How does an autoscoring system for darts work?

Short answer: An autoscoring system automatically registers dart scores using cameras and AI software. The cameras film the board from the side or from above, the software calculates within a second where each dart lands and sends the score to an app. The three most popular systems are the Scolia Home 2, Target Omni Scoring System and Autodarts Vantage Scoring System.

Manually keeping score in darts interrupts the game and leads to mistakes. An autoscoring system takes over the counting. Three brands share nearly the entire market: Scolia, Target and Autodarts. All three use cameras and AI but differ in price, software, requirements and subscription costs.

This article explains how the technology works, what the differences between the three systems are and which system suits which type of player.

What is an autoscoring system exactly?

An autoscoring system is a hardware-software combination that automatically detects dart throws and calculates the score. The hardware consists of cameras mounted around or above the dartboard. The software runs on an app or computer and uses computer vision to determine the exact landing position of each dart.

The system replaces manual scoring or typing scores into a chalkboard. Per throw, it is immediately clear where the dart landed, how many points it scored and what the remaining total is. Bounce-outs are registered as 0.

How does the technology behind autoscoring work?

Three technical layers work together to turn a throw into a score:

•        Cameras. Two to four HD cameras film the board from different angles. More cameras mean more precise position detection, especially for darts that land close together.

•        AI detection. Computer vision software compares consecutive frames and detects the exact coordinates where a new dart hits the board. The software translates those coordinates into a segment on the board and corresponding score.

•        App connection. The score is sent over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to an app on phone, tablet or PC. The app tracks match scores, gives checkout suggestions and stores statistics.

Detection happens in near real-time. Target Omni reports a measurement within 0.1 seconds. Autodarts Vantage and Scolia work at comparable speeds. All three systems claim 99%+ accuracy under normal conditions.

Which autoscoring systems does Dartshopper sell?

Dartshopper carries three brands in this category: Scolia, Target Omni and Autodarts. Below are the main models per brand with target audience.

Which autoscoring system suits me?

Choose the Autodarts Vantage Scoring System if budget and open software are important. The software is free, runs on Windows, Mac, Linux or Raspberry Pi, and there is no subscription. Choose the Target Omni Scoring System for a clean setup and the DartCounter app, with the note that DartCounter Premium becomes a paid subscription after 3 free months. Choose the Scolia Home 2 or the variant with lighting for the most extensive training features, automatic calibration and the largest online lobby; this is the oldest and most mature platform of the three.

Which dartboard do I need for autoscoring?

All three systems require a standard steel-tip dartboard with traditional dimensions and a metal number ring. Soft-tip boards and electronic boards do not work.

Scolia Home 2 supports standard boards plus specifically the Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core and Unicorn Eclipse Pro. Dark points, barrels or shafts can disrupt detection on all camera systems.

Autodarts Vantage is specifically compatible with the Winmau Plasma LED ring. Dartshopper also sells the Autodarts Vantage + Winmau Plasma as a bundle.

Is an autoscoring system hard to install?

No. Target Omni clicks onto a standard dartboard with four magnetic feet and connects via Wi-Fi. Scolia uses a similar mounting system around the board. Autodarts Vantage replaces the feet of a Winmau Plasma LED ring with camera mounts.

All three systems run on mains power through an adapter. An installation including app pairing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Are there subscription costs with an autoscoring system?

This differs per system. Autodarts is fully free: no subscription, no hidden costs. Scolia works with its own platform without a mandatory subscription for core functionality. Target Omni uses the DartCounter app, where after a free trial of three months a Premium subscription is required for the full feature set.

Frequently asked questions about autoscoring

How accurate is an autoscoring system?

Target Omni claims 99.7% accuracy, Autodarts Vantage 99% and Scolia operates at comparable figures. In practice, that means three to ten misdetections per thousand throws. Misdetections occur most often with darts that land extremely close together (tight groupings).

Can I play 501, cricket and other standard games normally?

Yes. All three systems support 501, 301, cricket and other standard formats. They also offer training modes, online matches and statistics such as 3-dart average, highest finish and number of 180s.

Do I need internet for an autoscoring system?

Wi-Fi is needed to pair the hardware with the app and to play online against other players. Local scoring works without internet on some systems, but most features (cloud statistics, online matches) require a connection.

Does autoscoring work with soft-tip darts or an electronic board?

No. Scolia, Target Omni and Autodarts Vantage are designed for standard steel-tip sisal dartboards. Soft-tip systems register scores via their own electronic board — that is a different technology.