ESP32-based direct LCD reader for AUTO digital tire/tread gauge — small reverse-engineering + decoder

I want to non-invasively “listen” to the glass-mount LCD inside a multi-function gauge and let an ESP32 turn those raw segment signals into readable numbers using ESP32 and send those via Serial.
I want something similar to this: https://www.instructables.com/Direct-Reading-of-LCD-Using-General-Purpose-IO/


Deliverables
• Schematic (or at least a clear hookup diagram) showing the ESP32 connection.
• Well-commented source code that handles sampling, calibration storage in flash, continuous decoding
• Brief walkthrough document so I can reproduce the calibration on another gauge and re-flash updates easily

Milestone 1 — Hardware interface + experimental proof

Build small breakout/interface, confirm safe voltages and that ESP32 reads toggles reliably. Deliver: schematic + photos.

Milestone 2— Code & demo

If you have prior experience sniffing LCD segment buses or working with logic analyzers on ESP32, that will help us move even faster.