Home Automation

Skill LevelArea of FocusOperating System
BeginnerComputer Vision,
IoT, Security
Linux

Beginner workshop designed to familiarize students with the Python scripting language, the OpenCV (Open Source Computer Vision) library, the Linux operating system, and the DragonBoard™ 410c development kit. This project uses Python code to explore image and video processing and design a home automation solution.

The aim of this workshop, created for an event at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is to familiarize students with the Python scripting language, the OpenCV library, the Linux operating system, and the DragonBoard 410c.

You create a small Python program which utilizes a USB webcam for a variety of applications. These include: taking a picture, saving a picture, displaying a live video feed from the webcam, and performing facial recognition. You will be recreating the basic functions of a “smart security/surveillance camera”. 

No experience is needed, as the handout walks you through the project step by step.

The Home Automation project covers the following topics:

  • Overview of DragonBoard 410c
  • Setting up the hardware and wireless network, and installing software
  • Playing with OpenCV (take a snapshot, play live video, identify faces, etc.)
  • Emails and Text Alerts
  • Putting It All Together

Download the “Home Automation with DragonBoard 410c” lab workbook for the step-by-step instructions.

Materials Required / Parts List / Tools

Source Code / Source Examples / Application Executable

students building home automation with dragonboard 410c
woman scripting code for dragonboard 410c