Physical dice recognition vs Bluetooth dice.
Both approaches can bring a physical roll into an online game, but they solve the problem differently. The best choice depends on whether you value instant electronic detection or the freedom to keep using your existing dice collection.
| Consideration | Camera-recognized physical dice | Bluetooth electronic dice |
|---|---|---|
| Dice | Use ordinary compatible RPG dice | Requires specialized electronic dice |
| Power | No batteries in the dice | Dice require power or charging |
| Connection | Camera connects to the computer | Dice pair wirelessly |
| Personal collection | Designed to work with dice you already own | Limited to electronic dice purchased for the system |
| Setup | Camera, tray and lighting; Factory Baseline ready on day one, with optional personal training | Pairing and device/app setup |
| Recognition | Visual recognition can require review for difficult dice | Value is detected electronically by the die |
Why choose camera recognition?
The Factory Baseline provides a ready-to-use starting point and can later be replaced with a personal model trained for your own dice. The central advantage is choice. You can keep rolling dice selected for a character, collected over years, or simply preferred for their feel and appearance. Joe's Real Rolls handles recognition without putting electronics inside those dice.
Why choose electronic dice?
Electronic dice can offer straightforward value detection without a camera, though they require specialized powered hardware. Larger multi-dice rolls may require multiple electronic dice. Players who prioritize minimal visual setup may prefer that approach.
What Joe's Real Rolls is designed for
Joe's Real Rolls is for players who want compatible dice from their existing collection to remain part of online play, without batteries or electronics inside each die, while connecting accepted results to Foundry VTT and Roll20.
