Method for monitoring and analyzing the wear of a parachute

Abstract

Method for monitoring and analyzing parachute wear. Method for analyzing the wear state of a parachute system, comprising obtaining data over time by means of one or more sensors including at least one pressure sensor mounted on the parachute system, and determining the wear state of the parachute system from said data. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Method for monitoring and analyzing the wear of a parachute. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the general field of parachute systems and more particularly concerns the maintenance of these systems. Previous technique

[0002] Rigorous and regular maintenance of parachute systems is typically carried out, notably to limit the risk of incidents and accidents in flight. A parachute system typically comprises at least one canopy, a harness, and a device for attaching said canopy to the harness. The parachute system may also include a second canopy, called a reserve canopy, connected to the same harness via the attachment device.

[0003] It is also known to provide maintenance recommendations for monitoring parachute systems during their initial deployment. These recommendations aim to suggest general maintenance to be implemented throughout the parachute's lifespan, adapted to the manufacturing characteristics of the parachute system, for example, the type of fabric used for the canopies. However, these recommendations, generally provided by manufacturers and / or based on internal specifications, do not allow for appropriate maintenance. This is particularly true because the maintenance of parachute systems depends not only on manufacturing characteristics but also on the frequency of use, operating conditions, and storage conditions.

[0004] It would therefore be desirable to see an improved mechanism for monitoring parachute systems. Description of the invention

[0005] To this end, the invention proposes a method for analyzing the wear state of a parachute system comprising the following steps: a) obtaining data acquired over time by means of one or more sensors including at least one pressure sensor mounted on the parachute system, b) determination of the state of wear of the parachute system from said data.

[0006] As previously stated, a “parachute system” includes at least one harness, one canopy, or even two canopies, and a device for attaching the canopy or canopies to the harness.

[0007] The analysis method makes it possible to estimate the wear state of a parachute system based on acquired data and thus to deduce the performance state of said parachute system. In particular, the analysis method advantageously makes it possible to obtain a usage history of the parachute system and thus estimate the evolution of its performance, specifically its current performance state.

[0008] Determining the state of wear may involve a classification. This advantageously allows for a rapid analysis of the state of wear and therefore of the performance of the parachute system.

[0009] The classification may include at least 3 classes. For example, the classes "slightly degraded", "moderately degraded", "very degraded" may be considered for the classification of the state of wear.

[0010] A comparison of the classes assigned to a plurality of parachute systems analyzed using said analysis method can be performed. Such a comparison advantageously improves the management of the plurality of parachute systems. Such classification and comparison can make it possible to efficiently identify parachute systems requiring maintenance.

[0011] In particular embodiments of the invention, the analysis process includes obtaining a pressure signature from the data, the determination of the state of wear being carried out from at least said pressure signature.

[0012] Events experienced by the parachute system can be identified from at least said pressure signature.

[0013] Preferably, said data also include acceleration data, an acceleration signature being obtainable from said acceleration data. The acceleration data may be acquired by means of at least one sensor onboard the parachute system.

[0014] The events are preferably identified at least from said pressure and acceleration signatures.

[0015] At least one of the events may be among: storage, transport, handling, flight, climb, drop, free fall, opening of the parachute system in flight, descent under canopy, turn, landing.

[0016] A distinction can be made, in particular, between so-called "ground" events and so-called "in-flight" events. Ground events include, among other things, storage, handling, and transport. In-flight events include, among other things, flight, climb, release, freefall, in-flight parachute deployment, descent under canopy, turn, landing, and a jump phase. A jump phase may include all or part of the following events: release, freefall, in-flight parachute deployment, descent under canopy, turn, and landing. In-flight events are advantageously identified from... less said pressure signature. Ground events can be identified from at least said pressure signature and preferably said acceleration signature.

[0017] In addition to pressure, and possibly acceleration, said data may include at least one type of data, preferably several, among an intensity of ultraviolet radiation, a geolocation, a hygrometry, a temperature, and a mass carried by the parachute system.

[0018] Obtaining data of different types can allow for a more precise analysis of the state of wear. In particular, it can make it possible to identify conditions of use or storage that particularly degrade parachute systems, such as overexposure to extreme temperatures, for example below -45°C or above 55°C, or to a high humidity level.

[0019] In particular embodiments, the analysis process further includes the deduction, from the data obtained, of event characteristics.

[0020] The determination of the state of wear can advantageously be determined from said characteristics and possibly from events.

[0021] At least one of the characteristics can be chosen from among a mechanical force exerted on the parachute system, an altitude, a duration, a speed, a temperature, and a humidity level.

[0022] An event characteristic defines a context for the event, characterizes it or enumerates it.

[0023] At least one characteristic chosen from among a mechanical force exerted on the parachute system, an altitude, a duration, a speed, a temperature, and a humidity level can be deduced for one or more events.

[0024] The characteristics may vary depending on the events to which they relate. Thus, the number of derived characteristics may vary from one event to another. In particular, for at least one in-flight event, the characteristics may include at least one mechanical force, and optionally a duration. Preferably, for at least one in-flight event and at least one ground event, the characteristics include at least one, preferably all, of the following characteristics: temperature, humidity, and duration.

[0025] The analysis method may include monitoring the data during its acquisition and in particular during its acquisition so as to distinguish whether the parachute system is in flight, in motion or in storage.

[0026] The analysis process may also include the determination of one or more maintenance recommendations defined from the state of wear of the parachute system, and possibly the characteristics of the events or even the data obtained.

[0027] Maintenance recommendations can be preventive or corrective. For example, when a humidity level exceeding a threshold value is detected, washing and drying all or part of the parachute system may be recommended. This improves the maintenance of the parachute system. The analysis process can also help to reduce the number of maintenance interventions. The number of maintenance interventions for a parachute system is thus optimized.

[0028] The invention also relates to a method of selecting a parachute system for a parachute jump comprising selecting, from a state of wear to be respected, at least one parachute system from a set of parachute systems according to the states of wear of said parachute systems determined by means of an analysis method as described above.

[0029] The planning of a parachute flight, including the determination of a landing site, is defined using a performance chart corresponding to the expected performance of any parachute system. This expected performance is defined with respect to a predefined payload mass and reference conditions. For example, the reference conditions are defined by a pressure of 1013.25 hPa. Alternatively, the reference conditions can be defined by the air density, i.e., 1.225 kg / m³. In particular, the chart defines an expected descent rate as a function of the payload mass under the reference conditions. In other words, the chart defines a reference descent rate as a function of the payload mass under predefined conditions.The rate of descent at a given altitude during a flight can be measured, and then an equivalent rate can be calculated to bring the measured rate back to the reference conditions. The equivalent rate can then be compared to the chart for a given payload mass. An increase of 5% to 15% in the equivalent rate of descent compared to the rate indicated in the chart can be considered abnormal and may require maintenance of the parachute system. Figure 5 shows an example of a vertical rate chart (Vz) for a parachute system with a payload mass (M) between 80 and 210 kg, the reference conditions being defined by a pressure of 1013.25 hPa. However, charts do not allow for consideration of the actual state of the parachute system during flight planning, as abnormal conditions can only be detected after the fact.

[0030] However, degraded performance can result in a shorter and less precise flight than expected. These differences between the planned and actual flight can lead to a parachutist becoming isolated and failing to reach the predetermined landing site, or to difficulties maneuvering during the flight itself. The method of Selection allows for improved parachute flight planning and better management of a set of parachute systems. Furthermore, selecting a parachute system based on its wear level results in actual flight trajectories that are closer to the planned flight paths. Knowing the wear level of the parachute system selected for a flight also allows for adjusting the planned flight path accordingly. Moreover, the parachutist's knowledge of the parachute system's wear level enables them to anticipate potential maneuvers to be performed during the flight and / or adjustments to be made based on operating conditions, thus reducing the number of accidents or inaccuracies in achieving an optimal trajectory, particularly during landing.For example, in the case of a parachute system with a porous canopy, the parachutist could adapt by jumping with a lower onboard mass to allow for a softer landing.

[0031] The selection process may further include the provision of at least one selection criterion from which the state of wear to be respected is defined.

[0032] The selection criterion may include an acceptable state of wear for said jump. The selection criterion may alternatively or additionally include all or part of the following criteria: a location, an altitude, a duration, weather conditions, including temperature and humidity.

[0033] In particular embodiments of the invention, the selection of at least one parachute system further involves the determination of one or more intermediate selection parameters to be respected determined according to the selection criterion.

[0034] In particular, the intermediate selection parameters can be chosen from: a maximum total number of jumps, a maximum number of high-altitude openings, an indication of the presence of a risk of hydrolysis, a maximum total gliding time, a maximum mechanical force threshold to which a parachute system has been subjected, a maximum cumulative mechanical force threshold to which a parachute system has been subjected.

[0035] In particular embodiments of the invention, the analysis process is implemented by means of an expert system.

[0036] All or part of the steps of the analysis process can be implemented by computer, preferably all the steps of the process are implemented by computer.

[0037] Thus, the invention also relates to a computer program comprising code instructions which, when implemented, allow the execution of the steps of an analysis process according to the invention.

[0038] The invention further relates to a system for implementing an analysis method according to the invention comprising at least one processor configured to implement the computer program.

[0039] The system may include at least one sensor enabling the acquisition of all or part of said data.

[0040] Means of communication between said at least one sensor and said at least one processor may allow the transmission of data.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, all or part of the data may be stored in a memory, the at least one sensor and the at least one processor comprising means of communication with said memory.

[0042] Similarly, all or part of the steps of the selection process can be implemented by computer, preferably all the steps of the process are implemented by computer.

[0043] Thus, the invention also relates to a computer program comprising code instructions which, when implemented, allow the execution of the steps of a selection process according to the invention.

[0044] The invention further relates to a system for implementing a selection method according to the invention comprising at least one processor configured to implement the computer program.

[0045] The system may include at least one memory in which the wear states of all parachute systems are stored.

[0046] In particular embodiments, the deduced event characteristics are recorded in said memory. The recording of data, deduced event characteristics and / or wear states advantageously allows for monitoring the states of parachute systems over time.

[0047] The aforementioned features and advantages, as well as others, will become apparent from the detailed description that follows. This detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0048] The attached drawings are schematic and are intended primarily to illustrate the principles of the exposition.

[0049] On these drawings, from one figure to another, identical elements (or parts of elements) are identified by the same reference signs.

[0050] [Fig-1] Figure 1 represents an example of the implementation of the analysis method according to the invention,

[0051] [Fig.2] Figure [Fig.2] illustrates a pressure signature and the identification of events from said signature,

[0052] [Fig.3] Figure [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a system for implementing a selection process according to the invention,

[0053] [Fig.4] Fig.4 schematically illustrates a system enabling the implementation of the process analysis, and

[0054] [Fig.5] Fig.5 represents an example of an abacus. Description of the implementation methods

[0055] Fig. 1 represents an example of implementation of the analysis method according to the invention.

[0056] The analysis method 1 includes an OBT DAT step for obtaining data that has been acquired over time.

[0057] The data includes at least pressure data acquired by means of at least one pressure sensor on board the parachute system.

[0058] Preferably, the data include other types of data.

[0059] In particular, the data preferably include, in addition to the data of pressure, acceleration data acquired using at least one accelerometer on board the parachute system.

[0060] The data may also include all or part of the following data: ultraviolet radiation intensity, geolocation, humidity, temperature, and the mass carried by the parachute system. This data may be acquired by means of sensors onboard the parachute system or may have been entered manually and then possibly stored in a database.

[0061] The analysis method may include an OBT SIG step of obtaining a pressure signature, and optionally an acceleration signature, from the pressure and acceleration data respectively.

[0062] An example of a pressure signature 10 is illustrated in [Fig.2]. This signature is for illustrative purposes only and is not to actual scale.

[0063] The analysis method may include the ID EV step of identifying events El, ..., Ek, k being an integer greater than or equal to 1, from at least said pressure signature, and optionally from said acceleration signature.

[0064] This identification allows, among other things, the identification of a state of use of the parachute system, in particular whether the parachute system is in use, in other words "in flight", or whether it is stored, in other words "on the ground" or "in storage".

[0065] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the events El, ..., Ek may include an ascent in an aircraft before a parachute jump El, a flight at substantially constant altitude before a jump E2, a release of the parachutist E3-E4, a free fall of the parachutist E5, a canopy opening E6, a descent phase under canopy E7, a landing E8, a ground phase E9, a flight phase of the parachute system E10, a jump phase Eli.

[0066] We can distinguish a jump phase El 1 extending between the moment when the parachutist exits the aircraft and the moment of landing of the parachutist, from a flight phase E10 extending between the moment when the parachute system gains altitude during the aircraft's climb to altitude and the moment of landing of the parachutist.

[0067] The curve in [Fig. 2] represents the pressure signature obtained from data acquired during one use cycle of the parachute system, in other words, during a single flight. The y-axis represents pressure and the x-axis represents time. At the initial time t0, the parachute system is on the ground. Obviously, the invention is not limited to this example, and the same event can be identified several times from the same signature.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, an altitude signature can be obtained. In particular, the altitude signature can be deduced from the pressure signature.

[0069] Events may correspond to disjoint time periods.

[0070] Events may include one-off events and events that extend over time.

[0071] The acceleration signature can also be used to identify events on the ground. In particular, the acceleration signature can be used to identify an event such as transport or warehouse storage.

[0072] The analysis process may include a DED CAR step of deducing one or more event characteristics for one or more of the identified events.

[0073] The characteristics are deduced from the data obtained and the events identified.

[0074] A characteristic may be related to a mechanical force exerted on the parachute system, an altitude, a duration, a speed, a temperature, and a humidity level.

[0075] For example, a feature could be a maximum altitude for the event "climbing to altitude in an aircraft before a parachute jump" EL. A temperature range could be a feature for the event "descent phase under canopy" E6. A duration for a temperature above a predefined threshold value could be a feature for the events "storage" or "warehouse storage" or for the event "parachute system deployment phase in flight".

[0076] The features may include at least one of the following: a mechanical force, a count of the number of occurrences of an event, a duration, an altitude, a speed, a hydrolysis risk index.

[0077] A characteristic can be a numeric value, a range, a category, a boolean. This list is not exhaustive.

[0078] Non-limiting examples of feature deductions are detailed below.

[0079] Altitudes for one or more events can be deduced from pressure data.

[0080] In particular, the altitudes for the specific events of parachute release and opening can be deduced.

[0081] The altitude of a drop allows for the identification of jumps at low, high and medium altitudes.

[0082] The opening of a parachute canopy at high altitude can be chaotic and lead to damage to the parachute system.

[0083] A speed during a parachute jump can be calculated from pressure data over time by deducing altitude data from the pressure data; analyzing the altitude differences allows distances to be deduced. Knowing the sampling frequency at which the pressure data were acquired, or knowing their acquisition time, it is then possible to deduce the speed.

[0084] In particular, it is possible to deduce the evolution of the speed during the jump.

[0085] From data relating to the mass carried by the parachute system during the jump, it is possible to detect abnormally high or abnormally low speeds.

[0086] A mechanical force during the opening of the parachute system can be deduced by determining a peak acceleration at altitude and calculating the velocity at the time of opening. The velocity at the opening of the system can be approximated as the velocity corresponding to the instant at which the peak acceleration at altitude was determined minus one second.

[0087] The mechanical force can be calculated using the following formula: F = mg, with m the mass on board for example measured before the flight, and g the gravitational acceleration for example measured by an on-board accelerometer.

[0088] In particular, these mechanical constraints can make it possible to assess fatigue in the parachute system and in particular be indicative of the need to carry out certain maintenance operations.

[0089] The number of times the parachute system is used in flight can be deduced, for example, by detecting the number of times the system is opened, as previously determined. Therefore, the frequency of use of the parachute system in flight can be deduced. Alternatively or additionally, a variation in the frequency of use in flight can be deduced.

[0090] A number of uses in flight respecting one or more conditions can be deduced, for example a number of high altitude jumps, a number of low altitude jumps, a number of medium altitude jumps.

[0091] A jump duration for each "jump phase" event can be deduced, for example, from the pressure data knowing the sampling frequency of acquisition of said data and / or their acquisition time.

[0092] A total jump duration can be deduced by accumulating the jump durations for each jump phase event.

[0093] A jump duration for a predefined period can be deduced by accumulating the durations over said predefined period.

[0094] A freefall time can be deduced by determining the time of opening of the parachute system in flight and the time of exit from the aircraft in flight of the parachutist.

[0095] The said times of opening of the parachute system in flight and of exiting the aircraft in flight can be deduced from the pressure data knowing the sampling frequency of acquisition of said data and / or their acquisition time.

[0096] A duration of exposure of the parachute system to high temperatures can be deduced from the temperature data knowing the frequency of acquisition of these data or their time of acquisition.

[0097] In particular, the duration of exposure of the parachute system to temperatures above 50°C, especially above 70°C, or even above 80°C, or even above 85°C can be deduced.

[0098] Similarly, the duration of exposure of the parachute system to low temperatures can be deduced from temperature data knowing the acquisition frequency of this data or their acquisition time.

[0099] In particular, the duration of exposure of the parachute system to temperatures below -20°C, or even below -30°C, or even below -45°C, or even below -55°C can be deduced.

[0100] A feature may be an index indicating whether the duration of exposure of the parachute system to temperatures above or below a threshold temperature value is longer than a threshold duration value, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures being able to severely degrade the parachute system, in particular textiles.

[0101] Alternatively or additionally, an exposure time of the parachute system to temperatures within a range of acceptable values ​​can be deduced from temperature data knowing the acquisition frequency of this data or their acquisition time, the range of acceptable values ​​preferably being predefined beforehand, for example by an operator.

[0102] The duration of exposure of the parachute system to high humidity levels can be deduced from the hygrometry data knowing the frequency of acquisition of these data or their time of acquisition.

[0103] In particular, the duration of exposure of the parachute system to humidity levels above 70% can be deduced.

[0104] A feature may be an index indicating whether the duration of exposure of the parachute system to humidity levels above a threshold humidity level value is longer than a threshold duration value, prolonged exposure to a high humidity level being able to severely degrade the parachute system, in particular textiles.

[0105] The duration of exposure of the parachute system to high humidity levels and extreme temperatures can be deduced from the humidity and temperature data knowing the acquisition frequency of these data or their acquisition time.

[0106] In particular, the exposure time of the parachute system to a humidity level of 90% or higher and a temperature of 70°C or higher can be deduced. Specifically, an index indicating whether this exposure time of the parachute system to humidity levels exceeding a threshold humidity level and to temperatures exceeding a threshold temperature exceeds a threshold duration can be determined. This index makes it possible to assess the risk of hydrolysis.

[0107] An exposure time of the parachute system in an uncontrolled environment can be deduced from the humidity, temperature and pressure data knowing the acquisition frequency of these data or their acquisition time.

[0108] By uncontrolled environment is meant an environment in which the temperature and humidity are unstable.

[0109] An exposure time of the parachute system in a controlled environment can be deduced from the hygrometry, temperature and pressure data knowing the acquisition frequency of these data or their acquisition time.

[0110] By controlled environment we mean an environment in which the temperature and humidity are stable.

[0111] The exposure time characteristic of the parachute system in a controlled environment allows confirmation of a ground storage state of the parachute system.

[0112] From these event characteristics, a state of wear can be determined.

[0113] The DET US step for determining the state of wear preferably includes a classification of a state of wear.

[0114] The classification can take as input the characteristics and determine from said characteristics a wear class indicating a state of wear.

[0115] The classification can be carried out by any conventional classification method.

[0116] The process may include a REC MAINT step for determining one or more maintenance recommendations. The recommendation(s) may be presented to an operator.

[0117] The recommendation(s) are determined from the determined state of wear and preferably from the characteristics of events.

[0118] The characteristics allow for the detection of potential anomalies in the use of the parachute system. In particular, fatigue of the parachute system can be determined from the mechanical forces experienced, the number of jumps, especially the number of jumps at high, low, and medium altitudes, and prolonged exposure of the system to high temperatures and / or humidity levels. Recommendations such as rinsing and drying according to predefined protocols or checking the suspension lines can be suggested.

[0119] Specific maintenance recommendations may be suggested beyond a certain flight duration, suggesting for example a check of the porosity of textiles.

[0120] A maintenance recommendation may result from the identification of degraded flight performance, for example identified by detection of an abnormal descent speed when the parachute system is open.

[0121] A maintenance recommendation may arise from the detection of the presence of a risk of hydrolysis, for example it may be recommended to check the coating condition of the parachute system.

[0122] These examples of recommendations are neither exhaustive nor limiting.

[0123] Figure 3 illustrates an example of the implementation of a selection process according to the invention.

[0124] The selection process includes the SELEC PS selection of one or more parachute systems from a set of parachute systems based on their wear condition determined by means of an analysis process as described above and a wear condition to be respected.

[0125] The wear states of the parachute systems of the whole parachute systems can be stored in a memory 6.

[0126] The selection may consist of selecting the parachute system(s) from among all parachute systems having a similar, in particular equal, state of wear to the state of wear to be respected.

[0127] Alternatively, the selection may consist of selecting the parachute system(s) from among all parachute systems having a wear state less than or equal to the wear state to be respected.

[0128] The selection process may include a DET US REF step for determining the wear condition to be respected based on at least one selection criterion.

[0129] The selection criterion can be entered by an operator, as shown in [Fig.3] at the OBT CRIT S step.

[0130] At least one selection criterion may include elements of flight planning for which a parachute system is to be selected, including duration, altitude, location, temperature, humidity.

[0131] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a system 4 for implementing an analysis method according to the invention.

[0132] The system 4 includes at least one processor 2 configured to implement a computer program comprising code instructions which, when implemented, enable the execution of the steps of an analysis process according to the invention.

[0133] The system 4 may further include at least one sensor 3 comprising at least one pressure sensor intended to be carried on a parachute system.

[0134] The at least one sensor 3 may include sensors intended to be carried or not carried on the parachute system.

[0135] The data acquired by at least one sensor 3 can be recorded in an on-board or remote memory 5, or transmitted to the computer program.

[0136] The state of wear determined by the implementation of the analysis method according to the invention can be stored in a memory 6. This memory 6 can be different or identical to the memory 5 in which the data acquired by at least one sensor 3 are stored.

[0137] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is evident that modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated / mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0138] The characteristics described with reference to a process are transposable, alone or in combination, to a device, and conversely, all the characteristics described with reference to a device are transposable, alone or in combination, to a process.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for analyzing the wear state of a parachute system comprising the following steps: a) obtaining data acquired over time by means of one or more sensors comprising at least one pressure sensor mounted on the parachute system, b) determining the wear state of the parachute system from said data.

2. Analytical method according to claim 1 wherein said determination comprises a classification of the state of wear.

3. Analytical method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, the determination of the state of wear being carried out from at least one pressure signature obtained from said data.

4. An analysis method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the identification of events and the deduction of event characteristics from said data, the determination being carried out from at least said event characteristics.

5. Analysis method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 comprising obtaining at least one type of said data from: an acceleration, an intensity of ultraviolet radiation, a geolocation, a hygrometry, a temperature, a mass carried by the parachute system.

6. Analytical method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 comprising an assessment of the risk of hydrolysis phenomenon from an index on an exposure time of the parachute system exceeding a threshold time value, when humidity levels exceed a threshold humidity level value and when temperatures exceed a threshold temperature value.

7. An analysis method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising, a determination of one or more maintenance recommendations defined from the state of wear of the parachute system, and optionally from the characteristics of the events and / or data obtained.

8. Method for selecting a parachute system for a parachute jump comprising: the selection, from a state of wear to be respected and / or from the deduction of event characteristics, of at least one parachute system from a set of parachute systems according to the states of wear of said parachute systems determined by means of an analysis method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and / or their event characteristics determined by means of an analysis method according to any one of claims 4 to 7 in combination with claim 4.

9. A computer program comprising code instructions which, when implemented, enable the execution of steps in a process according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. System for implementing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising at least one processor configured to implement a computer program according to claim 9.

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