Simple Image Processing + Embedded Device Project Ideas
These project ideas use OpenCV and low-cost embedded hardware to support the UN SDG Goal 4:
Quality Education for secondary school students.
1. Smart Blackboard Reader
Goal: Help students who miss a class by automatically capturing and enhancing notes from the board.
Description:
- Raspberry Pi with a camera captures blackboard/whiteboard images.
- OpenCV filters (thresholding, perspective transform) enhance readability.
- Images are stored or sent via Wi-Fi to a shared folder.
Impact: Ensures equal access to lesson content for absent students.
2. Low-Cost Visual Attendance System
Goal: Reduce time spent on roll calls and help track attendance for school records.
Description:
- ESP32-CAM or Raspberry Pi with OpenCV detects faces.
- Recognizes students using simple face recognition.
- Sends attendance data to a Google Sheet or school database.
Impact: More class time for learning and better record-keeping.
3. Sign Language Reader for the Classroom
Goal: Assist communication between hearing-impaired and non-hearing-impaired students.
Description:
- OpenCV + gesture recognition detects sign language letters or words.
- Displays translations on a screen or outputs speech.
Impact: Encourages inclusivity and supports hearing-impaired students.
4. Text-to-Speech Learning Aid
Goal: Support visually impaired students or those with reading difficulties.
Description:
- Camera captures printed text from books.
- OpenCV + OCR extracts text.
- Text-to-speech reads it aloud.
Impact: Improves access to learning materials for students with special needs.
5. Interactive Learning Card Reader
Goal: Make learning interactive for young students.
Description:
- Cards with pictures or QR codes shown to a camera.
- OpenCV detects and identifies them.
- Plays related audio or video.
Impact: Fun, engaging tool for resource-limited schools.
6. Real-Time Object Recognition for Science Lessons
Goal: Help teach science with live visual aids.
Description:
- Camera detects and labels lab equipment, plants, or animals.
- Uses lightweight object detection models.
Impact: Makes lessons interactive and accessible.
7. Homework Submission Scanner
Goal: Help teachers manage homework digitally.
Description:
- OpenCV detects and crops homework pages.
- Organizes files with student names and dates.
Impact: Reduces paper clutter and helps in resource-limited environments.
