Abstract:
Appliances ( 102, 102, 106  and  108 ) are controlled by providing a source ( 2016, 112 ) of command fields (CMD, FIG.  2 ) that include a context subfield (Community, FIG.  4 ) defining operating modes and a command subfield (Command, FIG.  4 ) defining operations to be performed within the context subfield. A network ( 119 ) transmits the command fields between the source and the appliance. A controller ( 112, 116 ) processes the command fields so that an operation defined by one of the command subfields is performed.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The applicants claim priority based on provisional application No. 60/219,086, filed Jul. 18, 2000 in the names of Daum, Holmes, Bicknell, Homing, Iqbal, Hooker, Bultman, Ziqiang, Evans and Hershey, entitled “Internet Enabled Appliance Command Structure.” 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to home appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and air conditioners. In particular, the present invention relates to a command structure that provides communication between network enabled appliances. 
     Appliances of the past were stand alone devices, operating on their own without cooperation between or communication among other devices. As a result (as one example) great expenditures of time and effort by repair personnel were required to diagnose problems in an appliance and to take corrective action. As another example, the current and proper operation of an appliance generally could not be determined without being physically present at the appliance. Thus, for example, whether or not the gas burner in a stove had been left on could not be determined without physical inspection. 
     A need has long existed in the industry for an Internet enabled appliance command structure that addresses the problems noted above and others previously experienced. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,183 (Borgstahl et al., filed Dec. 26, 1996, the “&#39;183 Patent”) describes an interactive appliance remote controller, system and method. FIG. 3 shows appliances such as a television, radio, CD player, copier, telephone and watch. FIG. 6 shows that the appliances are addressed by an authorization process and that a connection with an appliance may begin by sending a need and capability messages that include code identifying various operations (FIGS.  7  and  8 ), such as appliance personalization, hard copy, visual image, audio, financial transactions and lock/unlock. If the needs and capabilities match, connection to the appliance is made by a process shown in FIG.  10 . An appliance control program is uploaded to the appliance and control data is receive by a service receiving appliance over a service connection (Col. 10, lines 52-59). The appliance is then controlled. FIG. 2 illustrates a controller for the appliance, and FIGS. 20-25 describe setting of a remote controller for an appliance (Col. 16, lines 15-17). FIG. 21 illustrates a sequence of data exchange messages between a controller and an appliance. The appliance sends a set of commands/actions it can perform at the behest of the controller (Col. 16, lines 45-50). 
     Although the &#39;183 Patent describes control of an appliance based on a control program and data related to various operations identified by code, the Patent does not teach or suggest any data structure for accomplishing the stated goals. The preferred embodiment of the present invention overcomes this problem by including a command structure that facilitates appliance control via the Internet. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,229,433 B1 (Rye et al., filed Jul. 30, 1999) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,121,593 (Mansbery et al., filed Aug. 19, 1998) describe control of an appliance over an AC power line. U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,772 B1 (Ghori et al., filed Jan. 31, 1997) describes coupling of a personal computer with an appliance unit via a wireless communication link. U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,346 (Chen et al., filed Oct. 17, 1997) describes upgrading an internet appliance (FIG.  4 ). An appliance security system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,898,831. However, none of these patents cure the deficiencies of the &#39;183 Patent. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The preferred apparatus embodiment of the invention is useful for controlling an appliance. In such an environment, the preferred embodiment comprises a source of command fields for the appliance. The command fields include context subfields defining operating modes and command subfields defining operations to be performed within the context subfields. A network transmits the command fields between the source and the appliance. A controller processes the command fields so that an operation defined by one of the command subfields is performed. 
     The preferred method embodiment of the invention also is useful for controlling an appliance. In such an environment, the preferred embodiment comprises transmitting command fields for the appliance. The command fields include context subfields defining operating modes and command subfields defining operations to be performed within the context subfields. The command fields are processed so that an operation defined by one of the command subfields is performed. 
     By using the foregoing techniques, appliances may be controlled with a degree of sophistication, ease and economy previously unattainable. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an appliance communication network. 
     FIG. 2 shows a command frame for communicating over the appliance network. 
     FIG. 3 depicts a command frame with extended fields. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a command frame with a subdivided CMD field for User Community, Field, and Command. 
     FIG. 5 shows a command structure for a refrigerator. 
     FIG. 6 shows Fields and Commands for a refrigerator command structure. 
     FIG. 7 shows a command structure for a dishwasher 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a command structure for a home laundry washer. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates a command structure for a home laundry dryer. 
     FIG. 10 depicts a command structure for an Advantium™ microwave oven. 
     FIG. 11 shows a command structure for an air conditioner. 
     FIG. 12 illustrates a command structure for a range. 
     FIG. 13 illustrates a command structure for a wall oven. 
     FIG. 14 depicts a command structure for a range counter unit. 
     FIG. 15 shows a command structure for a water softener. 
     FIG. 16 illustrates a command structure for a water filter. 
     FIG. 17 depicts a command structure for a water heater. 
     FIG. 18 shows an example of context switch authentication. 
     FIG. 19 shows an example of an appliance communication controller. 
     FIG. 20 illustrates a system for remote appliance monitoring, control, and diagnosis using an Embedded Cryptographic Device (ECD). 
     FIG. 21 illustrates a flow diagram of the cryptographic algorithm used to generate an authentication word. 
     FIG. 22 shows a flow diagram of modifying a secret keying variable K using a master secret keying variable, MK. 
     FIG. 23 illustrates a flow diagram of the authentication process. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Turning to FIG. 1, that figure illustrates an appliance network  100  including a range or oven  102 , a microwave  104 , an air conditioner  106 , and a refrigerator  108 . As an example, the oven  102  connects through a serial bus  110  to an Appliance Communication Controller (ACC)  112 . The ACC  112  connects to and communicates over the power line  114  to the ACC  116 . The ACC  116 , in turn, connects to an Internet gateway  118 , such as that provided by a laptop or desktop computer (e.g., through a modem dial-up, T1 line, and the like). Gateway  118  connects through a network  119 , such as the Internet, to a central facility  2010  that is shown in more detail in FIG.  20 . Facility  2010  is located remotely from the appliances and includes a central processing unit (CPU)  2015 , a communication interface  2030  and a memory  2016  connected as shown. The applicant network  100  also includes a bar code scanner  120  that provides additional input flexibility. As will be described in more detail below, the appliance network  100  provides a command structure for secure bidirectional communication of appliance related data over a public access network. The command structure includes extendable addressing and commands, identifiers to ensure connection to the correct appliance, and support for context sensitive commands. The command structure may be stored in memory  2016  or the appliances. Alternatively, a portion of the command structure may be stored in the appliances and a portion of the command structure may be stored in memory  2016 . 
     The command structure may be used over any multidrop network including Ethernet over 10 base T, power line carrier, RS422, and the like. The preferred embodiment uses a power line carrier. Power line carrier communication modules are manufactured, for example, by Domosys. 
     Turning next to FIG. 2, that figure shows a command frame  200  divided into multiple fields. FIG. 2 shows each field name, and the number of bits for each field. The fields are as follows: 
     STX—8 bits—Start of Transmission (the preferred pattern is 0×02). 
     RX ADD—16 bits—Receiver address. RX ADD is a 16 bit extendable field. 256 values of the 65536 possible values are reserved for broadcast and extension addresses. The address 00FF is reserved for broadcast messages. Other addresses ending in FF translate the address field to the extended field as explained below. 
     TX ADD—16 bits—Transmitter address. TX ADD is a 16 bit extendable field. 256 values of the 65536 possible values are reserved for extension addresses. Extension addresses end in FF and translate the address field to the extended field. 
     NUM BYTES—16 bits—Number of Bytes. NUM BYTES gives the number of bytes that follows in the command frame, excluding the ETX bits. Thus, messages sizes may be as large as 65536+ETX+TX ADD+RX ADD+STX bytes. 
     CMD—16 bits—CMD defines the command to be issued to the appliance. This is a 16 bit extendable field. 256 values of the 65536 possible values are reserved for extension addresses. Extension addresses end in FF and translate the address field to the extended field. As explained in more detail below, this field may contain a context switch command as well as control commands. 
     MFG—16 bits—MFG defines the manufacturer of the appliance. This is a 16 bit extendable field. 256 values of the 65536 possible values are reserved for extension addresses. Extension addresses end in FF and translate the address field to the extended field. 
     APPL TYPE—16 bits—APPL TYPE is the appliance type field and defines the type of appliance which participates in context switching. APPL TYPE is a 16 bit extendable field. 256 values of the 65536 possible values are reserved for extension addresses. Extension addresses end in FF and translate the address field to the extended field. 
     DATA—variable bits—The DATA field is typically used in conjunction with the CMD field. As examples, the DATA field may include encryption, display data, software updates, diagnostic commands, remote control access, and the like. 
     CRC—12 bits—The CRC field provides a 12 bit cyclic redundancy check computed over all bytes of the data packet except for the STX and ETX bytes, and the CRC field itself. 
     ETX—8 bits—ETX provides an End-of-Transmission character, preferably 0×03. 
     As noted above, several of the command frame fields are extendable. Field extension allows increasing a selected field in increments of 8 bits. Thus, for example, a 16 bit field may be extended to a 24 bit field. If it is determined that more than 24 bits are needed, then the 24 bit field may be extended to a 32 bit field, and so on. 
     FIG. 3 shows an example of a command frame  300  that extends the RX address field  302  to a 24 bit field. As shown, the RX address field holds the address 14FC12. The command frame also shows the TX address field  304  extended to 32 bits and holding the address 123EC254. 
     Note, however, that alternative command frames may be used, such as the CEBus™ command frame. 
     Each appliance may support one or more contexts. Contexts define a current mode of operation for the appliance, and thus may be used to accept or reject certain commands that are valid only in certain contexts. The contexts may include, as examples: 
     Service and Technology using local access, which includes commands directed by appliance field service technicians working within the home, and manufacturer engineering community developing products in their laboratories. 
     Service and Technology using remote access, which includes commands directed by appliance manufacturers product service organizations accessing remotely via the internet. Such access would be restricted from certain functionality, such as activating a burner on a cook-top 
     Manufacturing, which includes commands directed by the appliance manufacturer on the factory floor for diagnostic testing, calibration, writing configuration parameters, etc. This community could also be used by the manufacturer to download new firmware to the appliances after they are already installed in the field. 
     Sales &amp; Marketing, which includes commands directed by dealers on the showroom floor to demonstrate features to potential customers without necessarily activating all the loads. For instance, all the features of a microwave could be activated without actually turning on the magnetron. 
     Customer &amp; Consumer Local Access, which includes commands directed by the product owner, or anyone granted access by the product owner, when that person(s) has access to the product in his immediate vicinity (i.e. access directly through the power line). 
     Customer &amp; Consumer Remote Access, which includes commands directed by the product owner, or anyone granted access by the product owner, when that person(s) does not have access to the product in his immediate vicinity (i.e. has to go over the internet). Such access would be restricted from certain functionality, such as activating a burner on a cook-top. 
     Other Appliances and Extensions, which includes commands directed by other appliances or products. Such as a dishwasher signaling a hot water heater that it is about to demand x gallons of water, or a clothes dryer signaling a TV that it has finished its cycle so the appropriate message can be displayed. 
     Security, which includes commands directed to changing the user community context. 
     Context selection, and the resulting additional control or access provided in a certain context, is controlled through encryption in the command frame  200 . For example, encrypted commands may be provided in the DATA field, as explained in the encryption section below. 
     In one implementation, context switching occurs as a result of a command that is not understood by the appliance or the ACC at the appliance or a command that is not allowed in the currently active context. When the appliance or the ACC receives a command that it does not understand or a command that is not allowed in the current context one of two responses preferably occur. In one embodiment the appliance or ACC will query the gateway or the server for a context switch. The gateway or server will determine if a context switch is allowed. 
     If the context switch request is valid then the server or gateway will determine if the context switch can be done locally (within the ACC) via a single command, within the LAN (from the gateway or server to the ACC) or across the internet. As an example, an Internet download may also be a fee based context switch. Such fee based context switches may be used for diagnostics, service, and other features for which a fee will be charged. 
     In general, each ACC will have a unique multi-bit address, including an 8-BIT extendable building identifier prefix, while an appliance will have a unique serial number and a model number. The ACC is cognizant of the appliances to which it is connected by communicating with the appliances, for example, to discover their serial number and model number. To switch contexts, an authorization string may be transmitted in the command frame  200 , e.g., API-&gt;Node Number “Request Community N” (INCL BLDG #). The appliance may then authenticate the message and reply “Authorized for community N” (INCL BLDG #) or “Authorization not recognized”. When authorization is available, the node may, for example, remain authorized for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes). 
     Additional commands are provided for explicit Deauthorization, bus arbitration (e.g., where one node becomes bus master, another node is a slave, and all other nodes “hold off” the bus). A command may also be provided to turn Free hold off (i.e., release all nodes from the hold off state so that they can try to gain control of the bus via arbitration, where hold off is the term used to describe the condition of nodes which are inhibited from talking while the secure context switching transaction is completed), and for Authorization standby (i.e., the temporary mode used to describe the condition where request for authorization to switch to a new context has been submitted, but waiting back for the response from the authorizing entity). 
     Appliances receive command frames over the appliance network  100  and respond appropriately. To this end, the CMD field may be split into subfields as shown in FIG.  4 . Preferably, the CMD field includes a 4-bit User Community field, a 4-bit Field field, and an 8-bit Command field. The User Community specifies the highest level of the command structure, the Field field specifies a second level, and the Command field specifies the command within the User Community and Field to perform. Command structures may be stored in a memory in the appliance itself or the ACC connected to the appliance. Thus, for example, when an ACC receives a command from another device in the appliance network  100 , the command will be translated into an action for the appliance to perform. 
     FIG. 5 shows an exemplary command structure  500  for a refrigerator. The command structure  500  includes six User Communities (e.g., top level command hierarchies) generally designated  502 . The User Communities include Service &amp; Technology, Manufacturing, Marketing &amp; Sales, Customer &amp; Consumer, Other Appliance Extensions, and Security &amp; Home Marketing. Under each User Community  502  is a set of Fields or Commands  504  that may be included in each User Community. As an example, the Security &amp; Home Monitoring User Community includes the Door Opening, Ice/Water Dispensing, and Door Open Too Long Fields/commands. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a breakout  600  of exemplary Fields and commands under the Service &amp; Technology User Community. Thus the refrigerator responds to commands that request information concerning Model &amp; Serial Number; Date, Time, Last Service Date; Setup Conditions (a Field that includes Environmental condition commands to check the Water Supply pressure, hardness, cleanliness (turbidity), Ambient Temp &amp; Humidity, Pollution, Rain/Flood, and Altitude); Pass-Fail Diagnostics including the Clock, Test of add-on modules (e.g., voice and barcode), User interface (e.g., Display and Input devices), Sensors, Controller (including RAM, ROM CRC, Output drivers (e.g., Relay checks), Heating elements (e.g., for defrost), Evaporation condenser, and crisper fans, Compressor, Evaporator, Door lock, Temperature calibration, Communication system, and the like. 
     Additional Fields and commands include the F-code status (i.e., the Fault condition), Abuse condition (e.g., line voltage, presence of unapproved parts), Remote control subsystem with feedback on action, including water dispenser on/off, ice dispenser on/off, scan keys, read keys, trip signature of safety devices, fresh food temp setting, freezer temp setting, sealed system test cycle (e.g., On for 10 minutes and watch for system response), add-on subsystem test (voice, barcode, and the like), Routine Maintenance of perishable hardware items including Status of cleanliness, Water filter status check (e.g., number of gallons &amp; time since last change), Wiring information (e.g., Hot/Neutral reversed, open ground, and the like), Power outage information (e.g., via battery backed up real time clock), Usage profile (with time stamp) including Cycle counts, Cycle duration, Door open count &amp; duration, Ice maker, water dispenser, Food load estimate, Profile of remote actuation by the User, Manufacturer, or Event driven, Food type estimate (e.g., via embedded bar code scanner or RF tag sensor), and Line voltage history. 
     The User Communities, Fields, and Commands are generally assigned binary identifiers that are subsequently used in the message frames. As an example, the CMD field may specify the Service and Technology User Community, the Remote Control Field, and the Command to turn on the water dispenser. 
     Command structures may be defined for many different appliances. For example, FIG. 7 shows a command structure  700  for a dishwasher, FIG. 8 illustrates a command structure  800  for a home laundry washer, and FIG. 9 illustrates a command structure  900  for a home laundry dryer. FIG. 10 depicts a command structure  1000  for an Advantium™ microwave oven, FIG. 11 shows a command structure  1100  for a RAC (Room Air Conditioner, or a Zoneline™ unit (GE&#39;s tradename for Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners, the air conditioners typically used in motel and hotel rooms), and FIG. 12 illustrates a command structure  1200  for a range. FIG. 13 illustrates a command structure  1300  for a wall oven, FIG. 14 depicts a command structure  1400  for a range counter unit. FIG. 15 shows a command structure  1500  for a water softener, FIG. 16 illustrates a command structure  1600  for a water filter, and FIG. 17 depicts a command structure  1700  for a water heater. 
     Tables 1-24 below define exemplary Fields and functions for the User Communities defined for refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, microwave oven, RAC—Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner, range, wall oven, range, water softener, water filter, and water heater. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Service and Technology 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Washer 
                 Dryer 
                 Dish- 
                   
               
               
                   
                 (Laundry) 
                 (Laundry) 
                 washer 
                 Refrigerator 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Model &amp; Serial 
                 x 
                 x 
                 X 
                 x 
               
               
                 Number 
               
               
                 Date, Time, Last 
                 x 
                 x 
                 X 
                 x 
               
               
                 Service Date 
               
               
                 Setup Conditions 
                 x 
                 x 
                 X 
                 x 
               
               
                 Environmental 
                 x 
                 x 
                 X 
                 x 
               
               
                 Conditions 
               
               
                 Water Supply 
                 x 
                   
                 X 
                 x 
               
               
                 pressure 
                 x 
                   
                 X 
                 x 
               
               
                 hardness 
                 x 
                   
                 X 
                 x 
               
               
                 cleanliness 
                 x 
                   
                 X 
                 x 
               
               
                 (turbidity) 
               
               
                 Ambient 
                 x 
                 x 
                 X 
                 x 
               
               
                 Temperature and 
               
               
                 Humidity 
               
               
                 Pollution 
                   
                   
                 X 
                 x 
               
               
                 Venting situation 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Rain/Flood 
                   
                   
                 X 
                 x 
               
               
                 Altitude 
                 x 
                 x 
                 X 
                 x 
               
               
                 Pass Fail Diagnostics 
                 x 
                 x 
                 X 
                 x 
               
               
                 Timer/Clock 
                 x 
                 x 
                 X 
                 x 
               
               
                 Test of add-on 
                 x 
                 x 
                 X 
                 x 
               
               
                 modules (voice and 
               
               
                 barcode) 
               
               
                 User Interface 
                 x 
                 x 
                 X 
                 x 
               
               
                 Display 
                 x 
                 x 
                 X 
                 x 
               
               
                 Input Devices 
                 x 
                 x 
                 X 
                 x 
               
               
                 Sensors 
                 x 
                 x, moisture 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Controller 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 RAM, ROM CRC 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Output drivers (e.g., 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 relay operation) 
               
               
                 Heating Elements 
                   
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Motors 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Pump Motor &amp; 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Auxiliary Pump 
               
               
                 Fill Valve 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 pump 
                 x 
               
               
                 water valves 
                 x 
               
               
                 detergent dispenser 
                 x 
               
               
                 Drain Solenoid 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Detergent/rinse aid 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 dispense 
               
               
                 Detergent Inject 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Evaporation, 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 condenser, crisper fans 
               
               
                 Compressor 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Evaporator 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Door Lock 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Temperature 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Calibration 
               
               
                 Communication 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 System 
               
               
                 F-Code Status 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Abuse Condition 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 (voltage, unapproved 
               
               
                 parts) 
               
               
                 Remote Control 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Subsystem with 
               
               
                 feedback on action 
               
               
                 motor speed and 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 direction 
               
               
                 pump on/off 
                 x 
               
               
                 hot/cold water 
                 x 
               
               
                 valves 
               
               
                 detergent dispenser 
                 x 
               
               
                 fill valve, pump (e.g., 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 outlet pressure, float 
               
               
                 switch) 
               
               
                 drain valve (e.g., 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 float switch) 
               
               
                 heating element (e.g., 
                   
                 x, on/off 
                 x 
               
               
                 temperature sensor) 
               
               
                 trip signature of 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 safety devices 
               
               
                 water dispenser on/ 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 off 
               
               
                 ice dispenser on/off 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 scan keys, read keys 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 trip signature of 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 safety devices 
               
               
                 fresh food 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 temperature setting 
               
               
                 freezer temperature 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 setting 
               
               
                 fabric softener 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 dispenser 
               
               
                 sealed system test 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 cycle (e.g., on 10 
               
               
                 minutes) 
               
               
                 add-on subsystem 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 test (e.g., voice, 
               
               
                 barcode) 
               
               
                 Routine Maintenance 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 of perishable hardware 
               
               
                 items 
               
               
                 status of cleanliness 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 water filter status 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 check (number of 
               
               
                 gallons and time since 
               
               
                 last change) 
               
               
                 Wiring Information 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Power outage 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 information 
               
               
                 Operation records 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 (with time stamp) 
               
               
                 Cycle Accountability 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 cycle duration 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 motor speed/ 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 direction 
               
               
                 door open count &amp; 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 duration 
               
               
                 fabric softener 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 dispense 
               
               
                 hot/cold water 
                 x 
               
               
                 dispenser 
               
               
                 pump on time 
                 x 
               
               
                 Average Drying Times 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Software upgrades 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Usage Profile (with 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 time stamp) 
               
               
                 cycle counts 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 cycle duration 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 door open count and 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 duration 
               
               
                 valve operation time 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 pump operation time 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 drain operation time 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 ice maker, water 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 dispenser 
               
               
                 food load estimate 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 profile of remote 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 actuation 
               
               
                 user 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 manufacturer 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 event driven 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Average soil level 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 estimate 
               
               
                 Food type estimate 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Line Voltage History 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Manufacturing 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Washer 
                 Dryer 
                 Dish- 
                 Refrig- 
               
               
                   
                 (Laundry) 
                 (Laundry) 
                 washer 
                 erator 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Subsystem 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Diagnostics 
               
               
                 compressor on/off 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 and RPM 
               
               
                 fabric softener 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 dispenser on/off 
               
               
                 fabric softener level 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 air temperature 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 sensor 
               
               
                 moisture sensor 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 heating element on/ 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 off 
               
               
                 motor RPM, 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 direction, winding 
               
               
                 temp 
               
               
                 pump on/off current 
                 x 
               
               
                 water valves on/off 
                 x 
               
               
                 detergent dispenser 
                 x 
               
               
                 on/off 
               
               
                 detergent level 
                 x 
               
               
                 water temperature 
                 x 
               
               
                 add-on option self 
                 x 
               
               
                 test 
               
               
                 door interlock test 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 out-of-balance 
                 x 
               
               
                 detector 
               
               
                 pump on/off and 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 RPM 
               
               
                 heater element on/ 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 off, measure 
               
               
                 temperature, current 
               
               
                 blower on/off 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 soil detectors 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 defrost heater on/off, 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 measure temperature, 
               
               
                 current 
               
               
                 fans(s) on/off and 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 RPMs 
               
               
                 evaporator and 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 condenser temperature 
               
               
                 refrigerant and air 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 flow rates 
               
               
                 odor detectors 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 water valve functions 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 control relay 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 diagnostics 
               
               
                 add-on options self 
                   
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 test 
               
               
                 door interlock test 
                   
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 histories of 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 diagnostics for n days 
               
               
                 Calibration - 
                 x 
                 x, 
                 x, 
                 x, FF and 
               
               
                 temperature sensors, 
                   
                 moisture 
                 humidity 
                 FZ 
               
               
                 motor torque 
               
               
                 Use and Care 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 initialization 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 date of manufacturer 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 serial number, 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 model number, and 
               
               
                 sku number 
               
               
                 revision code 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 option codes/ 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 upgrade dates 
               
               
                 Agency test/repair 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 record 
               
               
                 result of high pot, 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 and the like. 
               
               
                 repair data 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Sales and Marketing 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Washer 
                 Dryer 
                   
                 Refrig- 
               
               
                   
                 (Laundry) 
                 (Laundry) 
                 Dishwasher 
                 erator 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Showroom mode 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 full functionality 
                 x, 
                 x, 
                 x, without 
                 x, without 
               
               
                   
                 without 
                 without 
                 water 
                 cooling 
               
               
                   
                 water 
                 heat 
               
               
                 motor operation 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 door solenoid 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 pump on/off 
                 x 
               
               
                 brake 
                 x 
               
               
                 pump on &amp; off 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 (noise demo) 
               
               
                 control cycle 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 settings 
               
               
                 system/compressor 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 on/off 
               
               
                 door open/close 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 quick chill drawer 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 lights/fan 
               
               
                 temp settings (FF 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 and FZ) 
               
               
                 demo communication 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 with other appliances 
               
               
                 remote notification 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 via TV, PDA, cell 
               
               
                 phone and the like 
               
               
                 functionality of add- 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 on devices 
               
               
                 barcode scanner 
                 x 
                   
                 x, 
                 x, food 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 detergent, 
                 content 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 rinse aid 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 type 
               
               
                 child lockout 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 function 
               
               
                 remote lockout 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 remote read of 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 appliance status 
               
               
                 automatic 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 registration 
               
               
                 warranty 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Sign-up for services 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 sign-up for automatic 
                   
                   
                 x, 
                 x, water, 
               
               
                 appliance consumable 
                   
                   
                 detergent 
                 odor, 
               
               
                 service: 
                   
                   
                   
                 freshness 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 filters 
               
               
                 Post sales 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 consumer reminder 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 (e.g., for filters or 
               
               
                 detergent) 
               
               
                 Advertisements 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 new add-ons 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 new features 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 co-branding 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Firmware upgrades 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 new feature 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 integration of 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 additional add-ons 
               
               
                 security upgrade 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 support of additional 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 communication 
               
               
                 mediums 
               
               
                 additional event 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 integration 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Customer and Consumer 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Washer 
                 Dryer 
                 Dish- 
                   
               
               
                   
                 (Laundry) 
                 (Laundry) 
                 washer 
                 Refrigerator 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Standard Operation 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 soil level select 1: 
               
               
                 auto (soil level 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 detect) 
               
               
                 saniwash 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 pots and pans 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 normal 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 light 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 china 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 rinse only 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 fresh food 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 temperature 
               
               
                 freezer temperature 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 run manual (set 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 temp, speed) 
               
               
                 run auto 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 cottons 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 perm press 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 delicates 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 softener/anti-static 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 dispense 
               
               
                 defrost cycle 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 fill (hot, cold, warm) 
                 x 
               
               
                 dispense detergent 
                 x 
               
               
                 agitate, multi-speed 
                 x 
               
               
                 drain 
                 x 
               
               
                 spin, multi-speed 
                 x 
               
               
                 timer operation 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 lockout of function 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Sabbath mode 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 perishable food 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 tracking (e.g., time 
               
               
                 tracking of meat, milk, 
               
               
                 eggs, and the like) 
               
               
                 delayed start 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 start with door 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 interlock check- 
               
               
                 Options 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 hi temp rinse 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 hi temp wash 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 heated dry 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Extended Operation 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 re-calibration 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 self diagnosis and 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 status 
               
               
                 use of upgraded 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 firmware 
               
               
                 use of passive/ 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 active event triggers 
               
               
                 multilingual 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Remote Operation 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 download new 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 firmware 
               
               
                 trigger of events 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 signal message to 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 TV 
               
               
                 activate display 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 upon entering room 
               
               
                 notification of 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 power failure 
               
               
                 remote status 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 request 
               
               
                 remote shutdown 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 remote lockout 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 remote request for 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 service 
               
               
                 remote alarm trigger 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 if armed 
               
               
                 multilingual 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Service 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 service request based 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 on status 
               
               
                 replacement of 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 consumable items 
               
               
                 link into remote 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 factory diagnostics 
               
               
                 operations of add-ons 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 being enabled 
               
               
                 barcode scanner 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 upgrade 
               
               
                 link into kitchen 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 helper 
               
               
                 display use and care 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 instructions 
               
               
                 pay-by-use feature 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 reminders 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 recalibration 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 use optimization 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 adjustments due to 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 use profile 
               
               
                 Customer (fleet 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 operator) 
               
               
                 usage profiles 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 cycle profiles 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 wear patterns 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 abuse attempts and 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 notifications 
               
               
                 remote shutdown 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 based on event 
               
               
                 remote temperature 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 settings (FF and FZ) 
               
               
                 performance monitor 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 peak energy 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 management 
               
               
                 condenser cleanliness 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 monitor 
               
               
                 low compressor run 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 watts (leakage) 
               
               
                 high compressor run 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 watts (restriction) 
               
               
                 Commercial 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 operation records 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 remote diagnostics 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 service 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 central fee collection 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 online price changes 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 by time of day, 
               
               
                 promotion, and the 
               
               
                 like 
               
               
                 statistical data 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 collection 
               
               
                 all smart card 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 operations 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Appliances &amp; Extensions 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Washer 
                 Dryer 
                 Dish- 
                   
               
               
                   
                 (Laundry) 
                 (Laundry) 
                 washer 
                 Refrigerator 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Events 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 remote notification 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 fault notification 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 end of cycle 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 end of quick chill 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 cycle 
               
               
                 power sharing 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 notification 
               
               
                 internal to appliance 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 to other appliances 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 from other 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 appliances 
               
               
                 power line fault 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 notification 
               
               
                 outage, under/over 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 voltage, frequency, 
               
               
                 quality 
               
               
                 remote setting 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 soil level 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 options 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 delayed start 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 FF temperature 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 FZ temperature 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 quick chill on/off 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Add-ons (e.g., 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 barcode scanner, scale, 
               
               
                 magnetic strip smart 
               
               
                 card reader for 
               
               
                 additional recipes and 
               
               
                 ability to link into 
               
               
                 home helper, 
               
               
                 microphone) 
               
               
                 message passing 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 recognition of add- 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 on 
               
               
                 pass information 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 to API 
               
               
                 receive request for 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 information from API 
               
               
                 scan 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 software revision 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 bar code firmware 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 upgrade 
               
               
                 fault code alert 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Save user configurable 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 setting when power is 
               
               
                 interrupted 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Security &amp; Home Monitoring 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Washer 
                 Dryer 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (Laundry) 
                 (Laundry) 
                 Dishwasher 
                 Refrigerator 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Door opening 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Water on too long 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 without float switch 
               
               
                 activation 
               
               
                 Temperature not in 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 regulation 
               
               
                 Ice/Water dispense 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Door open too long 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Service and Technology 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Water 
                 Water 
               
               
                   
                 Softener 
                 Heater 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Model &amp; Serial 
                 x 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Number 
               
               
                   
                 Date, Time, last 
               
               
                   
                 service date 
               
               
                   
                 Control Software 
               
               
                   
                 version number 
               
               
                   
                 SR Code 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Fault Codes 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Daily water usage 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 database, including 
               
               
                   
                 hardness leakage 
               
               
                   
                 Unit settings, 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 incoming water 
               
               
                   
                 hardness, incoming 
               
               
                   
                 iron, days per 
               
               
                   
                 regeneration flag 
               
               
                   
                 I/O diagnostic routines 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 turbine input 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 clock motor on/off 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 keypad 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 display 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 salt level sensor 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Link into remote 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 factory diagnostics 
               
               
                   
                 Display of use and 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 care info to help setup 
               
               
                   
                 Demand prediction of 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 water usage, for water 
               
               
                   
                 heater set-back 
               
               
                   
                 Set clock from other 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 appliance or Internet 
               
               
                   
                 Active Control of 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 current on anode rod 
               
               
                   
                 to extend life of water 
               
               
                   
                 heater 
               
               
                   
                 switching to one of 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 several resistor values 
               
               
                   
                 based on water 
               
               
                   
                 conductivity 
               
               
                   
                 auto switch to soft 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 water resistor setting if 
               
               
                   
                 softener is installed 
               
               
                   
                 Detection of end of 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 life of anode rod 
               
               
                   
                 Predictive water 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 heating data input 
               
               
                   
                 from water heater 
               
               
                   
                 hot water orders 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 placed by clothes 
               
               
                   
                 washer, dishwasher 
               
               
                   
                 (immediate and 
               
               
                   
                 delayed start), to 
               
               
                   
                 optimize heating cycle, 
               
               
                   
                 delay to power share 
               
               
                   
                 or push to off-peak 
               
               
                   
                 hour usage 
               
               
                   
                 Vacation mode setting 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 High usage boost heat 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 setting 
               
               
                   
                 Power sharing 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Flood detection and 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 shut down 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 8 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Manufacturing 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Water 
               
               
                   
                 Softener 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Subsystem 
                 x 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Diagnostics 
               
               
                   
                 clock motor 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 clock 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 display 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 power-off memory 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 annunciator 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 programming 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 keypad 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 turbine 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 salt level sensor 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Calibration 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 salt level sensor 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Use and Care 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 initialization 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 date of manufacturer 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 serial number, 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 model number, and 
               
               
                   
                 sku number 
               
               
                   
                 revision code 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 option codes/ 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 upgrade dates 
               
               
                   
                 repair data 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 9 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Sales and Marketing 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Water 
                 Water 
               
               
                   
                 Softener 
                 Heater 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Showroom mode 
                 x 
                   
               
               
                   
                 demo 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 communication to 
               
               
                   
                 other appliances 
               
               
                   
                 demo water circuit 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 breaker operation 
               
               
                   
                 demo programming 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 mode 
               
               
                   
                 demo display of 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 water usage, average 
               
               
                   
                 gallons/day, flow 
               
               
                   
                 rate, average salt 
               
               
                   
                 efficiency/rise water 
               
               
                   
                 efficiency. 
               
               
                   
                 Automatic registration 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 warranty 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Sign-up for services 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 sign-up for automatic 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 appliance consumable 
               
               
                   
                 service (e.g., salt or 
               
               
                   
                 “Iron Out”) 
               
               
                   
                 Post Sales 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Firmware upgrades 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 new features (e.g., 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 salt efficiency 
               
               
                   
                 algorithms) 
               
               
                   
                 bug corrections 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 support for other 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 communication 
               
               
                   
                 mediums 
               
               
                   
                 Post sales 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 consumer reminder 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 (e.g., for salt or iron 
               
               
                   
                 out) 
               
               
                   
                 At end of life 
               
               
                   
                 Advertise 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Repurchase 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 10 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Customer and Consumer 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Water 
               
               
                   
                 Softener 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Status/Control panel 
                 x 
                   
               
               
                   
                 on unit 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 on TV 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 on wall-mounted 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 water products status/ 
               
               
                   
                 control panel 
               
               
                   
                 Status/display 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 elements 
               
               
                   
                 display how much 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 salt is left in unit 
               
               
                   
                 salt low signal 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 auto order salt 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 flood detection signal 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 remote control of 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 water shut-off valve 
               
               
                   
                 self-diagnostics 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 multilingual 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 notification of power 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 out 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 11 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Appliances &amp; Extensions 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Water 
                 Water 
               
               
                   
                 Softener 
                 Heater 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Security system 
                 x 
                 x, water 
               
               
                   
                 interface - water flood 
                   
                 leak on 
               
               
                   
                 event 
                   
                 water 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 heater 
               
               
                   
                 water circuit breaker 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Advertisements 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 new add-ons 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 new features 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 co-branding 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Smart Water Control/ 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 status panel interface 
               
               
                   
                 vacation mode 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 setting 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 12 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Security &amp; Home Monitoring 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Water 
               
               
                   
                 Softener 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Water flow in vacation 
                 x 
                   
               
               
                   
                 mode 
               
               
                   
                 Timed overflow level 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 (too much water for 
               
               
                   
                 too long) 
               
               
                   
                 Temperature out of 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 control 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Water filtration products and water heaters have commands similar to those of the other water products (e.g., the water softener) except that the Customer &amp; Consumer User Community includes recipe download commands that determine amounts of cold, hot, or tap water to dispense, as measured in tablespoon, cups, quarts and the like). In addition, the Sales &amp; Marketing User Community instructions include automatically signing up for water filter deliveries and filter change reminders. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 13 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Service and Technology 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Speedcook, 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Wall 
                 SI/DI, Free 
                 Advantium ™ 
                 Counter 
               
               
                   
                 Oven 
                 standing 
                 Microwave 
                 unit 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Model &amp; Serial 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Number 
               
               
                 Date, Time, Last 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Service Date 
               
               
                 Control software 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 version number 
               
               
                 Setup Conditions 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 environmental 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 conditions 
               
               
                 balance/levelness 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 humidity 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x, current, 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 min, max 
               
               
                 power (voltage, 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x, line 
                 x 
               
               
                 current) 
                   
                   
                 voltage 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 downstream 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 from fuse, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 line current 
               
               
                 AC line connection 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 (L1, N, Gnd) 
               
               
                 ambient temperature 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x, current, 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 min, max 
               
               
                 altitude 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Machine status 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 interlock upper 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 (closed/open) 
               
               
                 interlock lower 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 (closed/open) 
               
               
                 door status (open/ 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 closed) 
               
               
                 turntable status (on/ 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 off) 
               
               
                 model I.D. (keytail) 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 F-code status (last, 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 history) 
               
               
                 Pass Fail Diagnostics 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 clock 
                   
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 detect failed light 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x, and 
               
               
                 bulb 
                   
                   
                   
                 radiant 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 elements 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 (e.g., 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 LEDs) 
               
               
                 relay driver 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 lamps - optical 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 cooling fans (current 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 or TC) 
               
               
                 stirrer motor (RF) 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 HVT secondary 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 (current) 
               
               
                 oven temperature 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 calibration (RTD) 
               
               
                 test of add-on 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 modules (e.g., voice, 
               
               
                 bar code) 
               
               
                 user interface 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 display 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 input devices 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 controller 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 RAM, ROM CRC 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 output drivers 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x, e.g., relay 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 driver 
               
               
                 heating elements 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 lamps - optical 
                   
                   
                 x 
                 x, radiant 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 elements 
               
               
                 cooling fans (current 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 or TC) 
               
               
                 oven temperature 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 calibration (RTD) 
               
               
                 detect faulty light 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 bulb 
               
               
                 stirrer motor (RF) 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 HVT secondary 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 (current) 
               
               
                 convection fan 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 door lock 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 temperature 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 calibration 
               
               
                 communication 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 system 
               
               
                 F-code status 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Abuse Condition 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 (voltage, unapproved 
               
               
                 parts) 
               
               
                 Wiring Information 
                 x 
                 x (e.g., 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                   
                   
                 polarity) 
               
               
                 Remote control 
                   
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 commands 
               
               
                 report environment 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 report display/beep 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 remote program 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 feature 
               
               
                 report humidity 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 sensor 
               
               
                 report thermal sensor 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 report keys 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 report power 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 local beep signal 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 add-on subsystem 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 (e.g., voice, barcode, 
               
               
                 and the like) 
               
               
                 report internal 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 command 
               
               
                 local message (e.g., 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 “Please Wait”) 
               
               
                 Power Outage 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Information 
               
               
                 Remote control 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 subsystem with 
               
               
                 feedback on action 
               
               
                 turn heater on/off, 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 read temperature 
               
               
                 turn fan on/off, read 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 temperature 
               
               
                 scan keys, read keys 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 trip signature of 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 safety devices 
               
               
                 pre-heat 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 gas ignition system 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 check 
               
               
                 pan size, type, 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 presence 
               
               
                 circuit check 
                 x 
               
               
                 buzzer test 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 add-on subsystem 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 test (e.g., voice 
               
               
                 barcode) 
               
               
                 Routine Maintenance 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 of hardware perishable 
               
               
                 items 
               
               
                 charcoal filter 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 status of cleanliness 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 self clean filter status 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 check 
               
               
                 Usage Profile (with 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 time stamp) 
               
               
                 cycle accountability 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 cycle duration 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 burner usage count 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 door open count 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 food load estimate 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 profile of remote 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 actuation 
               
               
                 user 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 manufacturer 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 event driven 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Food type estimate 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Feature “play” meter 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Power level “play” 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 meter 
               
               
                 Magnetron 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 accumulated on-time 
               
               
                 Power Cycle count 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 HVT 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Convection heater 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Halogen lamps 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Door open/close 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 count 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 14 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Manufacturing 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Speedcook, 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Wall 
                 SI/DI, free 
                 Advantium ™ 
                 Counter 
               
               
                   
                 Oven 
                 standing 
                 Microwave 
                 unit 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Subsystem diagnostics 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 heater on/off, 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 measure temperature, 
               
               
                 current, and gas flow 
               
               
                 halogen lamp on/off 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 fan on/off 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 magnetron check 
                   
                 x 
                 x, temp, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 current 
               
               
                 clock, control, relay 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 diagnostics 
               
               
                 add-on options self 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 test 
               
               
                 door interlock test 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Calibration 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 sensors (e.g., 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x, light, 
                 x 
               
               
                 temperature, bake, 
                   
                   
                 humidity 
               
               
                 broil elements) 
               
               
                 features, including 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 pan size detect 
               
               
                 Use &amp; Care 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 initialization 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 date of manufacturer 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 serial number, model 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 number, sku number 
               
               
                 revision code 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 option codes, 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 upgrade dates 
               
               
                 Agency test/repair 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 record 
               
               
                 results of high pot 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 repair data 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 15 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Sales and Marketing 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Speed- 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 cook, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 SI/DI, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 free- 
                 Advantium ™ 
                 Counter 
               
               
                   
                 Wall Oven 
                 standing 
                 Microwave 
                 unit 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Showroom mode 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 full functionality 
                 x, without 
                 x 
                 x, without 
                 x, without 
               
               
                   
                 element 
                   
                 thermal/RF 
                 element 
               
               
                   
                 activation 
                   
                   
                 activation 
               
               
                 bake on/off 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 broil on/off 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 time delay 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 temperature set 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 recipe download 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 demo communication 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 with other appliances 
               
               
                 remote notification 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 through TV, palm 
               
               
                 pilot, cell phone, 
               
               
                 beeper of cooking 
               
               
                 completion 
               
               
                 set clock from other 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 appliance 
               
               
                 functionality of add- 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 on devices 
               
               
                 barcode scanner, 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 recipe 
               
               
                 child lockout 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 function 
               
               
                 remote lockout 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 remote read of 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 appliance status 
               
               
                 automatic 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 registration 
               
               
                 warranty 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Sign-up for services 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 monthly recipe 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 sign-up for automatic 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 appliance consumable 
               
               
                 service 
               
               
                 Post Sales 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 consumer reminder, 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 for example, for filters 
               
               
                 Advertisements 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 new add-ons 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 new features 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 co-branding 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Firmware Upgrades 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 new recipe 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 new feature 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 integration of 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 additional add-ons 
               
               
                 bug correction 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 security upgrade 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 support of other 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 communication 
               
               
                 mediums 
               
               
                 additional event 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 integration 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 16 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Customer and Consumer 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Speedcook, 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Wall 
                 SI/DI, free 
                 Advantium ™ 
                 Counter 
               
               
                   
                 Oven 
                 standing 
                 Microwave 
                 unit 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Standard Operation 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 bake 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 broil 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 speedbake, 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 speedbroil 
               
               
                 selfclean 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 proofing 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 dehydration 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 cook and hold, may 
                 x, 
               
               
                 also specify minimum 
               
               
                 temperature, e.g., 
               
               
                 170° F. 
               
               
                 self-clean and timed 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 self-clean 
               
               
                 Delay start, cook and 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 hold (minimum 
               
               
                 temperature) 
               
               
                 timed and non-timed 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 operation 
               
               
                 set clock, kitchen 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 timer 
               
               
                 favorite recipe 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 lockout of function 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 24 hour override 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Sabbath mode 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 surface unit 
                   
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 power regulation 
                   
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 boil detect, boil dry 
                   
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 detect, pan presence 
               
               
                 detect 
               
               
                 pansize detect 
                   
                 x 
                   
                 x, and pan 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 presence 
               
               
                 Extended operation 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 re-calibration 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 self diagnostics and 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 status 
               
               
                 use of upgraded 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 firmware 
               
               
                 use of downloaded 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 recipes 
               
               
                 use of passive or 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 active event triggers 
               
               
                 multilingual 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 instructions 
               
               
                 Remote operation 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 download 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 new recipe 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 new firmware 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 trigger of events 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 signal message to 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 TV or other device 
               
               
                 that preheat is done 
               
               
                 activate display 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 upon person entering 
               
               
                 room 
               
               
                 receive latest clock 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 information 
               
               
                 notification of 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 power failure 
               
               
                 remote status request 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 remote shutdown 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 remote lockout 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 remote request for 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 service 
               
               
                 remote alarm trigger 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 if armed 
               
               
                 multilingual 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Service 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 service request based 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 on status 
               
               
                 replacement of 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 consumable items 
               
               
                 link into remote 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 factory diagnostics 
               
               
                 operations of add-ons 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 being enabled 
               
               
                 barcode scanner 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 upgrade 
               
               
                 link into kitchen 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 helper 
               
               
                 display use and care 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 pay-by-use feature 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 reminders 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Self Clean 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Recalibration 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Use Optimization 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 Adjustments for 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 altitude 
               
               
                 Adjustments due to 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 use profile 
               
               
                 Save setting when 
                   
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 power fails 
               
               
                 Customer (fleet 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 operator) 
               
               
                 usage profiles 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 cycle profiles 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 wear patterns 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 abuse attempts and 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 notification 
               
               
                 remote shutdown 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 based on events 
               
               
                 remote enable 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 time of day/special 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 pricing 
               
               
                 coin box 
                   
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 accountability 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 17 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Appliances &amp; Extensions 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Speedcook, 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Wall 
                 SI/DI, Free 
                 Advantium ™ 
                 Counter 
               
               
                   
                 Oven 
                 standing 
                 Microwave 
                 Unit 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Events 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 remote notification 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 fault notification 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 end of cycle 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 power sharing 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 notification 
               
               
                 internal to appliance 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 to other appliances 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 from other 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 appliances 
               
               
                 power line fault 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 notifications 
               
               
                 outage, under, over, 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 frequency, quality 
               
               
                 gas pressure 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 remote setting 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 clock 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Add-ons (e.g., barcode 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 scanner, scale, 
               
               
                 magnetic strip smart 
               
               
                 card reader for 
               
               
                 additional recipes and 
               
               
                 ability to link into 
               
               
                 “home helper”. 
               
               
                 message passing 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 recognition of add- 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 on 
               
               
                 pass information to 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 API 
               
               
                 receive request for 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 information from API 
               
               
                 scan 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 software revision 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 bar code firmware 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 upgrade 
               
               
                 fault code alert 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 save user 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 configurable setting 
               
               
                 when power is 
               
               
                 interrupted 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 18 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Security &amp; Home Monitoring 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Speedcook, 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Wall 
                 SI/DI, Free 
                 Advantium ™ 
                 Counter 
               
               
                   
                 Oven 
                 standing 
                 Microwave 
                 Unit 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Temperature too high - 
                 x 
                 x 
                   
                 x 
               
               
                 door or surface 
               
               
                 Door opening 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
               
               
                 Cooking elements left 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x, magnetron 
                 x 
               
               
                 on 
                   
                   
                 or lights 
               
               
                 Flame/smoke detect 
                   
                   
                 x 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 19 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Service and Technology 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 RAC/ 
               
               
                   
                 Zoneline/ 
               
               
                   
                 Built in 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Model &amp; Serial 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Number 
               
               
                   
                 Date, Time, Last 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Service Date 
               
               
                   
                 Control software 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 version number 
               
               
                   
                 Setup Conditions 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 environmental 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 conditions 
               
               
                   
                 temperatures 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 indoor coil 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 (refrigerant) 
               
               
                   
                 outdoor coil 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 (refrigerant) 
               
               
                   
                 indoor air 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 outdoor air 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 setpoint 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 pressures 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 indoor coil 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 (refrigerant) 
               
               
                   
                 outdoor coil 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 (refrigerant) 
               
               
                   
                 compressor suction 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 (refrigerant) 
               
               
                   
                 compressor 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 discharge (refrigerant) 
               
               
                   
                 humidity 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 indoor humidity 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 outdoor humidity 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 altitude 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 incoming line 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 voltage 
               
               
                   
                 incoming line current 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 AC line connection 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 (L1, N, Gnd) 
               
               
                   
                 Power outage history 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Machine Status 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 compressor data 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 run hours 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 number of starts 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 current 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 voltage 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 indoor fan data 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 run hours 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 current 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 voltage 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 motor temperature 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 outdoor fan data 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 run hours 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 current 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 voltage 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 motor temperature 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 fault code status (last/ 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 history) 
               
               
                   
                 outdoor air intake 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 status 
               
               
                   
                 heater element status 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 temperature 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 current 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 voltage 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 heater safety status 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 (open/closed) 
               
               
                   
                 dip switch status (up/ 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 down) 
               
               
                   
                 remote mode status 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Pass fail diagnostics 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 controller self test 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 RAM test/ROM 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 checksum 
               
               
                   
                 relay driver 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 heating elements 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 (current) 
               
               
                   
                 evaporator fans 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 (current or TC) 
               
               
                   
                 condenser fans 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 (current or TC) 
               
               
                   
                 compressor (voltage/ 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 current) 
               
               
                   
                 Remote control 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 commands 
               
               
                   
                 report environment 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 report equipment 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 status 
               
               
                   
                 report humidity 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 sensors 
               
               
                   
                 report thermal 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 sensors 
               
               
                   
                 report remote 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 COMM connection 
               
               
                   
                 report power 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 report internal 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 command 
               
               
                   
                 local message (e.g., 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 “Please wait”) 
               
               
                   
                 local beep signal 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 add-on subsystem 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 (e.g., voice, barcode) 
               
               
                   
                 Routine Maintenance 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 of serviceable items 
               
               
                   
                 air filter status 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 refrigerant filter 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 status 
               
               
                   
                 refrigerant status 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Comm protocol 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 compatibility 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 20 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Manufacturing 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 RAC/ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Zoneline/ 
               
               
                   
                 Subsystem diagnostics 
                 Built in 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 sealed system 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 (compressor), measure 
               
               
                   
                 temperature 
               
               
                   
                 heating elements 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 motors, fans/ 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 blowers 
               
               
                   
                 communication 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 system 
               
               
                   
                 Calibration 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 temperature sensors 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 (indoor, outdoor, coil) 
               
               
                   
                 humidity sensors 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 (indoor, outdoor) 
               
               
                   
                 altitude sensor 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Use and Care 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 initialization 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 date of manufacture 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 serial number, model 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 number, sku number 
               
               
                   
                 revision code 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 option codes/ 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 upgrade dates 
               
               
                   
                 Agency test/repair 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 record 
               
               
                   
                 results of high pot 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 repair data 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 21 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Sales and Marketing 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 RAC/Zoneline/ 
               
               
                   
                 Built in 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Showroom mode 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 full functionality 
                 x, without 
               
               
                   
                   
                 thermal/RF 
               
               
                   
                   
                 activation 
               
               
                   
                 demo communication 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 with other appliances 
               
               
                   
                 remote notification 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 through TV, palm 
               
               
                   
                 pilot, cell phone, 
               
               
                   
                 beeper of cooking 
               
               
                   
                 completion 
               
               
                   
                 functionality of add- 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 on devices 
               
               
                   
                 remote lockout 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 remote read of 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 appliance status 
               
               
                   
                 automatic 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 registration 
               
               
                   
                 warranty 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Sign-up for services 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 warranty 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 service contract 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 sign-up for automatic 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 appliance consumable 
               
               
                   
                 service 
               
               
                   
                 Post Sales 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 consumer reminder, 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 for example, for filters 
               
               
                   
                 warranty 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 service contract 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Advertisements 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 new add-ons 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 new features 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 co-branding 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Firmware Upgrades 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 new feature 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 integration of 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 additional add-ons 
               
               
                   
                 bug correction 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 security upgrade 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 support of other 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 communication 
               
               
                   
                 mediums 
               
               
                   
                 additional event 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 integration 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 22 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Customer and Consumer 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 RAC/ 
               
               
                   
                 Zoneline/ 
               
               
                   
                 Built in 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Extended operation 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 re-calibration 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 self diagnostics and 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 status 
               
               
                   
                 use of upgraded 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 firmware 
               
               
                   
                 use of downloaded 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 recipes 
               
               
                   
                 use of passive or 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 active event triggers 
               
               
                   
                 multilingual 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 instructions 
               
               
                   
                 Remote operation 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 download 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 new recipe 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 new firmware 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 trigger of events 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 signal message to 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 TV or other device 
               
               
                   
                 that preheat is done 
               
               
                   
                 activate display 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 upon person entering 
               
               
                   
                 room 
               
               
                   
                 receive latest clock 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 information 
               
               
                   
                 notification of 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 power failure 
               
               
                   
                 remote status request 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 remote shutdown 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 remote lockout 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 remote request for 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 service 
               
               
                   
                 remote alarm trigger 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 if armed 
               
               
                   
                 multilingual 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Service 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 service request based 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 on status 
               
               
                   
                 replacement of 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 consumable items 
               
               
                   
                 link into remote 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 factory diagnostics 
               
               
                   
                 operations of add-ons 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 being enabled 
               
               
                   
                 barcode scanner 
                 s 
               
               
                   
                 upgrade 
               
               
                   
                 link into kitchen 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 helper 
               
               
                   
                 display use and care 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 pay-by-use feature 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 reminders 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 23 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Appliances &amp; Extensions 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 RAC/ 
               
               
                   
                 Zoneline/ 
               
               
                   
                 Built ins 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Events 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 remote notification 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 fault notification 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 power sharing 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 notification 
               
               
                   
                 internal to appliance 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 to other appliance/ 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 equipment/BAS 
               
               
                   
                 controls 
               
               
                   
                 from other 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 appliances/equipment/ 
               
               
                   
                 BAS Controls 
               
               
                   
                 power line fault 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 notifications 
               
               
                   
                 outage, under, over, 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 frequency 
               
               
                   
                 remote setting 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 clock 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 energy management 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 cycle (heating/ 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 cooling) 
               
               
                   
                 setpoint temperature 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 Add ons, e.g., barcode 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 scanner, scale, 
               
               
                   
                 magnetic strip smart 
               
               
                   
                 card reader for EMS 
               
               
                   
                 programming and 
               
               
                   
                 ability to link into 
               
               
                   
                 “home helper” 
               
               
                   
                 message passing 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 recognition of add- 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 on 
               
               
                   
                 pass information to 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 API 
               
               
                   
                 receive request for 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 information from API 
               
               
                   
                 scan 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 software revision 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 bar code firmware 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 upgrade 
               
               
                   
                 fault code alert 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 24 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 User Community Security &amp; Home Monitoring 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 RAC/ 
               
               
                   
                 Zoneline/ 
               
               
                   
                 Built ins 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Temperature out of 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                 range 
               
               
                   
                 Motion Sensor 
                 x 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The User Community contexts may be the subject of context switches, as explained above. Thus, turning to FIG. 18, for example, an example of a service individual requesting Service and Technology access is presented. An appliance network  1802  is assumed, with the ACCs  1804 ,  1806 ,  1808  connected to the appliances  1810  and  1812 , and external network  1814  through the API  1816  (i.e., an Application Programming Interface) as shown. Initially, the API  1816  presents a Authentication message  1818  with 1024 byte encryption (as an example) for Local Service for the appliance  1810 . The ACC  1806  responds with the Services Authenticated message  1820 . Subsequently, the service individual, through the ACC  1804 , issues Service commands  1822  and  1824  (and others, as desired) to the appliance  1810 . Subsequently, when the service individual is finished, the ACC  1804  sends a Release Authentication message  1826  to the ACC  1806 . The ACC  1806  responds with a Authentication Released message  1828 . 
     As another example, assume that an oven is currently operating in a default user setting of Bake  375 . A request broadcast from a web source to a gateway may arrive with a request to upgrade firmware in the oven. The API on the gateway stores a list of applicable appliances in the local appliance network. The API proceeds to buffer the new firmware, validates the content, and acknowledges receipt. The API then requests a context switch on the oven for Sales and Marketing context (for firmware upgrades). In response, the oven confirms the context switch to the API (e.g., as explained above using encrypted command frames). 
     Subsequently, the API sends an initialization packet followed by a packetized data stream for the firmware. The ACC connected to the appliance acknowledges the packets and sends retransmission requests as required (e.g., due to lost or corrupted packets). The ACC may also compute an overall CRC and request API authentication. Upon receiving a responsive authentication from the API, the ACC may then request a context switch back to Consumer mode. 
     As shown above in FIG. 1, for example, ACCs provide the communication interface to the appliances  102 - 108 . Turning now to FIG. 19, that figure illustrates an exemplary implementation of an ACC  1900 . The ACC  1900  includes a communication controller CPU  1902 , modulator  1904 , and physical layer transceiver  1906 . In addition, the ACC  1900  includes several types of memory including a boot ROM  1902 , flash memories  1908  and  1910 , and pointer memory (e.g., RAM)  1912  and  1913 , and a boot ROM  1914 . A standard command interpreter  1916  and an extended command interpreter  1918  are provided to handle standard function calls (e.g., on, off, normal wash, and the like), while the extended command interpreter  1918  handles additional functions for customized operations (e.g., extended wash, double rinse, and the like). Encryption authentication is provided through the encryption hardware and or software  1920 . The modulator  1904  provides an interface for power line carrier, infra red, Ethernet, or other forms of communication interfaces. 
     Note that additional CPUs may be provided to specifically handle certain functions. Thus, an upgrade CPU  1922  may be later installed for faster or expanded functionality, a carrier CPU  1924  may be provided for optimized physical layer implementation of a power line or wireless network, and a communication CPU  1926  may be provided for performing the necessary data link and application layer functions of the chosen communication network. In particular, the communication CPU  1926  may interact with the communication control circuitry  1928  (which provides, for example, a serial interface (e.g., RS 232, GEA communication bus, and the like) to an appliance). In addition, Main Control Function circuitry  1930  is provided for performing the bridging between the external communication network (power line, wireless, etc.) and the internal GEA bus, as well as any additional feature content being provided by the ACC, such as downloadable, reprogrammable firmware capability, real time clock implementation, additional sensors (i.e. ambient temperature, humidity, etc.), or other I/O which may be desirable for a connected appliance but which is not normally present in the unconnected appliance. 
     FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary system  2000  for remote appliance monitoring, control, and diagnosis using an Embedded Cryptographic Device (ECD) for message authentication. The system  2000  includes a central facility  2010 , a communication network  2035 , and home appliances such as a refrigerator  2050 , a dishwasher  2040 , and an oven  2045 , for example. 
     The central facility  2010  preferably includes a CPU  2015 , a counter  2025 , an Embedded Cryptographic Device (ECD)  2020 , and a communication interface  2030 . The counter  2025  provides, as an example, register or other memory space in which the CPU  2015  may maintain counters as explained below. The counter  2025  need not be a separate memory. Rather, the counter  2025  may be included in the ECD  2020 , for example. The ECD  2020  preferably stores an algorithm used to authenticate data it receives from an appliance such as the refrigerator  2050 . To that end, the ECD  2020  may include program and data memory from which the CPU  2015  executes the cryptographic algorithm, or may include a dedicated CPU, program memory, and data memory with which to process the cryptographic algorithm and share results with the CPU  2015 . The CPU  2020  is preferably linked to a communication interface  2030  that connects the central facility  2010  to a communication network  2035  using, for example, a network interface card, cable modem, dial up connection, or the like. The communication network  2035  may be, for example, the Internet, and the communication interface  2030  preferably communicates with the communication network  2035  using the TCP/IP protocol. 
     As mentioned above, the system  2000  also includes home appliances such as a refrigerator  2050 , a dishwasher  2040 , and an oven  2045 , as examples. The refrigerator  2050  preferably includes a CPU  2055 , a counter  2065 , an ECD  2060 , and a communication interface  2070 . As noted above, the counter  2065  may be part of the ECD  2060 , and the ECD  2060  may provide program and data memory to the CPU  2055 , or may implement a CPU, program memory and data memory dedicated to cryptographic processing. The CPU  2055  is linked to a communication interface  2070  that connects the refrigerator  2050  to the communication network  2035 , using for example, an ACC coupled to a gateway to the communication network  2035 . Other home appliances, such as the dishwasher  2040  and the oven  2045  are also be connected to the communication network  2035  and include the message authentication cryptographic hardware explained above. 
     In operation, the central facility  2010  preferably sends messages forming a reduced message set protocol (RMSP) over the communication network  2035  to the home appliances  2040 ,  2045 ,  2050 . The reduced message set protocol (RMSP) is a relatively small library of messages that provide query, command, and information messages between the central facility  2010  and the home appliances. The home appliances such as the refrigerator  2050  then authenticate the message, if required, received from the central facility  2010 . If the message received by the refrigerator  2050  from the central facility  2010  is authentic, the refrigerator  2050  may then act on a command included in the message. Furthermore, the refrigerator  2050  may transmit responsive messages back to the central facility  2010 . The central facility  2010  may then authenticate the message from the refrigerator  2050 , if required, and take an appropriate action. 
     In general, query messages do not require authentication by the home appliances  2040 ,  2045 ,  2050  that receive them. Examples of query messages include, “what is your counter setting?”, “what is the next counter setting you expect the central facility  2010  to use?”, “do you have a message to send?”, “repeat the last message you sent”, or “repeat the last message you accepted.” Command messages, however, generally require authentication because they request the appliance to take a specific action. Examples of command messages include “perform the commanded action”, for example “shut off”, “turn on”, “change your secret keying variable”, or “raise/lower your temperature.” Another example of a command message is “continue”. The Continue message indicates that the central facility  2010  has received an authenticated message from the appliance, and that the appliance should now increment its counter. 
     The home appliances  2040 ,  2045 , and  2050 , may send query response messages or information messages. The query response messages preferably do not require authentication by the central facility  2010  that receives them. Examples of query response messages include “my counter setting is x”, where x is the counter setting in the appliance, “the next counter setting I expect the central facility  2010  to use is y”, “I have a message to send”, “I do not have a message to send”, or “the last message I sent was z”. Information messages are preferably authenticated. Examples of information messages include “I am reporting the following information Q.” Q may be diagnostic information requested by the central facility  2010  or a reportable condition detected by sensors communicating locally to the home appliance such as the refrigerator  2050 , for example. 
     FIG. 21 illustrates a flow diagram  2100  of the authentication algorithm used to produce an authentication word, W. At step  2102 , the CPU  2015  at a central facility  2010  receives an M-byte message, MSG, with bits MSG=(m 8(M−1)+7 , . . . ,m 8(M−1) , . . . ,m 15 , . . . ,m 8 ,m 7 , . . . ,m 0 ) that are grouped into M bytes (MSG M−1 , . . . ,MSG 1 ,MSG 0 ). At step  2150 , the CPU  2015  also reads or obtains a 3-byte counter, C, with bits C=(c 23 , . . . c 16 ,c 15 , . . . ,c 8 ,c 7 , . . . ,c 0 ) that are grouped into 3 bytes (C 2 ,C 1 ,C 0 ) from the counter  2025 . The counter  2025  is initially set to all zeros. Additionally, at step  2120 , the CPU reads or obtains an X-byte secret keying variable, K, with bits K=(k 8X−1 , . . . ,k 8X−8 , . . . ,k 15 , . . . ,k 8 ,k 7 , . . . ,k 0 ), that are grouped into X bytes (K X−1 ,K X−2 , . . . ,K 2 ,K 1 ,K 0 ). In the preferred embodiment, X=6. 
     The authentication word, W, is a function of the M-byte message, the 3-byte counter, and the X-byte secret keying variable. That is, W=ƒ(M,C,K). The complexity of the function, ƒ, is generally appropriate for the class of CPUs that may be present in home appliances. Next, at step  2125 , a 4-byte working register, R, is constructed with bits R=(r 31 , . . . ,r 24 ,r 23 , . . . , r 16 , r 15 , . . . ,r 8 ,r 7 , . . . ,r 0 ) that are grouped into four bytes (R 3 ,R 2 ,R 1 ,R 0 ). Then, at step  2130 , R 3  is initialized as a directional code. That is, R 3 =(r 31 , . . . ,r 24 ) where (0, . . . ,0) represents a transmission from a remote terminal  2050  to a central facility  2010 , and (1, . . . ,1) represents a transmission from a central facility  2010  to a remote terminal  2050 . At step  2135 , R 2 , R 1 , and R 0  are initialized as equal to the 3-byte counter C. That is, (R 2 ,R 1 ,R 0 )=(r 23 , . . . ,r 16 ,r 15 , . . . ,r 8 ,r 7 , . . . ,r 0 )=(c 23 , . . .c 16 ,c 15 , . . . ,c 8 ,c 7 , . . . ,c 0 ). 
     Next, at step  2140 , an index is determined. The index is a variable calculated by index=max(3,M−1). That is, the greater of the two values 3 or M−1 is the value of the variable index. Next at step  2145 , the simple Boolean dot product P of R 2  and R 0  (bit-by-bit Boolean AND) is formed as: p 0 =r 16 r 0 , p 1 =r 17 r 1 , p 2 =r 18 r 2 , p 3 =r 19 r 3 , p 4 =r 20 r 4 , p 5 =r 21 r 5 , p 6 =r 22 r 6 , and p 7 =r 23 r 7  where P=(p 7 ,p 6 ,p 5 ,p 4 ,p 3 ,p 2 ,p 1 ,p 0 ). Then at step  2150 , Q is formed by Bit-by-bit exclusive-or (p 7 ,p 6 ,p 5 ,p 4 ,p 3 ,p 2 ,p 1 ,p 0 ) with (0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1) to form (q 7 ,q 6 ,q 5 ,q 4 ,q 3 ,q 2 ,q 1 ,q 0 ) where Q=(q 7 ,q 6 ,q 5 ,q 4 ,q 3 ,q 2 ,q 1 ,q 0 ). Next, at step  2155 , S is formed where S=(s 7 ,s 6 ,s 5 ,s 4 ,s 3 ,s 2 ,s 1 ,s 0 ) by adding Q to K using binary addition. That is, the byte (q 7 ,q 6 ,q 5 ,q 4 ,q 3 ,q 2 ,q 1 ,q 0 ) is added to the i-th key byte, K i , i.e., (k 8i+7 ,k 8i+6 ,k 8i+5 ,k 8i+4 ,k 8i+3 ,k 8i+2 , k 8i+1 ,k 8i ) using binary addition. Then the left-most carry bit is discarded, followed by an end-around rotate of the byte S to form the new S=(s 6 ,s 5 ,s 4 ,s 3 ,s 2 ,s 1 ,s 0 ,s 7 ). Then, at step  2160 , bit-by-bit exclusive-or S with the byte R 3  to form byte T. Next, at step  2165 , F is formed by bit-by-bit exclusive-or byte T with byte MSG j modulo(index+1) . Next at step  2170 , the following replacements occur: byte R 3  with byte R 2 , byte R 2  with byte R 1 , byte R 1  with byte R 0 , and byte R 0  with byte F. Then at step  2175 , steps  2145  through  2170  are repeated the number of times indicated by the index variable. Then at step  2180 , steps  2140  through  2170  are repeated for the number of bytes in the secret key variable, K. Next, at step  2185 , the CPU performs an end around shift of the R register by one bit, that is, it replaces (r 31 ,r 30 , . . . ,r 1 ,r 0 ) by (r 30 ,r 29 , . . . ,r 0 ,r 31 ). 
     At step  2190 , steps  2140  through  2185  are iterated, preferably between 4 and 128 times. After step  2190 , the authentication word W is formed by setting W=R, that is, w 31 =r 31 , w 30 =r 30 , . . . , w 0 =r 0 . Finally, at step  2195 , the authentication word W is transmitted with the message. Note that the message itself is not scrambled or encrypted. Rather, the authentication word W is provided that allows a receiver to determine whether a message is genuine. 
     Because a secret keying variable may sometimes be compromised, the present authentication techniques provide a mechanism for generating one or more replacement secret keys using a single additional master keying variable. FIG. 22 illustrates a flow chart  2200  of an algorithm that allows the secret keying variable, K, to be changed in an appliance without having physical access to the appliance. To this end, a “master” secret keying variable, MK may be installed in the embedded cryptographic devices  2020 ,  2060 . The secret keying variable K is changed to a new secret keying variable K′ one byte at a time. First, at step  2210 , the central facility  2010  sends a command message to the home appliance to change its keying variable K. Next, at step  2220 , the authentication algorithm as described in FIG. 21 is run using the master keying variable MK instead of the original K. The original secret variable K is treated (processed) as an X-byte message. The result is a four-byte authentication word W. Next, at step  2230 , the first byte of the authentication word, W, for example, bits w 0 ,w 1 , . . . ,w 7  are selected as the first eight bits of the new secret keying variable, K′. 
     Subsequently, at step  2240 , the algorithm is repeated again using the master keying variable MK and processing the message comprised of the concatenation of K and W to produce the authentication word W′. Then, at step  2250 , the first byte of W′ then constitutes the second byte of the new secret keying variable, K′. Next, at step  2260 , the algorithm is repeated again using the master keying variable MK and processing the message consisting of the concatenation of K and W′ to produce the authentication word W″. Then at step  2270 , the first byte of W″ then constitutes the third byte of the new secret keying variable, K′. At step  2280 , steps  2260 - 2270  are repeated until the new secret keying variable, K′, has been completely generated. Finally, at step  2290 , K is replaced with K′. The command to change the secret keying variable may also specify a change in the length of the secret keying variable. 
     FIG. 23 illustrates a flow chart of the authentication process  2300 . First, at step  2310 , a receiver (e.g., the refrigerator  2050 ), receives an authentication word W, and a message M, from the central facility  2010 . Next, at step  2320 , the refrigerator  2050  retrieves its counter value, C, and its keying variable K. Then at step  2330 , the refrigerator  2050  generates a local authentication word W to compare with the authentication word sent from the central facility  2010 . Next, at step  2340 , the local authentication word is compared to the received authentication word. If the two authentication words match exactly, then at step  2350 , the message M, from the central facility  2010  is accepted by the refrigerator  2050  and acted on. If the two authentication words do not match exactly, then at step  2360 , the message M is rejected. 
     Generally, the counters referenced above are preferably non-resettable, non-volatile, and incremented after each message sent or received. In general, an ECD increments its counter when it receives an answer from the central facility  2010  in response to a message sent to the central facility  2010 . The central facility  2010  may store counters and keying variable for numerous home appliances distributed across numerous buildings, campuses, geographic regions, and the like. Thus, a single central facility  2010  may provide message authentication for a large number of home appliances by accessing the particular counter and keying variable for each appliance as messages are sent to and received from that appliance. The central facility  2010  may check the connection between the central facility  2010  and a receiver using a command that requires no action, except authentication and counter incrementation. A connection check may occur at predetermined elapsed times without communication from the receiver (e.g., 8 hours, 1 day, and the like). 
     After sending a message requiring authentication to an ECD, the central facility  2010  may query the ECD for the next counter setting that the ECD expected the central facility  2010  to use. If the counter had not been incremented, then the central facility  2010  may ask for a copy of the last message that the ECD had accepted. 
     It is also noted that the algorithm as presented above is not restricted to the particular implementation set forth above. Thus, the secret keying variable length, counter length, number of iterations, and the like may be changed depending on the specific implementation desired and computational capacity available. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular step, structure, or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.