Scout:  How It Works

1: Six Scouts are used to track the actions of the six robots on the FIRST playing field during each match.

2: At any time during the competition (between matches) data can be uploaded from each Scout to a PC by connecting the Scout to a PIC programmer.  With a USB PIC programmer, each upload takes less than 2 seconds.

3: Once uploaded, the data is saved and manipulated by pre-programmed macros.  With the press of a button, the user has access to match-by-match performance data, offensive and defensive rankings, and alliance comparisons.  The team can use this data to select alliance members and effectively develop strategies for upcoming matches.  

Click to view larger image

Click to view larger image

Parametrics Recorded:

The following parameters were tracked in the 2008 FIRST Robotics Competition, Overdrive:

Team # 

Match # 

Alliance

Autonomous period stats:

   # of lines crossed

   # of balls removed

   # of balls over overpass

   # of balls under overpass

   Idle

Tele-operated period stats:  

   # of laps

   # of balls removed

   # of balls over overpass

   # of balls under overpass

   # of balls placed on overpass

   # of defensive maneuvers

   Idle

End Game stats:

   # of balls on overpass

The following parameters were tracked in the 2007 FIRST Robotics Competition, Rack n' Roll:

Team # 

Match # 

Alliance

Autonomous period stats:

   Defensive

   Idle

   Attempted to Score

   Scored

Tele-operated period stats:  

   # of tubes scored on high rack

   # of tubes scored on middle rack

   # of tubes scored on low rack

   # of defensive maneuvers

   # of tubes removed

End Game stats:

   Deployed 12" ramp

   Deployed 2nd 12" ramp

   Deployed 4" ramp

   Deployed 2nd 4" ramp

   Off the ground 12"

   Off the ground 4"

   Defended or scored

   Idle

Scout Operation:

• During competition, matches may only be accessed in a sequential fashion so that saved match data is not compromised.

• In the event that a mistake is made during data entry, an operator may use the Back button to access and edit current match data on prior screens.

• Archived match data can be viewed and edited on the Scout.  Edit mode is password protected.

• Confirm Match Save waits for operator acknowledgement so that the current match data may be reviewed before it is recorded.

• Scout automatically increments and displays match number with each match to avoid any confusion.

• Every year, new Scout firmware and PC analysis software will be available six weeks after the annual FIRST Robotics kick-off event.

Advantages:

• No more cutting and pasting into spreadsheets under pressure -- one more source of error eliminated.

• Provide up-to-the match sortable stats before your qualifying matches.  

• Have complete and accurate offensive and defensive team lists ready in time for Saturday alliance selections.

• View and manipulate Scout data in Scout Command Center software, Excel data files, or in your own analysis routines and graphs.

• Scout is quick, fun, and useful, letting teammates play the game from the stands as supplemental human players.

Disclaimers:

• The presumption that six Scout units are needed is based on the structure of FIRST Robotics Challenges in previous years.  In 2009, the scenario may be different, but the model with two alliances of three is presented here.

• As with any system that involves human data entry, the data is only as accurate as the humans entering it.

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