JP2005085044A - Accounting system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To run an advertisement not only by a visual display but also by a sound from a loudspeaker, etc. <P>SOLUTION: The system is characterized in that it comprises a user registration means that registers a user who uses an image forming apparatus, an advertisement provider registration means that registers an advertisement provider who runs an advertisement in the image forming apparatus, an advertisement data registration means by which the advertisement provider registers the advertisement data, a user authentication means that authenticates that the user who uses the image forming apparatus is the user registered by the user registration means, an advertisement data output means that outputs the advertisement data to the image forming apparatus, and a charge calculation means that receives a printing log from the image forming device and calculates a copy charge and an advertisement fee based on the printing log. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a charging apparatus.

  Conventionally, when copying using a copy shop or the like, a proposal has been made to reduce the user's copy fee by printing an advertisement on a portion that is not printed on recording paper.

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, the advertisement is printed, the appearance of the manuscript is deteriorated, the ink or toner for the advertisement is wasted, and the advertisement effect is not effective for the blind and the color weak. There was a problem such as.
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable an advertisement to be transmitted by voice.

  In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to the present application is a charging apparatus connected to each other via an image forming apparatus and a network, and a user registration unit for registering a user who uses the image forming apparatus, An advertisement provider registration means for registering an advertisement provider who performs an advertisement in the image forming apparatus, an advertisement data registration means for registering advertisement data by the registered advertisement provider, and a user who uses the image forming apparatus is the user User authentication means for authenticating whether the user is registered by the registration means, advertisement data output means for outputting the advertisement data to the image forming apparatus, and a print log received from the image forming apparatus And a charge calculation means for calculating a copy fee and an advertisement fee based on the above.

  As described above, according to the present invention, since the advertisement can be performed by voice, the copy fee can be reduced while maintaining the appearance of the original. In addition, there is an effect that ink and toner for advertisement can be saved. In addition, there is an effect that an advertising effect can be obtained for the blind and the color weak.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a network system configured according to this embodiment.
200 in the figure is an Internet communication network. A web server 201 is connected to the Internet 200 and provides a specific service to Internet users. Reference numeral 204 denotes a service provider that performs connection processing between a personal user terminal and the Internet 200.

  A firewall 203 connects the inside of the LAN 2011 shown below and an external communication network (Internet 200), and performs security management and the like. A charging device 210 performs charging management of the image forming apparatus 220. Reference numeral 211 denotes a file server, which allows a plurality of users connected via the LAN 2011 to share data.

  An image forming apparatus 220 such as a digital copying machine mainly has an image input / output function. In this image forming apparatus 220, 140 is an operation unit for a user to perform various operations, 10 is an image scanner for reading an image in accordance with instructions from the operation unit 140 or the information processing apparatus 212, and 20 is an information processing apparatus 212. Or a printer that prints data from the file server 211 on paper.

  A controller unit 30 controls input / output of image data to / from the scanner 10 and the printer 20 based on instructions from the operation unit 140 and the information processing apparatus 212.

  For example, control is performed such that image data captured by the scanner 10 is stored in a memory inside the controller, output to the information processing apparatus 212, or printed by the printer 20.

  An information processing apparatus 212 is connected as a terminal apparatus. Information provided from the web server 201 via the Internet 200 can be browsed, and image data can be output to the image forming apparatus 220.

  In the above configuration, the LAN 2011 is connected to the Internet through the firewall 203, but a configuration in which a firewall is connected through the service provider 204 may be used.

An appearance of the image forming apparatus 220 in the present embodiment is shown in FIG.
The scanner unit 10 as an image input device irradiates a document image with a lamp, reads it with a CCD line sensor (not shown), and converts it into an electrical signal to perform processing as image data.

  The original paper is set on the original feeder 142, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 140, the feeder 142 feeds the original paper one by one and performs an original image reading operation.

  The printer unit 20, which is an image output device, is a part that converts image data into an image on paper. In this embodiment, a process for converting an image by an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt is described. However, the image may be converted by an ink jet method or the like that prints an image directly on a sheet by ejecting ink from a minute nozzle array.

  The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from a controller (described later) inside the apparatus. The printer unit 20 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has paper cassettes 122, 124, 142, and 144 corresponding thereto. Further, the paper on which the image is formed is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 132.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. Details of the operation will be described with reference to the drawings.
Reference numeral 101 denotes an original platen glass, on which originals fed from the automatic document feeder 142 are sequentially placed at predetermined positions. Reference numeral 102 denotes a document illumination lamp composed of, for example, a halogen lamp, which exposes a document placed on the document table glass 101.

  Scanning mirrors 103, 104, and 105 are accommodated in an optical scanning unit (not shown) and guide reflected light from the original to the CCD unit 106 while reciprocating. The CCD unit 106 includes an imaging lens 107 that forms an image of reflected light from an original on the CCD, for example, an image sensor 108 composed of a CCD, a CCD driver 109 that drives the image sensor 108, and the like.

  An image signal output from the image sensor 108 is converted into, for example, 8-bit digital data and then input to the controller unit 30. Reference numeral 110 denotes a photosensitive drum, which is discharged by a pre-exposure lamp 112 in preparation for image formation. A primary charger 113 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 110.

117 is an exposure means, which is composed of, for example, a semiconductor laser and exposes the photosensitive drum 110 based on the image data processed by the controller unit 30 that controls image formation and the entire apparatus, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. .
Reference numeral 118 denotes a developing device that contains a black developer (toner). A pre-transfer charger 119 applies a high voltage before transferring the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 110 onto a sheet.

  120, 122, 124, 142, and 144 are paper feed units (120 is a manual paper feed unit), and the transfer paper is fed into the apparatus by driving the paper feed rollers 121, 123, 125, 143, and 145. Then, the operation is temporarily stopped at the position where the registration roller 126 is disposed, and the writing timing with the image formed on the photosensitive drum 110 is taken and the paper is fed again.

  A transfer charger 127 transfers the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 110 to a transfer sheet to be fed. Reference numeral 128 denotes a separation charger that separates the transfer sheet on which the transfer operation has been completed from the photosensitive drum 110. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 110 without being transferred is collected by the cleaner 111.

  Reference numeral 129 denotes a conveyance belt which conveys the transfer sheet on which the transfer process has been completed to the fixing device 130 and is fixed by heat, for example. 131 is a flapper that controls the transfer path of the transfer paper after the fixing process to one of the arrangement directions of the sorter 132 and the intermediate tray 137.

  Reference numerals 133 to 136 denote feeding rollers, which feed the transfer paper once the fixing process is completed to the intermediate tray 137 while being reversed (multiple) or non-reversed (both sides). Reference numeral 138 denotes a refeed roller, which again conveys the transfer paper placed on the intermediate tray 137 to the position where the registration roller 126 is disposed.

  The 30 controller units are provided with a microcomputer, an image processing unit, and the like, which will be described later, and perform the above-described image forming operation in accordance with instructions from the man-machine interface device 140.

  The configuration of the operation unit 140 is shown in FIG. The LCD display unit 1032 has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays a system operation screen, and transmits position information to the controller unit 30 when a displayed key is pressed. This will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The numeric keypad 1028 is used to enter numbers such as the number of copies. A start key 1029 is used when starting a document image reading operation. A stop key 1030 is used to stop an operation in progress. A reset key 1031 is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  Reference numeral 1023 denotes a guide key. When the key is not understood, an explanation of the key is displayed. 1024 is a copy mode key which is pressed when copying. Reference numeral 1025 denotes a fax key, which is pressed to make settings related to fax. 1026 is a file key which is pressed when outputting file data. Reference numeral 1027 denotes a printer key, which is used to make settings relating to print output from an external device such as a computer.

Reference numeral 1033 denotes a voice guide key, which can be set by pressing the key when performing voice guidance, and can be canceled by pressing again to turn off the setting.
1034 is a speaker, and an audio guide is output through the speaker. 1035 is a handset that can be used to input voice and listen to voice guides.

FIG. 5 is a basic screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel 140.
Reference numeral 1001 denotes an extended function key. When this key is pressed, a mode such as double-sided copying, multiple copying, movement, binding margin setting, and frame erasing setting is entered. An image mode key 1002 enters a setting mode for shading, shadowing, trimming, and masking a copy image.

  Reference numeral 1003 denotes a user mode key, which can register a mode memory and set a standard mode screen for each user. Reference numeral 1004 denotes an applied zoom key, which enters a mode for independently scaling the X and Y directions of a document, and a zoom program mode for calculating a scaling factor from the document size and copy size.

  Reference numerals 1005, 1006, and 1007 denote an M1 key, an M2 key, and an M3 key, which are pressed when calling each mode memory. Reference numeral 1008 denotes a call key, which is pressed to call the copy mode that was previously set. An option key 1009 sets an optional function such as a film projector for copying directly from the film.

  Reference numeral 1010 denotes a sorter key for setting modes such as sort output and group output. Reference numeral 1011 denotes a mixed document key, which is pressed when setting A4 size and A3 size or B5 size and B4 size documents together in the document feeder.

  1012 is an equal magnification key, which is pressed to set the copy magnification to 100%. Reference numerals 1014 and 1015 denote a reduction key and an enlargement key, respectively, which are pressed to reduce or enlarge the standard size. Reference numeral 1016 denotes a zoom key, which is pressed when performing non-standard reduction or enlargement in increments of 1%.

  A paper selection key 1013 is pressed when selecting a copy paper. 1018 and 1020 are density keys, and each time 1018 is pressed, a dark copy is made, and every time 1020 is pressed, a light copy is made. 1017 is a density display, and when the density key is pressed, the display changes to the left and right.

  Reference numeral 1019 denotes an AE key, which is pressed when a document having a dark background such as a newspaper is copied for automatic density adjustment. Reference numeral 1021 denotes a HiFi key, which is pressed when copying an original having a high halftone density such as a photographic original. Reference numeral 1022 denotes a character emphasis key which is pressed when it is desired to make a character stand out when copying a character document.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the scanner 10 and the printer 20 in the image forming apparatus.
A CPU 751 controls the entire scanner 10 and sequentially reads and executes a program from a read-only memory 753 (ROM) storing a control program.
The CPU address bus and data bus are connected to each load via a circuit comprising a bus driver and an address decoder 752. Further, it is connected to the CPU of the controller unit 30 and performs communication.

Reference numeral 754 denotes a random access memory (RAM) as a main storage device used for storing input data, a working storage area, and the like. 755 is an I / O interface. Each load of a device such as a motor 756, a lamp 757, and a paper detection sensor 758 for detecting the transported paper is driven. Connected to.
The image data read by the CCD unit 106 is transferred to the controller 30.

  Next, a CPU 701 controls the printer 20, and sequentially reads and executes a program from a read-only memory 703 (ROM) that stores a control procedure (control program). The address bus and data bus of the CPU 701 are connected to each load via a bus driver circuit and address decoder circuit 702.

  Reference numeral 704 denotes a random access memory (RAM) which is a main storage device used for storing input data, a working storage area, and the like. Reference numeral 705 denotes an I / O interface, and motors 707, clutches 708, solenoids 709 for driving a paper feed system, a transport system, and an optical system, and paper detection sensors 710 for detecting the transported paper. Connected to each load of the device.

  The developing device 118 is provided with a toner residual detection sensor 711 for detecting the amount of toner in the developing device, and its output signal is input to the I / O port 705. Reference numeral 715 denotes a high voltage unit which outputs a high voltage to the above-described primary charger 113, developing device 118, pre-transfer charger 119, transfer charger 127, and separation charger 128 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 701.

  The image signal output from the CCD unit 106 is subjected to image processing, which will be described later, by the controller unit 30 and outputs control signals for 117 laser units according to the image data. The laser light output from the laser unit 117 irradiates and exposes the photosensitive drum 110, and the light emission state is detected by the beam detection sensor 713 which is a light receiving sensor in the non-image region, and the output signal is output to the I / O port. It is input to 705.

  A block diagram of the controller unit 30 is shown in FIG. The controller unit 30 is connected to the scanner 10 as an image input device and the printer 20 as an image output device. On the other hand, the controller unit 30 is connected to a LAN 2011 or a public line (WAN) 2051 to input / output image information and device information. It is a controller.

  The CPU 2001 is a controller that controls the entire system. A RAM 2002 is a system work memory for operating the CPU 2001, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. ROM 2003 is a boot ROM, which stores a system boot program.

  The HDD 2004 is a hard disk drive that stores system software, image data, advertisement audio data, advertisement image data, and the like. An operation unit I / F 2006 is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 140 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 140 to the operation unit 140.

  Also, it plays a role of transmitting information input from the operation unit 140 by the system user to the CPU 2001. NIC2010 connects to LAN2011 and inputs and outputs information. A Modem 2050 is connected to the public line 2051 and inputs / outputs information. The voice input / output unit 2100 performs control for outputting voice to the speaker, outputting voice to the handset, and inputting voice. A scanner / printer communication I / F 2006 is an I / F for communicating with the CPUs of the scanner 10 and the printer 20. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 2007.

  Image Bus I / F2005 is a bus bridge that connects a system bus 2007 and an image bus 2008 that transfers image data at high speed, and converts the data structure. The image bus 2008 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 2008.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 2060 expands the PDL code into a bitmap image. The device I / F unit 2020 connects the scanner 10 and the printer 20 that are image input / output devices to the controller 30, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  A scanner image processing unit 2080 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on the print output image data. The image rotation unit 2030 rotates image data. The image compression unit 2040 performs compression / expansion processing of JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, and MH for binary image data.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the billing apparatus (billing server) 210. The operation and function of the billing apparatus 210 will be described with reference to this figure.
The billing apparatus 210 has a user registration function, an advertisement provider registration function, an advertisement data registration function, a user authentication function, an advertisement data output function, and a billing processing function, and each can perform parallel processing.

  The user registration function is a function that registers a user ID and its password to authenticate the user. This means that the user accesses the accounting device 210 from a user terminal using a WWW browser or the like prior to copying the document. It is executed by registering (S301, S302).

  The user terminal is not particularly limited, such as the information processing device 212 connected to the LAN 2011 or the information processing device 212 connected to the service provider 204.

  The advertisement provider registration function is a function that registers a user ID and its password in order to authenticate the advertisement provider. This is because the advertisement provider uses a WWW browser or the like from the advertisement provider's terminal before registering the advertisement data. This is executed by accessing the billing apparatus 210 and registering the advertisement provider (S303, S304).

  The advertisement provider terminal is not particularly limited, such as the information processing device 212 connected to the LAN 2011 or the information processing device 212 connected to the service provider 204.

The advertisement data registration function is a function for storing print advertisement data to be printed or voice advertisement data to be output by voice in the image forming apparatus 220 in a storage device (not shown). The advertisement provider uses a WWW browser or the like from the terminal. This is executed by accessing the billing apparatus 210 and registering advertisement data (S305).
At this time, the billing apparatus 210 performs advertisement registrant authentication when registering advertisement data, and stores the advertisement data in the storage device if the authentication is OK (S306, S307). In the case of authentication NG, it is not stored in the storage device, and notification that the advertisement data cannot be registered is sent (S308).

When the user authentication data is input, the user authentication function checks the user ID and password in the user authentication data and performs user authentication (S309, S310). If authentication fails, the user is notified that copying is not possible (S311). If the authentication is successful, copy permission is notified (S312).
The advertisement data output function is a function for outputting advertisement data when there is a request for advertisement data (S313, S314).

  The billing processing function is a function that performs billing processing. It receives a print log that contains information such as the number of copies, user ID, and presence / absence of advertisement, performs charge calculation from the information in the print log, In this case, a copy fee is charged, and an advertisement fee is charged to the advertisement provider (S315, S316, S317).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the main operation and operation of the image forming apparatus 220 related to the present invention, and the operation and function of the image forming apparatus 220 related to the present invention will be described with reference to this figure.
In relation to the present invention, the image forming apparatus 220 has a user authentication data input / output function, an advertisement data acquisition function, an advertisement audio output function, an advertisement transmission confirmation function, a print advertisement addition function, a print function, and a print log issue function. Have.

The user authentication data input / output function is a function for inputting a user ID and password for authentication by the charging device 210 from the operation unit or the headset and outputting the authentication data to the charging device (S401, S402, S403). ).
The advertisement data acquisition function is a function for requesting advertisement data from the billing apparatus 210 and acquiring it when there is an advertisement output instruction from the user (S405, S406, S407).

The advertisement audio output function is a function for outputting the advertisement information by voice using the voice advertisement data acquired from the billing apparatus 210 when a voice instruction is given from the user (S408, S409).
The advertisement transmission confirmation function is a function for confirming that the voice advertisement has been transmitted to the user, and outputs an arbitrary keyword by voice before and after the voice output of the advertisement and requests the user to input the keyword. Authentication is performed (S410, S411).

The print advertisement addition function is a function for adding advertisement information to a margin portion of a document, and adds an advertisement using print advertisement data included in a print job when an advertisement print instruction is given in a job ticket (S412, S413). ).
The printing function is a function of scanning a document with the scanner 10 and printing the scanned image data or image data with an advertisement added by the printer 20 (S414).

  The print log issuance function is a function for issuing a print log. This print log includes print information such as user ID, presence / absence of voice advertisement, presence / absence of print advertisement, number of copies, paper size, color printing, etc. (S415).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing sequence of the printing system in which the charging apparatus 210 and the image forming apparatus 220 are connected to each other via a network. This example is a processing sequence when the user gives a voice advertisement instruction when copying a document, and will be described in order.

S5101, S5201: The user performs user registration with the billing apparatus 210.
S5401, S5202: The advertisement provider registers the advertisement provider with the billing apparatus 210.
S5402, S5203, S5204: The advertisement provider registers advertisement data with the billing apparatus 210.

S5301: The user inputs a user ID and password from the operation unit or headset of the image forming apparatus 220 when copying. The image forming apparatus 220 transmits the input user authentication data to the charging apparatus 210.
S5205: The billing apparatus 210 receives user authentication data and performs user authentication.
S5206: If the user authentication is correct, a copy permission is issued to the image forming apparatus 220.

S5302: The user inputs a voice advertisement output designation from the operation unit or headset of the image forming apparatus 220.
S5303: The image forming apparatus 220 requests advertisement data from the charging apparatus 210.
S5207: Billing apparatus 210 outputs advertisement data.
S5304: The image forming apparatus 220 receives the advertisement data and outputs it as audio.
S5305: The image forming apparatus 220 outputs an arbitrary keyword by voice.
S5306: When the user inputs this keyword from the operation unit or the headset, the image forming apparatus 220 authenticates this.

S5307: The image forming apparatus 220 scans the document to be copied and prints it.
S5308: The image forming apparatus 220 outputs the print log to the charging apparatus 210.
S5208: The accounting device 210 receives the print log and performs accounting calculation.
S5209: The user is charged a copy fee based on the charge calculation result, and the advertisement provider is charged an advertisement fee.
S5102: The user pays a copy fee.
S5403: The advertisement provider pays an advertisement fee.

  If it is possible to advertise by voice in this way, the copy fee can be reduced while maintaining the appearance of the manuscript, ink and toner for the advertisement are saved, and for the blind and color-impaired. So that the advertising effect can be obtained.

(Other embodiments)
In the first embodiment, user registration is performed from the user terminal. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and user registration from the operation unit or the like of the image forming apparatus 220 may be performed. Similarly, advertisement provider registration is not limited to this.
Further, although the advertisement data is stored in the billing apparatus 210, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a storage device unit or a file server in the image forming apparatus 220.

The features of the present invention will be described below.
(Appendix 1) A billing apparatus connected to each other via an image forming apparatus and a network, user registration means for registering a user who uses the image forming apparatus, and an advertisement provider who performs an advertisement in the image forming apparatus An advertisement provider registration means for registering an advertisement data, an advertisement data registration means for registering advertisement data by the registered advertisement provider, and a user who uses the image forming apparatus is a user registered by the user registration means User authentication means for authenticating whether, advertisement data output means for outputting the advertisement data to the image forming apparatus, receiving a print log from the image forming apparatus, and copying and advertising charges based on the print log A billing apparatus comprising billing calculation means for calculating.

  (Supplementary note 2) The charging apparatus according to supplementary note 1, wherein the user authentication means authenticates with a user ID and a password.

(Appendix 3) An image forming apparatus connected to each other via a charging device and a network,
Authentication data input means for inputting user authentication data for performing user authentication in the charging device;
An advertisement execution means for performing an advertisement when a user gives an advertisement instruction,
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a print log issuing unit that issues a print log including information such as the number of copies, a user ID, and presence / absence of an advertisement.

  (Supplementary note 4) The image forming apparatus according to supplementary note 3, further comprising advertisement voice output means for outputting an advertisement by voice when the advertisement instruction by the user is a voice advertisement instruction.

  (Supplementary note 5) The image forming apparatus according to supplementary notes 3 and 4, further comprising advertisement transmission confirmation means for confirming that the voice advertisement has been transmitted to the user when the advertisement instruction by the user is a voice advertisement instruction.

  (Additional remark 6) The said image transmission confirmation means is based on the keyword by audio | voice output, and its authentication, The image forming apparatus of Additional remark 5 characterized by the above-mentioned.

  (Supplementary note 7) The image forming apparatus according to supplementary note 3, further comprising advertisement printing means for printing an advertisement when the advertisement instruction by the user is an advertisement print instruction.

  (Supplementary note 8) The image forming apparatus according to supplementary note 7, wherein when the advertisement is printed, the advertisement is printed on a blank portion of a document.

    (Appendix 9) A printing system in which a charging apparatus and an image forming apparatus are connected to each other via a network, and a process of subtracting an advertising fee from a copying fee when a voice advertisement is output or printed when a document is printed A printing system comprising:

1 is a diagram illustrating a printing system including an information processing apparatus, a charging apparatus, and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an overall configuration inside an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows an operation part. It is a figure which shows a LCD display. 2 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of a scanner and a printer in the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of a controller unit. It is a flowchart showing the operation | movement procedure of a charging device. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing sequence of the printing system which is embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

210 Billing device (billing server)
220 Image forming apparatus 140 Operation unit 1034 Speaker 1035 Headset 2100 Audio input / output unit

Claims (1)

A charging device connected to each other via an image forming apparatus and a network,
User registration means for registering a user who uses the image forming apparatus;
An advertisement provider registration means for registering an advertisement provider who performs an advertisement in the image forming apparatus;
Advertisement data registration means for registering advertisement data by the registered advertisement provider;
User authentication means for authenticating whether a user who uses the image forming apparatus is a user registered by the user registration means;
Advertisement data output means for outputting the advertisement data to the image forming apparatus;
An accounting apparatus, comprising: accounting calculation means for receiving a print log from the image forming apparatus and calculating a copy fee and an advertisement fee based on the print log.

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