Create an Automated Scoreboard that Senses Your Score with a Raspberry Pi

This project ingeniously transforms a mini basketball hoop into a connected scoreboard using a Raspberry Pi. The author details building a system that tracks shots made using an ultrasonic sensor and displays the score in real-time on a Raspberry Pi touchscreen. This isn't a rigid how-to, but rather an inspiring guide adaptable to various applications.

The core concept involves using a Raspberry Pi 3 B , an ultrasonic sensor, Node.js, and WebSockets. The ultrasonic sensor detects when a ball passes through the hoop, triggering a score update via WebSockets to a web-based scoreboard displayed on the Raspberry Pi's touchscreen. The author encourages readers to adapt the project for other uses, such as tracking office visitors or adapting it to different sports.

Key Components:

• Raspberry Pi 3 B (newer versions recommended)
• MicroSD card with NOOBS
• Mini basketball hoop (Spalding NBA Slam Jam used in the example)
• 7-inch Raspberry Pi touchscreen display
• Raspberry Pi touchscreen case
• HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Distance Measuring Sensor (a higher-quality sensor is suggested)

Software:

The project utilizes JavaScript, Node.js, and the pigpio library for GPIO control. The code, available on GitHub, manages the sensor readings, WebSocket communication, and score display.

Setup and Configuration:

The tutorial covers setting up the Raspberry Pi with Raspbian OS, assembling the touchscreen, and configuring the display orientation. It also details upgrading Node.js to a more recent version. Wiring the ultrasonic sensor to the Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins requires careful attention to voltage levels and the use of appropriate resistors.

The completed scoreboard with a customized Suns theme.

Code Overview:

The Node.js server handles sensor data acquisition, WebSocket communication, and score updates. The client-side JavaScript (running in the browser on the Raspberry Pi) receives these updates and displays the score. The provided code includes error handling and a mechanism to prevent double-counting of points.

Customization and Expansion:

The author highlights the project's adaptability. The scoreboard's appearance is easily customizable through CSS. Future enhancements could include adding features like a countdown timer, multiplayer support, or using a more accurate sensor for improved score tracking.

Troubleshooting and FAQs:

The article concludes with a comprehensive FAQ section addressing common issues like display customization, adapting the scoreboard for different sports, internet connectivity, outdoor use, troubleshooting, adding features, power supply, and alternative applications beyond sports scoring. The author also provides links to other relevant Raspberry Pi tutorials on SitePoint.

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