In this system, RFID technology is used for user authentication and book issuing/return processes. Each user is provided with an RFID tag, enabling seamless and fast transactions. A Pi Camera connected to the Raspberry Pi scans QR codes placed on books for quick and accurate identification. All book and student details such as Roll Number, Book Name, Issue Time, Return Time, and Pending Status are stored and managed through a web-based application hosted on the Raspberry Pi. An LCD display provides real-time status updates such as successful issue, return confirmation, or pending alerts. The web portal allows users and administrators to browse books, reserve titles, monitor inventory, and track transaction history remotely.

To enhance security, an advanced theft detection mechanism is implemented at the library entrance. An ESP32-CAM is installed at the gate section to scan QR codes of books during exit. If a book’s details are not found in the central database or if it has not been officially issued, the system identifies it as unauthorized. The ESP32-CAM module communicates with the main Raspberry Pi system through a wired connection. Upon detecting an unissued book, the system activates a buzzer alert and LED indication, and the gate automatically closes using a servo motor mechanism to prevent unauthorized removal. Conversely, if the book is properly issued and verified in the database, the gate remains open, allowing the user to exit smoothly.

By integrating RFID authentication, QR code scanning, real-time web monitoring, automated gate control, and intelligent theft detection, the proposed system significantly reduces manual intervention, improves operational efficiency, ensures accurate record management, and enhances library security. This smart automation solution provides a reliable, scalable, and cost-effective approach for next-generation digital libraries.

Features:

  Centralized control using Raspberry Pi 3B+

  RFID-based user authentication for fast book issue and return

  QR code scanning using Pi Camera for quick book identification

  Web-based real-time database management

  Student account management (Roll No, Book Name, Issue Time, Return Time, Pending Status)

  LCD display for instant transaction feedback

  Online book browsing and reservation through web portal

  Real-time inventory tracking and monitoring

  Theft detection at entrance using ESP32-CAM

  Automatic buzzer alert and LED indication for unauthorized books

  Servo motor-based automatic gate control

  Gate remains open for properly issued books

  Reduced manual intervention and improved operational efficiency

  Enhanced security and accurate record maintenance.

The major building blocks of this project are:

1. Power Supply.
2. Raspberry pi3 B+.
3. Pi Camera.
4. RFID reader and TAGs.
5. LCD display.
6. SD card.
7. Esp32 cam.
8. Servo for Gate.
9. Buzzer.
10. LED indication.

Software’s used:

1. Python programming.
2. Raspbian OS.

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An LCD display is used to provide user instructions and status notifications, while a SMS alert system automatically notifies the administrator for stock refilling whenever the quantity becomes low. The system operates on an independent power supply, ensuring reliability and continuous operation. This smart vending solution promotes hygiene, accessibility, and privacy while reducing manual intervention and enabling convenient digital payments. The proposed solution is particularly beneficial for emergency access to sanitary napkins, supporting women’s health and empowerment through smart technology.

Objectives:

• To develop an automated vending machine that can dispense sanitary napkins efficiently without human intervention.
• To integrate a secure UPI-based QR payment system for fast, cashless, and contactless transactions.
• To implement a GSM-based real-time monitoring system for stock level tracking and automated low-stock alert notifications via SMS.
• To ensure user privacy, hygiene, and emergency accessibility in public and institutional environments.
• To utilize an ESP32 microcontroller for controlling sensors, display, SMS alerts, and motor-based dispensing operations.

Components used:

• Esp32 Module.
• LCD display.
• QR code.
• DC motor with L293D DC motor driver.
• IR sensor.
• GSM module.

Software’s used:

1. Arduino IDE for Embedded C programming.
2. Express SCH for Circuit design.

Block Diagram:

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