An automated token recognition sorting mechanism

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of automatic sorting equipment, and particularly provides an automatic token recognition and sorting mechanism, which comprises a connecting frame, a token supply mechanism, a recognition mechanism and a sorting mechanism, the token supply mechanism and the sorting mechanism are fixedly installed on the front side of the connecting frame, the recognition mechanism is assembled on the rear side of the connecting frame, the sorting mechanism is connected with an external storage mechanism, the recognition mechanism comprises a backing plate, a rotating disc, a visual recognition module and a card reader module, the thickness of the backing plate is greater than that of the rotating disc, and a rotating groove is formed in the center of the backing plate, the automatic recognition and sorting of tokens can be realized, after the chip information and image information of the tokens are pre-recorded, the workers only need to put the tokens into the token supply mechanism and start the equipment, the automatic recognition and sorting of the tokens are realized by the equipment, and when the storage mechanism is filled with the tokens, the workers can take out and classify the tokens.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automated sorting equipment technology, and specifically provides an automated token recognition and sorting mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Physical tokens are widely used in physical entertainment facilities such as video game arcades. In the past, physical tokens were mainly made of metal, but with the development of technology, the materials used to make tokens have gradually been replaced by lighter plastics or resins.

[0003] Based on chip recognition technology, the new generation of tokens on the market have begun to embed identifiable chips. However, considering the high cost of completing the equipment iteration at once, many facilities are in a state of mixed use of new and old tokens, which brings great difficulties to the recycling and identification of tokens. Most facilities still use manual sorting, which is labor-intensive and inefficient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: an automated token identification and sorting mechanism, including a connecting frame, a token supply mechanism, an identification mechanism and a sorting mechanism. The token supply mechanism and the sorting mechanism are fixedly installed on the front side of the connecting frame, the identification mechanism is assembled on the rear side of the connecting frame, and the sorting mechanism is connected to an external storage mechanism.

[0005] Furthermore, the identification mechanism includes a pad, a rotating disk, a visual recognition module, and a card reader module. The thickness of the pad is greater than that of the rotating disk. A rotating groove is formed in the center of the pad, and an output groove is formed on the lower side of the pad. The pad is fixedly installed on the rear side of the connecting frame. The output groove extends from the lower end of the rotating groove to the edge of the pad. The rotating disk is concentrically arranged in the rotating groove. Three loading slots are symmetrically formed on the rotating disk. A second power mechanism is fixedly installed on the rear side of the connecting frame through a connector. The output end of the second power mechanism is fixedly connected to the center of the rotating disk. The second power mechanism can drive the rotating disk to rotate. A card reader assembly slot and a token input port are formed on the connecting frame. The output end of the token supply mechanism corresponds to the position of the token input port. The card reader module is fixedly installed at the card reader assembly slot. The visual recognition module is fixedly installed on the rear side of the pad, and the position of the visual recognition module corresponds to the position of the card reader module.

[0006] Furthermore, the card reader assembly slot, token input port, and output slot are symmetrically distributed relative to the center of the rotating disk, meaning that the positions of the card reader assembly slot, token input port, and output slot correspond to the positions of the three loading slots, respectively.

[0007] Furthermore, the token supply mechanism includes a token storage slot, a pusher, a linear drive mechanism, and a first power mechanism. The token storage slot is fixedly installed in front of the token input port. The pusher is fastened to the token storage slot. The linear drive mechanism is a linear power mechanism and is mounted on the side of the token storage slot. The pusher is fixedly connected to the output end of the linear drive mechanism and can slide along the token storage slot under the drive of the linear drive mechanism. The first power mechanism is located below the token storage slot, and the output end of the first power mechanism is connected to the input end of the linear drive mechanism.

[0008] Furthermore, the token supply mechanism also includes a step-sensing component, which is synchronously linked with the pusher via a transmission mechanism.

[0009] Furthermore, the stepping sensing component includes a wheel, through holes, a connecting shaft, and a photoelectric switch assembly. The connecting shaft is concentrically mounted in the center of the wheel and is connected to the first power mechanism through a transmission mechanism. Multiple through holes are symmetrically opened on the side wall of the wheel. The photoelectric switch assembly is located at the through holes. The spacing between adjacent through holes matches the thickness of the token. That is, every time the pusher pushes and outputs a token, the wheel rotates to the next through hole.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a barrier mechanism, which is located on one side of the token supply mechanism;

[0011] The fence mechanism includes a U-shaped assembly plate, a sliding rod, insert rods, a U-shaped slide groove, a lever, a pulley, and a fourth power mechanism. The sliding rod is fixedly installed between the left and right side walls of the U-shaped assembly plate. The U-shaped slide groove is slidably installed on the sliding rod. Multiple insert rods are fixedly installed on the side wall of the U-shaped slide groove, and the multiple insert rods are arranged parallel to the sliding rod to form a fence. Multiple insertion holes are opened on the side wall of the U-shaped assembly plate, and the positions of the insertion holes correspond one-to-one with the positions of the insert rods. The fourth power mechanism is located below the U-shaped assembly plate. The output end of the fourth power mechanism is fixedly connected to one end of the lever from the lower side. The pulley is rotatably installed on the upper side of the other end of the lever and is embedded in the U-shaped slide groove.

[0012] The token storage slot has multiple perforations evenly distributed on its sidewall. These perforations are evenly and symmetrically distributed on the top of the sidewall of the token storage slot, and the positions of the perforations correspond one-to-one with the positions of the insertion holes. The insertion rod can be inserted into the token storage slot through the perforations.

[0013] Furthermore, the spacing between adjacent inserts is smaller than the diameter of the token.

[0014] Furthermore, the sorting mechanism includes a base plate, an input port, an output port, a swing arm, and a third power mechanism. The base plate is fixedly installed directly below the identification mechanism. A Y-shaped groove is provided in the middle of the base plate. The input port of the Y-shaped groove faces upward, and the two output ports of the Y-shaped groove face downward. The swing arm is rotatably installed in the center of the Y-shaped groove. The third power mechanism is fixedly installed above the Y-shaped groove through a connecting frame, and the output end of the third power mechanism is fixedly connected to the rotation shaft of the swing arm. The swing arm can swing left and right under the drive of the third power mechanism.

[0015] The two output ports are respectively connected to different sections of the external storage mechanism. When the swing arm swings to the left end, the input port is connected to the output port on the right side, and vice versa.

[0016] Furthermore, a cover plate is fastened to the top of the base plate, and the cover plate covers the Y-shaped groove.

[0017] Furthermore, laser sensors are respectively installed at the bottom of the two output ports, which can detect when a token passes through the output port.

[0018] The beneficial effects of using this invention are:

[0019] This invention enables automated identification and sorting of tokens. After pre-entering the chip and image information of the tokens, staff only need to place the tokens into the token supply mechanism and start the equipment. The equipment automatically performs token identification and sorting. When the storage mechanism is full of tokens, staff can take them out and classify them, which greatly reduces the workload of token sorting and improves sorting efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the token supply mechanism of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the identification mechanism of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sorting mechanism of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fence mechanism of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the step sensing component of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the fence mechanism of the present invention in a stowed state;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the fence mechanism of the present invention in the deployed state;

[0028] The reference numerals in the figures include:

[0029] 1. Connection frame;

[0030] 101. Card reader assembly slot; 102. Token input port;

[0031] 2. Token supply institutions;

[0032] 201. Token storage slot;

[0033] 2011, Perforation;

[0034] 202. Pusher; 203. Linear drive mechanism;

[0035] 204. Step sensor assembly;

[0036] 2041, Wheel; 2042, Through hole; 2043, Connecting shaft; 2044, Photoelectric switch assembly;

[0037] 205. First power mechanism;

[0038] 3. Identification agency;

[0039] 301. Pad;

[0040] 3011, Rotating slot; 3012, Output slot;

[0041] 302. Rotary disk;

[0042] 3021. Loading trough; 3022. Second power mechanism;

[0043] 303. Visual recognition module; 304. Card reader module;

[0044] 4. Sorting mechanism;

[0045] 401. Base plate; 402. Input port; 403. Output port; 404. Swing rod; 405. Third power mechanism; 406. Cover plate; 407. Laser sensor;

[0046] 5. Fence mechanism;

[0047] 501. U-shaped assembly plate; 502. Slide rod; 503. Insert rod; 504. U-shaped slide groove; 505. Toggle rod; 506. Pulley; 507. Fourth power mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Example 1

[0050] Reference Figures 1-6 An automated token identification and sorting mechanism includes a connecting frame 1, a token supply mechanism 2, an identification mechanism 3, and a sorting mechanism 4. The token supply mechanism 2 and the sorting mechanism 4 are fixedly installed on the front side of the connecting frame 1, the identification mechanism 3 is assembled on the rear side of the connecting frame 1, and the sorting mechanism 4 is connected to an external storage mechanism.

[0051] The identification mechanism 3 includes a pad 301, a rotating disk 302, a visual recognition module 303, and a card reader module 304. The thickness of the pad 301 is greater than the thickness of the rotating disk 302. A rotating groove 3011 is formed in the center of the pad 301, and an output groove 3012 is formed on the lower side of the pad 301. The pad 301 is fixedly installed on the rear side of the connecting frame 1. The output groove 3012 extends from the lower end of the rotating groove 3011 to the edge of the pad 301. The rotating disk 302 is concentrically arranged in the rotating groove 3011. Three loading grooves 3021 are symmetrically formed on the rotating disk 302. The rear side of the connecting frame 1 is connected via a connecting... The connector is fixedly installed with a second power mechanism 3022. The output end of the second power mechanism 3022 is fixedly connected to the center of the rotating disk 302. The second power mechanism 3022 can drive the rotating disk 302 to rotate. The connecting frame 1 is provided with a card reader assembly slot 101 and a token input port 102. The output end of the token supply mechanism 2 corresponds to the position of the token input port 102. The card reader module 304 is fixedly installed at the card reader assembly slot 101. The visual recognition module 303 is fixedly installed on the rear side of the pad 301, and the position of the visual recognition module 303 corresponds to the position of the card reader module 304.

[0052] Preferably, the card reader assembly slot 101, token input port 102 and output slot 3012 are symmetrically distributed with respect to the center of the rotating disk 302, that is, the positions of the card reader assembly slot 101, token input port 102 and output slot 3012 correspond to the positions of the three loading slots 3021 respectively.

[0053] The visual recognition module 303 and the card reader module 304 are connected to an external data processing unit and are able to exchange data.

[0054] The instructions to be executed when the device is running are as follows:

[0055] 1. Input command

[0056] The token supply mechanism 2 pushes a token into the corresponding storage slot 3021 through the token input port 102.

[0057] 2. Recognition Instructions

[0058] The card reader module 304 attempts to read the chip information of the token;

[0059] If the information is read, the identification is completed (there are already mature chip reading and identification systems on the market, such as access card identification systems), and the token is marked as pending redemption;

[0060] If no information is read, the visual recognition module 303 is activated to collect the image data of the token, and then the image data is processed by the matching image comparison system (which can be achieved by using a mature image comparison system that is already available on the market). When the recognition result matches the preset image, the token is marked as to be recycled; otherwise, the token is marked as not to be recycled.

[0061] If neither the visual recognition module 303 nor the card reader module 304 collects any information, the system will return a message indicating that the loading slot 3021 is empty.

[0062] 3. Sorting instructions

[0063] Sorting unit 4 opens a channel to connect to the corresponding partition of the external storage unit based on the token's corresponding mark.

[0064] The storage slot 3021 located at the token input port 102 is designated as slot number one, the storage slot 3021 located at the output slot 3012 is designated as slot number two, and the storage slot 3021 located at the card reader assembly slot 101 is designated as slot number three.

[0065] The device's initial operating procedure is as follows:

[0066] Execute the input command to push a token into slot number one.

[0067] Control the rotating disk 302 to rotate 120°, the first slot wheel rotates to the card reader assembly slot 101, the second slot wheel rotates to the token input port 102, and the third slot wheel rotates to the output slot 3012.

[0068] Execute the identification command to identify the token in slot one and return the identification result;

[0069] Simultaneously, the input command is executed to push a token into slot number two.

[0070] Execute sorting instructions and open the passageway in advance.

[0071] The control disc 302 rotates 120°, the first slot rotates to the output slot 3012, the second slot rotates to the card reader assembly slot 101, and the third slot rotates to the token input port 102. The token in the first slot slides out through the output slot 3012 and slides down along the pre-opened channel into the corresponding partition of the external storage mechanism.

[0072] Execute the identification command to identify the token in slot number two and return the identification result;

[0073] Simultaneously, the input command is executed to push a token into slot number three.

[0074] The rotating disk 302 continues to rotate, repeating the above work cycle, to identify and sort the tokens pre-stored in the token supply institution 2 one by one.

[0075] The operation stops when the information returned by the recognition command is empty twice in a row.

[0076] Example 2

[0077] Compared to Embodiment 1, the difference in this embodiment is as follows:

[0078] Reference Figure 2 Specifically, the token supply mechanism 2 includes a token storage slot 201, a pusher 202, a linear drive mechanism 203, and a first power mechanism 205. The token storage slot 201 is fixedly installed in front of the token input port 102. The pusher 202 is fastened to the token storage slot 201. The linear drive mechanism 203 is a linear power mechanism and is mounted on the side of the token storage slot 201. The pusher 202 is fixedly connected to the output end of the linear drive mechanism 203. The pusher 202 can slide along the token storage slot 201 under the drive of the linear drive mechanism 203. The first power mechanism 205 is located below the token storage slot 201, and the output end of the first power mechanism 205 is connected to the input end of the linear drive mechanism 203.

[0079] Staff members insert the tokens into the token storage slot 201, and the pusher 202 can then move the entire stack of tokens under the drive of the first power mechanism 205, thus supplying the tokens.

[0080] Preferably, the token supply mechanism 2 further includes a step sensor component 204, which is synchronously linked with the pusher 202 through a transmission mechanism.

[0081] Reference Figure 6 Specifically, the step sensing component 204 includes a wheel 2041, through holes 2042, a connecting shaft 2043, and a photoelectric switch group 2044. The connecting shaft 2043 is concentrically mounted in the center of the wheel 2041 and is connected to the first power mechanism 205 through a transmission mechanism. Multiple through holes 2042 are symmetrically opened on the side wall of the wheel 2041. The photoelectric switch group 2044 is located at the through holes 2042. The spacing between adjacent through holes 2042 matches the thickness of the token. That is, every time the pusher 202 pushes and outputs a token, the wheel 2041 rotates to the next through hole 2042.

[0082] During this process, the photoelectric switch group 2044 is blocked by the disc wall between the two through holes 2042 and sends back a signal. The computer system can count by recording the signal.

[0083] Example 3

[0084] Compared to Embodiment 2, the difference in this embodiment is as follows:

[0085] A fence mechanism 5 is provided on one side of the token supply institution 2.

[0086] Reference Figure 5 Specifically, the fence mechanism 5 includes a U-shaped mounting plate 501, a sliding rod 502, an insert rod 503, a U-shaped sliding groove 504, a lever 505, a pulley 506, and a fourth power mechanism 507. The sliding rod 502 is fixedly installed between the left and right side walls of the U-shaped mounting plate 501. The U-shaped sliding groove 504 is slidably installed on the sliding rod 502. Multiple insert rods 503 are fixedly installed on the side wall of the U-shaped sliding groove 504, and the multiple insert rods 503 are arranged parallel to the sliding rod 502 to form a fence. Multiple insertion holes are opened on the side wall of the U-shaped mounting plate 501, and the positions of the insertion holes correspond one-to-one with the positions of the insert rods 503. The fourth power mechanism 507 is located below the U-shaped mounting plate 501. The output end of the fourth power mechanism 507 is fixedly connected to one end of the lever 505 from the lower side. The pulley 506 is rotatably installed on the upper side of the other end of the lever 505, and the pulley 506 is embedded in the U-shaped sliding groove 504.

[0087] The lever 505 can rotate under the drive of the fourth power mechanism 507. When the lever 505 rotates, it can move the U-shaped slide 504 to slide along the slide rod 502. During the sliding process of the U-shaped slide 504, it pushes the insertion rod 503 to extend out from the side of the U-shaped assembly plate 501 through the insertion hole.

[0088] Multiple perforations 2011 are evenly provided on the side wall of the token storage slot 201. The multiple perforations 2011 are evenly and symmetrically distributed on the top of the side wall of the token storage slot 201, and the position of the perforation 2011 corresponds one-to-one with the position of the insertion hole. The insertion rod 503 can be inserted into the token storage slot 201 through the perforation 2011.

[0089] Preferably, the spacing between adjacent inserts 503 is smaller than the diameter of the token.

[0090] Before the staff inserts a token into the token storage slot 201, the barrier mechanism 5 is in the deployed state (see reference). Figure 8 The insertion rods 503 are all above the token storage slots 201. If a staff member puts in a token, the token will not be horizontally placed into the token storage slots 201 due to the restriction of the insertion rods 503.

[0091] After the staff completes the token placement, first control the barrier mechanism 5 to move to the storage state (refer to...). Figure 7 Then control the pusher 202 to gather and push the tokens in the token storage slot 201.

[0092] Example 4

[0093] Compared to other embodiments, the difference in this embodiment is that:

[0094] Reference Figure 4 Specifically, the sorting mechanism 4 includes a base plate 401, an input port 402, an output port 403, a swing arm 404, and a third power mechanism 405. The base plate 401 is fixedly installed directly below the identification mechanism 3. A Y-shaped groove is provided in the middle of the base plate 401. The input port 402 of the Y-shaped groove faces upward, and the two output ports 403 of the Y-shaped groove face downward. The swing arm 404 is rotatably installed in the center of the Y-shaped groove. The third power mechanism 405 is fixedly installed above the Y-shaped groove through a connecting frame, and the output end of the third power mechanism 405 is fixedly connected to the rotation shaft of the swing arm 404. The swing arm 404 can swing left and right under the drive of the third power mechanism 405.

[0095] The two output ports 403 are respectively connected to different sections of the external storage mechanism. When the swing arm 404 swings to the left end, the input port 402 is connected to the output port 403 on the right side. Conversely, when the swing arm 404 swings to the right end, the input port 402 is connected to the output port 403 on the left side.

[0096] Preferably, a cover plate 406 is fastened to the top of the base plate 401, and the cover plate 406 covers the Y-shaped groove.

[0097] Preferably, laser sensors 407 are respectively installed at the bottom of the two output ports 403, and the laser sensors 407 can detect when a token passes through the output port 403.

[0098] Preferably, a baffle is provided at the end of the swing arm 404, and two photoelectric switches are mounted on the surface of the base plate 401, with the two photoelectric switches located on the left and right sides of the input port 402 respectively.

[0099] The above content is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, many changes can be made in the specific implementation and application scope based on the concept of the present invention. As long as these changes do not depart from the concept of the present invention, they all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated token recognition and sorting mechanism, characterized in that: It includes a connection frame, a token supply mechanism, an identification mechanism, and a sorting mechanism. The token supply mechanism and the sorting mechanism are fixedly installed on the front side of the connection frame, the identification mechanism is assembled on the rear side of the connection frame, and the sorting mechanism is connected to the external storage mechanism. The token supply mechanism includes a token storage slot, a pusher, a linear drive mechanism, and a first power mechanism. The token storage slot is fixedly installed in front of the token input port. The pusher is fastened to the token storage slot. The linear drive mechanism is a linear power mechanism and is mounted on the side of the token storage slot. The pusher is fixedly connected to the output end of the linear drive mechanism. The pusher can slide along the token storage slot under the drive of the linear drive mechanism. The first power mechanism is located below the token storage slot, and the output end of the first power mechanism is connected to the input end of the linear drive mechanism. It also includes a barrier mechanism, which is located on one side of the token supply mechanism; The fence mechanism includes a U-shaped assembly plate, a sliding rod, insert rods, a U-shaped slide groove, a lever, a pulley, and a fourth power mechanism. The sliding rod is fixedly installed between the left and right side walls of the U-shaped assembly plate. The U-shaped slide groove is slidably installed on the sliding rod. Multiple insert rods are fixedly installed on the side wall of the U-shaped slide groove, and the multiple insert rods are arranged parallel to the sliding rod to form a fence. Multiple insertion holes are opened on the side wall of the U-shaped assembly plate, and the positions of the insertion holes correspond one-to-one with the positions of the insert rods. The fourth power mechanism is located below the U-shaped assembly plate. The output end of the fourth power mechanism is fixedly connected to one end of the lever from the lower side. The pulley is rotatably installed on the upper side of the other end of the lever and is embedded in the U-shaped slide groove. The token storage slot has multiple perforations evenly distributed on its sidewall. These perforations are evenly and symmetrically distributed on the top of the sidewall of the token storage slot, and the positions of the perforations correspond one-to-one with the positions of the insertion holes. The insertion rod can be inserted into the token storage slot through the perforations.

2. The automated token identification and sorting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The identification mechanism includes a pad, a rotating disk, a visual recognition module, and a card reader module. The thickness of the pad is greater than that of the rotating disk. A rotating groove is formed in the center of the pad, and an output groove is formed on the lower side of the pad. The pad is fixedly installed on the rear side of the connecting frame. The output groove extends from the lower end of the rotating groove to the edge of the pad. The rotating disk is concentrically arranged in the rotating groove. Three loading slots are symmetrically formed on the rotating disk. A second power mechanism is fixedly installed on the rear side of the connecting frame through a connector. The output end of the second power mechanism is fixedly connected to the center of the rotating disk. The second power mechanism can drive the rotating disk to rotate. A card reader assembly slot and a token input port are formed on the connecting frame. The output end of the token supply mechanism corresponds to the position of the token input port. The card reader module is fixedly installed in the card reader assembly slot. The visual recognition module is fixedly installed on the rear side of the pad, and the position of the visual recognition module corresponds to the position of the card reader module.

3. The automated token identification and sorting mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The card reader assembly slot, token input port, and output slot are symmetrically distributed relative to the center of the rotating disk, meaning that the positions of the card reader assembly slot, token input port, and output slot correspond to the positions of the three loading slots.

4. The automated token identification and sorting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The token supply mechanism also includes a step sensor component, which is synchronized with the pusher via a transmission mechanism.

5. An automated token identification and sorting mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The stepping sensing component includes a wheel, through holes, a connecting shaft, and a photoelectric switch assembly. The connecting shaft is concentrically mounted in the center of the wheel and is connected to the first power mechanism through a transmission mechanism. Multiple through holes are symmetrically opened on the side wall of the wheel. The photoelectric switch assembly is located at the through holes. The spacing between adjacent through holes matches the thickness of the token. That is, every time the pusher pushes and outputs a token, the wheel rotates to the next through hole.

6. An automated token identification and sorting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spacing between adjacent inserts is less than the diameter of the token.

7. An automated token identification and sorting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sorting mechanism includes a base plate, an input port, an output port, a swing arm, and a third power mechanism. The base plate is fixedly installed directly below the identification mechanism. A Y-shaped groove is provided in the middle of the base plate. The input port of the Y-shaped groove faces upward, and the two output ports of the Y-shaped groove face downward. The swing arm is rotatably installed in the center of the Y-shaped groove. The third power mechanism is fixedly installed above the Y-shaped groove through a connecting frame, and the output end of the third power mechanism is fixedly connected to the rotation shaft of the swing arm. The swing arm can swing left and right under the drive of the third power mechanism. The two output ports are respectively connected to different sections of the external storage mechanism. When the swing arm swings to the left end, the input port is connected to the output port on the right side, and vice versa.

8. An automated token identification and sorting mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: Laser sensors are mounted at the bottom of each of the two output ports, and the laser sensors can detect when a token passes through the output port.

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