Project Overview

This project addresses the challenge of managing tagged components efficiently using BLE and NFC technologies. The issue arose as a club I was managing had an issue of tracking small electronics (Transistors, resistors, etc.)

The solution links an ESP32 microcontroller with a mobile app, allowing BLE-based scanning and database-driven component identification.

Solution Approach

Scanning and Communication:

The Android app scans for nearby BLE devices and establishes communication with the ESP32. The ESP32 retrieves NFC-tagged data from components.

Database Integration:

The system checks Firebase for existing component records. If found, the app displays detailed information. Otherwise, it opens a fragment to add the new component.

Dynamic UI Updates:

Fragments and dialogs dynamically respond to database queries, ensuring a smooth user experience.

Hardware

The hardware design has three parts: the block diagram, hardware schematics, and PCB design. The block diagram shows how components connect and what they do. The hardware schematics explain the wiring and extra parts needed to make it work. The PCB design maps out where the parts go and how they connect physically.

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Reflections on the project

Scarce Documentation

Working with BLE in Java presented a major challenge—scarce documentation. Most resources and support have shifted to Kotlin, leaving Java developers with limited guidance. Since we had already started the project in Java, switching was not an option. So what do you do with scarce documentation?.

The Importance of Rhythm

This project taught me the value of maintaining a consistent work rhythm. My usual approach involves bursts of energy followed by long pauses. This is okay on one man or 2 man projects but it does not scale. Given 2 people, For the project to move along, I quickly realized that consistent, incremental work leads to better outcomes and less burnout. For that our team had a more frequent status meeting.

Contributors

• Gabriel Dube,
• Karim Sleiman,
• Bachar Alshabab,
• Shami Ivan Senga
• Charisse Flores,