The following section describes key concepts and terms used in the TechAlert application.
Host
A host is a record that represents a single ALPR system.
Host Group
A host group is a record that combines multiple hosts (ALPR systems) for the purpose of assigning permissions to users who require access to similar system functions. For example, a host group called ALPRs might consist of three individual Hosts—In-Car ALPRs, Fixed ALPRs, and Trailer ALPRs. By default, your agency has one Host Group, which is named after your agency (e.g., Chicago PD).
Trigger
A trigger is a record that stores information on a single “read”, or check, of an ALPR system component. Simply put, trigger records log all the TechAlert monitoring activity that’s going on behind the scenes 24/7. There are rules, or formulas, programmed into the application that determine how often, and under what circumstances, TechAlert will check a certain hardware component or software process. If TechAlert checks a component or process and determines that it’s operating properly, the Status field on the associated trigger record will read OK. Conversely, if the TechAlert checks a component or process and determines that it’s not operating properly, the Status field on the associated trigger record will read PROBLEM.
Problem
A problem is a trigger record that is in the “problem” state, that is, its Status field is set to PROBLEM. Although trigger records and problem records are essentially the same thing, the two records are characterized differently in TechAlert for tracking and reporting purposes. That’s because problem records may require some user action or intervention, whereas trigger records do not. Once the issue associated with a particular problem record is fixed, its Status column will read RESOLVED. Most problems are resolved either automatically by the system or manually by a Vetted Support Engineer.
Ping
A Ping is a “hello” message from one computer to another. For example, in TechAlert, the ALPR’s CPU says “Hello, are you there?” to the TechAlert server, and after X milliseconds, the server responds with “Yes, I am here”. If the server does not respond to a ping, that ping is considered “lost”. Lost pings occur for a number of reasons, such as when the ALPR’s Internet service is interrupted.