Re: [BB] 2010 Game Hint #1
 

Because of the Lexan/Smoked Polycarbonate part being mounted to the outside of the bars and the screws being recessed on only the inside, that leaves the useful area (during game play) of the piece as the space right between the bars. Which also accounts for the otherwise unnecessary seeming curved bit. And the hardware seems pretty heavy duty--I'm almost inclined to think it is scaled down.

Re: [BB] 2010 Game Hint #1
 

Approximating the ball size assuming an 8in distance between poles and 1in pole diameter and allowing for a tolerance of 1/4 of an inch between the circular shape and the ball, optimal diameter should be approximately 9 inches. This is similar to the size of a soccer ball I made a prototype and it fits oddly well. Admittedly though I am a huge soccer fan and have been hoping for a soccer game for years.

Re: [BB] 2010 Game Hint #1
 

It's part of an adjustable stilt. The polycarb supports the foot and provides a place to mount the boot. The human players will be wearing stilts during the match.

Re: [BB] 2010 Game Hint #1
 

The arch in the lexan can be used to judge the max diameter of a ball. We would not need a small diameter arch for a large ball. The spacing between rails determines the min diameter of the ball. as soon as we determine these dimensions, we can start evaluating the common ball types for the game.

Re: [BB] 2010 Game Hint #1
 

could this be a way to string the robots together?

Re: [BB] 2010 Game Hint #1
 

The arch could also be there simply to throw us off and make us assume that the game piece is a ball. :yikes:

But that is perhaps too devious.

Re: [BB] 2010 Game Hint #1
 

If the lexan is indeed 1/4 inch, then the small tube is 1.25" in dia and the large tube is 1.5 inches in dia.

And its 7.75 inches from inside to inside of the lexan.

Re: [BB] 2010 Game Hint #1
 

What if each end of the pipes holds a wheel and it supports some big movable goal? Sort of like in zone zeal.

Re: [BB] 2010 Game Hint #1
 

This has nothing to do with the game...BUT, does that look like Solidworks or Inventor to you guys? Feels like a SW render.

Re: [BB] 2010 Game Hint #1
 

I'm 99% sure it's Inventor.

It's the default reflective ground, and the "smoked lexan" is ugly yellow. =)

Re: [BB] 2010 Game Hint #1
 

The GDC is the Grinch because they just stole my Christmas!:rolleyes:

The hint looks like it could be moved around and maybe stacked on another two of whatever we are calling this piece.

Stacking challenge?

Re: [BB] 2010 Game Hint #1
 

Assuming that the piece will be included as part of the field as-is, it probably is a track of some kind, because otherwise the arch cutout just adds time and effort to the manufacture.

Edit: My brother's first thought looking at it was "sled"

Re: [BB] 2010 Game Hint #1
 

My prediction is that this is a robot piece, that will be included in every kit, and that JVN oversaw the manufacturing of :D . It will be mounted high on the robot, and hangars (not pictuered) will be affixed to the pipes on either side. As in last year, the goal is the opponent robot. You will have to hook rings over these hangars (much like 07). At the end of the match, the quick release pins permit quick removal of the rings from the robots, and installation of the hangars onto the next teams' robots. There will be two special color rings that if a robot gets hooked with, voids the tally of the rings it is holding.

Oh, and bumpers will be mandatory, and the floor may not be carpet.

That's what I gather from this.

Re: [BB] 2010 Game Hint #1
 

square game pieces anyone?

Re: [BB] 2010 Game Hint #1
 

The first thing I picked out was that the piece of lexan is cut with a circle on the bottom and the top is half open