Game Rules - Answer Thread

[Air Jordan]

<GS14> Releasing Climbers and <G12> Recording the Score After Objects Come to Rest

We have a question regarding <GS14>. We understand that the respective Zip Line Climbers may only be released by using the respective Triggers. We also understand that the circumstances may warrant the points for the Zip Line Climbers to be counted if the Trigger appears to be engaged even if the Climber does not fall.

Here is the basis for our question, we understand <GS14> and <GS14> part (a). However, (b) is not clear. According to the wording in (b), if the trigger is rotated to a scored position (such that the Zip Line Climber could slide down the Zip Line for points), and then rotates back from its Scored position to the original Pre-Match position after the Climber has been released, we as a blue alliance robot, are allowed to trigger all three blue alliance triggers for 20pts/trigger for 60 points. Additionally, if we also rotated the blue alliance triggers from the scored position back to the pre-match position, we could gain an additional 20pts/trigger for an additional 60 points. This would be 120 points total, 60 points by engaging all 3 blue triggers to release the climbers and another 60 points for resetting the blue triggers.

Q: Can you please confirm that we are allowed to rotate the Triggers back towards their pre-match position for points in addition to engaging the Triggers for a possible total of 120 points from a single alliance's triggers?

Thank you,
The Synergists-#7104

A: The scenario described in the question is not a correct interpretation of rule <GS14>. This rule states that Zip Line Climbers have a Score value only at the end of the Driver-Controlled Period. Per Rule <G12>, referees will look at the states of the Zip Line Climbers and Triggers at the end of the Driver-Controlled Period after all objects on the Playing field have come to rest and apply the conditions specified in rule <GS14> to determine the Score value of the Zip Line Climbers. Each Zip Line Climber has a maximum potential Score value of 20 points. If all three Zip Line Climbers satisfy the conditions stated in rule <GS14>, the Alliance will earn 60 points.

When the Game Design Committee created FIRST RES-Q, the intent was for Robots to engage Triggers that release Climbers to slide down the Zip Line. The Game Design Committee anticipates that occasionally during match play, Robot interactions with the Mountain, Playing Field Wall, etc. may cause the Zip Line Climbers to release without Robots engaging the Triggers. Also, on occasion, engaged Triggers may not release Climbers. The statement in the rule that "referees will credit an Alliance for releasing Climbers if the Triggers are engaged after Climbers have been released by other means" and parts a) and b) of the rule provide guidance for awarding points to an Alliance when these "other factors" come into play.

[Air Jordan]

Section 1.5.2 Autonomous Period - Human control of the Robot

Game Manual Part 2 section 1.4 "Game Definitions" defines the autonomous period as follow:

"Autonomous Period – A thirty second period in which the Robots operate and react only to sensor inputs and to commands pre-programmed by the Team onto the onboard Robot control system. Human control of the Robot is not permitted during this time."

Q: Our question is: in autonomous, would it be legal for the robot to use a sound sensor to respond to a specific sound created by a human? Specifically, could a team member shout a keyword to the robot to have it execute pre-programmed commands based on the sound sensor input it receives from the human voice? Or does this count as "Human control of the Robot"?

Thank you.

A: The scenario described in the question is not allowed because a human is affecting Robot actions (i.e., controlling the Robot) during the Autonomous Period.

[Air Jordan]

&lt;G10&gt; Autonomous to Driver-Controlled Period Transition

Q: During the autonomous to driver-controlled period transition, rule G10 states that "if a robot is not controllable after attempts to get it working with the Team's Driver Station, it will be Disabled and remain in place for the remainder of the match." Does "disabled" mean turned off?

A: A Robot that becomes Disabled during the transition between the Autonomous and Driver-Controlled Periods will remain in its current location on the Playing Field. The Robot's main power switch will be turned off at the discretion of the Field Technical Advisor (FTA). The Team may ask the FTA to turn off a Disabled Robot's main power switch.

[Air Jordan]

Section 1.5.3.3 - Scoring for Climbers in a Shelter

Q: If a climber is placed in a shelter during autonomous period, it scores 10 points. Will a climber also be scored again at the end of the driver-controlled scoring period even if no other climbers are placed in the shelter?

A: Yes, section 1.5.3.3 in the Game Manual Part 2 states that "Climbers that were Scored into a Shelter during the Autonomous Period will be counted again at the end of the Driver-Controlled Period if they are still In a Shelter, contributing a total of twenty points to the Match Score (ten points for the Autonomous Period plus ten points for the Driver-Controlled Period."

[Air Jordan]

Sections 1.5.2.3 and 1.5.3.4 - Scoring Robots Parked on the Mountain

In sections 1.5.2 #3 and 1.5.3 #4 for mountain level scoring, the game manual states:

Point levels are based on the Area of the Mountain that Supports the Robot. The Score is not dependent upon being In or Completely In an Area.

Q1: So then, if a robot's front wheels cross the first churro and comes to rest so that the churro is holding the robot from falling back to the low zone, is that considered "supported" by the mid zone scoring area?
Q2: Or would all wheels of the robot have to cross the first churro to be considered supported by the mid zone?

Thank you for your time.

A1: The Robot is partially Supported by the Mountain Mid-Zone and I will assume that the rest of the Robot is Supported by the Low-Zone. In this scenario, the Robot earns 10 Points for Parking in the Mountain Low-Zone. The rationale is derived from sections 1.5.2.3 and 1.5.3.4:

"Robots earn points for the lowest zone that they are On. For Example, a Robot that is On both the Low- and Mid-Zones earns points for the Low-Zone achievement."

A2: The first churro is the lowest point for the Mountain Mid-Zone as shown in Figure 1.3-3 in the Game Manual Part 2. The Robot needs to be Completely Supported by the Mountain's first churro or higher on the Mountain to earn points for Parking in the Mid-Zone.

[Air Jordan]

&lt;GS13&gt; Mountain Scoring Constraints and &lt;G13&gt; Robots Deliberately Detaching Parts

We are looking to deploy a ramp onto the mountain and then move our robot up the mountain on that ramp. We believe this satisfies the intent of GS13 as we will be entirely off of the playing field when we perform scoring actions on the mountain. We would appreciate if you would confirm our interpretation of rule GS13.

A: There is insufficient information included in the question for the Game Design Committee to reply with a yes or no answer.

If the Robot deploys a ramp by detaching a part from the Robot, this violates rule <G13>.

If the ramp remains attached to the Robot, it is therefore part of the Robot. If part of the Robot, including the ramp, is supported by the Mountain In the two inch tall buffer Area, the Robot may not perform actions "a," "b," "c," and "d" listed in rule <GS13>. If part of the Robot, including the ramp, is supported by the soft tile floor, the Robot may not perform actions "a," "b," "c," and "d" listed in rule <GS13>.

If the Robot legally deploys a Ramp, and the Robot, including the Ramp, is Supported by the Mountain only above the two inch buffer Area, the Robot may perform actions "a," "b," "c," and "d" listed in rule <GS13>.

[Air Jordan]

&lt;GS18&gt; Robot Contact with the Mountain Cliff Zone Before the End Game

Hi GDC,

Q: If our robot utilizes a device which "reaches" up the mountain to score in the high scoring bucket, while our robot is parked on the mountain above the 2in. tape, and this device bumps into the Cliff Low Bar, but makes no attempt to "grasp, grapple, etc." that bar, will this be considered "Inconsequential contact" as stated in GS-18?

Thank you for clarification.

- The Lazybotts

A: Rule <GS18> states that prior to the start of the End Game, "Inadvertent and Inconsequential contact made with the All Clear Signal, the Pull-up Bar, or the Cliff Low Bar will not result in a Penalty of loss of Score" for End Game achievements. Without observing the Robot's actions, the Game Design Committee can not rule if the scenario described in the question is both Inadvertent and Inconsequential. Referees observing the Robot's actions will make the determination if the contact is Inadvertent and Inconsequential.

It is reasonable to assume that occasional bumping into the Cliff Low Bar is likely to be viewed as an Inadvertent and Inconsequential action. If bumping into the Cliff Low Bar is a strategy to help with Scoring Debris into the Mountain Goal, this action is not Inadvertent and Inconsequential and it should affect the Robot's eligibility to perform the End Game achievements. This determination will be made by the referees observing the match.

[Air Jordan]

&lt;GS7&gt; Debris Possession/Control Constraint

Imagine a robot that could "plow" through a pile of debris. This robot has a mechanism that allows one type of debris to enter the robot's main body (for collection and scoring), while the other type is merely pushed (aka. plowed) along in front of the robot. This mechanism does not grab, grasp, or grapple any debris in any way shape or form, nor does it have a "u" or a "v" shape. The debris being pushed are not in possession of the robot (the robot could spin or back up without the debris following the robot's path), nor are they being purposefully moved in order to hoard them or place them in a scoring position.

Q: Would such a robot be legal under GS7?

A: Rule <GS7> states that "plowing" through Debris located on the Playing Field floor is allowed and does not count towards the five Debris Possession/Control constraint if the movement of the Debris is not purposeful. The scenario described in the question appears to satisfy the "plowing" exception to the rule. However, the referees watching the actions of the robot will determine if the robot is plowing through Debris or if it is deliberately Controlling the Debris. Of course, the Debris that the robot collects counts towards the five Debris Possession/Control constraint.

[Air Jordan]

&lt;GS18&gt; Robot Contact with the Cliff Zone Before the End Game

Q1: Does GS18 apply during the Autonomous period?
Q2: If so, would a robot that simply climbs the mountain too far during autonomous and runs into the Cliff Low Bar constitute a penalty of zero score for the end game pull up bar and all clear beacon?

A1: Yes, section 1.6 of the Game Manual Part 2 states that "rules apply to all periods of play unless specifically called out as omitted." The game manual doesn't exempt the enforcement of rule <GS18> during the Autonomous Period.

A2: Referees watching the match will determine if the contact with the Cliff Low Bar violates rule <GS18>. The rule has a provision that Inadvertent and Inconsequential contact made with the All Clear Signal, the Pull-up Bar, or the Cliff Low Bar will not result in a Penalty. The purpose of the Cliff Low Bar is to prevent robots from exiting the Playing Field through the Cliff Zone opening in the Mountain. Precise control of Robot travel on the Mountain during the Autonomous Period will be difficult and referees should take this into consideration when considering if an action is Inadvertent or Inconsequential. A Robot bumping into the Cliff Low Bar safety feature during the Autonomous Period is likely to be viewed by referees as an Inadvertent action and Inconsequential to game play. If this is the case, no Penalty will be assessed.

[Air Jordan]

Section 1.5.1 Pre-Match - Pre-loading Climbers

Post #23 was a response to FTC6932 that said-
-----------------
Post Title: Sections 1.5.2.2 and 1.5.3.3 Scoring Climbers in a Shelter
Q: During the autonomous period, can autonomous climbers be collected from your alliance partner and all 4 climbers be scored by one robot?
A: Yes, Climbers are allowed to be transferred between Alliance Partner Robots and all four Climbers are allowed to be Scored in a Shelter by one Robot.
-----------------

Q: To clarify, does that mean, prior to the beginning of the match, one team can collect and place all four climbers for that alliance on their robot (before start of autonomous)?

Thank you!

A: No, one Team may not collect and place all four of their Alliance's Climbers on one Robot before the start of the Autonomous Period. The original question in post #23 asked if the Climbers can be collected from an Alliance Partner during the Autonomous Period. Section 1.5.1.f specifies that "teams may pre-load up to two Climbers per Robot."

[Air Jordan]

Section 1.5.1 Pre-Match - Robot in Contact with the Playing Field Wall

We have a question regarding Section 1.5.1
1.5.1 says-
Drive Teams place their Robots in any orientation on the Playing Field with the following constraints:
a. .....
b. Robots must be in contact with the Playing Field Wall that is along the boundary of their Alliance Station

Q: Can the robot be placed on the field with just one wheel (or some part of the robot) touching the field wall (at an angle to the wall).

Thanks!

A: Yes, any part of the Robot in contact with the Playing Field wall satisfies the requirement specified in Section 1.5.1.b. Section 1.5.1 states that Robots may be in any orientation [at an angle or square to the wall] on the Playing Field.

[Air Jordan]

&lt;G2&gt; Pre-Match Robot Setup

Q: What is the general intent behind rule G2.a? During the Qualification Matches, the Blue Alliance Robots are set up on the Playing Field first, unless the Red Alliance waives their right to set up on the Playing Field second.

Thanks!

A: The Game Design Committee specified an order for Alliances to set up their Robots on the Playing Field to promote fairness and avoid delays during pre-match Robot setup.

[Air Jordan]

Figure 1.3-2 and Sections 1.5.2.3 &amp; 1.5.3.4 Parking on a Mountain

Asking for clarification for the illustration in Game Manual Part 2, Figure 1.3-3:

Q1: Is the third churro from the bottom considered to be part of the Mid-Zone or the High-Zone? (A robot supported only by the third churro and higher would be considered to be parked in which zone?)

Q2: Is the mountain panel above the third churro part of the Mid-Zone? (Can a robot touching any part of the mountain panel above the third churro be parked in the High-Zone?)

Thanks.

A1: The arrow indicating the top of the Mid-Zone points directly at the third churro from the bottom of the Mountain. Therefore, this churro is the top most part of the Mountain Mid-Zone. A Robot supported by the third churro from the bottom of the Mountain and also Supported by the Area higher on the Mountain is Parked in the Mid-Zone. Sections 1.5.2.3 and 1.5.3.4 states that Robots earn points for the lowest zone that they are On. In this example, the Mid-Zone is the lowest zone that the Robot is On.

A2: No, the portion of the Mountain panel that is above the third churro from the bottom of the Mountain is part of the High-Zone. Imagine a line that is perpendicular to the Mountain panel and extending towards the upper edge of the churro; this line defines the separation of the Mid- and High-Zones on the Mountain panel. A Robot that is Supported by the portion of the Mountain panel that is above the third churro from the bottom of the Mountain or higher is eligible for Parking In the High-Zone, provided that all of the other requirements for Parking in the High-Zone are satisfied.

[Air Jordan]

&lt;GS13&gt; Mountain Scoring Constraints - Cliff Pull-up Bar

Hi,
Q: The rulebook states that the robot must be on the ramp in order to make contact with the pull-up bar. Does the robot need to be entirely on the ramp, as in, all four wheels not touching the ground? Or do just some (like, two) wheels have to be on the ramp?
Can I touch the pull-up bar if my rear two wheels are on the ground, but my front two are on the ramp?
Thanks.

A: Rule <GS13> requires the Robot to be Completely On the Mountain and the Robot's [entire] drivetrain (e.g. wheels, tread) must only be in contact with the portions of the Mountain above the two inch tall buffer Area that is defined by white gaffers tape located at the bottom/entrance to the Mountain ramp in order to attach to or be Supported by the Cliff Pull-up Bar. A Robot that makes contact with the Cliff Pull-up Bar while any portion of its drivetrain is on the Playing Field soft foam tiles, violates rule <GS13>. Also keep in mind rule <GS18>, Robots can not make contact with the Cliff Pull-up Bar until the End Game.

[Air Jordan]

Section 1.5.1 Pre-Match - Debris in the Floor Goal

This week, our team attended a meet in which alliances were gaining points from debris in the floor goal that was tossed by the referee at the beginning of the match. In the Game Manual Part 2, it does state that any debris in the floor goal in the beginning of the match is not removed by field personnel, however our question is whether or not these pieces of debris should count towards scoring.

A: Yes, Debris in the Floor Goal as a result of the pre-Match dispersion of the Debris onto the Playing Field are eligible to be Scored at the end of the Match if they are still in the Floor Goal at the end of the Match. Keep in mind that rule <GS15> allows Robots to de-Score Debris from the Floor Goal.