|
[DPRG] Rules
Subject: [DPRG] Rules
From: Rodent
daweasel at swbell.net
Date: Tue Sep 11 11:56:12 CDT 2001
* You should get x points for collecting a can.
* You should get x points for returning the can to area A
* You should get x points deducted for hitting a wall.
In addition, you should get points for seeking a can -- ie turning towards
it and moving straight to it. You should also get points for providing a
audible or visual signal indicating detection from a foot or less, prior to
touching it or picking it up.
Clearly the rules need some modification to reward builders who design their
robot to compete following the spirit of the rules.
----- Original Message -----
> > "After leaving area A (not before) the robot may "locate" soda cans.
Soda
> > can recognition may be indicated by blinks, beeps, etc. Robots that
> > mistakenly locate cans will incur a negative "False recognition" score.
The
> > robot must be within approximately 1' of a can to locate it. This
proximity
> > is required for the judges to distinguish correct can location versus
false
> > recognition."
>
> Note the distinction between the words "may" on the one hand, and
> "must" or "shall" on the other. As I read this, there is no requirement
> for a robot to indicate it has located a can, or even for it to attempt
> to locate a can, other than by retrieving it. In fact, it might be
> detrimental for a robot to attempt to signal location, as the only
> possible benefit occurs when a can is located, but not retrieved (one
> gets some points), but there is a definite penalty for a false
> recognition.
>
> > But in the next paragraph it also says:
> >
> > "Cans that are retrieved are automatically counted as being correctly
> > located."
>
> It seems to me that this specifically addresses the issue of robots
> which do not signal location except via retrieval.
>
> In fact, one possible plan for a robot to succeed under these rules is
> for it to have telescopic, or jointed arms, and a narrow profile, with
> a "cow catcher" or other plow like device on the front. It moves a
> predetermined distance, hopefully beyond all cans, and then extends the
> arms, which form a V, and returns hoping to scoop up cans. IOW, the
> robot, with the front on the right, looks like this on the way out
>
> |>
>
> and with the front on the left like this on the way back
>
> \
> ><|
> /
>
> The robot could make several sweeps of the area.
>
> > That is why I asked the group for clarification on the rule. When I am
> > judging, I want to make sure my understanding of the rules is the same
as
> > everyone else's. I would be happy if, for future contests, that line
were
> > deleted from the rules. I do not think scoopers should get location
points.
> > Only locating and indicating that you have located a can should get
those
> > points. Locating and retrieving are two separate things and should be
kept
> > separate. At least that is my opinion. I also would understand the
rules
> > that you do not have to retrieve a can to get the locating points.
More information about the DPRG mailing list
|
