Abstract: Methods for upgrading the operating system of an appliance and/an one or more applications run by the appliance. The method can be used to reload existing software, to add an operating mode to the appliance, and/or to enable an existent but previously disabled operating mode of the appliance. Also disclosed are methods for making a laser readable disk which is used in the upgrading process and which also can be encoded with an operating system and/or application software.

Abstract: Systems which have an integrated unit that allows both television signals and information retrieved from an onboard information storage device or the Internet to be presented in visual, audio, or visual/audio form via output devices such as television screens and audio speakers. The operating mode—television, Internet, or stored information retrieval and display—is selected by the user. The system also has a diagnostic mode in which information on the status of an appliance associated with the system is made available to a repair or service facility at a site removed from the location of the integrated unit and the application. Status information may also be displayed on a CRT or other visual display component of the integrated unit.

Abstract: The combination of an appliance with an INTERNET mode of operation which is capable of being connected to the Internet and of displaying a web page with at least one link identified by a number. Access to the corresponding links is accomplished through an input device having a user-actuatable control with a number corresponding to each link on the web page.

Abstract: Systems which have an integrated unit or module and ENTERTAINMENT, COACH, and INTERNET modes of operation. Operation of the system may be controlled with a dedicated remote unit. The ENTERTAINMENT mode of operation allows a user to watch television or play an audio or video disk, and the COACH mode gives a user access to user-selected information stored on a disk of the character just described. In the INTERNET mode, the user can log onto and surf the Internet.

Abstract: Appliances designed to be mounted on the bottom of a structure such as an overhead cabinet system. The appliance has an integrated unit (or module) which includes a television tuner and, optionally, a player for an optically readable disk. The appliance also has a display unit of the flat screen type. The display unit is attached to the appliance module by a universal pivot mechanism which allows the unit to be: (a) rotated and tilted to face a viewer, and (b) folded up against the appliance module and out of the way when the display unit is not in use.

Abstract: Systems which have an integrated unit or module and ENTERTAINMENT, COACH, and INTERNET modes of operation. Operation of the system may be controlled with a dedicated remote unit. The ENTERTAINMENT mode of operation allows a user to watch television or play an audio or video disk, and the COACH mode gives a user access to user-selected information stored on a disk of the character just described. In the INTERNET mode, the user can log onto and surf the Internet.

Abstract: Multimode appliances with modules which have only TV and INTERNET modes of operation. The module can be controlled with a remote control or a wireless keyboard, both capable of generating signals in the electromagnetic portion of the spectrum. The module may be of the stand alone type, or it may be designed for mounting to an overhead structure such as a kitchen cabinet.

Abstract: Keyboards with a construction which isolates the interior of the device from water and other deleterious substances in the ambient surroundings. The keyboard also has the capability of transmitting to a second device, upon activation of a key, a coded, preferably infrared (IR) signal uniquely corresponding to the key which is activated.

Abstract: User-actuated systems for retrieving and presenting information on a particular subject and/or information employable in a learn while doing mode on the performance of a specified task. The systems include a laser-readable, encoded, data storage device; a player for retrieving data from the storage device; and a screen on which the retrieved information can be displayed. Onboard controls allow the system user to reach the information of concern, to repeat the presentation of that information, and to otherwise navigate through the available choices in a fashion which best meets his or her needs. An optional remote control allows the system user to accomplish the same functions, while being freed from the location of the system module.

Abstract: Encoded data storage devices with stored data corresponding to: (a) information for coaching a user in accomplishing one or more steps of a specified task in a learn-then-perform way, and (b) an instruction set which enables the user access to access the information on a user-selected step of the task. Methods of providing and employing encoded data storage devices of the character just described.

Abstract: Systems which have an integrated unit (or module) that allows information retrieved from an onboard information storage device to be presented in visual, audio, or visual audio form via output devices such as CRT screens and audio speakers. When the system is turned on, the disc player is checked to see if a disc has been loaded. If a disc is found, a message identifying the type of disc that has been loaded and a message prompting the user to activate a control which will cause the disc to be played are displayed on the integrated unit screen. If a disc is not found, the system user is prompted to load a disc. Once this is done and the disc is detected, the step of ascertaining the type of disc, displaying a disc type message, and prompting the user to start the disc playing are carried out.

Abstract: Encoded data storage devices with stored data corresponding to: (a) information for coaching a user in accomplishing one or more steps of a specified task in a learn-then-perform way, and (b) an instruction set which enables the user access to access the information on a user-selected step of the task. Methods of providing and employing encoded data storage devices of the character just described.

Abstract: Encoded data storage devices with stored data corresponding to: (a) information for coaching a user in accomplishing one or more steps of a specified task in a learn-then-perform way, and (b) an instruction set which enables the user access to access the information on a user-selected step of the task. Methods of providing and employing encoded data storage devices of the character just described.

Abstract: Systems (or appliances) which have a learn-then-perform mode of operation. Information is stored in digital form by a data storage device and is retrieved for presentation by: (a) navigating through a hierarchial array of multiple choice menus, or (b) directly and in one fast step by employing identifier codes associated on a one-to-one basis with retrievable items of information. Identifying codes may be obtained as needed from a directory in which each code is associated with a descriptor of the corresponding item of information.

Abstract: Systems which have an integrated unit that allows both television signals and information retrieved from an onboard information storage device to be presented in visual, audio, or visual/audio form via output devices such as television screens and audio speakers. The operating mode--television or stored information retrieval and display--is selected by the user. The user is coached through steps leading to retrieval and presentation of the wanted information if the information retrieval mode is selected. A novel remote control allows the system user to choose the mode of operation and to navigate the steps needed to reach the wanted information from a location convenient to the user.