JP4483224B2 - Electro-optical panel, electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electro-optical panel, an electro-optical device, and an electronic apparatus.

  A display device, for example, a liquid crystal display device using a liquid crystal as an electro-optical material, is widely used as a display device in place of a cathode ray tube (CRT) in a display unit of various information processing devices, a liquid crystal television, and the like.

  The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel and an external circuit. A liquid crystal panel has a pixel electrode arranged in a matrix, an element substrate provided with a switching element such as a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) connected to the pixel electrode, and a counter electrode facing the pixel electrode. The counter substrate thus formed and a liquid crystal serving as an electro-optic material filled between the two substrates are provided. A pixel is composed of a switching element, a pixel electrode, an electro-optic material, and a counter electrode, and is arranged in a matrix.

  In such a liquid crystal panel, a scanning line driving circuit for driving scanning lines or a data line driving circuit for driving data lines may be formed, or at least one of them may be configured as an external circuit. is there. Regardless of whether or not these drive circuits are formed on the liquid crystal panel, in the manufacture of the liquid crystal panel, it is common to inspect display defects such as point defects and line defects.

  In the inspection process, the probe is applied to all the external input terminals formed on the liquid crystal panel and the inspection signal is supplied, but if the external input terminals are formed at a high density, the probe card Needle holder becomes difficult. For this reason, the inspection by probing has a mechanical limit. Therefore, a method is known in which an inspection circuit is built in a liquid crystal panel, inspection signals are supplied from a small number of external input terminals, and the presence or absence of display defects is inspected (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  By the way, the conventional liquid crystal panel is generally inspected before mounting a mounting component such as a flexible substrate on the external input terminal even when the inspection circuit is incorporated. This is because it is not easy to accurately position the probe on the liquid crystal panel and mount the probe after mounting the mounting components.

Japanese Patent No. 2669383

Japanese Patent No. 2792634

  However, for example, in an aging test, it may be desired to confirm the operation before and after the test. In this case, it is necessary to perform an inspection after the connection cable is mounted on the electro-optical panel, and the above-described conventional liquid crystal panel has a problem that the inspection takes time.

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electro-optical panel and an electro-optical device that can be inspected after mounting components such as connection cables are mounted on the electro-optical panel.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an electro-optical panel according to the present invention includes a plurality of data lines, a plurality of scanning lines, and a pixel region in which a plurality of pixels corresponding to intersections of the data lines and the scanning lines are formed. It is those with bets, a first input terminal a first signal used to display the images on the pixel area is supplied, the same as at least a part of the terminals of the first input terminal A second input terminal having a shape and supplied with a second signal used for checking operation during inspection, and the first signal connected to the first input terminal and supplied from the first input terminal Is controlled and output at a predetermined timing, and is connected to the drive circuit for driving the data line, the drive circuit, and the first signal output from the drive circuit is input, and the first signal is output. Output to the data line And the video signal supply circuit is connected to the second input terminal, and the second signal supplied from the second input terminal at the time of the inspection is applied to the data line. It is characterized by outputting .

  According to the present invention, since at least some of the first input terminals and the second input terminal have the same shape, the mounting component can be easily connected to the second input terminal. Therefore, it is possible to supply the second signal to the second input terminal even after the mounting component is connected to the first input terminal.

  The electro-optical panel includes a driving circuit that drives the data line or the scanning line, the first input terminal is connected to the driving circuit, and the first signal controls the operation of the driving circuit. It is preferable that the drive signal to be included is included. In this case, the drive signal can be supplied to the electro-optical panel via the first input terminal. Further, the first signal may include the drive signal and an image signal indicating a gradation to be displayed on the pixel during normal use.

  The electro-optical panel includes a video signal supply circuit that supplies a video signal to the data line at the time of the inspection, the second input terminal is connected to the video signal supply circuit, and the second signal is: Preferably, the video signal is included. In this case, since a video signal can be supplied via the second input terminal at the time of inspection and can be supplied to the data line, it becomes possible to inspect point defects and the like.

  In the electro-optical panel described above, it is preferable that the arrangement pitch of the second input terminals is the same as the arrangement pitch of the first input terminals having the same shape as the second input terminals. By setting the arrangement pitch to the same pitch, the mounting component of the first input terminal can be used as the mounting component of the second input terminal. In addition, the design of the mounting terminal can be simplified.

  In the electro-optical panel described above, the first input terminal is divided into a plurality of first input terminal groups, and the second input terminal is disposed between the first input terminal groups. Features. By disposing the second input terminal between the first input terminal groups, it is possible to effectively utilize the dead area between the mounted components. As a result, it is possible to secure a wiring space for connecting the first input terminal group and the drive circuit or the data line.

  Further, in the above-described electro-optical panel, the first input terminal and the second input terminal are arranged side by side, and the first input terminal and the second input terminal are integrally formed via conductive particles. It is preferable to be connected to the mounted component. By connecting the first input terminal and the second input terminal by the mounting component formed as a single unit, the second signal is supplied to the electro-optical panel without providing a special process for connecting the second input terminal. It becomes possible.

  Next, an electro-optical device according to the present invention includes the above-described electro-optical panel and a signal generation unit that generates the first signal. Furthermore, an electronic apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by including the above-described electro-optical device. Examples of such an electronic device include a liquid crystal projector, a personal computer, a mobile phone, an electronic camera, and a PDA.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to inspect the electro-optical panel before and after mounting components such as connection cables on the electro-optical panel.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal panel using liquid crystal as an electro-optical material will be described as an example of an electro-optical panel, and a liquid crystal display device using the liquid crystal panel will be described as an example of an electro-optical device.

<1. Overall configuration of LCD panel>
First, the overall configuration of the liquid crystal panel AA according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the liquid crystal panel AA, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line ZZ ′ in FIG.

  As shown in these drawings, the liquid crystal panel AA includes an element substrate 151 such as glass or semiconductor on which the pixel electrode 6 or the like is formed, and a transparent counter substrate 152 such as glass on which the common electrode 158 or the like is formed. In addition, the sealing material 154 mixed with the spacer 153 is bonded so that the electrode forming surfaces face each other while maintaining a certain gap, and a liquid crystal 155 as an electro-optical material is sealed in the gap. Note that the sealant 154 is formed along the periphery of the counter substrate 152, but a part thereof is opened to enclose the liquid crystal 155. Therefore, after the liquid crystal 155 is sealed, the opening is sealed with the sealing material 156.

  Here, the data line drive circuit 200 and the video signal supply circuit 250 are formed on the opposite surface of the element substrate 151 and on the outer side of the sealing material 154 to drive the data line 3 extending in the Y direction. It has a configuration. Further, a plurality of first input terminals 10A and a plurality of second input terminals 10B are formed on this side. Further, a scanning line driving circuit 100 is formed on one side adjacent to the one side, and the scanning line 2 extending in the X direction is driven from both sides.

  10A of 1st input terminals and the 2nd input terminal 10B are each comprised by the electrode which can take electrical continuity. Various drive signals are supplied to the first input terminal 10A, while a video signal or the like as an inspection signal is supplied to the second input terminal 10B.

  The first input terminal 10A and the second input terminal 10B are electrically and mechanically connected to the mounting component via an anisotropic conductive film (ACF). The mounting components in this example are flexible boards B1 and B2 as connection cables. The first input terminal 10A and the second input terminal 10B have the same shape. Moreover, it is preferable that the pitch of the first input terminal 10A and the pitch of the second input terminal 10B are the same. Although the number of terminals is different between the flexible substrate B1 and the flexible substrate B2, the first input terminal 10A and the second input terminal 10B have the same shape, so that the terminal electrodes formed thereon can have the same shape. . Furthermore, if the pitch is the same, a flexible board having a large number of wirings is manufactured, and the flexible board B1 and the flexible board B2 can be easily manufactured from one mounting member by cutting the board.

  First, the second input terminal 10B functions as an inspection terminal before the flexible boards B1 and B2 are connected. In this case, if the first input terminal 10A and the second input terminal 10B formed at the end of the liquid crystal panel AA are probed, it is possible to inspect for point defects and the like. On the other hand, after connecting the flexible substrate, inspection can be performed by supplying a video signal or the like to the second input terminal 10B. Therefore, the liquid crystal panel AA can be inspected before and after connecting the flexible substrates B1 and B2.

  The common electrode 158 of the counter substrate 152 is electrically connected to the element substrate 151 by a conductive material provided in at least one of the four corners of the bonding portion with the element substrate 151. In addition, the counter substrate 152 is provided with, for example, a color filter arranged in a stripe shape, a mosaic shape, a triangle shape, or the like according to the use of the liquid crystal panel AA. And a black matrix such as resin black in which carbon or titanium is dispersed in a photoresist, and third, a backlight for irradiating the liquid crystal panel AA with light. Particularly in the case of color light modulation, a black matrix is provided on the counter substrate 152 without forming a color filter.

  In addition, the opposing surfaces of the element substrate 151 and the counter substrate 152 are each provided with an alignment film or the like that is rubbed in a predetermined direction, and a polarizing plate (not shown) corresponding to the alignment direction on each back side. Are provided respectively. However, if a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal dispersed as fine particles in a polymer is used as the liquid crystal 155, the above-described alignment film, polarizing plate, and the like are not required. This is advantageous in terms of reducing power consumption.

  Instead of forming peripheral circuits such as the data line driving circuit 200 on the element substrate 151, for example, a driving IC chip mounted on a film using a TAB (Tape Automated Bonding) technique is used. It is good also as a structure electrically and mechanically connected through the anisotropic conductive film provided in a position, and drive IC chip itself is used for the predetermined position of the element substrate 151 using COG (Chip On Grass) technology. Further, it may be configured to be electrically and mechanically connected through an anisotropic conductive film.

<2. Electrical configuration of liquid crystal display device>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the liquid crystal display device. As shown in this figure, the liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel AA, flexible substrates B1 and B2, and an external substrate C connected to the liquid crystal panel AA via the flexible substrate B1.

  The external substrate C includes a timing generation circuit 300, an image processing circuit 400, and a power supply circuit 500. The input image data D supplied to the liquid crystal display device is, for example, in a 3-bit parallel format. The timing generation circuit 300 generates a Y clock signal YCK, an inverted Y clock signal YCKB, an X clock signal XCK, an inverted X clock signal XCKB, a Y transfer start pulse DY, and an X transfer start pulse DX in synchronization with the input image data D. . The timing generation circuit 300 generates various timing signals for controlling the image processing circuit 400 and outputs them.

  The Y clock signal YCK specifies a period for selecting the scanning line 2, and the inverted Y clock signal YCKB is obtained by inverting the logic level of the Y clock signal YCK. The X clock signal XCK specifies a period for selecting the data line 3, and the inverted X clock signal XCKB is obtained by inverting the logic level of the X clock signal XCK.

  The image processing circuit 400 performs gamma correction and the like on the input image data D in consideration of the light transmission characteristics of the liquid crystal panel AA, and then D / A converts the RGB color image data to generate image signals 40R, 40G, and 40B. Is generated.

  The power supply circuit 500 supplies potential power to the timing generation circuit 300 and the image processing circuit 400 and generates power supply voltages for the scanning line driving circuit 100 and the data line driving circuit 200. Various signals and power supply voltages generated in this way are supplied to the liquid crystal panel AA via the flexible substrate B.

  Next, the flexible substrate B2 is connected to an inspection substrate for inspection. The inspection board is provided with an inspection circuit, from which an inspection signal such as a video signal is supplied. The inspection circuit may be disposed on the external substrate C described above to connect the flexible substrate B2 to the external substrate C.

  Next, the liquid crystal panel AA includes a first input terminal 10A and a second input terminal 10B, an image display area A, a scanning line driving circuit 100, a data line driving circuit 200, and a video signal supply circuit 250 on the element substrate. . The scanning line driving circuit 100 includes a Y shift register, a level shifter, and the like. The Y transfer start pulse DY, the Y clock signal YCK, and the inverted Y clock signal YCKB are supplied to the Y shift register. The Y shift register sequentially transfers the Y transfer start pulse DY in synchronization with the Y clock signal YCK and the inverted Y clock signal YCKB, and sequentially outputs the signal. The level shifter converts the signal amplitude into a large amplitude and outputs it to each scanning line 2 as scanning signals Y1, Y2,. The Y transfer start pulse DY is output as the Y end pulse YEP from the last stage of the Y shift register. The Y end pulse YEP may be used for inspection of the Y shift register.

  The data line driving circuit 200 samples the image signals 40R, 40G, and 40B at a predetermined timing to generate data line signals X1 to Xn, and supplies them to the data lines 3 via the video signal supply circuit 250. During normal use, the video signal supply circuit 250 outputs the output signal of the data line driving circuit to each data line 3 as it is. On the other hand, at the time of inspection, the video signal supplied from the second input terminal 10B is output to the data line 3.

  The data line driving circuit 200 includes an X shift register, a level shifter, and a sampling circuit. The X shift register sequentially transfers the X transfer start pulse DX in synchronization with the X clock signal XCK and the inverted X clock signal XCKB to generate each output signal. The level shifter converts the level of each output signal of the X shift register and sequentially generates each sampling signal SR1 to SRn. The sampling circuit includes n switches SW1 to SWn. Each switch SW1-SWn is comprised by TFT. When the sampling signals SR1 to SRn supplied to the gate are sequentially activated, the switches SW1 to SWn are sequentially turned on. Then, the image signals 40R, 40G, and 40B supplied via the image signal supply lines L1 to L3 are sampled. Then, data line signals X1 to Xn as sampling results are sequentially supplied to the data line 3. An X transfer start pulse DX is output as an X end pulse XEP from the last stage of the shift register. Note that the X end pulse XEP may be used for checking the X shift register.

  Next, in the image display area A, as shown in FIG. 3, m (m is a natural number of 2 or more) scanning lines 2 are formed in parallel along the X direction, while n (N is a natural number of 2 or more) The data lines 3 are arranged in parallel along the Y direction. In the vicinity of the intersection of the scanning line 2 and the data line 3, the gate of the TFT 50 is connected to the scanning line 2, while the source of the TFT 50 is connected to the data line 3 and the drain of the TFT 50 is connected to the pixel electrode 6. Connected. Each pixel includes a pixel electrode 6, a counter electrode (described later) formed on the counter substrate, and a liquid crystal sandwiched between the two electrodes. As a result, the pixels are arranged in a matrix corresponding to each intersection of the scanning line 2 and the data line 3.

  Further, scanning signals Y1, Y2,..., Ym are applied to each scanning line 2 to which the gate of the TFT 50 is connected in a pulse-by-line manner. Therefore, when a scanning signal is supplied to a certain scanning line 2, the TFT 50 connected to the scanning line is turned on, so that the data line signals X1, X2,..., Xn supplied from the data line 3 at a predetermined timing. Are sequentially written in the corresponding pixels and then held for a predetermined period.

  Since the orientation and order of liquid crystal molecules change according to the potential level applied to each pixel, gradation display by light modulation becomes possible. For example, in the normally white mode, the amount of light passing through the liquid crystal is limited as the applied potential is increased. In the normally black mode, the amount of light is reduced as the applied potential is increased. As a whole, light having contrast according to the image signal is emitted for each pixel. For this reason, a predetermined display becomes possible.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, since the first input terminal 10A and the second input terminal 10B having the same shape are formed at the end of the liquid crystal panel AA, the terminal electrodes of the flexible substrates B1 and B2 are the same. It can be made into a shape and can be easily diverted. Furthermore, if the pitches are the same, it is possible to easily manufacture the flexible substrate B1 and the flexible substrate B2 by manufacturing one flexible substrate and cutting it. In addition, the liquid crystal panel AA can be inspected before and after mounting the flexible substrates B1 and B2.

<3. Application example>
<3-1. Configuration example of first input terminal and second input terminal>
(1) In the above-described embodiment, all the first input terminals 10A have the same shape and are arranged at the same pitch, but the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 4 shows another configuration example of the first input terminal and the second input terminal. In this example, terminals 11 and 12 having different shapes are formed as the first input terminal 10A. The first pitch PT1 between the terminals 11 is different from the second pitch PT2 between the terminals 12. On the other hand, the second input terminal 10B has the same shape as the terminal 12, and the pitch thereof is the same as the second pitch PT2 of the terminal 12. Also in this case, the mounted component can be easily diverted.
(2) In the above-described embodiment, the first input terminal 10A is configured as one continuous terminal group. However, this may be divided into a plurality of terminal groups. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the first input terminal 10A may be arranged in two terminal groups T1 and T2, and the second input terminal 10B may be arranged between them. In this case, a drive signal is supplied to the drive circuit via the terminal groups T1 and T2. Further, the image signal may be directly supplied to the data line 3. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to effectively utilize the dead area between the mounted components by arranging the second input terminal 10B between the terminal groups T1 and T2. As a result, it is possible to secure a wiring space for connecting the first input terminal 10A and the drive circuit or the data line 3 or the like.
(3) In the above-described embodiment, the first input terminal 10A is connected to the flexible substrate B1, while the second input terminal 10B is connected to the flexible substrate B2. However, the present invention is limited to this. is not. FIG. 7 shows another configuration example of the first input terminal and the second input terminal. In this example, the first input terminal 10A and the second input terminal 10B are connected to a flexible substrate B3 formed integrally. In this case, an inspection signal such as a video signal can be supplied to the liquid crystal panel without providing a special process for connecting the second input terminal 10B.

<3-2: Another example of electro-optical device>
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the switching element of the pixel has been described as a three-terminal element typified by a TFT, but may be configured by a two-terminal element such as a diode. However, when a two-terminal element is used as a pixel switching element, the scanning line 2 is formed on one substrate, the data line 3 is formed on the other substrate, and the two-terminal element is connected to the scanning line 2 or the data line. 3 must be formed between the pixel electrode and the pixel electrode. In this case, the pixel is composed of a two-terminal element connected in series between the scanning line 2 and the data line 3 and a liquid crystal.

  Although the present invention has been described as an active matrix liquid crystal display device, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a passive type using STN (Super Twisted Nematic) liquid crystal. Furthermore, as an electro-optical material, in addition to liquid crystal, an electroluminescence element or the like can be used for a display device that performs display by the electro-optical effect. That is, the present invention can be applied to all electro-optical devices having a configuration similar to that of the liquid crystal device described above.

<3-3: Electronic equipment>
Next, the case where the above-described liquid crystal display device is applied to various electronic devices will be described.
<3-3-1: Projector>
First, a projector using this liquid crystal device as a light valve will be described. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the projector.

  As shown in this figure, a lamp unit 1102 including a white light source such as a halogen lamp is provided inside the projector 1100. The projection light emitted from the lamp unit 1102 is separated into three primary colors of RGB by four mirrors 1106 and two dichroic mirrors 1108 arranged in the light guide 1104, and serves as a light valve corresponding to each primary color. The light enters the liquid crystal panels 1110R, 1110B, and 1110G.

  The configuration of the liquid crystal panels 1110R, 1110B, and 1110G is the same as that of the liquid crystal panel AA described above, and is driven by R, G, and B primary color signals supplied from an image signal processing circuit (not shown). The light modulated by these liquid crystal panels enters the dichroic prism 1112 from three directions. In this dichroic prism 1112, R and B light is refracted at 90 degrees, while G light travels straight. Accordingly, as a result of the synthesis of the images of the respective colors, a color image is projected onto the screen or the like via the projection lens 1114.

  Here, paying attention to the display images by the liquid crystal panels 1110R, 1110B, and 1110G, the display image by the liquid crystal panel 1110G needs to be horizontally reversed with respect to the display images by the liquid crystal panels 1110R, 1110B.

  Note that since light corresponding to the primary colors R, G, and B is incident on the liquid crystal panels 1110R, 1110B, and 1110G by the dichroic mirror 1108, it is not necessary to provide a color filter.

<3-3-2: Mobile computer>
Next, an example in which the liquid crystal panel AA is applied to a mobile personal computer will be described. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of this personal computer. In the figure, a computer 1200 includes a main body 1204 having a keyboard 1202 and a liquid crystal display unit 1206. The liquid crystal display unit 1206 is configured by adding a backlight to the back surface of the liquid crystal panel 1005 described above.

<3-3-3: Mobile phone>
Further, an example in which the liquid crystal panel AA is applied to a mobile phone will be described. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of this mobile phone. In the figure, a cellular phone 1300 includes a reflective liquid crystal panel 1005 together with a plurality of operation buttons 1302. In the reflective liquid crystal panel 1005, a front light is provided on the front surface thereof as necessary.

  In addition to the electronic devices described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, a liquid crystal television, a viewfinder type, a monitor direct-view type video tape recorder, a car navigation device, a pager, an electronic notebook, a calculator, a word processor, a work Examples include a station, a videophone, a POS terminal, a device equipped with a touch panel, and the like. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to these various electronic devices. The panel plate may be one using an organic LED instead of liquid crystal as an electro-optical material, one using plasma, or one using an inorganic electroluminescence element. Further, it can be applied to an electrophoretic panel such as electronic paper.

It is a perspective view which shows the structure of liquid crystal panel AA which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Z-Z ′ in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a liquid crystal display device. It is a top view which shows the other structural example of a 1st input terminal and a 2nd input terminal. It is a top view which shows the other structural example of a 1st input terminal and a 2nd input terminal. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the wiring space which concerns on terminal group T1 and T2. It is a top view which shows the other structural example of a 1st input terminal and a 2nd input terminal. It is sectional drawing of the video projector which is an example of the electronic device to which the liquid crystal display device is applied. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the personal computer which is an example of the electronic device to which the liquid crystal display device is applied. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the mobile telephone which is an example of the electronic device to which the liquid crystal display device is applied.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Scan line, 3 ... Data line, 100 ... Scan line drive circuit, 200 ... Data line drive circuit, 250 ... Video signal supply circuit, 10A ... 1st input terminal, 10B ... 2nd input terminal, B1, B2, B3 ... flexible substrate (mounting part), AA ... electro-optical panel, C ... external substrate.

Claims (8)

In an electro-optical panel including a plurality of data lines, a plurality of scanning lines, and a pixel region in which a plurality of pixels corresponding to intersections of the data lines and the scanning lines are formed.
A first input terminal to which a first signal used for displaying an image in the pixel region is supplied;
A second input terminal having the same shape as at least a part of the first input terminals and supplied with a second signal used for confirming the operation at the time of inspection;
A drive circuit that is connected to the first input terminal, controls and outputs the first signal supplied from the first input terminal at a predetermined timing, and drives the data line;
A video signal supply circuit that is connected to the drive circuit, inputs the first signal output from the drive circuit, and outputs the first signal to the data line;
The video signal supply circuit is connected to the second input terminal and outputs the second signal supplied from the second input terminal to the data line during the inspection. .   The electro-optical panel according to claim 1, wherein the first signal includes an image signal indicating a gradation to be displayed on the pixel. It said second signal to an electro-optical panel according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that it comprises the video signal.   The arrangement pitch of the second input terminals is the same as the arrangement pitch of the first input terminals having the same shape as the second input terminals. The electro-optical panel according to Item. The first input terminal is divided into a plurality of first input terminal groups,
The electro-optical panel according to claim 1, wherein the second input terminal is disposed between the first input terminal groups. The first input terminal and the second input terminal are arranged side by side, and the first input terminal and the second input terminal are connected to an integrally formed mounting component via conductive particles. The electro-optical panel according to claim 1. The electro-optical panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Signal generating means for generating the first signal;
An electro-optical device comprising:   An electronic apparatus comprising the electro-optical device according to claim 7.

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