Week 6 - Blueprints to Life: 3D Printing & System Design for iCue

This week’s session by Sir Roshan focused on UML diagrams and their role in software and system design. We explored how Use Case Diagrams help define the core functionalities of a system, identifying primary and secondary actors and their interactions.

By mapping out these relationships, Use Case Diagrams serve as a visual blueprint, making it easier to communicate how a system works. Additionally, we discussed the importance of refining these diagrams iteratively to ensure they align with user needs and system goals. Moreover, we discussed about the other UML diagrams as well and how each of them can fit and convey information about different projects.

For iCue, I developed a detailed Use Case Diagram, outlining how the ESP32 with MPU-6050, the mobile application, and the machine learning model interact to capture cue stick motion, analyze shots, and provide training recommendations to the user. This diagram plays a crucial role in ensuring a clear system architecture, guiding the next development phases.

iCue Use Case Diagram

I also designed a detailed Activity Diagram that illustrates the step-by-step flow of interactions between the ESP32 with MPU-6050, the mobile application, and the machine learning model. The diagram outlines how shot data is captured, processed, and analyzed, leading to real-time feedback and training recommendations for the user. This structured visualization helps in refining the system workflow, ensuring smooth integration between hardware and software components, and guiding the next stages of development.

iCue Activity Diagram

Tabtakir: A Celebration of Innovation & Entrepreneurship

During our lab session, we attended Tabtakir, an event celebrating UAE Innovation Month. The event featured two incredibly insightful speaker sessions:

🎤 "Entrepreneurial Mindset and Resilience" by Dr. Ilham – A powerful session on how resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving are key to succeeding in entrepreneurship.

🎤 Yasmine’s Story with SoFreeOrganics – Yasmine shared how she built a successful business from the ground up without prior entrepreneurial experience, balancing it with being a full-time mother. Her journey was truly inspiring, showcasing how passion and determination can turn an idea into reality.

These sessions deeply resonated with me, especially as I continue developing iCue. The entrepreneurial mindset is essential not just for starting a business but also for innovation in tech projects. Yasmine’s story reinforced the idea that with the right vision, dedication, and problem-solving approach, any project can evolve into something impactful—a philosophy I aim to apply as I work on iCue.

Another highlight of Tabtakir was seeing the projects of my fellow juniors showcased at the event. As their Student Learning Assistant (SLA), I had the privilege of guiding them throughout their development stages, and it was amazing to witness their hard work being recognized. Seeing them present their innovations with confidence was truly rewarding.

Project Progress: 3D Printing & System Integration

This week, I made significant progress on iCue’s hardware development:

• Designed & 3D-printed the device mount using the RoboTechX lab’s 3D printer.

• Added a protective layer to prevent damage to the cue stick from the plastic mount.

• Successfully attached the mount to the cue stick, ensuring stability and precision for motion tracking.

• Explored an alternative screw-based design for the mount, which could allow for easier adjustments and upgrades in the future.

With the physical framework now in place, my next steps will focus on:

• Capturing motion data only when a shot is detected, optimizing efficiency.

• Transmitting and storing all collected data in Firebase for further processing by the machine learning model.

Reflection & Looking Ahead

This week was very productive in terms of the project's technical advancements. Finalizing iCue’s hardware design, mapping out the system structure, and attending an event that celebrated innovation and resilience gave me fresh perspectives on my project’s future potential. The lessons from Tabrtakir reinforced the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning, all of which are key to developing iCue into a functional system.

Next week, my focus will be on optimizing data collection and transmission, refining how iCue detects shots and stores data in Firebase. With both the physical and software architecture progressing steadily, I’m excited for the next phase of development!