Patent ID: 8682735

Claim:
A method of demonstrating an appliance comprising multiple components having corresponding functionality, at least one microprocessor controller with control logic coupled with the multiple components via an internal communications network to implement any of a plurality of predetermined cycles of operation performing a physical domestic operation on an article by way of a first software operating layer in a first operating state and wherein the control logic by way of the first software operating layer is rendered ineffective unless invoked by way of a second software operating layer, a multimedia user interface coupled to the microprocessor control, and memory connected to the internal communications network and in communication with the microprocessor controller and having updatable demonstration software comprising demonstration of a functionality of a feature of the appliance, the method comprising: executing the demonstration software on the microprocessor controller by way of the second software operating layer in a second operating state to bypass the control logic to effect a demonstration of a functionality of a feature of the appliance in the second operating state, independent of implementing or demonstrating any of the plurality of predetermined cycles of operation in the first software operating state and without performing the physical domestic operation on the article; and establishing a video conference over the multimedia user interface between a sales representative and a consumer to enable interaction between the sales representative and the consumer in conjunction with the demonstration of the functionality of the feature in the second operating state.