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AVT234 – Target Motion Cueing (TMC)
VMD Enhancement
Publication No. HB-05-002
PL E-Communications, LLC Government Systems Division
1914 Ridge Road East Suite 204
Rochester, NY 14622 www.plegov.com
Phone#: 1 (585) 340-5435 Email: [email protected]
NOTICE
This document is for quick release to organizations participating in the Integrated Base Defense Security Systems Program (IBDSS). Customary editing and review have been waived in order to provide rapid dissemination of data and preliminary results.
Distribution is authorized to U.S. Government Agencies and U.S. Government Agency Contractors Only to protect critical technology, 30 Nov 90. Other requests for this document shall be referred to the IBDSS Program Office, Hanscom AFB, MA.
PLEAVT234-TMC0001
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
FOR THE
AVT234 – Target Motion Cueing (TMC) VMD Enhancement
01 June 2006
Publication No. HB-05-002
PLEAVT234-TMC0001 A/B blank
GENERAL INFORMATION
REVISION RECORD
REV. DESCRIPTION Original: 01 Jun 2006 Operator’s Manual
DISCLAIMER This publication is subject to change without notice.
Address any AVT234-Target Motion Cueing (TMC) operation questions or comments concerning this publication to: PL E-Communications, LLC Government Systems Division 1914 Ridge Road East Suite 204 Rochester, NY 14622 www.plegov.com phone #: 1 (585) 340-5435 e-mail: [email protected] 2006 by PLE All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
SAFETY SUMMARY
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
GENERAL EQUIPMENT CAUTIONS
• Do not connect or disconnect any cable while power is applied.
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• Report all hazards. If at any time you detect a hazard, report the hazard as soon as possible to PL E-Communications, LLC (PLE), to ensure the hazard is corrected. Refer to the PLE contact information on the front cover or page iii of this Operator’s Manual.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your test suite.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
Turning Off the AVT234 – Target Motion Cueing (TMC)
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off your TMC.
1. Shut down the TMC:
a. Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Actions button, select Shut Down and then click OK.
2. Ensure that the TMC and any attached devices are turned off. If your TMC and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.
Before Working Inside the AVT234 – Target Motion Cueing (TMC)
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect the TMC from potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety.
CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.
NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your TMC. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by P&L E-Communications, LLC is not covered by your warranty, see 6.2.
NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the unit, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the TMC.
1. Turn off the TMC.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your TMC and then unplug it from the network port or device.
2. Disconnect the TMC and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your TMC from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
3. Remove the cover.
WARNING: DANGEROUS VOLTAGES, CAPABLE OF CAUSING DEATH, ARE PRESENT IN THIS EQUIPMENT. USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN HANDLING, TESTING, AND ADJUSTING.
PREFACE
PURPOSE This Operator’s Manual provides familiarization and reference information necessary for setup, installation, and operation of the Smart AVT234-Target Motion Cueing (TMC). TRADEMARKS Product names mentioned in the Operator’s Manual may be trademarks and are used for identification only.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL EQUIPMENT CAUTIONS ...................................................................................................................... iv GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ....................................................................................................................... iv PURPOSE....................................................................................................................................................................... vi INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 PURPOSE................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 CAPABILITIES......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2.1 Design. .......................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2.2 Attributes. .................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS. ............................................................................................. 3 1.4 DESCRIPTION.......................................................................................................................................... 4 1.5 POWER AND UTILITY INFORMATION............................................................................................. 6 1.7 SHIPPING AND HANDLING PRECAUTIONS. ................................................................................... 7
PREPARATION FOR USE ........................................................................................................................................... 1 2.1 SCOPE. ....................................................................................................................................................... 1 2.2 INITIAL SETUP........................................................................................................................................ 1 2.2.1 Setup AVT234-TMC. ........................................................................................................................... 1 2-2.2 Hookup Video Sources. ........................................................................................................................ 1
PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION................................................................................................................................... 1 3.1 SCOPE. ....................................................................................................................................................... 1 3.2 TARGET CHARACTERISTICS. ............................................................................................................ 2 3.3 TMC OPERATIONS................................................................................................................................. 3 3.4 THRESHOLD DETAILS.......................................................................................................................... 4
3.4.1 Background 100 Second Threshold. .............................................................................................. 4 3.4.2 Match Distance. ............................................................................................................................... 4 3.4.3 Illumination Correction. ................................................................................................................. 4 3.4.4 Time Constant. ................................................................................................................................ 4 PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION ........................................................................................................................ 5 3.4.6 Minimum Variance. ........................................................................................................................ 5 3.4.7 Variance Decrease Factor. .............................................................................................................. 5 3.4.8 Minimum Region Size. .................................................................................................................... 5 3.4.9 New Region Size. ............................................................................................................................. 6 3.4.10 Scale.................................................................................................................................................. 6
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................................................................... 1 4.1 INITIAL TURN-ON. ................................................................................................................................. 1
4.1.1 Setup PLE/TMC Relay Driver. ...................................................................................................... 1 4.1.2 Start AVT234-TMC. ....................................................................................................................... 2 4.1.3 Configure a Camera. ....................................................................................................................... 3 4.1.5 Open an XML Configuration File................................................................................................ 13 4.1.6 Add Zones. ..................................................................................................................................... 14 4.1.7 Save an XML Configuration File. ................................................................................................ 17 4.1.8 Refresh TMC. ................................................................................................................................ 17 4.1.9 Suspend TMC (Quit without Exiting).......................................................................................... 18 4.1.10 Exit TMC. ...................................................................................................................................... 18
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS............................................................................................................................. 1 5.1 SCOPE. ....................................................................................................................................................... 1 5.2 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE. ........................................................................................................... 1
REMOVAL AND PREPARATION .............................................................................................................................. 1 6.1 SCOPE. ....................................................................................................................................................... 1 6.2 REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS. ................................................................................................................ 1 6.3 WARRANTY AND RETURN POLICY. ................................................................................................. 1
APPENDIX A TYPICAL CONFIGURATION SETUPS A-1
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GENERAL INFORMATION
List of Figures
Figure 1. 1 TMC Front.............................................................................................................................. 1-4 Figure 1. 2 TMC Back.............................................................................................................................. 1-4 Figure 1. 3 TMC Connectors ................................................................................................................... 1-5 Figure 2. 1 Video Connectors ................................................................................................................... 2-2 Figure 2. 2 AVT234-TMC Connectors .................................................................................................... 2-2 Figure 3. 1 TMC Functional Interface Block Diagram.......................................................................... 3-3 Figure 4. 1 PLE/TMC Relay Driver......................................................................................................... 4-1 Figure 4. 2 PLE/TMC Connectors ........................................................................................................... 4-2 Figure 4. 3. AVT234-TMC Desktop........................................................................................................ 4-3 Figure 4. 4 AVT234-TMC File Menu ...................................................................................................... 4-4 Figure 4. 5 AVT234-TMC File Menu. ..................................................................................................... 4-5 Figure 4. 6 AVT234-TMC Configure Camera........................................................................................ 4-7 Figure 4. 7 AVT234-TMC General Thresholds ...................................................................................... 4-8 Figure 4. 8 TMC Advanced Thresholds .................................................................................................. 4-9 Figure 4. 9 Record XML Video and Set Serial Alarm Interface ......................................................... 4-10 Figure 4. 10 Configure Record XML Video Location.......................................................................... 4-11 Figure 4. 11 Replay Recorded XML Video Files .................................................................................. 4-12 Figure 4. 12 AVT Reviewer .................................................................................................................... 4-13 Figure 4. 13 Open an XML Configuration File..................................................................................... 4-14 Figure 4. 14 Add a Zone.......................................................................................................................... 4-15 Figure 4. 15 Confirm Adding Zone........................................................................................................ 4-16 Figure 4. 16 AVT234 Feed with Zone .................................................................................................... 4-17 Figure 4. 17 TMC XML Save Configuration File................................................................................. 4-18
List of Tables
Table 1. 1 TMC Nodes............................................................................................................................... 1-2 Table 1. 2 TMC Hardware Descriptions ................................................................................................. 1-5 Table 1. 3 Power and Utility information............................................................................................... 1-6 Table 1. 4 Environmental Information.................................................................................................... 1-7 Table 3. 1 Target Characteristics ............................................................................................................. 3-1 Table 3. 2 Allowable Alarm Rates............................................................................................................ 3-1 Table 3. 3 Short Range Small Area Detection......................................................................................... 3-2 Table 4. 1 Type of Camera........................................................................................................................ 4-6 Table 4. 2 TMC General Usability and operational characteristics...................................................... 4-9
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GENERAL INFORMATION
LIST OF UNUSAL TERMS, ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
AFB Air Force Base AM Activity Model – Groups of PMQ’s that are used to monitor an entire video
scene. AVT234 Advanced Video Toolkit 234 Framework CDD Capabilities Development Document Codec A technology for compressing and decompressing data, usually video. CSM Customer Service Manager False Negative
Occurs when an object of interest is entirely missed in the scene.
False Positive When an alarm occurs for which there is no visible cause. FAR False Alarm Report – Detected events which no cause can be determined. IBDSS Integrated Base Defense Security System NAR Nuisance Alarm Report– Detected events caused by an influence the sensor
was designed to detect such as an animal or an act of nature, but is not related to an intrusion.
NAR/FAR Nuisance Alarm Report/False Alarm Report Pd Probability of Detection – The probability of detecting a changed object in
the scene. PM Pixel Models – Grouping of pixels that are used to model activity of an object
over time. PMQ Pixel Model Queue – Queue of Pixel Models used to determine current level
of activity at the pixel location prior to grouping. PLE P&L E-Communications LLC RMA Return Material Authorization SC/FAR Smart Camera System / False Alarm Reduction SMART Security Management and Reporting Terminal SMTP Simple Mail Transport Protocol SOW Statement of Work TMC Target Motion Cueing® - Software library consisting of Activity Model,
underlying functionality, and inherited architecture.
UHS-Net Network
Ultra High Security Network – Network Transponder
XML Extensible Markup Language- a web-based programming language
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INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION 1.1 PURPOSE. This Operator’s manual for the AVT234-Target Motion Cueing, (hereinafter referred to
as the TMC) is designed to provide users with complete procedures and information to
setup, install, and operate the TMC.
1.2 CAPABILITIES. TMC integrates with video sources through a standard video framegrabber. Adjustment
of TMC variable thresholds is provided through a Graphical User Interface (GUI) which
is used to control and optimize the performance of TMC in relation to specific video
feeds either live or from some other media. Throughout operation, several key thresholds
and variables factor into performance. TMC is used to provide an incremental
improvement to existing perimeter surveillance systems by taking existing imaging
streams (video or thermal) as an input and integrating alerts to current annunciator
controls and displays either via EIA-232-D (RS-232-C) or Transport Carrier
Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) using well-formatted XML messages. It can also
provide alerts via the display and SMTP secure Email for live or recorded forensic
surveillance video and/or frame files to automatically detect and cue Force Protection
personnel to intrusions with a significant reduction in False and Nuisance Alarms. TMC
deals well with targets being obscured by other objects, particularly in the presence of
non-stationary noise sources such as trees blowing in the wind, lapping waves on the
shore and sun glints on a barren desert for perimeter and border environments, and in the
presence of rapid illumination changes due to clouds moving across the sun or artificial
light variation such as that found in urban environments.
1.2.1 Design.
TMC is a multi-layered video content analysis software detection algorithm that serves as
the foundation for PLE’s AVT234 software framework. Using existing imaging streams,
activity is monitored at the pixel level and does not require a priori knowledge of high
level scene semantics. Pixels Models (PM) are generated to represent the behavior of
individual pixels throughout the scene and are the building blocks of TMC automated
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INTRODUCTION
video analysis. It is here that pixel values, pixel consistency, and temporal attributes are
combined to represent a single pixel on a single object on a per scene basis. As a scene
changes and objects move, additional PM’s are created that represent newly changed
pixilated objects. These new PM’s are added to, and managed, as prioritized Pixel Model
Queues (PMQ). Each PMQ in a video sequence provides a detailed history of current
activity, which in turn triggers automatic change detection depending on the state of other
thresholds in the TMC. Some thresholds are hardwired to default and others can be
varied via a GUI to reduce the occurrence of False Alarms due to naturally occurring
noise sources and imager artifacts. Table 1.1, lists of all the TMC Nodes, and shows both
hardwired parameters that should be kept at default and those that are meant to be
variable to significantly reduce False Alarms in imager streams.
Node Parameter Default Variable/Not Variable Source Type V4L2 default Device /dev/video0 default Scale 1 Variable Channel 0 default Settle Time 10 Variable Record Directory Off (not checked) Variable TMC Illumination
Correction
Off (not checked)
Variable Summation Radius 11 default Training Images 15 default Models Per Pixel 3 default Min. Variance 4 Variable Var. Dec. Factor 0.01 Variable Time Constant 1.0 Variable Var. Time Constant 4.0 Variable Sample Window 100 default Recent Interval 1.0 default Deact 100s Thresh 0.1 default BG Image Thresh 0.50 default BG Quiet Time 5.0 default BG 100s Thresh 0.25 Variable Max Weight Factor 0.1 default Activity Threshold 0.05 default Match Distance 999 Variable
Min Region Size 61 Variable New Region Size 161 Variable
Table 1. 1 TMC Nodes
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INTRODUCTION
Once TMC is started, the entire grouping of PMQ’s and their PM’s are continuously
updated “on the fly” for a video sequence forming an Activity Model (AM). The AM
monitors the state of the entire scene masking out background as it normalizes and
identifies foreground pixels as changes occur. When specific thresholds in the TMC are
met or exceeded, a connected components algorithm is run on the foreground mask
identifying changes in the imaging stream as active targets. To reduce noise and
eliminate False Alarms, thresholds are adjusted to maintain a high probability of
detection (Pd) with a significant decrease in Nuisance and False Alarms.
1.2.2 Attributes.
TMC is an innovative video content analysis software solution that allows existing image
streams to be monitored to identify and deter acts of terrorism or limit harm. The system
provides interdiction capability before the act by alerting an operator early so that counter
measures can be taken. It helps identify activity and deter terrorism by providing active
surveillance and a “Cop on the Beat Presence”. TMC is used to analyze live or recorded
video streams to automatically detect suspicious activities, events or behavior patterns; it
has a force multiplier effect reducing staff required for monitoring as well as increasing
the probability of detection while minimizing detection time.
1.3 PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS.
In most cases the TMC Node and Parameter default settings are adequate; however, in
some cases, further reduction in False Alarms can be achieved by adjusting the following
variable thresholds:
• Increasing Background 100s Threshold increases sensitivity by changing when
new objects become part of the scene background.
• Increasing Match Distance decreases sensitivity as new pixels are matched to
background models.
• Illumination Correction flag turns TMC’s compensation for changes in
illumination on and off. This correction factor compensates for local changes in
illumination.
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INTRODUCTION • Increasing Minimum Variance raises the noise floor and prevents highly saturated
or white regions from triggering on very small changes.
• Decreasing Variance Decrease Factor decreases sensitivity with time and
increases resilience to bursts of nuisance activity such as wind.
• Decreasing Maximum Regions increases resistance to Nuisance Alarms in noisy
scenes
• Reducing the Minimum Region Size always increases sensitivity but setting this
too low can increase NAR/FAR and conversely setting this number to large will
cause real events to be missed.
• Changing the Scale controls the scaling of incoming images and thus affects the
sensitivity and speed of TMC.
Mapping of TMC nodes to control parameter names are available in Table 1.1 and
detailed descriptions for these node parameters are available in Paragraph 3.4.
Variable thresholds can be used to control the overall sensitivity of TMC.
1.4 DESCRIPTION.
The TMC hardware description is available in Table 1.2.
Figure 1. 1 TMC Front
Figure 1. 2 TMC Back
1 cover latch release
Use this latch to remove the TMC cover.
2 location of Service Tag
Use the Service Tag to identify your TMC when you contact PL E-Communications support.
3 CD or DVD Press to eject CD or DVD from TMC.
1 voltage selection switch (may not be available on all TMCs)
2 power connector Insert the power cable.
3 back panel connectors Plug in connectors
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INTRODUCTION
CD or DVD activity light
The drive light is on when the TMC reads data from the CD or DVD drive.
5 FlexBay Can contain an optional floppy drive or optional Media Card Reader.
6 microphone connector
Use the microphone connector to attach a personal TMC microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.
On TMCs with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card.
7 headphone connector
Use the headphone connector to attach headphones.
8 diagnostic lights (4)
Use the lights to help you troubleshoot a TMC problem based on the diagnostic code.
9 hard-drive activity light
The hard drive activity light is on when the TMC reads data from or writes data to the hard drive. The light might also be on when a device such as a CD player is operating.
10 power button,
power light
Press the power button to turn on the TMC. The power light in the center of this button indicates the power state.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, do not use the power button to turn off the TMC. Instead, perform an operating system shutdown.
11 USB 2.0 connectors (2)
Use the front USB connectors for devices that you connect occasionally, such as joysticks or cameras. It is recommended that you use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers, keyboards, and mice, or for bootable USB devices, which may not function properly if attached to the front connectors.
12 vents For adequate cooling, do not block any of the
vents.
NOTICE: Ensure that there is a minimum of two inches of space.
NOTICE: Do not lift or carry the TMC by the vents to avoid damage to the TMC.
Figure 1. 3 TMC Connectors 1 link
integrity light
• Green — A good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the TMC.
• Orange — A good connection exists between a 100-Mbps network and the TMC.
• Off — The TMC is not detecting a physical connection to the network.
2 network adapter connector
To attach your TMC to a network or broadband device, connect one end of a network cable to either a network jack or your network or broadband device. Connect the other end of the network cable to the network adapter connector on the back panel of your TMC. A click indicates that the network cable has been securely attached.
NOTE: Do not plug a telephone cable into the network connector.
On TMC’s with a network connector card, use the connector on the card.
It is recommended that you use Category 5 wiring and connectors for your network. If you must use Category 3 wiring, force the network speed to 10 Mbps to ensure reliable operation.
3 network activity light
Flashes a yellow light when the TMC is transmitting or receiving network data. A high volume of network traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady "on" state.
4 surround connector
Use the black surround connector to attach multichannel-capable speakers.
Table 1. 2 TMC Hardware Descriptions
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INTRODUCTION
5 line-in connector Use the blue line-in connector to attach a record/playback device such as a cassette player, CD player, or VCR.
On TMCs with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
6 line-out connector Use the green line-out connector (available on TMCs with integrated sound) to attach headphones and most speakers with integrated amplifiers.
On TMCs with a sound card, use the connector on the card.
7 micro-phone/side surround connector
Use the pink and silver connector to attach a personal TMC microphone for voice or musical input into a sound or telephony program.
On TMCs with a sound card, the microphone connector is on the card.
The side-surround output provides enhanced surround audio for TMCs with 7.1 speakers.
8 center/subwoofer connector
Use the yellow connector to attach a speaker to a Low Frequency Effects (LFE) audio channel.
9 VGA video connector If your monitor has a VGA connector, plug it into the VGA connector on the TMC.
10 USB 2.0 connectors (5) Use the back USB connectors for devices that typically remain connected, such as printers, keyboards, and mice, or for bootable USB devices which may not function properly if attached to the front connectors.
1.5 POWER AND UTILITY INFORMATION.
Information is available in Table 1.3.
Power
DC power supply:
Wattage 305 W
Heat dissipation 1039 BTU/hr
Voltage 90 to 135 V and 180 to 265 V
Backup battery 3-V CR2032 lithium coin cell
Physical
Height 41.3 cm (16.3 inches)
Width 18.7 cm (7.4 inches)
Depth 45.9 cm (18.0 inches)
Weight 14.2 kg (32 lb)
Table 1. 3 Power and Utility information
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INTRODUCTION
1.6 ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION.
Environmental information is available in Table 1.4.
Environmental
Temperature:
Operating 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F)
Storage –40° to 65°C (–40° to 149°F)
Relative humidity 20% to 80% (noncondensing)
Maximum vibration:
Operating 0.25 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 0.5 octave/min
Storage 0.5 G at 3 to 200 Hz at 1 octave/min
Maximum shock:
Operating bottom half-sine pulse with a change in velocity of 20 inches/sec (50.8 cm/sec)
Storage 27-G faired square wave with a velocity change of 200 inches/sec (508 cm/sec)
Altitude:
Operating –15.2 to 3048 m (–50 to 10,000 ft)
Storage –15.2 to 10,668 m (–50 to 35,000 ft)
Table 1. 4 Environmental Information 1.7 SHIPPING AND HANDLING PRECAUTIONS.
The TMC is, in general, very rugged and can withstand the stresses of most shipping and
handling circumstances. However, the following precautions should be taken:
• When the TMC is shipped it should be returned to its original shipping box or
container. If this cannot be done it should be wrapped in a protective material,
such as bubble wrap, to protect against excessive jarring and to prevent damage to
the external finish. Always use packing material to separate multiple units that are
packaged together.
• Care should be taken not to drop or strike the TMC in any way, especially around
the video connectors.
• The TMC should never be submersed in any liquid. SEVERE SHOCK
HAZARD!
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PREPARATION FOR USE
SECTION 2
PREPARATION FOR USE
AND INSTALLATION
2.1 SCOPE.
This section provides general assembly procedures.
NOTE
It is assumed in this section that you have a live or recorded video input signal
available to connect to the video framegrabber input of the TMC.
2.2 INITIAL SETUP.
2.2.1 Setup AVT234-TMC.
• Connect monitor to the TMC, see Figure 2.2.
• Connect keyboard and mouse to the TMC, see Figure 2.2.
• Connect monitor power, see Figure 2.2.
• Connect AVT234-TMC power, see Figure 2.2.
2-2.2 Hookup Video Sources.
Locate an active video surveillance feed. Feed may be either live from a camera or
imager or recorded on DVD, CD, VHS or other media in the area you are working.
Using appropriate cable(s) (not supplied) connect the video feed to the S-Video or
composite video connector; see Figure 2.1 onto the framegrabber provided with the unit.
See Figure 2.2.
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PREPARATION FOR USE
A standard 4-pin S-Video cable connector, with each signal pin paired with its own ground pin.
The standard connection for composite video is a yellow RCA type plug
Figure 2. 1 Video Connectors
1 voltage selection switch (may not be available on all test suites)
2 power connector Insert the power cable.
3 back panel connectors Plug monitor, keyboard, mouse , and other devices into the appropriate connector.
4 Video Framegrabber Framegrabber to integrate test suite with video source.
Figure 2. 2 AVT234-TMC Connectors
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PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
SECTION 3
PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
3.1 SCOPE. The following discusses the problem of detection and cueing as posed by the Integrated
Base Defense Security Systems (IBDSS) Capability Development Document (CDD), see
Tables 3.1 through Table 3.3 which specifies the optimal performance criteria for
interdiction of human and vehicle intrusions in a militarily relevant environment.
Target Speed Minimum
Height &
Weight Exterior Interior
Intrusion Tactics
Human
1.5m (5ft.)
height;
34 kg (75lb.)
weight
0.15 to 4.0 m
per sec
(0.5 to 13.0 ft
per sec)
0.15 to 4.0 m
per sec
(0.5 to 13.0 ft
per sec)
Running, jumping,
walking, crawling, or
rolling (E/I); climbing,
bridging, cutting or
lifting fence fabric
Motor
Vehicles
Size of small
motorcycle
Up to 30 m per
sec (67 mph) Not Applicable Moving
Table 3. 1 Target Characteristics
Allowable Nuisance/False Alarm Rates Per Detection Zone (Threshold)
Detection Area False – Alarms Nuisance Alarms Averaging
Period
Approach 3 per day 30 per day (300 m – 10 km)
15 per day (0 – 299 m) 30 days
Perimeter 1 per day 3 per day 30 days
Interior 1 per month 3 per month 12 months
Table 3. 2 Allowable Alarm Rates
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PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION Pd Locate Track Classify
Distance Target T O T O T O T O
Vehicle 0.90 0.95 10m 1m Yes Yes Yes Short Range
1 – 50 m 1 Person (W/C) 0.90 0.95 10m 1m Yes Yes Yes
T: Threshold O: Objective
Table 3. 3 Short Range Small Area Detection
The Smart AVT234-Target Motion Cueing (TMC) is an enhancement that is an
incremental improvement to IBDSS annunciator controls and displays, which provides a
significant reduction of Nuisance Alarms using existing imaging streams. It works with
existing annunciator controls/displays like the Security Management and Reporting
Terminal (SMART) annunciator system provided by Honeywell. In a typical installation
TMC would provide a relay control signal via RS232 to a relay driver to UHS-Net
Network Device to interact with the TASS/IBDSS security system as an “ANDED”
function to allow the TMC device to be used as a second or third confirmation of a true
alarm on the perimeter. TMC alerts can also be provided using an XML messaging layer
via TCP/IP sockets, via the display and via SMTP secure Email for present and future
integration with existing systems. We are primarily concerned with an area that is
between military base interior and perimeter fences and 10m x 100m large. For intrusion
detection it is a fair assumption that there will be a limited number of targets (<5) in the
scene at any given time. Any real target that is within the 10m x 100m area is considered
an intrusion and will be reported to the annunciator controls/displays.
3.2 TARGET CHARACTERISTICS. We define a person or vehicle as large as a motorcycle as an intruder. The human form
can take on a variety of shapes depending on camera angle and activity. It is assumed
that an unauthorized or suspicious intruder could be walking upright, running, jumping,
bridging, sitting, prone, and crawling, etc. In regards to pixels on target, the two
extremes would occur when a vehicle was passing close to the camera and when an
intruder was 100m away in the crouch position. The velocity extremes would occur
when a vehicle relatively close to the camera ran across the scene and an intruder 100m
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PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION away was still. For example, a large truck passing close to a camera at 67 mph would
occlude much of the scene and only be visible for a few frames, on the other hand a
stationary intruder at 100m would appear relatively small and be visible for any number
of frames. Additional difficulty is added when objects of interest are camouflaged
against their environment.
3.3 TMC OPERATIONS. AVT234-Target Motion Cueing (TMC) is integrated with current annunciator controls
and displays either via EIA-232-D (RS-232-C) or Transport Carrier Protocol/Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP) using well-formatted XML messages. It can also provide alerts via the
display and SMTP secure Email. Figure 3.1 provides a functional interface block
diagram of the TMC.
Figure 3. 1 TMC Functional Interface Block Diagram
The RS232 serial port is inherently low speed and is severely limited in distance. It is a
simple and effective method for TMC alerts to drive the annunciator controls with a
standard 12 volt relay using the PLE/TMC relay driver, see Figure 4.1. For the TCP/IP
connection physical media can be copper, fiber or a wireless link that supports the
transmission of the XML device controls. The logical architecture for controlling TMC
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PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION is either locally via the GUI or remotely via XML which requires two IP end points on
the same IP network using the necessary schema definitions to support communications
via that protocol. Alerts are provided locally through the TMC’s RS232 serial port and
display. Remote alerts are provided either through TCP/IP using well-formatted XML or
via SMTP secure Email. Adjusting the configuration parameters in paragraph 3.4 can be
used to directly control the overall sensitivity of the TMC either by user input locally via
the GUI or by machine or user input remotely via XML
3.4 THRESHOLD DETAILS. 3.4.1 Background 100 Second Threshold.
[default 0.5; <range 0.0 – 1.0>] - As a target enters the scene and comes to rest, it should
eventually assimilate to background. This threshold represents a portion of the last 100
seconds that a model must be active in order to switch to a background model. When this
is set lower objects in the foreground are normalized into the background sooner.
3.4.2 Match Distance.
[default PP 999; <range is defined by dropdown box>] - Controls how close a pixel value
must be to a Pixel Model mean to be considered a match. Note that the relative distance
is highly dependent upon the Pixel Model variance as well. Decreasing the value
increases sensitivity.
3.4.3 Illumination Correction.
[default TRUE] – When illumination filter is turned on (TRUE) TMC looks for relatively
local shifts in pixel values to compensate for illumination effects and this also tends to
reduce sensitivity to naturally occurring spurious noise sources with the overall effect of
reducing NAR/FAR.
3.4.4 Time Constant.
[default 1.0 seconds; range <0.1 – 156.0>] - Determines how fast a pixel model’s mean
can adapt to changes in seconds. The smaller the value the quicker it adapts.
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PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
3.4.5 Variance Time Constant. [default 4.0 seconds; range <0.2 – 512.0>] - A smaller
value for the Variance Time Constant increases the speed that the model adjusts. The
variance adaptation constant should remain at least two times greater than the Time
Constant.
3.4.6 Minimum Variance.
[default 4.0; range <2.0 – 128.0>] – Saturated or white regions in a scene vary only
slightly over time and result in variances close to zero. Thus this threshold is designed to
prevent saturated regions from generating variances that are too low. However, a large
increase in the Minimum Variance can cause an overall decrease in the sensitivity of the
algorithm as it raises the noise floor.
NOTE
Under no circumstances should Variance Decrease Factor be set greater than 1.0.
3.4.7 Variance Decrease Factor.
[default 0.01; range <0.005 – 1.0>] - The Variance Decrease Factor sets the factor by
which decrease of variance is slower than increase. This disparity reduces false
detections in the presence of non-stationary variant processes such as trees blowing in a
gusty wind. If the system seems to forget that trees were recently active too fast, one
might consider making this value smaller.
NOTE
For significant effect Minimum Variance should be set on the order
2X (Ie. 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64.
3.4.8 Minimum Region Size.
[default 100; range <50 – 200>] – Once an object exceeds the New Region Size (see
Para. 3.4.9), it will continue to generate an alarm as long as it exceeds the minimum
region size in pixels.
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PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
3.4.9 New Region Size.
[default 150; range <50 – 250>] – Defines minimum target size, in pixels, that an object
must exceed to generate the initial alarm.
3.4.10 Scale.
[default 1; range <0.125 – 1>] - Defines the scaling factor of read images and thus
represents a tradeoff between temporal information and spatial information. If targets of
interest will have a high velocity, it would be best to use scale to sub-sample the image
and increase frame rate. If targets of interest are expected to be small, it is best to not
scale the image.
NOTE
The scale factor should be set in the range of 0 to 1.0.
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
SECTION 4
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
4.1 INITIAL TURN-ON.
The AVT234-TMC is factory-configured for the line voltage of the country of
installation. See Table 1.6 for power and utility information and section 2.2 for initial
setup.
NOTE
If you will be using the PLE/TMC relay driver to interface with Annunciator
Controls set that up first. See paragraph 4.1.1 for setup instructions for
PLE/TMC relay driver.
4.1.1 Setup PLE/TMC Relay Driver. The relay driver must be connected to the TMC via RS232 or USB and J1 on the driver
and its 12VDC power source plugged in at J2 from a standard 115/120 VAC source, see
Figure 4.1 and 4.2.
Figure 4. 1 PLE/TMC Relay Driver
PLEAVT234-TMC0001
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 4. 2 PLE/TMC Connectors
4.1.2 Start AVT234-TMC.
To start using the AVT234-TMC:
1. Press the Power Button on the front of the unit.
2. After AVT234-TMC computer finishes setting up, login by entering Username
and Password when prompted. If you do not have this information see your
administrator.
3. At desktop, see Figure 4.3; double-click Terminal icon and enter “avt234”
without the quotes, press enter.
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 4. 3. AVT234-TMC Desktop
4.1.3 Configure a Camera.
At the Advanced Video Toolkit (AVT234) application, select File to start a New camera,
Open a camera, Save a camera or go to a Recent camera, see figure 4.4 and the following
paragraphs for detailed operations instructions.
NOTE
You may minimize the AVT terminal window anytime.
NOTE
See Appendix A for Quick Run and Typical Configuration Setups.
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
4.1.3.1 Camera View Source.
To start a camera view at the File menu, click New and then select appropriate
parameters, see Figure 4.6 through 4.13 for details concerning all possible configurations
using the AVT234-TMC.
To configure camera sources;
a. Under the Source tab, at the Configure Camera, select Type of video input
See Table 4.1 for an explanation. Default is V4L2.
b. Select Device: Default is /dev/video0.
c. Select a Scale: 1 is 640x480. Default is 1.
Figure 4. 4 AVT234-TMC File Menu
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
d. Select the channel being used on the BT848/878 Framegrabber supplied,
Channel: typically range from 0-3.
e. Select a settle time to allow cameras to settle before running TMC.
Default is 10
f. Optional: To save all images captured during runtime, without change
detection highlighted, verify that directory Runtime exists, check Record
and select Record Folder /home/avt/Images/Runtime, see Figure 4-6. The
record option is used to record all video run through the AVT234-TMC.
g. Click OK to run or Cancel to cancel.
Figure 4. 5 AVT234-TMC File Menu.
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE
Recorded images saved in Runtime will quickly fill available disc space and it is
recommended to this option be used sparingly. It is not necessary to select this
option to save date-time stamped alarm images.
To record XML Video of only detected targets see Para. 4.1.3.3. To continue
configuring the camera, go to Para. 4.1.3.2.
Video Source Type V4L For use with cameras that require Video for
Linux QuickCam For any QuickCam type camera that
connects via USB. Orbit For an Orbit Pan Tilt Zoom Camera that
connects via USB. V4L2 For any imager that connects via the
supplied framegrabber. Files For running AVT234-TMC on video frame
files (.jpg, .png) IP For any video or thermal imager that can be
connected via TCP/IP. Table 4. 1 Type of Camera
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 4. 6 AVT234-TMC Configure Camera
4.1.3.2 Camera View TMC
To continue configuring the camera, adjust sensitivity by selecting the TMC tab, see
Figure 4-7. To adjust sensitivity;
a. Adjust Min Region Size and New Region Size (see Paragraph’s 3.4.8,
3.4.9), and see Appendix A. for quick run and typical configuration setups.
b. Set Illumination correction on or off. This variable is useful for reducing
illumination effects and can also reduce Nuisance alarms from sporadic
noise sources, (see paragraph 3.4.3)
c. Summation radius effects scope of Illumination correction, default is 7.
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 4. 7 AVT234-TMC General Thresholds
d. Match Distance is used to control how close the current pixel value must
match the pixel model, (see paragraph 3.4.2).
e. Variable Decrease factor is used to set the level where an active pixel
region in the pixel model is not forgotten too early, (see paragraph 3.4.7).
f. To set advanced TMC thresholds, check Advanced checkbox, see Figure
4.8. There are 17 thresholds available; some have more effect on overall
resistance to Nuisance alarms than others. See paragraph 3.4 and Table
4.2.
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Parameters Default More/Less Effect
Paragraph
Time Constant 1.0 More 3.4.4 Variable Time Constant 4.0 Less N/A Min Variance 4.0 More 3.4.6 Activity Threshold 0.1 Less N/A Sample Window 100 Less N/A Recent Interval 1.0 Less N/A Deact. 100s Thresh 0.05 Less N/A Deact. Test Age 50.0 Less N/A BG Image Thresh. 0.50 Less N/A BG Quiet Time 5 Less N/A BG 100s Thresh 0.5 More 3.4.1 Max Weight Factor 0.1 Less N/A Training Images 15 Less N/A Models Per Pixel 3 Less N/A
Table 4. 2 TMC General Usability and operational characteristics
Figure 4. 8 TMC Advanced Thresholds
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
4.1.3.3 Camera View Alarm
To Record XML Video and/or setup the Serial Alarm select the Alarm tab, see Figure 4-
9.
4.1.3.3.1 To Record XML Video,
a. Check Record XML Video and fill in the Record Directory. Default:
/home/plegov/XMLVideoC41S33.
b. Select Format: either PNG or JPG to select XML video file format.
To create different Camera/Sector folders in XMLVideo click the home icon -
- -- at the AVT234 Feed window to bring up the Configure Location window, see Figure 4.10.
Figure 4. 9 Record XML Video and Set Serial Alarm Interface
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE
Once created, new Camera/Sector folders remain in the XMLVideo
folder unless deleted using File Browser.
4.1.3.3.2 To setup serial alarm interface,
a. Check Serial Alarm and fill in Port: Default is /dev/ttyS0 or /dev/ttyUSB0
depending on serial adapter type (RS232C or USB).
b. Set Sec/Alarm: to set the number of seconds per alarm,
c. Set Pulse Width: to sets the minimum amount of time the alarm will stay
on for.
Figure 4. 10 Configure Record XML Video Location
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE
The Email alarm is not available in this Version of AVT234.
4.1.4 Replay Recorded XML Video Files. Open Select XML Video File by clicking the eyeball on the AVT234, see Figure 4.11.
a. At the Select XML Video File select the XML Video file to see XML video
files available for use. In this case camera 41 (C41) sector 33 (S33) in the
/C41/S33 directory.
b. In the right hand window select the xml file and double click it to launch the
AVT Reviewer, see Figure 4.12.
Figure 4. 11 Replay Recorded XML Video Files
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 4. 12 AVT Reviewer
4.1.5 Open an XML Configuration File.
Open an XML configuration file, select Open from the AVT234-TMC edit menu, see
Figure 4.13.
a. At the Select Feed Configuration File select the config folder to see XML
configuration files available for use in the /home/plegov/config directory, see
Figure 4.13.
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 4. 13 Open an XML Configuration File
NOTE
There are XML configuration files available in the directory
/usr/share/avt234/config that TMC uses for initial startup and setting default
parameters. These files should never be removed or edited directly.
4.1.6 Add Zones.
Add a zone for the current camera view; see Figures 4-11 through 4-13.
a. Click Edit, Add Zone, then use mouse to draw the masking to tailor detection
coverage, see Figure 4-14.
PLEAVT234-TMC0001
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS b. In the right hand window select the configuration file you want to open and
click Open.
NOTE
defaultScale1.xml is a pre-defined configuration file with zones for a
video stream at a Scale of 1 and defaultScale.5.xml contains zones for a
video stream run at a Scale of .5
Figure 4. 14 Add a Zone
NOTE
To remove a mis-drawn line from the zone, place the cursor over the line and
right-click to remove that line. This can be done multiple times.
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS b. Draw the mask lines together at an end to complete a zone, you will be asked
a question “Are you sure you want to add this zone?, see Figure 4-15. Answer
Yes if the zone is correct. No if it is not.
c. To remove zone from a view, click Edit, Clear Zones.
Figure 4. 15 Confirm Adding Zone
NOTE
Multiple zones may be added in one camera view. All zones in a camera
view are removed when you Clear Zones.
d. Check camera view to ensure that masked zones properly tailor detection
coverage as desired, see Figure 4-16.
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 4. 16 AVT234 Feed with Zone
4.1.7 Save an XML Configuration File.
To save an XML configuration file of the current camera view that you have optimized
and been using, select Save from the AVT234-TMC edit menu while TMC is running,
see Figure 4.17.
a. At the Select Feed Configuration File, enter a name to identify the
configuration file in the XML_Files folder.
b. To save the configuration file click Open.
4.1.8 Refresh TMC.
To refresh or restart the running TMC feed click the refresh button at the top of the
AVT234 feed video box.
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 4. 17 TMC XML Save Configuration File
4.1.9 Suspend TMC (Quit without Exiting).
To quit without exiting, select Remove, Remove from the AVT234-TMC Edit menu, see Figure 4.3 while the AVT234 is running.
NOTE
Only one imager (video or thermal) may be monitored at a time in this
Version of AVT234.
4.1.10 Exit TMC.
To exit, select File, Quit from the AVT234-TMC menu.
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MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
SECTION 5
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
5.1 SCOPE.
This section provides limited preventive maintenance guidelines for the AVT234-Target
Motion Cueing (TMC). There are no corrective maintenance procedures applicable to
the TMC at this level.
5.2 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE.
Minimum preventive maintenance is required for the TMC. Check the following:
• Loose mounting or attaching hardware. Tighten. • Improperly seated connections. Re-seat correctly. • The presence of foreign parts or excessive dust. Remove without damage to
equipment. • Ensure cooling paths are not obstructed. • Keep video connectors free from dirt, grease, grime or foreign material. Use a
soft cloth to wipe clean.
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REMOVAL FOR SHIPMENT
SECTION 6
REMOVAL AND PREPARATION
FOR SHIPMENT
6.1 SCOPE.
This section provides removal, general disassembly, and packing procedures.
6.2 REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS.
1. Shutdown TMC before turning it off or unplugging any cables.
2. Carefully unplug all power cables.
3. Using Figure 2.1 as a guide to disconnect video feed from framegrabber.
4. Carefully move the monitor (for packing) as it can be heavy and awkward to
move.
5. The original box your test suite came in is the best choice for shipping the test
suite. The rigid Styrofoam or formed cardboard packing material will hold the
equipment securely in place.
6. Take special care to safeguard your monitor as the screen is made of glass and is
easily cracked or scratched on contact. Pack the monitor - in the original box. If it
is not available, you should get an appropriately sized box and shock resistant
insulation (Styrofoam "popcorn" or bubble wrap) as a substitute.
6.3 WARRANTY AND RETURN POLICY.
PL E-Communications, LLC standard products are warranted to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship, meeting or exceeding factory specified performance
standards for a period of three (3) years from date of purchase.
PLE Obligations
PLE will, at its discretion and expense, repair any defect in materials or workmanship or
replace the product with a new product. PLE will, upon receipt of the return, evaluate the
product and communicate to the customer the nature of the problem, and determine if the
PLEAVT234-TMC0001
6-1
REMOVAL FOR SHIPMENT claim falls under warranty coverage. If during the warranty period, PLE is unable to
repair the product to the original warranted state within a reasonable time, or if
subcomponents of the unit have been obsoleted or discontinued, then PLE has the option
to provide an equivalent unit.
Exclusions This warranty does not extend to any product that has been damaged due to acts of God,
accident, misuse or abuse by non-PLE employees, neglect, improper system design or
application, improper installation, improper operation or maintenance, or connection to
an improper voltage supply. The PLE warranty does not cover fuses, batteries, and
lamps. Modifications or alterations of PLE products (including but not limited to
installation of non-PLE equipment or computer programs), except as authorized by PLE,
will void this warranty. Removal or breaking of the seals on the product will also void the
warranty. In addition, cost of repair by unauthorized persons within the warranty period
of the product will not be covered by PLE. Such repairs will void the warranty. PLE
makes no other representation or warranty of any other kind, express or implied, with
respect to the goods, whether as to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or
any other matter.
PLE’s liability shall not include liability for any special, indirect or consequential
damages, or for any damages arising from or attributable to loss of use, loss of data, loss
of goodwill, or loss of anticipated or actual revenue or profit, or failure to realize
expected savings, even if PLE has been advised of the possibility of such damages. This
warranty constitutes PLE’s entire liability and the customer’s sole remedy for defects in
material and workmanship.
Product Return Policy Customers will be permitted to return products for credit, repair, or replacement only
after receiving authorization from the Customer Service Manager (CSM) and only with a
valid Return Material Authorization (RMA) number. The criteria determining whether a
product is covered under this policy are described below and RMA numbers will be
issued only under these guidelines. For Return Requests that do not comply with
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REMOVAL FOR SHIPMENT the following criteria, the CSM must have approval from the VP Operations, or designee
prior to issuing an RMA number.
Products Returned for Credit - Non Distributor Customers will be allowed to return
product for credit only under the following conditions:
• Products are current standard PLE products as per the price list.
• Products are in new, unused, and undamaged condition and are in the original
packaging.
• Products were originally shipped to the customer requesting Return Authorization.
• Request for return is for a valid reason as determined by PLE.
• Products were shipped to the customer less than 3 months prior to return request.
• Customer receives proper Return Material Authorization prior to returning the
product.
• Customer pays return freight and insurance if requested by PLE.
Customers will be issued a credit for the original selling price of the product less a 20%
restocking charge after verification that the product meets the criteria as stated above.
Payment to customers with no outstanding balance will be made 30 days after requested
by customer.
Products Returned for Repair or Replacement PLE’s response to a customer product return request will be based upon whether or not
the product is still part of PLE’s standard product offering and whether or not the product
is still under warranty. A product will be considered active if it is currently part of PLE’s
standard product offering. Active products are denoted in PLE’s current price list.
Obsolete products are not considered active. A product is considered under warranty
in accordance with “PLE Product Warranty”
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REMOVAL FOR SHIPMENT
Prior to receiving an RMA number, the customer will be asked to discuss the reason for
the return with Technical Support to try to resolve the problem. This discussion will be
documented to aid with troubleshooting and repair of the product. Any detail the
customer can provide will expedite the process once the product is received.
The criteria denoted above will cause any incoming returns to fall into one of the
following categories:
A. The product is currently active and is under warranty.
B. The product is currently obsolete, but is still under warranty.
C. The product is active, but out of warranty. D. The product is obsolete and out of warranty. Active Product Under Warranty PLE will honor the warranty for these products. As a result, product(s) should be accepted upon return for rework or repair in accordance with PLE’s warranty policy. Obsolete Product Under Warranty
PLE will honor the warranty for these products. As a result, product(s) should be
accepted upon return for rework or repair in accordance with PLE’s warranty policy.
Active Out of Warranty
PLE will accept return of product under this category as long as the sale of the product
occurred less than five (5) years prior to the return request. The product serial number
should aid in determining the age in cases where information is not in the data base.
Rework or repair will be in accordance with PLE’s warranty policy and will include an
evaluation charge, which will be quoted to the customer prior to the return of the product.
The evaluation charge is 20% of the current list price of the product or a minimum of
$250 whichever is greater. The customer will either need to provide a purchase order
number (with approved credit) or a credit card number before receiving an RMA number.
PLE cannot guarantee its ability to repair or rework the product. If costs to repair the
product exceed the evaluation charge, the customer will be notified of such charges and
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REMOVAL FOR SHIPMENT instruction to proceed with repairs will be indicated either by a P.O. number or credit
card authorization.
Obsolete Product Out of Warranty
PLE is not obligated to accept requests for product under this category. The CSM, with
prior approval from Operations will be responsible for approving return requests for
products falling under this category.
Receiving an RMA for Returns
Customers requesting RMA numbers for any reason will be instructed as to how and
where to ship the products being returned, and will be directed to show the RMA number
on all external packaging and documentation. The CSM is responsible for providing any
necessary instructions to the customer to ensure proper handling of the retuned material.
Contact the factory at:
PL E-Communications, LLC. Government Systems Division 1914 Ridge Road East Suite 204 Rochester, NY 14622 www.plegov.com phone #: 1 (585) 340-5435 e-mail: [email protected]
A Returned Material Authorization (RMA) number must be issued by Customer Service
before the return of a failed unit. Units should be returned in their original shipping
carton, if available. Always include a complete description of the failure or observed
anomalies, and include the unit’s model number and serial number, which are located on
the product label.
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REMOVAL FOR SHIPMENT
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