CN1307582C - How to exchange points for rewards - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for exchanging a cumulative score for an award, which is used for exchanging a score obtained according to paid money for a determined award. The method comprises the following steps: 1. when a cumulative score service user receives a telephone number used for query from a mobile terminal thereof and queries the current cumulative score, a cumulative score associated to the notified telephone number is retrieved according to a sender number notification function, and voice synthesis is used for replying and notifying the retrieval result; 2.when the notified cumulative score reaches a score which can be used for exchanging an award and the user is connected to a Web server used for award exchange from a communication device which can use the Internet, the user is required to answer 'mobile phone number' and 'obtained cumulative score'; 3. after the 'mobile phone number' and the 'obtained cumulative score' are received and authenticated, the user is required to answer 'address ' and 'name ', and after the answers are received, the digitized content related to award change is provided for the user.

Description

How to exchange points for rewards

technical field

The present invention relates to a point exchange method for exchanging predetermined prizes with points accumulated according to the money paid by the user, and particularly relates to a point for one-to-one correspondence with the telephone number of the user's mobile phone (including PHS) How to exchange points for prizes.

Background technique

Hereinafter, a conventional point exchange method using an automatic vending machine will be described. After investing money, vending machines that automatically sell the required goods (such as beverages and cigarettes) have been developed in various forms. Due to the convenience of buying things, easy management, small setting area and reduced personnel costs for sales And other reasons, and a large number of popularization in various places.

But on the other hand, it is not easy to make the vending machine different from other vending machines in promoting the sales of goods. Among the vending machines selling the same goods, which vending machine to use to buy goods generally depends on the user. intention.

Therefore, in order to achieve more active sales promotion, the development of the vending machine with the so-called point service function that provides services according to certain conditions in the sales of goods. Fig. 6 is a schematic view showing the appearance of a conventional automatic vending machine with a point service function. In the automatic vending machine 200 with a point function shown in FIG. 6, when the user inserts money from the coin slot 203 or the bill slot 204, the process of selling products starts.

At this time, a coin processing mechanism or a banknote processing mechanism not shown in the figure discriminates the authenticity of the inserted money, and when it is judged to be bad money, for example, for the bad coin inserted, the coin is withdrawn from the refund port 207. . In addition, these coin handling means, banknote handling means, and a calculation processing unit (not shown) calculate the total amount of money inserted continuously, and display the total amount on the input amount display 205 .

If the total amount of money invested has reached the sales price of any one of the sales commodities on the automatic vending machine 200, among the selection buttons 202 respectively corresponding to the samples displayed on the commodity display stand 201, the selection button 202 of the commodity that can be purchased will be selected. The purchasable lights are on.

Then, when the user presses any of the illuminated selection buttons 202, the product corresponding to the selection button 202 is sent to the product take-out port 208 by the operation of a product carrying-out mechanism not shown. In addition, when the amount of money invested is higher than the sales price of the purchased commodity, the amount of money to be returned is calculated by the above-mentioned calculation processing unit, and the money to be returned is returned from the refund port 207 through the coin processing mechanism, so that The sales process for an item is completed.

Then, as an example of an automatic vending machine 200 with a point function, for example, on an automatic vending machine that can provide a point service function, the point card is inserted into the card reader 209 and the selection switch 202 is pressed, and the points obtained in this purchase will be used. Add the points recorded on the point card up to the previous time, and then return the card on which the points were accumulated. In this way, the owner of the point card can obtain, for example, promotional goods according to the obtained points. Alternatively, a predetermined gift (prize) can be obtained by sending a card that reaches a predetermined point. In addition, recently, automatic vending machines that use mobile phones to exchange points for prizes have also been developed.

In this way, the vending machine 200 with point function is distinguished from other vending machines by, for example, providing the above-mentioned point service, that is, adding points obtained by purchasing commodities to the user's card. That is, by providing the above-mentioned services, the user's desire to purchase is aroused and sales promotion is realized.

The problem to be solved by the invention

However, when using the above-mentioned automatic vending machine, the existing method for changing prizes is adopted, and there is a so-called problem that the automatic vending machine needs to install a card reader or the like to read out the stored information in the card. In addition, the user must always have the card with him. In addition, it takes a lot of time to mail the card in order to exchange the prize.

In addition, in the point exchange service using a mobile phone, there is a problem that a number string such as a random number provided by a vending machine must be memorized on the spot at each sale.

In addition, there is a so-called problem of not using the service because many users have a feeling of reluctance to register in advance with the general point exchange method that requires pre-registration and provides a password on the server device.

Contents of the invention

In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a user of an automatic vending machine to more conveniently accumulate points obtained through a point service and exchange prizes more conveniently.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the purpose, the point exchange method of the first invention is characterized in that it includes the following steps:

In the first step, the sales side device uses the application control part included in it to monitor incoming calls from the mobile terminal of the user of the points service, and associates the points corresponding to the money paid by the user this time with the phone number of the mobile terminal Store it in a convenient way, and send the points for this time to the management side device, and the management side device will add the points for this time to the previous points in association with the phone number, as the current points corresponding to the phone number;

In the second step, when the user of the point service connects the mobile terminal he owns to the query phone number to inquire about the current point, he searches for the point corresponding to the notified phone number according to the sender number notification function, and uses voice synthesis The response notifies the search result;

In the third step, when the notified points have reached the points that can be exchanged for prizes, and when connecting to the web server for prize exchange from a communication device that can use the Internet, the user is asked to answer the "phone number of the mobile terminal" and "Notified Points";

Step 4: After receiving the "phone number of the mobile terminal" and "notified points" and performing authentication processing, the aforementioned user is required to answer "address" and "name";

Step 5, after receiving the "address" and "name", provide the aforementioned user with digital content related to reward exchange.

According to this invention, for example, even if a vending machine has a simple structure that does not require a card reader or the like, product buyers can exchange points for prizes with points obtained through the point service. In addition, there is no permanent operator on the side of the server device for point exchange, but the speed is increased through the automatic response of the Web server, so the award exchange system can be easily deployed nationwide. In addition, users do not need to register in advance, nor do they need to memorize long strings of numbers.

The feature of the point exchange method of the second invention is that in the aforementioned fourth step, in addition to the "address" and "name", an answer to "mail address" can be requested.

The point exchange method of the third invention is characterized in that in the aforementioned second step, a "password" is also provided to the user of the point service, and in the fourth step, the "mobile terminal phone number", "notified points" and "Password" for authentication processing.

According to this invention, since the e-mail address of the user of the point service can be obtained at the point exchange process, various introductions such as existing points can be notified to the user in the future.

The method for exchanging prizes with points according to the fourth invention is characterized in that it includes the following steps:

In the first step, the sales side device uses the application control part included in it to monitor incoming calls from the mobile terminal of the user of the points service, and associates the points corresponding to the money paid by the user this time with the phone number of the mobile terminal Store it in a convenient way, and send the points for this time to the management side device, and the management side device will add the points for this time to the previous points in association with the phone number, as the current points corresponding to the phone number;

In the second step, when the user of the point service connects the mobile terminal he owns to the query phone number to inquire about the current point, he searches for the point corresponding to the notified phone number according to the sender number notification function, and uses voice synthesis The response notifies the search result;

Step 3: In the state where the notified points have reached the points that can be exchanged for prizes, receive an email with the "phone number of the mobile terminal" and "notified points" from the communication device that can send emails, and perform After completing the authentication process, send the e-mail with the format of the application prize to the aforementioned user;

Step 4: After receiving the email filled with "address" and "name" according to the prize application format, send an email to the aforementioned user that records the URL of the digitized content related to the prize exchange.

According to this invention, for example, even if a vending machine has a simple structure that does not require a card reader or the like, product buyers can exchange points for prizes with points obtained through the point service. In addition, since the user's e-mail address is automatically obtained, various introductions such as existing points can be notified to the user in the future. In addition, since there is no permanent operator on the side of the point exchange server device, and the speed is increased by sending and receiving emails, the point exchange system can be easily deployed nationwide. In addition, users do not need to register in advance, nor do they need to memorize long strings of numbers.

The point exchange method of the fifth invention is characterized in that in the aforementioned second step, a "password" is also provided to the user of the point service, and in the third step, the "mobile terminal phone number", "notified points" and "password" for authentication processing.

With this invention, since the user is identified only when the "telephone number of the terminal device", "notified point" and "password" are all associated, it is possible to avoid being authenticated due to accidental coincidence.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an automatic vending machine system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the application control unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a point service processing procedure.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the central function control unit in the automatic vending machine management device.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the central function control unit in the automatic vending machine management device.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a conventional vending machine with a service function.

Explanation of symbols: 1 vending machine management device (center); 2 vending machine; 3 terminal device; 11 communication control unit; 12 center function control unit; 21 communication control unit; 22 basic control unit; 23 application control unit.

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, according to the drawings, the implementation of the point exchange method related to the present invention will be described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In addition, in the following embodiments, an automatic vending machine system is used as an example of a point exchange system.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an automatic vending machine system (an example of a point exchange system) according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is an automatic vending machine management device (center) operating as a server device for point exchange according to the present invention, 2 is an automatic vending machine having a communication function, and 3 is a terminal device such as a personal computer or a mobile phone. . In addition, in this embodiment, for convenience of description, although the automatic vending machine management device 1 and the automatic vending machine 2, and the automatic vending machine management device 1 and the terminal device 3 use a wireless communication protocol using a communication protocol such as PHS or a mobile phone. The case where communication is performed through a line is described, but not limited thereto, wired lines such as dedicated lines and public communication lines may be used. In addition, usually, a plurality of vending machines 2 are managed by the vending machine management device 1 .

In the above-mentioned automatic vending machine management device 1, 11 is a communication control part for controlling communication between the automatic vending machine 2 and the terminal device 3, and 12 is a central function control part for realizing central functions. On this automatic vending machine management device 1, the central function control part 12 realizes, for example, collecting and processing sales information sent from the automatic vending machine 2 on a regular basis or when recycling, outputting settlement bills according to the sales information, It is the central function to perform the receiving process of the notification of the setting at the time of column change, and the sales analysis process. In addition, the point exchange process of this embodiment is performed in correspondence with the terminal device 3 owned by the product purchaser.

In addition, on the above-mentioned automatic vending machine 2, 21 is a communication control unit that controls communication with the automatic vending machine management device 1, and 22 is a control that controls the minimum necessary operations as an automatic vending machine (necessary control for selling commodities and machine cooling/heating). ), 23 is an application control unit (including CPU) for controlling application programs for implementing additional functions not included in the basic control unit 22 (basic operations using communication functions, Discount service, point service, remote cooling and heating switching, collection of operating information, setting of machine control, preventive maintenance of coin handling equipment, and fault information management, etc.).

Here, basic control of the automatic vending machine 2 constituting the above-mentioned automatic vending machine system will be described. For example, in an existing automatic vending machine, a single control unit (CPU) realizes various functions (functions necessary for selling products and other additional functions). However, under the current situation, with the multi-functionalization of vending machines, it has become difficult to realize all functions with one control unit. In addition, since all the functions of the existing automatic vending machines are developed by the machine manufacturers, there are cases where functions that are completely unnecessary for sellers are included.

Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to cope with the diversification of automatic vending machines and the needs of the commodity sales industry, the control part is divided into two, wherein the basic control part 22 of one side only realizes the functions necessary for selling goods, and the other side of the application The control unit 23 realizes additional functions necessary for merchandise sales. At this time, the application program for realizing additional functions is compiled using a language (JAVA(R) etc.) . In this embodiment, the above-mentioned functions are realized by two control units, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, by using a high-performance CPU, the above-mentioned functions may be realized by one control unit.

Next, operations of the automatic vending machine 2 and the automatic vending machine management device 1 that provide a point service (a service that accumulates points based on purchase amount) will be briefly described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the application control unit 23, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the processing procedure of the point service.

First, the application control unit 23 monitors an incoming call from a product buyer who wishes to provide a point service (FIG. 2, step S1). On the other hand, the telephone number for receiving the point service is described in advance on the nameplate or the like of the automatic vending machine 2 . In this way, when there is an incoming call from the terminal device 3 (mobile phone, PHS, etc.) owned by the commodity buyer (Figure 2, step S1, yes, Figure 3①), the application control unit 23 records the telephone number of the commodity buyer , and then the phone number or a part of the phone number (for example, the last two digits of the number, etc.) is displayed on the display installed on the vending machine 2 (Fig. 2, step S2, Fig. 3 2.). According to this process, the product purchaser knows that the application for the point service has been accepted.

In this state, when coins or banknotes are put in and the product of the service object is sold (Fig. 2, step S3, yes, Fig. 3③), the points and sales time are recorded by the application control part 23 in correspondence with the above-mentioned telephone number , information such as sold commodity (Fig. 2, step S4). Then, the content recorded in the process of step S4 is sent to the vending machine management device 1 (center) (FIG. 2, step S5, FIG. 3④).

The center 1 that has received the above-mentioned content uses the center function control unit 12 to add up the points corresponding to the above-mentioned telephone numbers. That is, this point is added to the point until the last time, and the point information corresponding to the above-mentioned telephone number is updated (Fig. 3⑤).

In the processing of the S3 step, if the coin or banknote is not inserted within the prescribed time, or when a product other than the service object is sold (the S6 step), the application control unit 23 terminates the point service. , turn to the incoming and outgoing letter monitoring processing state (Fig. 2, the S1 step) again.

In addition, in the process of step S1, when there is an incoming call from a commodity buyer who wishes to provide a service, the automatic vending machine 2 only memorizes the telephone number and does not connect the line. In this way, the so-called problem that the commodity purchaser bears the call fee is avoided.

Next, the point exchange method according to Embodiment 1, which is the characteristic of the present invention, will be illustrated in detail and explained in detail. Here, a method of exchanging the points accumulated in the above-mentioned point service for desired prizes (sales items, gifts predetermined according to the points) will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the central function control unit 12 in the automatic vending machine management device 1 .

When the user of the above-mentioned point service (hereinafter referred to as the user) receives the inquiry telephone number from his own terminal device 3 (mobile phone or PHS) to inquire about the current points (step S11, Yes), the vending machine management The center function control unit 12 in the device 1 (center) retrieves the current (latest) points corresponding to the phone number of the incoming call through the function of knowing the caller's phone number, and notifies the points by an automatic response of voice synthesis (step S12) .

On the one hand, when the notified points have reached the redeemable points, and the terminal device 3 (communication device that can use the Internet such as a mobile phone or a personal computer) owned by the above-mentioned user is connected to the Web server for prize exchange (step S13 , Yes), the central function control unit 12 that manages the Web server waits for the "telephone number of the mobile phone" and "notified points" that the user answers to the website automatic response (step S15, No).

Then, at the stage of receiving "the telephone number of the mobile phone" and "notified points" (step S15, yes), the central function control section 12 authenticates whether the telephone number corresponds to the points (step S16). ). Since the "reported points" input by the user at this time is information known only to the user who wishes to exchange rewards, it can be substituted for a password. When the above-mentioned telephone number corresponds to the above-mentioned points, that is, when the user has been determined by the authentication process, the central function control unit 12 waits for the "address", "name" and "mail address" (not the "mail address") answered by the user to the automatic response of the website. Necessary) and other information (step S17, No).

When the central function control unit 12 receives the above-mentioned input information returned to the Web server (step S17, Yes), it records the content as customer information. Simultaneously, the web server utilizes the automatic response to send digital content about changing prizes to the user (step S18). In addition, the person in charge at one end of the automatic vending machine management device 1 confirms the request from the user for changing the prize, and then sends the predetermined prize to the received address (step S18).

In addition, in this embodiment, by verifying whether the "phone number of the mobile phone" input by the user corresponds to the "notified point", the situation of being authenticated due to accidental coincidence is avoided, such as An arbitrary password can also be provided by the automatic vending machine management device 1 when inquiring about points. In this case, the user can be identified only when the "telephone number of the mobile phone", the "notified credit" and the "password provided by the automatic vending machine management apparatus 1 side" are all associated.

Like this, under this embodiment, even if the automatic vending machine has a simple structure without a machine such as a card reader, commodity buyers can easily exchange prizes with the points obtained through the point service. In addition, by obtaining the user's e-mail address at the point exchange process, it is possible to provide a service of notifying the user of existing points and the like in the future.

In addition, in this embodiment, there is no permanent operator on the side of the vending machine management device 1, and the speed is increased by the automatic response of the Web server, so the prize exchange system can be easily deployed nationwide.

Embodiment 2

Next, the point exchange method of Embodiment 2 will be illustrated in detail and explained in detail. Here, a method of exchanging points accumulated in the above-mentioned point service for desired prizes (sales items, gifts predetermined based on points) which is different from the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the central function control unit 12 in the automatic vending machine management device 1 . In addition, since the structure of Embodiment 2 is the same as that of Embodiment 1 mentioned above (refer FIG. 1), the same code|symbol is attached|subjected and description is abbreviate|omitted. Here, only operations different from Embodiment 1 will be described.

When the user of the above-mentioned point service (hereinafter referred to as the user) receives the inquiry telephone number from the terminal device 3 (mobile phone or PHS) owned by him to inquire about the current point (step S11, Yes), the vending machine management The central function control unit 12 in the device 1 (center) retrieves the current (latest) points corresponding to the phone number of the incoming call by knowing the function of the caller's phone number, and notifies the points with the automatic answering of voice synthesis (step S12 ).

At the same time, when the notified points have reached the points that can be exchanged for prizes, and received a call from the terminal device 3 (communication devices that can send emails such as mobile phones or personal computers) owned by the above-mentioned user, it is recorded that "the phone number of the mobile phone number" and "notified point" (step S21, yes), the central function control unit 12 authenticates whether the phone number corresponds to the point (step S22). Since the "reported points" input by the user at this time is information known only to the user who wishes to exchange rewards, it can be substituted for a password. When the above-mentioned phone number corresponds to the above-mentioned points, that is, when the user has been determined by the authentication process, the central function control unit 12 will send the mail describing the application prize format (questionnaire form) to the user (step S23), and wait The return of the mail filled with information such as "address" and "name" according to the prize application format (step S24, No).

When the central function control part 12 receives the mail which described the said information (step S24, Yes), it records the content as customer information. Simultaneously, send to the user the mail (the first S25 step) of the URL of the digitized content that has recorded relevant prize changing. In addition, the person in charge at the end of the automatic vending machine management device 1, after confirming the request from the user to change the prize, sends the predetermined prize to the received address (step S25).

In addition, in the present embodiment, the authentication process is performed by checking whether the "telephone number of the mobile phone" input by the user corresponds to the "notified point". In order to avoid being authenticated due to accidental coincidence, for example, an arbitrary password can be provided by the automatic vending machine management device 1 side when querying points. In this case, the user can be identified only when the "telephone number of the mobile phone", the "notified credit" and the "password provided by the automatic vending machine management apparatus 1 side" are all associated.

Like this, under this embodiment, even if one end of the automatic vending machine has a simple structure without a machine such as a card reader, commodity buyers can easily exchange prizes with the points obtained through the point service. In addition, since the user's e-mail address can be obtained automatically, it is possible to provide a service of notifying the user of existing points and the like in the future.

In addition, in this embodiment, since there is no permanent operator at the end of the automatic vending machine management device 1 and the speed is increased by sending and receiving mail, the above-mentioned prize exchange system can be easily deployed nationwide.

In addition, with regard to the points exchange methods described in Embodiments 1 and 2, for the convenience of description, an automatic vending machine is used as an example, but it is not limited thereto, as long as the points corresponding to the sales volume and usage amount are transferred The structure in which the phone numbers are associated and recorded can be applied to all points exchange methods. Specifically, for example, the above-mentioned point service on vending machines is exchanged for the sales of various shopping stores including convenience stores, supermarkets, and department stores, etc.; It can also be applied to the above-mentioned points exchange method.

In addition, in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, although the points exchange method has been described one by one, it is not limited to this. If the vending machine management device 1 has two functions, the user can also choose the method of Embodiment 1. The point exchange method (website method) and the point exchange method of Embodiment 2 (mail method).

The effect of the invention

As described above, according to the first invention, the following so-called effects can be obtained. For example, even with a simple structure that does not require devices such as a card reader, product buyers can easily exchange prizes with points obtained through the point service. In addition, there is an effect that the reward exchange system can be easily spread throughout the country because there is no permanent operator on the point exchange server device, and the speed is increased by the automatic response of the Web server. In addition, there is also a so-called effect that the use of services can be facilitated because no prior registration is required.

According to the 2nd or the 3rd invention, since the user's e-mail address can be obtained when processing points for rewards, it is possible to obtain the so-called effect that various services such as notifying existing points can be provided to the user in the future.

According to the 4th invention, can obtain following so-called effect, for example, even if use the simple structure that does not need the machine such as card reader, commodity buyer also can exchange prize with the point that obtains by point service easily. In addition, there is also an effect that since the e-mail address can be obtained automatically, various notification services such as notification of existing points can be provided to the user in the future. In addition, the following effect can also be obtained. Since there is no permanent operator on the point exchange server device, and the speed is increased by sending and receiving mail, the award exchange system can be easily deployed nationwide.

According to the fifth invention, since the user can be identified only when the "telephone number of the mobile terminal", "notified point" and "password" are all associated, the effect of avoiding authentication due to accidental coincidence can be obtained.

Claims (5)

1. A point exchange method for exchanging points accumulated according to paid money with predetermined prizes, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: In the first step, the sales side device monitors incoming calls from the mobile terminal of the user of the point service by using the application control part included therein, and correlates the point corresponding to the money paid by the user this time with the phone number of the mobile terminal stored in a linked manner, and send the current point to the management side device, and the management side device associates the phone number with the current point and adds the previous point to the previous point as the point corresponding to the phone number current points; In the second step, when the user of the point service connects the mobile terminal he owns to the telephone number for inquiry to inquire about the current points, he retrieves the points associated with the notified phone number according to the sender number notification function, and uses the voice Synthetic response notifies the retrieval result; In the third step, the user is asked to answer "the phone number of the mobile terminal" when connecting to the Web server for prize exchange from a communication device that can use the Internet when the notified points have reached the points that can be exchanged for prizes. and "Notified Points"; Step 4: After receiving the "telephone number of the mobile terminal" and "notified points" and performing authentication processing, the user is required to answer "address" and "name"; Step 5, after receiving the "address" and "name", provide the user with digital content related to reward exchange. 2. The reward point exchange method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the fourth step, besides the "address" and "name", an answer to "email address" may also be required. 3. The point exchange method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the second step, a "password" is also provided to the user of the point service, and in the fourth step, the "password" of the mobile terminal is used to Number", "Notified Points" and "Password" are authenticated. 4. A point exchange method for exchanging the points accumulated according to the paid money with the determined prize, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: In the first step, the sales side device monitors incoming calls from the mobile terminal of the user of the point service by using the application control part included therein, and correlates the point corresponding to the money paid by the user this time with the phone number of the mobile terminal stored in a linked manner, and send the current point to the management side device, and the management side device associates the phone number with the current point and adds the previous point to the previous point as the point corresponding to the phone number current points; In the second step, when the user of the point service connects the mobile terminal he owns to the telephone number for inquiry to inquire about the current points, he retrieves the points corresponding to the notified phone number according to the sender number notification function, and uses the voice Synthetic response notifies the retrieval result; In the third step, when the notified points have reached the points that can be exchanged for prizes, receive an email from a communication device that can send emails that contains "the phone number of the mobile terminal" and "notified points" and proceed. After the authentication process is completed, an email that records the format of the application prize is sent to the user; Step 4: After receiving the mail filled with "address" and "name" according to the prize application format, send the mail to the user with the URL of the digitized content related to the prize exchange. 5. The reward point exchange method according to claim 4, characterized in that, in the second step, a "password" is also provided to the user of the point service, and in the third step, the "phone number of the mobile terminal" is used , "Notified Points" and "Password" are authenticated.

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