Dedicated client devices supporting web based service, specifications and interaction
First Claim
1. A product support network comprising:
- a communication network;
a server, communicatively coupled to the communication network, having a first reference address;
the server being capable of delivering stored program code that provides product support functionality and a page of product support information;
a dedicated client device, having a second reference address, that stores the first reference address;
a computer having a communication network browser; and
through interaction with the dedicated client device using the second reference address, the communication network browser receives and displays the page of product support information and receives and executes at least a portion of the stored program code.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A product support network that facilitates web based service, specifications and interaction includes a dedicated client device adapted to provide web pages to an interrogating machine such as a personal computer using a web browser. A plurality of support servers support testing and upgrading of the dedicated client devices, underlying components and peripherals, delivering manuals and user guides, and gathering usage statistics. Some interaction between the dedicated client device and the server does not require the personal computer. The dedicated client device circuitry consists of a system controller, a memory, a communication interface, a user input device and a display. The dedicated client device is capable of establishing communication and interacting with the server directly, being facilitated by a user input device and a display. The device related web page stored in the memory of dedicated client device includes manufacturers information related to program code, chip sets, peripherals and the device itself as well as the present working status of the device.
101 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A product support network comprising:
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a communication network;
a server, communicatively coupled to the communication network, having a first reference address;
the server being capable of delivering stored program code that provides product support functionality and a page of product support information;
a dedicated client device, having a second reference address, that stores the first reference address;
a computer having a communication network browser; and
through interaction with the dedicated client device using the second reference address, the communication network browser receives and displays the page of product support information and receives and executes at least a portion of the stored program code. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. In a product support network having a communication network attached to both a computer having a web browser and a server that stores a first web page, dedicated client device circuitry comprising:
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a system controller that provides system level control;
a memory that stores a second web page containing device related data;
a communication interface, having an first reference address, that communicatively couples with the computer via the web browser and the first reference address; and
a user interface. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method used by a dedicated client device for establishing communication with a requester in a product support network, the method comprising:
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receiving a request from the requester for setting up a communication link;
establishing a communication with the requester, by employing a communication network;
communicating a web page to the requester;
authenticating a server database, if needed; and
providing credentials for user authentication. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A method of operating a dedicated client device to upgrade its program code, in a product support network, the method comprising:
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identifying a communication pathway to the server;
sending an upgrade request to the server;
responding to at least one request received from the server;
initiating delivery of device information to the server;
receiving and storing program code in memory of the dedicated client device;
testing the dedicated client device if needed; and
upgrading the program code in the dedicated client device. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30)
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Specification