Applications designs for linux embedded system

Abstract

Embedded systems play a vital role in the world of technology today. Devices such as mobile phones, digital watches and cameras fall under the category of embedded systems. An embedded system is a computer system designed with specific control functions within a larger system. It is embedded on a single microprocessor board with the programs stored in a Read-Only Memory (ROM). In addition, operating systems may also be installed in embedded systems.

The microcontroller provided in the "Application Designs for Linux Embedded System" project was a BeagleBoard-xM Revision C, a single board embedded system capable of running Linux. The objectives of the project were to familiarise with the Linux operating system and operations and to implement a “Surveillance System” with the use of the microcontroller and webcams.

In the report, there are some coverage on essential Linux terminal commands as well as tutorials showing how two Linux-based operating systems were installed into the microcontroller. In addition, necessary procedures are provided to see if a webcam is compatible with the BeagleBoard-xM. Existing surveillance programs in the Linux software repositories are also compared and the necessary steps to cross-compile and port over one of them are examined. Last but not least, testing was done to see if the program was suitable for the project.

At the end of the report, there are also project results and discussions included to provide future developers with ideas and the opportunity to explore more of the available features of the BeagleBoard-xM so as to enhance the current project.