ZiBuddy

Logo
ZiBuddy team
ZiPlan

Inspiration

The idea for this app came from our love of trying out new tech stuff and daring to step beyond our comfort zones. We're the kind of people who get excited about the latest gadgets and are always up for a challenge. So, when we realized we could use GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth to help friends find each other in a pinch, we knew we had to give it a shot.

What it does

The Android mobile app ZiBuddy allows connection to the ZiPoint device via a Bluetooth connection and indicates the direction to any selected ZiPoint device within its coverage area. In the mobile app, all devices are pre-defined, and when they enter the coverage area, they become available for selection and the guiding process can start.

Maximum range is 100m between 2 ZiPoint devices, but they communicate and exchange data, so the range gets bigger with a greater network.

Can also be used:

for orientation competitions, to find participants that got lost
to find your pet
find your colleagues at conferences
by teachers, in school trips

Cost estimated at 10 EUR.

How we built it

we started with an idea, then made some experiments with the hardware and worked on catching the satellite signal
created a small system schema and continued with working on the communication part between the hardware and the Android mobile app
we integrated all of these and reached the final solution

Challenges we ran into

we had to optimize the code extensively to fit into the microcontroller's flash memory, and we had to condense the information heavily for optimal data transfer.
integrating the mobile application with the hardware was a challenge because it's a custom-made device, requiring us to establish a common language and interpret transmitted information accurately and quickly to maintain a smooth flow.
on the testing side, we had challenges with receiving GPS signal inside the building, so we had to go outside pretty often

Accomplishments that we're proud of

finding solutions to all the challenges
we defined the roles from the beginning and that proved to be very efficient
we had fun and we worked very well together despite the fact the some of us met for the first time yesterday

What we learned

Creating a tracking device using hardware modules taught us invaluable lessons in hardware integration, firmware development, sensor calibration and power management.

This project showed us how fun it can be to play around with new tech and turn problems into cool puzzles to solve. Working together as a team, we learned that different viewpoints can make things easier. We laughed off mistakes and cheered each other on, making our bond stronger and our drive to innovate even stronger.