Raspberry Pi is surely one of the great solutions that computing has left us in the last decade. A platform that reduces to the minimum expression any hardware project that we have in hand and that does not need the unleashed power of a next-generation computer . Moreover, thanks to its existence we have been able to enjoy that “Mini” revolution of NES, Super Nintendo, Commodore 64, Neo Geo and the most recent Amiga 500.
A smart target?
Now, the uses of these Raspberry Pi can be much more than a simple emulation system for old consoles and computers, and a good example is the one we bring you today, since it was on Reddit where we have been able to see how they are used a certain Phil Harlow when it comes to finding the most advanced way to play darts ever. Those who are religion in UK pubs.
These targets (let’s call them analog) are not very precise and with few exceptions, they do not keep track of each player’s points very accurately and, of course, it is almost impossible to ask them to vary the game system to adapt it to other more complex modalities. Well, with this invention all those problems are over because the prototype it has developed is capable of behaving practically like a video game.
To begin with, because every time a dart is hit on it, the portion where it has hit lights up and saves the score for the player who is currently in possession of the game’s turn. But in addition, the program that manages everything gives indications of what the next turn is and who should start shooting, the rules and practically any data that gives emotion to the game.
Everything, absolutely everything, is controlled by the Raspberry Pi, which not only keeps track of each game but also offers a touch interface for tablets (for example) that allows us to start games with different variants, which makes it easier for the same target to have new and ever more imaginative forms of entertainment without having to change the whole set. By adding new parts to the program that manages the whole, we can already enjoy any idea that the programmer has come up with.
A dartboard with many lights (LED)
In the Reddit post, its author confesses how he has been building it and that perfect finish has its explanation: he acquired a real dartboard and, from it, he introduced all the improvements that the system needed. Like the matrix of LED lights that is located in the back and that already came as standard, and to which he only had to connect an Arduino to control it. A second element is the one that is in charge of connecting to the Raspberry Pi and setting the rules of the game and giving the whole meaning to the whole. Specifically, which part of the dartboard has been hit by the dart, which causes it to light up to show it to all players and, later, apply the rules written in the program that governs the Raspberry Pi.
It seems finished although it is in the development phase, so we will see if a completely viable and functional model is born from here soon that we can take to our mouths. At the moment things are looking very good and it would not be a bad idea to have one of these smart targets in that bar that we frequent so much to shoot some darts. Do not?
