Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a message data records and retrieval system and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a method of and system for storing and retrieving message data records and information and providing controlled access thereto and selective delivery thereof within a communications network for convenience of message data addressees.

Background of the Invention

People have the intention to share data and messages with other. Also, brand marketing by brand service providers intend to make a variety of information available in order to provide adequate services to their senders.

Instant messaging provides the users of a communication networks with the ability to send and transmit information ad hoc that the users presently desire to distribute. However, the effect is that while this is easily, feasible, there is no simple manner in which to transmit data or experiences to a receiver at a given moment in time and/or space, other than using the services of e.g. notary public offices that typically provide offline information to the receiver of such information.

For personal messages, the most fundamentally important information may not be easily comprised in documents that are typically used by notary public services, e.g. testaments or the like. In particular the transmission of personal messages, wishes and teachings is not possible in an automated and predetermined manner.

Yet further, while there are many conditionally released message systems, or systems to send reminders, these are typically instantly result in triggering an instant message rather than conditionally revealing the content of a message.

Another problem associated with such records is that the records are typically maintained in paper form and are therefore inaccessible online or at the desired instant and/or location that the sender of the message has intended. Another disadvantage of paper records is the risk of destruction of the records by, for example, fire or flood.

Another problem associated with normal messages is that when third parties would like to collaborate and contribute, such as a group of friends, any one including the sender often may not have access to the records storage, or control over which of the records are to be provided to the third parties, and/or what the third parties may do with such records.

Another problem with messages, or offline records is that it is very difficult for the sender to provide selective access to portions of the records to a third party. Thus, if the sender does not want certain portions of the records to be provided to a requesting party, it is extremely difficult for the sender to segregate those records that are to be provided from those that are not to be provided.

Also, many security and other concerns relative to the records remain even when the records have been put into electronic form. For example, as the records may contain sensitive personal information, sending them via conventional electronic mail may simply not be desirable, because of the lack of control the sender over the records once they have been sent electronically and because of the lack of security of conventional electronic mail.

Summary of the Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for conditionally storing a message data record, and rendering the data retrievable and accessible in the form of an electronic message on an electronic communication device, the device preferably configured to receive and display or otherwise make accessible the content of the message data, comprising the steps of: a) receiving an access message to the message data record with the electronic communication device from an external device; the access message comprising at least one access condition and at least one display condition; b) determining whether at least one access condition for accessing of the message data has been fulfilled, and c) if the at least one access condition is fulfilled, rendering the content of the message data store accessible on the electronic communication device according to the specified display condition.

It is yet a further object to provide a method for forming and storing an electronic message data record, comprising the steps of: a) recording and/or populating the message data record , b) specifying at least one access condition, and c) specifying at least one display condition; d) appending the access and display condition to the message data record; e) entering a receiver address to which an access message should be sent; f) transmitting the message with the appended conditions, g) wherein the receiver of the message is notified of message and of the at least one access condition and at least one display condition for making the data record accessible and retrievable.

The present invention also relates to a software program product embodied on a computer readable medium, comprising computer readable instructions for carrying out the method according to the invention by a processor.

The present invention also relates to a system for composing and storing a message data record, and for conditionally rendering the digital content of a stored electronic message data record retrievable and/or accessible on an electronic communication device if one or more conditions determined by the sender or the receiver are satisfied comprising: I. a data storage device comprising a portal for entering digital content for forming and storing a message data record and access conditions operably linked thereto; II. a communication server in communication with the data storage device for sending a message comprising a preview board and access conditions to a recipient; and for receiving an access message to the message data record with the electronic communication device from an external device; the access message comprising at least one access condition and at least one display condition; III. a device comprising logic for determining whether at least one access condition for accessing of the message data has been fulfilled, and if the at least one access condition is fulfilled, and for rendering the content of the message data store accessible on the electronic communication device according to the specified display condition.

These and other objects are addressed by the method and apparatus of the present invention.

Short Description of the Figures

The present invention now is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary process that may be used for sending and receiving location-based messages in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary process that may be used for sending and receiving location-based messages, by a single sender and recipient, without contributors.

Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary process that may be used for sending and receiving location-based messages, including a conversation situation, i.e. recipient choice is done first by a single sender and recipient.

Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary process that may be used for sending and receiving location-based messages, for "Surprise" notes.

Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary process, whereby the content is saved under same conditions as set by the original sender, i.e. without allowing contributors to vary those conditions.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the terms "data," "content," "information" and similar terms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of being transmitted, received, displayed and/or stored in accordance with various example embodiments. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Further, where a computing device is described herein to receive data from another computing device, it will be appreciated that the data may be received directly from the another computing device or may be received indirectly via one or more intermediary computing devices, such as, for example, one or more servers, relays, routers, network access points, base stations, and/or the like.

The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium configured to participate in providing information to a processor, including instructions for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (for example, non-volatile media, volatile media), and transmission media.

Transmission media include, for example, coaxial cables, copper wire, fibre optic cables, and carrier waves that travel through space without wires or cables, such as acoustic waves and

electromagnetic waves, including radio, optical and infrared waves. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include a floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other non-transitory magnetic medium, a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disc-rewritable (CD-RW), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-Ray, any other non-transitory optical medium, a random access memory (RAM), a programmable read only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other non-transitory medium from which a computer can read. The term computer-readable storage medium is used herein to refer to any computer-readable medium except transmission media. However, it will be appreciated that where embodiments are described to use a computer-readable storage medium, other types of computer-readable mediums may be substituted for or used in addition to the computer-readable storage medium in alternative embodiments.

As used herein, the term "circuitry" refers to hardware-only circuit implementations, such as implementations in analogue circuitry and/or digital circuitry); combinations of circuits and computer program product(s) comprising software and/or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that work together to cause an apparatus to perform one or more functions described herein; and/or circuits, such as, for example, a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term "circuitry" also includes an implementation comprising one or more processors and/or portion(s) thereof and accompanying software and/or firmware. As another example, the term "circuitry" as used herein also includes, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, other network device, and/or other computing device.

Each of the communication device(s) can comprise a computing device that includes at least a display and communication capabilities with the network to access the messaging system. The communication device(s) comprise, but are not limited to, remote devices, work stations, computers, general purpose computers, Internet appliances, hand-held devices, wireless devices, portable devices, wearable computers, cellular or mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), smart phones, tablets, ultrabooks, netbooks, laptops, desktops, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, game consoles, set-top boxes, network PCs, mini-computers, wearables, such as Google glass (Google is a trade mark of Google inc.), and the like. The one or more user(s) can be a person, a machine, or other means of interacting with the communication device(s). In some embodiments, the user(s) interact with the messaging system via the communication device(s). The user(s) may not be part of the networked environment, but may be associated with the communication device(s).

The present invention preferably provides a method of providing access to a message data record located in a database includes providing, by the system, of an access key relative to the message record. The access key specifies at least one record-access condition.

A recipient may access the message record via the access key. The access conditions can be set by the sender such that the recipient can access the record only via an access portal linked with the database; or alternatively, appearing as part of a message, a so called "Chestnote" (Chestnote is a registered trademark of Chestnote N.V.). Data relative to the record transmitted to the recipient via the access portal is preferably encrypted. A method of providing access to a record located in a database includes setting an access key relative to the record. The access key specifies at least one record-access condition or condition. The access key is set such that a recipient can access the record only via an access portal linked with the database.

The method preferably also includes providing the access key to the recipient, encrypting data relative to the record, and transmitting the data to the recipient via the access portal.

The present invention also relates to a method of obtaining access to a record located in a database includes receiving, by a recipient, of an access key relative to the record. The access key specifies at least one record-access condition. The method also includes accessing, by the recipient, of the record via the access key. The access key can be set by the sender such that the recipient can access the record only via an access portal linked with the database. Data relative to the record transmitted to the recipient via the access portal is encrypted. The method preferably,

A method of selectively enabling access by a recipient to a record located in a database includes providing an access key relative to the record. The access key specifies at least one record- access condition. The method preferably includes receiving of the access key and accessing, by the recipient, of the data record via the access key. The access key may be set by the sender such that the recipient can access the record only via an access portal linked with the database. Data relative to the record transmitted to the recipient via the access portal is preferably encrypted.

The present invention also relates to a system and an apparatus for providing access to a data record located in a database, the system and apparatus including a means for providing an access key relative to the data record.

The access key is adapted to specify at least one record-access condition. The record may then be accessed using the access key. In a simple, yet useful embodiment, the record-access condition is set to zero time and/or no location specification, allowing to access the data easily, or for testing pu4poses. The access key is adapted to allow a sender to permit a recipient to access the record only via an access portal linked with the database. Data relative to the record transmitted to the recipient via the access portal is encrypted. An apparatus for providing access to a record located in a database includes means for providing access relative to the record. The means for providing access is adapted to specify at least one record-access condition. The record is accessed via the means for providing access. The means for providing access is adapted to allow a sender to permit a recipient to access the record only via an access portal linked with the database. Data relative to the record transmitted to the recipient via the access portal is encrypted.

An apparatus for obtaining access to a record located in a database advantageously includes means for receiving an access key relative to the record. The access key is adapted to specify at least one record-access condition. The apparatus also includes means for accessing the record via the access key. The access key is adapted to allow a sender to permit a recipient to access the record only via an access portal linked with the database. Data relative to the record transmitted to the recipient via the access portal is encrypted, and will require a display key to activate a decryption into accessible data.

Preferably, the apparatus for selectively permitting access to a record located in a database, includes an access key for accessing the record. The access key is adapted to specify at least one record-access condition and to allow a sender to permit a recipient to access the record only via an access portal linked with the database. The apparatus also includes means for accessing the record via the access key and means for encrypting data relative to the record transmitted to the recipient via the access portal. A method of adding a record to a sender data storage may include entering the record into a database. The database includes the sender data storage. A method of adding a record to a sender data storage may include receiving the record in a database. The database includes the message data storage.

The present system further advantageously comprises a computer-readable medium stored thereon sequences of instructions. The sequences of instructions may include instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to receive a record into the database. The database includes a sender data storage. As the access key specifies at least one record-access condition, the processor is also advantageously caused to permit access to the record via the access key, set the access key so as to permit access to the record only within a database, and transmit data relative to the access key outside the database in an encrypted fashion.

As the sender may make the rules that govern all of information contained in the receivers' message data storage, the sender might, for example, want two or more receivers to all have access to at least part of the data comprised in the message store. Therefore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sender can provide an access key to several different receivers and enable them to access the data in accordance with sender's desires.

Pre-designation of persons permitted to access particular records can also be given by the sender, for instance if several parties are involved in the creation of a message data storage, for instance a group of friends or family preparing a message for a specific person.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, more than one sender, or receiver can access the data at the same time or separately. In this case, preferably the data is stored within the database of the access portal and is not actually transmitted, copied, or moved during an access but is instead read from a single location. This is particularly relevant where the original sender invites other contributors to participate in establishing the content of the message data record, and/or conditions to be met for the content to be revealed.

The data store can also be used to store and access various other types of documents and records. For example, SMS, MMS, text, video or audio files, software or other information that is to be stored in the message data storage. In a preferred embodiment, the data may include digital photographs, a digital representation of an image; digital movies, biometric information, or combinations thereof. The data may advantageously also comprise virtual representations, e.g. enhanced virtual reality, or enhanced spatial data representations such a projections on surfaces or otherwise visualisations that combine virtual and actual objects, e.g. as in the Pokemon game

(Pokemon is a registered trade mark of the Nintendo Corporation).

The digital representation may be coupled with a digital certificate to prove authenticity.

Preferably, the message data can preferably be accessed worldwide via an access portal. Data may comprise any suitably storable and transmittable data, such as e-mail, voice mail or Visual Voice Mail

(VVM), movies, text files, digital pictures, software or any other file that can be suitably accessed and displayed or consulted by the electronic communication device.

Preferably, a recipient should not notice if and when an access and a display key are submitted, but the user experience should be a seamless as possible. Accordingly, the user/recipient of the message will be informed about the conditions to be met of access, and possibly also for displaying of the message data, but preferably will not have to actively enter a key. The system then preferably reviews if any key is provided automatically, and provide access to the data

commensurate to the key(s). In a preferred embodiment, a personal password may be elected by the contributor or originator, which may be distributed by a separate message to that purpose.

The system or apparatus, in particular in the external communication device, typically comprises a processor for operation and execution, and a storage module for storing the message data. The storage is often used as both a transitory cache for storing information as well as for permanent storage of information and data of the system.

The system advantageously combines the ability to immediately notify a recipient of the receipt of the message, and the required conditions to be met to access and display at least part of the message, but will only release the content and access after the conditions for access and displaying are met.

As such the system may encrypt the message data content, and transmit the message including the encrypted content, or it may require the recipient to access the message data store through a suitable access portal. The latter may advantageously be employed where the data requires a large capacity. In the latter case, immediate fast access to all stored data in a message may be onerous, while indirect storage typically reduces the speed of the display of the data in the message, and hence may compromise performance, particularly for systems with large amount of data requiring concurrent access.

A message data storage can also be used to give the sender the ability to store and access documents and software applications. The message data may also include data or an Application Programming Interface (API) to be executed by the communication devices. The devices, when employed in the present invention may advantageously execute conventional web browser applications or applications, further referred herein to as "apps". These may be developed for a specific platform to include any of a wide variety of mobile computing devices and mobile-specific operating systems. In an example, the communication device(s) may execute an application(s), upon an Application Programming Interface (API) request embedded in the data. The application(s) can then provide functionality to present information to a user and communicate via a network to exchange information with the messaging system.

There are several primary components of the data storage system: The first is the database construct and processing procedures that support data storage requested by keyword. The database design is preferably flexible enough to utilize the repository to assist a sender in completing their desired message content and enables the receiver the ability to append their conditions to the message profile repository. After the sender has completed defining the message data, he or she may have the ability to review their data.

Preferably, the at least one access condition comprises (i) a time and/or date parameter; (ii) a geographical location parameter; and/or (iii) an external device parameter.

The time and/or date parameter comprises a specified time and/or date expiration parameter or a specified time and/or date parameter, wherein (b) comprises determining if the access time/data expiration parameter has expired, or if a specified time and/or date parameter has been met.

Advantageously, the geographical location parameter comprises applying a proximity measurement with respect to at least one geographical location, wherein (b) comprises determining whether the electronic communication device is located within a predefined proximity radius to the at least one specified geographical area. The geographical location parameter may also

advantageously comprise a relative parameter, e.g. a distance or defined vicinity of two or more recipients to each other, allowing for instance a dating or group, such as a flash mob activity, required to fulfil the geographical location parameter.

The external device parameter preferably comprises receiving or observing an external parameter by the communication device, wherein (b) comprises determining whether the at least one external device parameter has been met. Such parameters may include the transmission of an access key, a successful the response to a question that may trigger such key, a certain property being achieved, e.g. the taking of a defined number of steps, the measurement of a weather API, the proximity to a certain beacon, or similar event, or a movement, e.g. measuring acceleration data, or movement parameters, e.g. dancing to a rhythm, or certain movements, in particular with a wearable device; an impendence measurement to ascertain the nature of the surroundings, e.g. in water, or a temperature measurement. This allows to predefine events that the received needs to take, other than the strict time or geographical locations, such as for instance the visit of a shop of a chain comprising beacons that will unravel a part of the message. This feature permits to gamify and hence enhance user experience, for instance in treasure hunts that involve physical interaction , which may be employed for instance by a corporate sender when using the method and system for marketing or brand awareness campaigns.

Preferably, the at least one display condition comprises decrypting and making accessible the data of the message at last in part on the external communication device, or making the data accessible on a separate data storage via an access portal. The method thus preferably comprises providing an access key relative to the message record, the access key specifying at least one record- access condition; wherein a recipient accesses the record via the access key; wherein the access key can be set by the sender such that the recipient can access the record only via an access portal linked with the database; and wherein data relative to the record transmitted to the recipient via the access portal is encrypted. The display condition may include at least in part visualization and/or making audible of the data on the external communication device.

The display condition may also require a temporary display of information, for example in slowly increasing the resolution of an image, or stepwise displaying an image, which may then allow a recipient to partake in a quiz or game. The display condition may also require a movement, e.g. measuring acceleration data, or movement parameters, e.g. dancing to a rhythm, or certain movements, in particular with a wearable device; an impendence measurement to ascertain the nature of the surroundings, e.g. in water, or a temperature measurement.

The subject invention also relates to a method for forming and storing an electronic message data record, comprising the steps of from a) to g), as set out above. Preferably, the step of entering the access condition comprises the step of entering a time and/or date parameter; a geographical location parameter; and/or an external device parameter.

Preferably, more than one geographical location parameter may be required as a condition to reveal information. Herein for each location, a specified part of the message data storage is rendered accessible. Preferably, the step of entering the display condition may comprise the step of entering a geographical area or location in which a portable electronic communication device to which the message should be forwarded should be located when the message is displayed.

Preferably, the step of entering the display condition comprises the step of entering a certain distance or proximity with regard to a specific geographical area. Preferably, more than one geographical areas may be required to reveal at least part of the data in the message. This may advantageously be employed for instance in the case of using the method for the orchestration of a treasure hunt or similar gamified process. Another example may be a message for a couple that is to trace back its honeymoon, whereby various messages will be displayed at various relevant locations of the couple's relationship, e.g. first date location, first kiss location, marital party, first dance, and so on.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system 100 that may be used for sending and receiving messages in accordance with some example embodiments. It will be appreciated that the system 100 is provided as an example of some embodiments and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the invention in any way. In this regard, the scope of the disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those illustrated and described herein. As such, while FIG. 1 illustrates one example system in which example embodiments may be implemented, other configurations may also be used to implement various embodiments.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, once the process is initiated, a sender creates digital content (101) for a message data record (102). Then, sender may set conditions (103) for revelation and consumption of the content to the recipients. Then the sender may choose one or more recipient(s) (104). Sender then may set a preview board (105) comprising the components of the message data record (102). Sender then may chooses one or more contributor(s) (106). If the sender chooses to do so, one or more content write access key(s) (107) are given to contributors (106). Contributors (106) may also set conditions (103) for revelation and consumption of the content to the recipient(s) (104). Content and conditions are then stored in a remote message data record storage and distribution system (108) as message data record (102), which also sends the preview board (105) to recipient(s) (104).

If delivery to the recipient inbox (109) is confirmed to the message data record storage and distribution system, a notification (110) is sent to recipient.

The system then checks (111) if at least one of the conditions has been met to unlock content of the message data record, and if so, will optionally allow to create additional digital content (112). Then System checks whether the original sender or contributor are agreeing, and allows the sender and/or contributor to create digital content (112). Send and/or contributor may also set further conditions (113) for revelation and/or consumption of the original and/or additional content by recipient(s). Optionally updated content and optionally updated conditions (114) are stored in remote system, and an updated preview board (115) is sent to recipient(s).

In a preferred embodiment of the subject invention, the recipient(s) may also be invited to propose or amend updated or additional content, and updated or additional delivery and viewing conditions. This may be advantageous where for instance a group of people are the recipients, or in the case of a game where contributors may be senders and/or recipients at the same time.

If one or more condition(s) for unlocking content is/are met, also a notification of condition fulfilment (116) is sent to recipient. If all original, and optional updated conditions for unlocking content are met, then the process continues; if not, system continues to regularly or occasionally checks whether conditions for unlocking content are met, until all are met.

If these are positively met, the recipient may unlock the entire content. To achieve this, the content is retrieved from the remote storage system, acting as data server. Then content may then be displayed and/or set as ready for consumption according to recipient's device and viewing and consumption conditions. Sender and/or contributors may be notified that the content has been unlocked by recipient(s), at which point the process may advantageously end.

Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary system 200, whereby no contributors are included. In the example illustrated in Figure 2, once the process is initiated, a sender creates digital content (201) for a message data record (202). Then, sender may set conditions (203) for revelation and consumption of the content to the recipients. Then the sender may choose one or more recipient(s) (204). Sender then may set a preview board (205) comprising the components of the message data record (202).

Content and conditions are then stored in a remote message data record storage and distribution system (208) as message data record (202), which also sends the preview board (205) to recipient(s) (204).

If delivery to the recipient inbox (209) is confirmed to the message data record storage and distribution system, a notification (210) is sent to recipient.

The system then checks (211) if at least one of the conditions has been met to unlock content of the message data record. If one or more condition(s) for unlocking content is/are met, also a notification of condition fulfilment (216) is sent to recipient. If all conditions for unlocking content are met, then the process continues; if not, system continues to regularly or occasionally checks whether conditions for unlocking content are met, until all are met.

If these are positively met, the recipient may unlock the entire content. To achieve this, the content is retrieved from the remote storage system, acting as data server. Then content may then be displayed and/or set as ready for consumption according to recipient's device and viewing and consumption conditions. Sender and/or contributors may be notified that the content has been unlocked by recipient(s), at which point the process may advantageously end. Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary system 300 that is similar to system 300 shown in Figure 3, however here the Sender starts by (301) selecting one or more recipient, followed by creation of digital content (302). Once the process is initiated, a sender (300) chooses one or more recipient(s) (301), and then, in a conversation mode, creates digital content (302) for a message data record.

Then, sender may set conditions for revelation (303) and consumption (304) of the content to the recipients. The sender then may set a preview board (305) comprising the components of the message data record (302). If the sender chooses to do so, one or more content write access key(s) (307) are given to contributors (306). Contributors (306) may also set conditions (303/304) for revelation and consumption of the content to the recipient(s). Content and conditions are then stored in a remote message data record storage and distribution system (308) as message data record (302), which also sends the preview board (305) to recipient(s).

If delivery to the recipient inbox (309) is confirmed to the message data record storage and distribution system, a notification (310) is sent to recipient.

The system then checks (311) if at least one of the conditions has been met to unlock content of the message data record, and if so, will optionally allow to create additional digital content (312). Then System checks whether the original sender or contributor are agreeing, and allows the sender and/or contributor to create digital content.

Send and/or contributor may also set further conditions (313) for revelation and/or consumption of the original and/or additional content by recipient(s). Optionally updated content and optionally updated conditions (314) are stored in remote system, and an updated preview board (315) is sent to recipient(s).

In a preferred embodiment of the subject invention, the recipient(s) may also be invited to propose or amend updated or additional content, and updated or additional delivery and viewing conditions. This may be advantageous where for instance a group of people are the recipients, or in the case of a game where contributors may be senders and/or recipients at the same time.

If one or more condition(s) for unlocking content is/are met, also a notification of condition fulfilment (316) is sent to recipient. If all original, and optional updated conditions for unlocking content are met, then the process continues; if not, system continues to regularly or occasionally checks whether conditions for unlocking content are met, until all are met. If these are positively met, the recipient may unlock the entire content. To achieve this, the content is retrieved from the remote storage system, acting as data server. Then content may then be displayed and/or set as ready for consumption according to recipient's device and viewing and consumption conditions. Sender and/or contributors may be notified that the content has been unlocked by recipient(s), at which point the process may advantageously end.

Figure 4 illustrates a process that may be used for sending and receiving location-based messages, for "Surprise" notes, not using a preview board, but directly delivering a message upon fulfilment off the conditions for viewing.

Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary process, whereby the content is saved under same conditions as set by the original sender, i.e. without allowing contributors to vary those conditions.

The present invention also relates to a software program product embodied on a computer readable medium, comprising computer readable instructions for carrying out the method according to the invention by a processor. Any suitable software programme or programmes and

communication standards may be used.

The present invention also relates to a system for composing and storing a message data record, and for conditionally rendering the digital content of a stored electronic message data record retrievable and/or accessible on an electronic communication device if one or more conditions determined by the sender or the receiver are satisfied comprising: I. a data storage device comprising a portal for entering digital content for forming and storing a message data record and access conditions operably linked thereto; II. a communication server in communication with the data storage device for sending a message comprising a preview board and access conditions to a recipient; and for receiving an access message to the message data record with the electronic communication device from an external device; the access message comprising at least one access condition and at least one display condition; III. a device comprising logic for determining whether at least one access condition for accessing of the message data has been fulfilled, and if the at least one access condition is fulfilled, and for rendering the content of the message data store accessible on the electronic communication device according to the specified display condition.

The present system may include a plurality of apparatuses that may be in communication via a network, such as one or more receiving apparatus and one or more sending apparatus. In this regard, a sending apparatus may be configured to send a message to the network. The network then forwards a preview board to the receiving apparatus of the one or more recipients via the network.

It will be appreciated, however, that the apparatuses are labelled as "receiving apparatus" and "sending apparatus" merely for purposes of illustrative example in order to illustrate communication of a message from a sending apparatus to a receiving apparatus. In this regard, a receiving apparatus may also be capable of sending a message and a sending apparatus may also be capable of receiving a message. As such, it will be appreciated that the terms "receiving apparatus" and "sending apparatus" are used herein to describe a role played in communication of a message from a sender and receiver and do not impart any limitation on the capabilities of the respective apparatuses.

The network may comprise one or more wireless networks, such as a cellular network, a wireless local area network, a wireless personal area network, a wireless metropolitan area network, and/or the like, one or more wireline networks, a wireless link, e.g., a radio link or other interface between a mobile apparatus and a network access point, or a combination thereof, and in some embodiments may comprise at least a portion of the internet.

The receiving and the sending apparatus may each be embodied as a suitable computing device. By way of non-limiting example, the receiving and/or sending apparatus may be embodied as a desktop computer, laptop computer, mobile terminal, mobile computer, mobile phone, mobile communication device, one or more servers, one or more network nodes, game device, digital camera/camcorder, audio/video player, television device, radio receiver, digital video recorder, positioning device, chipset, a computing device comprising a chipset, any combination thereof, and/or the like. In an example embodiment, the receiving and/or sending apparatus may be embodied as a mobile computing device, such as a mobile terminal. While several embodiments of the electronic device are illustrated and will be hereinafter described for purposes of example, other types of electronic devices, such as mobile telephones, mobile computers, portable digital assistants, pagers, laptop computers, desktop computers, gaming devices, televisions, and other types of electronic systems, may employ various embodiments of the invention.

As shown, the mobile terminal may include one or more antennas in communication with a transmitter and a receiver. The mobile terminal may also include a processor configured to provide signals to and receive signals from the transmitter and receiver, respectively. The processor may, for example, be embodied as various means including circuitry, one or more microprocessors with accompanying digital signal processor(s), one or more processor(s) without an accompanying digital signal processor, one or more coprocessors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more controllers, processing circuitry, one or more computers, various other processing elements including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit, or a field programmable gate array, or a combination thereof. The signals sent and received by the processor(s) may include signalling information in accordance with an air interface standard of an applicable cellular system, and/or any number of different wireline or wireless networking techniques, comprising but not limited to Wi-Fi, wireless local access network (WLAN) techniques such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, 802.16, and/or the like. In addition, these signals may include speech data, user generated data, user requested data, and/or the like. In this regard, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating with one or more air interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, access types, and/or the like. More particularly, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with various first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, third-generation (3G) communication protocols, fourth-generation (4G) communication protocols, Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) communication protocols (e.g., session initiation protocol (SIP)), and/or the like. For example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with 2G wireless communication protocols IS-136 (Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), IS-95 (Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)), and/or the like. Also, for example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with 2.5G wireless communication protocols General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), and/or the like. Further, for example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with 3G wireless communication protocols such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access

(WCDMA), Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), and/or the like. The mobile terminal may be additionally capable of operating in accordance with 3.9G wireless communication protocols such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) and/or the like. Additionally, for example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with fourth-generation (4G) wireless communication protocols and/or the like as well as similar wireless communication protocols that may be developed in the future.

The following, non-limiting examples are provided to illustrate the invention.

Example 1:

A personal logbook is being stored as a message data record, and continuously new information and composite messages are added every day by the sender, such as text messages, audio-visual recordings, pictures, or films. These are made accessible to the recipient after a predefined period of time and/or a predefined place, and visualized and displayed as a preview board in the form of a closed logbook, which will open and offer text with embedded links to the audio-visual files.

Example 2:

A sender defines multiple contributors to add to congratulations, messages and other content for a recipient, such as newlywed couple. The message data record is displayed as a preview board in the form of a treasure chest, which can only be opened at a present location of a wedding trip. Example 3:

A "treasure chest" is created combining sender's preferred content linked to his or her preferred locations. The data record relating to a location is then made available conditionally upon proximity to the location, to one or more recipients.