anyone have any ideas about next years game?

[SteveGPage]

Since this is the first year in St. Louis, how about a game with arches and bridges. FTC hints indicate that is what this year's FTC game will be. I could see a game where we have to climb ramps, maybe elevate team members again, cross gaps, etc... Make it a 3D game, so not a level 2D field, but multiple levels.

[ttldomination]

Originally Posted by SteveGPage

Make it a 3D game, so not a level 2D field, but multiple levels.

The issue with a 3D game is the visual aspect of things. In Lunacy, it was so hard to see what was going on over tall robots and trailers, and this year, there were large blind spots behind the bumps.

So you really have to wonder how much 3D there can be before drivers can't see what they're doing/the game play degrades.

- Sunny

[SteveGPage]

Originally Posted by ttldomination

The issue with a 3D game is the visual aspect of things. In Lunacy, it was so hard to see what was going on over tall robots and trailers, and this year, there were large blind spots behind the bumps.

So you really have to wonder how much 3D there can be before drivers can't see what they're doing/the game play degrades.

- Sunny

Good point. I think a couple of bridges and/or ramps, however, could still be used, much like the bumps and towers were used as field obstacles last season.

[demosthenes2k8]

It might also make for strategic use of the cameras

[PAR_WIG1350]

Originally Posted by demosthenes2k8

It might also make for strategic use of the cameras

But then it becomes harder for the rookie teams to play

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by PAR_WIG1350

But then it becomes harder for the rookie teams to play

This applies to literally any aspect of the game challenge.

[PAR_WIG1350]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

This applies to literally any aspect of the game challenge.

Harder is the key word, it is already hard enough for rookie teams without forcing them to incorporate live feed from the camera or image processing.

[JesseK]

Originally Posted by PAR_WIG1350

Harder is the key word, it is already hard enough for rookie teams without forcing them to incorporate live feed from the camera or image processing.

Rookies will always be able to play the game without cameras. Teams that successfully incorporate the camera into some automated function of their robot will usually have more success. How is this wrong?

[leenco12]

Originally Posted by gvarndell

No wheels -- hover craft.
A hockey-like game?

well what something big (big in history big in sports big in science etc) that will tell u the type of game were going to have

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by leenco12

well what something big (big in history big in sports big in science etc) that will tell u the type of game were going to have

Reported

[leenco12]

Originally Posted by thefro526

*Begins working feverishly on an automated fist-pumping mechanism*

All jokes aside, I'd really like to get through this season before someone throws another game at me.

I'm just going to go ahead and start discussion of the 2013 game, if you don't mind...

Seriously, it gets earlier and earlier every year. But we as teams will know little or nothing until next January. Sure, it's fun to speculate. But to do that while well over a third of the teams still have at least one event left is just a little premature...

[sithmonkey13]

I disagree with your assessments here and I'll answer each of your reasons:
1> Safety -- Just because the driver(s) cannot directly see does not mean that they cannot get information about the robots. Camera feedback and human players (looking around the curtain ... lets call them spotters) could easily give feedback to the drivers.

2> Spectators/crowds -- In most arenas the crowd sees from the side of the field, so you would lose less than 10% seating visibility.

Originally Posted by Daniel_LaFleur

You could also tap into the teams video feed (if they have one ... it's IP is known) and feed that to the big board, giving the crowd (and possibly human players) a robots eye view (something that would make the game MORE exciting ... if you ask me).


Are there issues to overcome in driving without seeing the robot? Absolutely.
Are they impossible to overcome? not at all.

What if the team did not put a camera on? Or like 1178's (my team) bot, where due to unforeseen circumstances (the kick system jarring a damaged power cable) where in the middle of a match, a team might lose camera, and not get it back?

[Bjenks548]

Anyone else think the game object won't be a perfect sphere? I say this for 3 reasons.
1) In recent years the games tend to rotate between ball, not a ball. Assuming orbit balls are not considered perfect "spheres"
2)No student team member has worked with anything other then a round object. 08 track ball 09 orbit ball and 10 soccer ball.
3) The FTC and FRC games usually have some similarities and their not using balls/spheres

FYI: I know 1 and 2 contradict a little bit, but u can see where I'm coming from.

[sithmonkey13]

Multi-level arena
I know this would be difficult, but hear me out. Not a full, two story arena, but an arena with ramps to a raised platform in the center, with rails to keep robots from falling off. Also, less strict rules on violence. We put bumpers on, so let us slam into other robots.

[Daniel_LaFleur]

Originally Posted by sithmonkey13

What if the team did not put a camera on? Or like 1178's (my team) bot, where due to unforeseen circumstances (the kick system jarring a damaged power cable) where in the middle of a match, a team might lose camera, and not get it back?

Then that team would have to adapt and overcome. Possibly using spotters ... or getting assistance from their alliance partners?


The greatest successes come from the greatest adversities.