Abstract:
The architecture of the present invention includes a multi-media multi-network communication server connected to a variety of access and delivery platforms via a variety of communication networks. The access platforms are used by senders, recipients or agents to access their digital mailboxes on a multi-network communication server and to send and receive calls and messages. The messages can be in electronic format such as text, audio, graphic images, video, and audio-video. The multi-network communication may send a notification message to the recipient, indicating that a message has been received. Messages can be accessed remotely or wirelessly and can be viewed, heard, or both, depending on the capability of the delivery platform being used by the recipient user.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/329,477 filed 13 Mar. 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 60/678,510 filed on 6 May 2005, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the field of communications and more particularly relates to the receipt and delivery of multi-media calls and messages over multiple incompatible networks. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    There are many message conversion utilities and systems in the market today that are capable of passing messages to and from users who are accessible via different networks. For example, some conventional systems allow faxes to be delivered as emails and allow voicemails to be delivered as emails. The problem with the conventional systems is that they only work with messages that are in a conventional digital format that allows the message to be sent or received over networks that are compatible with the digital message format. There are also many ways to convert a circuit switched phone call into a packet switched phone call. For example, allow phone calls to be answered by a computer device. The problem with all the conventional systems is that they require the user to have a data device or interface as well as broadband access to be able to use them. 
         [0006]    In conventional communication systems, person to person communication, calls, correspondence and messages have been delivered through fragmented information channels both digital and analog. Separate subscriptions and service providers are required for sending letters, telegrams, email, faxes and voicemail. Furthermore, conventional communication systems require individuals to possess or have access to many information appliances and a communication infrastructure to send and receive correspondence and messages, including for example a fax machine, a computer, a voicemail system, a telephone line, etc. Moreover, a single person must have unique and separate contact addresses for each conventional communication system: a phone number at home, a cellular number, a phone number at work, a fax number, an email address at home and at work, a physical address at home or at work, etc. This creates a very complicated communication scheme where users must have multiple hardware and software devices and try many different communication options before successfully contacting a person, at a high cost and at long delivery times. Even further, all of these conventional systems require prior data and computer training and knowledge of the commands and keystrokes that are necessary to operate them. Therefore, what is needed is a system and method that overcomes these significant problems found in the conventional systems and allow an inexperienced user to access them without prior knowledge. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    A multi-network communications server is connected to a variety of user access platforms through a variety of communication networks. The access platforms, which are the means for sending and delivering calls and messages, are used by sender users and recipient users and also by user agents acting on behalf of sender or recipient users. The access platforms may include: (1) data access devices such as PCs, PDAs, fax machines, ATMs and web enabled devices; (2) audio access devices such as telephones, wireless communication devices, audio players such as MP3 players; (3) video access platforms such as video phones, video recording devices, video cameras and PCs with video capable software utilities; and (4) user agent devices such as all of the above and including scanners and printers that an operator can use to convert otherwise incompatible hard copy communications to electronic communications for sender users and vice versa for recipient users. 
         [0008]    A user can access the platform from a user computer account created for the user on a computer server. The user can access that account from a computer, a data platform, etc. Alternatively, a user can access the platform using a prepaid phone calling card. By purchasing such a phone card, the user purchases a phone access to the platform and the platform services. 
         [0009]    There are several advantages of providing phone access to the platform in addition to providing computer access. For example, a phone user does not have to have any computer or internet experience to access and request platform services. A phone user can take advantage of the same services offered by the platform as the services offered to a user who accesses the platform via a computer. For example, a phone user, even without any previous computer/internet experience, can send/receive e-mails, send/receive mails, send/receive telegrams, use postal services, etc. 
         [0010]    The functionality built into the platforms allows providing the same services to phone users as well as to computer users. For example, to facilitate the delivery of messages, mails, e-mails to a phone user, the platform utilizes a speech synthesis system. To facilitate the sending of voice messages and commands from a phone user, the platform utilizes a speech recognition system. 
         [0011]    Another advantage of allowing a phone access to the platform is expanding platform services to users who use Voice over IP (“VoIP”) technology. By accessing the platform over the phone, the VoIP users can use their “skype,” “vonage” and “private” phone numbers (“DID”). As other users, the VoIP users can place calls, send/receive messages, send/receive faxes, etc. 
         [0012]    A sender user can, through one of the access platforms or a user agent, send a communication piece (e.g. a call, or a message) to a recipient user of the system (or a designated recipient that has access to any other network communicatively coupled with the communications server). The communication is addressed to the recipient user and stored in the recipient&#39;s digital inbox at the communications server. The server can then send a notice to the recipient user of the waiting message. The notice can be delivered to the recipient user through a preferred delivery platform, e.g. email, SMS, text page, phone call, or other. 
         [0013]    Upon notice (or at any time) the recipient user can access the communications server to retrieve waiting messages from the digital inbox. The messages can be viewed (text and graphics), heard (audio), or both (video), depending on the recipient user&#39;s access platform capability. The recipient user may also (re)direct the communication to an email account, a fax number, a voice mail number, a bank account number, or a street address. The user can instruct the server to deliver the communication to the user either by interactive session such as a web session with the server or through a voice command session with the server. Additionally, communications can be saved in the user&#39;s digital inbox and also delivered via a physical delivery network such as the local postal office or local telegram office for exclusive or redundant delivery to the recipient user. 
         [0014]    The multinetwork communication server can have a plurality of digital inboxes for storage of messages for a particular user. Each digital inbox can be hierarchically organized into directories and files, for example having separate directories for email, voicemail, fax, letters, telegrams, wire transfers, financial transactions, songs, videos, photographs, etc. The communications server can be communicatively coupled with the Internet, the local telephone network (PSTN), the local telegram network, the ATM network, the ACH network and other financial or communication networks allowing for the delivery of communications such as information, content and financial transactions. The communications server includes additional functionality such as tracking and tracing of communications as well as encryption, security, and confirmation/digital proof of delivery. 
         [0015]    One aspect of the invention provides for a prepaid phone card that includes a phone number and digital inbox that is associated with the phone number, where the digital inbox is hosted by the communication server. The prepaid phone card may also include airtime, an email address, fax number, instant message address, and the like—all of which can be advantageously hosted by the communication server. The prepaid phone card may be distributed with a predetermined value to pay for the digital inbox services. The value of the prepaid phone card may also be increased periodically by payment transactions in a brick and mortar store location, a kiosk, over the telephone, or online. When a user conducts a transaction to increase the value of the phone card, the user can pay by cash, check, wire transfer, electronic debit, credit, or the like. 
         [0016]    Another aspect of the invention is that it allows the user to send and retrieve all messages through voice by reading data messages using text to speech engines and instructing the user or portraying the message via voice recognition algorithms so that any user, without any prior knowledge of the system or training in data and computer devices can operate and navigate through his messages and calls. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The details of the present invention, both as to its structure and operation, may be gleaned in part by study of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a high level network diagram illustrating a multi-network communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary communication network that may be used in connection with the various embodiments described herein; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating exemplary multimedia messages that may be used in connection with the various embodiments described herein; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary user account according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary user profile containing delivery addresses according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary prepaid phone card containing user profile information according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7A  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary multi-media message according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7B  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary multi-media message according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8A  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary platform according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8B  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary communication server according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating an example process for sending messages according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a flow chart illustrating an example process for administering user account using prepaid phone card data according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a flow chart illustrating an example process for administering user account using sender information according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is a flow chart illustrating an example process for receiving messages according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary communication device that may be used in connection with the various embodiments described herein; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computer system as may be used in connection with various embodiments described herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]    Certain embodiments as disclosed herein provide for a multi-media multi-network communication server that is accessible via a plurality of access platforms over a variety of communication networks. The multi-network communication server is configured to send and receive messages for a plurality of users. The messages include a variety of types of messages, including emails, SMS, voicemail, faxes, letters, telegrams, wire transfers, automated clearing house transfers, and the like. For example, one method as disclosed herein allows for a first user to send an email to a second user that is delivered as a letter in hard copy (physical) by a postal employee. 
         [0035]    After reading this description it will become apparent to one skilled in the art how to implement the invention in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this detailed description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  is a high level network diagram illustrating a multi-network communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, a multi-media multi-network server  170  is connected to a plurality of access and delivery platforms such as access platform  150  and delivery platform  155 . The multi-media network server is also configured with one or more data storage areas containing a plurality of user accounts  172 . 
         [0037]    The multi-network communication server  170  is configured to maintain single mailbox for each user/subscriber aggregating all communication pieces to the user. Whenever a user enters the network from any access platform  150  at any location, the user can access all his/her correspondence and communication pieces. The user can then direct the delivery of these pieces to himself/herself or a third party through a variety of networks and delivery platforms  155 . 
         [0038]    The multi-network server  170  can be connected to a plurality of electronic and physical communication networks  180  including telephone networks, wireless communication networks, the Internet, postal and telegram networks, etc. (described in detail in  FIG. 2 ). The communication networks  180  pass information between the server  170  and the access and delivery platforms  150  and  155  as described below. 
         [0039]    In one embodiment, a sender user  120 , a recipient user  130  or an agent  140  (acting on behalf of a sender or a recipient) can access the platform using the computer account  172  created on the multi network communication server  170 . These users can access the platform from a computer, a data platform, etc. Alternatively, the platform can be accessed over a phone. Phone access to the platform is provided to prepaid phone card users  100 . 
         [0040]    A prepaid phone card user  100  can use a prepaid phone card to access the platform, send and receive messages and use the platform services as users who communicate with the platform from a computer. Using a prepaid phone card, the prepaid phone card user  100  can access the platform using a provided address, such as a Direct Inward Dial (“DID”) number or an e-mail address. For example, the user  100  can dial a platform phone number and request the services over the phone. Alternatively, the user  100  can communicate with the platforms using e-mails. 
         [0041]    There are several advantages of accessing the platforms from a phone instead of accessing the platforms from a computer. For example, a phone user does not have to have any computer or internet experience to use the platform services. For example, a phone user, even without any previous computer/internet experience, can send/receive e-mails, send/receive mails, send/receive telegrams, use postal services, etc. This is possible because of the functionality built into the platforms. For example, to facilitate the delivery of messages, mails, e-mails to a phone user, the platform utilizes a speech synthesis system. To facilitate the sending of voice messages and commands from a phone user, the platform utilizes a speech recognition system. 
         [0042]    Another advantage of allowing a phone access to the platform is expansion of platform services to users who use Voice over IP (“VoIP”) technology. By accessing the platform over the phone, the VoIP users can use their “skype,” “vonage” and “private” phone numbers (“DID”). As other users, the VoIP users can place calls, send/receive messages, send/receive faxes, etc. 
         [0043]    A user request to send a message over the communication network  180  is processed by an access platform  150 , which is capable of sending information to the multi-network communication server  170 . An example of the access platform  150  is a scanner that scans information into a digital format and passes it into the network. A user request to receive a message from the server is handled by a delivery platform  155  which reads information from the communication server  170  and delivers it to the user. Examples of delivery platforms  155  are printers, plotters, etc. 
         [0044]    If a user wants to send and receive information from one platform, the user may select a platform that is capable of both, sending and receiving information. Such a platform should able to perform both functions: the passing of the information to the communication server  170  and the retrieving of the information from the communication server  170 . Examples of such platforms are computers (e.g. PC), telephone, fax machines, etc. 
         [0045]    The access platforms  150  and  155  can communicate with their local data storage areas  157  to store information, messages and notices related to the communication. 
         [0046]    The multi-network server  170  provides remote access to a local network as if a user were in the local place. That access is provided by local data storage area  157  coupled with access platforms  150  and delivery platforms  155 . Such an access saves a user both the time and transportation costs, and eliminates the distance barrier for communication. When the access is provided, the user can effectively become a user of the local network in spite of being in another geographic location. 
         [0047]    The multi-network server  170  can also locate a user via a single identity (e.g. a user account described in  FIG. 5 ). The server  170  can “learn” the connection routes to alternative destination networks, devices or physical addresses of the user. 
         [0048]    The communication server  170  and local data storage area  157  may also provide an interface between the incompatible networks, such as the postal network or telegram network. The servers can convert messages from one format to another. For example, they can translate messages from electronic form to a physical, and thus reduce the cost and delivery window of the communication piece. 
         [0049]    To communicate with the network, the user may initiate an interactive session such as a voice command session, or a web portal session. Given this capability, a user may send different types of otherwise incompatible messages through different networks for different purposes or applications. Examples of messages are described in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0050]    Also, the communication server  170  can provide a feedback loop to let the sender know that the recipient has received the communication. This provides a sender with the certainty of knowing that the message has been delivered. 
         [0051]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary communication network  180  that may be used in connection with the various embodiments described herein. As shown, messages for a user can be delivered through a variety of delivery networks. For example, a message can be delivered by a telephone network  200 , ATM network  210 , financial network  220 , telegram network  230 , postal network  240 , Internet  250 , wireless communication  260 , voice network  270 , data network  280  (e.g. a computer network), commercial power supply network  290 , etc. 
         [0052]    The communication network  180  containing the variety of networks provides a user with a number of benefits. For example, the user does not need to purchase the communication infrastructure, such as, voice lines, phones, faxes, computers, etc. to use it. Instead, the user receives a personal multi-network directory and the various associated addresses on the communication network  180 . For example, a user without a home telephone number or cellular telephone number will receive a phone number associated with the user account  172  (described in  FIG. 5 ). This way, the user can receive a specific telephone number without the burden of having to maintain costly telephone service through a wired or wireless telephone service provider. 
         [0053]    Having a telephone number in the personal multi-network directory accessible from different networks provides the user with many advantages. For example, when the user moves or travels, he/she can still retrieve voice mails from the communication network  170  in any country without having to pay each local service provider for the use of its network since the communication network  170  provides the access to all the network interfaces. Also, it may be very useful if a user is contracting a phone service (without a physical terminal) that will allow the user to send and receive electronic and physical communication pieces from any physical location. 
         [0054]    The server provides remote access to a local network as if a user were in the local place. The connections between the server and the various physical and electronic networks can be direct or indirect. For example, the connection to the telegram network can be both direct and indirect through the Internet. The connection to the wireless communication network may also be direct through, e.g., the phone network or the Internet. 
         [0055]    Having an access to an integrated communication network  180  provides a user with many additional advantages. For example, it eliminates incompatibility among digital and physical communication networks, and among multi-media communication pieces. Also, it provides reduction of the complexity, delivery window and cost of sending and receiving a specific message through many different networks. Furthermore, it provides the user with a convenient and easy way to use digital inbox to manage all messaging and communication needs in a centralized way. Also, it allows to send the pieces in a cost effective way, e.g. to send one brochure to one destination at a very low cost. Finally, it provides an ability to pay for a very different variety of services from the same prepaid card described in  FIG. 6 , or using fund transfer services over an ATM network  210  or financial network  220 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating exemplary multimedia messages that may be used in connection with the various embodiments described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, a user may send a variety of communication pieces through different networks for different purposes or applications. For example, the postal service or other physical delivery service can be used for letters and telegrams. Voice message and faxes can be sent via a telecommunication network, emails and SMS. 
         [0057]    The user can send a variety of messages. For example, a user may send through the multi-media communication server the following: telegrams  302 , songs  304 , emails  306 , text documents (e.g. contracts, invoices, etc.)  308 , wire transfers (e.g. monetary funds)  310 , faxes  312 , checks  314 , SMS cellular messages  316 , video clips  318 , brochures  320 , photographs  322 , letters  324 , voice mails (phone messages)  326 , and other types of messages  328  (faxes, Video Movies, Movie trailers, Pod Casts) or a combination of any of these. In particular, some of the above messages (such as songs, music, audio casts, video casts, audio video casts) can be components of a digital marketplace, where pieces are sold and delivered via the multi-media communication server and then by the delivery platforms ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0058]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary user account containing a user profile, user funds and user messages stored on the data storage coupled with the communication server  170 . In an illustrated embodiment, a user can have a single identity (an account  172 ) through the plurality of networks and can receive different communication pieces and messages regardless of the medium used to send the piece. Accordingly, whenever the user enters the network from any access device or location, the user can access all correspondence and communication pieces. After accessing the messages, the user can direct those pieces to be received by the user (or by others) through a variety of networks. The user can retrieve the communication pieces through any convenient delivery network such as postal network, fax, telegram, email, etc., described in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0059]    The user account  172  contains a variety of information about the user and it is linked to an assigned phone address and multi-network directory (and thereby related to all other physical and electronic addresses for the user.) For example, it contains a user profile  177 , amount and type of user funds  178  and user messages  179 . The account  172  allows the user to select the type of communication pieces to be sent to third parties. 
         [0060]    The user account  172  can be loaded with funds by the user via a fund transfer or a credit or debit card transaction. Once the account  172  is loaded with the funds, the different services can be paid out of this account. Thus, the account  172  can act as a “virtual electronic purse.” The communication server  170  can convert the account in a virtual prepaid card that can be used for services regardless of the access device, network or application being used. All services can be used and paid for from the same account and all messages will be stored and controlled from the same user account  172 . A physical prepaid card can also be printed and delivered via a physical distribution network such as the postal or telegraph network. The physical prepaid card will be described in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0061]    The account  172  also allows the user to store communication pieces (messages) in the user messages storage area  179 . The user can designate a specific delivery platform where the communication pieces should be sent. For example, the user may designate that a particular message should be sent by postal network, fax, telegram, email, voicemail, audio-video, etc. 
         [0062]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary user profile  177 , containing a variety of delivery addresses available to a user. In an illustrated embodiment, the user profile  177  can contain a number of addresses stored at the multi-media multi-network communication server  170 . One of the addresses may be a physical address designated by the user for messages in a form of letters. Another address may be designated for telegrams. Yet another address may contain a phone number for SMS messages, another for phone messages, yet another for cellular messages, etc. The user account  172  may also contain a TIVO address, a bank account number, a prepaid card account, a MP3 address, etc. The delivery addresses reflect the type of delivery network employed. For example, the postal service or other physical delivery service can be used for letters and telegrams. Voice messages and faxes can be sent via a telecommunication network. Emails and SMS messages can be sent via a data communication network. Songs, video or television shows can be delivered to a particular IP address of a TIVO or other record and play device. 
         [0063]    In another embodiment, a user profile  177  may contain a phone number that is not connected to an actual phone line, but rather is assigned to the user from a pool of phone numbers that are provided by the multi-network communication server  170 . In such an embodiment, a user can select the delivery network for communication pieces by selecting from a list of options using an IVR (interactive voice response) module at the multi-network communication server  170  ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0064]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary prepaid phone card containing user profile information. In an illustrated embodiment, the prepaid phone card  100  can be printed and delivered to the user via a physical distribution network such as the postal or telegraph network. The card  100  can contain a variety of types of information that can be used by the communication sever  170  ( FIG. 1 ) to either create or update user account  172  described in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0065]    The prepaid phone card  100  can comprise a prepaid phone card number  612 , a prepaid phone card authorization number  613 , a prepaid phone card server number  614  and a prepaid phone card credit amount (funds)  615 . A user account can be created using the prepaid phone card number  612 , and identified using the prepaid phone card server number  614 . Then, the user account can be loaded with funds via a new prepaid card, funds transfer or a credit/debit card transaction. Once the account is loaded, the different services can be paid out of this account. The newly created account can be used to pay for services regardless of what access device, network or application is being used. 
         [0066]    In another embodiment of the present invention, the prepaid phone card  100  can also contain optional information  616 , including a street address for delivery of mail, email address, a fax phone number, a bank account number, a TIVO address, a SMS address, a voice mail phone number, etc. All that information can be used by the communication server  170  to create an account on the server  172 , or to update information of the account  172  that already exists on the communication server  170 . 
         [0067]      FIGS. 7A-7B  are block diagrams illustrating an exemplary generic multi-media message. In an illustrated embodiment, the destination address of a communication is modified with a prefix (header)  710  or a suffix  730  that indicate the type of communication network that will be used to deliver a data payload  720  by physical or electronic means. For example, to send the payload (message) to one of the multi-network destination the communication server  170  will instruct the networks via a prefix  710  or suffix  730  as to which of networks will be used. 
         [0068]    In one embodiment, an additional content can be sent attached to the data payload  720 . The additional content will provide special instructions that are necessary for specific networks devices or applications in order to facilitate the communication delivery process. This may be particularly useful for direct mail, sending brochures or contracts, invoices, recorded messages, notifications, proof of deliveries, songs, videos, photographs, clips, monetary funds, etc. For example, the destination address for a cellular “SMS” message may be: SMS: 555-444-333. 
         [0069]    The additional information may be useful for delivery of a message to the particular network. For example, an attachment may be advantageously added to the data payload  720  or sent via another network to the same destination for use by the multi-network communication server  170  or a local server (e.g. as a “way” file for voicemail or a “doc” Word document for a fax). 
         [0070]    In another embodiment, the additional content can be sent attached to the communication piece to provide special instructions that are necessary for specific network, devices or applications in order to facilitate the communication delivery process. This may be particularly useful for direct mail, sending brochures or contracts, invoices, recorded messages, notifications, proof of deliveries, songs, videos, photographs, clips, monetary funds, etc. 
         [0071]      FIG. 8A  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary platform that can be used to facilitate communication between a user and the multi-network communication server. In the illustrated embodiment, if the user wants to send a message to the system, then the user can contact the access platform  150  ( FIG. 1 .) By accessing the access platform  150 , the user can select a type of the communication network for the delivery of a communication piece by physical or electronic means. 
         [0072]    If the user wants to receive a message to the system, the user can contact the delivery platform  155  ( FIG. 1 ), which in some applications, could be combined with the access platform  150 . For example, a computer (PC) is a system where the access platform  150  is combined with the delivery platform  155  because the computer can send information to and receive information from the network. 
         [0073]    In one embodiment, the platform comprises an interface module  810  that can be used to select the communication network for delivery of a specific message. For example, when a user connects to the multi-network communication server  170  ( FIG. 1 ) and wants to send a fax, the interface module  810  may display a message header in a familiar email type format to solicit input of the “TO:” address. Because the user is sending a fax, the “TO:” field can be populated with a prefix that specifies the delivery network (described in  FIGS. 7A-7B ). For example, the “TO:” field may include: “FAX: 555-444-3333.” 
         [0074]    In another embodiment, the platform comprises an operation module  820 . The operational module  820  can send messages from the access platform  150  to the communication network  180 , and send messages from the communication network  180  to the delivery platform  155 . 
         [0075]    If the delivery network is not an electronic one, a message module  840  can add additional information needed to deliver the message. For example, the message module  840  can add information as an attachment to the message. Additional information may include information about the addressee&#39;s name, addressee&#39;s address, or instructions for a local sever to print the message on an envelope by the postal network. 
         [0076]    In another embodiment, the platform comprises a voice module  850  that allows a user to send and retrieve messages using audio. The voice module  850  contains “text to speech” engines that play audio prompts, receive audio answers and translate audio answers to a digital form. The voice module  850  provides a user with audio instructions so the user without any prior knowledge of the system or computer training can operate, navigate and use the system. 
         [0077]      FIG. 8B  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary communication server  170  that can be used to facilitate communication between a variety of communication networks. In the illustrated embodiment, the communication server  170  contains a voice module  850  that allows the communication server  170  to send and retrieve voice messages. Similarly to the voice module  850  on the platforms  150  and  155 , the voice module  850  on the communication server  170  provides audio instructions and handles audio answers. 
         [0078]    In another embodiment, the communication server  170  contains a message module  840  that can add additional information necessary to deliver a message, such as, for example, a postal message. The message module  840  can add information as an attachment to the message. Additional information may include information about the addressee&#39;s name, addressee&#39;s address, instructions for a local sever to print the message on an envelope by the postal network, etc. 
         [0079]    In another embodiment, the communication server  170  comprises a conversion module  857 . Since the third party service providers can use the platforms for a multitude of applications, sending and receiving information may require conversion of messages from a digital format to a physical format, or vice versa. For example, there may be a need to convert a circuit switched phone call into a packet switched phone call to allow answering phone calls by a computer. 
         [0080]    The conversion module  857  allows sending and retrieving messages between different networks, such as, for example, between a telephone network and a data network. Exchanging the messages between heterogeneous networks requires that, for example, voice messages are translated to text messages and vice versa. The conversion module  857  contains speech engines, such as, speech recognition systems that convert a voice message into a text message speech, and speech synthesis systems that convert a text message into a voice message. 
         [0081]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating an example process for sending messages by a user from an access platform to the multi-network communication server  170  ( FIG. 1 ). In an illustrated embodiment, in a step  902 , the user accesses the access platform and inputs a request to send a message over the communication network  180  to the multi-network communication server  170  ( FIG. 1 ). The request reaches the multi-network communication server  170  and the server  170  ( FIG. 1 ) parses it. In a step  904 , the server  170  identifies whether the request is from the prepaid phone card  100  ( FIG. 1 ) or from a sender  120  ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0082]    If the request is from the prepaid phone card  100  ( FIG. 1 ), then, in a step  905 , the communication server  170  attempts to administer a user account using the prepaid phone card data  905 , which will be described in details in  FIG. 10 . Basically, the administration of the user account using the prepaid phone card data (in the step  905 ), involves either creating a brand new account on the communication server  170 , or updating the information on the already existing account on the server  170 . 
         [0083]    If the request is from the sender  120  ( FIG. 1 ), then, in a step  906 , the communication server  170  attempts to administer a user account using the sender information that is either provided by the platform, or available on the communication server  170 . The administration of the account using the sender information will be described in  FIG. 11 . Basically, the administration amounts to the accessing of the user account on the server  170  using e.g. a user identification provided by the access platform, and reducing the amount of user funds from the account by the value of services requested by the sender. 
         [0084]    Once the administration process (steps  905  or  906 ) is complete, the communication server  170  ( FIG. 1 ) acquires the communication piece (e.g. a message), and, in a step  908 , it stores the message on one of its sub-servers, or on the user account  172  attached to the communication server  170 . Then, the server  170  identifies the delivery platform or user preferences as to on what media the message should be delivered. To identify the delivery platform or network, the server  170  uses the information about the destination addresses used by the user in the past and stored in the user account  172 . 
         [0085]    Then, the message might be encrypted for the security reasons, translated to another format (e.g. from a “doc” format to a “pdf” format), or processed to the format required by the delivery platform. Subsequently, the message may be stored in the new format on the server, and/or sent to the delivery platform  155  in a step  910 . 
         [0086]    Furthermore, in the step  910 , the communication server  170  can send the notification about the awaiting message to the recipient. For example, if the sender sends a fax to the communication server  170 , the server may send first a notification to the recipient of the fax, and then, send the fax to the fax machine acting as a delivery platform  155 . Also, the communication server  170  can send a confirmation to the sender if the messages were successfully delivered. 
         [0087]      FIG. 10  is a flow chart illustrating an example process for administering user account using prepaid phone card data according to an embodiment of the present invention. As it was described above, even if a user does not yet have a user account on the server, such an account can be created for him on the server using a prepaid phone card data. The prepaid phone card data can be provided by a third party and it can comprise functionalities of a typical credit/debit card. 
         [0088]    In an illustrated embodiment, if the request came from a phone card, the communication server  170  can create an account and use the funds indicated on the card to upload the account. In a step  1002 , the communication server  170  reads the prepaid phone card number and a local server number (alternatively, a credit card number). That information is used later to identify e.g. appropriate access platform or delivery platform ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0089]    In a step  1004 , the communication server  170  attempts to authorize the prepaid phone card number by using e.g. an encryption code, or other security mechanisms. For example, the authorization can amount to the verification whether the particular card is legitimate and whether it was legitimately purchased for value. The authorization information may be included in the prepaid phone card itself. 
         [0090]    If the card is authorized and approved, then, in a step  1006 , the communication server  170  can create a new account on the server  170 . The creating of the new account amounts to allocating some space for the account on the server  170 , linking the account with the identification from the phone/credit card, storing information about a user profile, user funds, and allocating some space for the user messages. 
         [0091]    The prepaid phone card may contain information necessary for the creating of the user profile. The example of the user profile is provided in  FIG. 5 . In addition to the prepaid phone card number, prepaid phone card server number, prepaid phone card credit amount, the card can contain some optional information, such as, for example, a street address, email address, fax phone number, cellular phone number, bank account number, etc. In a step  1010 , all that information can be stored under the user profile on the user account on the communication server  170 . 
         [0092]    Alternatively, if the corresponding account already exists, instead of the creating of the user account, the communication server  170  can update some of the information previously stored on the user account. For example, the prepaid phone card may request adding funds to the user account, changing some of the addresses, phone numbers, or preferences as to the type/location of the access or delivery platform. 
         [0093]      FIG. 11  is a flow chart illustrating an example process for administering user account using sender information according to an embodiment of the present invention. As it was described above, once a user is provided with an account on the communication server  170  ( FIG. 1 ), the user can select the type of communication pieces that will be sent to him/her, or to third parties. The user account  172  ( FIG. 4 ) comprises user profile, funds and messages. The administering of the user account amounts to, in a step  1302 , the accessing of the user account on the server  170  using the account identification (e.g. a code, id, number, etc.). Some of the accounts may require authorization, or entering a security code. 
         [0094]    In a next step  1304 , the communication server  170  updates the user funds by subtracting the value of requested services from the amount of funds available to the user and stored on the user account  172  ( FIG. 1 ). In the case where the user account does not contain sufficient funds to provide the services requested by the user, the communication server  170  can e.g. send the “insufficient funds” notification to the sender or the access platform. 
         [0095]      FIG. 12  is a flow chart illustrating an example process for receiving messages by a user from the multi-network communication server  170  ( FIG. 1 ) on the delivery platform  155  ( FIG. 1 ). In an illustrated embodiment, in a step  1402 , the user accesses the access platform and inputs a request to receive a message (messages) from the multi-network communication server  170  ( FIG. 1 ) over the communication network  180 . 
         [0096]    In a step  1404 , the request reaches the multi-network communication server  170  and the server  170  ( FIG. 1 ) parses the request. If the request is from the prepaid phone card  100  ( FIG. 1 ), then, in a step  1404 , the communication server  170  attempts to administer a user account using the prepaid phone card data. In the step  1404 , the communication server  170  can update some (or all) information on the already existing account on the server  170  including the uploading (or debiting) of the user funds. 
         [0097]    If the request is from the recipient  120  ( FIG. 1 ), then, in a step  1405 , the communication server  170  attempts to administer a user account using the recipient information that is either provided by the platform, or available on the server  170 . The administration of the account using the recipient information amounts to the accessing of the user account on the server by the communication server  170 , using e.g. a user identification provided by the access platform, and decreasing the amount of user funds on the account by the value of services requested by the sender. 
         [0098]    Once the administration process ( 1404  and  1405 ) is complete, in a step  1406 , the communication server  170  ( FIG. 1 ) acquires the communication piece (e.g. a message) from the server, and, in a step  1408 , the communication server  170  sends the message to the delivery platform  155  ( FIG. 1 ). To identify the delivery platform or network, the server  170  uses the destination addresses invoked by the user in the past and/or stored in the user account  172 . 
         [0099]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the message can be encrypted for the security reasons, translated to another format (e.g. from a “doc” format to a “pdf” format), or processed to the format required by the delivery platform. 
         [0100]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary communication device  450  that may be used in connection with the various embodiments described herein. For example, the communication device  450  may be used in conjunction with an access platform. Other communication devices and/or architectures may also be used, as will be clear to those skilled in the art. 
         [0101]    In the illustrated embodiment, the communication device  450  comprises an antenna  452 , a multiplexor  454 , a low noise amplifier (“LNA”)  456 , a power amplifier (“PA”)  458 , a modulation circuit  460 , a baseband processor  462 , a speaker  464 , a microphone  466 , a central processing unit (“CPU”)  468 , a data storage area  470 , and a hardware interface  472 . In the communication device  450 , radio frequency (“RF”) signals are transmitted and received by antenna  452 . Multiplexor  454  acts as a switch, coupling antenna  452  between the transmit and receive signal paths. In the receive path, received RF signals are coupled from a multiplexor  454  to LNA  456 . LNA  456  amplifies the received RF signal and couples the amplified signal to a demodulation portion of the modulation circuit  460 . 
         [0102]    Typically modulation circuit  460  will combine a demodulator and modulator in one integrated circuit (“IC”). The demodulator and modulator can also be separate components. The demodulator strips away the RF carrier signal leaving a base-band receive audio signal, which is sent from the demodulator output to the base-band processor  462 . 
         [0103]    If the base-band receive audio signal contains audio information, then base-band processor  462  decodes the signal and converts it to an analog signal. Then the signal is amplified and sent to the speaker  464 . The base-band processor  462  also receives analog audio signals from the microphone  466 . These analog audio signals are converted to digital signals and encoded by the base-band processor  462 . The base-band processor  462  also codes the digital signals for transmission and generates a base-band transmit audio signal that is routed to the modulator portion of modulation circuit  460 . The modulator mixes the base-band transmit audio signal with an RF carrier signal generating an RF transmit signal that is routed to the power amplifier  458 . The power amplifier  458  amplifies the RF transmit signal and routes it to the multiplexor  454  where the signal is switched to the antenna port for transmission by antenna  452 . 
         [0104]    The baseband processor  462  is also communicatively coupled with the central processing unit  468 . The central processing unit  468  has access to a data storage area  470 . The central processing unit  468  is preferably configured to execute instructions (i.e., computer programs or software) that can be stored in the data storage area  470 . Computer programs can also be received from the baseband processor  462  and stored in the data storage area  470  or executed upon receipt. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the wireless communication device  450  to perform the various functions of the present invention as previously described. 
         [0105]    In this description, the term “computer readable medium” is used to refer to any media used to provide executable instructions (e.g., software and computer programs) to the communication device  450  for execution by the central processing unit  468 . Examples of these media include the data storage area  470 , microphone  466  (via the baseband processor  462 ), antenna  452  (also via the baseband processor  462 ), and hardware interface  472 . These computer readable mediums are means for providing executable code, programming instructions, and software to the communication device  450 . The executable code, programming instructions, and software, when executed by the central processing unit  468 , preferably cause the central processing unit  468  to perform the inventive features and functions previously described herein. 
         [0106]    The central processing unit is also preferably configured to receive notifications from the hardware interface  472  when new devices are detected by the hardware interface. Hardware interface  472  can be a combination electromechanical detector with controlling software that communicates with the CPU  468  and interacts with new devices. 
         [0107]      FIG. 14  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computer system  550  that may be used in connection with the various embodiments described herein. For example, the computer system  550  may be used in conjunction with an access platform or the multi-network communication server. Other computer systems and/or architectures may also be used, as will be clear to those skilled in the art. 
         [0108]    The computer system  550  preferably includes one or more processors, such as processor  552 . Additional processors may be provided, such as an auxiliary processor to manage input/output, an auxiliary processor to perform floating point mathematical operations, a special-purpose microprocessor having an architecture suitable for fast execution of signal processing algorithms (e.g., digital signal processor), a slave processor subordinate to the main processing system (e.g., back-end processor), an additional microprocessor or controller for dual or multiple processor systems, or a coprocessor. Such auxiliary processors may be discrete processors or may be integrated with the processor  552 . 
         [0109]    The processor  552  is preferably connected to a communication bus  554 . The communication bus  554  may include a data channel for facilitating information transfer between storage and other peripheral components of the computer system  550 . The communication bus  554  further may provide a set of signals used for communication with the processor  552 , including a data bus, address bus, and control bus (not shown). The communication bus  554  may comprise any standard or non-standard bus architecture such as, for example, bus architectures compliant with industry standard architecture (“ISA”), extended industry standard architecture (“EISA”), Micro Channel Architecture (“MCA”), peripheral component interconnect (“PCI”) local bus, or standards promulgated by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (“IEEE”) including IEEE 488 general-purpose interface bus (“GPIB”), IEEE 696/S-100, and the like. 
         [0110]    Computer system  550  preferably includes a main memory  556  and may also include a secondary memory  558 . The main memory  556  provides storage of instructions and data for programs executing on the processor  552 . The main memory  556  is typically semiconductor-based memory such as dynamic random access memory (“DRAM”) and/or static random access memory (“SRAM”). Other semiconductor-based memory types include, for example, synchronous dynamic random access memory (“SDRAM”), Rambus dynamic random access memory (“RDRAM”), ferroelectric random access memory (“FRAM”), and the like, including read only memory (“ROM”). 
         [0111]    The secondary memory  558  may optionally include a hard disk drive  560  and/or a removable storage drive  562 , for example a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, a compact disc (“CD”) drive, a digital versatile disc (“DVD”) drive, etc. The removable storage drive  562  reads from and/or writes to a removable storage medium  564  in a well-known manner. Removable storage medium  564  may be, for example, a floppy disk, magnetic tape, CD, DVD, etc. 
         [0112]    The removable storage medium  564  is preferably a computer readable medium having stored thereon computer executable code (i.e., software) and/or data. The computer software or data stored on the removable storage medium  564  is read into the computer system  550  as electrical communication signals  578 . 
         [0113]    In alternative embodiments, secondary memory  558  may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other data or instructions to be loaded into the computer system  550 . Such means may include, for example, an external storage medium  572  and an interface  570 . Examples of external storage medium  572  may include an external hard disk drive or an external optical drive, or and external magneto-optical drive. 
         [0114]    Other examples of secondary memory  558  may include semiconductor-based memory such as programmable read-only memory (“PROM”), erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM”), electrically erasable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), or flash memory (block oriented memory similar to EEPROM). Also included are any other removable storage units  572  and interfaces  570 , which allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit  572  to the computer system  550 . 
         [0115]    Computer system  550  may also include a communication interface  574 . The communication interface  574  allows software and data to be transferred between computer system  550  and external devices (e.g. printers), networks, or information sources. For example, computer software or executable code may be transferred to computer system  550  from a network server via communication interface  574 . Examples of communication interface  574  include a modem, a network interface card (“NIC”), a communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, an infrared interface, and an IEEE 1394 fire-wire, just to name a few. 
         [0116]    Communication interface  574  preferably implements industry promulgated protocol standards, such as Ethernet IEEE 802 standards, Fiber Channel, digital user line (“DSL”), asynchronous digital user line (“ADSL”), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (“ATM”), integrated digital services network (“ISDN”), personal communications services (“PCS”), transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (“TCP/IP”), serial line Internet protocol/point to point protocol (“SLIP/PPP”), and so on, but may also implement customized or non-standard interface protocols as well. 
         [0117]    Software and data transferred via communication interface  574  are generally in the form of electrical communication signals  578 . These signals  578  are preferably provided to communication interface  574  via a communication channel  576 . Communication channel  576  carries signals  578  and can be implemented using a variety of wired or wireless communication means including wire or cable, fiber optics, conventional phone line, cellular phone link, wireless data communication link, radio frequency (RF) link, or infrared link, just to name a few. 
         [0118]    Computer executable code (i.e., computer programs or software) is stored in the main memory  556  and/or the secondary memory  558 . Computer programs can also be received via communication interface  574  and stored in the main memory  556  and/or the secondary memory  558 . Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system  550  to perform the various functions of the present invention as previously described. 
         [0119]    In this description, the term “computer readable medium” is used to refer to any media used to provide computer executable code (e.g., software and computer programs) to the computer system  550 . Examples of these media include main memory  556 , secondary memory  558  (including hard disk drive  560 , removable storage medium  564 , and external storage medium  572 ), and any peripheral device communicatively coupled with communication interface  574  (including a network information server or other network device). These computer readable mediums are means for providing executable code, programming instructions, and software to the computer system  550 . 
         [0120]    In an embodiment that is implemented using software, the software may be stored on a computer readable medium and loaded into computer system  550  by way of removable storage drive  562 , interface  570 , or communication interface  574 . In such an embodiment, the software is loaded into the computer system  550  in the form of electrical communication signals  578 . The software, when executed by the processor  552 , preferably causes the processor  552  to perform the inventive features and functions previously described herein. 
         [0121]    Various embodiments may also be implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, components such as application specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), or field programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”). Implementation of a hardware state machine capable of performing the functions described herein will also be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art. Various embodiments may also be implemented using a combination of both hardware and software. 
         [0122]    Furthermore, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and method steps described in connection with the above described figures and the embodiments disclosed herein can often be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled persons can implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the invention. In addition, the grouping of functions within a module, block, circuit or step is for ease of description. Specific functions or steps can be moved from one module, block or circuit to another without departing from the invention. 
         [0123]    Moreover, the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and methods described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (“DSP”), an ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. 
         [0124]    Additionally, the steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium including a network storage medium. An exemplary storage medium can be coupled to the processor such the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium can also reside in an ASIC. 
         [0125]    The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is further understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly limited by nothing other than the appended claims.