pic: Three Trackballs?

[Phyrxes]

I could have sworn the field at VCU did not have polycarb on the pipes making up the outside perimeter (at least on the side nearest the stands).

[Roger]

Now you guys have got me wondering. A quick search found me this photo which may exhibit my thinking.

The ends of the field where the drivers are have the big lexan panels. The angled corners are the chainlink fence. The center divider are 3 high lexan panels. The low outside sidewalls have lexan, but the outer outside walls are just the metal pipe - no lexan. At least I can't see any. There are no zip-ties holding the panels anyway, like the center divider wall has. I remember at the end of Final matches before the awards they were taking the pipes down on the audience side but no lexan.

I realize there is a need for a protector/divider both at center divider and the long side walls, to keep the trackballs from going all over the place, but the lexan? Keeping robots on own side? Make a rule against it, or add another horizontal pipe. Entangling? Well, the robots do that now on the overpass. I'm sure there was a reason.

[Phyrxes]

I always figured it was to prevent manipulators and/or robots from "trying" to go through the center divider, that is the drive base goes under the lowest section of horizontal pipe and your manipulator gets demolished as your entire robot attempts to take a "short cut." It also presents a "solid" object on the "left" to bounce ultrasonic range finders off of.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Roger

Now you guys have got me wondering. A quick search found me this photo which may exhibit my thinking.

The ends of the field where the drivers are have the big lexan panels. The angled corners are the chainlink fence. The center divider are 3 high lexan panels. The low outside sidewalls have lexan, but the outer outside walls are just the metal pipe - no lexan. At least I can't see any. There are no zip-ties holding the panels anyway, like the center divider wall has. I remember at the end of Final matches before the awards they were taking the pipes down on the audience side but no lexan.

Oh, the OUTSIDE ones! I was thinking of the normal field walls. You're right, those don't have any visible. I'd say that's so refs, spectators, and camera people have a clear view with no chance of reflection.

[KarenH]

Originally Posted by Roger

The ends of the field where the drivers are have the big lexan panels. The angled corners are the chainlink fence. The center divider are 3 high lexan panels. The low outside sidewalls have lexan, but the outer outside walls are just the metal pipe - no lexan. At least I can't see any. There are no zip-ties holding the panels anyway, like the center divider wall has. I remember at the end of Final matches before the awards they were taking the pipes down on the audience side but no lexan.

Originally Posted by EricH

Oh, the OUTSIDE ones! I was thinking of the normal field walls. You're right, those don't have any visible. I'd say that's so refs, spectators, and camera people have a clear view with no chance of reflection.

You're both correct. The center wall has larger diameter pipes, and the reflective panels are laced in place with substantial cable ties. The look reminds me of leathercraft projects from childhood day camps (moccasins?). The bases for the uprights are covered with carpet pieces. The thing is a bit of a nuisance to assemble, and the cable ties are a nuisance when taking it down, but it looks to me like the greatest nuisance for the field crew is keeping the carpet pieces securely taped down. One robot in San Diego ate one of the carpet pieces, along with the sticky tape, and got "indigestion."

The bases of the outer walls are placed outside the normal side rails of the field. The outer walls have no polycarbonate panels, and have smaller diameter pipes than the inner walls. They also require little or no maintenance during the competition.

From the differing construction, I conclude that the purpose of the center divider is to prevent both trackballs and robots from crossing the center of the field, so it has to be strong enough to withstand lots of rough treatment. But the purpose of the outer fences is merely to keep the trackballs from escaping. So they are neither as robust nor as impermeable as the center divider.

Furthermore, I suspect that the GDC knew very well what the effect of reflective panels would be. After all, they DIDN'T use the stuff on the corner panels.

[Chief Samwize]

the reflections on the opposite end of the field are extremely distracting. When driving into the other corner its like going in blind. During a practice match I ran into our own partners, who I didn't see, that were trying to pick up the ball.

Oh well, just another element to the game.

-Sam

[Roger]

Originally Posted by KarenH

Furthermore, I suspect that the GDC knew very well what the effect of reflective panels would be. After all, they DIDN'T use the stuff on the corner panels.

The corner chainlink panels -- wasn't that so the IR can go thru it? But I agree GDC must have seen (or not ) how the center panels act. But I don't think they purposely designed it that way: they probably figured it would be part of the game -- a classic "it's not a bug -- it's a feature!"

I would think if the middle row of panels were removed and another horizontal bar put in would be a better alternate -- do not cross or you will get entangled (or get your parts sliced off!) might be enough of a punishment. I'm thinking of all those robots that tangled up in the overpass.

The sonar can still bounce off the bottom panels, either the inside wall or the outer wall. After all, the outside wall is low anyway.

Last night I tried standing in front of our drivers as they practiced. They got annoyed until I show them those photos. "Oh yeah..." Then we tried the "use the force Luke" approach -- close your eyes and use verbal commands only. Good thing our Robo-Coach has those hand-signals...

Originally Posted by EricH

Oh, the OUTSIDE ones! I was thinking of the normal field walls.

Methinks that hat is on too tight EricH ; but I did fear my "the outside outside 'protector' walls (if you follow me)" didn't quite emphasize which I meant.