PRODUCT DEMONSTRATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

• US 20070288331A1
• Filed: 12/29/2006
• Published: 12/13/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/08/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Original Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Inventors: Ebrom, Matthew Peter, Glotzbach, Mark Eugene, Molloy, Philip A.
• Application Number:
  US11/617,793
• Publication Number:
  US 20070288331A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/27
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 2105/58 Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 34/05 for wireless communication between components, e.g. for remote monitoring or control
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 34/32 characterised by graphical features, e.g. touchscreens
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0258 Registration
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0611 Request for offers or quotes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0641 Shopping interfaces

Abstract

A method of demonstrating a product such as a household appliance having an internal communications network connecting two or more components includes using a smart device having demonstration software to communicate with the internal communications network and assume control of one or more of the components to effect a demonstration of features of the product.

Claims

1. A method of demonstrating a product comprising the steps of:

providing a product with an internal communications network among at least two components, and software architecture implemented on the network that identifies the components, communicates the capabilities of each identified component, communicates the status of each identified component, provides a command interface for operating the components, and facilitates communication between the components and devices external to the product;

providing a smart device having demonstration software capable of assuming control of a component in the product;

establishing communication between the smart device and the internal communications network so that the demonstration software is in control of at least one of the components; and

executing the demonstration software to cause demonstration of the at least one component in the product.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the product is a household appliance.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:

providing at least one interactive device selected from a group comprising a proximity sensor, an LCD display, a speaker, a computer, a touch screen, a keyboard, a monitor, a mechanical device, a light display, a microphone, a camera, and a phone;

establishing communication between the at least one interactive device and one of the product and the smart device.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of:

establishing a communication link between the smart device and an external network whereby the demonstration software can be changed by way of the external network.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the smart device has a communication link to an external memory device from which to change the demonstration software.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the smart device is in control of all of the components.

7. A method of demonstrating a household appliance comprising the steps of:

providing a household appliance having an internal communications network among at least two components;

providing a smart device having demonstration software capable of assuming control of a component in the appliance;

establishing communication between the smart device and the internal communications network so that the demonstration software is in control of at least one of the components; and

executing the demonstration software to cause demonstration of the at least one component in the appliance.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of:

providing at least one interactive device selected from a group comprising a proximity sensor, an LCD display, a speaker, a computer, a touch screen, a keyboard, a monitor, a mechanical device, a light display, a microphone, a camera, and a phone;

establishing communication between the at least one interactive device and one of the appliance and the smart device.

9. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of:

establishing a communication link between the smart device and an external network whereby the demonstration software can be changed by way of the external network.

10. The method of claim 7 wherein the smart device has a communication link to an external memory device from which to change the demonstration software.

11. The method of claim 7 wherein the smart device is in control of all of the components.