JP4632527B2 - Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that are connected to each other by a connector, and more particularly, to an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that are configured to prevent malfunctions associated with poor connector contact.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a medical application of ultrasound, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus for obtaining a tomographic image of a soft tissue of a living body using an ultrasound pulse is well known. The examination by this ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is a non-invasive examination method, and compared with other medical image diagnostic apparatuses such as an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, an X-ray CT apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (MRI apparatus), and a nuclear medicine apparatus. Real-time display is possible, the device is small and inexpensive, and there is no radiation exposure and high safety. Furthermore, the ultrasound diagnostic device is capable of blood flow imaging, measuring the velocity (blood flow rate), dispersion, or power value of blood flowing in the blood vessels, and the ejection volume and cardiac output as cardiac functions. There are also significant enhancements in various diagnostic support functions such as measurement of quantity.
This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus irradiates an object with an ultrasonic pulse and forms an ultrasonic image based on a reflected signal (echo signal) from a tissue in the object. There are several methods, but the most common method is the B mode. In the B mode, a cross section of a body tissue is scanned with an ultrasonic beam, and morphological information such as a tissue structure is changed to a cross sectional image (tomographic image) by changing the brightness of each ultrasonic beam according to the amplitude of the echo. It is a method to display as. This method is called the B mode because of the luminance B, and this image is called a B mode image and is displayed as a black and white image.
[0003]
In addition, there is a method of detecting blood flow velocity and power value using the ultrasonic Doppler effect and displaying blood flow information as an image in color. In this method, for example, the average velocity of blood flow and the variation (dispersion) in velocity are calculated using the autocorrelation method, and the blood flow in the direction toward the normal ultrasound probe is red, and the blood flow in the direction away is blue. In either case, the faster the blood flow velocity is, the brighter the image is displayed, and the greater the variation in the velocity, the more yellow or green is displayed, which is called the color mode.
In addition, there is a color flow mapping method in which a blood flow information image is displayed in color on a black and white B-mode image (morphological information image). This mode is commonly used for envelope detection for obtaining a B-mode image and Doppler detection for obtaining a blood flow information image using one ultrasonic probe, and one frame of a B-mode image. Drawing and Doppler detection are performed alternately.
These are the most basic modes of operation of ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, but for other diagnostic purposes, such as those that obtain three-dimensional images or perform advanced measurement functions. A corresponding ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has been developed. Various ultrasonic probes are also prepared depending on the scanning method of the ultrasonic beam. For example, an ultrasonic probe for linear scanning that linearly scans an ultrasonic beam, an ultrasonic probe for sector scanning that scans an ultrasonic beam in a fan shape, and ultrasonic transducers arranged in a convex shape are the same as for linear scanning. An ultrasonic probe for convex scan that is driven by a simple method.
[0004]
By the way, in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, usually only one type of ultrasonic probe is not used, and various ultrasonic probes are appropriately used depending on a diagnosis target region and application. The driving method of the ultrasonic probe differs depending on the type and application. The ultrasonic probe is detachable from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus by a connector. Therefore, for example, the ultrasonic probe has a probe ID that represents unique information such as various characteristics and driving methods of the ultrasonic probe.
Therefore, when a desired ultrasound probe is connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus or when a desired ultrasound probe is selected from a plurality of ultrasound probes connected to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, By recognizing the probe ID of the ultrasonic probe on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus side, the ultrasonic probe is identified, and the internal circuit and the like are controlled so as to be driven under conditions suitable for the ultrasonic probe.
The probe ID of the ultrasonic probe is composed of, for example, an 11-bit binary signal obtained by opening or grounding a probe ID signal line in the ultrasonic probe. Therefore, 11 terminals for probe ID are assigned to the connector on the ultrasonic probe side, and the connector on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus side also has 11 terminals for probe ID. Then, by connecting both connectors, the probe ID is recognized by pulling up an 11-bit binary signal as the probe ID of the ultrasonic probe on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus side. .
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, contact failure may occur in the connector. Since the probe ID is composed of a binary signal obtained by opening or grounding the probe ID signal line in the ultrasonic probe, the probe ID is “0” when there is a contact failure in the connector. May be misidentified as “1” on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus side.
That is, when the probe ID is correct, for example, “00000000101”, there is a contact failure in a pin with a connector, and one of “0” is recognized as “1”, and for example, “00000001101” is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. If it is recognized on the side, it will be recognized as a completely different ultrasonic probe, and the actual ultrasonic probe would be driven under inappropriate conditions.
For this reason, for example, the following problems may occur.
That is,
(1) When a resonance type ultrasonic probe is mistaken as a non-resonance type, a high voltage is applied to the resonance coil, so that the resonance coil is burned or excessive acoustic power is output.
(2) When an ultrasonic probe with an impedance converter is mistakenly recognized as having no impedance converter, it is transmitted without applying a bias to destroy the impedance converter.
(3) If the ultrasonic probe with a built-in high-pressure switch is mistakenly recognized as having no high-pressure switch, it is transmitted without applying a bias to destroy the high-pressure switch.
And so on.
In addition, as a measure for preventing such misperception, means for providing a circuit for identifying a characteristic of a specific ultrasonic probe or a signal line indicating a specific ultrasonic probe on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus side may be considered. However, all of them have a problem that the circuit scale becomes large and lacks versatility.
The present invention has been made to solve such problems.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the signal line is opened in the ultrasonic probe orgroundIn the ultrasonic probe provided with the information circuit representing the binary signal of a plurality of bits, the information circuit includes a probe information circuit representing information unique to the ultrasound probe, and a binary signal represented by the probe information circuit. And a check information circuit representing check information obtained by inverting the logic of a binary signal indicating the number of “1” or “0” included in the check signal.
  As a result, the ultrasonic probe provides information unique to the ultrasonic probe and check information used to determine whether or not the information has been correctly transmitted, thereby increasing reliability during use. be able to.
  This also allows the ultrasonic probe to detect abnormalities associated with poor connector contact, even when contact failure occurs on both the signal line representing the information unique to the ultrasound probe and the signal line for check information. can do.
[0007]
  Another invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which an ultrasonic probe is connected via a probe connector.The ultrasonic probe includes identification information of the ultrasonic probe and check information obtained by inverting the logic of a binary signal indicating the number of “1” of the binary signal representing the identification information. ,Via the probe connectorThe identification information and the check information that the ultrasonic probe hasReading means for reading;Based on the verification result of the verification unit, the verification unit for verifying the content of the identification information and the check information read by the reading unit,The ultrasonic probeAboveDrive control means for controlling to drive according to the identification information.
  As a result, due to poor contact of the probe connector, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus side misidentifies the identification information of the ultrasonic probe, or based on the misidentified information, the ultrasonic probe is operated under the operating conditions of other ultrasonic probes. Incorrect driving is prevented.
  In addition, this allows the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to detect an abnormality caused by a poor contact of the connector even when a poor contact occurs in both the signal line representing the information unique to the ultrasonic probe and the signal line of the check information. Can be detected.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main part of an embodiment of an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. In this figure, with the probe connector 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as a connector) interposed therebetween, the ultrasonic probe 2 side is shown on the left side, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 3 side is shown on the right side. The ultrasonic probe 2 has a cable drawn from the ultrasonic probe main body, and a connector is connected to the tip of the cable.
The ultrasound probe 2 resonates with the electrical signal supplied from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, generates ultrasound to be applied to the subject, and receives the reflected wave of the ultrasound from the body tissue of the subject. An ultrasonic transducer 21 that converts the signal is provided. Although only one ultrasonic transducer 21 is shown in the drawing, many ultrasonic transducers 21 are arranged in an array or two-dimensionally arranged depending on the specifications of the ultrasonic probe. is there.
The ultrasonic probe 2 includes a probe ID generation unit 22 that generates a probe ID representing information unique to the ultrasonic probe, and can confirm whether or not the probe ID has been correctly recognized. A checksum generator 23 is provided.
[0009]
The probe ID generator 22 generates a binary signal of 11 bits, for example, and represents “1” or “0” by opening or grounding each signal line. That is, as shown in the figure, the first bit is “0” because it is grounded, the ninth bit is “1” because it is open, and similarly, the tenth bit is “0” and the eleventh bit. Indicates “1”. Although the second to eighth bits are omitted, it is assumed here that all are grounded to represent “0”.
The checksum generator 23 represents the number of probe IDs “1”, and prepares a sufficient number of bits to count the number of bits of the probe ID. Here, since the probe ID is 11 bits, the checksum generator 23 generates, for example, a 4-bit binary signal. That is, as shown in the figure, the first bit and the second bit are grounded, so each indicates "0", the third bit is open, and thus indicates "1". Similarly, the fourth bit indicates " 0 "is shown. Therefore, the checksum generator 23 indicates that the numerical value is 2, which indicates that the number of probe IDs “1” is two.
Thus, the configuration of the checksum and probe ID as described above is exemplified as follows.
That is, “0010 00000000101”, where the first 4 bits are a checksum and represent a numerical value 2. The latter 11 bits are the probe ID, and the numerical value represents 5, but the number of “1” is two. Therefore, the numerical value 2 is displayed by the checksum.
[0010]
Next, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 3 will be described.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 3 drives each ultrasonic transducer 21 of the ultrasonic probe 2 individually or in units of neighboring groups with a drive pulse of a predetermined rate frequency to emit ultrasonic waves to the subject, A transmission / reception unit 31 that amplifies a weak electrical signal based on a reflection signal from a subject to form an image signal, and various processes and controls of the entire ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 3 including the transmission / reception unit 31 are central. A control unit 32 that performs various functions is provided.
In addition, 11-bit probe ID information is supplied in parallel to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 3 in order to identify the probe ID representing the unique information of the ultrasound probe 2, and the probe ID is correctly identified. In order to confirm whether or not it has been recognized, a checksum identification unit 34 to which 4-bit checksum information is supplied in parallel is provided. Then, the number of “1” s in the 11-bit probe ID output from the probe ID identifying unit 33 and the numerical value output from the checksum identifying unit 34 are collated, and a predetermined result is obtained if the collation result is correct. A collation unit 35 that generates an output, and a gate 36 that supplies the probe ID to the control unit 32 when a predetermined output is obtained from the collation unit 35, that is, when the probe ID is correctly identified by the probe ID identification unit 33. It has.
[0011]
Next, the operation of the ultrasonic probe 2 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 3 configured as described above will be described.
When the ultrasonic probe 2 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 3 via the connector 1, the probe ID identification unit 33 reads an 11-bit binary signal of the probe ID by pull-up. The 4-bit binary signal of the checksum is read out by pull-up. In this pull-up, a predetermined voltage is applied to the signal line, and if the signal line is opened on the connector 1 side, a predetermined voltage (that is, “1” level) is detected via the resistor R. If the signal line is grounded on the 1 side, the ground potential (ie, “0” level) is detected.
As a result, the contents of the binary signal of the probe ID and the checksum can be recognized. Therefore, the probe ID identifying unit 33 counts the number of “1” of the 11-bit binary signal of the probe ID, Output as a 4-bit binary signal. Similarly, the checksum identification unit 34 reads a 4-bit binary signal of the checksum.
Here, if the probe ID set for the ultrasound probe 2 is “00000000101” and the checksum is “0010”, the probe ID identifying unit 33 determines that the probe ID is “1”. Since the number of “2” is 2, “0010” is output to the collation unit 35, and “0010” is also output from the checksum identification unit 34. When these are collated by the collation unit 35 and are determined to match, a predetermined output signal is supplied from the collation unit 35 to the gate 36. Accordingly, the gate 36 is opened by the output signal from the collation unit 35, and the probe ID from the probe ID identification unit 33 is supplied to the control unit 32 through the gate 36. The control unit 32 recognizes the type, characteristics, driving method, and the like of the ultrasonic probe 2 based on the probe ID, and controls the internal circuit and the like so as to drive the ultrasonic probe 2 under conditions based on the specifications. Then, a necessary drive signal is supplied to the ultrasonic transducer 21 of the ultrasonic probe 2 via the transmission / reception unit 31.
[0012]
On the other hand, when a contact failure occurs in the pin of the connector 1 with respect to the signal line that should be originally grounded among the 11-bit signal lines of the probe ID generator 22, when viewed from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 3 side, The signal line is equivalent to being open. In other words, the open signal line is recognized as “1” by the probe ID identifying unit 33 due to the pull-up, so that the probe ID is recognized as “000010000011,” for example, due to the poor contact of the pins of the connector 1. Suppose.
In this case, since the number of “1” is three, a binary signal “0011” is transmitted from the probe ID identification unit 33 to the collation unit 35. However, since the output from the checksum identification unit 34 is “0010” and the collation unit 35 determines that the output does not match, the output signal from the collation unit 35 to the gate 36 is not supplied, and the gate 36 remains closed. Yes, an erroneous probe ID is not supplied from the probe ID identification unit 33 to the control unit 32.
Therefore, the ultrasonic probe 2 is not driven, and it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the ultrasonic probe 2 is driven and destroyed under erroneous conditions.
[0013]
By the way, in the above-described embodiment, when the contact failure of the connector 1 occurs only in the signal line of the probe ID, this can be detected. However, for example, if contact failure occurs in both the probe ID and checksum signal lines, and the number of probe IDs “1” and the checksum value happen to coincide, an error occurs. However, the probe ID may be determined to be correct.
That is, in the above example, when the correct probe ID is “00000000101”, it is assumed that the probe ID is recognized as “000010000011” by the probe ID identification unit 33 due to the poor contact of the pins of the connector 1. In addition, the correct checksum for the correct probe ID is “0010”, but this happens to be recognized as “0011” by the checksum identifying unit 34 due to the contact failure of the pin of the checksum signal line of the connector 1. Suppose.
In such a case, since the number of probe IDs “1” recognized by the probe ID identifying unit 33 is 3, a binary signal “0011” is transmitted from the probe ID identifying unit 33 to the collating unit 35. become. Similarly, the output from the checksum identification unit 34 is “0011”, which is determined to be a match by the collation unit 35, and the control unit 32 originally differs from the ultrasonic probe 2 with the probe ID “00000000101”. It is instructed to drive under the driving condition of the probe ID “00001000101”.
[0014]
Such inconvenience can be solved as follows. Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram similar to FIG. 1 showing the main part of the present embodiment, and the same parts as those in FIG.
That is, in the previous embodiment, when the connector 1 is in poor contact, the signal line that is “grounded” on the ultrasonic probe 1 side is recognized as “open” on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 3 side. There is a possibility that “0” may be mistaken for “1”. However, it is recognized that the signal line that is “open” on the ultrasonic probe 1 side due to poor contact of the connector 1 is “grounded” on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 3 side, that is, “1”. It is not possible to be mistaken for “0”.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the logic of the checksum is inverted. That is, in the previous embodiment, when the probe ID of the ultrasonic probe 1 is “00000000101”, the checksum is “0010”. However, the checksums “0” and “1” are reversed to “ The setting of the checksum generator 23 is changed to 1101 ".
Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, an inverting circuit 37 is provided in the preceding stage of the checksum identifying unit 34. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.
That is, the probe ID “00000000101” exemplified above is explained. Since the number of “1” is 2, the checksum is originally “0010”, but the logic of the checksum is inverted to generate a checksum generation unit. 23 is set to “1101”. Here, it is assumed that there is a contact failure in the pin of the signal line of the probe ID of the connector 1 and the probe ID identifying unit 33 recognizes the probe ID as “00001000101”. In this case, since the number of “1” has increased to three, a binary signal “0011” is transmitted from the probe ID identifying unit 33 to the collating unit 35. On the other hand, if the output from the checksum generating unit 23 is normal, it is “1101”, which is inverted by the inverting circuit 37 and recognized by the checksum identifying unit 34 as “0010”. Therefore, these two binary signals are determined to be inconsistent by the collation unit 35.
[0015]
By the way, if the checksum signal line pin of the connector 1 also has a contact failure, and if it is normal, the checksum of “1101” becomes “1111”, this is inverted by the inversion circuit 37, and the checksum. The identification unit 34 recognizes “0000”. This indicates that the number of probe IDs “1” is zero.
Therefore, the output from the checksum identifying unit 34 and the output from the checksum identifying unit 34 are naturally determined to be inconsistent by the collating unit 35. Therefore, the output signal from the verification unit 35 to the gate 36 is not supplied, the gate 36 remains closed, and an erroneous probe ID is not supplied from the probe ID identification unit 33 to the control unit 32.
In this way, for example, when a contact failure occurs in the signal line of the probe ID, a signal indicating that the number of “1” has increased is output to the collating unit 35, and conversely, the signal line of the checksum is output. When a contact failure occurs, a binary signal indicating that the number of probe IDs “1” has decreased is output to the verification unit 35. Therefore, in such a case, the output of the probe ID identifying unit 33 and the output of the checksum identifying unit 34 do not match, and the matching unit 35 naturally determines that they do not match.
[0016]
As described above, when a contact failure occurs in one or both of the probe ID signal line and the checksum signal line, the output of the probe ID identifying unit 33 and the output of the checksum identifying unit 34 are always Disagreement. Therefore, in such a case, the ultrasonic probe 2 is not erroneously driven. Further, when a mismatch is detected by the collation unit 35, an alarm may be issued so that the operator reconfirms the connection of the ultrasonic probe 2.
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is sufficient to increase the number of bits necessary for the checksum as a circuit similar to the probe ID portion without adding a complicated new circuit on the ultrasonic probe side. Since a simple logic circuit is only added to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus side, an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with high reliability and versatility are provided.
[0017]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, It is possible to implement with various forms. For example, in the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, as in the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 2, when contact failure occurs in both the probe ID signal line and the checksum signal line, probe ID identification is performed. The output of the unit 33 and the output of the checksum identification unit 34 can always be inconsistent.
That is, the checksum generator 23 of the ultrasonic probe 1 generates a binary signal indicating the number of probe IDs “0” (this is because the probe ID is 11 digits, so that the 11 is changed from “1” to “1”. "Minus the number of"). Similarly, the probe ID identification unit 33 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 3 supplies a binary signal representing the number of “0” s of the identified probe IDs to the verification unit 35.
[0018]
Now, the probe ID “00000000101” exemplified above will be described. Since the number of “0” is 9, the checksum is “1001”. Here, it is assumed that there is a contact failure in the pin of the signal line of the probe ID of the connector 1 and the probe ID identifying unit 33 recognizes, for example, “00001000101”. In this case, since the number of “0” is reduced to eight, the binary signal “1000” is transmitted from the probe ID identifying unit 33 to the collating unit 35. If the output from the checksum identifying unit 34 is normal, it is “1001”. Therefore, the collating unit 35 determines that there is a mismatch.
Here, it is assumed that the pin of the checksum signal line of the connector 1 also has a contact failure, and the checksum identifying unit 34 recognizes the binary signal that should be “1001” as “1011”. Therefore, since the output from the checksum identifying unit 34 to the collating unit 35 is “1011” and the output from the probe ID identifying unit 33 to the collating unit 35 is “1000”, the collating unit 35 naturally determines that there is a mismatch. The
Therefore, even in this case, when a contact failure occurs in the probe ID signal line, the probe ID identification unit 33 outputs a binary signal indicating that the number of “0” has decreased to the verification unit 35. On the other hand, when a contact failure occurs in the checksum signal line, a binary signal having an increased number of “1” is always output to the collating unit 35. It is possible to detect an abnormality associated with.
Although the present invention has been described for the case where the probe ID identifying unit and the checksum identifying unit are separately provided, the probe ID is identified first, and then the checksum is identified. May be. In this way, the circuit scale can be reduced.
[0019]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent misidentification of the probe ID based on the poor contact of the probe connector, the erroneous driving of the ultrasonic probe, and the breakage of the circuit components.Further, according to the present invention, even when a contact failure occurs in both the signal line representing the information unique to the ultrasonic probe and the signal line of the check information, the abnormality associated with the contact failure of the connector is detected. Can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main part of an embodiment of an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an essential part of an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus showing another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Probe connector
2 Ultrasonic probe
3 Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment
21 Ultrasonic transducer
22 Probe ID generator
23 Checksum generator
31 Transceiver
32 Control unit
33 Probe ID identification part
34 Checksum identification part
35 verification part
36 gate
37 Inversion circuit

Claims (6)

In an ultrasonic probe equipped with an information circuit representing a binary signal of a plurality of bits by opening or grounding a signal line in the ultrasonic probe,
The information circuit is
A probe information circuit representing information unique to the ultrasonic probe;
A check information circuit representing check information obtained by inverting the logic of a binary signal indicating the number of “1” or “0” included in the binary signal represented by the probe information circuit. Acoustic probe. The information circuit comprises a plurality of signal lines representing "1" by opening the signal line and representing "0" by grounding ,
2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the check information is obtained by inverting the logic of a binary signal indicating the number of “1” included in the binary signal represented by the probe information circuit. . The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein the signal line is opened when a contact failure occurs. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising the ultrasonic probe,
Read means for reading out information specific to the ultrasonic probe represented by the information circuit and the information for checking,
Comparison means for comparing the information specific to the ultrasonic probe and the information for checking,
4. A drive control unit that controls to drive the ultrasonic probe according to information unique to the ultrasonic probe based on a comparison result by the comparison unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to item. The comparison means detects contact failure of the signal line by comparing information unique to the ultrasonic probe and the information for checking,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the drive control unit controls the ultrasonic probe to be driven when it is determined that there is no contact failure. In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which an ultrasonic probe is connected via a probe connector,
The ultrasonic probe includes identification information of the ultrasonic probe and check information obtained by inverting the logic of a binary signal indicating the number of “1” of the binary signal representing the identification information. ,
Reading means for reading the identification information and the check information that the ultrasonic probe has via the probe connector;
Collating means for collating the contents of the identification information and the check information read by the reading means;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: drive control means for controlling the ultrasonic probe to be driven according to the identification information based on a collation result of the collation means.

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