Smart Foosball is Keeping Score
--
In preparation to a major software development conference, we thought it would be fun to create an automated Foosball Scoreboard using an Android tablet and Arduino. Here’s how we made it happen!
Elevating the Foosball Experience
For game score display we used an Android tablet with the installed scoreboard application to replace LED indicators on the breadboards. Branded with the Handsome logo, the app designed for tablet use is connected with Arduino by means of a USB cable. This considerably simplified the operating logic of the Arduino board and reduced the number of required hardwired connections. Currently the Arduino is responsible only for detecting a) a goal scored and b) the gate in which it was scored. After a goal is detected the Arduino sends this data to Android tablet. Below is a schematic of the setup:
Results
The upgraded scoring feature uses an Android tablet running the installed scoreboard application to replace the existing LED indicators on the breadboards. The simplified Arduino data transmission via a serial port is represented here:
Feel free to check out the source code via Github:
Our scoreboard was upgraded to an Android tablet from the old LED indicators.
More
All remaining domain logic is carried out in the Android app.
To top off the user experience, new foosball sticks, balls, and a crisp, Handsome field decal set the stage for the branded display of the automated scoring system. Finishing touches include a clear support stand for the tablet scoreboard and matte black gate planks for that clean “Handsome” aesthetic that we’re known for.
Future Foosball Enhancements
This configuration sets us up nicely for future projects. Some of our ideas include: adding multimedia features and processing of user statistics for server connectivity and use. Can’t wait to see what else we can make as the technology supporting IoT continues to progress.
