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Hardware Competition Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Would the use of mutiple fixed paddles accross the table violate the fundamental rule?
A: Please keep in mind that a robot that changes the basic nature of Pong will be disqualified.
If you remember, in Pong a paddle moves back and forth to intercept and return the ball. A robot
containing a set of paddles covering the width of the paddle zone that simply activates the appropriate
paddle to intercept is not in keeping with the move-intercept-return scheme of Pong and will not be
allowed to compete.
Q: Are graduate students eligible to participate in the competitions?
A: The competition is intended for undergraduate students. Those students might
be advised by graduate students, but the work should be primarily that of the undergraduates.
Q: What are some things that you are thinking would change the basic nature of the game
and cause disqualification?
A: Anything that does not comply with the original version of Pong will be considered
grounds for disqualification. One example would be holding the ball.
Q: How high will the intercepting surface be permitted to be?
A: The height of the intercepting surface has no boundaries other than the physical
boundaries of the ceiling.
Q: In the rules, the only size stipulations are that it can't enter the playing field and
cannot extend outside of the end zone. Technically then, a team could build a robot that occupied
the entire space of the end zone. Amiel also said that if the ball hit part of the robot other than
the paddle incidentally, then that's ok. So, what's to keep a team from building a robot that occupies
the entire end zone thus keeping the ball from entering any of the scoring bins?
A: Refer to Rule 2.3.5 in the Hardware Competition Rules.
Q: The instance may arise where two robots play each other, each very good at returning straight
across the table but neither able to return in any direction other than forward. This could lead to the
two robots simply hitting back and forth until their batteries are dead. What can be done to prohibit that?
A: There will be a time limit of 5 minutes on each match. If two robots were to get into a straight
shooting contest, then when the time was up, they would have to stop. In the case of a tie, refer to
rule 2.5.2 in the Hardware Competition rules.
Q: My question concerns how we are allowed to mount the rail so that the carriage (which will be <= 8"
in width) may move freely over the entire length of the end zone. We are still in the very early stages of
our design of course, but one of the earliest decisions we must make is "how do we suspend the rail(s)."
We would like to attach them (temporarily and non-destructively of course) to the vertical sides of the end
zone. This could be done via padded "C" clamps or other similar devices.... Would this be allowed? If not,
what would be permitted that would allow us to use this design?
A: Yes, the rail system would be allowed. You are allowed to support the rail however you want as long
as it doesn't damage the table or violate any of the rules (entering the playing field, and so forth).
Q: I noticed in the latest rules revision that there is a 3' depth boundary added. Has there also been a
width boundary added? Will teams have the freedom to place "robot" outside the 4' end zone outside the arena on
the sides?
A: Yes, there will be a boundary around the table that the robot will not be able to cross. Look on the
website under the Hardware Competition rules for a picture.
Q: I don't remember seeing the "ball must be rolling by halfway across the ramp" rule in the revision...
I could very well be missing it, but has this been taken out?
A: The rule about "the ball must be rolling” has been eliminated because it has been accounted for in the
"fundamental" rule. Pay close attention to this rule.
Q: We are having problems figuring out how we are going to convert an NTSC signal to an x, y position for
the robot; can you help us, or tell us where we can find info on how to do this?
A: We can't really tell you exactly how to do this, but we can try and help you out as much as possible.
Look on the website under camera calibration and read through how to calibrate the camera carefully. Also, look
on the NTSC website that we gave the link to in the hardware rules. This should give you some idea of where to start.
Q: Is there going to be a regulation on the battery size, type, etc?
A: No, there will not be a regulation on the size or type of the battery. However, the amount of AC current
allowed is limited to that available from a standard wall socket.
Q: I was wondering if the ball does not make it over the center line for some reason are you allowed to volley
the ball a second time to get it over?
A: If the ball does not make it over the centerline and the robot manages to intercept the ball once it rolls
back down the robot will have two more attempts to serve or return the volley.
Q: It states in the rules that the "footprint" of the robot must be 8" wide by 10" deep. Does this mean that
the robot must be free standing over this area? Can the robot have supports outside of this area? Can the 8" by 10"
area only contain the paddle and the robot has "legs" elsewhere to hold it up (as long as it doesn't obstruct the
ball and doesn't extend over the playing field)?
A: The robot can have supports outside of the robot area. However, the robot may not extend outside 3’ around
the robot area. A visual representation of this is available in the rules.
Q: What are the specs of the camera and led (part number, brand, wave length, etc)?
A: The camera is Ever Focus model #ET100AE with the following options: -6.0 mm fixed lens (FL????/CS)
-mounting kit (BA01) -24 volt power supply.
The camera can be ordered from Global Technologies.
You can contact J.C. at 1-800-624-8011 ext. 104 to order.
Q: Can a robot use compressed air tanks?
A: Yes, you can use a compressed air device for a reserve tank if you would like. We will however put a
limit on the psi to 100 psi. You will need to have it certified and we will require a safety valve on it.
Q: Have I understood the rules correctly, the robot can exist outside the base?
A: Yes, you are allowed to have a robot outside of the robot area. It cannot however extend outside 3'
around the outside end of the table. Look at the diagram in the rules for a visual.
Q: What are the dimensions of the paddle zone?
A: The paddle zone dimensions are 3'9" lengthwise and 10" in width. The paddle, however, cannot occupy
any more than 8" of that space at any given time.
Q: During game play when the ball is served from the chute each time, is it served towards the middle of
the playing field or is it randomly placed? (with serves alternating sides each time)
A: During game play when the ball is served from the chute each time, it is served towards the middle of
the playing field (with serves alternating sides each time). We have incorporated the chutes into the design of
our camera tower.
Q: Are there any penalties/loss of points for returning the ball too fast (if it bypasses the scoring bin)?
A: The only penalty for returning the ball too fast and it bypassing the bin will be that that ball will not
be counted as a score for you. If the ball goes off the table, it is considered a dead ball. It doesn't really
penalize you; it just gives you less of an opportunity to score the most points.
Q: In Rule #3 of the section "Robot Specifications" it is stated that no portion of the robot may extend
into the scoring bin. Can any portion of the robot (such as power ground, and control wires) be positioned over
the scoring bin (for example, using a rigid wire harness) that didn't interfere with the competition? And if so,
what are the distance parameters that an object may exist over the scoring bin?
A: The robot may be positioned over the scoring bins as long as it is 2" above the bottom of the robot area.
It should not be able to interfere with the competition at all. The robot may be the full length of the scoring bins.
Q: If the robot uses AC power, will an extension cord that reaches past the three foot distance parameter
from the track be unacceptable? Will AC outlets be provided within the three foot parameter?
A: We will have power strips located on each end of the table, so extension cords will not be necessary for
your use.
Q: In the section of the rules entitled, "Table Description and Construction Information" it states that
the base for the track is optional. Will the base be used on the competition track, or any of the practice tracks?
A: We have decided to make the base mandatory so that it won't confuse anyone. The base will be used on the
practice tables and the competition table.
Q: Would it be legal for our robot to slow the ball down after it leaves our opponent's robot?
A: No, this would violate the fundamental rule.
Q: Is it allowed to obtain external funding from sources and somehow display
any kind of advertisement that they might want displayed such as a sticker or something?
A: It is not allowed to display any kind of advertisement other than the IEEE logo on your robots.
This is actually a region 3 rule, not a rule that we made. Sorry :(
Q: Are there any restrictions on or against any part of a robot being suspended above the paddle zone,
and if so what are they?
A: Yes, there are some restrictions against the robot being suspended. As long as the robot does not cross
over into the playing field and doesn't extend 3' past the sides and back of the robot area and bins, you are ok.
Refer to rules 2.3.7, 2.3.8, 2.3.9 and check out the diagram in rule 2.3.9 for further explanation.
Q: I tried ordering the A/V distribution amp from Radio Shack and was informed that it is a discontinued product.
Is this the amplifier still being used????
A: The amplifier issue has been resolved. If you have already purchased the Radio Shack amplifier you do not
need to purchase the new part. The Radio Shack amplifier is the exact same part as the replacement. The replacement
part is: AntennaCraft part No. 10G203, purchasing details can be found on their website.
Q: How soon must the ball be ejected after it is captured? May the ball go through some mechanisms that cause
it to be ejected 1, 2, 5 seconds after its capture?
A: There is no specific time limit on how long you hold the ball as long as we (the judges) can tell that it is
going through some kind of process and it is not breaking the Fundamental Rule (i.e. changing the essence of Pong).
For example, if you were to sit there and hold the ball and keep it continuously spinning, purposefully holding the ball
for an extended amount of time, the team will be disqualified. So, yes, your robot can go through some mechanisms that
would cause the ball to be ejected a few seconds later.
Q: Is there any penalty or height limit for intentionally causing the ball to bounce?
A: The penalty for intentionally causing the ball to bounce would be disqualification because you would be
violating the “fundamental rule” of pong. There is no set height limit, because of course there will be some hit backs
where the ball bounces a little, but it's at the judges’ discretion what is too high.
Q: Will there be any other scoring opportunities? (i.e. Design, Originality, Appearance)
A: Due to the ambiguity of judging for appearance, originality, etc there will be no additional points awarded.
Q: Can changes be made to the robot between rounds?
A: There is not a rule that denies you from changing the paddle between rounds. However, keep in mind that the
robot will be inspected prior to each round for rules compliance and there may only be a limited amount of time between
rounds. The time between rounds has not been decided yet because it is highly dependent on the number of teams that
register for the competition.
Q: If a battery is used, is there a maximum limit to the size?
A: There is no maximum limit to the battery size should you choose to use a battery to power your robot.
Q: Is there any rule that prohibits the use of a PC or laptop to control the robot (of course taking for granted
that the control will be autonomous (i.e. no human intervention)?
A: There is no rule that prohibits the use of a PC or a laptop to control the robot.
Q: Does the use of lasers break rule 2.3.10.2?
A: No this does not break Rule 2.3.10.2 as long as the following is true: The laser is a Class II type laser
or less and is properly shielded to prevent the laser from pointing into the crowd or at the opponent’s robot.
Q: What happens if a team builds a robot that falls apart as soon as the opponent's ball
hits it (i.e. trying to get the other robot disqualified for damage)?
A: Robots should be designed to withstand the impact of the ball at speeds up to 3 m/s. If
a robot is intentionally designed to break, then it is not only violating the fundamental rule, but
such a dishonorable act can only be punished by mocking, shunning, caning, or excommunication (at the
judges' discretion).
Q: What happens if a team builds a robot that slams into the side wall and messes up the signal?
A: Please see Rule 2.3.10, if a robot throws off the calibration it will be disqualified.
Q: What's to keep a team from building a robot that occupies
the entire endzone and blocks the scoring bins?
How high will
the intercepting surface be permitted to be?
A: Please see section 2.3.5 of the rules for robot specs.
Q: Can a team can implement a foosball-air-rifle type device? =)
(as long as ball didn't leave playing area, camera isn't damaged, etc...)
A: Yes, as long as all rules are followed.
Q: How strict will the rules be concerning returning the ball?
Do I have to smack the ball, or can I capture it and return it?
A: This choice will be a design issue. If you choose to capture and
return, please return as soon as possible and don't try to hold it,
otherwise we'll have to throw it out as not in keeping with the
fundamental rule.
Q: Are there any stipulations on when/how much the foosball must
be in contact with the inclined surfaces?
A: We removed the stipulations regarding where the ball must be in
contact with the table because it would be too hard to enforce objectively
(and we don't need to be accused of being biased). But, any robot that
lobs the ball instead of hitting/shooting back and forth isn't keeping
with the fundamental rule.
Q: Will there be a wall on the front of the scoring area behind
the robot and paddle and how high will it be?
A: There will not be a wall. This is to discourage hitting too
fast. At acceptable speeds, the ball will land in the bins instead of off
the table.
Q: How hard can my robot hit the ball without making the ball go
off of the table?
A: That is something you'll have to calculate from the dimensions
of the table. With the new table, it should not be difficult to hit it
across.
Q: Why did you guys put an angle on the table?
A: To add an additional challenge, and to ensure that the ball
doesn’t get stuck in the middle somewhere (and to send it flying out of the arena
if it's going way too fast.
Q: How did you decide on the angle?
A: It was based on the power necessary to hit it over and
simplicity of construction.
Q: Do I have to use the camera?
Can I use another means of detecting
the ball’s coordinates/position?
A: Yes, you do have to use the camera but you may use other means of
detection, as long as it complies with the Competition Rules.
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