Barrier with license plate reader

Smart system for security measures

info

Author: Mitran Andrei
GitHub Project Link: My Github Project

Description

A smart barrier system that uses a license plate reader to automatically allow or deny access to vehicles based on a list of authorized plates. The system uses a Raspberry pi pico 2W microcontroller, infrared sensor,a camera (511OVO), LEDs in order to check for input/output and a servo motor to manage the barrier mechanism.

Motivation

Traditional manual access control systems are slow and inefficient. By automating access with license plate recognition, the system offers faster and more secure access control for private parking lots, company gates etc.

Architecture

Components:

• Camera Module 511OVO (or OV7670) – captures image of license plate.
• Microcontroller (Raspberry Pi Pico 2W) – handles decision logic and controls the barrier.
• Infrared Sensor – used to detect vehicle (no bikes allowed >:[ )
• Servo Motor – opens/closes the barrier.
• LEDs - only used to display signal

Flow:

1. Vehicle approaches -> sensor detects -> camera captures image.
2. Image matrix sent to PC -> conversion from data to image format -> plate number extracted.
3. Number checked against authorized list.
4. If authorized -> servo lifts barrier + message shown on display (otherwise not approved)

Log

Week 5 - 11 May

• Project idea defined;
• Initial component list created;
• Started designing on Figma.

Week 12 - 18 May

• Simple barrier system that opens when sensor is set;
• Fn to allow/deny access also added.

Week 19 - 25 May

• Connected Camera to Pico. Image below:

Hardware

The Raspberry Pi Pico W 2 serves as the central microcontroller for the barrier system, running all the Rust-based software that coordinates the operation. It manages real-time interactions between the components and acts as the control hub of the project. An OV7670 camera is connected via I2C, allowing the system to capture live images for visual monitoring. A servomotor functions as a replacement for an irl barrier, controlled by the Pico W 2 to simulate opening and closing based on vehicle presence. Motion detection is handled by an IR sensor (infrared), which triggers the system when a car approaches. Although hardware integration was pretty challenging... the final assembly successfully combines sensing, control, and imaging into a functional prototype .

A photo of the finished setup is provided below:

Use of components in short:

• Raspberry Pi Pico 2W: Main microcontroller for running the logic.
• OV7670 (or 511OVO): For capturing license plate images.
• Servo Motor: To open/close the barrier.
• Infrared sensor: Detect car.
• Power Supply: Micro-usb.
• Basic breadboards, wires, LEDs & resistors: Usual use.

Schematics

Bill of Materials

Device	Usage	Price
Raspberry Pi Pico	Debugger	[34 RON]
Raspberry Pi Pico 2W	Microcontroller	36 RON
OV7671	Captures license plate images	[17 RON]
SG92r Servo Motor	Controls the barrier arm	[15 RON]
Senzor Infrarosu	Displays system status	[3 RON]