JP2020170975A - Electronic apparatus and state evaluation program - Google Patents

Abstract

To achieve evaluation of states of an electronic apparatus.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus includes: a mechanically operated hardware unit, a sound sensor which detects a sound issued by the hardware unit; an acceleration sensor which detects an acceleration of the hardware unit a control circuit; and a control circuit which gradually evaluates a state of the hardware unit according to a normal state, a failure state and a failure sign state between the normal state and the failure state on the basis of a first sound which is a sound detected by the sound sensor and the acceleration.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic device having a hardware unit that operates mechanically. The present invention further relates to a state evaluation program that evaluates the state of this hardware unit.

A technique for evaluating the state of an electronic device having a hardware unit that operates mechanically is known.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-114778 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-38411 JP-A-2009-157314

It is desirable that the technology for evaluating the condition of electronic devices is user-friendly.

The electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is
A hardware unit that operates mechanically and
A sound sensor that detects the sound emitted by the hardware unit, and
An acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the hardware unit and
Based on the first sound, which is the sound detected by the sound sensor, and the acceleration, the state of the hardware unit is a normal state, a failure state, and a failure sign state between the normal state and the failure state. It is equipped with a control circuit that evaluates step by step.

(1) According to the present embodiment, the control circuit can evaluate a failure sign state that is neither a normal state nor a failure state. Specifically, the control circuit evaluates the failure sign state stepwise based on the sound and acceleration emitted by the currently operating hardware unit (which appears to the user to be operating without problems). As a result, the control circuit can detect the wear state of the hardware unit before the hardware unit fails, and as a result, the hardware unit fails due to early replacement of the hardware unit or the like. It is possible to prevent the case where the product becomes unusable.

The electronic device has a plurality of mechanically operating hardware units including the hardware unit.
The control circuit
It is determined whether or not the component contained in the first sound is only the sound emitted by the hardware unit.
If it is determined that the component contained in the first sound is not only the sound emitted by the hardware unit,
Of the plurality of hardware units, only the hardware unit is operated.
The state of the hardware unit is evaluated stepwise based on the second sound, which is the sound detected by the sound sensor when only the hardware unit is operated, and the acceleration.

(2) According to the present embodiment, the control circuit evaluates the state of the hardware unit based on the sound emitted by another nearby hardware unit and the second sound excluding the environmental sound around the electronic device. Therefore, the state of the hardware unit can be evaluated step by step more accurately.

The control circuit
When it is evaluated that the acceleration is normal and the first sound is evaluated as abnormal,
When the second sound is evaluated as normal,
The state of the hardware unit is evaluated as the normal state.

(3) According to the present embodiment, even if the first sound is abnormal, if the acceleration is normal and the second sound is normal, the state of the hardware unit is normal. In order to evaluate, it is possible to evaluate the state of the hardware unit step by step more accurately based on the sound emitted by another nearby hardware unit and the second sound that excludes the environmental sound around the electronic device. it can.

The control circuit
When it is not possible to operate only the hardware unit among the plurality of hardware units
Based on the acceleration, the state of the hardware unit is evaluated step by step.

(4) According to the present embodiment, the state of the hardware unit by excluding the sound emitted by another hardware unit and the first sound that may include the environmental sound around the electronic device. Therefore, it is possible to evaluate the state of the hardware unit step by step more accurately.

The control circuit
When the state of the hardware unit is evaluated as the failure state or the failure sign state,
Operate the hardware unit
Based on information other than the sound detected by the sound sensor and the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor when the hardware unit is operated, the state of the hardware unit is stepped into the failure state or the failure sign state. Evaluate.

(5) According to the present embodiment, by adding information other than sound and acceleration, the control circuit can more accurately evaluate the state of the hardware unit step by step.

The state evaluation program according to one embodiment of the present invention is
The control circuit of the information processing device,
The state of the hardware unit of an electronic device having a hardware unit that operates mechanically, a sound sensor that detects a sound emitted by the hardware unit, and an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the hardware unit, the sound. Based on the first sound, which is the sound detected by the sensor, and the acceleration, the normal state, the failure state, and the failure sign state between the normal state and the failure state are evaluated stepwise. ..

According to the present invention, it is possible to make the technique for evaluating the state of an electronic device user-friendly.

The effects described here are not necessarily limited, and may be any of the effects described in the present invention.

The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is shown. The functional configuration of the image forming apparatus is shown. The operation flow of the image forming apparatus is shown.

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

1. 1. Hardware configuration of image forming device

FIG. 1 shows a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 (Multifunction Peripheral) will be described as an example of the electronic device. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a control circuit 100. The control circuit 100 is composed of a CPU 11a (Central Processing Unit) which is a processor, a RAM 11b (Random Access Memory), a ROM 11c (Read Only Memory) which is a memory, a dedicated hardware circuit, and the like, and is an overall image forming apparatus 10. Controls motion control. The CPU 11a loads the information processing program stored in the ROM 11c into the RAM 11b and executes it. The ROM 11c fixedly stores programs, data, and the like executed by the CPU 11a. The ROM 11c is an example of a non-transient computer-readable recording medium.

The control circuit 100 includes an image reading unit 12 (image scanner), an image processing unit 14 (including a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)), an image memory 15, an image forming unit 16 (printer), and an operation unit 17 (including a display unit 17a). It is connected to a large-capacity non-volatile storage device 18 such as a touch panel), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), a facsimile communication unit 19, a network communication interface 13, and the like. The control circuit 100 controls the operation of each of the connected parts and transmits / receives a signal or data to / from each part.

2. Functional configuration of image forming apparatus

FIG. 2 shows the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus.

At least the image reading unit 12 and the image forming unit 16 (FIG. 1) include a plurality of hardware units 103. In this embodiment, for convenience, a single hardware unit 103 will be described and illustrated.

Each hardware unit 103 operates mechanically. For example, each hardware unit 103 includes one motor (not shown). In this case, the hardware unit 103 includes one motor and one or more parts (conveying rollers, etc.) that are driven by the rotation of the motor and by transmitting the rotational force of the motor by a gear or a clutch. ..

A sound sensor 101 and an acceleration sensor 102 are installed in each hardware unit 103. Specifically, the sound sensor 101 and the acceleration sensor 102 are installed in the motor itself.

The sound sensor 101 includes a microphone and detects the sound emitted by the hardware unit 103 (specifically, the motor). The sound sensor 101 is expected to mainly detect the sound emitted by the hardware unit 103, but in reality, the sound other than the sound emitted by the hardware unit 103 (for example, another nearby hardware unit (FIG. FIG. It is also possible to detect the sound emitted (not shown) or the environmental sound around the image forming apparatus 10.

The acceleration sensor 102 detects the acceleration of the hardware unit 103. For example, the acceleration sensor 102 detects the acceleration at which the hardware unit 103 (specifically, the shaft of the motor) moves in a direction including a component other than the rotation direction. In short, the acceleration sensor 102 detects the shaft shake of the hardware unit 103 (specifically, the shaft of the motor).

In the control circuit 100, the CPU 11a loads the information processing program (state evaluation program) stored in the ROM 11c into the RAM 11b and executes it, so that the sound acquisition unit 111, the acceleration acquisition unit 112, the sound evaluation unit 113, and the acceleration evaluation unit 114 , Operates as a state evaluation unit 115 and a hardware control unit 116.

3. 3. Operation flow of image forming apparatus

FIG. 3 shows an operation flow of the image forming apparatus.

As a premise, the sound sensor 101 mainly continues to detect the sound emitted by the hardware unit 103. The acceleration sensor 102 continues to detect the acceleration of the hardware unit 103.

The sound acquisition unit 111 acquires the sound (first sound) detected by the sound sensor 101 (step S101). The acceleration acquisition unit 112 acquires the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 102 (step S101).

The sound evaluation unit 113 evaluates whether or not the sound (first sound) acquired by the sound acquisition unit 111 is abnormal (step S102). Specifically, the sound evaluation unit 113 reads out the model sound data 121 stored in the storage device 18. The model sound data 121 is a waveform of a sound emitted by the hardware unit 103 during normal operation of the hardware unit 103. The sound evaluation unit 113 compares the sound acquired by the sound acquisition unit 111 (first sound) with the model sound data 121, and determines whether or not the sound acquired by the sound acquisition unit 111 (first sound) is abnormal. to decide. For example, the sound evaluation unit 113 sounds when the sound (first sound) acquired by the sound acquisition unit 111 is larger or smaller than the threshold value or larger or smaller than the model sound data 121, or the waveform period is larger or smaller than the threshold value. It is determined that the sound (first sound) acquired by the acquisition unit 111 is abnormal.

The acceleration evaluation unit 114 evaluates whether or not the acceleration acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit 112 is abnormal (step S102). Specifically, the acceleration evaluation unit 114 reads out the model acceleration data 122 stored in the storage device 18. The model acceleration data 122 is a waveform of acceleration generated by the hardware unit 103 during normal operation of the hardware unit 103. The acceleration evaluation unit 114 compares the acceleration acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit 112 with the model acceleration data 122, and determines whether or not the acceleration acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit 112 is abnormal. For example, when the acceleration acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit 112 is larger or smaller than the threshold value, or the waveform period is larger or smaller than the threshold value, the acceleration acquisition unit 112 acquires the acceleration. Judge that the acceleration is abnormal.

In the present embodiment, the normal operation of the hardware unit 103 means the operation of the hardware unit 103 when the motor is not worn or the like. In the present embodiment, "abnormality" means that the state is not normal and is not synonymous with the failure state. In short, in the present embodiment, "abnormality" means both a failure sign state that is neither a normal state nor a failure state, and a failure state. Therefore, the threshold value for determining whether or not the sound or acceleration is abnormal is not a value that immediately indicates the failure state of the hardware unit 103, but is a normal state although the continuation of use of the hardware unit 103 is permissible. It is a value that cannot be said.

The state evaluation unit 115 determines whether or not the sound (first sound) acquired by the sound acquisition unit 111 is appropriate (step S103). In short, the state evaluation unit 115 determines whether or not the component contained in the first sound is only the sound emitted by the hardware unit 103. In other words, in the state evaluation unit 115, the sound (first sound) acquired by the sound acquisition unit 111 is emitted by the environmental sound around the image forming apparatus 10 or another nearby hardware unit (not shown). Determine whether or not sound is included as a component.

The state evaluation unit 115 determines that the component contained in the sound (first sound) acquired by the sound acquisition unit 111 is only the sound emitted by the hardware unit 103 (steps S104, YES). Then, the state evaluation unit 115 evaluates whether or not the sound (first sound) acquired by the sound acquisition unit 111 is abnormal (step S102), and the acceleration acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit 112. Based on the evaluation by the acceleration evaluation unit 114 (step S102) of whether or not is abnormal, the state of the hardware unit 103 is evaluated stepwise according to a normal state, a failure state, and a failure sign state (step). S105).

On the other hand, the state evaluation unit 115 determines that the component contained in the sound (first sound) acquired by the sound acquisition unit 111 is not only the sound emitted by the hardware unit 103 (steps S104, NO). Then, the state evaluation unit 115 determines whether or not the hardware unit 103 can be operated independently (step S106). The fact that the hardware unit 103 can be operated independently means that the image forming apparatus 10 is not currently executing a job, and all the hardware units other than the hardware unit 103 are stopped to operate, and only the hardware unit 103 is operated. It means that it can be operated.

The state evaluation unit 115 determines that the hardware unit 103 cannot be operated independently (step S107, NO). Then, the state evaluation unit 115 changes the state of the hardware unit 103 based only on the evaluation (step S102) by the acceleration evaluation unit 114 as to whether or not the acceleration acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit 112 is abnormal (step S102). A normal state, a failure state, and a failure sign state are evaluated stepwise (step S105). In other words, the state evaluation unit 115 is not based on the evaluation (step S102) by the sound evaluation unit 113 as to whether or not the sound (first sound) acquired by the sound acquisition unit 111 is abnormal, and the hardware unit 103 The state of is evaluated stepwise according to the normal state, the failure state, and the failure sign state.

On the other hand, the state evaluation unit 115 determines that the hardware unit 103 can be operated independently (step S107, YES). Then, the hardware control unit 116 stops the operation of all the hardware units other than the hardware unit 103, and operates only the hardware unit 103. The sound acquisition unit 111 acquires the sound (second sound) detected by the sound sensor 101 when only the hardware unit 103 is operated (step S108).

The sound evaluation unit 113 evaluates whether or not the sound (second sound) acquired by the sound acquisition unit 111 is abnormal. (Step S109). In the state evaluation unit 115, the sound evaluation unit 113 evaluates whether or not the sound (second sound) acquired by the sound acquisition unit 111 is abnormal (step S109), and the acceleration acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit 112 is abnormal. Based on the evaluation by the acceleration evaluation unit 114 (step S102), the state of the hardware unit 103 is evaluated stepwise according to the normal state, the failure state, and the failure sign state (step S105). ..

The state evaluation unit 115 evaluates that the state of the hardware unit 103 is normal in the following cases (steps S111, NO).

First, when the component contained in the first sound is only the sound emitted by the hardware unit 103 (step S104, YES), the first sound is normal and the acceleration is normal.

Secondly, when the component contained in the first sound is not only the sound emitted by the hardware unit 103 (step S104, NO) but the hardware unit 103 can operate independently (step S107, YES). The case where the second sound is normal and the acceleration is normal. In the second case, the first sound may be normal or abnormal. For example, even if the first sound is abnormal (step S102), if the acceleration is normal and the second sound is normal (step S109), the state evaluation unit 115 has a normal state of the hardware unit 103. Is evaluated (step S111, NO).

Third, when the component contained in the first sound is not only the sound emitted by the hardware unit 103 (step S104, NO) and the hardware unit 103 cannot be operated independently (step S107, NO), the acceleration Is normal. In the third case, the first sound may be normal or abnormal. For example, even if the first sound is abnormal (step S102), if the acceleration is normal (step S102), the state evaluation unit 115 evaluates that the state of the hardware unit 103 is normal (step S111). , NO).

On the other hand, the state evaluation unit 115 evaluates that the state of the hardware unit 103 is a failure state or a failure sign state in the following cases (steps S111, YES).

First, when the component contained in the first sound is only the sound emitted by the hardware unit 103 (step S104, YES), the first sound is abnormal and the acceleration is normal. The case where the sound is normal and the acceleration is abnormal, or the first sound is abnormal and the acceleration is abnormal. In the first case, for example, when the first sound is abnormal and the acceleration is abnormal, the state evaluation unit 115 may determine that it is in a failure state (not a failure sign state). On the other hand, when the first sound is abnormal and the acceleration is normal, or when the first sound is normal and the acceleration is abnormal, the state evaluation unit 115 determines that it is in a failure sign state. May be good. Further, the state evaluation unit 115 raises the case where the first sound is normal and the acceleration is abnormal by one step higher than the case where the first sound is abnormal and the acceleration is normal (that is, normal). It may be evaluated as a failure sign state (closer to the failure state than the state). This is because it is considered that the data of acceleration is more likely to be accurate than that of sound.

Secondly, when the component contained in the first sound is not only the sound emitted by the hardware unit 103 (step S104, NO) but the hardware unit 103 can be operated independently (step S107, YES). A case where the second sound is abnormal and the acceleration is normal, the second sound is normal and the acceleration is abnormal, or the second sound is abnormal and the acceleration is abnormal. In the second case, the first sound may be normal or abnormal. For example, even if the first sound is normal (step S102), if the second sound is abnormal (step S109), the state evaluation unit 115 determines that the state of the hardware unit 103 is a failure state or a failure sign state. Evaluate (step S111, YES). In the second case, for example, when the second sound is abnormal and the acceleration is abnormal, the state evaluation unit 115 may determine that it is in a failure state. On the other hand, when the second sound is abnormal and the acceleration is normal, the second sound is normal and the acceleration is abnormal, the state evaluation unit 115 may determine that it is in a failure sign state. .. Further, the state evaluation unit 115 raises the case where the second sound is normal and the acceleration is abnormal by one step higher than the case where the second sound is abnormal and the acceleration is normal (that is, normal). It may be evaluated as a failure sign state (closer to the failure state than the state).

Third, when the component contained in the first sound is not only the sound emitted by the hardware unit 103 (step S104, NO) and the hardware unit 103 cannot be operated independently (step S107, NO), the acceleration Is abnormal. In the third case, the first sound may be normal or abnormal. For example, even if the first sound is normal (step S102), if the acceleration is abnormal (step S102), the state evaluation unit 115 evaluates that the state of the hardware unit 103 is a failure state or a failure sign state (step S102). Step S111, YES).

The state evaluation unit 115 evaluates that the state of the hardware unit 103 is a failure state or a failure sign state (step S111, YES). Then, the hardware control unit 116 performs a test operation of the hardware unit 103 (step S112).

The state evaluation unit 115 evaluates information other than the sound detected by the sound sensor 101 and the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 102 when the hardware unit 103 is subjected to a test operation. For example, the information other than sound and acceleration is, for example, the number of rotations of the motor included in the hardware unit 103, the time required for the transport roller to transport the medium, and the like.

The state evaluation unit 115 evaluates the state of the hardware unit 103 stepwise as a failure state or a failure sign state based on information other than sound and acceleration (step S113). For example, the state evaluation unit 115 has an abnormality in information other than sound and acceleration (for example, the difference between the values such as the rotation speed of the motor and the time required for the transport roller to transport the medium and the normal values. Is greater than or equal to the threshold value). Then, the state evaluation unit 115 may raise the failure sign state (step S111, YES) of the hardware unit 103 evaluated based on the sound and the acceleration by one step higher (that is, closer to the failure state than the normal state).

The state evaluation unit 115 presents (for example, display on the display unit 17a) the final failure state or failure sign state evaluated stepwise to the user (end user) (step S114). For example, the state evaluation unit 115 may change the content to be presented according to the stage of the failure sign state. For example, the state evaluation unit 115 may present a message indicating that the hardware unit 103 will be inspected at the next periodic maintenance when the stage of the failure sign state is low (that is, closer to the normal state than the failure state). Good. On the other hand, if the stage of the failure sign state is high (that is, closer to the failure state than the normal state), the state evaluation unit 115 may present a message indicating that the hardware unit 103 should be replaced at the next periodic maintenance. Good.

4. Modification example

In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 evaluated the state of the hardware unit 103 step by step. Instead of this, the information processing device (not shown) receives the sound detected by the sound sensor 101 of the image forming device 10 and the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 102, and evaluates the state of the hardware unit 103 step by step. Then, the evaluation result may be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10.

5. Conclusion

(1) According to the present embodiment, the state evaluation unit 115 evaluates the state of the hardware unit 103 stepwise according to a normal state, a failure state, and a failure sign state (step S111). As a result, the state evaluation unit 115 can evaluate a failure sign state that is neither a normal state nor a failure state. Specifically, the state evaluation unit 115 evaluates the failure sign state step by step based on the sound and acceleration emitted by the currently operating hardware unit 103 (which seems to be operating without problems to the user). To do. As a result, the state evaluation unit 115 can detect the wear state of the hardware unit 103 before the hardware unit 103 fails, and as a result, the hardware unit 103 is replaced at an early stage. It is possible to prevent a case where the hardware unit 103 fails and becomes unusable.

(2) According to the present embodiment, when the state evaluation unit 115 determines that the component contained in the first sound is not only the sound emitted by the hardware unit 103 (step S104, NO), only the hardware unit 103 The state of the hardware unit 103 is evaluated stepwise based on the second sound (step S109), which is the sound detected by the sound sensor when the above is operated, and the acceleration (step S105). As a result, the state of the hardware unit 103 is evaluated based on the sound emitted by another nearby hardware unit (not shown) and the sound excluding the environmental sound around the image forming apparatus 10 (second sound). Therefore, the state of the hardware unit 103 can be evaluated step by step more accurately.

(3) According to the present embodiment, when the state evaluation unit 115 evaluates that the acceleration is normal and the first sound is abnormal, the state evaluation unit 115 evaluates that the second sound is normal. Then, the state of the hardware unit 103 is evaluated as a normal state (step S111, NO). As a result, the state evaluation unit 115 changes the state of the hardware unit 103 even if the first sound is abnormal (step S102) but the acceleration is normal and the second sound is normal (step S109). In order to evaluate that it is normal (step S111, NO), a sound emitted by another nearby hardware unit (not shown) and a sound excluding the environmental sound around the image forming apparatus 10 (second sound). Based on the above, the state of the hardware unit 103 can be evaluated step by step more accurately.

(4) According to the present embodiment, when the state evaluation unit 115 cannot operate only the hardware unit 103 (step S107, NO), the state evaluation unit 115 determines the state of the hardware unit 103 based on the acceleration (step S110). Evaluate step by step (step S105). As a result, the sound emitted by another hardware unit (not shown) and the first sound that may include the environmental sound around the image forming apparatus 10 are eliminated, and the hardware unit 103 Since the state is evaluated, the state of the hardware unit 103 can be evaluated step by step more accurately.

(5) According to the present embodiment, when the state of the hardware unit 103 is evaluated as a failure state or a failure sign state (step S111, YES), the state evaluation unit 115 operates the hardware unit 103 (step S112). ), The state of the hardware unit 103 is evaluated stepwise as a failure state or a failure sign state based on information other than sound and acceleration (step S113). By adding information other than sound and acceleration, the state evaluation unit 115 can more accurately evaluate the state of the hardware unit 103 step by step.

Although each embodiment and each modification of the present technology have been described above, the present technology is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present technology. Of course.

Image forming apparatus 10
Sound acquisition unit 111
Acceleration acquisition unit 112
Sound evaluation unit 113
Acceleration evaluation unit 114
Condition evaluation unit 115
Hardware control unit 116

Claims (6)

A hardware unit that operates mechanically and
A sound sensor that detects the sound emitted by the hardware unit, and
An acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the hardware unit and
Based on the first sound, which is the sound detected by the sound sensor, and the acceleration, the state of the hardware unit is a normal state, a failure state, and a failure sign state between the normal state and the failure state. An electronic device equipped with a control circuit that is evaluated step by step. The electronic device according to claim 1.
The electronic device has a plurality of mechanically operating hardware units including the hardware unit.
The control circuit
It is determined whether or not the component contained in the first sound is only the sound emitted by the hardware unit.
If it is determined that the component contained in the first sound is not only the sound emitted by the hardware unit,
Of the plurality of hardware units, only the hardware unit is operated.
An electronic device that evaluates the state of the hardware unit stepwise based on the second sound, which is the sound detected by the sound sensor when only the hardware unit is operated, and the acceleration. The electronic device according to claim 2.
The control circuit
When it is evaluated that the acceleration is normal and the first sound is evaluated as abnormal,
When the second sound is evaluated as normal,
An electronic device that evaluates the state of the hardware unit as the normal state. The electronic device according to claim 2 or 3.
The control circuit
When it is not possible to operate only the hardware unit among the plurality of hardware units
An electronic device that evaluates the state of the hardware unit step by step based on the acceleration. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The control circuit
When the state of the hardware unit is evaluated as the failure state or the failure sign state,
Operate the hardware unit
Based on information other than the sound detected by the sound sensor and the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor when the hardware unit is operated, the state of the hardware unit is stepped into the failure state or the failure sign state. Electronic equipment to be evaluated. The control circuit of the information processing device,
The state of the hardware unit of an electronic device having a hardware unit that operates mechanically, a sound sensor that detects a sound emitted by the hardware unit, and an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the hardware unit, the sound. Based on the first sound, which is the sound detected by the sensor, and the acceleration, the normal state, the failure state, and the failure sign state between the normal state and the failure state are evaluated stepwise. Condition evaluation program.

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