Project Report: Object Counter using ESP32-CAM and FTDI Module

1. Introduction

In industries, retail stores, and automation applications, counting objects is crucial for tracking inventory, optimizing processes, and ensuring accuracy. This project implements an Object Counter using ESP32-CAM, a low-cost Wi-Fi-enabled microcontroller with a camera module, to count objects using image processing.

2. Objectives

• Develop an automated object counter using ESP32-CAM.
• Use image processing techniques to detect and count objects.
• Display the counted objects on a web interface using ESP32’s built-in server.
• Interface the ESP32-CAM with an FTDI Module for programming and debugging.

3. Components Required

Component	Description
ESP32-CAM	Wi-Fi-enabled microcontroller with an OV2640 camera
FTDI Module	USB to TTL serial converter for programming ESP32-CAM
Power Supply	5V DC source
Infrared (IR) LEDs (optional)	Enhances object detection in low light
Resistors & Capacitors	Basic circuit elements for stability
Jumper Wires	For connections

4. Working Principle

1. The ESP32-CAM captures images of objects passing in front of its camera.
2. The image processing algorithm detects objects based on edge detection or color thresholding.
3. A counting algorithm updates the object count based on movement or detected shape boundaries.
4. The ESP32-CAM hosts a web interface, displaying the live object count.
5. The FTDI module is used to program and debug the ESP32-CAM, allowing USB communication with a computer.

5. Circuit Connections

ESP32-CAM to FTDI Module Wiring

ESP32-CAM Pin	FTDI Module Pin
U0TXD	RX
U0RXD	TX
GND	GND
5V	VCC (5V)
GPIO0	GND (Only for programming mode)

ESP32-CAM to Power Supply

• 5V pin of ESP32-CAM to 5V Power Source
• GND pin to Power Source GND

6. Software Implementation

6.1 Tools Required

• Arduino IDE (for programming ESP32-CAM)
• ESP32 board package (installed via Arduino IDE)
• OpenCV (optional, for advanced image processing)
• Web Server Code (to host object count on a webpage)
  Link for the code.

7. Web Server Interface

• The ESP32-CAM runs a web server to display the object count in real-time.
• The webpage fetches the latest count from ESP32-CAM using AJAX requests.

8. Advantages & Applications

Advantages

✔ Low-cost implementation
✔ Wireless monitoring via Wi-Fi
✔ No additional sensors required

Applications

• Factory automation – Counting products in an assembly line
• Retail stores – Tracking items on shelves
• Smart parking systems – Counting available parking slots

9. Future Improvements

• Machine Learning Integration for better accuracy
• Cloud Data Storage for analytics
• Battery-powered version for portability

10. Conclusion

The ESP32-CAM Object Counter is a simple yet effective automation project that enables real-time object counting using a camera module. The integration with a web server makes monitoring easy from any device connected to the same network.

---