Abstract: A machine-implemented method includes determining when a particular promotional offer which is associated with a payment account of a particular consumer should be released to the particular consumer, and then transmitting a first message indicating the particular promotional offer to a device of the particular consumer. The first message indicates the merchant and the terms of the offer, which may include a specific time period during which the offer is valid. The method further includes detecting that the particular consumer has accepted the offer and, in response, automatically transmitting a second message to trigger a transfer of funds to an account of the consumer. The method can further include, in response to detecting that the consumer has accepted the offer, automatically and immediately transmitting a message to the consumer to confirm the transfer of funds to the account of the consumer, so as to provide feedback to the consumer.

Abstract: A method for effecting the execution of an application function on an application server from a client device via a proxy server, including transmitting a first text message pertaining to a request to execute the application function to the proxy server. The method additionally includes authenticating a user associated with the first text message by authenticating the user via a confirmation address that is different from the text message origination address. After authentication, the method also includes executing the application function at the application server as specified by the first text message, whereby the first application function is ascertained based at least on the text message destination address.

Abstract: A method for effecting the execution of an application function on an application server from a client device with a smart card. The method includes transmitting a first text message pertaining to a request to execute the application function to the proxy server. The method also includes sending a token request message to the user at a text message confirmation address that is different from the text message origination address, generating a token in the smart card, and transmitting the token to the proxy server. If the token is valid, the method includes executing the application function at the application server as specified by the first text message, whereby the first application function is ascertained based at least on the text message destination address.

Abstract: A method for effecting the execution of an application function on an application server from a client device includes receiving from the client device at a proxy server a first message that pertains to a request to execute an application function, and that conforms to a text-based user-to-user messaging protocol, and that includes a human-readable input parameter. The method also includes authenticating a user associated with the first message origination address by sending an authentication message to the user at a message confirmation address, and receiving confirmation from the user responsive to the authentication message. If the user is authenticated, the method further includes generating a second message using the human-readable input parameter and transmitting the second message to the application server.

Abstract: A machine-implemented method includes determining when a particular promotional offer which is associated with a payment account of a particular consumer should be released to the particular consumer, and then transmitting a first message indicating the particular promotional offer to a device of the particular consumer. The first message indicates the merchant and the terms of the offer, which may include a specific time period during which the offer is valid. The method further includes detecting that the particular consumer has accepted the offer and, in response, automatically transmitting a second message to trigger a transfer of funds to an account of the consumer. The method can further include, in response to detecting that the consumer has accepted the offer, automatically and immediately transmitting a message to the consumer to confirm the transfer of funds to the account of the consumer, so as to provide feedback to the consumer.

Abstract: This patent document discloses an interactive, disassemblable, portable multi-display system for displaying images. The multi-display system includes a multi-sided structure that is associated with at least two image projectors. The structure forms an enclosure wherein at least two of the sides have light transmissive portions. The image projectors may advantageously be disposed within the enclosure for projecting their respective image beams on the light transmissive portions of the side. At least two of the image beams produce viewable images on the light transmissive portions and, according to one embodiment, at least a portion of each of these image beams intersect without interference.

Abstract: This patent document discloses an interactive, disassemblable, portable multi-display system for displaying images. The multi-display system includes a multi-sided structure that is associated with at least two image projectors. The structure forms an enclosure wherein at least two of the sides have light transmissive portions. The image projectors may advantageously be disposed within the enclosure for projecting their respective image beams on the light transmissive portions of the side. At least two of the image beams produce viewable images on the light transmissive portions and, according to one embodiment, at least a portion of each of these image beams intersect without interference.