Face Mask Recognition-based Door Lock Mechanism Using HaarCascade, Mediapipe, and Arduino

Abstract

On 12 January 2020 Chinese authorities shared the sequence of a novel coronavirus termed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since then COVID-19 pandemic had rapidly affected our day-to-day life disrupting world trade and movements. Wearing face masks is one of the preventive measures recommended by health authorities to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets containing viruses, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19. Therefore, Many regions and organizations have implemented regulations or guidelines mandating the use of face masks in specific settings. This Python-based Machine Learning project provides an automated way to monitor whether individuals in a given environment are wearing masks or not. Pre-trained Haar Cascade files are used to detect the facial features and provide a signal to the Arduino controller to lock/unlock the door. Keywords — Python, Face Mask, Door Lock, Haar Cascade, Covid-19