I don't think its fuzzy - Its pretty clear that the software called "EV3 Software" and everything included in that product from Lego is allowed, but get the underlying software packaged by someone else, add anything to the Lego software (like additional tool kits) not from Lego, etc. then you have something not made by lego and not allowed, even if its similar to Lego's software. 

From what I'm reading into Nari's question, the "lab view toolkit" just includes all the cool data logging capability? If so, then adding it to the base EV3 software would be silly since it would add no additional functionality and it'd make the tool illegal.

It makes the rule very easy to write and it makes it very easy for volunteer judges to understand and enforce (to the degree that they can tell the difference).

BTW- There are no rules whatsoever that address what you use during practice, only that what you bring to the tournament was entered into and produced by the official software. So you can use whatever video equipment, data logging tools, seismic sensors, speed radars, laser range finders, or whatever else you might have in your basement in any way you'd like during practice.


Brian
On Oct 7, 2013, at 8:27 PM, Anant Narayanan wrote:

> This illustrates how fuzzy the rule really has become.
> 
> The new EV3 software has a unified interface to functions (e.g. data logging) that were separate software silos in the previous generation (NXT etc.).
> 
> The implied and express prohibitions of the past (Labview) have (unintentionally?) been swept away by words "or EV3 software (any release)".
> 
> Data Logging is a great tool for understanding the sensors, e.g., plug in a gyro sensor, turn on data logging and watch the data on screen.  I recommend it to all teams.
> 
> Best,
> Nari Narayanan
> ______________________________________
> Sent by
> Anant Narayanan
> McLean Robotics Institute
> [log in to unmask]
> +1.202.421.3826
> via AT&T from a Samsung Galaxy S3
> ______________________________________
> 
> 
> 
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Chris Taylor <[log in to unmask]> 
> Date: 
> To: [log in to unmask] 
> Subject: Re: [VADCFLL-L] eV3 Firmware Upgrade 
> 
> 
> Sorry if I confused anyone by using its big boy name... The Lego Mindstorms software is a watered down version of labview as is evident by the logo in the bottom left corner of splash screen when it starts and in the about box. 
> 
> And this is why I don't help people... I'll go back to being silent. 
> 
> C
> 
> 
> On Oct 7, 2013, at 19:11, Bill Aucoin <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
>> LabVIEW?  Not allowed in FLL. 
>> 
>> Rule 4
>> 
>> SOFTWARE - The robot may only be programmed using LEGO MINDSTORMS, RoboLab, NXT-G, or EV3  software (any release).  No other software is allowed.  Patches, add-ons, and new versions of the allowable software from the manufacturers (LEGO and National Instruments) are allowed, but tool kits, including the LabVIEW tool kit, are not allowed.  This rule puts a cap on software-related unfairness, and put a cap on what we can reasonably ask tournament judges to become versed in - thanks for your understanding
>> 
>> 
>> Sent from my iPad
>> 
>> On Oct 7, 2013, at 6:45 PM, Chris Taylor <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>> 
>>> I was trying the firmware update from inside labview last night and it spawns browser to a page that redirects to a 404 error. 
>>> So, the "check now" button doesn't work. 
>>> 
>>> However, you can find the latest firmware (1.03h) in the support downloads section, then apply through labview with no problems. 
>>> 
>>> C
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On Oct 7, 2013, at 17:15, Jeff Lavezzo <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>> 
>>>> We found the gyro very non-intuitive. We found a slide show row a coaches call that showed how to use it with just a move block and not the turn block. I don't have all the details with me but I could send them to you later if you can't find it.
>>>> 
>>>> -Jeff
>>>> Coach: Beavers, Inc.
>>>> 
>>>> On Oct 6, 2013 8:38 PM, "FLL Mind Storm Guardian's" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>>> It is possible that the answer to my question is among the tremendous amount of data share in the spirit of collaboration among teams.   My team is in the process of programming the missions and the kids are having major difficulty using the gyro to make turns.   Turns expected to be 90 degrees stop at degrees approximately.   Any hints?
>>>>  
>>>> In addition, I am having no success at all getting the firmware upgraded.  When the brick connects quickly informs me to upgrade and provide directions and when I follow the link it takes me to YAHOO.
>>>>  
>>>> Carlos E
>>>> Coach FLL Team 8501
>>>> AKA - Mind Storm Guardians
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