JP2005284639A - Data processor and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control how to process information recorded in mass-produced electronic tags low in cost utilizing data codes in a data processor for reading and processing the data codes (bar codes or the like) and electronic tags (RFID tags or the like). <P>SOLUTION: The data processor 1 discriminates processing of information recorded in the RFID tag stuck on a product by comparing the validity (validity of information recorded in the RFID tag) read from the bar code stuck on the product, with system time (i.e., present time) in the processor, and controls to allow the use of information in the RFID tag when the present time is within the validity and not to allow the use of the information in the RFID tag when the present time is not within the validity. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus and a program.

In recent years, barcodes have been affixed to various products and have become a central medium for product identification processing. Recently, an identification technique using an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag has been attracting attention as a technique to replace a bar code, and is now in a practical stage (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The reason RFID tags are attracting attention is that in addition to having excellent functions (reading and writing, high data storage capacity, resistance to dirt, etc.) compared to barcodes, the price has recently decreased. It is in.
JP 2002-329177 A

  However, even though the price of RFID tags is decreasing, RFID tags made of electronic components cost about 10 to 100 times that of barcodes compared to barcodes that only cost less than 1 yen. It takes. In particular, when different information for each product such as expiration date information and owner information is recorded on the RFID attached to each product, various types of RFID tags must be prepared. Production costs will increase. In order to control the production cost of RFID tags, it is necessary to record mass information by recording common information on all RFID tags attached to the same type of product. No method has been proposed for using individual products using tags.

  An object of the present invention is to enable data processing using a mass-produced low-cost electronic tag in a data processing apparatus that reads and processes a data code (bar code or the like) and an electronic tag (RFID tag or the like). That is.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a code reading unit for optically reading a data code, a tag reading unit for reading an electronic tag by a wireless communication unit, and an electronic tag included in the data code read by the code reading unit. Based on the control information, determination means for determining the processing content for the information of the electronic tag read by the tag reading means, and control for processing the information of the electronic tag according to the processing content determined by the determination means Means.

  The program according to claim 5 is included in a computer, a code reading function for optically reading a data code, a tag reading function for reading an electronic tag by wireless communication means, and a data code read by the code reading function. Based on the control information of the electronic tag, the determination function for determining the processing content for the information of the electronic tag read by the tag reading function, and the information of the electronic tag according to the processing content determined by the determination function And a control function to be processed.

  According to the present invention, the processing content for information recorded on an electronic tag (for example, an RFID tag) is determined from information read from a data code (for example, a barcode), and based on the determined processing content. By processing the information of the electronic tag, it becomes possible to control how the information recorded on the mass-produced low-cost electronic tag is processed using the data code. .

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
With reference to FIGS. 1-3, Embodiment 1 of this invention is demonstrated in detail. First, the configuration in the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 shows a main configuration of a data processing apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied. The data processing device 1 is a handy terminal (see FIG. 2) that can read both a barcode and an RFID tag. As shown in FIG. 1, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2, a display device 3, an input device 4, The wireless communication control unit 5, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 6, a storage device 7, a code reader 8, and an RFID reader 9 are connected to each other via a bus 10.

  The CPU 2 reads out various control processing programs stored in the storage device 7 and develops them in the RAM 6, and controls each part of the data processing device 1 according to these control processing programs. Hereinafter, the control operation by the CPU 2 will be described.

  The CPU 2 compares the expiration date read from the barcode attached to the product (the expiration date (expiration date) of the information recorded on the RFID tag) with the system time (that is, the current time) in the apparatus. The processing for the information recorded on the RFID tag attached to the product is determined. When the current time is within the expiration date, the CPU 2 uses the RFID tag information, and when the current time is not within the expiration date, the CPU 2 performs control so that the RFID tag information cannot be used (see FIG. 3).

  The display device 3 includes a display screen such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and performs a required display process according to a display control signal input from the CPU 2.

  The input device 4 includes a power key, a trigger key for instructing activation of the RFID reader 9, various function keys, and the like, and outputs an operation signal generated by pressing the key to the CPU 2.

  The wireless communication control unit 5 performs communication control for performing communication with other devices connected to the communication network by a predetermined wireless communication method.

  The RAM 6 develops various control processing programs and various application programs executed by the CPU 2 in a program storage area. The RAM 6 temporarily stores input data and data such as processing results generated when the above control processing program is executed in the work area.

  The storage device 7 has a recording medium in which a control processing program executed by the CPU 2 and data used in these programs are stored in advance. This recording medium is composed of a magnetic or optical recording medium or a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor, and is fixedly attached to the storage device 7 or detachably mounted.

  Note that some or all of the programs, data, and the like stored in the storage device 7 may be received from other devices via a communication network and stored. Further, the recording medium may be a recording medium of another host computer constructed on a communication network. Further, the program stored in the storage device 7 may be transmitted to other devices via a communication network and installed in these devices.

  The code reading device 8 includes a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, an A / D converter, or the like. A CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor reads a barcode by reflected light of a laser beam irradiated on a barcode to be read (see FIG. 2), and converts the optical image signal obtained by the reading into an electrical signal (analog). The A / D converter converts this analog signal into a digital signal.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the RFID reader 9 reads information recorded on the RFID tag in a non-contact manner by a wireless communication unit having a frequency and a wireless communication protocol corresponding to the RFID tag, and outputs the read result to the CPU 2.

Next, the operation in the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the data processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. This flowchart is for explaining a program for causing a computer constituting the data processing apparatus 1 to realize each function. In the first embodiment, an example in which the program is stored in the recording medium in the form of a program code that can be read by the CPU 2 will be described. However, it is not necessary to store all the functions in the recording medium. A part or all thereof may be received from the wireless communication control unit 5 via a communication network and realized.

  With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3, data processing executed by the data processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  When a trigger key for instructing activation of the RFID reader 9 is pressed (step S1; YES), the RFID tag attached to the product is read by the RFID reader 9 (step S2), and the code reader 8 The barcode attached to the product is read (step S3). The information read from the barcode includes the expiration date of the information recorded on the RFID tag.

  Next, the expiration date read from the barcode is compared with the system time (that is, the current time) in the apparatus, and it is determined whether or not the current time is within the expiration date (within the expiration date) (step S4). ). If it is determined in step S4 that the current time is within the validity period (step S4; YES), control is transferred to a program that uses information read from the RFID tag (step S5), and this data processing is completed. To do.

  If it is determined in step S4 that the current time has passed the expiration date (step S4; NO), the display device 3 displays that the information read from the RFID tag has expired (step S6). Shifts to the waiting state for key input by the operator.

  In the first embodiment, since variable information such as an expiration date is set later by a barcode, it is not necessary to set an expiration date at the time of RFID tag creation (at the time of writing). The same information may be written in RFID tags attached to all products. Therefore, low-priced RFID tags can be mass-produced.

  As an application example of the first embodiment, for example, as a medium for recording a trial period limited program that is currently distributed free of charge on a floppy (registered trademark) disk, CD-ROM, or the like, an RFID tag that is less expensive than these media Can be used. In this case, each RFID tag does not have its expiration date (expiration date) individually set, but a large number of RFID tags with the same program recorded are produced in batches. You only have to set it.

  In recent years, the cost of scanner modules and RFID tag reader modules has been reduced. Scanner modules have come to be installed in mobile phones. The RFID tag reader module may also be mounted on a mobile phone in the future as an input device of a payment system, for example. Therefore, for example, when an application program executed on a mobile phone is distributed by an RFID tag for a limited trial period, the first embodiment can be applied.

  As described above, according to the data processing device 1 of the first embodiment, the availability of the information recorded in the RFID tag is determined from the expiration date information set in the barcode that is a medium different from the RFID tag. By processing the information recorded on the low-priced RFID tags mass-produced by making the information of the RFID tags usable only when the current time is within the expiration date Is possible.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. First, the configuration in the second embodiment will be described. Since the main part configuration of the data processing apparatus in the second embodiment is the same as that of the data processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, the illustration is omitted and the same reference numerals are used. Only differences from the data processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

  The CPU 2 of the data processing device 1 according to the second embodiment reads various control processing programs stored in the storage device 7 and develops them in the RAM 6 and controls each unit of the data processing device 1 according to these control processing programs. Hereinafter, the control operation by the CPU 2 will be described.

  The CPU 2 determines the correction content of the information recorded on the RFID tag attached to the product from the correction information read from the barcode attached to the product, and the RFID reading is performed according to the determined correction content. The apparatus 9 is caused to correct the information recorded on the RFID tag (see FIG. 4).

  The RFID reader 9 reads information recorded on the RFID tag in a non-contact manner by wireless communication (see FIG. 2), and outputs the read result to the CPU 2. The RFID reader 9 writes information designated by the CPU 2 to the RFID tag by radio waves.

Next, the operation in the second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the data processing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. This flowchart is for explaining a program for causing a computer constituting the data processing apparatus 1 to realize each function. In the second embodiment, an example in which this program is stored in a recording medium in the form of a program code that can be read by the CPU 2 will be described, but it is not necessary to store all the functions in the recording medium. A part or all thereof may be received from the wireless communication control unit 5 via a communication network and realized.

  With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4, data processing executed by the data processing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described.

  When a trigger key for instructing activation of the RFID reader 9 is pressed (step S10; YES), the RFID tag attached to the product is read by the RFID reader 9 (step S11), and the code reader 8 The barcode attached to the product is read (step S12).

  The information read from the barcode includes correction information for information recorded on the RFID tag. As shown in FIG. 5, the correction information is composed of items of offset information, old information, and new information. The offset information is information indicating the offset position of data recorded in the RFID tag, the old information is information before correction of the corresponding offset position, and the new information is new information after correction of the corresponding offset position. Indicates.

  Next, one piece of offset information is extracted from the correction information read from the barcode (step S13), and the old information corresponding to the offset information matches the information at the corresponding offset position read from the RFID tag. It is determined whether or not (step S14).

  In step S14, when it is determined that the old information in the correction information and the information at the corresponding offset position of the RFID tag do not match (step S14; NO), the information read from the RFID tag has expired. It is displayed on the display device 3 (step S18), and it shifts to a waiting state for key input by the operator.

  In step S14, when it is determined that the old information in the correction information matches the information at the corresponding offset position of the RFID tag (step S14; YES), the information at the corresponding offset position of the RFID tag is in the correction information. It is replaced with new information (step S15). Next, it is determined whether or not the correction process has been completed for all offset information in the correction information (step S16).

  If it is determined in step S16 that the correction process has not been completed for all offset information (step S16; NO), the next offset information is extracted from the correction information (step S13), and steps S14 to S17 and S18 are performed. The process is repeated. If it is determined in step S16 that the correction processing has been completed for all offset information (step S16; YES), control is transferred to a program that uses information read from the RFID tag (step S17), and this data processing is performed. Ends.

  The second embodiment can be applied as a processing method when a bug is found after the software is released. Currently, bugs discovered after the release of the software on the market can be addressed by a service pack provided later. For example, a customer who purchases a certain operating system must install a separately provided service pack in order to deal with bugs included in the operating system. When the second embodiment is applied, a portion corresponding to the service pack can be provided as a barcode.

  As described above, according to the data processing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, the information recorded in the RFID tag is corrected based on the correction information set in the barcode, and thus is produced in large quantities. Even if there is an error in the contents of the RFID tag that cannot be rewritten, it can be easily corrected (partially rewritten) later. This eliminates the need to discard an RFID tag having an error in the recorded contents as in the prior art. Further, in the correction process, after confirming the content of the data (old information) to be corrected and replaced with new information (new information), when there is an error in the correction information set in the barcode The security of the information recorded on the RFID tag can be ensured without the correction process being interrupted and the erroneous patch process being performed.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. First, the configuration in the third embodiment will be described. Since the main part configuration of the data processing apparatus in the third embodiment is the same as that of the data processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, the illustration is omitted and the same reference numerals are used. Only differences from the data processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

  The CPU 2 of the data processing device 1 according to the third embodiment reads various control processing programs stored in the storage device 7 and expands them in the RAM 6 and controls each unit of the data processing device 1 according to these control processing programs. Hereinafter, the control operation by the CPU 2 will be described.

  The CPU 2 delivers the parameters (owner information and the like) set in the barcode to a program that requires information recorded in the RFID tag and executes the program. For example, the CPU 2 displays the owner information (for example, a product key attached to the CD-ROM) read from the barcode attached to the product and the device identification information of the data processing device 1. By comparing, it is determined whether or not the user can use information read from the RFID tag attached to the product. When the CPU 2 determines that the information read from the RFID tag is usable by the user, the CPU 2 performs control so that the information of the RFID tag can be used. When the CPU 2 determines that the information of the RFID is not usable by the user, Control is performed so that the information of the RFID tag cannot be used (see FIG. 6).

Next, the operation in the third embodiment will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the data processing apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. This flowchart is for explaining a program for causing a computer constituting the data processing apparatus 1 to realize each function. In the third embodiment, an example in which this program is stored in a recording medium in the form of a program code that can be read by the CPU 2 will be described, but it is not necessary to store all the functions in the recording medium. A part or all thereof may be received from the wireless communication control unit 5 via a communication network and realized.

  Data processing executed by the data processing apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When a trigger key for instructing activation of the RFID reader 9 is pressed (step S20; YES), the RFID tag attached to the product is read by the RFID reader 9 (step S21), and the code reader 8 The barcode attached to the product is read (step S22). The information read from the bar code includes owner information (such as a product key added to the CD-ROM).

  Next, control is transferred to a program that receives information read from the RFID tag using the owner information read in step S22 as a parameter (step S23). Next, whether the user can use the information read from the RFID tag by comparing the owner information read in step S22 with the device identification information of the data processing device 1 by the program that has received the control right. It is determined whether or not the owner information is correct (step S24).

  If it is determined in step S24 that the owner information is correct (step S24; YES), the information read from the RFID tag is processed (step S25), and this data processing ends. If it is determined in step S24 that the owner information is not correct (step S24; NO), the display device 3 displays that the current user does not have the right to access the information read from the RFID tag (step S26). ), And shifts to a waiting state for key input by the operator.

  As described above, according to the data processing device 1 of the third embodiment, parameters (owner information and the like) set in the barcode are delivered to a program that receives information recorded in the RFID tag, and the program is executed. By executing, it becomes possible to process information recorded on mass-produced RFID tags using information set in the barcode. In particular, when the parameter set in the barcode is the owner information, it is recorded on the RFID tag by determining the user's access authority to the information recorded on the RFID tag from the owner information. The security of the information can be ensured. In the future, when the program recorded in the RFID tag is generally distributed as described in the first embodiment, the parameter set in the barcode is transferred to the program recorded in the RFID tag. Then, the versatility of the program can be improved.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. First, the configuration of the fourth embodiment will be described. Since the main part configuration of the data processing apparatus in the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the data processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, the illustration thereof is omitted and the same reference numerals are used. Only differences from the data processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

  The CPU 2 of the data processing device 1 according to the fourth embodiment reads out various control processing programs stored in the storage device 7 and develops them in the RAM 6, and controls each unit of the data processing device 1 according to these control processing programs. Hereinafter, the control operation by the CPU 2 will be described.

  The CPU 2 discriminates the processing for the information read from the RFID tag from the processing type identifier (expiration date type, data correction type, parameter type) (see FIG. 8) read from the header part of the barcode. Depending on the processing, the information read from the RFID tag is processed (see FIG. 7). In the fourth embodiment, the parameter specified by the parameter type indicates owner information (for example, a product key added to the CD-ROM).

  When the processing type identifier is the expiration date type, the CPU 2 determines the expiration date read from the barcode (the expiration date of the information recorded in the RFID tag) and the system time in the apparatus (that is, as in the first embodiment). , The current time) is compared to determine the processing for the information recorded in the RFID tag. When the current time is within the expiration date, the CPU 2 uses information of the RFID tag, and when the current time has passed the expiration date, the CPU 2 performs control so that the RFID tag information cannot be used.

  When the processing type identifier is a data correction type, the CPU 2 determines the correction content of the information recorded in the RFID tag from the correction information read from the barcode, as in the second embodiment, and the determined correction The information recorded in the RFID tag is corrected according to the contents.

  When the processing type identifier is a parameter type, the CPU 2 reads the RFID tag from the RFID tag by comparing the owner information read from the barcode with the device identification information of the data processing device 1 as in the third embodiment. It is determined whether or not the information is available to the user. When the CPU 2 determines that the information read from the RFID tag is usable by the user, the CPU 2 performs control so that the information of the RFID tag can be used. When the CPU 2 determines that the information of the RFID is not usable by the user, The RFID tag information is controlled so that it cannot be used.

Next, the operation in the fourth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the data processing apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment. This flowchart is for explaining a program for causing a computer constituting the data processing apparatus 1 to realize each function. In the fourth embodiment, an example in which this program is stored in a recording medium in the form of a program code that can be read by the CPU 2 will be described. However, it is not necessary to store all the functions in the recording medium. A part or all thereof may be received from the wireless communication control unit 5 via a communication network and realized.

  Data processing executed by the data processing apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the trigger key for instructing activation of the RFID reader 9 is pressed (step S30; YES), the RFID tag attached to the product is read by the RFID reader 9 (step S31), and the code reader 8 The barcode attached to the product is read (step S32). As shown in FIG. 8, the bar code is composed of a processing type identifier recorded in the header portion and processing data. When the processing type identifier is the expiration date type, the expiration date information (the expiration date information of the information recorded in the RFID tag) is recorded as the processing data. When the processing type identifier is the data correction type, the processing data is When correction information as shown in FIG. 5 is recorded and the processing type identifier is a parameter type, owner information (such as a product key added to a CD-ROM) is recorded as processing data. Has been.

  Next, a processing type identifier is determined from the header portion of the barcode read in step S32 (steps S33 to S35). When the process type identifier is an expiration date type (step S33; YES), an expiration date check process is performed (step S37), and this data processing is terminated. The expiration date check process in step S37 is the same as the process (step 1) in steps S4 to S6 in FIG.

  If the process type identifier is a data correction type (step S34; YES), a data correction process is performed (step S38), and the data process ends. The data correction process in step S38 is the same as the process (second embodiment) in steps S13 to S18 in FIG.

  When the process type identifier is a parameter type (step S35; YES), a parameter delivery process is performed (step S39), and this data process ends. The parameter delivery process in step S39 is the same as the process (step 3) in steps S23 to S26 in FIG.

  If the process type identifier is not recognized (step S35; NO), the display device 3 displays that an illegal barcode has been read (step S36), and the data processing is terminated.

  As described above, according to the data processing device 1 of the fourth embodiment, based on the information read from the barcode, the expiration date of the information (tag information) recorded on the RFID tag is checked and the tag information is corrected. By automatically allocating and executing the parameter delivery process to the tag information, the user does not need to start a program corresponding to the process to be executed in advance. That is, the user need not be aware of the process to be executed.

  In addition, the description content in each said embodiment can be suitably changed in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, a case where a one-dimensional barcode is used as a medium on which expiration date information, correction information, and owner information of information recorded on an RFID tag is recorded has been described. Alternatively, a medium having a higher data storage capacity (for example, a two-dimensional barcode) may be used.

  Further, the barcode and the RFID tag can be used in every field such as manufacturing industry, distribution industry, and medical care. Below, the usage example in the medical field of a barcode and an RFID tag is demonstrated easily.

  An RFID tag (or barcode) on which the name and components of the medicine are recorded is affixed to the label of the medicine storage case, and the patient name (or patient identification information) is attached to the wristband attached to each patient's bed or wrist. ) Is recorded on the RFID tag (or barcode). Also, an electronic medical record equipped with an RFID tag reader is prepared, and a table (LUT) indicating the correspondence between the patient name and the medicine to be administered is stored in the storage device.

  In preparation for medication, the patient name is read from the RFID tag (or barcode) attached to the wristband attached to the patient's bed or wrist, and the RFID tag (or bar attached to the label of the medicine to be administered). The drug name is read from the code. Then, the read patient name and drug name are collated with the LUT stored in the electronic medical record, and if there is no matching data, a warning sound is issued to alert the doctor or nurse in charge. To do. In this way, it is possible to prevent medication errors in advance.

The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the data processor which concerns on Embodiment 1-4 of this invention. The figure which shows the mode of reading of the barcode and RFID tag by the data processor of this embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing data processing executed by the data processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows the data processing performed by the data processor of Embodiment 2 of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the correction information read from the barcode. The flowchart which shows the data processing performed by the data processor of Embodiment 3 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the data processing performed by the data processor of Embodiment 4 of this invention. The figure which shows the process type identifier and process data in a barcode.

Explanation of symbols

1 Data processing device 2 CPU
3 Display device 4 Input device 5 Wireless communication control unit 6 RAM
7 Storage device 8 Code reader 9 RFID reader

Claims (5)

Code reading means for optically reading the data code;
Tag reading means for reading the electronic tag by wireless communication means;
A discriminating means for discriminating the processing content for the information of the electronic tag read by the tag reading means, based on the control information of the electronic tag included in the data code read by the code reading means;
Control means for processing information of the electronic tag according to the processing content determined by the determination means;
A data processing apparatus comprising: In the data code, the expiration date information of the information of the electronic tag is recorded,
The determination means determines the processing content whether to use the information of the electronic tag by comparing the current time and the expiration date read from the data code,
The control means reads and uses information of the electronic tag when the current time is within the expiration date read from the data code, and the current time has passed the expiration date read from the data code. 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control is performed so that the information of the electronic tag is not used when it is present. In the data code, correction information of the information of the electronic tag is recorded,
The determination means determines the correction content for the information of the electronic tag from the correction information read from the data code,
The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit corrects the information of the electronic tag according to the correction content determined by the determination unit. In the data code, owner information of the electronic tag is recorded,
The determination means determines the processing content of whether or not the user can use the information of the electronic tag based on the owner information read from the data code,
When it is determined that the processing information that the user can use the information of the electronic tag, the control unit controls the information of the electronic tag so that the user can use the information, and the user uses the information of the electronic tag. 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the processing content is not possible, the information of the read electronic tag is controlled so as not to be used. On the computer,
A code reading function for optically reading data codes;
A tag reading function for reading an electronic tag by wireless communication means;
A discrimination function for discriminating the processing content for the information of the electronic tag read by the tag reading function based on the control information of the electronic tag included in the data code read by the code reading function;
A control function for processing information of the electronic tag according to the processing content determined by the determination function;
A program to realize

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