Samson BT30 User manual

(12) United States Patent
Kwak
USOO664O153B2
US 6,640,153 B2
Oct. 28, 2003
(10) Patent No.:
(45) Date of Patent:
(54) EMBROIDERY MACHINE TECHNICAL
SUPPORT SYSTEMAND METHOD AND
STORAGE MEDIUM TO IMPLEMENT THE
METHOD
(75) Inventor: Su Moon Kwak, Inchon (KR)
(73) Assignee: Sunstar Precision Co., Ltd., Inchon
(KR)
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
(21) Appl. No.: 10/244,474
(22) Filed: Sep. 17, 2002
(65) Prior Publication Data
US 2003/0065418 A1 Apr. 3, 2003
(30) Foreign Application Priority Data
Sep. 29, 2001 (KR) ........................................ 2001-60889
(51) Int. Cl." ......................... G06F 19/00; D05B 19/12;
D05B 21/00
(52) U.S. Cl. ..................................... 700/138; 112/102.5
(58) Field of Search ................................. 700/138,136,
700/137; 112/102.5, 470.04, 470.06, 470.01,
475.19, 445, 155
(56) References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
5,662,055 A 9/1997 Hartwig et al.
X)
6,196,146 B1 * 3/2001 Goldberg et al. ..... 112/102.5 X
6,445,970 B1 * 9/2002 Hedman et al. ............ 700/138
* cited by examiner
Primary Examiner Peter Nerbun
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Harness, Dickey & Pierce,
P.L.C.
(57) ABSTRACT
An embroidery machine technical Support System includes
at least one technical Support Server and a plurality of
embroidery machines communicating with the technical
Support Server through a public network. Each embroidery
machine has an emulator in order for the embroidery
machine to establish connection to the technical Support
Server through the public network, receive a technical Sup
port page from the technical Support Server, Send a technical
information request Signal to the technical Support Server
using the technical Support page, and receive corresponding
technical information from the technical Supporter Server.
The technical Support Server Sends the technical Support
page when the embroidery machine establishes connection
with the technical Support Server and sends technical infor
mation in response to the technical information request
Signal from the embroidery machine.
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U.S. Patent Oct. 28, 2003 Sheet 1 of 13 US 6,640,153 B2
F. G. 1
OO
300
EBRODERY SYSTE
SERVER COPUTER
SYSTE
CONCAON
NEWORK
EEBRODERY SYSTEM
FG 2
211
DISPLAY ENT
CONCAON
NERFACE
270
EMBRODERY
UN
EMBRODERY SYSTE 200

U.S. Patent Oct. 28, 2003 Sheet 2 of 13 US 6,640,153 B2
NFORATION
PROV ONG
310
MODULE
FAUL-SYPTO
NFORMATON
DATABASE
320
COMMUNICATION
SUPPORING MODULE -/
ear-me
-air
EBRODERY-PARTS
NFORMATON
ELECTRONIC BULLEN OAABASE
BOARD NODULE
SERVER COPUTER SYSTEM 300

U.S. Patent Oct. 28, 2003 Sheet 3 of 13 US 6,640,153 B2
FG. 4
S FAU
DEECON, SGNAL
NPUTTEO
YES PERFOR EBROOERY
OPERATON ODE
DSPAY EU AOR SAO
ORWE GUDE MESSAGE
S420
S EN, AOR
DRWS SGNAL INPUTED
YES SCH TO STANDBY MODE
CONNEC EBRODERY SYSTEM TO
SERVER COPUER SYSTEM S430
THROUGH COMMUN CATION NETWORK
OSPLAY FAU
OAGNOSS-DEDCATED WEB-PAGE
TRANSM FAUL-RELATED S450
NFORMATION INPUTTED NO
FALT DAGNOSS-DEDCATE)
WEB-PAGE O SERVER COMPUTER
SYSTEM
STORE FAULT DAGNOSS S460
NFORMATON RECEIVED FROM
SERVER COMPUER SYSEM
EN)

U.S. Patent Oct. 28, 2003 Sheet 4 of 13 US 6,640,153 B2
F. G. 5
TRANSM S500
FAUL DEAGNOSS-OEDCATED
WEB-PAGE
S50
TRANST
FAULT DAGNOSS NFORMATON
S520
STORE FAULT-REATED INFORMATION

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US 6,640,153 B2
Sheet 13 of 13
Oct. 28, 2003
U.S. Patent
02

US 6,640,153 B2
1
EMBROIDERY MACHINE TECHNICAL
SUPPORT SYSTEMAND METHOD AND
STORAGE MEDIUM TO IMPLEMENT THE
METHOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an embroidery machine,
and in particular, to an embroidery machine technical Sup
port System and a method allowing at least an embroidery
machine to communicate with a technical Support Server
located at a remote Service center which provides the
embroidery machine with various information and a Storage
medium having Stored therein computer executable instruc
tions to implement the method.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Generally, an embroidery machine comprises an embroi
dery operation program for automatically embroidering an
embroidery design. The embroidery machine includes a
Storage, an input unit, a controller, an embroidery machine,
and a fault detector. The Storage Stores an embroidery design
data. The input unit inputs an embroidery design Selection
Signal, and an embroidery operation Start/stop Signal from
the user. The controller controls the embroidery machine in
response to a user's request. The embroidery machine
embroiders the selected embroidery design. The fault detec
tor detects the fault of the embroidery machine if the
embroidery operation is stopped by the fault of the embroi
dery machine.
Where the user inputs the selected embroidery design and
the embroidery operation Start Signal, the controller controls
the embroidery operation program Stored in the Storage to
embroider the selected embroidery design. If the embroidery
operation is Stopped by the fault of the embroidery machine,
the controller controls the display unit for displaying a fault
message of the embroidery machine. The user should repair
the embroidery machine after checking the fault message.
However, when the user cannot repair the embroidery
machine, the user makes a phone call to a System adminis
trator of Service center in order to request a repair Service.
In case a request for on-site repair by the user, the System
administrator shall correctly understand the fault of the
embroidery machine So as to bring a correct embroidery part
for repair. However the user may not know which
embroidery-part is broken. Even though the user notices the
correct fault embroidery-part, the user may not know the
embroidery-part name. If So, the user may not explain the
embroidery technical Support information to the System
administrator in detail and the System administrator may
misunderstand the fault of the embroidery machine.
In this situation, if the System administrator may bring a
wrong embroidery part for on-site repair, the System admin
istrator returns to the Service center to bring a correct
embroidery part. Furthermore, Some cases where the user
recognizes a fault of the embroidery machine, an unneces
Sary on-site repair may occur. AS above, there is a problem
that the System administrator incorrectly diagnoses the fault
of the embroidery machine in case that the user incorrectly
explains the technical Support information to the System
administrator. Accordingly, there is Strongly needed an
embroidery machine technical Support System for efficiently
diagnosing the fault of the embroidery machine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been made in an effort to solve
the above problem.
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It is an object of the present invention to provide an
embroidery machine technical Support System and method
allowing an embroidery machine to communicate with a
technical Support Server of a remotely located Service center
in accordance with an user's manipulation So as to receive
various information related to the embroidery machine.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an embroidery machine technical Support
System for diagnosing a fault of an embroidery machine,
comprising: a communication network, an embroidery Sys
tem coupled to the communication network for indicating
that an embroidery operation is Stopped by the fault of the
embroidery machine, displaying a emulator drive guide
message, displaying a technical Support web page received
from the communication network in response to an emulator
drive Signal inputted by an user, and transmitting technical
Support information, inputted into the technical Support web
page by the user, to the communication network, and a
technical Support Server coupled to the communication
network for providing the technical Support web page to the
communication network, diagnosing the fault of the embroi
dery machine by employing the technical Support informa
tion inputted into the technical Support web page in order to
generate technical Support information, and transmitting the
technical Support information to the embroidery System
through the communication network.
In accordance with a Second aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a method for diagnosing the
fault of the embroidery machine, comprising the Steps of: (a)
detecting that an embroidery operation is stopped by the
fault of the embroidery machine and displaying a emulator
drive guide message; (b) displaying a technical Support page
in response to a emulator drive signal inputted by an user; (c)
transmitting technical Support information, inputted into the
technical Support web page by the user, from an embroidery
System to a technical Support Server; and (d) transmitting the
technical Support web page from a technical Support Server
to the embroidery System, diagnosing the fault of the
embroidery machine by employing the technical Support
information inputted into the technical Support web page in
order to generate technical Support information, and trans
mitting the technical Support information to the embroidery
System. In accordance with a third aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium
Storing program instructions, the program instructions dis
posed on a computer to perform a method for diagnosing the
fault of the embroidery machine, comprising the Steps of: (a)
indicating that an embroidery operation is Stopped by the
fault of the embroidery machine and displaying a emulator
drive guide message; (b) displaying a technical Support web
page in response to an emulator drive Signal inputted by an
user; (c) transmitting technical Support information, inputted
into the technical Support web page by the user, from an
embroidery System to a technical Support Server; and (d)
transmitting the technical Support web page from a technical
Support Server to the embroidery System, diagnosing the
fault of the embroidery machine by employing the technical
Support information inputted into the technical Support web
page in order to generate technical Support information, and
transmitting the technical Support information to the embroi
dery System.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other objects and features of the instant
invention will become apparent from the following descrip
tion of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:

US 6,640,153 B2
3
FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an
embroidery machine technical Support System according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an
embroidery machine of the embroidery system shown in
FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a
technical Support Server of the embroidery machine techni
cal Support System shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an embroidery machine
technical Support method according to the preferred embodi
ment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an operation of the
technical support server of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is an exemplary view illustrating a technical
Support page provided by the technical Support Server shown
in FIG. 1 when a fault location Search page is activated by
Selecting a Search tap on the interface;
FIG. 7 is an exemplary view illustrating the technical
Support page of FIG. 6 when a Symptom-providing page is
activated by Selecting a Symptom tap on the technical
Support page,
FIG. 8 is an exemplary view illustrating the technical
Support page of FIG. 6 when a fault diagnosis page is
activated by Selecting a diagnosis tap on the technical
Support page,
FIG. 9 is an exemplary view illustrating the web page
together with linked program windows when linked program
buttons of the web page are clicked;
FIG. 10 is an exemplary view illustrating the web page of
FIG. 6 when a part information page is activated by Selecting
a part information tap on the technical Support page;
FIG. 11 is an exemplary view for illustrating how the part
information is provided on the part information page of FIG.
10;
FIG. 12 is an exemplary view for illustrating how tech
nical information is provided on the part information page of
FIG. 10;
FIG. 13 is an exemplary view for illustrating how detail
information of each part is provided on the part information
page of FIG. 10; and
FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing how a user obtains
technical information on the embroidery machine from the
technical Support Server through a public network using a
personal communication terminal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
INVENTION
Referring to FIG. 1, the embroidery machine technical
Support System comprises a plurality of embroidery
machines 200 communicating with an technical Support
server 300 through a communication network 100. The
embroidery machine 200 requests technical information to
the technical support server 300 through the communication
network 100 so as to receive corresponding technical infor
mation from the technical support server 300 in response to
the request.
The embroidery machine 200 establishes connection to
the technical support server 300 in response to a user's
manipulation So as to receive the technical Support page
from the technical support server 300, such that the user
requests technical Support by filling out a request form in the
technical Support page. The technical Support request Signal
is sent to the technical Support server 300 such that the
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technical support server 300 responsively sends the
requested information to the embroidery machine 200.
The technical Support request signal can be embroidery
machine information or trouble diagnosis information
request Signal.
Referring to FIG. 2, the embroidery machine 200 includes
a storage 210, a fault detector 220, a controller 230, an input
unit 240, a display unit 250, a communication interface 260,
and an embroidery machine 200.
The storage 210 has an emulator 211 which is activated in
response to user's request in order for the embroidery
machine to communicate with the technical Support Server
300, and stores the technical support information from the
technical Support server 300 through the emulator 211. The
fault detector 220 detects a fault of the embroidery machine
200 if the embroidery operation is stopped by the fault of the
embroidery machine 200. Then, the fault detector 220 pro
duces and transmits a fault detection Signal to the controller
230.
The controller 230 outputs the emulator drive guide
message in response to the users input signal inputted from
the input unit 240 or the fault detection signal generated by
the fault detector 220 so as to operate the emulator 211 for
connecting the embroidery machine 200 to the technical
support server 300.
The display unit 250 displays the fault detection signal,
the emulator drive guide message, and the technical Support
web page from the technical support server 300.
The communication interface 260 receives the technical
support information from the technical support server 300,
and transmits the technical Support request and the technical
Support information inputted through the input unit 240 and
the fault detector 220 to the technical support server 300.
Referring to FIG. 3, the technical support server 300
includes a fault-symptom information database 310, an
embroidery-parts information database 320, an information
providing module 330, a communication Supporting module
340, and an electronic bulletin board module 350.
The fault-symptom information database 310 classifies
and Stores the fault Symptom information inputted into the
technical Support page by the user. The embroidery-parts
information database 320 classifies and stores an
embroidery-parts information of embroidery parts configur
ing the embroidery machine 200. The information-providing
module 330 provides the technical support page to the
embroidery machine 200 and provides the fault symptom
information to the fault-symptom information database 310.
The communication-Supporting module 340 Supports a com
munication between the user at the embroidery machine 200
and a system administrator at technical support server 300.
The communication-Supporting module 340 also Supports a
chatting and a moving picture for the Sake of the commu
nication between the user at the embroidery machine 200
and the System administrator at the technical Support Server
300 so that the fault of the embroidery machine 200 is
diagnosed using a chatting and a moving picture. The
electronic bulletin board module 350 registers an
embroidery-part purchase request message and the embroi
dery fault diagnosis request message inputted by the user,
and also registers a response message, with respect to the
embroidery-part purchase request message and the embroi
dery fault diagnosis request message, to provide the user
with the response message.
Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the technical support web page
600 includes a fault location search page 610, a fault
Symptom-providing page 620, a fault diagnosis page 630,
and a part information page 645.

US 6,640,153 B2
S
In FIG. 6, the fault location search page 610 provides a
fault part list 660 to indicate the fault location. The fault
location Search page 610 includes a model name list box
640, a fault subject box 650, a fault part list box 660, and a
search button 670. The fault Subject box 650 displays a list
of fault subject names. The fault part list box 660 displays
fault embroidery-part names when the user Selects one fault
subject name in the list of the fault subject names. If the
search button 670 is clicked, the fault symptom-providing
page 620 provides a fault Symptom list. The fault Symptom
providing page 620 is linked to the fault diagnosis page 630
providing a fault diagnosis message.
Referring to FIG. 8, the fault diagnosis page 630 includes
a moving picture menu item 633, a chatting menu item 634,
and an e-mail menu item 635. The moving picture menu
item 633 is clicked by the user so that a moving picture of
a fault processing, accomplished by the System administra
tor at the technical support server 300, is provided. The
chatting menu item 634 is clicked by the user so that the
communication between the user and the System adminis
trator is accomplished in a real-time chatting. The e-mail
menu item 635 is clicked by the user so that the user can
communicate with the System administrator in an e-mail.
The web page 600 further includes part information page
645, which displayS Specification of a Selected part when a
model and a part of the embroidery machine 200 of that
model is Selected.
As shown in FIG. 10 to FIG. 13, the part information page
645 is provided with a view frame 642 for showing an
exploded perspective view of a module of the embroidery
machine consisted of a plurality of parts, a drawing control
bar 641 for adjusting the drawing presently displayed in the
drawing display frame, a title section 643 for displaying title
of the module presently displayed in the drawing display
frame, a part list frame 644 for listing the names of the parts
displayed in the view frame 642.
For example, when the user Selects main relief valve and
Safety valve, its parts Such as housing, plug taper, and
valves are listed in the part list frame 644 and displayed in
the view frame 642.
Each part name listed in the part list frame 644 is
hyperlinked with a corresponding specification web page
informing details of the part Such that the user can open the
Specification web page by clicking the corresponding part
C.
Also, the part information page 645 is provided with a
manual display Such that the user can obtain how to Solve a
problem when a part is damaged.
The operation of the above structured embroidery
machine technical Support System will be described herein
after.
Once the embroidery machine 200 is on, the controller
230 initializes the embroidery machine 200.
When receiving the user input signal from the input unit
240 or the fault detection signal generated by the fault
detector 220, the controller 230 activates the emulator 211 So
as to establish connection with the technical Support Server
300. If the connection is established, the technical support
server 300 sends the technical support page to the embroi
dery machine 200 such that the user fills out the request form
and sends the request to the technical Support server 300.
Consequently, the technical Support server 300 responsively
Sends corresponding requested information to the embroi
dery machine 200.
If the user selects a model of the embroidery machine in
the model name box 640 and enters a name of a module of
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the embroidery machine in the title section 643, the parts
consisting of the Selected module of the Specific machine are
listed in the part list frame 644 and displays the module as
an exploded perspective view in the view frame 642 (see
FIG. 10).
If a part is selected in the part list frame 642, the
Specification of the Selected part is provided by the technical
support server 300.
Also, the technical support server 300 is provided with the
manual through the part information Service page Such that
when the embroidery machine 200 is malfunctioning, the
user can troubleshoot the problem.
Referring to FIGS. 2 to 8, there is shown a fault diagnosis
method for diagnosing a fault of the embroidery machine.
First, if the user presses a turn-on key to start the
embroidery operation with the input unit 240, the controller
230 initializes the embroidery machine 200. At step S400,
the controller 230 determines whether there is a fault detec
tion signal received from the fault detector 220. If there is
not the fault detection Signal received from the fault detector
220, at step S470, the embroidery machine 200 performs an
embroidery operation mode.
Otherwise, if there is a fault detection Signal received
from the fault detector 220, at step S410, the display unit 250
displays the emulator drive guide message through the
controller 230.
At step S420, the controller 230 determines whether there
is the emulator drive signal received from the input unit 240.
If there is not the emulator drive signal received from the
input unit 240, the embroidery machine 200 is Switched to
a Standby mode.
Otherwise, if there is the emulator drive signal received
from the input unit 240, at step S430, the embroidery
machine 200 is connected to the technical support server 300
through the communication network 100.
At step S440, the display unit 250 displays the technical
support web page 600 from the technical support server 300
through the communication interface 260.
The user inputs the technical Support information of the
embroidery machine 200 into the technical support web
page 600. At step S450, the communication interface 260
transmits the technical Support information inputted into the
technical support web page 600 from the embroidery
machine 200 to the technical Support server 300. At step
S460, the technical support server 300 diagnoses the fault of
the embroidery machine by employing the technical Support
information inputted into the fault diagnosis-detected web
page 600. Then, the technical Support server 300 generates
and transmits the technical Support information to the
embroidery machine 200. Further, the embroidery machine
200 stores the technical support information in the storage
210.
The steps S450 and S460 are explained in detail in FIGS.
6 to 8. First, referring to FIG. 6, the controller 230 controls
the display unit 250 for displaying the technical support web
page 600 from the technical support server 300 through the
communication interface 260.
At the fault location Search page 610, the user Selects the
model name in the model name list box 640. Then, the fault
subject list box 650 displays the fault subject list automati
cally in response to the inputted the model name. In case that
the user selects the fault subject at the fault subject list box
650, the fault part list box 660 displays the fault part list in
response to the Selected fault Subject automatically. After
Selecting the fault embroidery-part in the fault parts list box

US 6,640,153 B2
7
660, the user clicks the search button 670. Then, the fault
Symptom-providing page 620 is displayed. The fault loca
tion search page 610 also includes a table 680. The table 680
is composed of 4 boxes, which are Ref.No. box, Parts
No.box, Note box, and Name of parts box. The table 680 is
filled out automatically in response to the Selected technical
Support information at the fault location Search page 610.
Referring to FIG. 7, the fault Symptom providing page
620 includes a keyword input box 621, a table 622, a fault
symptom list box 623, and a check button 624. The fault
symptom list box 623 displays a fault symptom list in
response to the inputted information into the fault location
page 610. In case that the user inputs a keyword into the
keyword inputting box 621, the fault symptom list box 623
displays the fault Symptom list in response to the inputted
keyword. The table 622 is the same as the table 680 of the
fault location page 610. After the fault symptom list box 623
displays the fault Symptoms, the user Selects the fault
symptom of the embroidery machine 200, and the check
button 624. Then the fault diagnosis page 630 is displayed.
Referring to FIG. 8, the fault diagnosis page 630 includes
a table 631, and a fault diagnosis box 632, an image menu
item 633, a chatting menu item 634, and 12. an e-mail menu
item 635.
The table 631 includes 5 boxes. Ref. No. Box, Parts
No.box, Note box, and Name of parts box display (the same
as the table 680 and the table 622). A fault symptom box
displays the Selected fault Symptom of the embroidery
machine 200 in the fault symptom-providing page 620. The
fault diagnosis box 632 displays a fault diagnosis list in
response to the inputted information of the fault Symptom
page 620. Finally, the technical Support information is
transmitted from the technical support server 300 to the
embroidery machine 200. The technical Support information
is transmitted in the form of a moving picture file, image file
and/or a document. Also the user communicates with the
system administrator at the technical support server 300. The
moving picture menu item 633 provides the moving picture
of a fault processing accomplished by the System adminis
trator at the technical support server 300. The user also
produces the technical Support information in the form of the
moving picture file with a Video tape recorder or a digital
Still camera, and transmits the technical Support information
in the form of the moving picture file to the technical Support
server 300. The chatting menu item 634 provides a real-time
chatting So that the communication between the user and the
System administrator is accomplished. The e-mail menu
item 635 provides an e-mail So that the user can communi
cate with the System administrator. Thus, the System admin
istrator transmits the technical Support information from the
technical support server 300 to the embroidery machine 200.
In the meantime, the technical support server 300 pro
vides the technical Support information to the embroidery
machine 200. Namely, referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the tech
nical Support Server 300 must program the technical Support
web page for providing the technical Support information,
which includes the fault location search page 610, the fault
Symptom providing page 620, and the fault diagnosis page
630. Furthermore, the service computer system 300 shall
include the fault symptom database 310, the embroidery
parts information database 320, the information providing
module 330, the communication Supporting module 340,
and the electronic bulletin board module 350.
Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown the fault diagnosis
method for diagnosing the fault of the embroidery machine
at technical support server 300. At step S500, the
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information-providing module 330 transmits the technical
support web page from the technical support server 300 to
the embroidery machine 200 in response to the emulator
drive signal inputted by the user. The user, at step S510,
inputs the technical Support information into the technical
Support web page, then the information providing module
330 provides the fault symptom information to the database.
At step S520, the information providing module 330 oper
ates with the communication Supporting module 340 and the
electronic bulletin board module 350 in sequence operation,
and the electronic bulletin board module 350 stores the
technical Support information in the fault Symptom infor
mation database 320, which is inputted from the embroidery
machine.
In case that the embroidery machine operation Software is
updated, the technical support server 330 informs the
embroidery machine 200 of the Software update such that
the embroidery machine 200 automatically or manually
downloads the embroidery machine operation Software of
the new version and updates the old one.
As shown in FIG. 14, the emulator can be installed in a
personal computer (PC) 21, personal digital assistant (PDA)
22, notebook PC 23, and mobile phone such that the user can
usually obtained the same technical information from the
technical support server 300 through data communication
network.
AS described above, Since the embroidery machine is
provided with the emulator in order for the embroidery
machine to communicate with the technical Support Server,
the user can obtain technical information on the embroidery
machine from the remote technical Support Server in real
time.
Also, the user of an embroidery machine can communi
cate with the System administrator using various tools Such
as drawings and motion pictures of the concerned parts of
the embroidery machine, online chatting, and etc. Such that
the user can troubleshoot the present problem of the embroi
dery machine without a time consuming visit of the
Serviceman, resulting in reduction of the repairing time and
enhancing the operation efficiency of the embroidery
machine.
Furthermore, even though it is needed that the Serviceman
should visit for repairing the embroidery machine, the
Serviceman can reliably prepare the parts and devices
needed to solve the problem of the embroidery machine.
Still more, the user can usually obtain various information
on the embroidery machine and learn the Specification and
troubleshooting methods, and the user can get the ability for
Solving the trivial problems or malfunctioning of the
embroidery machine, resulting in enhancement of work
efficiency.
Although the preferred embodiments of the invention
have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in
the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions
and Substitutions are possible, without departing from the
Scope and Spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accom
panying claims.
What is claimed is:
1. An embroidery machine technical Support System com
prising:
at least one technical Support Server; and
a plurality of embroidery machines communicating with
the technical Support Server through a public network,
wherein
each embroidery machine has an emulator in order for
the embroidery machine to establish connection to

US 6,640,153 B2
the technical Support Server through the public
network, receive a technical Support page from the
technical Support Server, Send a technical informa
tion request signal to the technical Support Server
using the technical Support page, receive correspond
ing technical information from the technical Sup
porter Server, and
the technical Support Server Sends the technical Support
page when the embroidery machine establishes con
nection with the technical Support Server and sends
technical information in response to the technical
information request Signal from the embroidery
machine.
2. A embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 1 wherein the embroidery machine comprises: a
Storage containing embroidery operation programs and an
emulator for connecting the embroidery machine to the
technical Support Server;
an input unit for inputting user's instruction So as to
operate the embroidery operation programs and the
emulator;
a controller for the embroidery machine;
a display unit for displaying operation Status of the
embroidery machine and the technical Support page
from the technical Support Server;
a communication interface for Supporting data commu
nication between the embroidery machine and the
technical Support Server.
3. An embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 2 wherein the embroidery machine further comprises
an error detector for detecting an error of the embroidery
machine when the embroidery machine is malfunctioning
and sending an error Signal to the controller Such that the
controller displays an error message on the display unit and
operates the emulator on the basis of user's instruction.
4. An embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 3 wherein the emulator displays a message whether or
not to establish connection to the technical Support Server,
establish connection to the technical Support Server if the
user instructs connection establishment, and display a tech
nical Support page received from the technical Support
SCWC.
5. An embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 4 wherein the controller Sends a technical Support
request inputted through the technical Support page to the
technical Support Server and Stores the information received
from the Support Server.
6. An embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 5 wherein the technical Support information includes
one of a moving picture file, an image file, and a document.
7. An embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 6 wherein the technical Support information is pro
duced by a video tape recorder or a digital Still camera.
8. An embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 7 wherein the technical Support information is Stored
in the Storage means and reproduced on the display unit.
9. An embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 6 wherein the technical Support information is pro
duced using a Scanner.
10. An embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 1 wherein the technical Support Server comprises:
a fault-Symptom information database for classifying and
Storing fault Symptom information inputted into the
technical Support page by the user; and
information providing means for providing the technical
Support page to the embroidery machine and providing
the fault Symptom information to the database.
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11. An embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 10 wherein the technical support server further com
prises an embroidery-parts information database for classi
fying and Storing embroidery-parts information of the
embroidery parts configuring the embroidery machine.
12. An embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 10 wherein the technical support server further com
prises a communication Supporting means for Supporting a
communication between the user at the embroidery machine
and a System administrator at the technical Support Server.
13. An embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 12 wherein the communication Supporting means
Supports a chatting and a moving picture for the Sake of the
communication between the user at the embroidery machine
and the System administrator at the technical Support Server
So that the fault of the embroidery machine is diagnosed
through a chatting and a moving picture.
14. An embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 10 wherein the technical support server further com
prises an electronic bulletin board for registering an
embroidery-part purchase request message and an embroi
dery fault diagnosis request message inputted by the user,
and registering a response message, with respect to the
embroidery-part purchase request message and the embroi
dery fault diagnosis request message, to provide the user
with the response message.
15. An embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 1 wherein the technical Support page includes a part
information Service page for displaying Specification of a
Selected part when a model and part name of the embroidery
machine is Selected.
16. An embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 15 wherein the part information Service page com
prises:
a view frame for showing an exploded perspective view
of a module of the embroidery machine consists of a
plurality of parts,
a title Section for displaying title of the module presently
displayed in the View frame; and
a part list frame for listing the names of the parts dis
played in the view frame.
17. An embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 16 wherein each part name listed in the part list frame
is hyperlinked with a corresponding Specification web page
informing details of the part.
18. An embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 16 wherein the part information Service page is
provided with a manual display for displaying a manual of
the embroidery machine and it parts.
19. An embroidery machine technical support system of
claim 1 wherein the technical Support page includes:
a fault location Search page for providing a fault part list
to indicate the fault location after Selecting an embroi
dery machine model name and a fault Subject name;
a fault Symptom providing page for providing a fault
Symptom list when the user Selects one fault
embroidery-part in the fault part list and a Search button
on the fault location Search page; and
a fault diagnosis page for providing a fault diagnosis
message when the user Selects one fault Symptom in the
fault Symptom list and a check button on the fault
Symptom-providing page.
20. An embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 19 wherein the technical Support page includes a
moving picture menu item for providing a moving picture of
a fault processing accomplished by a System administrator at
the technical Support Server.

US 6,640,153 B2
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21. An embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 19 wherein the technical Support page includes a
chatting menu item for providing a real-time chatting So that
the communication between the user and the System admin
istrator is accomplished.
22. An embroidery machine technical Support System of
claim 19 wherein the technical Support page includes an
e-mail menu item for providing an e-mail So that the user can
communicate with the System administrator.
23. An embroidery machine technical Support method
comprising the Steps of:
establishing connection between an embroidery machine
and a technical Support Server;
transmitting, with the technical Support Server, a technical
Support page to the embroidery machine;
transmitting, with the embroidery machine, a technical
Support request to the technical Support Server through
the technical Support page; and
transmitting, with the embroidery machine, correspond
ing technical information in response to the technical
Support request from the embroidery machine.
24. An embroidery machine technical Support method of
claim 23 further comprises a step of displaying a message on
a display unit asking whether or not to establish connection
with the technical Support Server.
25. An embroidery machine technical Support method of
claim 24 further comprises a step of Storing the technical
Support information from the technical Support Server in a
Storage medium.
26. An embroidery machine technical Support method of
claim 24 wherein the technical Support information includes
one of a moving picture file, an image file and a document.
27. An embroidery machine technical Support method of
claim 26 wherein the technical information is provided to
the user by displaying the technical information on a display
unit.
28. An embroidery machine technical Support method of
claim 26 wherein technical Support information is produced
by a Video tape recorder or a digital Still camera.
29. An embroidery machine technical Support method of
claim 26 wherein technical Support information is provided
by a Scanner.
30. An embroidery machine technical Support method of
claim 23 further comprises a Step of Supporting a commu
nication between the user at the embroidery machine and a
System administrator at the technical Support Server.
31. An embroidery machine technical Support method of
claim 30 wherein the communication Supporting Step
includes Supporting a chatting and a moving picture for the
Sake of the communication between the user at the embroi
dery machine and the System administrator at the technical
Support Server So that the fault of the embroidery machine is
diagnosed through a chatting and a moving picture.
32. An embroidery machine technical Support method of
claim 23 further comprises a step of registering an
embroidery-part purchase request message and an embroi
dery fault diagnosis request message inputted by the user,
and registering a response message, with respect to the
embroidery-part purchase request message and the embroi
dery fault diagnosis request message, to provide the user
with the response message.
33. An embroidery machine technical Support method of
claim 23 wherein the technical Support page includes a part
information Service page for displaying Specification of a
Selected part when a model and part name of the embroidery
machine is Selected.
34. An embroidery machine technical Support method of
claim 33 wherein a view frame for showing an exploded
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perspective view of a module of the embroidery machine
consists of a plurality of parts,
a title Section for displaying title of the module presently
displayed in the View frame; and
a part list frame for listing the names of the parts dis
played in the view frame.
35. An embroidery machine technical support method of
claim 34 wherein each part name listed in the part list frame
is hyperlinked with a corresponding Specification web page
informing details of the part.
36. An embroidery machine technical support method of
claim 35 wherein the part information Service page is
provided with a manual display for displaying a manual of
the embroidery machine and its parts.
37. An embroidery machine technical support method of
claim 23 wherein technical Support page includes:
a fault location Search page for providing a fault part list
to indicate the fault location after Selecting an embroi
dery machine model name and a fault Subject name;
a fault Symptom providing page for providing a fault
Symptom list when the user Selects one fault
embroidery-part in the fault part list and a Search button
on the fault location Search page; and
a fault diagnosis page for providing a fault diagnosis
message when the user Selects one fault Symptom in the
fault Symptom list and a check button on the fault
Symptom-providing page.
38. An embroidery machine technical support method of
claim 37 wherein technical Support page includes a moving
picture menu item for providing a moving picture of a fault
processing accomplished by a System administrator at the
technical Support Server.
39. An embroidery machine technical support method of
claim 38 wherein the technical Support page includes a
chatting menu item for providing a real-time chatting So that
the communication between the user and the System admin
istrator is accomplished.
40. An embroidery machine technical support method of
claim 39 wherein the technical Support page includes an
e-mail menu item for providing an e-mail So that the user can
communicate with the System administrator.
41. A computer readable Storage medium Stored an
embroidery machine technical Support program, the pro
gram comprises the processes of:
establishing connection between an embroidery machine
and a technical Support Server;
transmitting, with the technical Support Server, a technical
Support page to the embroidery machine;
transmitting, with the embroidery machine, a technical
Support request to the technical Support Server through
the technical Support page; and
transmitting, with the embroidery machine, correspond
ing technical information in response to the technical
Support request from the embroidery machine.
42. A computer readable Storage medium of claim 41
wherein the embroidery machine technical Support program
further comprises a process of displaying a message on a
display unit asking whether or not to establish connection
with the technical Support Server.
43. A computer readable Storage medium of claim 42
wherein the embroidery machine technical Support program
further comprises a process of Storing the technical Support
information from the technical Support Server in a Storage
medium.
44. A computer readable Storage medium of claim 42
wherein the technical Support information includes one of a
moving picture file, an image file and a document.