JP4850217B2 - Entertainment method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an entertainment method, system, and program for granting a privilege to a user via a network.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, portable terminals equipped with a location information system (Global Positioning System: hereinafter referred to as GPS) have become widespread. The user's purpose of use is generally the purpose of receiving a map image providing service, a navigation service, and the like by this GPS.

  In addition to such services, there are also services having entertainment such as a game service using GPS and a point providing service.

  These services clear quizzes and games according to location information. For example, a service or a service in which points are given to the user when it is detected by GPS that the user has moved to a location (position) designated in advance by the service provider can be considered.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-49681 JP 2002-132610 A

  However, a user who does not feel much necessity for a general map information providing service or a navigation service is not attractive for a portable terminal with a GPS function.

  In addition, it is a prerequisite that game services and point services using GPS move as described above. For this reason, there is a problem that the user cannot receive the service or cannot receive the service when a place where the user cannot move is designated as the destination.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such matters, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a service providing method that allows a user to receive a service using GPS without being restricted by time or place. To do.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an entertainment method, system, and program for imparting entertainment to the GPS function.

  The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems. That is, the entertainment method of the present invention divides a map that can be displayed on the display means of the user terminal having the position information system into a plurality of areas, and receives the user position information and user information from the user terminal via the network. And a step of accumulating the user information for each area based on position information, and a lottery for identifying a user terminal or an area when the accumulated content satisfies a predetermined condition.

  The position information system in the present invention is preferably an existing GPS.

  Further, the user information includes a number for identifying the user terminal, communication time, and information related to a communication fee associated with the communication time. Examples of the user terminal include a mobile phone that can be connected to a network and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance). The predetermined condition is that the communication time or the communication charge exceeds a predetermined value. In addition, the predetermined condition may be that the number of accesses from the user terminal exceeds a predetermined number.

  The accumulating means in the present invention may include a step of accumulating user information corresponding to a second area different from the first area when the accumulated contents corresponding to the first area satisfy a predetermined condition. As a result, the user can increase the benefit return rate according to the accumulated amount.

  In the step of dividing the region on the map into a plurality of regions, the region is divided based on the latitude and longitude. As another division method, there is a method of dividing an area on a map into prefectures or municipalities.

  In addition, the benefit returned according to the lottery result is preferably a time during which a call / communication can be performed free of charge or a cashback of communication charges. As a result, it is possible to further promote the user's call / communication.

  As the lottery for specifying the user, random lottery is preferable. What is to be extracted in this random number lottery can be various numbers that specify user terminals. When the user terminal is a mobile phone, the number is a telephone number. In addition, the number to be extracted in the random lottery may be a number assigned to each area.

  That is, the entertainment method of the present invention is a system in which, when the position information transmitted by the user is included in a specific area, a lottery is performed and a privilege is given to the winner.

  By the entertainment method including such a process, many users effectively use the GPS function.

Moreover, since a privilege is provided with communication by such an entertainment method, a user's telephone call and communication can be encouraged.

  Furthermore, the entertainment method of the present invention more preferably includes a step of transmitting a lottery result to the user terminal. As a transmission method, E-mail (electronic mail) is desirable.

  By adding such a step, a user who has lost the lottery can set a standard for a call / communication for the next lottery.

  The predetermined area of the present invention may be designated in advance from the user terminal.

  By adding such a configuration, the designated area is displayed on the map displayed on the display means (hereinafter referred to as a display) of the user terminal, and the accumulated contents in the area are displayed and the user is inquired. It is also possible to provide a step of performing.

  As an inquiry method, for example, when the area on the map displayed on the user's terminal is displayed divided into areas (1) to (5), when the area (3) is designated by the user, The case where the part of the area | region of (3) on the map displayed on the display of a user terminal is displayed with a color can be mentioned.

  Furthermore, as an inquiry method, when the accumulation result stored in the accumulation means exceeds a predetermined condition, it can be displayed in a color different from that before the excess. In addition, a certain mark may be attached to the area won by the lottery, or the content of how much the lottery will be performed later may be displayed. Of course, at this time, the accumulated call time, accumulated call charge, etc. may be displayed together.

  Thus, by setting it as the structure which displays accumulation content on a map, the user can confirm the content at a glance. Furthermore, the user's willingness to talk / communication can be improved by displaying the area | region and accumulation condition which self specified on the map.

  Furthermore, designating an area in advance means that position information and user information are accumulated in that area. As a result, the user can accumulate in all areas on the map without actually moving. Along with this, the winning probability also improves.

  Moreover, this invention may have a structure which returns a privilege to a user, when the area | region designated by the user displayed on the map comprises a predetermined shape or a predetermined combination.

  The predetermined shape means, for example, that a region divided into a plurality of regions is a shape of a specific constellation on a map displayed on the display means, a shape of a circle, a square, a triangle, or a face having eyes, nose, mouth. Examples include shape.

  By adding such a configuration, the interest of the system in the present invention can be improved.

  In the entertainment method of the present invention, regions may be designated in advance so as to form a predetermined combination or a predetermined shape. As a result, the user is encouraged by the goal of aligning a predetermined shape or a predetermined combination, and can communicate and talk.

  Furthermore, the entertainment method of the present invention may include a step of returning a privilege to the user when the communication time or communication fee in a specific area satisfies a predetermined value.

  For example, for a user whose communication / communication time exceeds 5 hours, a one-hour call / communication charge or time can be cashed back.

  Moreover, this invention is also an entertainment system which a terminal performs via a network. The method includes: a dividing unit that divides a map that can be displayed on a display unit of a user terminal having a location information system into a plurality of regions; and a receiving unit that receives user location information and user information from the user terminal via a network. , Accumulating means for accumulating the user information for each area based on the position information, and lottery for identifying users belonging to the predetermined area when the accumulated information accumulated in the accumulating means satisfies a predetermined condition Lottery means for performing

  In addition, the present invention is a program executable by a computer. The program of the present invention includes a step of dividing a map that can be displayed on a display unit of a user terminal having a position information system into a plurality of regions, and a step of receiving user position information and user information from the user terminal via a network; And accumulating the user information for each area based on the position information, and performing a lottery to identify users belonging to the predetermined area in response to the accumulated content satisfying the predetermined condition.

  According to the present invention, a user can receive a service using GPS without being restricted by time or place. In addition, according to the present invention, entertainment can be imparted to the GPS function. Accordingly, the present invention can improve the utilization rate of terminals equipped with a GPS function.

  Hereinafter, the entertainment system in the present embodiment will be described. In the description of the entertainment method of the present embodiment, a case where the method is applied to an entertainment system will be described as an example.

  FIG. 1 shows a conceptual diagram of an entertainment system 1 in the present embodiment. The entertainment system 1 in the present embodiment is a system in which a user terminal 2 having a GPS function transmits position information and user information to a server 4 via a network 3, and the server 4 performs lottery in response thereto. In the following description, the user terminal 2 is assumed to be a mobile phone, and the server 4 is assumed to be a mobile phone operator side terminal.

Here, the hardware configuration of the server 4 will be described. The server 4 of this embodiment includes a receiving unit (receiving unit) 5 that receives data transmitted from the user terminal 2 and a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU) 6 that controls the entire server 4. RAM (Random Ac) for temporarily storing the processing contents in the CPU 6
(Access Memory) 7, ROM (Read Only Memory) 8 for storing a program executed by the CPU 6 and controlling the server 4, HD (Hard Disc) 9 for storing various data, and various data to the user terminal 2 Transmitting unit (transmitting means) 1
0. These are connected by a BUS (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the control program 30 stored in the ROM 8 displays various screens such as a display (display means) 11 of the user terminal 2 and a map 12 as shown in FIG. The control program 30 divides the map 12 into a plurality of areas (hereinafter, the divided areas are referred to as groups) 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f, and the like.

  For example, as shown in screen D in FIG. 2, the area on the map 12 displayed on the display 11 of the user terminal 2 is divided into a plurality of groups 16. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, one group 16a is composed of longitudes 139.10 degrees to 139.45 degrees and latitudes 35.683 degrees to 36.183 degrees. As another group, a group 16b composed of longitudes 139.45 degrees to 139.55 degrees and latitudes 35.533 degrees to 35.683 degrees can be exemplified. Each group divided in this way is numbered.

  In addition, the control program 30 performs random number lottery when the position information and various user information transmitted from the user terminal 2 and stored in the HD 9 satisfy predetermined conditions. The random number here is a number assigned to each group. The group corresponding to the number extracted in this lottery process is a winner.

  In addition, the control program 30 makes determinations associated with various processes. For example, it is determined whether there is a request for lottery from the user, whether the lottery condition is satisfied, or the like.

  Furthermore, the control program 30 notifies the user terminal 2 of the lottery result. The notification method is preferably email.

And the control program 30 returns a privilege to the user terminal 2 in the selected group. The contents of the privilege can be a call time, a call / communication fee, or a point. These benefits are taken into account when the mobile phone usage fee is settled, and the usage fee is charged to the user.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a call information registration master 17, a group information master 18, and a billing information master 19 are constructed in the HD (accumulating means) 9.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the call information registration master 17 stores one group number obtained by applying the position information transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the divided groups. Further, the call information registration master 17 stores the telephone number of the user terminal 2 shown in FIG.

  In the group information master 18, the upper limit latitude / longitude and the lower limit latitude / longitude of the divided group are registered in addition to the position group number. That is, the position information transmitted from the user terminal 2 is grouped based on the data stored in the group information master 18.

  The accounting information master 19 includes a telephone number of the user terminal 2, a user name (name), a user address, a cumulative fee, a cumulative start date / time, the number of calls, a call start date / time, a call end date / time, location information at the time of a call, Necessary charges are accumulated.

  The above is the system configuration of the server 4. The user terminal 2 is assumed to be a mobile phone having an existing configuration, and a description thereof is omitted. Next, the execution process of the entertainment system 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated.

  The entertainment system 1 of this embodiment transmits position information from the user terminal 2 to the server 4. The server 4 performs a lottery to specify the user terminal 2 based on the transmitted position information. And a privilege is provided to the user terminal 2 specified by the lottery. This is an outline of the entertainment system 1 of the present embodiment. Hereinafter, each process will be described in detail.

  First, the process of transmitting data from the user terminal 2 to the server 4 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When a call is started at the user terminal 2, a memory (not shown) provided in the user terminal 2 temporarily stores position information and date / time at the start of the call (S01).

  Here, the predetermined application of the user terminal 2 is a screen for allowing the user to determine whether or not to transmit the above-described location information and call date / time to the call information registration master 17 and the billing information registration master shown in FIG. A is displayed on the display 11 of the user terminal 2 shown in FIG.

  In screen A, call records 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d in the user terminal 2 shown in FIG. 1, a “registration” icon 21 for registering these call records in the HD 9 of the server 4, and registration in the server 4 are displayed. Check boxes 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d for checking the call record are displayed.

  Here, when it is determined that the user does not transmit data to the server 4 and the “registration” icon 21 is operated without checking any of the check boxes 22a to 22d, it is determined that the application has not entered the check box. Judgment is made (S02), and the process returns to step 01 and returns to the process of storing the position information and the call date and time again.

On the other hand, it is determined that the user transmits data to the server 4 and registers information, and the check box 22a is checked and the “registration” icon 21 is operated (S02). Then, in order to request the server 4 to execute the registration process, the application transmits the information stored in the memory to the server 4 (S03). As a result, the checked call information 20 a is registered in the HD 9 of the server 4. When the registration is completed, a process of displaying the screen B shown in FIG. 5 on the display 11 of the user terminal 2 shown in FIG. 1 is performed.

  The above is the description of the data transmission processing process from the user terminal 2 to the server 4. Next, the reception processing process in the server 4 for received data will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the server 4 receives the position information, date / time, and telephone number transmitted from the user terminal 2 shown in FIG. 1 (S100). Then, the control program 30 stored in the ROM 8 of the server 4 searches the group by collating the group including the position information with the data of the group information master 18 (S101).

  Next, the control program 30 determines whether or not the position information transmitted from the user terminal 2 is included in the registered group (S102). Here, when the control program 30 determines that the position information transmitted from the user terminal 2 is not included in the group, the process returns to step 101 and the same processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the control program 30 determines in step 102 that the position information transmitted from the user terminal 2 is included in the group, whether the telephone number transmitted from the user is registered in the call information registration master 17 or not. Is determined (S103).

  If the control program 30 determines in step 103 that the received telephone number is registered in the call information registration master 17, the control program 30 determines that the accumulated amount registered in the call information registration master 17 satisfies the standard. It is determined whether or not (S104).

  If the control program 30 determines in step 104 that the accumulated amount satisfies the standard, it searches for another telephone group registration history in another adjacent group (S105).

  When a telephone number is registered in advance in another group in step 105, the acquired information is stored in the call information registration master 17 and the billing information master (not shown) of the group. This process is called entry. That is, the user can enter a large number of groups as the accumulated amount associated with the call / communication time increases. The fact that entry to a large number of groups is possible means that the number of lotteries for granting a privilege increases. Further, as the number of lotteries increases, the probability that the user will receive a privilege increases.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step 104 that the accumulated amount does not satisfy the standard, the control program 30 acquires charging information from the received telephone number and date and registers it in the charging information master 19 (S106). Further, the control program 30 performs data registration processing in the call information registration master 17 (S107). When registration is completed, a process of displaying the screen B shown in FIG. 5 on the display 11 of the user terminal 2 shown in FIG. 1 is performed.

  The above is the data reception process performed by the server 4. The registration status described above can be confirmed on the display 11 of the user terminal 2. When receiving a request for confirmation of registration status from the user terminal 2, the control program 30 stored in the ROM 8 of the server 4 displays a screen C shown in FIG. 7 on the display 11 of the user terminal 2.

On this screen C, a column for entering the telephone number of the user terminal 2, a column for entering a password, and “execute” and “return” icons are displayed. When the user fills in a predetermined item on screen C and designates an “execute” icon, screen D shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on display 11.

  On the screen D, the group divided into a plurality as described above is displayed on the map. The registered groups 16a and 16b are displayed with their colors inverted and the current accumulated amount in those groups is displayed. Such a display allows the user to confirm the registration status at a glance.

Next, the lottery process executed by the server 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
It is assumed that the lottery process is a process executed by the control program 30.

  First, the control program 30 determines a lottery pattern (S200). In this step, it is determined by random number lottery whether to perform lottery for extracting a group number or to lottery a predetermined shape or combination formed by a plurality of groups.

  Here, when it is determined that a lottery method for extracting a group number by a random number is taken, the control program 30 performs a lottery process for determining a winning group (S201).

  On the other hand, even when it is determined in step 200 that a lottery method for determining a group having a predetermined shape or combination is taken, a lottery process for determining a winning group by the control program 30 is performed.

  The group having a predetermined shape or combination is a shape or combination formed on the map by a group displayed with the color reversed on the screen D in FIG. 2, that is, a group registered by the user.

  As an example of a group having a predetermined shape or combination, as shown in FIG. 9, there can be mentioned a case where five groups 16g to 16k displayed in an inverted manner on the map 12 are arranged obliquely. In addition, it is good also as a vertical and horizontal arrangement instead of a diagonal arrangement.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the groups 16 g to 16 r displayed in an inverted manner on the map 12 may be arranged so as to form a circle. In addition to a circle, a geometric shape such as a quadrangle, a triangle, or a star may be used.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, it is good also as a case where the groups 16g-16n displayed in reverse are arrange | positioned on the map 12 so that the face which has eyes, a nose, and a mouth may be formed. In addition, the face may have a facial expression such as a laughed face or an angry face.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the groups 16g to 16m displayed in an inverted manner may be arranged on the map 12 so as to indicate constellations. As other shapes, shapes representing characters can be considered.

  When it is determined in step 200 that the lottery method is to perform the lottery from the shape as described above, a lottery for extracting the winning group from the groups forming the predetermined shape is performed (S201).

When the winning group is determined in step 201, the control program 30 determines whether or not the user terminals in the winning group satisfy the conditions for winning (S202). The winning condition is whether or not the accumulated amount stored in the billing information master 19 of the server 4 satisfies a predetermined amount. Here, when it is determined that the user terminals in the winning group do not satisfy the conditions for winning, this processing step ends.

  On the other hand, when the control program 30 determines in step 202 that the user terminal in the winning group satisfies the conditions for winning, the control program 30 notifies the user terminal that the user terminal has been won (S203). The notification method here is assumed to be electronic mail. That is, the control program 30 notifies the user that it has been won by electronic mail.

  In response to the winning notification being made, the control program 30 returns the prize or privilege to the winning user terminal 2.

  Through the above steps, the entertainment system 1 in the present embodiment is executed.

  In this way, it becomes an attractive service for many users due to the convenience that the right to participate in the lottery can be obtained simply by using the basic function of calling.

  Furthermore, according to the entertainment system 1 in the entertainment method of the present embodiment, moving like a conventional service using GPS is no longer an indispensable condition for receiving the service. Accordingly, it is possible to expect an effect that the user can be prompted to purchase a mobile terminal having a GPS function.

  Moreover, the entertainment system 1 in the entertainment method of the present embodiment can further increase the frequency of use of the user's mobile phone by the configuration in which the benefits are reduced as the phone is called.

  Moreover, since the entertainment system 1 in the entertainment method of this embodiment is a structure where the lottery for extracting the user who returns a privilege is performed, the interest with respect to the entertainment system of this embodiment can be heightened. Accordingly, it is possible to prompt the user to actively use the entertainment system of the present embodiment.

  In addition, the entertainment system 1 in the entertainment method of the present embodiment can enhance the visual effect on the user because the user can check the current registration status on the map by his / her terminal.

  In the present embodiment, the lottery pattern is determined, the random number lottery is determined, or the predetermined shape or combination formed by the group is determined.

  In the present embodiment, the predetermined shape or combination formed by the group is determined, and the winning group is selected from the group forming the group. However, all the groups having the predetermined shape or combination may be selected as the winner. good.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the predetermined shape or combination is determined by the server 4, but the user himself / herself may register the group and complete the predetermined shape or combination. Accordingly, a user who has completed a predetermined shape or combination can be selected as a winner.

  With such a configuration, interest for the user can be enhanced. The predetermined shape or combination may be formed by a predetermined group, or may be formed by using an arbitrary group.

Furthermore, this embodiment discloses the following invention. In addition, the constituent elements included in any of the following inventions (hereinafter referred to as supplementary notes) may be combined with the constituent elements of other supplementary notes.
(Appendix 1)
A method executed by a user terminal and a server connected via a network, and dividing a map that can be displayed on a display unit of a user terminal having a location information system into a plurality of areas;
Receiving user location information and user information from the user terminal via a network;
Accumulating the user information in a predetermined accumulating unit for each area based on the position information;
In response to the accumulated content satisfying a predetermined condition, a step of performing a lottery to identify users belonging to a predetermined area;
Including entertainment methods.
(Appendix 2)
The user information includes a number for identifying the user terminal, a communication time, and a communication fee associated with the communication time, and the predetermined condition is that the communication time or the communication fee exceeds a predetermined value. The entertainment method described in.
(Appendix 3)
The entertainment method according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined condition is that the number of accesses from the user terminal exceeds a predetermined number.
(Appendix 4)
The entertainment method according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 3, further comprising a step of transmitting a lottery result to the user terminal.
(Appendix 5)
The entertainment method according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined area is an area designated in advance by the user terminal.
(Appendix 6)
The accumulation unit accumulates the user information in association with a second area different from the first area when accumulated contents corresponding to the first area satisfy a predetermined condition. Entertainment methods.
(Appendix 7)
The entertainment method according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, further comprising: displaying a specified area on the map displayed on the display unit of the user terminal, displaying the accumulated contents in the area, and inquiring the user. .
(Appendix 8)
The entertainment method according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, including a step of returning a privilege to the user when the designated area displayed on the map has a predetermined shape or a predetermined combination.
(Appendix 9)
The entertainment method according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, including a step of returning a privilege to the user when a communication time or a communication fee in a specific area satisfies a predetermined value.
(Appendix 10)
A dividing unit that divides a map that can be displayed on a display unit of a user terminal having a position information system into a plurality of regions;
Receiving means for receiving user location information and user information from the user terminal via a network;
Accumulating means for accumulating the user information for each area based on the position information; lottery means for performing lottery to identify users belonging to a predetermined area in response to the accumulated content satisfying a predetermined condition;
Entertainment system with
(Appendix 11)
Dividing a map that can be displayed on a display means of a user terminal having a position information system into a plurality of regions;
Receiving user location information and user information from the user terminal via a network;
A step of accumulating the user information for each region based on the position information; a step of performing a lottery to identify users belonging to the predetermined region in response to the accumulated content satisfying a predetermined condition;
A computer executable program.

It is a conceptual diagram of the entertainment system in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a registration condition inquiry result screen in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the data structure in HD of the server in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the transmission process from the user terminal in this embodiment to a server. It is an image figure which shows the registration flow to the server in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the reception process in the server in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the registration status confirmation input screen in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the lottery process in this embodiment. It is the image figure of the screen which showed the example from which the registered group in a modification becomes a predetermined combination on a map. It is the image figure of the screen which showed the example in which the registered group in a modification forms a predetermined shape on a map. It is an image figure of the screen which shows the example from which the registered group in a modification becomes a predetermined combination on a map. It is an image figure of the screen which shows the example from which the registered group in a modification becomes a predetermined combination on a map.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Entertainment system 2 User terminal 3 Network 4 Server 5 Receiving part (receiving means)
6 CPU
7 RAM
8 ROM
9 HD (cumulative means)
10 Transmitter (Transmission means)
11 Display 12 Map 16a-16r Group (area)
17 Call Information Registration Master 18 Group Information Master 19 Billing Information Master 20 Call Record 21 Icon 22a-22d Check Box 30 Control Program A Screen B Screen C Screen D Screen

Claims (3)

An entertainment method executed by a server connected to a user terminal via a network,
The server
Receiving from the user terminal via the network location information at the start of the user's call and user information including a terminal identifier for identifying the user terminal and a call record;
The first storage means that stores the group identifier that identifies the group obtained by dividing the region on the map into a plurality of locations and the location information of the region corresponding to the group, and that is received in the reception step. An obtaining step for obtaining a group identifier of a group corresponding to the position information;
For each group identifier of each group, the group identifier obtained in the obtaining step of the second storage means for storing the terminal identifier for identifying the user terminal belonging to each group and the accumulated amount of the communication charge of the user terminal. Among the data corresponding to the above, the cumulative step of accumulating the communication fee corresponding to the call record received in the reception step to the accumulated amount of the communication fee corresponding to the terminal identifier received in the reception step;
Performing a lottery on the group stored in the first storage means by a random number and determining a winning group;
Of the user terminals corresponding to the winning group, the step of notifying the user terminal that the accumulated amount stored in the second storage means satisfies a predetermined amount condition,
The entertainment method characterized by performing. The server
In the accumulation step, when the accumulated amount of the communication fee corresponding to the terminal identifier received in the reception step in the second storage unit satisfies a predetermined amount standard, the second storage unit, Of the data corresponding to the second group identifier that is a group identifier other than the group identifier acquired in the acquisition step, the accumulated amount of the communication fee corresponding to the terminal identifier received in the reception step is set in the reception step. The entertainment method according to claim 1, wherein communication charges corresponding to the received call records are accumulated.   The entertainment method according to claim 2, wherein the second group identifier is a group identifier corresponding to a region adjacent to a region corresponding to the group identifier acquired in the acquisition step on the map. .

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