JP4223450B2 - Card processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a card processing device that can carry out reading or writing processing of data on each card individually by conveying a plurality of types of cards having different track positions and different thicknesses for recording data, and in particular, miniaturization of the device. The present invention relates to a card processing device that can be realized.

Conventionally, this type of card processing apparatus enables a magnetic card, a credit card, or the like to be inserted from a single card insertion slot, detects the type of card by a detector in the middle of the conveyance path, and is located behind the detector. According to the distribution means provided, the transport paths are sorted according to the type of card, and data processing can be performed individually based on the dedicated transport paths (see, for example, Patent Document 1 or 2).
JP 2002-83347 A JP 2003-108948 A

However, in such a conventional card processing apparatus, although the insertion slot is the same, the processing of each card is performed by a dedicated conveyance path provided by branching. It was an increase in size.
It is also conceivable to configure a card processing device by connecting each reading / writing unit that performs data reading or writing processing for each card in series in the transport direction, but in this case, the transport path becomes long, and the device It is difficult to realize downsizing.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made paying attention to the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a card processing apparatus that enables downsizing of an apparatus for processing data by transporting a plurality of types of cards through the same transport path. And

To this end, the invention according to claim 1 is a card processing device capable of carrying out a data reading or writing process for each card by conveying a plurality of types of cards having different track positions and different thicknesses for recording data. And each reading / writing unit that performs the data processing on each card in the same transport path for transporting the plurality of types of cards in the transport direction corresponding to the track position of each card. Arranged on substantially the same axis in the direction perpendicular to each other, at a position separated from each reading / writing unit by a dimension equal to or less than the length in the carrying direction of each card in front of the card insertion direction of each reading / writing unit. A magnetic head for reading data recorded on the surface of each card is provided, and is driven in synchronization with each other by a drive unit at a conveyance path position on at least one side in the arrangement direction of each reading / writing unit. The transport roller and the transport belt are provided above and below the transport path, and the transport belt extends from the lateral position of each reading / writing unit to the lateral position of the magnetic head along the transport path. The configuration was as follows.

With such a configuration, a plurality of types of cards having different track positions for recording data and different thicknesses are individually conveyed on the same conveyance path, and a reading / writing unit for performing data reading or writing processing is provided on each card track. Corresponding to the position, arranged on substantially the same axis in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction, and equal to or less than the length in the transport direction from each read / write unit to the front of each read / write unit in the card insertion direction The magnetic head for reading the data recorded on the surface of each card is disposed at a position separated by the dimension of the card, and is synchronized with each other by the driving unit at the conveyance path position on at least one side in the arrangement direction of each reading / writing unit. A driven conveyance roller and a conveyance belt are provided above and below the conveyance path, and the conveyance belt is extended along the conveyance path from the side position of each reading / writing unit to the side position of the magnetic head. Each reading Respectively performed stably data processing for the writing section and thickness of different types of cards with a magnetic head.

In this case, as in claim 2, wherein the above each read write unit, a pressing roller for pressing the respective card in respective read write unit, and the shaft support of the transfer roller shaft support of its It is good to provide it separately. Further, as in claim 3, the transport roller and the transport belt may be connected by a drive gear.

In the case of the structure of Claim 4 , the card contact surface of the said conveyance roller was formed with the elastic member. In this case, the elastic member may be a resin as in the fifth aspect .

In the case of claim 6, the conveying roller is configured such that both ends of the shaft support portion are urged toward the conveying belt by the urging means.

According to the card processing apparatus of the present invention, the reading / writing unit for reading or writing data by individually transporting a plurality of types of cards having different track positions for recording data and different thicknesses on the same transport path. A plurality of types are arranged on substantially the same axis in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction corresponding to the track position of each card, and each read / write unit performs data processing on each card. The size of the apparatus can be reduced by shortening the conveyance path for conveying the card. Further, each card is forcibly conveyed by a conveyance roller and a conveyance belt which are disposed at a conveyance path position on at least one side in the arrangement direction of each reading / writing unit and are driven in synchronization with each other by a driving unit. Can pass through each reading / writing unit. Further, when the leading edge of each card reaches the magnetic head portion, each card has not yet passed through the position of each reading / writing unit. Part can be passed. Therefore, even if each reading / writing unit and the magnetic head part become a load, the conveyance of each card is not disturbed, data processing errors for a plurality of types of cards having different thicknesses are reduced, and stable data processing is performed. Can be executed. Since the transport roller and the transport belt are driven in synchronization with each other by the drive unit, the transport force can be increased and each card can be transported more stably in the reciprocating direction. .

Further, if the configuration is such that the shaft support portion of the transport roller and the shaft support portion of the pressing roller that is supported above each reading / writing portion and presses the card against each reading / writing portion are separated, The data processing means in which the sections are integrally arranged can be fixedly arranged with respect to the conveyance path. Therefore, the configuration of the data processing means can be simplified.

Furthermore, if the surface of the transport roller is formed of an elastic member, specifically, a foamable elastic member, the foamable elastic member is elastically deformed even for cards having different thicknesses or cards having an embossed area on the surface. It is possible to stably convey by absorbing the change in thickness and the unevenness of the surface.

If both ends of the shaft support portion of the conveying roller are urged toward the conveying path by the urging means, the surfaces of the conveying roller and the conveying belt can be reliably brought into close contact with each other. Therefore, cards having different thicknesses can be stably conveyed.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of a card processing apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a conveyance path.
1 and 2, the card processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is mounted on, for example, a parking fee settlement machine in a parking lot, and transports a plurality of types of cards with different track positions and different thicknesses for recording data. The card data can be read or written individually, and is provided with a transport path 5, data processing means 1, and transport means 6.

The conveyance path 5 is a single passage formed with substantially the same width corresponding to the width of the card, and conveys a plurality of types of cards having different thicknesses such as a magnetic card and a credit card. As shown in FIG. 2, the conveying path 5 is provided with conveying rollers 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f driven by a motor as a driving unit described later, and a predetermined pressing by a spring as shown in FIG. Pressure rollers 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, and 2f that are pressed by pressure and do not rotate themselves are provided in order from the insertion / return port 11 side along the transport direction so that the card can be transported at a predetermined speed. ing. Note that the insertion / return port 11 is provided with an insertion portion shutter 26 to prevent another card from being inserted during card data processing.

  Here, the transport roller 3a is driven by a first timing pulley 9A connected to a first motor 8A by a timing belt 7a, and the transport roller 3c is a second timing pulley connected to a second motor 8B by a timing belt 7b. The conveying roller 3e is driven by the third timing pulley 9C connected to the third motor 8C by the timing belt 7c. The conveyance roller 3b is driven by a first pulley 10A connected to a first timing pulley 9A by a timing belt 7d, and the conveyance roller 3d is driven by a second pulley 10B connected to a second timing pulley 9B by a timing belt 7e. The conveyance roller 3f is driven by a third pulley 10C connected to a third timing pulley 9C by a timing belt 7g.

  Further, the transport path 5 is provided with card detection sensors 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, and 12g that sequentially detect cards from the card insertion / return port 11 toward the back as shown in FIG. ing. The card detection sensors 12a and 12b disposed on both sides of the insertion / return port 11 detect card insertion and card width. Further, the card detection sensor 12c arranged on the left side of the card detects a card conveyed leftward in FIG. 2 and instructs the data processing means 1 to start magnetic processing. Further, the card detection sensor 12d disposed on the right side of the center detects a card conveyed leftward and instructs the start of printing by a thermal head 13 described later. A card detection sensor 12e arranged on the left side detects a card conveyed in the right direction and instructs the data processing means 1 to start magnetic processing. Further, the card detection sensor 12f disposed in the vicinity of the end detects the card conveyed in the right direction, instructs the start of printing by the thermal head 13, and receives, for example, a receipt supplied from a sheet feeding mechanism described later. The leading edge of the paper or magnetic roll paper is detected and an instruction to cut the trailing edge is given. A card detection sensor 12g disposed at the left end detects the card standby position.

  Further, in the middle of the conveyance path 5, printing means constituted by a thermal head 13 and a platen roller 14 is provided so that a receipt can be issued in conjunction with the paper feed mechanism.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, first and second captures 15A and 15B for collecting cards are provided in the vicinity of the insertion / return port 11 of the transport path 5 and in the middle, and the first or second captures 15A and 15B are provided. The card is erected on the road surface of the transport path 5 so that unnecessary cards can be taken into the first or second recovery path 16A, 16B and recovered.

  A feeding mechanism (not shown) is provided in the vicinity of the end of the conveyance path 5 and guides the receipt paper or magnetic roll paper supplied between the pressing roller 2g and the conveyance roller 3e by the guide member 27. It can supply on the conveyance path 5 toward the insertion / return port 11 side.

  In the conveyance path 5, the data processing means 1 is fixedly disposed between the conveyance roller 3a and the conveyance roller 3b. This data processing means 1 makes each reading / writing unit 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d that performs data reading or writing processing for each card orthogonal to the transport direction corresponding to the track position of each card. It is configured to be integrally arranged on substantially the same axis in the direction, and is configured by a magnetic head. In this case, the read / write units 1a to 1d are gap portions of the magnetic head, and the gap portions are arranged at the road surface position of the conveyance path 5 so as to be in close contact with the magnetic track of the card.

  The read / write units 1a and 1b read or write data on the two magnetic tracks 16a and 16b provided at the approximate center of the back of the card as shown in FIG. It is provided for data processing of a parking card (magnetic card) 4A. The read / write units 1c and 1d read data from two magnetic tracks 16c and 16d provided near one end of the back of the card as shown in FIG. 4A. For example, it is provided for data processing of the credit card 4B. In this case, IS0-I and ISO-II magnetic tracks correspond to the two magnetic tracks 16c and 16d.

At a position spaced apart by a length and a size no greater than the equivalent conveying direction in each card Te in the card insertion direction in front of the data processing unit 1 from each read write unit 1a~1d of the data processing means 1, the magnetic head 18 is provided. The magnetic head 18 reads data from a JIS-II magnetic track 16e provided on the surface of the credit card 4B shown in FIG. 4B. As shown in FIG. It is provided above the transport path 5 by being supported by a spring 19 with the insertion portion on the lower side. Then, the roller 2 is in contact with the conveyance path 5 and is opposed to the roller 2. This roller 2 has a bearing inside, and is rotated by a frictional force with the surface of the card that has slipped into the shaft and entered. In this case, when the credit card 4B is transported, the magnetic head 18 elastically presses the surface of the credit card 4B. On the surface of the credit card, an embossed region 17 having a convex surface is provided near the end opposite to the end where the JIS-II magnetic track 16e is formed, as shown in FIG. It has been.

A conveying unit 6 is provided on one side of the data processing unit 1 provided with the reading / writing units 1a to 1d. The conveying means 6 is for conveying the card 4 that enters the data processing unit 1 at a constant speed to stably execute data processing, the upper sides of the conveying path 5 as shown in FIG. 6 the conveyance roller 3h is provided, so as configured by providing the conveyance belt 20 on the lower side, respectively drive synchronously. Incidentally, the conveying means 6, but it may also be provided on both sides of a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the data processing unit 1.

Here, the conveying roller 3h is an elastic member such as a resin having an elastic force on the card contact surface and a high coefficient of friction, such as a resin, and the components are adjusted so that flexibility, wear resistance, and temperature characteristics can be stably obtained. For example, it is formed of foamed urethane, urethane rubber, silicon rubber or the like. Further, the conveyor belt 20 is connected to the first pulley 10A shown in FIG. 1 and on the side of the magnetic head 18 and on the side of the data processing means 1 and the pulley 23a disposed on the lower side of the conveyor path 5 . It spans between a pulley 23b provided below the conveying roller 3h, and is driven as the pulley 23a is rotationally driven by the power of the first motor 8A.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a drive gear 24a is provided at one end of the shaft support portion 21 of the transport roller 3h, and the drive gear 24b is provided at one end of the shaft support portion 25 of the pulley 23b. And the driving force of the conveyor belt 20 is transmitted to the conveyor roller 3h.

Further, the conveying roller 3h is urged toward the conveying path 5 by a pressing spring 22a as an urging means in which both ends of the shaft support portion 21 are tightly wound, and a downward pressing force by the pressing spring 22a. Since the spring force (elastic force) is increased by pressing straightly down, even if a card with a different thickness is inserted, the axis does not become slanted, and the roller surface stably adheres uniformly to the conveyor belt 20. It is supposed to be. Even if a card 4 having a different thickness or a card with irregularities formed on the surface passes between the conveyance roller 3h and the conveyance belt 20, the change in thickness or irregularity is absorbed by urethane foam, and the conveyance roller 3h The shaft support 21 is prevented from moving up and down. Thereby, the meshing state of the drive gears 24A and 24B does not change, and the driving state of the transport roller 3h and the transport belt 20 can be stabilized.

  Further, a pressure roller 2 h is provided above the data processing means 1. The pressing roller 2h is for pressing the card with the urging force of the pressing spring 22b to improve the adhesion between the card and the reading / writing units 1a to 1c of the data processing unit 1. The width is approximately equal to the card contact width. Then, the shaft support portion 28 of the pressing roller 2h is separated from the shaft support portion 21 of the transport roller 3h, and the pressure roller 2h presses the data processing means 1 independently.

Next, the case where the operation of the card processing device of the present invention configured as described above is installed in a parking fee adjusting machine will be described as an example.
For example, when the vehicle sensor detects a car parked in front of a parking fee settlement machine equipped with the card processing apparatus of the present invention, the insertion portion shutter 26 provided on the card insertion / return port 11 side shown in FIG. , Make the card ready to accept. At this time, when the parking card 4A is inserted from the insertion / return port 11, the first and second motors 8A and 8B rotate to convey the parking card 4A. Then, the insertion portion shutter 26 is closed.

  When the parking card 4A transported by the transport roller 3a reaches the data processing means 1, the transport means 6 catches this and forcibly transports the data processing means 1. At the same time, the parking card 4 is pressed against the data processing means 1 by the pressing roller 2h. At this time, the data processing means 1 reads the parking start time recorded on the magnetic tracks 16a and 16b of the parking card 4A by the reading / writing units 1a and 1b.

Next, when the parking fee is calculated based on the parking start time, the second and third motors 8B and 8C sequentially rotate to convey the parking card 4A on the data processing means 1 in the left direction in FIG. To do.

  When the card detection sensor 12g detects the parking card 4 conveyed by the rotation of the second and third motors 8B and 8C, the insertion portion shutter 26 is opened to accept the insertion of the credit card 4B for settlement. Then, the rotation operation of the second and third motors 8B and 8C is stopped until the settlement operation is completed, and the detected parking card 4A is put on standby at the end of the transport path 5.

  When the credit card 4B is inserted from the card insertion / return slot 11, the first motor 8A rotates to convey the credit card 4B leftward in FIG. Then, the insertion portion shutter 26 is closed.

When the credit card 4B transported by the transport roller 3a reaches the data processing means 1, the transport means 6 catches it and forcibly transports it on the data processing means 1. At the same time, the data processing unit 1 reads read Toshokomi portion 1c, credit card 4B of ISO-I and ISO-II of the magnetic track 16c at 1d, the information recorded on the 16d. The information on the JIS-II magnetic track 16e formed on the surface of the credit card 4B is read by the magnetic head 18 disposed in the back of the transport path 5. When the data processing unit 1 or the magnetic head 18 reads the above information, a parking fee settlement process using the credit card 4B is executed based on the information.

  When the parking fee settlement process is completed, the first and second motors 8A and 8B rotate and transport the credit card 4B in the direction of the insertion / return port 11. At the same time, the insertion unit shutter 26 is opened and the credit card 4B is returned from the insertion / return port 11.

  Further, the first to third motors 8A to 8C rotate to convey the parking card 4A that is waiting at the standby position in the right direction in FIG. 1 and is shown on the road surface of the conveyance path 5 by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The first capture 15A standing up at the first capture path 16A is taken in and collected.

  When the receipt button is operated, the first to third motors 8 </ b> A to 8 </ b> B rotate to supply receipt paper from the paper feed mechanism unit (not shown) onto the conveyance path 5, and the thermal head 13 uses the date of use. The date and parking fee are printed, a receipt is issued, and the paper is discharged from the insertion / return slot 11.

  Here, in the card processing apparatus of the present invention, the data processing means 1 has a configuration in which the reading / writing units 1a to 1d are integrally arranged on substantially the same axis in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction. Data processing is performed by one data processing means 1, and the conveyance path 5 is shortened to reduce the size of the apparatus. In this case, since the reading / writing sections 1a to 1d are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction, the pressing roller 2h is also widened according to the width of the data processing means 1. Further, a pressing force stronger than usual is applied by the pressing spring 22h so that a card having a small thickness can have good adhesion. The pressing roller 2h does not rotate by itself, but rotates when a card is inserted between the pressing roller 22h and the data processing means 1. Therefore, until the card is inserted, it becomes a load and hinders the conveyance of the card. In particular, a larger load is applied to a thick card. Therefore, with only the transport rollers 3a and 3b provided before and after the data processing means 1, each card that is transported reciprocally cannot stably transport the portion of the data processing means 1 due to the presence of the pressing roller 22h.

  Therefore, the card processing apparatus according to the present invention is provided with the conveying means 6 that is motor-driven on one side in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the data processing means 1 to convey each card in the data processing means 1 portion. Is forced to do. Thereby, reciprocal conveyance of each card | curd can be performed stably. In particular, a conveying roller 3h is disposed on the upper side across the conveying path 5, and a conveying belt 20 is disposed on the lower side, and both are rotated in synchronization by drive gears provided at the end portions of the shaft support portions 21 and 25. As a result, the conveyance force is further increased and each card is reciprocated and conveyed more stably.

In this case, since both ends of the shaft support portion 21 of the conveying roller 3h are urged toward the conveying belt 20 by the pressing spring 22a, the processing tolerance is absorbed and the surfaces of the conveying roller 3h and the conveying belt 20 are stabilized. And closely. Accordingly, a card having a small thickness can be stably conveyed.

  Further, since the card contact surface of the transport roller 3h is made of foamed urethane having a large elastic force, the foamed urethane is elastically deformed and received even when a thick credit card 4B enters the transport means 6, and the transport roller 3h The shaft support 21 does not move up and down. Therefore, the meshing state of the drive gears 24A and 24B does not change, and a thick card can be conveyed stably.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, even if the convex embossed region 17 formed on the surface of the credit card 4B passes through the transport roller 3h as shown in FIG. Since the urethane foam is deformed and absorbs the convex emboss, the conveyance speed is not disturbed.

  Further, since the shaft support portion 21 of the transport roller 3h is separated from the shaft support portion 28 of the pressure roller 2h that is pivotally supported above the data processing means 1 and presses the card against the data processing means 1, the pressure roller 2h does not rotate with the conveying roller 3h. Therefore, in the card processing means of the present invention, there is no problem even if the pressing roller 2h contacts the data processing means 1. Therefore, it is not necessary to adopt a configuration in which the data processing means 1 is moved as a countermeasure for cards having different thicknesses, and the data processing means 1 can be fixedly arranged with respect to the transport path 5. This simplifies the configuration of the data processing means 1.

On the other hand, the magnetic head 18 disposed in the back of the transport path 5 also becomes a load for the card transport. In this case, when the leading end of the card reaches the magnetic head 18 portion, the card has not yet passed through the data processing means 1 portion, and the card is on the side of the data processing means 1 along the transport roller 3h and the transport path 5. Even if the magnetic head 18 part becomes a load, it is transported by the transport means 6 that is connected to the transport belt 20 extending from the one side position to the side position of the magnetic head 18 by the drive gear to increase the driving force. Card transport is not disturbed.

  As described above, according to the card processing apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of types of cards such as a parking card 4A and a thick credit card 4B made of magnetic roll paper having different thicknesses and different thicknesses for recording data are transported in the same manner. Data processing means in which reading / writing units 1a to 1c that carry the path 5 and perform data reading or writing processing are integrally arranged in a direction perpendicular to the carrying direction corresponding to the magnetic tracks 16a to 16d of the cards. By carrying out the data processing of each card at 1, the transport path can be shortened. Therefore, the apparatus can be reduced in size.

Further, by providing the motor-driven transport means 6 on one side in the direction orthogonal to the data processing means 1, each card passing through the data processing means 1 and the magnetic head 18 can be reciprocated. It can be stably conveyed in any direction. Therefore, it is possible to cause the data processing means 1 and the magnetic head 18 to perform a stable processing operation by eliminating a data processing error.

  Further, since the transport roller 3h of the transport means 6 is formed of foamed urethane, even when a thick credit card 4B is transported, the foamed urethane is elastically deformed and can receive and transport the credit card 4B. . In this case, even if the convex embossed region 17 formed on the surface of the credit card 4B passes through the transport roller 3h, the urethane foam is elastically deformed to absorb the convex emboss and stabilize the credit card 4B. And can be transported.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the data processing unit 1 is fixed to the transport path 5 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the data processing unit 1 is provided so as to move up and down with respect to the transport path 5. May be. In this case, it is desirable to form the data processing means 1 so as to move up and down in the vertical direction. Thus, when the card detection sensor detects that the card has reached the data processing means 1, the data processing means 1 is raised in the vertical direction. In this case, it is possible to execute data processing satisfactorily by reliably bringing the reading / writing unit into contact with cards having different thicknesses.

  Further, the card processing apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the one installed in the parking fee settlement machine, and is applicable to any one that processes a plurality of types of cards having different thicknesses by the same transport path 5. be able to.

It is side surface perspective drawing which shows embodiment of the card processing apparatus by this invention. It is a top view which shows the conveyance path of the said card processing apparatus. It is a top view which shows the example of the magnetic track of the parking card applied to the said card processing apparatus. It is a top view which shows the magnetic track of the credit card applied to the said card processing apparatus, (a) shows a back surface, (b) shows the surface. It is a side view which shows the magnetic head which reads the data of the magnetic track formed on the surface of the said credit card. It is a side view which shows the structure of the conveyance means of the said card processing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Data processing means 1a-1d ... Reading and writing part 2a-2h ... Press roller 3a-3g ... Conveyance roller 3h ... Conveyance roller 4 ... Card 4A ... Parking card 4B ... Credit card 6 ... Conveyance means 8A-8C ... 1st -Third motor (drive unit)
18 ... Magnetic head 20 ... Conveying belt 22a ... Pressing spring 22b ... Pressing spring (biasing means)
24a, 24b ... Drive gear

Claims (6)

A card processing device capable of carrying out reading or writing processing of data of each card individually by conveying a plurality of types of cards having different track positions and different thicknesses for recording data,
In the same transport path for transporting the plurality of types of cards, each read / write unit that performs the data processing on each card is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction corresponding to the track position of each card. The cards are arranged on substantially the same axis, and the respective reading and writing units are spaced from the reading and writing units by a dimension equal to or smaller than the length in the conveying direction of the cards in front of the card insertion direction. A magnetic head for reading data recorded on the surface, and a conveyance roller and a conveyance belt that are driven in synchronization with each other by a driving unit at a conveyance path position on at least one side in the arrangement direction of each reading and writing unit; Is provided above and below the conveyance path, and the conveyance belt extends from the side position of each reading / writing unit to the side position of the magnetic head along the conveyance path. Mosquito De processing apparatus. The Above each read write unit, characterized in that a pressing roller which presses the respective card in respective read write unit, the shaft support of that provided separately from the shaft supporting the transport roller The card processing apparatus according to claim 1 . The card processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the transport roller and the transport belt are connected by a drive gear. The card processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the card contact surface of the transport roller is formed of an elastic member. The card processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the elastic member is a resin. 6. The card processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the conveying roller is configured such that both ends of the shaft support portion are urged toward the conveying belt by urging means.

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