The Game Management System (GMS) facilitates running FRC events. It is described in http://pejaver.com/GMS/AppOverview.
FIRST has expressed interest in adopting GMS and is expecting MAR to pilot the system for the 2014 season. MAR has decided to pilot the system at 3 of the 6 regional events so that the performance can be compared against the old system.
The main functionalities that will be tested are:
1) Robot Inspection
2) Judging & Match Observer
3) Walkie-talkie communications (for the above functions)
4) Match Announcing
5) Match Queuing
Each functionality will be tested at 3 events. However, due to limited availability of equipment and the participation of key personnel, the tests may be spread out over more than 3 events; all functionalities may not be tested at any one event.
Additional functionalities that may not be tested fully include:
6) Practice Area Management
7) Walkie Talkie communications (for other staff)
There are two profiles for tablets; however, only one is specified at this time:
1) Judging/Inspection tablet
This tablet will be used for interviewing, inspecting and notes taking. A typical event will have about 15 Judges and 7 Robot Inspectors. Jalf the judges will need tablets. About 3 spare devices would be useful. We need 18 devices (8 + 7 + 3)
2) Field staff tablet
This tablet will be used mainly as a Walkie Talkie. A smaller, less expensive tablet will be suitable for this profile. It will be specified later.
Specification/Requirements (Judging/Inspection tablet)
- 7" to 10"
- Back camera (> 2MP) (Front camera optional)
- Resolution > 800 x 480
- Cell phone capability or plan not required
- Bluetooth optional (2.1 Hands free profile preferred)
- battery life > 7 hrs
- processor speed > 1.2 GHz
- storage > 4 Gb
- rootable (allows customized functions)
Available products:
|
Make |
Model |
Vendor / Specs |
Price |
Fit |
|
Google / Asus |
Nexus 7 2013, 16 GB, WiFi (not the 2012 version) |
BestBuy, ABT / +Android 4.3, 1.5GHz Quad +16Gb, +2Gb RAM +9Hrs +1920 x 1200 +Bluetooth +5MP Back cam |
$200 |
5/5 |
|
Lenovo |
IdeaTab A3000, 7” |
Lenovo.com, Amazon / +Android 4.2, + 1.2GHz Quad +17Gb, +1Gb RAM +7Hrs +1024 x 600 +Bluetooth +5MP Back cam |
$140 |
4/5 |
|
XELIO |
P717A-BK, 7", 4GB |
Walmart / +Price, OK for app - Out of stock - Android 4.1, 1GHz - 512MB, 4GB - 5 Hrs - 800 x 480 Unresponsive, -No Bluetooth -No back camera, |
$44 |
2/5 |
Used for transcribing notes (speech to text), Walkie-talkie, Voice on video notes. We will need about 25 headsets, preferably of varying kinds. Wireless Bluetooth headsets cost more and will be considered for future seasons.
Specification/Requirements
- 3.5 mm (aka 1/8 in.) jack (wired)
- control button on wire
- boom mike
- noise cancelling mike
|
Make |
Model |
Vendor / Specs |
Cost |
Fit |
|
Nakamichi |
NK850, NK780, … |
Walmart, eBay / |
~$10 |
3/5 |
|
Samsung |
EHS64AVFBE
|
eBay, Amazon |
$6.50 |
3/5 |
On the average, 3 WiFi Access Points will be required at each event. Depending on the layout of the event site, we will need an AP to cover the Arena, Pit Area, Judges’ room, and (optionally) the Cafeteria. Recommend purchasing 4 units.
Specification/Requirements
- DD-WRT capable
- 2.4 GHz WiFi G
- WAN + LAN Ethernet ports
|
Make |
Model |
Vendor / Specs |
Cost |
Fit |
|
Belkin |
N300 |
Amazon |
$50 |
5/5 |
The Judge Advisor, Lead Robot Inspector and Match Observer each need a laptop. One spare laptop would be nice. That is a total of 4. Used / refurbished units would be adequate.
Specification/Requirements
- Screen > 15”
- Windows 7
- Memory: > 2 GB RAM
- Storage: > 60 GB HD
- Ports: 802.3 Ethernet 10MB/s, 2X USB 2, Video out (HDMI preferred)
- WiFi 802.11 G adapter built in
|
Make |
Model |
Vendor / Specs |
Cost |
Fit |
|
Dell |
Latitude D830 |
Amazon / - 15.4” |
$240 |
4/5 |
|
Compaq |
Presario CQ50 |
eBay / - 15.4" |
$200 |
4/5 |
|
Dell |
Latitude D630 |
Amazon / - 14” |
$150 |
3/5 |
The Judge Advisor needs a projector to display the laptop screen to the judges during final discussion. The LRI could optionally use a projector to display the inspection status to teams. Alternatively, a large (>50”) TV can be borrowed for an event. The pilot needs a minimum of 1 unit.
Specification/Requirements
- Color
- AV input, USB, HDMI preferred
- LED lamp life of 20,000 hours;
- Brightness: 40 lumens
- Resolution: > 320 * 240; Contrast: 300:1
- Image size: > 60”
- Keystone image correction, focus control
- Screen: 4’ x 5’ (or use the wall)
|
Make |
Model |
Vendor / Specs |
Cost |
Fit |
|
Tbd |
|
|
|
|
|
Floureon |
Portable |
Amazon / Image size: 20-60” |
$80 |
3/5 |
A printer can be used to print out an Assignment for a Judge that is not using a tablet. It is also useful to print out the various reports for the LRI and JA. One printer can be shared between the Judge Advisor and the LRI, though 2 would be preferred.
Specification/Requirements
- Black & White (Monochrome laser) is fine
- Ink jet would be good too
- Speed > 10 pages per minute
|
Make |
Model |
Vendor / Specs |
Cost |
Fit |
|
tbd |
|
|
|
|
1. Ethernet cable (3 X 200 foot)
2. Replacement Projector bulbs
3. Tablet cases (for protection)
4. Printer paper
The following prices are ball park estimations useful only for initial discussions.
|
Item |
Units |
Cost/unit |
Item cost |
Life |
|
Judge/RI Tablet |
20 |
$200 |
$4,000 |
5 Yrs |
|
Judge/RI Headset |
20 |
$20 |
$400 |
1 Yr |
|
WiFi Router |
4 |
$50 |
$200 |
5 Yrs |
|
Laptop (for LRI, JA and MOs) |
4 |
$200 |
$800 |
3 Yrs |
|
Screen projector (for LRI, JA) |
2 |
$200 |
$400 |
3 Yrs |
|
Printer (for JA) |
2 |
$50 |
$100 |
1 Yr |
|
Misc |
- |
- |
$300 |
|
|
Total |
- |
- |
$6,200 |
|
VMS integration for volunteer data
A report of Judges and Robot Inspectors will be obtained from VMS about 4 days before the start of each event. This report will be up-loaded into GMS to define users. The following fields will be extracted and used:
· User’s email address, used as GMS UserID
· Full name
· Experience: Number of years with FIRST
· Availability on each day
· Team affiliations
WiFi network
The venue will be surveyed and a suitable WiFi network will be set up on the day preceding the event. Multiple Access Points may be needed. The signal strength will be checked verify that the network is accessible from all points. Unavoidable dead-zones will be noted and participants will be made aware of them. Note that the WiFi network will be restricted to volunteer staff users of GMS only.
Optional Internet access
If possible, the WiFi network will be connected to an Internet access. Note that Internet access is usually available at all events because FMS needs it to post scores and results. Though it is not essential, Internet access enables several useful functionalities in GMS.
Device setup
All devices will be set up and tested on the day prior to the event. This includes laptops, tablets, routers and screen projectors.
Laptops are used by the LRI, Judge Advisor and the Match Observers. Each laptop will be initialized with the latest software and database. Virus checks will be run to find any unauthorized surprises that may have been left behind by the previous event staff.
Tablets will be initialized with the latest software. GMS data on each tablet will be erased. Each tablet will be configured and secure connections will be tested.
Screen projectors will be set up and configured for each laptop. The functionality will be tested.
The printer will be set up and tested from both the JA and LRI stations.
Tablet Delivery & Recovery
Tablets will usually be delivered on the day of the event. There will be a sign-out procedure that holds the user responsible for negligent loss or damage to the tablet. The user’s password for the tablet will also be configured at this time.
Support during the Event
Things will go wrong. Besides Raj, there will be at least one more person at the event who can help resolve basic problems. Probably Navin.
One session will be held for training all Judge Advisors participating at all events in the pilot. We will go over all the setup required to form Judge Groups, Assign teams, Track progress, etc. Some strategies and “Best Practices” will be discussed. Ideally, this session should occur during the already scheduled MAR Judge Advisor training meeting run by David Greenley in Feb 2014. The training will last 1 hour, including a Q&A session.
Each JA will be given a copy of the software so that they can continue to practice at their own pace. However, this software may not be the final version that is used during the event.
The training will not go into details of the “system” aspects of GMS: like setting up the networks, initializing tablets, resetting user passwords, importing match schedules, making PitMaps, etc. These functions will be handled by someone else at the event.
Match Observers will be volunteers selected by the Judge Advisor. They should have some “scouting” experience. They will be trained on the morning of the day of the event during the Practice Session. There should be 2 at least Match Observers, 3 would allow them to have an occasional break. About 30 mins of training should be fine.
One session may be held for training all Lead Robot Inspectors and Inspection Managers participating at all events in the pilot. This will be conceptually similar to the JA training but will address Robot Inspection. However, the two other LRIs involved in the pilot have already seen the system, this session may be skipped.
Just as with JAs, software will be made available to LRIs and training will not go into “system” details.
Each Judge Advisor typically hosts a Judge “training” meeting prior to each event. There will be a brief Tablet Training session added to this meeting. Most GMS functionality can be explained to an experienced Android user in less than 15 minutes. Judges that are familiar with iPhones will need a little more time, say 30 mins, to get used to the way Android behaves. Judges that are not familiar with smart phones will be paired with someone that is more cognizant.
Judges will be given their tablets at this meeting. They will configure their password and will interact with the GMS server. They will also sign the paperwork (if so decided). It may be a good idea to let them take the tablet (and charger) home.
Tablets assigned to Judges are not interchangeable because they contain private notes specific to that Judge.
RIs are generally cool dudes. They can figure it out for themselves. Some limited training will be available on the day of the event, usually by other RIs that have already figured it out. J
Tablets assigned to RIs are interchangeable. They do not contain anything ‘secret’.
FTAs interested in learning about the system can be trained on request prior to the event. This could take as long as 2 hours.
Queue Managers should be trained prior to the event. It should take about 30 mins, including time for Q&A.
Match Announcers can be trained in 5 mins on the day of the event.
Many things can go wrong. Laptops or WiFi routers can get damaged or stolen.
Judging
Print all judge assignments ahead of time. Print all re-interview assignments and save them as a backup. Fall back to old ways. We will have paper flip charts available.
Inspection
Print status periodically to a PDF file. Use last set of status as the checklists to move forward without GMS.
The system will be piloted at 3 of the 6 regional events so that the performance can be compared against the remaining 3 events using the old system. The comparison will be difficult since none of the key participants (JAs & LRIs) will be involved in the pilot and the old system in this season. However, most of the pilot participants have used the old system in previous years and can use that experience as basis for comparisons.
All participants (JAs, Judges, LRIs RIs and IMs) in all 6 events will be asked to fill out questionnaires asking about their experiences while working at each event. There will be questions for both experienced participants and rookies. Experienced participants can compare the pilot with their previous events. Rookies will be asked questions that can gauge their effectiveness and satisfaction while performing their tasks. The questions will cover various tasks and subtasks for each role.
The questionnaires will be available for review by Jan 31, 2014.
· Need legalese for tablet check-out sheet.
· Access to Internet, in parallel with FMS, will be useful.
|
EC |
Chuck Divincenzo |
|
|
|
EC |
Dave Bodmer |
|
|
|
EC |
Eric Zygmont |
|
|
|
EC |
Frank Larkin |
pafwl@aol.com |
|
|
EC |
Herb Katz |
|
|
|
EC |
Monique Dituri |
|
|
|
EC |
Peter Randall |
|
|
|
VC |
Anne Larkin |
paanne0204@aol.com |
|
|
VC |
Cheryl Craft Glover |
ccg654@gmail.com |
|
|
VC |
Evelyn Lavin |
lavin6@optonline.net |
|
|
VC |
Kaitlyn Gardner |
kaitlynmariegardner@gmail.com |
|
|
VC |
Libby Kamen |
libby.kamen@gmail.com |
|
|
VC |
Maureen Weiss |
moboweiss@verizon.net |
|
|
VC |
Patty Hobin |
suntankid.hobin@gmail.com |
|
|
VC |
Peter Puzio |
ppuzio@comcast.net |
|
|
VC |
Tom Wexler |
tawexler@gmail.com |
|
|
JA |
Dave Greenley |
dgreenley@comcast.net |
|
|
JA |
David Bryan |
davidbryan@verizon.net |
|
|
JA |
Dina Lydick |
dlydick@its.jnj.com |
|
|
JA |
Julia Neusch |
jnuesch@gmail.com |
|
|
JA |
Priscilla Zawislak |
pszawislak@ashland.com |
|
|
JA |
Traci Gorky |
tgorky@its.jnj.com |
|
|
LRI |
Bill Tompkins |
btomp22@centurylink.net |
|
|
LRI |
Jim Jones |
pjjones12@comcast.net |
|
|
LRI |
John Eppley |
2eppleys@msn.com |
|
|
LRI |
Paul Stabile |
stabile007@gmail.com |
|
|
LRI |
Rajaram Pejaver |
raj@pejaver.com |
|
|
FTA |
Joe Troy |
jtroy@upperdarbysd.org |
|
|
FTA |
Josh Morris |
Joshuamorris92@gmail.com |
|
|
FTA |
Kevin Dieterle |
|
|
|
FTA |
Liz Smith |
|
|
|
FTA |
Mike Troy |
|
|
|
FTA |
Pete Kieselbach |
|
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|
|
|
|
Week |
Dates |
Location |
Judging: JA |
Robot Inspection: LRI |
Event Coordinator |
Volunteer Coordinator |
FTA |
|
1
2016 |
01-Mar-02-Mar-2014 |
Hatboro-Horsham High School, PA |
Dave Greenley |
Paul Stabile |
Eric Zygmont |
Cheryl Craft Glover |
Joe Troy + Mike Troy |
|
1 |
01-Mar-02-Mar-2014 |
Mt. Olive High School, Flanders, NJ |
Dina Lydick |
Bill Tompkin |
Dave Bodmer |
Evelyn Lavin |
Josh Morris + Kevin Dieterle |
|
3
2016 |
14-Mar-15-Mar-2014 |
Springside-Chestnut Hill Academy, Philadelphia, PA |
David Bryan |
John Eppley
|
Peter Randall (Pete) |
Tom Wexler |
Joe Troy |
|
3 |
15-Mar-16-Mar-2014 |
Clifton High School, NJ |
Julia Neusch
|
Bill Tompkin |
Monique Dituri |
Patty Hobin |
Josh Morris + Kevin Dieterle |
|
4 |
22-Mar-23-Mar-2014 |
Lenape-Seneca High School Tabernacle, NJ |
Priscilla Zawislak |
Jim Jones |
Chuck Divincenzo |
Peter Puzio & Kaitlyn Gardner |
Mike Troy |
|
5
Cincy |
29-Mar-30-Mar-2014 |
Bridgewater-Raritan High School, NJ |
Traci Gorky |
Rajaram Pejaver |
Herb Katz |
Libby Kamen |
Kevin Dieterle
|
|
7
2016 |
10-Apr-12-Apr-2014 |
Championship, Stabler Arena Bethlehem, PA |
Dave Greenley |
John Eppley
|
Frank Larkin |
Anne Larkin & Maureen Weiss |
Pete Kieselbach + Liz Smith |