JP5652748B2 - Control system, communication device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention, the control system relates to the communications equipment.

  In the automobile industry, there is a demand for the development of technology for enhancing the security of automobiles and suppressing various unauthorized uses. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a system that increases the security level in an automobile vehicle and reliably prevents the start when an unauthorized access is made to a drive medium that starts operation in response to a key operation. .

JP 2008-126872 A

  With the growing awareness of environmental protection worldwide, the spread of electric vehicles is expected. In the electric vehicle, there is a form in which the battery is replaced with a charged battery every time the electric power stored in the battery mounted on the vehicle is reduced. In the form of battery replacement, if the popularity of electric vehicles increases in the future, it is possible to replace the battery not only at the dealer but also at various other places such as general battery stores. .

  When electric vehicles become widespread, non-genuine batteries can be marketed in addition to regular batteries. If a non-genuine battery is used, unexpected problems may occur. Therefore, it is desirable to develop a system that reliably prohibits the use of non-genuine batteries in electric vehicles. Naturally, this problem is not limited to an electric vehicle, and is a problem for all vehicles using a battery.

  In order to suppress the use of a non-genuine battery, an ID tag (IC chip) is attached to the battery, and the use of the battery is permitted only when the battery has a regular ID. However, this form may make the equipment complicated when the vehicle performs an authentication process. Also, it is vulnerable to the technique of improperly reading an ID from an ID tag, or stripping an ID tag from a discarded battery and attaching it to a non-genuine battery to make it appear as a genuine battery. You might also say that. Therefore, a system that does not complicate the equipment and is strong against illegal methods is desired.

  Therefore, in view of the above problems, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to effectively suppress the use of a non-genuine battery in the vehicle, do not complicate the equipment, and are not vulnerable to unauthorized methods. A control system, a control device, a communication device, and a battery set are provided.

In order to achieve the above object, a control system according to the present invention includes a battery that is replaceably mounted on a vehicle to supply electric power to the vehicle, and is fixed to the battery and can be read by predetermined reading means. A storage element for storing the authentication code of the battery, and an attached code part that has an attached code associated with the authentication code in a one-to-one relationship and is separated from the battery when the battery is mounted on the vehicle ; A control system used for a battery set including: a reading unit that reads an authentication code from the storage element in a state where the battery is replaceably mounted on a vehicle; and an authentication code read by the reading unit Code transmitting means for transmitting the wireless communication, command receiving means for receiving a use permission command for the battery by wireless communication, and the command receiving means for receiving the use permission command. A storage unit that stores a set of a control device including permission means for permitting power supply from the battery to the vehicle in the case, and the attached code associated with the authentication code and the authentication code on a one-to-one basis. Code receiving means for receiving the authentication code transmitted by the code transmitting means, and the attached code transmitted by the transmitting means for obtaining the attached code from the reading means for reading the attached code from the attached code portion Determining means for determining that the authentication has succeeded when the set of the authentication code and the attached code received by the means and the code receiving means is a set of the authentication code and the attached code stored in the storage means; A command transmission unit that transmits a use permission command for permitting use of the battery when the determination unit determines that the authentication is successful; Characterized in that it has a.

  Thus, in the control system according to the present invention, for the battery having the authentication code and the attached code, the authentication code is read by the battery mounting portion of the vehicle, the attached code is read by the predetermined reading means, and both codes are wirelessly read. And authenticate whether or not the set of both codes is a legitimate set, send the authentication result to the vehicle, and permit the use of the battery only when the authentication is successful. Therefore, it is possible to realize a control system that reliably permits the use of only a regular battery by the authentication process using two codes. In particular, since not only an authentication code but also an attached code is necessary for battery authentication, for example, an unauthorized battery such as reading an authentication code from a discarded battery cannot be used. Therefore, a battery authentication system that is strong against fraud can be constructed. Further, since the authentication process is performed collectively on the communication device side and the authentication is not executed on the vehicle side, the equipment on the vehicle side can be simplified.

  Further, the control device according to the present invention includes a battery that is replaceably attached to the vehicle to supply electric power to the vehicle, and authentication of the battery so that the battery is fixed to the battery and can be read by a predetermined reading unit. A storage device for storing a code, and a control device used for a battery set comprising: a reading unit that reads an authentication code from the storage element in a state where the battery is replaceably mounted on the vehicle; A code transmitting means for transmitting the authentication code read by the reading means by wireless communication; the authentication code transmitted by the code transmitting means; and the attached code transmitted by a transmitting means different from the code transmitting means; , A command receiving means for receiving, by wireless communication, a use permission command for the battery transmitted from the communication device that has executed the authentication process for the set, and the command And permission means that signal means permits the supply of electric power from said battery when receiving the use permission command to the vehicle, characterized by comprising a.

  Thereby, the control device according to the present invention reads the authentication code with the battery mounting portion of the vehicle, reads the attached code with the predetermined reading means, and wirelessly transmits both codes to the battery having the authentication code and the attached code. And authenticating whether or not the set of both codes is a regular set, and transmitting the authentication result to the vehicle, the system can be used for a system that permits the use of the battery only when the authentication is successful. Therefore, it is possible to realize a control system that reliably permits the use of only a regular battery by the authentication process using two codes. In particular, since not only an authentication code but also an attached code is necessary for battery authentication, for example, an unauthorized battery such as reading an authentication code from a discarded battery cannot be used. Therefore, a battery authentication system that is strong against fraud can be constructed. Further, since the authentication process is performed collectively on the communication device side and the authentication is not executed on the vehicle side, the equipment on the vehicle side can be simplified.

  The communication device according to the present invention includes a battery that is replaceably mounted on the vehicle to supply power to the vehicle, and an authentication of the battery that is fixed to the battery and can be read by a predetermined reading unit. A communication device used for a battery set comprising: a storage element that stores a code; and an attached code unit that has an attached code associated with the authentication code on a one-to-one basis and is not held by the battery, Storage means for storing a set of the authentication code and the attached code associated with the authentication code on a one-to-one basis, and read from the storage element by a reading means installed in a vehicle and transmitted by wireless communication Code receiving means for receiving the authentication code and the attached code transmitted by a predetermined sending means, and the authentication code and attached code received by the code receiving means Is a combination of an authentication code and an attached code stored in the storage means, a determination means for determining that the authentication is successful, and a use of the battery when the determination means determines that the authentication is successful Command transmitting means for transmitting a use permission command for permitting

  Thereby, the communication device according to the present invention reads the authentication code with the battery mounting portion of the vehicle, reads the attached code with the predetermined reading means, and wirelessly transmits both codes to the battery having the authentication code and the attached code. And authenticating whether or not the set of both codes is a regular set, and transmitting the authentication result to the vehicle, the system can be used for a system that permits the use of the battery only when the authentication is successful. Therefore, it is possible to realize a control system that reliably permits the use of only a regular battery by the authentication process using two codes. In particular, since not only an authentication code but also an attached code is necessary for battery authentication, for example, an unauthorized battery such as reading an authentication code from a discarded battery cannot be used. Therefore, a battery authentication system that is strong against fraud can be constructed. Further, since the authentication process is performed collectively on the communication device side and the authentication is not executed on the vehicle side, the equipment on the vehicle side can be simplified.

  The battery set according to the present invention includes a battery that is replaceably mounted on the vehicle to supply power to the vehicle, and an authentication of the battery that is fixed to the battery and can be read by a predetermined reading means. A storage element that stores a code, and an attached code unit that has an attached code associated with the authentication code on a one-to-one basis and is not held by the battery.

  According to the present invention, the storage element for storing the authentication code is fixed to the battery, and the attached code associated with the authentication code in a one-to-one relationship is not held in the battery. For example, the authentication code is read by the battery mounting part of the vehicle, the attached code is read by a predetermined reading means, both codes are transmitted wirelessly, and it is authenticated whether the set of both codes is a proper set. By sending the authentication result to the vehicle, it is possible to construct a system that permits the use of the battery only when the authentication is successful. Therefore, it is possible to realize a battery set that contributes to the realization of a control system that reliably permits use of only regular batteries by the authentication process using two codes.

  The attached code part is an article that is formed with an attached code so that it can be read by reading means different from the reading means for reading the authentication code, and is separated from the battery when the battery is attached to the vehicle. There may be.

  According to the present invention, the attached code is formed on an article separated from the battery when the battery is mounted on the vehicle. For example, even if the authentication code can be obtained from a discarded battery, the attached code cannot be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to the construction of a system in which a non-genuine battery cannot be used by a method such as obtaining a code from a discarded battery.

  The article may include a package for packaging the battery, or a sheet attached to the battery.

  According to the present invention, since the accessory cord is formed on a package for packaging the battery or a sheet attached to the battery, the accessory cord is separated from the battery and discarded, for example, when the battery is mounted on the vehicle. Even if the authentication code can be obtained from the battery, the attached code cannot be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to the construction of a system in which a non-genuine battery cannot be used by a method such as obtaining a code from a discarded battery.

  The attached code may be a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code printed on the article.

  According to the present invention, since the attached code is a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, it is strong against fraud using techniques such as bar code and QR code (registered trademark) that have become widespread today. A battery authentication system can be constructed.

The block diagram of the control system for vehicles in the Example of this invention. The flowchart which shows a battery replacement process. The figure which shows the other example of a battery set. The another block diagram of the control system for vehicles.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus configuration in an embodiment of a vehicle control system according to the present invention.

  The control system 1 includes a vehicle 2, a center 3, a communication network 4, and a battery store 5. The vehicle 2 is, for example, an electric vehicle, and includes a plurality of battery mounting units 20, an ID code reader 21 (ID reader), a battery monitoring ECU 22, a wireless communication unit 23, a motor 24, and a notification unit 25 that are installed in each battery mounting unit 20. Is provided.

  The battery mounting part 20 is a part where the battery 60 is replaceably (detachable) mounted in the vehicle 2. The battery mounting unit 20 includes positive and negative electrode terminals, and connects them to the electrodes of the battery 60 so that the electric power of the battery 60 is supplied to the vehicle 2. The battery mounting unit 20 has a function of detecting that a battery is mounted by examining current and the like.

  The ID reader 21 reads the ID 63 from the IC chip 62 fixed to the battery 60 mounted on the battery mounting unit 20. As a reading method, a known RFID (wireless authentication) method may be used. That is, the ID reader 21 includes a transmission unit 60 that transmits electromagnetic waves, and transmits electromagnetic waves from the transmission unit. If the IC chip 62 is within the reach of the electromagnetic wave, an electromotive force is generated in the IC chip due to the influence of the magnetic field of the electromagnetic wave. This electromotive force causes a current to flow in the IC chip, and ID 63 is transmitted from the antenna provided in the IC chip. The ID reader includes a receiving unit that receives electromagnetic waves, and receives the ID 63 transmitted from the IC chip by the receiving unit.

  The battery monitoring ECU 22 (hereinafter referred to as ECU) has a structure similar to that of a normal computer and monitors the status (remaining electric energy etc.) of each battery 60 mounted on the battery mounting unit 20. The ECU 22 includes a relay 22a that connects each battery 60 and a power line that supplies power to each part of the vehicle (including the motor 24), and switches the relay 22a on and off (connecting and shutting off). Whether electric power is supplied to the vehicle 2 from the individual batteries 60 mounted on the vehicle is controlled. The relay 22a may be provided for each battery mounting unit 20 so as to be able to control whether power is supplied to each battery 60 or not.

  The wireless communication unit 23 has a wireless communication function. In the present invention, the wireless communication unit 23 wirelessly transmits the ID 63 read by the ID reader 21 to the center 3 (details will be described later). The motor 24 is supplied with electric power from the battery 60 and generates power for driving (running) the vehicle 2.

  The notification unit 25 is installed in, for example, the passenger compartment of the vehicle 2 and notifies the user of various information related to the present invention. The notification unit 25 may be a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display unit) that displays characters and images, or may be an audio output unit (for example, a speaker) that outputs audio.

  The center 3 includes a CPU 30, a RAM 31, a ROM 32, a database 33, and a communication unit 34. The CPU 30 manages information processing such as various calculations and command transmission, and the RAM 31 is a volatile storage unit as a work area of the CPU 30. The ROM 32 is a non-volatile storage unit that stores software and the like related to the present invention. The database 33 stores a set 33a, 33b of the regular ID 63 and QR code (barcode) 64 of the battery 60 (not only 33a, 33b but also many). The communication unit 34 performs communication between the center 3 and other devices through the communication network 4.

  In the present invention, the communication network 4 enables communication among the wireless communication unit 23 of the vehicle 2, the communication unit 34 of the center 3, and the communication device 51 of the battery store 5. The communication network 4 may be an existing communication network (telephone network, mobile phone network, data communication network, Internet, etc.). The communication network 4 includes a base station 40 of a cellular phone network or a roadside (wide area) communication device 41 installed on the roadside for road-to-vehicle communication. The roadside (wide area) communication device 41 may use an existing one installed for purposes other than the present invention for the present invention.

  The wireless communication unit 23 of the vehicle 2 may be a wireless communication unit having the same function as a normal mobile phone, or may be a (wide area) wireless communication unit for road-to-vehicle communication. In the case of a wireless communication unit having the same function as a mobile phone, the wireless communication unit 23 communicates with the center 3 through an existing mobile phone network including the base station 40. In the case of a (wide area) wireless communication unit for road-to-vehicle communication, the wireless communication unit 23 communicates with the center 3 through the roadside communication device 41.

  The battery store 5 includes a QR code (or bar code) reader 50 and a communication device 51. In the battery store 5, the battery set 6 is sold. The battery set 6 has a form in which a battery 60 (battery) is packaged in a packaging bag 61. An IC chip 62 is fixed on the surface of the battery 60, and an ID code 63 (ID) of the battery 60 is stored in a nonvolatile storage unit in the IC chip 62.

  A QR code (or bar code) 64 is printed on the packaging bag 61. The QR code (or bar code) reader 50 reads a QR code (or bar code) 64 printed on the packaging bag 61. The communication device 51 transmits a QR code (or bar code) 64 read by the QR code (or bar code) reader 50 to the center 3 through the communication network 4.

  Based on the above configuration, the control system 1 determines whether or not the battery 60 attached to the vehicle 2 is a regular battery, and supplies power from the battery 60 to the vehicle 2 only when the battery is a regular battery. Execute the permitted control. The processing procedure is shown in FIG. The processing in FIG. 2 may be programmed in advance and stored in, for example, the ECU 22 and the ROM 32 of the center 3, and may be automatically executed by the ECU 22 and the CPU 30. In the following description, the QR code portion may be changed to a barcode.

  FIG. 2 shows processing from the left, center side, vehicle (ECU 22) side, and dealer side. In the processing of FIG. 2, first, in S200, for example, an operator at the battery store 5 removes the battery 60 having a short remaining amount (remaining amount of electric power) in the vehicle 2 from the battery mounting unit 20 and A new battery 60 is installed. In the vehicle 2, the ECU 22 detects that a new battery is attached to the battery attachment unit 20 in S <b> 100.

  Subsequently, in S110, the ECU 22 notifies the notification unit 25 that it is waiting to read the QR code. Note that the notification process of S110 (and S180, S190) may be omitted. In step S120, the ID reader 21 reads the ID 63 of the battery 60 whose attachment is detected in step S100.

  Subsequently, in S130, the ECU 22 transmits the ID 63 read in S120 to the center 3 by the wireless communication unit 23. In step S10, the center 3 receives the ID 63 transmitted in step S130.

  In S <b> 210, the battery store 5 receives the notification in S <b> 110 and, for example, an operator reads the QR code 64 printed on the packaging bag 61 of the battery 60 with the QR code reader 50. Subsequently, in S220, the communication device 51 transmits the QR code 64 read in S210 to the center 3 via the communication network 4.

  The center 3 receives the QR code transmitted in S220 in S20. Then, in S30, the CPU 30 of the center 3 executes authentication processing of the ID 63 received in S10 and the QR code 64 received in S20. Specifically, the database 33 is searched for the same set as the set of the ID 63 received in S10 and the QR code 64 received in S20.

  When the same pair is searched in the database 33, the ID 63 received in S10 and the QR code 64 received in S20 are determined to be a pair of the regular ID 63 and the QR code 64 (authentication success). If the same pair is not searched in the database 33, it is determined that the ID 63 received in S10 and the QR code 64 received in S20 are not authenticated (authentication failure) if the pair is a regular ID 63 and the QR code 64. To do.

  In S <b> 40, the CPU 30 transmits the authentication result of authentication success or authentication failure obtained in S <b> 30 via the communication network 4 together with the ID 63. In S140, the wireless communication unit 23 of the vehicle 2 receives the ID and the authentication result transmitted in S40.

  In S150, the ECU 22 determines whether or not the received ID is the ID transmitted in S130. If the received ID is the transmitted ID, the ECU 22 further classifies whether the received authentication result is an authentication success or an authentication failure. To do. If the authentication is successful (S150: YES), the process proceeds to S160. If the authentication is unsuccessful (S150: NO), the process proceeds to S170.

  If it progresses to S160, ECU22 will permit use of the battery 60 which has ID63 received by S140. That is, the relay 22a corresponding to the battery having the received ID 63 is turned on (connected state), and the electric power stored in the battery 60 having the received ID 63 is supplied to the equipment of the vehicle 2 such as the motor 24. In S180, the ECU 22 notifies the notification unit 25 that the battery replacement has been properly completed.

  If it progresses to S170, ECU22 will prohibit use of the battery 60 which has ID63 received by S140. That is, the relay 22a corresponding to the battery having the received ID 63 is turned off (shut off state), and the power stored in the battery 60 having the received ID 63 is not supplied to the equipment of the vehicle 2 such as the motor 24. In S190, the ECU 22 notifies the notification unit 25 that the newly installed battery is not a regular battery and cannot be used. The above is the processing procedure of FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the processing of FIG. 2 is executed for a plurality of vehicles 2, a plurality of sales outlets 5, and a center 3 that is smaller in number (for example, one) than those. That is, authentication processing for a plurality of vehicles 2 (a plurality of batteries 60) is collectively executed at the center 3. Therefore, since authentication is not performed on the vehicle side, the equipment on the vehicle side may be simple.

  As described above, the notification processing in S180 and S190 may be omitted. Or you may perform the alerting | reporting process of S180, S190 at the time different from the time shown by FIG. 2, for example, the time after restart of an engine (motor).

  In S40, S140, and S150, the authentication result is transmitted, received, and determined. However, these may be changed as follows. That is, when the authentication in S30 is successful, in S40 and S140, the ID 63 and the battery 60 use permission command are transmitted and received. If the authentication at S30 is unsuccessful, the ID 63 and the battery 60 use prohibition command are transmitted and received at S40 and S140. In S150, it is determined whether the received command is a use permission command or a use prohibition command. If it is a use permission command, the process proceeds to S160, and if it is a use prohibition command, the process proceeds to S170.

  Further, as for the context of S10 and S20, S10 does not always have to be first as shown in FIG. 2, and QR code transmission may be first. For example, an operator may transmit a QR code at the time of battery sales, and the user may later attach the battery to the vehicle. The center 3 may temporarily store the received ID or QR code until the authentication process is completed (the storage location may be stored in, for example, a hard disk storing a database).

  The above-described embodiments may be modified without departing from the spirit described in the claims. In the following modified example, the description of the same part as the above-described embodiment (same reference numerals and the like) is omitted, and only the part different from the above-described embodiment will be described.

  For example, the battery set is not limited to the battery set 6 shown in FIG. 1 and can take various forms. Another form of battery set is shown in FIG. In the battery set 6 a shown in FIG. 3, the QR code (or bar code) 64 is not printed on the packaging bag 61, and the instruction 65 is accommodated in the packaging bag 61 together with the battery 60. A QR code (or bar code) 64 is printed on the manual 65. For example, the description of the procedure for attaching the battery 60 to the vehicle is described in the manual, and if the QR code (or bar code) 64 is printed as a part thereof, the user can easily understand and the convenience is improved. In the case of FIG. 3, the packaging bag 61 may be omitted.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an embodiment has been described in which an operator performs replacement work of the battery 60 at the battery store 5. For example, a user who purchased the battery 60 at the battery store 5 replaces the battery 60 himself. Also good. An embodiment thereof is shown in FIG. Only the parts different from FIG. 1 will be described below.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the portions relating to the QR code reader 50 (or bar code reader) and the communication device 51 in FIG. 1 are changed. As described above, in the configuration of FIG. 4, it is assumed that the user replaces the battery 60 himself, and the mobile phone 7 possessed by the user is used at that time.

  The mobile phone 7 includes a communication unit 70, a CPU 71, a memory 72, and a camera 73. The communication unit 70 performs communication with other communication devices connected to the communication network 4 by wireless communication through the base station 42 of the communication network 4. The CPU 71 manages information processing necessary for the mobile phone 7 such as various calculations and command transmission. The memory 72 includes a volatile storage unit in the work area of the CPU 71 and a non-volatile storage unit that stores software and data used for information processing in the CPU 71. The camera 73 includes a CCD element or the like and executes a photographing process.

  The memory 72 stores software 72a (software) that causes the mobile phone 7 (especially the CPU 71 and the camera 73) to function as a QR code reader (or bar code reader). In the embodiment of FIG. 4, in S <b> 210 of FIG. 2, the software 72 a is activated and the user reads the QR code (or barcode) 64 of the battery set 6 with the camera 73. In S 210, the read QR code (or bar code) 64 is transmitted to the center 3 through the base station 42 using the communication unit 70. This embodiment does not require processing at the battery store side, and can deal with various battery sales forms.

  In the above description, the QR code 64 or the barcode 64 is printed on the packaging bag 61 or the manual 65. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and the QR code 64 or the barcode 64 is not attached to the battery 60. Any form is acceptable. Therefore, for example, the QR code 64 or the bar code 64 may be formed on a package for packaging the battery, a sheet attached to the battery, or an article that is separated from the battery when the battery is mounted on the vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to QR codes or bar codes, and other one-dimensional codes or two-dimensional codes may be used. Moreover, although the example of the electric vehicle has been described above, the present invention may be used for any vehicle equipped with a battery.

1 Control System 2 Vehicle 3 Center 4 Communication Network 6 Battery Set 63 ID Code (Authentication Code)
64 QR code (bar code, attached code)

Claims (2)

A battery that is replaceably mounted on the vehicle to supply power to the vehicle, a storage element that is fixed to the battery and stores an authentication code of the battery so as to be readable by a predetermined reading unit; A control system for use with a battery set, comprising an accessory code associated with an authentication code in a one-to-one relationship with an accessory cord portion spaced from the battery when the battery is mounted on a vehicle,
Reading means for reading the authentication code from the storage element in a state where the battery is replaceably mounted on the vehicle;
Code transmitting means for transmitting the authentication code read by the reading means by wireless communication;
Command receiving means for receiving a use permission command for the battery by wireless communication;
A control device comprising permission means for permitting power supply from the battery to the vehicle when the command receiving means receives a use permission command;
Storage means for storing a set of the authentication code and the attached code associated with the authentication code on a one-to-one basis;
Code receiving means for receiving the authentication code transmitted by the code transmitting means and the attached code transmitted by the transmitting means for obtaining the attached code from the attached code reading means for reading the attached code from the attached code section When,
A determination unit that determines that the authentication is successful when the set of the authentication code and the attached code received by the code receiving unit is a set of the authentication code and the attached code stored in the storage unit;
A command transmission unit that transmits a use permission command for permitting the use of the battery when the determination unit determines that the authentication is successful;
A control system comprising: A battery that is replaceably mounted on the vehicle to supply power to the vehicle, a storage element that is fixed to the battery and stores an authentication code of the battery so as to be readable by a predetermined reading unit; A communication device that is used for a battery set including an attachment cord that has an attachment cord associated with an authentication code in a one-to-one relationship and is not held by the battery;
Storage means for storing a set of the authentication code and the attached code one-to-one associated with the authentication code;
The authentication code read from the storage element by the reading means installed in the vehicle and transmitted by wireless communication, and transmitted by the transmitting means for acquiring the attached code from the attached code reading means for reading the attached code from the attached code portion Code receiving means for receiving the attached code,
A determination unit that determines that the authentication is successful when the set of the authentication code and the attached code received by the code receiving unit is a set of the authentication code and the attached code stored in the storage unit;
When the determination means determines that the authentication is successful, a command transmission means for transmitting a use permission command for permitting use of the battery;
A communication apparatus comprising:

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