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| Device for selecting and controlling a plurality of signal sources in a television system |
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| Wireless music and data transceiver system |
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| Webcam-based interface for initiating two-way video communication and providing access to cached video |
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Communications, particularly in the domestic environment
| Details |
Inventors: Smith, Graeme;
Assignee: NCR Corporation (Dayton, OH)
Primary Examiner: Lee; Michael G.
Assistant Examiner: Franklin; Jamara A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Welte; Gregory A.
A domestic appliance (1) such as a microwave oven is adapted for interaction with a communications network (75) such as the Internet by the addition of a substantially self-contained discrete communications module (12) connectable to the communications network (75), the communications module (12) including display means (20) and command entry means that optionally interact with the appliance (1). The appliance (1) is provided with mounting hardware (6) and an adaptor (7) including means for attachment to the mounting hardware (6) and means (10, 13-16) for mounting the communications module (12) to the appliance (1) via the adaptor (7). The communications module (12) is adapted for connection to broadband cable or xDSL networks. Thus equipped, the appliance (1) becomes an element of a communications system (1, 72, 73) providing multiple functionality including television and Internet browsing functions within the home. Other elements of the communications system are a broadband online connection (72) and a broadband portal (73). |
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION The specification hereinafter proposes a solution to this problem.
In accordance with this aspect of the invention, a domestic appliance is provided with mounting hardware, a discrete communications module connectable to a communications network, and an adaptor including means for attachment to the mounting hardware on the appliance and means for mounting the communications module to the appliance via the adaptor.
For neatness and protection, the communications module is preferably received in a recess in the adaptor, the adaptor suitably framing the mounted communications module received in the recess.
To enable access to the communications module during adjustment or removal, bias means may be provided to urge the communications module out of the recess.
In that case, latch means acting against the bias means may be provided to hold the communications module releasably in the recess.
Adjustment for viewing of a display on the communications module is catered for by movably mounting the communications module with respect to the adaptor.
Conveniently, the adaptor and the communications module are connected by mounting hardware that permits the communications module to adopt any of a plurality of discrete positions with respect to the adaptor.
It is preferred that the appliance has a door and that the mounting hardware, the adaptor and the communications module are part of the door of the appliance.
The appliance is most preferably a microwave oven.
In preferred embodiments, the communications module is connectable to the communications network via a flying lead connectable to the appliance, the flying lead preferably connecting to an external terminal on the appliance.
The flying lead may include a port for data communication between the communications module and the appliance.
This aspect of the invention extends to a method of assembling a domestic appliance and a standard communications module, the method comprising providing one of a plurality of different domestic appliances having mounting hardware, fitting to the mounting hardware of that appliance an appropriate one of a plurality of different adaptors each having a standard mounting for a communications module and means cooperable with the mounting hardware, and mounting to that adaptor a standard communications module
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Television 
