A Python-based laboratory course for image and video signal processing on embedded systems

Abstract

The usage of embedded systems is omnipresent in our everyday life, e.g., in smartphones, tablets, or automotive devices. These devices are able to deal with challenging image processing tasks like real-time detection of faces or high dynamic range imaging. However, the size and computational power of an embedded system is a limiting demand. To help students understanding these challenges, a new lab course ''Image and Video Signal Processing on Embedded Systems'' has been developed and is presented in this paper. The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and the open source programming language Python have been chosen, because of low hardware cost and free availability of the programming language. In this lab course the students learn handling both hard- and software, Python as an alternative to MATLAB, the image signal processing path, and how to develop an embedded image processing system, from the idea to implementation and debugging. At the beginning of the lab course an introduction to Python and the Raspberry Pi is given. After that, various experiments like the implementation of a corner detector and creation of a panorama image are prepared in the lab course. Students participating in the lab course develop a profound understanding of embedded image and video processing algorithms which is verified by comparing questionnaires at the beginning and the end of the lab course. Moreover, compared to a peer group attending an accompanying lecture with exercises, students having participated in this lab course outperform their peer group in the exam for the lecture by 0.5 on a five-point scale.

Keywords

• Image and video signal processing
• Laboratory course
• Python
• Embedded system
• Computer science
• Education