Regarding how data is collected. Yes, having data that is dependend on match data / an actual test is much better than having a team tell you what they can do. However, keep in mind that teams might have 'hidden powers' that they don't tell anyone about. BUT... if you gave them a place where they could post what their robot can do, then they might at least say that they have something special.
Also, with general data. Even if you do have subjective data, if you have lots of people putting in a vote, then the overall answer would be pretty good. But... yes, match data is better, and once again, the more people that add to it, the better it will be.
For the 2003 FIRST season,
www.feds201.com will be doing something similar to what other teams have done in the past, but with many improvements and at one cental site (With options to include data from other sites too though).
(Read my first posts and other scouting ones for the beginning of the plan) As said before, the 'Team Profile' would all teams like 47 to say that they have a hidden defence device, but not what it is. This would assist the scouters at the competition because they could look at the robot and figure out what the 'special feature' is. Also, the picture section allows teams an easy way to display photos of their robot/team. The team forum section allows comments to be made by anyone so that to say something about the robot, you don't need to register
However, I have also made many addtitions to my original plan. As posted, we know that every team will make their robot sound the best. For that reason, just having the 'Team Profile' section in not good. On the left side of the team profile, there will be a quick poll section. This will allow registered members to vote on key items.
Next, there will be a 'match data' section. This will allow members to enter data about each match that occures and what each robot did thought a number of pre-defined (and mabye one 'free') fields. Yet... we all know that having to sit around in front of a computer after a regional (due to lack of internet access) and fill in team data into an HTML form is not fun. Thus... the next feature.
Rather than entering in match data via. a HTML form, scouters can dump data from their palms into a CSV file. Then they can upload that CVS file and the data will automatically be entered for you. For the teams w/o palms/laptops: You still will be able to upload data via. the HTML form, but you could also create a CSV file in Excel or Notepad, and then upload that file.
Once again, because there are few internet connections at regionals, you will be able to 'dump' data on the teams for each regional before you go. The data would include the Team Profile, the poll results, and all of the match data. This could be 'dumped' in a CSV file so that it could easly be uploaded to your palm, or printed out in a table format from Excel. For those wanting to use the data on their website or just would like a different format, you will be able to dump in XML format.
Being able to upload/download mass ammounts of data of coures requires that a standard is created. Once the game is announced, i'll post here to create a standard. The standard will need to decide what data will be collected (Ex: What fields), and in what order will the data be uploaded/dumped. Of course, If though the season we find that a field has little value or we need to add a field, that will be able to be easily changed. From the rumor that this years game will involve 'flying' objects, I think we'll have quite a fun/tough time decideing on what needs to be collected.
If you have any suggestions on how to make this better than what i have, please post. I want the design to include input from the people that will be using it most. I also want the system to also attract non-scouters who are just interested in robots and other teams. However, please wait to suggest fields untill after the game is announced.
Thanks for reading this really long message
Jack (
www.feds201.com)