JP2014064752A - Clinical thermometer, clinical thermometer control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect a physical condition change of a subject with high degree of accuracy, thereby measuring his/her body temperature in accordance with the physical condition change.SOLUTION: A clinical thermometer is adhered or attached to a subject to measure the body temperature of the subject. The clinical thermometer includes a respiratory rate measuring unit for measuring the respiratory rate of the subject per unit time; an interval control unit for controlling the interval of measurement of the subject's body temperature in accordance with the respiratory rate measured by the respiratory rate measuring unit; and a body temperature measurement unit for measuring the body temperature of the subject at the measurement interval controlled by the interval control unit.

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermometer, a thermometer control method, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a thermometer that measures the body temperature in the deep part of a subject by being attached or attached to the body surface of the subject (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In a thermometer that continuously measures body temperature by being attached to or attached to a subject, there is a great need for power saving from the viewpoint of battery life and battery size. In particular, in the method of transmitting the measured body temperature data sequentially and wirelessly, the power required for data transmission is large, so the number of data transmissions should be as small as possible. Further, in the case of a system in which measured body temperature data is sequentially recorded in a memory, it is preferable that the number of body temperature measurements is as small as possible from the viewpoint of the required memory size and cost.

  On the other hand, when the subject's physical condition is deteriorated, there is a need to measure the body temperature at a short measurement interval to monitor the subject's condition.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for shortening the body temperature measurement interval when the body temperature of the subject is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

JP 2007-212407 A JP 2007-229078 A

  However, as in Patent Document 2, when body temperature is used as an index of a change in the physical condition of a subject, body temperature is an index that is easily affected by aging and internal medicines, so body temperature measurement is not necessarily performed at an appropriate measurement interval. There is a problem that it is not always done.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to detect a change in the physical condition of a subject with high accuracy and to realize a body temperature measurement according to the change in the physical condition.

The thermometer according to the present invention that achieves the above object is as follows.
A thermometer that measures the body temperature of the subject by attaching or attaching to the subject,
Respiration rate measuring means for measuring the respiration rate per unit time of the subject;
Interval control means for controlling a measurement interval for measuring the body temperature of the subject according to the respiratory rate measured by the respiratory rate measuring means;
Body temperature measuring means for measuring the body temperature of the subject at a measurement interval controlled by the interval control means;
It is characterized by providing.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the body temperature measurement according to a physical condition change is realizable by detecting the physical condition change of a subject with high precision.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of a body temperature measurement system provided with the thermometer which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and the body temperature display apparatus which can communicate with the said thermometer. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the thermometer which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the body temperature display apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which the thermometer which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention implements. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which the thermometer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention implements. The figure which shows an example of the function used by the measurement interval calculation process which the thermometer which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention implements. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which the thermometer which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention implements.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
1. External Configuration of Body Temperature Measurement System First, an external configuration of a body temperature measurement system including a thermometer 10 according to the first embodiment and a body temperature display device 20 that can communicate with the thermometer 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The thermometer 10 is attached or attached to the body surface 30 of the subject and measures the body temperature of the subject. In the present embodiment, in order to measure the respiration rate per unit time of the subject, the chest is mainly assumed as the body surface 30 of the subject. It is sufficient that the thermometer 10 is attached or attached to the body. As the thermometer 10, for example, a heat flow type thermometer can be used, but other types of thermometers may be used. The thermometer 10 includes an RF-ID tag (not shown) including an antenna unit for performing communication, and transmits measured body temperature data and / or various information to the body temperature display device 20 by wireless communication.

  The body temperature display device 20 includes an RF-ID reader / writer (not shown) that transmits an electromagnetic wave having a predetermined frequency, for example, 13.56 MHz. From the measurement site to which the thermometer 10 having the RF-ID tag is attached. When approaching a position of about 5 to 15 mm, it is magnetically coupled with the RF-ID tag, and body temperature data and / or various information can be received from the RF-ID tag. In the present embodiment, an example in which communication is performed using an RF-ID has been described. However, communication may be performed using any wireless communication technology.

2. Functional Configuration of Thermometer Next, the functional configuration of the thermometer 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The thermometer 10 includes an antenna 100, a processing unit 110, a respiration rate measuring unit 120, and a body temperature measuring unit 130.

  The processing unit 110 includes a control unit 111, an interval control unit 112, a data storage unit 113, and a wireless communication unit 114. The control unit 111 controls the operation of each component by reading and executing a program stored in the data storage unit 113 (storage medium). The interval control unit 112 controls the body temperature measurement interval of the subject by the body temperature measuring unit 130 based on the respiration rate per unit time of the subject measured by the respiration rate measuring unit 120. The data storage unit 113 sequentially stores body temperature data of the subject measured by the body temperature measurement unit 130. Further, a program executed by the control unit 111, identification information unique to the RF-ID tag of the thermometer 10, other data, and the like are stored.

  The wireless communication unit 114 includes a data transmission unit 1141 and a data reception unit 1142, and transmits / receives various data to / from the body temperature display device 20 via the antenna 100. The body temperature data of the subject measured by the body temperature measuring unit 130 is sequentially transmitted.

  The respiration rate measurement unit 120 includes a sensor unit 1201 that detects a respiration rate and a circuit unit 1202 that processes the output of the sensor unit 1201, and calculates the respiration rate per unit time (for example, per minute) of the subject. taking measurement. The respiratory rate is an important vital sign indicating the physical condition of the subject. The respiratory rate is less susceptible to aging and internal medicine than body temperature, and the respiratory rate tends to increase quickly according to changes in physical condition. Especially in the elderly, the respiratory rate is an important vital sign for grasping the physical condition. In the respiration rate measurement unit 120, an acceleration sensor, a strain gauge, a piezoelectric sensor, or the like can be used as the sensor unit 1201.

  First, the case where an acceleration sensor is used will be described. The chest of the subject reciprocates due to respiration, and the accelerometer attached to the chest reciprocates accordingly. As a result, an output is generated in the acceleration sensor, so that the respiration rate of the subject can be measured.

  Next, a case where a strain gauge is used will be described. A strain gauge is a mechanical sensor for measuring strain, and is converted into a strain amount by measuring a change in electrical resistance in conjunction with deformation of an object to be measured. By continuously observing this change in strain, the number of chest deformations associated with the subject's breathing can be measured, so that the respiratory rate can be measured in the same manner.

  Further, a case where a piezoelectric sensor is used will be described. A piezoelectric sensor is a sensor that converts a force applied to a piezoelectric body into a voltage, and can measure the number of chest deformations associated with breathing of the subject according to the degree of force applied. The number can be measured.

  When the interval control unit 112 determines whether or not the respiration rate per unit time measured by the respiration rate measurement unit 120 is greater than or equal to a threshold Th1 (for example, 19 times / minute), and is determined to be greater than or equal to the threshold Th1 Then, the body temperature measurement interval of the subject by the body temperature measurement unit 130 is controlled to the first measurement interval Ts (for example, 5 minutes). On the other hand, when it is determined that the respiration rate per unit time is less than the threshold, the body temperature measurement interval is controlled to a second measurement interval TL (for example, 30 minutes) longer than the first measurement interval Ts. Thereby, body temperature can be measured at a measurement interval according to the physical condition of the subject, and battery consumption due to unnecessary body temperature measurement and wireless transmission of body temperature data can be reduced. Further, when the body temperature data is sequentially stored in the memory, the amount of memory used can be reduced.

  The body temperature measurement unit 130 includes a sensor unit 1301 that detects temperature and a circuit unit 1302 that processes the output of the sensor unit 1301, and measures the body temperature of the subject at a measurement interval controlled by the interval control unit 112. .

3. Functional Configuration of Body Temperature Display Device Next, a functional configuration of the body temperature display device 20 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The body temperature display device 20 includes a power supply unit including a battery, a rechargeable battery, and an operation switch including a power ON / OFF switch, but is omitted here.

  In FIG. 3, the body temperature display device 20 includes an RF-ID reader / writer 200, a control unit 210, a data storage unit 220, a display unit 230, a wired communication unit 240, and an input reception unit 250. .

  The RF-ID reader / writer 200 includes an antenna 201, a wireless communication unit 202, a signal conversion unit 203, and a signal processing unit 204. The antenna 201 receives measured temperature data and the like from an RF-ID tag included in the thermometer 10. Also, various data input by the user via the input receiving unit 250 can be transmitted to the RF-ID tag of the thermometer 10.

  The wireless communication unit 202 outputs the data received from the RF-ID tag of the thermometer 10 via the antenna 201 to the signal conversion unit 203. In addition, various data input by the user via the input receiving unit 250 is output to the antenna 201.

  The signal conversion unit 203 converts the data received from the wireless communication unit 202 into digital data and outputs the digital data to the signal processing unit 204. The signal processing unit 204 processes the digital data acquired from the signal conversion unit 203 and transmits it to the control unit 210.

  The control unit 210 controls each operation of the wireless communication unit 202, the signal conversion unit 203, and the signal processing unit 204 by reading and executing a program stored in the data storage unit 220 (storage medium). In addition, the data received from the signal processing unit 204 is stored in the data storage unit 220 together with the identification information or displayed on the display unit 230. Also, setting data of various threshold values (threshold value Th1 and threshold value Th2 described later in the second embodiment, etc.) input by the user via the input receiving unit 250 are acquired and transmitted to the thermometer 10 via the antenna 201. Can do. Thereby, the user can set a threshold value.

  The data storage unit 220 receives the temperature data of the subject measured by the thermometer 10 received by the thermometer display device 20 from the thermometer 10, the program executed by the control unit 210, and the identification unique to the RF-ID of the body temperature display device 20. Information, other data, etc. are stored.

  The display unit 230 is a liquid crystal display, for example, and displays the temperature data of the subject received from the thermometer 10. Display unit 230 may be configured with a touch panel that can accept user input. The wired communication unit 240 transmits the body temperature data stored in the data storage unit 220 to other information processing devices (other information processing devices connected by wire via the wired communication unit 240) together with the identification information.

  The input receiving unit 250 can receive an input from the user, and may use any form such as a combination of a keyboard, a determination button and a selection button, and a touch input via a touch panel.

4). Process Performed by Thermometer Hereinafter, the procedure of the process performed by the thermometer 10 according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In S401, the respiration rate measurement unit 120 measures the respiration rate per unit time of the subject. For example, the respiration rate per minute is measured.

  In S402, the interval control unit 112 determines whether or not the respiration rate per unit time measured by the respiration rate measurement unit 120 is greater than or equal to a threshold Th1 (for example, 19 times / min). When it is determined that the respiration rate per unit time is equal to or greater than the threshold Th1 (S402; YES), the process proceeds to S403. On the other hand, when it is determined that the respiration rate per unit time is less than the threshold Th1 (S402; NO), the process proceeds to S404. Note that the value of the threshold value Th1 may be changeable, and the thermometer 10 acquires setting data input by the user in the body temperature display device 20 by wireless communication, and the acquired setting data is set as the threshold value Th1. Good. Alternatively, the thermometer 10 may further include an input receiving unit (not shown), and setting data acquired by user input via the input receiving unit may be set as the threshold Th1.

  In S403, the interval control unit 112 sets the measurement interval of the body temperature of the subject by the body temperature measurement unit 130 to the first measurement interval Ts (for example, 5 minutes). That is, when the respiratory rate is high, it can be determined that the physical condition of the subject has deteriorated, so the body temperature of the subject is frequently monitored by shortening the body temperature measurement interval.

  In S404, the interval control unit 112 sets the measurement interval of the body temperature by the body temperature measurement unit 130 to a second measurement interval TL (for example, 30 minutes) longer than the first measurement interval Ts.

  In S405, the interval control unit 112 determines whether or not the time corresponding to the measurement interval set in S403 or S404 has elapsed since the last body temperature measurement. When it is determined that the time corresponding to the set measurement interval has elapsed (S405; YES), the process proceeds to S406. On the other hand, when it is determined that the time corresponding to the set measurement interval has not yet elapsed (S405; NO), the process waits until it elapses.

  In S406, the body temperature measurement unit 130 measures the body temperature of the subject. Thus, the processes in the flowchart of FIG. 4 are completed. In addition, what is necessary is just to repeatedly implement each process shown to the flowchart of FIG. At that time, the respiration rate measurement processing per unit time of the subject in S401 may be performed at the same timing as the timing when the body temperature measurement unit 130 measures the body temperature of the subject in S406.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the respiration rate per unit time of the subject is measured, and the body temperature of the subject is measured at a measurement interval controlled according to the measured respiration rate. Thereby, a change in the physical condition of the subject can be detected with high accuracy, and a body temperature measurement corresponding to the change in the physical condition can be realized. Therefore, body temperature can be measured as often as necessary, and battery consumption due to unnecessary body temperature measurement operation and wireless transmission of body temperature data can be reduced. In addition, when the body temperature data is sequentially stored in the memory, the memory usage can be reduced.

[Second Embodiment]
In 1st Embodiment, the structure which controls a body temperature measurement interval based on the comparison with the respiration rate per unit time and a threshold value was demonstrated. On the other hand, 2nd Embodiment demonstrates the structure which controls a body temperature measurement interval based on the comparison with the increase number with respect to the respiration rate of normal time, and a threshold value of the respiration rate per unit time. In the description of the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  Moreover, since the structure of the thermometer 10 which concerns on this embodiment is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. However, the function of the space | interval control part 112 differs from 1st Embodiment.

  In the interval control unit 112 according to the present embodiment, the increase in the respiration rate per unit time measured by the respiration rate measurement unit 120 with respect to the normal respiration rate per unit time measured in advance for the subject is the threshold Th2. It is determined whether or not (for example, 5 times / minute) or more, and when it is determined that the value is not less than the threshold value, the body temperature measurement interval of the subject by the body temperature measurement unit 130 is set to the first interval Ts (for example, 5 minutes). Control. On the other hand, when it is determined that the increase in the number of breaths per unit time is less than the threshold, the body temperature measurement interval is controlled to a second interval TL (for example, 30 minutes) longer than the first interval.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5, the procedure of the process which the thermometer 10 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment which has the structure mentioned above implements is demonstrated.

  In S501, the respiration rate measurement unit 120 measures the respiration rate per unit time of the subject. For example, the respiration rate per minute is measured. In S <b> 502, the interval control unit 112 calculates the increase number of the respiration rate per unit time measured by the respiration rate measurement unit 120 with respect to the normal respiration rate per unit time measured in advance for the subject.

  In S503, the interval control unit 112 determines whether or not the increase rate with respect to the normal respiratory rate is equal to or greater than a threshold value Th2 (for example, 5 times / minute). When it is determined that the increase number is equal to or greater than the threshold Th2 (S503; YES), the process proceeds to S504. On the other hand, when it is determined that the increase number is less than the threshold Th2 (S503; NO), the process proceeds to S505. Note that the value of the threshold Th2 may be changeable, and the thermometer 10 acquires setting data input by the user in the body temperature display device 20 by wireless communication, and the acquired setting data is set as the threshold Th2. Good. Alternatively, the thermometer 10 may further include an input receiving unit (not shown), and setting data acquired by a user input via the input receiving unit may be set as the threshold Th2.

  Since the processes from S504 to S507 are the same as the processes from S403 to S406 in FIG. Thus, the processes in the flowchart of FIG. 5 are completed. In addition, what is necessary is just to implement repeatedly each process shown to the flowchart of FIG. 5, when measuring body temperature continuously. At this time, the respiration rate measurement processing per unit time of the subject in S501 may be performed at the same timing as the time when the body temperature measurement unit 130 measures the body temperature of the subject in S507.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the respiration rate per unit time of the subject is measured, and the body temperature of the subject is measured at a measurement interval controlled according to the increase in the respiration rate from normal. . Thereby, since the influence of the individual difference for every subject can be reduced, a change in physical condition of the subject can be detected with higher accuracy, and body temperature measurement according to the change in physical condition can be realized.

  The interval control unit 112 according to the present embodiment compares the respiration rate per unit time described in the first embodiment with a threshold value, and the increase number and threshold value of the respiration rate per unit time according to the present embodiment. The measurement interval may be controlled by performing both of these comparisons. In that case, the measurement interval may be controlled to be the first interval Ts (for example, 5 minutes) when at least one of the respiration rate and the increase in respiration rate is equal to or greater than the corresponding threshold value. .

[Third Embodiment]
In 1st Embodiment, the structure which controls a body temperature measurement interval based on the comparison with the respiration rate per unit time and a threshold value was demonstrated. In contrast, in the third embodiment, a configuration in which the body temperature measurement interval is uniquely determined as a function of the respiration rate per unit time (measurement interval T = f (respiration rate X per unit time)) will be described. In the description of the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  Moreover, since the structure of the thermometer 10 which concerns on this embodiment is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. However, the function of the space | interval control part 112 differs from 1st Embodiment. The interval control unit 112 according to the present embodiment sets a measurement interval according to the measured respiration rate according to a function f (measurement interval T = f (respiration rate per unit time)) as shown below.

<Function f>
Measurement interval T [minutes] = 105-5 × respiration rate per minute X (when 15 times ≦ respiration rate ≦ 20 times)
= 30 (if respiratory rate <15)
= 5 (when respiratory rate> 20)
According to the example of the above function, as shown in FIG. 6, the measurement interval is gradually reduced from 30 minutes to 5 minutes as the respiratory rate per minute increases from 15 to 20 times. When the respiration rate is less than 15 times, the measurement interval is uniformly set to 30 minutes, and when the respiration rate exceeds 20 times, the measurement interval is uniformly set to 5 minutes. However, the function f is not limited to the above example, and any function may be used as long as the measurement rate can be set shorter as the respiratory rate increases.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the procedure of the process which the thermometer 10 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment implements is demonstrated.

  In S701, the respiration rate measurement unit 120 measures the respiration rate per unit time of the subject. For example, the respiration rate per minute is measured. In S702, the interval control unit 112 uniquely calculates a measurement interval based on the measured respiratory rate per unit time and the function f described above. Note that the function f may be changeable, and the thermometer 10 acquires function setting data input by the user in the body temperature display device 20 through wireless communication, and the function f is set by the acquired function setting data. Good. Alternatively, the thermometer 10 may further include an input receiving unit (not shown), and the function f may be set by function setting data acquired from a user input via the input receiving unit.

  Since each process of S703 and S704 is the same as each process of S405 and S406 of FIG. 4, description is abbreviate | omitted. Thus, the processes in the flowchart of FIG. 7 are completed. In addition, what is necessary is just to implement repeatedly each process shown to the flowchart of FIG. At that time, the respiration rate measurement processing per unit time of the subject in S701 may be performed at the same timing as the timing when the body temperature measurement unit 130 measures the body temperature of the subject in S704.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to set a subdivided measurement interval according to the respiration rate by using a function prepared in advance. Therefore, it is possible to detect a change in the physical condition of the subject with higher accuracy and realize a body temperature measurement that reflects the change in the physical condition more accurately.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Thermometer, 20 ... Body temperature display device, 30 ... Body surface, 100 ... Antenna, 110 ... Processing part, 111 ... Control part, 112 ... Space | interval control part, 113 Data storage unit 114 Wireless communication unit 120 Respiration rate measurement unit 130 Temperature measurement unit 200 RF-ID reader / writer 201 Antenna 202 ... Wireless communication unit, 203 ... Signal conversion unit, 204 ... Signal processing unit, 210 ... Control unit, 220 ... Data storage unit, 230 ... Display unit, 240 ... Wired Communication unit 250... Input reception unit 1141 Data transmission unit 1142 Data reception unit 1201 Sensor unit 1202 Circuit unit 1301 Sensor unit 1302 ..Circuit part

Claims (16)

A thermometer that measures the body temperature of the subject by attaching or attaching to the subject,
Respiration rate measuring means for measuring the respiration rate per unit time of the subject;
Interval control means for controlling a measurement interval for measuring the body temperature of the subject according to the respiratory rate measured by the respiratory rate measuring means;
Body temperature measuring means for measuring the body temperature of the subject at a measurement interval controlled by the interval control means;
A thermometer comprising: The interval control means includes
If the respiration rate per unit time measured by the respiration rate measuring means is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the measurement interval is set to a first measurement interval,
The thermometer according to claim 1, wherein when the respiration rate per unit time is less than a threshold value, the measurement interval is set to a second measurement interval longer than the first measurement interval. The interval control means includes
When the increase in the respiration rate per unit time measured by the respiration rate measuring unit with respect to the normal respiration rate per unit time measured in advance for the subject is equal to or greater than a threshold, the measurement interval is set to Set the measurement interval to 1,
The thermometer according to claim 1, wherein when the increase number is less than a threshold, the measurement interval is set to a second measurement interval that is longer than the first measurement interval. An input receiving means for receiving user input of setting data for setting the threshold;
The thermometer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the interval control unit sets the setting data received by the input receiving unit as the threshold value. Data receiving means for receiving setting data for setting the threshold value;
The thermometer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the interval control means sets the setting data received by the data receiving means as the threshold value. The measurement interval is a function of the respiration rate per unit time measured by the respiration rate measuring means,
The thermometer according to claim 1, wherein the interval control unit uniquely determines the measurement interval according to the function. Input receiving means for receiving user input of function setting data for setting the function;
The thermometer according to claim 6, wherein the interval control unit sets the function based on the function setting data received by the input receiving unit, and uniquely determines the measurement interval according to the function. Data receiving means for receiving function setting data for setting the function;
The thermometer according to claim 6, wherein the interval control means sets the function based on the function setting data received by the data receiving means and uniquely determines the measurement interval according to the function.   9. The respiratory rate measuring means includes an acceleration sensor, and measures the respiratory rate per unit time of the subject based on the output of the acceleration sensor. Thermometer described in 1.   9. The respiration rate measuring unit includes a strain gauge, and measures the respiration rate per unit time of the subject based on an output of the strain gauge. Thermometer described in 1.   9. The respiration rate measuring unit includes a piezoelectric sensor, and measures the respiration rate per unit time of the subject based on an output of the piezoelectric sensor. Thermometer described in 1.   12. The respiratory rate measuring means measures the respiratory rate per unit time of the subject at the same timing as when the body temperature measuring means measures the body temperature of the subject. The thermometer according to any one of the above.   The thermometer according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising data transmission means for sequentially transmitting body temperature data of the subject measured by the body temperature measurement means.   The thermometer according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising data storage means for sequentially storing body temperature data of the subject measured by the body temperature measurement means. Comprising a respiratory rate measuring means, an interval control means, and a body temperature measuring means, and a thermometer control method for measuring the body temperature of the subject by attaching or attaching to the subject,
The respiration rate measuring means measures a respiration rate per unit time of the subject;
The interval control means for controlling a measurement interval for measuring the body temperature of the subject in accordance with the respiration rate measured in the respiration rate measurement step;
A body temperature measuring step in which the body temperature measuring means measures the body temperature of the subject at a measurement interval controlled in the interval control step;
A method for controlling a thermometer, comprising:   The program for making a computer perform each process of the control method of the thermometer of Claim 15.

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