1. A computer-implemented method, performed by a processor connected to a network, comprising:
receiving, by the processor via the network, a request for a list of selectable computer solutions in a self-support environment from a first user device;
transmitting, by the processor via the network, a computer solution from the list to the first user device;
updating, by the processor via the network, a client record with points when a user associated with the first user device utilizes the list, wherein the client record is updated with points for at least one of:
accessing the self-support environment,
searching for a computer solution from the list,
requesting a computer solution from the list,
forwarding a computer solution to a second user, or
answering questions provided by the self-support environment;
determining, by the processor via the network, that the user associated with the first user device has forwarded the computer solution from the list to a second user;
updating, by the processor via the network, the client record with points resulting from the forwarding;
comparing, by the processor via the network, the points accumulated within a particular period of time in the updated client record resulting from the forwarding the computer solution with a predetermined threshold number of points;
responsive to the comparing, determining to award a prize to the user associated with the first user device; and
updating, by the processor via the network, the client record to indicate the awarding of the prize to the user associated with the first user device.
2. The method of claim 1,
wherein the computer solutions include at least an industry standard solution and an enterprise specific solution.
3. The method of claim 1,
wherein the list is based on issues related to the self-support environment.
4. The method of claim 1,
further comprising tracking usage of the self-support environment based on a response from the user associated with the first user device, wherein the response indicates success of the computer solution.
5. The method of claim 1,
further comprising notifying self-support personnel based on a response from the user associated with the first user device, wherein the response indicates success of the computer solution.
6. The method of claim 1,
further comprising sending to the user associated with the first user device support personnel contact information based on location of the user associated with the first user device, wherein the contact information includes a telephone number and an electronic mail address.
7. The method of claim 1,
further comprising sending to the user associated with the first user device help information explaining the self-support environment, the information includes at least text information, audio information, and video information.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating, by the processor via the network, a searchable index of computer solutions based on a plurality of computer solutions.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: responsive to a query by the user associated with the first user device, searching, by the processor via the network, the searchable index of computer solutions based on the query.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
1. A purge apparatus for purging an inside of a container by introducing clean gas into the inside of the container, said purge apparatus comprising:
a nozzle adapted to be connected to the container, and through which the gas passes;
a detection unit configured to detect a connection state between the container and said nozzle; and
a flow rate adjustment unit configured to: allow the gas to flow into said nozzle at a first flow rate when said detection unit detects that the container and said nozzle are in a connected state; and allow the gas to flow into said nozzle at a second flow rate when said detection unit detects that the container and said nozzle are in a disconnected state,
the second flow rate being lower than the first flow rate and higher than zero, wherein said first and second flow rates are determined as average flow rates over the time in which said first and second flow rates are adopted, respectively.
2. The purge apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein said flow rate adjustment unit includes:
a switch valve for switching between a non-flow state and a flow state, the non-flow state being a state where the gas is not allowed to flow into said nozzle, the flow state being a state where the gas is allowed to flow into said nozzle; and
a control unit configured to control a total time-duration, per certain time-period, during which said switch valve is switched to the non-flow state,
wherein, when said detection unit detects that the container and said nozzle are in the connected state, said control unit is configured to select a first mode, and
when said detection unit detects that the container and said nozzle are in the disconnected state, said control unit is configured to select a second mode,
wherein the total time-duration of the non-flow state included in a certain time-period is shorter in said first mode than in said second mode, thereby allowing the gas to flow into said nozzle at said first and second flow rates in said first and second modes, respectively.
3. The purge apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein said flow rate adjustment unit includes:
a switch valve for switching between a high flow state and a low flow state, the high flow state being a state where the gas is allowed to flow into said nozzle at a high flow rate, the low flow state being a state where the gas is allowed to flow into said nozzle at a lower flow rate than the high flow rate; and
a control unit configured to control said switch valve so that the high flow state is when the gas is allowed to flow into said nozzle at said first flow rate, and the low flow state is when the gas is allowed to flow into said nozzle at said second flow rate.
4. A purge method for use with a purge apparatus to purge an inside of a container by introducing clean gas into the inside of the container, the purge apparatus including a nozzle which is connected to the container and through which the gas passes, and a detection unit which detects a connection state between the container and the nozzle, said purge method comprising:
allowing the gas to flow into the nozzle at a first flow rate when the detection unit detects that the container and the nozzle are in a connected state; and allowing the gas to flow into the nozzle at a second flow rate when the detection unit detects that the container and the nozzle are in a disconnected state, the second flow rate being lower than the first flow rate,
wherein the second flow rate is lower than the first flow rate and higher than zero, and said first and second flow rates are determined as average flow rates over the time in which said first and second flow rates are adopted, respectively.