Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

http://www.nventivity.com/scout2.htm

One of our team's mentors came up with a scouting system using Wiimotes. We will be testing it at the AZ regional and the final version will be used in Atlanta. We hope that many teams will use this. The final version will be released before the Championships and we hope to see it used in all the divisions. Please contact us us if you have nay questions!!!
coachfredi@hotmail.com

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Is there a link for the beta module, or are you just going to put it up before chaimp?

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Can this be released in time for the 6 Week? If there are bugs, it would still be nice..

Has anyone used GUSS? How does this compare with GUSS? (I guess just by looking at the screen shots..)

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Don't the wiimotes fit under this?

http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles...pdate%2012.pdf

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

this is amazing. Is there any chance of getting a link to downloading it to test it out? Either the source or the binaries?

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

lol just when i was told that controlling the robot with wiimotes was a bad idea..... somebody find a good use for them lol.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

How did this work out in AZ?

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

This system looks amazing! Will it be out for Atlanta?

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Let's just say it won them the Judge's Award on Friday afternoon ;)

I got a chance to talk to Karen, and the things this system can do just blew me away! It is easily the most organized, informative, simplistic system available. Any teams that showed even a slight interest in trying this should definitely do so!

I was told they were going to release it sometime soon, definitely before Championships; Karen is hoping it will get a lot of mileage in Atlanta.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

heh...do the math! 842 was the #8 alliance captain, they did their scouting using this system, they were the only alliance to win a match against the #1 alliance....

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

We are very proud of Karen, and we are glad she is on our side! It will be be released before Atlanta for all to use!

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Why not release it so teams can use it week 5 & 6?

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Here is a pdf of how the wii mote is used

http://www.nventivity.com/Scout2_Instr.pdf

Maybe if you guys bug Karen, she might release it from Beta sooner.....Sorry Karen!

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

How original. Now I feel outdated. We still use paper scouting and enter our data manually! :yikes: Nice system. What about misses though?

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

A miss is a miss you move on, But there are no misses!

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

This is a fairly good point. Depending on who's opinion you go by, since wi-fi rules aren't really enforced at all, wiimotes could possibly be illegal as they use bluetooth (2.4ghz). Really, it's a decision if bluetooth falls under "Wi-Fi use in the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands is prohibited."

Otherwise, that's pretty sweet. I note that it uses sql, but jw what the actual languaged used was.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Update 12 says:
Update 13 adds to this:
I read that as this: "Two way radios or other forms of wireless communications are not allowed, except for the robot wireless on the competition field and general cell phone use." It is clear they do not want interference in the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands, so (IMHO) use of Bluetooth in this manner is not allowed. I'd recommend to anyone planning to use this system that they submit a Q&A question about it to get confirmation (unless one has already been submitted and I missed it).

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

The updates Dave posted are what made 148 use a wired network in the stands in Dallas for our scouting system.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

I thought about the same thing. However, I read it the other way, they only want to block Wi-Fi, and allow other uses. The Wi-Fi alliance only certifies IEEE 802.11 equipment. Bluetooth is IEEE 802.15.

If they had really wanted to block bluetooth, they would have had to have big signs at the entrance to the stadiums, as every cell phone has bluetooth.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

It's still on the same band though. At that point you may even ask why the bother restricting 2.4 GHz since all of their equipment is in the 5 GHz band (or is supposed to be so I am told). Solution? 802.11y! hahaha too bad I don't have a license for that.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

I'm confused about why you think rules about what happens on the field and pits, applies to people in the stands? This system is designed to be used by spectators that are far from the field, and it has no interaction with the drive team or robot at all. As has been mentioned, almost everyone in the stands has a bluetooth transmitter with them.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

I do not see anywhere that specifies that the quoted rule applies only in the pits or on the field. The rule comes under the category of "At The Events -> FIRST Safety", and is in the same list of bullets as "Do not run in the venue", etc. There is a separate section titled "In the Pits" that specifies pit-specific rules. FIRST has many rules that do not pertain to the pits or the competition floor, like no noisemakers, taping items to walls, bleachers, etc, using objects that would damage the bleachers or floors, not saving seats, etc.

Since the rule is listed with a bullet under a heading of "Safety", it seems they are concerned with wireless interference causing a safety issue. Why would such interference only come from the competition floor or pit area, especially when the pits are typically further away from the field than the stands?
I can't say that I've seen anyone using a Bluetooth headset in the competition this year. Technically everyone should be turning off the Bluetooth feature on their phones, but from a practical standpoint simply not using Bluetooth accessories should minimize Bluetooth transmissions to near zero. Obviously the scouting system discussed here is producing much more active transmissions.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

I mean to create an average accuracy for the shooters and robots. Counting misses vs. makes could be a good thing to have also.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

I don't recall any delays due to field problems at the Arizona regional, where they were using this scouting system.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Also, if another team was using the same Wii scouting system nearby, will the two systems affect one another?

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

It shouldn't be. Since Wiimotes are bluetooth, they get paired with the computer (part of setup). once they are paired, they'll be fine.

Now if two teams are trying to pair at the same time, it could get interesting.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

With BlueSoleil, you have the option to add devices from history, so you don't have to search through all available services. We add the unique devices addresses of the six wiimotes directly to the connection manager and never have to see any other devices.

The data entry and data analysis software is now available for download at www.nventivity.com/scout2.htm. The software is available as two zip files - one for the data entry program and one for the database analyzer. You may not necessarily want these two programs on the same laptop. Each zip file contains a README document that expains installation and operation. The wiimote button assignment pdf is also included in WiimoteScout.zip. This software has been tested on Win XP and 32-bit Vista. It requires .NET 2.0 and SQL Server 2005 Express Edition SP2, which will automatically be downloaded from Microsoft's website during the installation if they are not already on the target system.

We have received multiple requests from people wanting to record missed shots and penalities, so for Rev 1.0.0.1 we have added human player missed shots to the Autonomous and Teleop screens and penalties to the Endgame screen. There is additionally a Human Percent column in the MatchData table of the database.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

I think this is one of the best ideas ive ever heard! Wii Mote Scouting= Genius!:ahh: :D

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

It is even better. We were ranked in the 30s Friday night. We won our matches Saturday and wound up 14th and we felt we would be picked. We were not really prepared to choose two teams but as the selection process went on, we realized that we may wind up in the eighth spot. Karen and Jerry were doing all kinds of analysis with her program and she sent in our first pick, but because we were eighth, we had to immediately pick our second ally. Within seconds Karen and Jerry signaled in the third team that would give #1 alliance and the vomitsaurus (meant in a loving way! It does regurgitate in a rush) from Sierra Vista it's only loss. Scouting made the difference because we had data about the strengths and possible weak points of the #1 seed and chose allies to exploit their possible vulnerabilities. However, no strategy could overcome some most fantastic robots!

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=7989

While this post is actually written for an FTC event, I think the response is still valid for FRC. Looks like judicial precedence to me.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Really, regardless of what the FTC rules are (what did t22 read as anyways. I can't seem to find it), you should ask the event staff or at least someone who's helping to run things if it's "legal." Okay, so it does pretty much say that you shouldn't in team update 12-13, but it's up to the event staff as to how the ruling will be interpreted. I say if the crew says okay, go for it though :]

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

The question has been posted to the Q&A but no answer yet.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Used at the Sacramento Regional. No one asked and it worked perfectly!

The analyzer app could use some more stat viewing features, and if it could pull some stuff from the inter net that would be even better.

Great job and I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a scouting system.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Well, I'll just say I'm one of the judges that gave 842 the award and I'm the guy that designed the FRC field radio system.

Bluetooth is not an issue to field systems, its a very low power system (<30ft range) and is frequency compliant in working with WIFI systems. So the 842 system is IMHO fine to use at competitions. The way I read the GDC comments are that they are more concerned about phones that have wifi, I have a newer IPhone and it has wifi, leave the wifi off in phones at competitions. The new robot radio system is being characterized for the first time in the field environments this year. There was no other way to test other than just throw it out there. We were trying to reduce the varibles as much as possible. The system is working beyond expectations, there are some issues still with teams that don't understand RF principals, but those will be worked out eventually though shared information outlets such as CD.

And I've mentioned this before, the field uses BOTH 2.4 and 5 GHz radios. 5 GHz is dedicated to the robots.

THX :D

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

What did you have in mind? We might be able to throw it in before the Championship.

Also, you can copy data from any of the datatables. Just click and drag over it with your mouse and copy it using ctrl-c then paste it into a text file and open it in Excel.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Integration with the OPR Ranking would be nice. Also stuff like the shooter percentage, and average trailer fill level would be nice. Basically all of the stats viewable per match but in the rankings window and averages.

Too bad other teams didn't use this, Sac Regional definitely could improve on their scouting. I believe we were one of the only teams downloading the OPR data at the end of the qualifying and we were the only one using this program. However what information we gathered we tried to share with other teams and they all said this system was a really good idea.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Wiimotes work great until they run out of batteries. They also have the benefit that you get timing data in addition to plain numerical.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

The following Q/A Answer confirms that bluetooth is legal within the stands: http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=12484

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Thanks for the link Joe, that's a sensible answer from the GDC :)

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Question asked and answered on Q&A:

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Who is planning on using the wiimote scouting system at the Championships?

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Team 2377 is planning to use the system at Championship. It worked great during the Chesapeake regional!

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Hi, everyone.

Rev 1.0.0.2 of the Scout DB Analyzer is now available at www.nventivity.com/scout2.htm. The Rankings screen now includes up/down and column-order sortable averages for all the raw data by team.

NOTE: You do NOT need to update the Wiimote Scout program since the structure of the database hasn't changed. That is, we're still on rev 1.0.0.1 of WiimoteScout.zip. Next year, we'll add an About window to both programs where we will display rev information.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

thanks for posting this and making it available online to other teams. We used your system at the Minnesota North Star Regional and it worked great, plus we had kids fighting over on who wanted to do scouting this year, all because they found it fun and interesting to do. Once again thanks.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

We call this interest in the wiimote scout as
Reverse Game Play, normally you hit a button and something happens, now something happens and then you hit a button!

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

We will look for you! We want to see it in action when its not us!

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Hi, everyone.

This afternoon, one of our diligent beta testers brought to my attention an error in the Scout Database Analyzer 1.0.0.2 Rankings table data format. Values were being displayed in string format rather than numerical format, so sorting placed the values in ASCII order, not numerical order. For example, the array {1, 3, 11, 2, 10} was being sorted into {1, 10, 11, 2, 3} instead of {1, 2, 3, 10, 11}.

The issue has been resolved in Wiimote Scout Analyzer version 1.0.0.3 which is now available at www.nventivity.com/scout2.htm. You do NOT need to update the Wiimote Scout data entry program since the structure of the database hasn't changed.

:) THANK YOU, Team 180! :)

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

The ThunderChickens have used this at times in our competitions. We used it specifically at the State Championship, along with our scouting sheets. It works amazing. Its a good way to keep data together and it basically has everything already put together for you. Thanks you guys

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

any recommendations on a bluetooth adapter?

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

You won't have far to look since we'll both be in the same division! Just look for the team in the red and black polo shirts.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

I had to pick up a new one from Office Depot. Look for one that advertises to link to seven devices at a time. The Bluetooth adapter that comes in the FTC kits (an obvious choice for those who have one) only links up 5 devices. Do not use the drivers that come with the dongle, though. Download the earlier versions that are referenced earlier in this thread.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

How did it work? I know 180 used the system, and I saw 842's data....

anyways, here's a picture of Karen doublegeeking, which I promised I'd post so the world can see she takes computers seriously, one isn't enough. Her had says "wii scouting team" too

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Jim, thanks for sharing the picture.

I picked up my wiimotes from the AZ Science Center today and will soon be developing code for Breakaway 2010. I received several great suggestions last year and plan to implement these in this year's software.

New features will include importation of match data (and possibly images) from www.thebluealliance.net, a robot image database, and printable strategy sheets with team stats and a field diagram.

We hope to have the first rev out in the last week of February.

We're still building our parameter list and hope to share that soon.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Following is a first cut at our wiimote scouting parameter list.

Setup Mode
Team number
Robot starting position {Near, Mid, Far}

Autonomous Mode
Near zone shooting {# shot}
Middle zone shooting {# shot}
Far zone shooting {# shot}
Near zone scoring {# in}
Middle zone scoring {# in}
Far zone scoring {# in}
Over bump {# times}
Upside-down {# times}
Through tunnel {# times}
Spectacular {extra special performance flag}

Teleop Mode
Near zone shooting {# shot}
Middle zone shooting {# shot}
Far zone shooting {# shot}
Near zone scoring {# in}
Middle zone scoring {# in}
Far zone scoring {# in}
Ball re-entry control {# successful}
Defended tunnel {# times}
Defended bot {# times}
Defended goal {# times}
Over bump {# times}
Upside-down {# times}
Through tunnel {# times}
Spectacular {extra special performance flag}

Finale Mode
Near zone shooting {# shot}
Middle zone shooting {# shot}
Far zone shooting {# shot}
Near zone scoring {# in}
Middle zone scoring {# in}
Far zone scoring {# in}
Ball re-entry control {# successful}
Defended tunnel {# times}
Defended bot {# times}
Defended goal {# times}
Over bump {# times}
Upside-down {# times}
Through tunnel {# times}
Platform options {above platform, hanging from bar, hanging from bot}
Spectacular {extra special performance flag}


I've also attached a jpg of the wiimote button assignments for each mode. (Most, but not all are shown.) All actions will also be timestamped and recorded in a timeline database which is used to generate graphs of match activity.

Feedback is welcome. Screen shots will be posted soon.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Hi, all.

Attached are screenshots of our 2010 Breakaway wiimote scouting program. Below is a brief summary of the info collected on each screen. It's the same as above, with the addition of penalities and merged Teleop and Endgame regular gameplay.

Setup
Team number
Robot field position

Autonomous
Near, middle, and far zone # shot and # made
Passage over bump and through tunnel
Upside-down
Spectacular

Teleop
Near, middle, and far zone # shot and # made
Passage over bump and through tunnel
Upside-down
Number of times defended tunnel, bot, goal
Number of successful ball reentry control (BRC) maneuvers
Spectacular

Endgame
# Penalties
Final robot position
Spectacular

All actions are also time-stamped.

Some wiimote button assignments shown in Rev 0 have changed. Updated button assignments will be posted shortly.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

(cont'd)

Attached are screenshots of Spectacular and Upsidedown modes.

Spectacular mode "gongs" when activated, then turns the onscreen text gold. (I'll add a checkbox to toggle the gong, just to be courteous. :D) There are separate Auton, Teleop, and Endgame Spectacular flags.

When the Upsidedown flag is triggered, the points are greyed and the bump icon turns into an upsidedown buggy. No points can be entered until the flag is cleared. Upsidedown mode can be toggled in Auton and Teleop periods (and carries over).

This is too much fun!

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Looks like there's be something else I really want to borrow from 842 this year. :D

Thanks for making this available. Has nearly every metric I want.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Looking good. How about bots hanging from other bots? How will that be tracked?

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Hi, Anne. :)

It's on the Endgame screen. It's the top item in the Final Position group box ('Hanging from bot').

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

yeah, and Kevin can't resist either!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbV2O9FMHLM

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Is this already available? If so, where can I download it? If not, when will it be posted?

Thanks,
Team 1098

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

oh my god! that is amazing!!!! And so is the wiimote scouting system!

And what are spectacular mode and upside down mode for?

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Hi, everyone.

I am ALMOST done with the wiimote scouting software. I still need to add a few of the features that people have requested, but I will be putting out an early release this weekend.

You can view screenshots of the Wiimote Data Entry program and DB Analyzer here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/al...3835675&ref=nf.

Thank you for your feedback.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Hi, everyone.

The early release of the 2010 Breakaway wiimote scouting software is now available for download. The Wiimote Scout data entry program is located at www.nventivity.com/wiimotescout2010.zip and the Wiimote Scout DB Analyzer program is located at www.nventivity.com/wiimotescoutanalyzer2010.zip. The updated wiimote button assignments can be found at www.nventivity.com/Scout2_Instr.pdf.

The software has the ability to import robot images and match lists directly from www.thebluealliance.net. Just follow the event links and press the buttons for "Click here for match listings" and "Click here to view teams attending" to get to the appropriate URLs. (At this time, the 2010 match listings and robot images are not available. but you can use the 2009 match listings and robot images to see how this feature will work.) You can add missing robot images to the image database and view them on the Setup screen by pressing the Home button. Once imported, team numbers are automatically filled in, too.

The Rankings table in the DB Analyzer program includes a custom weighting function that allows you to assign points for any of the tracked parameters. Custom graphs provide weighted performance sorted by rank and by team number. A printable strategy sheet with robot motion and shooting summaries and a field map is also included.

Please let me know if you find any bugs. I wanted to release it quickly so that there would be plenty of time to practice. :D

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Didn't they take this out in team update 8? Sorry if I'm wrong about this.

Cass

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Wiimotes use Bluetooth, not 802.11a/b/g/n communication.

This is the coolest software ever. Thank you so much.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Attached are samle screen shots of the match list and robot image database tables and the Setup screen.

Team numbers are automatically pulled from the Match List table and you can view an image of the robot you're scouting by pressing the Home button on the Setup screen. (Data from 2009 is shown since 2010 match lists and robot images are not yet available.)

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Where does it state anything about 802.11a/b/g/n?

Seems to me that using this is a blatent direct violation of the rules and should get a team DQ'd (knowing and willful disreguard for the rule).

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Team update #8 for 2010 has made this legal. The update #12 referenced earlier is from 2009. Be careful what you are looking at!


Wetzel

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Actually I pulled that from the 2010 rules (Pre update 8 :rolleyes: ).

Thanks for the clarification. Now that I know it's legal, I might just look to see how good it will be.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Okay, I have been playing with the 2010 Wiimote scouting program. first of all I have problems installing the driver for the wiimote on windows 7 on a Macbook (Late 2009) (I am using built in BT) It says that the device cannot start (but that doesn't always happen) When I do manage to get the driver to install I can't figure out how to save the data and also the arrow keys don't seem to work 100% of the time which is weird. Thanks, Core2idiot

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Bluetooth drivers are rather hit-and-miss; not all devices and drivers will work nicely with each other. For information on various drivers and how they work with the Wiimote, I'd take a look at this site:
http://www.kudzuworld.com/blogs/Tech/20070817A.en.aspx

You can also find a list of Bluetooth adapters and what kind of drivers they have on the Wii home-brew wiki: http://wiibrew.org/wiki/List_of_Work...etooth_Devices

Hope this helps,
Eric

EDIT: I've used the Cirago BTA-3210 with the Toshiba stack (included with the device) with success under XP. It's possible that it might work on 7, but it hasn't been tested. I'd recommend looking for a device on the aforementioned wiki that's been proven to work on Windows 7.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Are you going to release the source?

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Well I took a look at the wiki and it said under working so... Also I downloaded the toshiba Stack and it Would not find my BT card. Also I tried WIDCOMM, as I looked it up and The bluetooth chipset I have is a broadcom that shares a chip with my wifi card. another thing I tried was the apple bootcamp drivers they worked the best out of any of them, but then it would not connect again after "first" pair
And last but not least I second the request of the source
Thanks Core2Idiot

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Folks,

This is a duplicate of a post I just put into another thread about scouting - If you already saw the other one, you can skip this one.

I'm curious if anyone has tried using the 5th Gear Simulator as a way to test drive their scouting metrics or their scouting recording keeping tools/methods, or their scouts (the humans)?

Imagine this:

• Install 5th Gear on enough computers for 6-player matches.
• Have 12 of your team members pick a simulated robot and stick with that choice.
• Run the 12 players through several 3 vs 3 qualifying matches while the scouts use your team's scouting tools/metrics.
• At the end of the quals see if you have successfully identified the best player-plus-simulated-robot combinations and can agree on their rankings and/or suitability for allying with one another.
• If you are in the mood, do a draft and see how the resulting alliances fare against one another.

5th Gear stores matches and lets you replay them (in the sense of reviewing them), so if scouts are missing important observations, replays can be used to train them; or if scouts are disagreeing about how to evaluate a robot/driver's performance they can look at the replay together and try to reach a consensus.

Finally, while I think this can be a great way to evaluate scouts, metrics and tools, a word of caution is apropos. Remember that a simulation is not reality. At best it is an useful approximation of important aspects of a match and leaves out others. For example, 5th Gear doesn't simulate what happens when a harried pit crew forgets to install a fully charged battery, or when a weak axle or weld bend or breaks under stress during an important match, or ...

Blake
PS: 5th Gear doesn't simulate end-of-game hanging/lifting. To factor this into a scouting exercise; roll dice to see which robots that were in position at the end of a match should be given the bonus points (while the other bots continue to score regular points).
PPS: 5th Gear doesn't assess penalties. Assign a few people to referee duty and let them keep track of penalties if you want that level of realism. They can watch over the shoulders of the players and/o watch the server's monitor.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Having reliable BlueTooth connectivity is essential. The first section of README_ScoutDataEntry2010.txt is devoted to a discussion on different BlueTooth service managers. I've had the best luck with BlueSoleil, specifically version 2.7.0.35 - it works well with both XP and Vista. I haven't tried it with Windows 7.

Data entry instructions can be found here: http://www.nventivity.com/Scout2_Instr.pdf. Because we're using the same arrow keys to count shots and made shots, you have to tilt the wiimote to the left or right to differentiate betwen the two. There's a dead zone between them, so you have to tilt one way or the other.

For BRC (ball re-entry control), turn the "button-side" of the wiimote so that it's vertical (rotate about the long axis) and press the < button (in the orientation shown in the pdf).

To save match data, advance to the "Confirm Save" screen, hold the trigger and give the wiimote a firm shake.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

It would be cool if you could use the LEDs on he Wiimotes as indicators as to whether or not they are tilted enough.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Yeah, that would be a nice improvement.

I wonder how many mistakes scouts make using these. The problem is that the scout may not know he made a mistake ("Did I tilt it enough?").

I think it would be interesting to video tape your robot driving for like 10 minutes and keep track of all the statistics using the Wiimote. Then compare the scouts numbers with the video evidence. If there is any significant difference between the scouts average and the actual number from the video evidence, I would be wary of using this system.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Or use the simulator I described in post #75 to approximate a real robot or match - The simulator records matches for later reviews.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Very true. That would actually work a lot better.

When I saw that 'gblake' was the last poster, I thought, "I'm sure he's is going to propose using 5th Gear...why didn't I think of that...". And sure enough, I was right. :cool:

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Hi, everyone.

Thank you for your feature requests. Rev 1.0.0.1 of the Wiimote Data Entry software is now available at www.nventivity.com/wiimotescout2010_R1.0.0.1.zip. No changes were made to the DB Analyzer.

Included in this release is a Tilt Indicator which may be enabled via a checkbox at the top of the screen. This feature is, by default, left off because the additional monitoring and feedback reduces the responsiveness to user input. It isn't much, but it is noticeable.

When enabled, LED tilt indicators work in Autonomous and Teleop Modes. LEDs 1 and 2 turn on in when tilted enough to the left to record Near, Middle, and Far shots. LEDs 3 and 4 turn on when tilted sufficiently to the right to record Near, Middle, and Far goals. In Teleop mode, all LEDs light when tilted up enough to record ball re-entry control.

A request was also made for compatibility with 1024 x 768 resolution so Rev 1.0.0.1 includes additional support for this display size.

Good luck to all teams at the upcoming regionals!

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Hi,
I saw this scouting system in action at the Virginia Regional and would like to try it at the North Carolina Regional. Does anyone have a database from the Va regional they would be willing to share?

I have downloaded the files and am able to attach a wii remote.

I would like to enter match information so I can play around with the system. I have not been able to do so. The files at the blue alliance have results in them, should they still upload?

Also I tried entering data by hand, but it doesn't stay.

So the only thing I have bee able to do is enter match and team numbers from the wii remote, do I have to do that for each match from each remote?

Thanks,
Jon

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Does anyone know if this system will be available for 2011?

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Yes, it will be available.

We have a list of parameters and would like to start a discussion on button assignments. I don't have the list in front of me - I can share it tomorrow morning.

Thanks for asking!

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

You guys get major props, this thing looks amazing. Hopefully we can use it at the Competitions we compete at. :eek: i can believe that you guys actually created this. :)

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

This is a great system that served 2791 well at our second regional last year.

This year I don't foresee us using it though, not because of any fault of the great software, but because for this game IMO the easiest way to scout is to have a paper representation of the scoring rack to draw on.

We'll see - this could make a GREAT system for scouting minibots. It's literally a stop watch. Click to start, click to stop.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

This is a great scouting sheet good job you guys. Now you are going to make one for 2011?

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Okay, here's our working parameter list:


Setup
Team number
Robot field position


Autonomous
Attempted top
Attempted middle
Attempted bottom
Made
Spectacular


Teleop
Defended
Attempted top
Attempted middle
Attempted bottom
Made top
Made middle
Made bottom
Tipped over/idle
Spectacular


Endgame
Defended
Minibot deployed
Minibot reached top
Spectacular


Match end
# Penalties
Minibot place


All actions are time-stamped, so if minibot deployed and reached top are pressed in real time, we'll have an approximate time for the minibot to climb the pole.

We're thinking of keeping the same orientation as last year and using ^, >, and v for attempted top, middle, and bottom. Made top, middle, and bottom would be a combo of 2 + ^, >, and v. Tipped over/idle would be upside-down + 2 button.

Spectacular = trigger + hold vertical + pull down. Advance = A, previous screen = trigger + A. Other tentative button assignments will follow shortly.

Any suggestions on parameters and/or button assignments are welcome!

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

It wouldn't necessarily be a bad idea...it just takes a bit of work.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

when would this be available for 2011?

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Will this be available for the 2011 season and when by?

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Hi, everyone.

The preliminary version of the wiimote scouting program and DB analyzer are available for download at www.nventivity.com/scout2.htm.

We encountered major setbacks with Afterglow wiimote controllers as well as Nintendo MotionPlus wiimote controllers. Brian Peek's WiimoteLib doesn't support these non-standard controllers robustly enough to keep 6 wiimotes connected (at least with BlueSoleil 2.7.0.35 and 8.0.338.0) We have yet to complete a match cycle with all 6 wiimotes, but I wanted to get the data entry program out there so that you can begin to test it.

Tomorrow (today, actually), we will finally have 6 standard wiimotes to confirm that the match data is correctly recorded for all 6 cells.

As far as operating systems go, we have successfully installed both the data entry and analysis programs on 32-bit Win XP and Vista. We will attempt a Windows 7 install in a few hours.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Data entry program features:

Setup mode:
Team number
Robot starting position
Robot image

Autonomous mode:
Row attempted
# tubes made
Spectacular flag

Teleop mode:
# tubes attempted (by row)
# tubes made (by row)
# assists
# defensive manuevers
Upside down flag
Spectacular flag

Endgame mode:
Action {idle, defended, placed tubes, minibot deployed, reached top}
Minibot stopwatch
Minibot place
# penalties
Spectacular flag


All actions are also timestamped.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Once again you amaze us Karen....


but do get some sleep!

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

wow amazing looks really good thanks:) and good luck this year

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Thanks guys!

I have incredibly good news. It looks as though only the Afterglow wiimotes are evil. I successfully connected four standard wiimotes and two Nintendo MotionPlus wiimotes this morning. I returned to BlueSoleil 2.7.0.35 with the default IVT driver (6.0.12.56, dated 3/5/2007) because it's always worked for me in the past. I'm using a Cyber-Blue EDR 2.0 USB Bluetooth dongle on Win XP Pro SP3.

We still have to conquer Win 7, but this is an encouraging result.

I am not sure why the Afterglow wiimotes will not stay connected, but my advice is to stay away from them.

I verified that match data is correctly recorded for all six cells. However, I did find an error in the DB Analyzer program. The Timelines By Match graphs do not properly scale. I will fix this in the next day or so.

I'm just relieved that the latest Nintendo technology will still work. It's no fun being obsolete.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Hi, all.

Today, we installed the Wiimote Scouting program on a Windows 7 (x64) OS. You have to install MS SQL Server 2005 Express first, then MS SQL SP3, then the Wiimote Scout 2011 software.

Also, the new version of the DBAnalyzer, R1.0.0.1, includes Timelines by Match graphs. This update is located here.

Tomorrow, we'll generate some data and post DB Analyzer screenshots.

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Hi, all.

There is a new version of the Wiimote Scouting data entry program available. Rev 1.0.0.1 can be downloaded here.

What's new in this release:
1) Fixed array index out of bounds error on Blue 2 and Blue 3 Autonomous Made Shots
2) Made Blue Alliance robot position indexing consistent with Red Alliance robot position indexing.


Attached are screen shots from the DB Analysis program. (Just in case you're wondering, the data is not real.)

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Hi, again.

There is a new version of the Wiimote Scouting data entry program available. Rev 1.0.0.2 can be downloaded here.

What's new in this release:

1) Fixed Attempt/Made shortcut "wiimote crosstalk" indexing error

Re: Wiimote Digital Scouting System
 

Hi, everyone!

We used our wiimote scouting system last weekend at the Arizona Regional. Our scouts did a great job despite having to deal with no power in the stands. They used a 12V battery and an inverter to keep the laptop running.

We had no software glitches but the scouts forgot about the Stopwatch feature until Saturday morning so we only got a few minibot times. We used the scouting data for our alliance selections, supplemented by drive train data provided by team 330. The custom scaling filter helped us pick our third alliance partner, 2662, an autonomous scorer who could also defend and assist. Thank you, teams 330 and 2662, for the victory!

I've attached a few screen shots of our scouting data. Today, I improved both the data entry and analysis programs so that attempted and successful minibot deployments are represented independently on the pie charts.

Rev 1.0.0.3 of the Wiimote Scouting data entry program can be downloaded here.
Rev 1.0.0.2 of the DB Analyzer program can be downloaded here.

We look forward to seeing you in St. Louis!