Hybrid mode?

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Mrtrom

can someone fully explain hybrid mode to me, it's my first year and i have no idea

Used to be, the match just started in teleop mode (1992-2002). Then, the GDC introduced autonomous mode, where the robot is controlled by onboard sensors and programming only--no driver input (2003-2007). Now, they have changed auto mode to hybrid mode--the Robocoach (who takes the place of the Human Player) has a limited command set that he/she can send to the robot. The robot must still use only internal programming, but the Robocoach can tell it what to do in the programming. This can by via IR, sound, or light, or any other means that fits within the rules.

[Justin M.]

Some people on my team were misunderstanding it. Hybrid mode actually allows you to semi-fully control your robot with the right programming.

Example:

Channel 1 = Drive Forward
Channel 2 = Turn Left
Channel 3 = Turn Right
Channel 4 = Raise Arm, etc

You can then program the robot to cancel the program by pressing the program's assigned button a second time.

With this setup, you can completely control your robot in hybrid mode. You can press button 1 to drive forward, button 4 to raise arm, button 2 or 3 to turn left/right to align with a trackball, then knock one off for the 12 point bonus. You can also press button 1 a second time to stop, or button 2/3 to turn more or less left/right.

I just wish it wasn't with IR and was with something a bit more reliable. I like this better than autonomous mode though. There's a slight bit of human interaction, no messing with timing, CMU cams, etc.

[dlavery]

Originally Posted by Justin M.

I just wish it wasn't with IR and was with something a bit more reliable. I like this better than autonomous mode though. There's a slight bit of human interaction, no messing with timing, CMU cams, etc.

Why do you think that Hybrid Mode is "just with IR"?

The IR received has been provided to teams as an EXAMPLE technology. It is not a REQUIRED technology. There is nothing in the rules to prevent you from using other technologies to communicate your four commands to the robot during Hybrid Mode. If you have a preference for a different technology (that is within the rules, e.g. no lasers) then go ahead and use it!

-dave

[Elgin Clock]

Originally Posted by dlavery

Why do you think that Hybrid Mode is "just with IR"?

The IR received has been provided to teams as an EXAMPLE technology. It is not a REQUIRED technology. There is nothing in the rules to prevent you from using other technologies to communicate your four commands to the robot during Hybrid Mode. If you have a preference for a different technology (that is within the rules, e.g. no lasers) then go ahead and use it!
-dave

Ummm...
That just opened up a whole new can of worms.

I suddenly feel overwhelmed this year just from that one simple post. lol

I guess that's because I don't have an "electrical background" per-say, but up until that point I was semi-confident of my robotics knowledge being involved with this program for what is my 8th year this year.

With that said, I won't ask you specifically Dave even though you seem to have some inside knowledge on the issue, but more towards the CD community...

What are some other forms of remote communication (AKA: Signaling device) we are allowed by the rules to use this year other than IR types?

[Justin M.]

Basically what I meant by saying "just IR" is the fact that I've had bad experiences with it. It drops out frequently. We've all seen it, TV remotes.....

[dlavery]

Originally Posted by Elgin Clock

Ummm...
That just opened up a whole new can of worms.

I suddenly feel overwhelmed this year just from that one simple post. lol

I guess that's because I don't have an "electrical background" per-say, but up until that point I was semi-confident of my robotics knowledge being involved with this program for what is my 8th year this year.

With that said, I won't ask you specifically Dave even though you seem to have some inside knowledge on the issue, but more towards the CD community...

What are some other forms of remote communication (AKA: Signaling device) we are allowed by the rules to use this year other than IR types?

Did everyone completely ignore the five-minute long demonstration during the kick-off broadcast??? Three fully functional, rules-compliant, effective methods for communicating with the robots were put right in front of you. And they are far from the only ways to accomplish the task. IR is certainly not the only way to utilize the ability to have the Robocoach send signals. You just have to think about the alternatives.

-dave


.

[Torboticsmember]

I was wondering for the commands, could they be like
press button 3 and the robot stops, moves an arm up, and opens a "claw" mechanism, then moves forward.
so there are multiple actions on one button or is that illegal

[Justin M.]

Originally Posted by Torboticsmember

I was wondering for the commands, could they be like
press button 3 and the robot stops, moves an arm up, and opens a "claw" mechanism, then moves forward.
so there are multiple actions on one button or is that illegal

To my understanding, yes, that is legal. You are allowed to communicate no more than 4 actions to the robot. I don't see why you can have 3 done by one channel, but that only leaves you with one action left.

You should make each channel do one task to make things easier, but if you technically have no more than 4 tasks done by the same channel, that appears to be legal.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Justin M.

To my understanding, yes, that is legal. You are allowed to communicate no more than 4 actions to the robot. I don't see why you can have 3 done by one channel, but that only leaves you with one action left.

You should make each channel do one task to make things easier, but if you technically have no more than 4 tasks done by the same channel, that appears to be legal.

If you go by the "Mars rover" analogy, you have three left. As long as you say what the actions or sequences thereof are, you have no problem.

Now, you could make a case both ways. Or you could ask Q&A if one "action" can be a series of actions triggered by one command sent by one button push or whatever you use.

[tails9889]

umm... in hybrid mode the robot is controlled by the robocoach... so can the robocoach signal the robot to go clockwise in hybrid mode

[GaryVoshol]

Originally Posted by tails9889

umm... in hybrid mode the robot is controlled by the robocoach... so can the robocoach signal the robot to go clockwise in hybrid mode

As long as the robocoach doesn't mind suffering the wrath of the alliance partners when the 10-point penalties start accumulating.

[Hydra]

So does anyone know what frequency of the remote we will be using? And what about the code for programming?

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Hydra

So does anyone know what frequency of the remote we will be using? And what about the code for programming?

Pick your own remote. Write your own code. Ask for help if you need it.

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by Elgin Clock

What are some other forms of remote communication (AKA: Signaling device) we are allowed by the rules to use this year other than IR types?

The rules are quite helpful on this topic.

Originally Posted by <R65>

...Active SIGNALING DEVICES shall:
• use visible light, infrared communications, or sound as the transmission method – no other form of electro-magnetic radiation is permitted

All three of those methods were demonstrated during the kickoff.

[Tom Line]

Originally Posted by Justin M.

Some people on my team were misunderstanding it. Hybrid mode actually allows you to semi-fully control your robot with the right programming.

Example:

Channel 1 = Drive Forward
Channel 2 = Turn Left
Channel 3 = Turn Right
Channel 4 = Raise Arm, etc

You can then program the robot to cancel the program by pressing the program's assigned button a second time.

With this setup, you can completely control your robot in hybrid mode. You can press button 1 to drive forward, button 4 to raise arm, button 2 or 3 to turn left/right to align with a trackball, then knock one off for the 12 point bonus. You can also press button 1 a second time to stop, or button 2/3 to turn more or less left/right.

I just wish it wasn't with IR and was with something a bit more reliable. I like this better than autonomous mode though. There's a slight bit of human interaction, no messing with timing, CMU cams, etc.

Per other discussions here, most folks have determined this is illegal. You cannot have the button change program state, or toggle function. You can not have the action performed change each time the button is pushed. You can not send multi-button messages to include other commands.

There are four buttons, and they can only do four discrete things. Please see the other discussions or use the search function for the pertinent rules.