Using PiScout

This page will describe the typical workflow when using the PiScout system.

Accessing the local web server

To connect to the local server, enter the address into the web browser: http://127.0.0.1:8000

After the schedule is published (optional)

• Opening the matches page on the local server with an internet connection after the schedule is published online will allow the system to grab the match schedule. The system will store this schedule locally so it can be used offline.

Collecting Data

• Scouts collect data by bubbling in boxes on the printed paper forms. Our team has often found it helpful to have one person pre-populate the match and team numbers on the forms after the match schedule is published.
  • Small notes or markings anywhere other than the boxes (and not too close to the reference squares in the corners) should not affect processing and may be helpful to note team/match or capture brief notes to enter into the system.
• Depending on how far it is from the stands to the pits, how much you value the data being updated quickly (this may change as the tournament progresses), etc., you can collect the sheets to be scanned as frequently as every 3 matches, or more sporadically (every 9,12, etc.)
• Load the sheets into the scanner and scan them into the computer. Ideally they will be scanned directly into the Sheets directory (or you have modified the code to point at the location they will import to), but alternately you can copy them into the appropriate folder after they scan in. The files must be in either .jpg or .png format.
• The program will automatically detect new files in the Sheets folder and begin processing. For each match on the sheet, the program will launch a GUI which indicates (with blue boxes), the detected boxes. If you see any errors, you can select the appropriate button to correct the data, otherwise you can choose to save the data offline or to publish it to the web (will also submit it offline).
  • If you need to edit the data, the program will launch a copy of Notepad with the data open. After editing, simply save and close the file and the updated data will be used.

Uploading Data to a Remote Server

All data is saved to the database on the local machine. If you are using a remote server, there are a few options for uploading the data to it.

• If you have a constant internet connection, you can select to upload data after each match.
• If you have a sporadic internet connection (phone or non-wifi "hotspot" tethering), you can connect before submitting the last match in a batch and then select to upload data. All of the data from any matches submitted offline will be uploaded.
• If you wish to submit data without processing a new sheet, you can use the Upload.py file to upload all matches from the queue.

Using the data

As mentioned above, all data is always available on the local server. This data can be accessed from the computer running the server.

• Note: Clicking the match number from the matches page, or entering the team numbers on the Alliance compare page will bring up an Alliance compare screen. This page is designed to print on a single page to be used by strategists/coaches.

If you are syncing data online, you can access it with a mobile device. Many of the pages have been optimized for mobile viewing.