Patent ID: 8682733
Filing Date: 2014-03-25
Classification: G09B

Abstract:
1. A product demonstration system comprising: an appliance comprising: a software architecture configured to generate a plurality messages on the communications network wherein the software architecture includes the first software operating layer configured to control operation of at least one of the plurality of components by way of a control logic in a first operational state to implement a predetermined cycle of operation performing a physical domestic operation on an article in response to the messages sent on the communication network, and a second software operating layer configured to control the operation of the at least one of the plurality of components in a second operational state in response to messages sent on the communications network, wherein the control logic by way of the first software operating layer is rendered ineffective unless invoked by way of the second software operating layer; and a smart device external to the appliance, coupled to the communications network, and having memory in which resides demonstration software configured to communicate with the software architecture to enable and instruct the second software operating layer to implement a demonstration mode, directly operating at least one of the plurality of components to demonstrate the corresponding functionality independent of implementing or demonstrating the predetermined cycle of operation and without performing the physical domestic operation on the article.