Abstract: A simplified, self-prompting user interface for electronically-controlled appliances. A series of simple menus is displayed, and each choice brings an appropriate next level menu, leading the user to make all necessary selections to use the appliance, without requiring instruction or training prior to use. Additional features include the ability to display user menus in a variety of languages, options to announce displayed information audibly, to make selections verbally, and to control the appliance remotely or from a personal computer. An interactive fault isolation diagnostic routine can also be implemented using this invention.

Abstract: An integrated electronic system consisting of a network of appliances and machines, such as clothes washers and dryers, vending machines, or other equipment, controlled from a central management computer. Each networked apparatus is uniquely identified, and is maintained in an inoperative standby state, until a prospective user has a valid account for payment, and authorizes stated charges to be billed to their account, or optionally has presented a charge card, thus paying for use of the respective appliance or machine. Account information is maintained and processed in the central management computer, which can be interactively linked to a separate billing system, property management system, or financial institution, thereby automating the verification and billing process. Message data can be sent to and displayed on any or all appliances and machines, a periodic polling of the network ensures security, and an audit trail is generated, with the operational history of each apparatus on the network.