ESP32-CAM License Plate Recognition (LPR) System | Summer 2025
Project Description
This project involved designing an embedded computer-vision system using a ESP32-CAM to capture vehicle images and perform license plate recognition (LPR). The system uses a button to trigger image capture. Once clicked, the image is processed and the identified text appear on the OLED display. This step leverages cloud based image processing to extract then return recognized license plate text. The final results are displayed both on the OLED screen and as an annotated image returned from remote processing.
System Overview / Hardware
ESP32-CAM used as the main embedded controller and camera module
ESP32's camera for still image capture
SSD1306 OLED display for system status and recognition feedback
Push-button trigger for controlled image capture
FTDI USB-to-UART adapter for power and programming
Inputs & Outputs
Inputs:
Push-button trigger (GPIO13) for image capture
Power input (5 V via FTDI USB-to-UART adapter)
Outputs:
OLED display (SSD1306, I²C) showing system status and recognized license plate text
Processed JPEG image returned from remote processing with license plate text overlaid
Serial Monitor output for debugging, calibration, and system verification
Image of Setup
Schematic
Code
Solution Methods
Fritzing used to create a schematic
Sketches performed in Onenote to stay organized
Serial monitor utilized for debugging, calibration, and system verification
Implemented button-controlled image capture to avoid continuous streaming
Incrementally tested hardware, communication, and display functionality during system integration
Results
Fully functional ESP32-CAM license plate recognition system
Reliable push-button controlled image capture operation
Successful transmission and retrieval of processed images from the license plate
Clear OLED display feedback for system status and recognition results