4, wherein if the second communication program is not installed on the second communication device, providing the second communicationdevice with a link to download the second communication program, such that upon activation of the link, (1) the second communication program downloads and installs on the second communication device, (2) upon installment, opening a communication line between the second communication device and the communication utility to permit the second communication device to transmit data representative of the code and said parameters to the communication utility, and (3) upon determining that said validity parameters are valid for the token associated with the code, opening a communication line between the first and the second communication devices.

5. The communication method of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the validity parameters for the token comprise one or more of: (i) a time window in which the communication session between the first and the second communication devices is permitted, (ii) a counter for number of uses that remain for that token, (iii) a type of communication that is permitted between the first and the second communication devices, and (iv) a time period that the token is active.

6. The communication method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein said generating comprises:permitting the first user to select a plan for the token,generating a token according to the selected plan, andstoring the token in a storage medium.

7. The communication method of claim 6, wherein said permitting comprises collecting payment from the user for said plan.

8. The communication method of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the communication session between the first and the second communication device is such that no record thereof is stored in any computerized storage medium.

9. The communication method of any one of claims 1-8, wherein said code comprises location-specific data.

10. The communication method of claim 9, wherein said data comprises a global positioning system (GPS) coordinates.

11. The communication method of claim 10, additionally comprising: performing a GPS validation of the location of the article against the location of the second communication device, and opening the communication session only if the there is a match between the GPS location of the second communication device and the location of the article.

12. The communication method of any one of claims 1-11, additionally comprising: providing an article including a code readable by a communication device, for placement at a location.

13. The communication method of any one of claims 1-12, comprising maintaining anonymity of at least one of the first communication device and its user and the second communication device and its user by not exchanging the respective identifying information identifying the communication device and its user from the respective device to the other device.

14. The communication method of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the first communication device and the second communication device are mobile communication devices.

15. The communication method of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the communications network comprises the Internet and at least one cellular network.

16. The communication method of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the code is encoded by one or more of: a bar code, a Quick Response (QR) code, a radiofrequency code, an infrared code, or other machine-readable code.

17. The communication method of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the article includes a tag attachable to a structure.

18. The communication method of claim 17, additionally comprising: attaching the tag to the structure at a position proximate to a doorbell, or at a position on the structure in replacement of the doorbell.

19. The communication method of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the code is readable by near field communication (NFC).

20. The communication method of any one of claims 1-19, wherein the first and the second communication programs comprise an application downloaded to each of the first and second communication devices from a remote location over a communications network.

21. The communication method of any one of claims 1-20, wherein the at least one identifier of the first communication device comprises one or more of: a device identifier, a telephone number, email, and social media information.

22. The communication method of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the at least one identifier for the second communication device comprises one or both of: a device identifier and a user identifier.

23. The communication method of any one of claims 1-22, wherein the communication between the first communication device and the second communication device comprises one or more of text, audio, video, or any combination thereof.

24. A computerized communication system comprising:a data storage medium for storing data and one or more downloadable communication programs to permit communication devices on which the program is installed to communicate with the system;a computerized processing utility configured for:receiving, from a first communication device associated with a first user and with an article that comprises an article-associated code readable by a communication device, data representative of the article-associated code and of at least one identifier of the first communication device, the first communication device having installed a first communication program permitting the first communication device to communicate with the computerized processing utility over a communications network;storing the data for the code and the at least one identifier for the first communication device in a computerized storage medium, such that the data for the code is associated with the at least one identifier for the first communication device;generating a token associated with said code that defines validity parameters that comprise one or more of time or nature of permitted communications, and storing the token in the storage medium;receiving, from a second communication device, data representative of the code from the article read by the second communication device;analyzing parameters of the communication from the second communication device to determine whether some of the parameters meet the validity parameters for the codeassociated token; andwhen (i) the code read from the article by the second communication device matches the code data associated with the at least one identifier of the first communication device, and (ii) the token is valid for the intended communication, placing the first communication device into communication with the second communication device.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the processing utility is additionally configured for opening a communication line between the second communication device and the system when the second communication device has a second communication program for communicating with the system over a communications network installed thereon.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the processing utility is additionally configured for determining whether the second communication program is installed on the second communication device and if not, inducing a communication session for downloading and installing the communication program onto the second communication device.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the processing utility is additionally configured such that:if the second communication program is not installed on the second communication device, providing the second communication device with a link to download the second communication program, such that upon activation of the link, 1) the second communication program downloads and installs on the second communication device, 2) upon installment, opening a communication line between the second communication device and the processing utility to permit the second communication device to transmit data representative of the code and said parameters to the processing utility, and 3) upon determining that parameters associated with the code define a valid token associated with the code, opening a communication line between the first and the second communication devices.

28. The system of any one of claims 24-27, wherein the validity parameters for the token comprise one or more of: (i) a time window in which communication session between the first and the second communication devices is permitted, (ii) a counter for number of visitors that remain for that token, (iii) a type of communication that is permitted between the first and the second communication devices, and (iv) a time period that the token is active.

29. The system of any one of claims 24-28, wherein the computerized processing utility is additionally configured to permit the first user to select a plan for the token and generate said token according to the selected plan.

30. The system of any one of claims 24-29, wherein the computerized processing utility is additionally configured to collect payment from the first user according to the selected plan.

31. The system of any one of claims 24-30, wherein the computerized processing utility is additionally configured to eliminate any record of the communication session between the first and the second communication device.

32. The system of any one of claims 24-31, wherein said code comprises location-specific data.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein said data comprises a global positioning system (GPS) coordinate location.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein the processing utility is additionally configured for:performing a GPS validation of the location of the article against the location of the second communication device, andopening the communication session only if there is a match between the GPS location of the second communication device and the location of the article.

35. The system of any one of claims 24-34, additionally comprising an article that comprises a code readable by a communication device, for placement at a location.

36. The communication system of any one of claims 24-35, wherein the computerized processing utility is configured for maintaining anonymity of at least one of the first communication device and its user and the second communication device and its user by not exchanging the respective identifying information identifying the communication device and its user from the respective device to the other device.

37. The communication system of any one of claims 24-36, wherein the first communication device and the second communication device are mobile communication devices.

38. The computerized communication system of any one of claims 24-27, wherein the communications network includes the Internet and at least one cellular network.

39. The computerized communication system of any one of claim 24-38, wherein the code incl includes one or more of: a bar code, a Quick Response (QR) code, a Radiofrequency code, an infrared code, or other machine-readable code.

40. The computerized communication system of any one of claim 24-39, wherein the article includes a tag attachable to a structure.

41. The communication system of claim 40, wherein the tag is attachable to a structure at a position proximate to a doorbell, or at a position on the structure in replacement of the doorbell.

42. The communication system of any one of claims 24-41, wherein the code is readable by near field communication (NFC).

43. The communication system of any one of claims 24-42, comprisinga server utility storing one or more communication programs downloadable from the server, over a communication network, to user-associated communication devices, and wherein the first and the second communication programs comprise an application downloaded from said server utility to each of the first and second communication devices.

44. The communication system of any one of claims 24-43, wherein the at least one identifier comprises one or more of: a device identifier, a telephone number, email, and social media information.

45. The communication system of any one of claims 24-44, wherein the at least identifier for the second communication device comprises one or both of: a device identifier and a user identifier.

46. The communication system of any one of claims 24-45, wherein the communication between the first communication device and the second communication device comprises text, audio, video, or any combination thereof.

47. The communication system of any one of claims 24-46, additionally comprising: a plurality of said first communication devices, each of said first communication devices for permitting a communication program to be installed therein;a plurality of said second communication devices; anda plurality of articles each comprising an article-associated code readable by said first communication devices and / or said second communication devices.

48. A software application running on a first communication device and configured for (i) obtaining an article-associated code read by the device and that is comprised in the article, and associate the code with the device, (ii) communicating over communication networks, with a communication management utility and transmit data of said and at least one identifier of the first communication device to the communication management utility, and to (iii) enabling communication, through a communication gateway opened by the communication management utility, with a second communication device.

49. The software application of claim 48, for use in the method of any one of claims 1-23 or in the system of any one of claims 24-47.

50. A software application running on a second communication device, and configured for (i) transmitting an article-associated code read by the device and that is comprised in the article to a communication management utility together with at least one identifier of the second communication device to the communication management utility, and to (iii) enabling communication, through a communication gateway opened by the communication management utility, with a first communication device.

51. The software application of claim 50, for use in the method of any one of claims 1-23 or in the system of any one of claims 24-47.

52. An article configured for carrying coded data that may be read by communication device, for use in the method of any one of claims 1-23 or in the system of any one of claims 24-46.

53. A computer usable non-transitory storage medium having a computer program embodied thereon for causing a suitably programmed system to create and prepare for transmission electronic communications, over a communications network, by performing the following process when such program is executed on the system, the process comprising:receiving, from a first communication device associated with a first user and with an article that comprises an article-associated code readable by a communication device, data representative of the article-associated code and of at least one identifier of the first communication device, the first communication device having installed a first communication program permitting the first communication device to communicate with the communication management utility over a communications network;storing the data for the code and the at least one identifier for the first communication device in a computerized storage medium, such that the data for the code is associated with the at least one identifier for the first communication device;generating a token associated with said code that defines validity parameters that comprise one or more of time and nature of permitted communication, and storing the token in the computerized storage medium;receiving, from a second communication device, data representative of the code from the article read by the second communication device;analyzing parameters of the communication from the second communication device to determine whether at least some of the parameters meet the validity parameters for the codeassociated token; andwhen (i) the code read from the article by the second communication device matches the code data associated with the at least one identifier of the first communication device, and (ii) the token is valid for the intended communication, placing the first communication device into communication with the second communication device.

54. The non-transitory storage medium of claim 53, wherein the process additionally comprises:opening a communication line between the second communication device and the system when the second communication device has a second communication program for communicating with the system over a communications network installed thereon.

55. The non-transitory storage medium of claim 54, wherein the process additionally comprises:determining whether the second communication program is installed on the second communication device and if not, inducing a communication session for downloading and installing the communication program onto the second communication device.

56. The non-transitory storage medium of claim 54, wherein the process additionally comprises:if the second communication program is not installed on the second communication device, providing the second communication device with a link to download the second communication program, such that upon activation of the link: (1) the second communication program downloads and installs on the second communication device, (2) upon installment, opening a communication line between the second communication device and the communication utility to permit the second communication device to transmit data representative of the code and said parameters to the communication utility, and (3) upon determining that said validity parameters are valid for the token associated with the code, opening a communication line between the first and the second communication devices.

57. The non-transitory storage medium of any one of claims 53-56, whereinthe validity parameters for the token comprise one or more of: (i) a time window in which communication session between the first and the second communication devices is permitted, (ii) a counter for number visitors that remain for that token, (iii) a type of communication that is permitted between the first and the second communication devices, and (iv) a time period that the token is active.

58. The non-transitory storage medium of any one of claims 53-57, wherein said process additionally comprises:permitting the first user to select a plan for the token,generating a token according to the selected plan, andstoring the token in a storage medium.

59. The non-transitory storage medium of any one of clams 53-58, wherein said permitting comprises collecting payment from the user for said plan.

60. The non-transitory storage medium of any one of claims 53-59, wherein the communication session between the first and the second communication device is such that no record thereof is stored in any computerized storage medium.

61. The non-transitory storage medium of any one of claims 53-60, wherein said code comprises location-specific data.

62. The non-transitory storage medium of claim 61, wherein said data comprises a global positioning system (GPS) coordinates.

63. The non-transitory storage medium of claim 62, wherein the process additionally comprises:performing a GPS validation of the location of the article against the location of the second communication device, and opening the communication session only if the there is amatch between the GPS location of the second communication device and the location of the article.

64. The non-transitory storage medium of any one of claims 53-63, wherein the process additionally comprises: providing an article including a code readable by a communication device, for placement at a location.

65. The non-transitory storage medium of any one of claims 53-64, wherein the process additionally comprises:maintaining anonymity of at least one of the first communication device and its user and the second communication device and its user by not exchanging the respective identifying information identifying the communication device and its user from the respective device to the other device.

66. A computer usable non-transitory storage medium having a computer program embodied thereon downloadable, over a communications network, to a first communication device, and enable the first communication device to: (i) obtain an article-associated code read by the device and that is comprised in the article, and associate the code with the device, (ii) communicate over communication networks, with a communication management utility, and transmit data of at least one identifier of the first communication device to the communication management utility, and (iii) enable communication, through a communication gateway opened by the communication management utility, with a second communication device.

67. A computer usable non-transitory storage medium having a computer program embodied thereon downloadable, over a communications network, to a second communication device and enable the communication device to: (i) transmit an article-associated code read by the device and that is comprised in the article to a communication management utility together with at least one identifier of the second communication device, and (ii) enable communication, through a communication gateway opened by the communication management utility, with a first communication device.

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