Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Summary
In this chapter, we got acquainted with the two components involved in camera
handling under Linux: the USB Video Class drivers and the Video4Linux framework.
You learned how to obtain important information about your camera's capabilities;
you also learned a bit about pixel formats, image resolution, and frame rates.
We proceeded to set up an MJPG-streamer video feed, accessible directly via a web
browser or through VLC media player, which we could also use to record the stream
for permanent storage.
Then we dove head first into motion detection systems with the introduction of the
Motion application. You learned how to create an initial configuration suitable to
verify and tweak the motion detection mechanism, and how to set off alarms upon
detection. After a successful first run, we made a second configuration, which added
evidence collection capabilities. We also explored how to view that evidence. Not
content with letting any unused webcams in the home go to waste, we explored how
to hook up additional camera streams to the Motion system, and how to show this
setup off with a simple HTML security monitoring wall.
We then made our camera feed easily viewable over the Internet with the help of
a broadcasting service that picked up our camera feed through an RTMP stream.
We also looked at how to make use of CEC technology to remotely control the
TV connected to the Pi, a neat trick that came in handy for our last and boldest
prank: the creepy playback scare.
In the upcoming chapter, we'll dive deep into the world of computer networks
and you'll learn how to be in complete control over your Wi-Fi access point.
