Are Breaks in the Bumper Font Allowed?

[CSheehy3958]

Our team is trying to experiment this year with the fonts on the bumper, but we are not sure if this one (shown below is legal). It will fulfill the half inch stroke width and four inch tall requirements, as well as it being outlined in white, but we are unsure if the "breaks" in the font are allowed. If anyone can give us an informed answer it would be much appreciated. thanks.

[Steven Donow]

Provided it meets all other requirements (ie. the stroke and height requirements you referenced), I see nothing wrong, as any "reasonably astute viewer" would be able to tell that that's 3958. Of course, that's my opinion, which, again, is not official

[Oblarg]

As far as I can tell from the variety of fonts at competition, the inspectors are quite lax on the font requirement. As well they should be, since disqualifying a team over font style would be completely silly. I wouldn't be worried so long as it's easily legible.

[cgmv123]

Originally Posted by Oblarg

As well they should be, since disqualifying a team over font style would be completely silly. I wouldn't be worried so long as it's easily legible.

You don't get disqualified if you fail inspection, you just can't compete until you pass. Fixing bumper numbers is a fairly easy fix.

[Oblarg]

Originally Posted by cgmv123

You don't get disqualified if you fail inspection, you just can't compete until you pass. Fixing bumper numbers is a fairly easy fix.

It is? How many teams bring a full set of spare bumper cloth and material for spraypaint templates or whatever?

I guess you could do touch-up with a paintbrush if it's minor, but I don't imagine that'd be much of an improvement in most cases.

At any rate, this is semantics - the word "disqualification" doesn't necessarily imply permanence.

[BigJ]

Originally Posted by Oblarg

It is? How many teams bring a full set of spare bumper cloth and material for spraypaint templates or whatever?

I guess you could do touch-up with a paintbrush if it's minor, but I don't imagine that'd be much of an improvement in most cases.

At any rate, this is semantics - the word "disqualification" doesn't necessarily imply permanence.

I've seen teams completely rebuild (or initially build) bumpers on many a Thursday before...

[Oblarg]

Originally Posted by BigJ

I've seen teams completely rebuild (or initially build) bumpers on many a Thursday before...

Sure, but it's not exactly a triviality.

This is going off-topic.

[Christopher149]

After some digging through CD-Media, here's a robot from last year with similar broken numbers (though with fewer breaks). http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/39058

Now, this year is not last year, but I think it should be okay.

[BigJ]

Relevant rule:

Originally Posted by R28

Team numbers must be displayed on the BUMPERS and meet the following criteria:

A. consist of numerals at least 4 in. high, at least ½ in. in stroke width, and be either white in color or outlined in white,

In my mind, these are numerals, and the breaks are simply a function of the font you've used.

As always, Q&A is the place to ask, but I suggest you ask something regarding fonts or fonts with breaks in the numerals rather than posting the picture. In this case you want the "reasonably astute observer" copy-paste, not the "this is not a pre-inspection forum" copy-paste.

[CalTran]

As per Rule R28, I see no reason why a break in the the numbering would be illegal, though I would ask the question in the Official Q&A to be sure. As long as the number can be unambiguously read by an astute observer, it should be legal.

Source:

Originally Posted by R28

Team numbers must be displayed on the BUMPERS and meet the following criteria:

• consist of numerals at least 4 in. high, at least ½ in. in stroke width, and be either white in color or outlined in white,
• may not wrap around a corner of the FRAME PERIMETER (for the purposes of R28 a round or circular FRAME PERIMETER has no corners), and
• be positioned around the ROBOT such that an observer walking around the perimeter of the ROBOT can unambiguously tell the Team’s number from any point of view.

[Jon Stratis]

I've seen numbers with breaks in them for many years from a local team, 2175 the Fighting Calculators. They put their numbers on to mimic the display used on most old/cheap calculators and digital clocks, so it has breaks in the corners and the middle of the sides.

Personally, when it comes to bumper numbers I am most concerned about how easy they are to read by someone sitting in the stands. This can be scouters (you want them to know which robot is yours!) or parents/grandparents... you want to be able to easily identify your robot to everyone!

[Abhishek R]

Originally Posted by CSheehy3958

Our team is trying to experiment this year with the fonts on the bumper, but we are not sure if this one (shown below is legal). It will fulfill the half inch stroke width and four inch tall requirements, as well as it being outlined in white, but we are unsure if the "breaks" in the font are allowed. If anyone can give us an informed answer it would be much appreciated. thanks.

Our font has always had breaks in the numbers (Starcraft/Blade Runner/Avengers) and never had any problems with them. I doubt anyone would have a problem with yours as long as they are easy to read.

[BBray_T1296]

I recall the rule once being along the lines of being readable at no less than 100 feet. (or something)

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by BBray_T1296

I recall the rule once being along the lines of being readable at no less than 100 feet. (or something)

Please note that past rules/wordings have no impact on this year's rules or interpretation of the rules.

[CSheehy3958]

Thanks for all of the help! I can safely say that we can move forward.