US Patent 7734718 Smart appliance functionality

A communications network, system, and method includes a server; a primary device in communication with the server through a communications channel, wherein the primary device comprises a component that detects data transmissions from the server, and transmits the detected data transmissions; and a secondary device connected to the primary device, wherein the secondary device automatically performs self diagnosis relating to operational performance of the secondary device in response to the data transmissions. The remotely programmable apparatus comprises any of an appliance and an entertainment device, wherein the appliance comprises any of a refrigerator, a telephone, a stove, and a clock. The server generates computer executable commands that are executable by the secondary device and comprises any of queries, instructions, and messages. The secondary device comprises a processor that collects operational data relating to the secondary device, and provides a diagnosis of a performance of the secondary device.