JP5486558B2 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that automatically performs qualitative and quantitative analysis of biological samples such as blood and urine.

  The automatic analyzer includes a reagent storage for storing a reagent container containing a reagent used for analysis on the automatic analyzer, a reagent information reading mechanism for reading the reagent information of the reagent container stored in the reagent storage, and a biological sample. And a reagent dispensing mechanism for dispensing the reagent from the reagent container to the reaction container.

  In an automatic analyzer, after an operator installs a reagent container containing a reagent to be used for a desired analysis on the automatic analyzer, the reagent information of the reagent container is read by a reagent information reading mechanism from a label or tag attached to the reagent container. Read. The reagent information includes, for example, parameters such as the type and lot of the reagent, the remaining amount of the reagent, the amount used for analysis, and the time required for the reaction.

JP 2007-333466 A

  By the way, if the label or tag attached to the reagent container is not attached to an appropriate position for reading, or the label or tag is damaged or dirty, the reagent container is installed in the reagent storage. However, reagent information may not be read.

  If the reagent container is installed but cannot be read, the operator intends to install the reagent container, but the automated analyzer will determine that the reagent container is not installed, so the operator will analyze it. This will cause problems such as failure to conduct analysis. If the reagent information cannot be read, it is distinguished whether the reagent information cannot be read because the reagent container is not installed, or whether the reagent information cannot be read although the reagent container is installed, and the result is By notifying the operator, the above trouble can be prevented.

  In Patent Document 1, a reagent container detection sensor (switch) provided at each of a plurality of reagent container installation positions detects in advance which position the reagent container is installed before reading the reagent information, and the reagent container detects it. The reagent information is read for the set position. In this formula, the position where the reagent is installed on the automatic analyzer side is known in advance, so after reading the reagent information, the reagent container cannot be read because the reagent container is not installed. However, it is possible to distinguish whether the reagent information cannot be read.

  However, in this method, it is necessary to provide a reagent container detection sensor (switch) at each reagent container installation position. In general, an automatic analyzer has a structure in which a reagent container installation position moves in order to transport a reagent container. When the reagent container installation position moves, it is necessary to arrange the signal line of the reagent container detection sensor so as not to hinder the movement of the reagent container installation position. For this purpose, a complicated structure is required. Moreover, not only the structure for arranging the signal line but also the movement distance and movement speed of the position are limited in order to prevent the signal line from being overloaded by the movement of the reagent container installation position. Complicated control is required.

  In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is more detailed as to whether the reagent information cannot be read because the reagent container is not installed or cannot be read even though the reagent container is installed. The object is to realize a mechanism with a simple structure.

  The present invention includes a reaction container for reacting a sample and a reagent, a reagent container containing a reagent used for reagent reaction, a reagent storage for storing the reagent container, and the reagent container in the reagent storage A reagent dispensing mechanism having a dispensing nozzle for aspirating the reagent, moving to the reaction container and discharging the aspirated reagent, and the reagent storage to the reagent aspirating position where the reagent is aspirated by the reagent dispensing mechanism An automatic analyzer having a reagent container moving mechanism for transporting the reagent container, wherein the dispensing nozzle of the reagent dispensing mechanism moves up and down at the reagent suction position. A nozzle tip contact detection mechanism that detects contact of the reagent container in the reagent storage with the nozzle tip contact detection mechanism, and detection of contact and non-detection of the reagent container by the nozzle tip contact detection mechanism. And detecting the presence or absence of the reagent container.

  According to the present invention, when the reagent information cannot be read, whether the reagent information is not read because the reagent container is not installed or whether the reagent information is not read although the reagent container is installed can be simplified. It can be realized by the mechanism. Thus, by detecting a failure in reading reagent information of the reagent information reading mechanism, the operator's work efficiency is improved, and the reliability of the automatic analyzer is improved.

It is a top view which concerns on the Example of this invention and shows the outline | summary of an automatic analyzer. It is a figure which concerns on the Example of this invention and shows a nozzle front-end | tip contact detection mechanism. The left figure shows a state where the dispensing nozzle is not in contact with the reagent container. The right figure shows a state where the dispensing nozzle is in contact with the reagent container. It is a figure which concerns on the Example of this invention, and is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the dispensing nozzle and reagent container of a nozzle tip contact detection mechanism. The left figure (1) is a figure which shows the state with which the positional relationship of the container opening part of a reagent container and a dispensing nozzle corresponds. The right figure (2) is a figure which shows the state with which the positional relationship of the container opening part of a reagent container and a dispensing nozzle is inconsistent. It is a figure which concerns on the Example of this invention, and is a figure which shows the change of the descent | fall movement speed of a dispensing nozzle when making a dispensing nozzle contact a reagent container. It is a figure which concerns on the Example of this invention, and shows the change state of the contact position of the dispensing nozzle to a reagent container. It is a figure which concerns on the other Example of this invention, and shows the reagent container with which the label with the contact hole of a dispensing nozzle was stuck.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Sample container holding position 2 ... Reaction container 3 ... Sample dispensing mechanism 4 ... Reagent storage 5 ... Reagent container 6 ... Reagent dispensing mechanism 7 ... Reagent container installation position (reagent container installation position)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 ... Reagent information reading mechanism 9 ... Nozzle 10 ... Nozzle movement mechanism 11 ... Nozzle tip contact detection mechanism 12 ... Object 13 which nozzle tip contact | contacts ... Optical measuring part 14 ... Spring 15 ... Sensor 16 ... Reagent movement mechanism 17 ... Reagent container Outlet,
18 ... labels and tags,
19 ... container opening,
20 ... Reagent suction position 21 ... Nozzle movement 22 due to contact of nozzle tip 22 ... Reagent container 23 ... Nozzle 24 ... Container opening 25 ... Nozzle movement speed magnitude 26 ... Nozzle movement speed magnitude 27 ... On reagent container Nozzle contact position 28 ... Nozzle contact position 29 on the reagent container ... Label or tag 30 ... Hole provided in the label or tag

An outline of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The automatic analyzer has a function of qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing a specific chemical component contained in a biological sample or a biologically derived content. This automatic analyzer includes a specimen container holding position 1, a reaction container 2, a sample dispensing mechanism 3, a reagent storage 4, a reagent container 5, a reagent dispensing mechanism 6, a reagent container installation position 7 (reagent container installation position), a reagent An information reading mechanism 8 and an optical measurement unit 13 are included. Further, the automatic analyzer has a control mechanism for controlling the operation of the various mechanisms and the automatic analysis. The control circuit included in the control mechanism includes a computer, a microcomputer, various electronic circuits, program software, a storage unit, a calculation unit, and the like. The automatic analyzer also includes display means, notification means by display and sound generation, and the like.

  In the analysis step, first, a specimen container in which a biological sample such as blood is enclosed is set at the specimen container holding position 1 automatically or manually by an operator by a specimen transport device. A biological sample is dispensed into the reaction container 2 by the sample dispensing mechanism 3. Further, the reagent dispensing mechanism 6 dispenses a reagent corresponding to the analysis item stored in the reagent container 5 on the reagent storage 4 in the reaction container 2.

  The reagent container 5 is installed in advance at the reagent container installation position 7 (reagent container installation position) of the reagent storage 4 by the operator before the analysis is started, and the reagent information reading mechanism 8 provided in the reagent storage 4 is operated by the reagent container. The reagent information written on the label or tag 5 is read, and the reagent is dispensed based on the reagent information and analysis items. Then, the reaction between the biological sample and the reagent is performed in the reaction container. The reaction solution with which the biological sample or reagent in the reaction vessel reacts is controlled by environmental conditions such as temperature, and a chemical reaction is promoted by adding a stirring operation or the like as necessary.

  The chemical reaction is repeated once or multiple times depending on the analysis item. When the required number of chemical reactions is completed, the reaction vessel is subjected to optical measurement by the optical measurement unit 13 and the light quantity is measured by spectroscopy, absorption, or fluorescence, and the component in the sample is analyzed from the measurement result.

  Next, the main part of the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the reagent dispensing mechanism 6 includes a dispensing nozzle 9 that sucks and discharges the reagent, and a nozzle moving mechanism for moving the nozzle 9 to a reagent container, a reaction container, and the like in the reagent storage 4. 10 and a nozzle tip contact detection mechanism 11. The nozzle moving mechanism 10 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 6 moves up and down in the reagent container and the reaction container, and the dispensing nozzle 9 moves up and down to suck the reagent in the reagent container and discharge the sucked reagent into the reaction container. The nozzle tip contact detection mechanism 11 detects contact with a target when the tip of the dispensing nozzle 9 collides (contacts) with a target (such as a reagent container) by the downward movement of the dispensing nozzle 9.

  For example, when the nozzle tip contact mechanism 11 detects that the tip of the dispensing nozzle has contacted the target object 12, the downward movement of the dispensing nozzle is stopped to prevent damage to the dispensing nozzle and the reagent dispensing mechanism. The nozzle tip contact detection mechanism includes a spring 14 and a sensor 15 as shown in FIG. The nozzle tip contact detection mechanism moves when the nozzle pressed by the spring 14 moves by contact when the tip of the dispensing nozzle comes into contact with an object by the downward movement of the nozzle moving mechanism 10 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 6. This is a mechanical nozzle tip contact detection mechanism in which 21 (right diagram in FIG. 2) is detected by the sensor 15. In addition, there are an electrical nozzle tip contact detection mechanism that senses a change in capacitance, a nozzle tip contact detection mechanism that uses a pressure sensor, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, one or a plurality of reagent container moving mechanisms 16 that move the reagent containers 5 are installed in the reagent storage 4. One or more reagent container installation positions 7 (reagent container installation positions) are formed in the reagent container moving mechanism 16 as positions for installing the reagents.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the operator installs a reagent container containing a desired reagent from a reagent container loading / unloading port 17 to a reagent container installation position (reagent container installation position). The reagent container loading / unloading port 17 is covered with a lid to keep the temperature in the reagent storage in a certain target temperature range, and the lid is opened and closed when the reagent is loaded / unloaded.

  The reagent container 5 installed in the reagent storage 4 is moved to the reagent information reading mechanism 8 by the reagent container moving mechanism 16 and described on a label or a tag 18 attached to the reagent container 5 by the reagent information reading mechanism 8. The (existing) reagent information is read. Reagent information is read before the start of analysis, triggered by an operator instruction or opening / closing of the lid of the reagent container loading / unloading port 17.

  At the time of analysis, a desired reagent container is conveyed to the reagent suction position 20 of the reagent storage 4 by the reagent container moving mechanism as shown in FIG. When the container opening 19 of the reagent container matches the reagent suction position 20 (reagent storage opening), the reagent container transport rotation by the reagent container moving mechanism stops. At the same time or thereafter, the dispensing nozzle is transported to the reagent suction position 20 by the reagent container moving mechanism 16. Then, the dispensing nozzle moves downward from the reagent suction position 20 (reagent storage opening) and the container opening 19 into the reagent container, and the reagent is sucked.

  Next, detection of the presence or absence of a reagent container will be described.

  The presence or absence of the reagent container at the reagent container installation position (reagent container installation position) is confirmed by a nozzle tip contact detection mechanism. The confirmation of the presence or absence of a reagent container by the nozzle tip contact detection mechanism is normally performed when the reagent information of the reagent container installed at the reagent container installation position 7 (reagent container installation position) cannot be read by the reagent information reading mechanism 8. To do. You can do anything else.

  That is, after the reagent information of the reagent container installed at the reagent container installation position 7 (reagent container installation position) is read by the reagent information reading mechanism 8, the reagent container installation position (reagent container installation position) where the reagent information cannot be read. ) Find out why. Did not read because the reagent container is not installed, or read due to inadequate reagent information (defective reading) existing on the label or tag 18 or peeling of the label or tag despite the reagent container being installed. In order to distinguish whether the reagent container could not be taken, the nozzle tip contact detection mechanism of the reagent dispensing mechanism detects whether or not there is a reagent container at the reagent container installation position.

  At the time of reagent aspiration, the container opening 24 of the reagent container is positioned directly below the dispensing nozzle of the reagent dispensing mechanism 6 as shown in FIG. However, when detecting the presence or absence of the reagent container, as shown in FIG. 3 (2), the reagent container is positioned so that the container opening 24 of the reagent container is removed from directly below the dispensing nozzle of the reagent dispensing mechanism. Stop by rotating the transport with the moving mechanism. Here, by moving the dispensing nozzle downward, the dispensing nozzle comes into contact (contact) with the upper part of the reagent container, and the nozzle tip contact detection mechanism detects the presence of the reagent container. After moving the reagent container to a position necessary and sufficient for the dispensing nozzle to contact the container, if the nozzle tip contact detection mechanism does not detect the reagent container, the reagent container installation position (reagent container installation position) has a reagent. Judge that the container is not installed.

  On the other hand, when the nozzle tip contact detection mechanism detects a reagent container as shown in FIG. 3B after moving to a position necessary and sufficient for contact, the reagent container by the reagent information reading mechanism 8 described above is used. It is determined that the reason why the reagent information cannot be obtained exists on the reagent information reading mechanism or the reagent container side. In other words, the reason why the reagent information cannot be read is not likely to be read because there is a high possibility that the label or tag attached to the reagent reading mechanism or reagent container is not attached, or the label or tag is unreadable due to dirt or damage. And the above-mentioned estimated cause and the coping method are reported to the operator by display means, notification means, and the like.

  The nozzle tip contact detection mechanism is provided in an existing automatic analyzer in order to detect and stop the dispensing operation when the dispensing nozzle contacts or collides during the dispensing operation. By utilizing this existing nozzle tip contact detection mechanism, a function of detecting the presence or absence of a reagent container can be provided at low cost without providing a new detection mechanism.

  The nozzle tip contact detection mechanism described in the above embodiment has a configuration including the spring 14 and the sensor 15, but can be implemented if it has a mechanism for detecting that the tip of the dispensing nozzle has contacted the reagent container. Yes, it can be implemented regardless of the type and type of the dispensing nozzle tip contact detection mechanism.

  In order to prevent damage between the dispensing nozzle and the reagent container from contact, contact, and collision, when the dispensing nozzle comes into contact with the reagent container, a slow contact operation is performed. That is, before the dispensing nozzle comes into contact with the reagent container, the descending speed of the dispensing nozzle is reduced to make a gentle contact operation, whereby bending deformation of the dispensing nozzle and dent / breakage of the reagent container can be prevented.

  Further, until the dispensing nozzle comes into contact with the reagent container, the dispensing nozzle is operated at a descending speed that is not decelerated, and the time spent for detecting the presence or absence of the reagent container by the dispensing nozzle is reduced. That is, based on the shape of the container that can be installed in the reagent storage and the structure of the reagent dispensing mechanism, the necessary and sufficient amount of movement until the dispensing nozzle contacts the reagent container is calculated in advance, and the distance necessary and sufficient for contact Is slightly shorter, that is, as shown in FIG. 4, it moves at a fast speed 25 until it is located immediately above the reagent container, and the remaining short distance descends at a slow speed 26 so that it can be shortened in a shorter time, and It is possible to prevent damage to the dispensing nozzle and the reagent container.

  Further, the height of the tip of the dispensing nozzle at which the tip of the dispensing nozzle comes into contact with the reagent container is calculated from the amount of movement of the nozzle, and if it deviates from the assumed contact surface height of the reagent container, the nozzle tip contact detection mechanism The operator is notified by the notification means that there is a possibility that an abnormality other than the above or an obstacle other than the reagent container may have been detected.

  Further, when detecting the presence / absence of the reagent container, the dispensing nozzle does not leave a dent. That is, the position where the dispensing nozzle contacts the reagent container is stored in the storage unit of the control circuit each time. The detection of the presence or absence of the reagent container is also stored in the storage unit of the control circuit. The position at which the dispensing nozzle is brought into contact with the reagent container is changed every time the presence / absence is detected. That is, the dispensing nozzle is not repeatedly brought into contact with the same part of the same reagent container. The frequency with which the nozzle comes into contact with the same position on the reagent container can be reduced, and the possibility that the reagent container will be dented can be reduced. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, with respect to the partial position 27 once contacted, dispensing is performed by changing the contact position each time so that the dispensing nozzle contacts the partial position 28 different from the previous contact position from the next time. Make sure that no nozzle dents are made.

  Labels and tags often have an adhesive surface on one side, which is often affixed to reagent containers. In order to make it difficult for the label or tag to peel off from the reagent container, it is preferable to enlarge the label or tag as much as possible to increase the contact area with the reagent container. As shown in FIG. 6, one or a plurality of holes 30 are provided in the label or tag 29, and the tip of the dispensing nozzle is brought into contact with the reagent container through the hole, thereby increasing the contact area between the label or tag and the reagent container. In addition, the dispensing nozzle can be brought into contact with the surface of the reagent container instead of the label or tag.

  Also, instead of providing a hole in the surface of the label or tag or in the reagent container, another member (protective member) having an area sufficient for the dispensing nozzle to contact is directly attached to the reagent container or the surface of the label or tag. By sticking to the part and bringing the tip of the dispensing nozzle into contact with that portion, it is possible to prevent the dispensing nozzle from generating dents on the reagent container.

  The detection of the presence / absence of the reagent container will be further described.

  In dispensing suction, a dispensing nozzle is inserted into the container opening 19 of the reagent container from the reagent suction position 20 (reagent storage opening) shown in FIG. In order to prevent the divergence of the reagent and the mixing of foreign substances, the reagent suction position 20 (reagent storage opening) is desirably as small as possible. However, when the reagent suction position 20 (reagent storage opening) is not the same diameter as the container opening 19, the container opening 19 is placed concentrically with respect to the reagent suction position 20 (reagent storage opening). In the area occupied by the reagent suction position 20 (reagent storage opening), there is no portion that contacts the reagent container with the dispensing nozzle, and the presence or absence of the reagent container cannot be detected. For this reason, when the reagent container is transported and rotated by the reagent container moving mechanism, the reagent container is stopped at a position before and after the concentric position of the container opening 19 and the reagent suction position 20 (reagent storage opening) to determine whether or not the reagent container is present. Detect.

  Conversely, when the reagent suction position 20 (reagent storage opening) is larger in diameter than the container opening 19 of the reagent container, the presence or absence of the reagent container is detected by shifting the dispensing nozzle from the container opening even in the concentric position. it can. However, the diameter of the reagent suction position 20 (reagent storage opening) is about (1 to 2) mm in radius in order to prevent the divergence of the reagent and the mixing of foreign substances. The operation of bringing the tip of the dispensing nozzle into contact with a narrow space of about (1-2) mm is controlled by a control circuit.

Claims (12)

A reaction vessel for reacting the sample and the reagent;
A reagent container containing a reagent used for the reaction of the reagent;
A reagent storage for storing the reagent containers;
Reagent dispensing mechanism equipped with a dispensing nozzle for aspirating the reagent from the reagent container in the reagent storage, moving to the reaction container and discharging the aspirated reagent,
A reagent information reading mechanism for reading reagent information present on a label or tag provided in the reagent container;
A reagent container moving mechanism for transporting the reagent container in the reagent storage to a reagent aspirating position for aspirating the reagent with the reagent dispensing mechanism;
In the automatic analyzer in which the dispensing nozzle of the reagent dispensing mechanism moves up and down at the reagent suction position,
A nozzle tip contact detection mechanism for detecting the contact of the tip of the dispensing nozzle with the reagent container in the reagent storage by the vertical movement;
The presence or absence of the reagent container is detected by the nozzle tip contact detection mechanism only for the reagent container installation position in the reagent storage where the reagent information cannot be read by the reagent information reading mechanism. An automatic analyzer characterized by that. A reaction vessel for reacting the sample and the reagent;
A reagent container containing a reagent used for the reaction of the reagent;
A reagent storage for storing the reagent containers;
Reagent dispensing mechanism equipped with a dispensing nozzle for aspirating the reagent from the reagent container in the reagent storage, moving to the reaction container and discharging the aspirated reagent,
A reagent information reading mechanism for reading reagent information from the label or tag of the reagent container;
A reagent container moving mechanism for transporting the reagent container in the reagent storage to a reagent aspirating position for aspirating the reagent with the reagent dispensing mechanism;
In the automatic analyzer in which the dispensing nozzle of the reagent dispensing mechanism moves up and down at the reagent suction position,
A nozzle tip contact detection mechanism for detecting the contact of the tip of the dispensing nozzle with the reagent container in the reagent storage by the vertical movement;
The detection of the presence or absence of the reagent container in the reagent storage is detected by detecting the contact of the reagent container by the nozzle tip contact detection mechanism and the non-contact of the reagent container, and the reagent information is read by the reagent information reading mechanism. ,
The reading of the reagent information and the detection of the presence or absence of the reagent container are performed between the installation of the reagent container in the reagent storage and the suction of the reagent ,
The label or the tag has a hole or notch that is sufficiently larger than the size (thickness) of the tip of the dispensing nozzle, and contact of the dispensing nozzle with the reagent container is caused by the hole or notch. An automatic analyzer characterized by being in the range of <br/>. A reaction vessel for reacting the sample and the reagent;
A reagent container containing a reagent used for the reaction of the reagent;
A reagent storage for storing the reagent containers;
Reagent dispensing mechanism equipped with a dispensing nozzle for aspirating the reagent from the reagent container in the reagent storage, moving to the reaction container and discharging the aspirated reagent,
A reagent information reading mechanism for reading reagent information present on a label or tag provided in the reagent container;
A reagent container moving mechanism for transporting the reagent container in the reagent storage to a reagent aspirating position for aspirating the reagent with the reagent dispensing mechanism;
In the automatic analyzer in which the dispensing nozzle of the reagent dispensing mechanism moves up and down at the reagent suction position,
A nozzle tip contact detection mechanism for detecting the contact of the tip of the dispensing nozzle with the reagent container in the reagent storage by the vertical movement;
There line detection of the presence or absence of the reagent container by the nozzle tip contact detection mechanism reading to the reagent container installation position in the reagent container which has not obtained the reagent information by the reagent information reading mechanism,
The label or the tag has a hole or notch that is sufficiently larger than the size (thickness) of the tip of the dispensing nozzle, and contact of the dispensing nozzle with the reagent container is caused by the hole or notch. An automatic analyzer characterized by being in the range of <br/>. In the automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the detection of the presence / absence of the reagent container, the automatic analysis apparatus is characterized in that the dispensing nozzle contacts the reagent container at a portion other than the container opening in the reagent container. In the automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A control circuit that controls the reagent dispensing mechanism, the reagent container moving mechanism, and the nozzle tip contact detection mechanism, and stores the number of times the nozzle tip contact detection mechanism detects the presence or absence of the reagent container in a storage unit of the control circuit; The automatic analyzer characterized by doing. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 5,
The automatic analyzer changes the position where the dispensing nozzle is brought into contact with the reagent container every time the presence / absence is detected. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 ,
The label or the tag has a hole or notch that is sufficiently larger than the size (thickness) of the tip of the dispensing nozzle, and contact of the dispensing nozzle with the reagent container is caused by the hole or notch. Automatic analyzer characterized by being in the range of In the automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the reagent container is provided with a protective member for protecting the reagent container where the dispensing nozzle comes into contact. In the automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
In the downward movement of the dispensing nozzle when detecting the presence or absence of the reagent container, the lowering speed of the dispensing nozzle is reduced before the dispensing nozzle comes into contact with the reagent container, so that a slow contact operation is performed. Automatic analyzer to do. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2 or 3,
An automatic analyzer that notifies an operator when reading of the reagent information by the reagent information reading mechanism cannot be obtained and contact detection of the reagent container by the nozzle tip contact detection mechanism is obtained. In the automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
An automatic analyzer that calculates a height position at which the dispensing nozzle contacts the reagent container from an amount of vertical movement of the dispensing nozzle, and notifies an operator when the height position is outside a specified value. . In the automatic analyzer in any one of Claims 1-11,
A cleaning unit for cleaning the dispensing nozzle;
An automatic analyzer which performs washing of the dispensing nozzle after detecting the presence or absence of the reagent container.

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