Networked Embedded Systems – Example Applications in the Educational Environment
Fernando J. P. Lopes, Incio Fonsec · InTech eBooks · 2012
Embedded Systems -High Performance Systems, Applications and Projects 104 commonality and flexibility are achieved.Both microcontroller and database server software are fully implemented using Open Source developing tools.A second example application to be described in this chapter deals with a Linux-based Embedded Identification Module (EIM), which is integrated in an Information System specifically tailored for course management.The Embedded Identification System allows for networked fingerprint and RFID reading and identification.The Information System permits ubiquitous network access to teachers and course directors, while tasks such as calendar and timetable setting and correction, student class attendance and class progress information are integrated and efficiently managed.Student and teacher identification is achieved through the networked Embedded Identification Systems with fingerprint and RFID sensors.This chapter is organized in five sections.The first section consists of this introduction, presenting the global objectives and shortly describing the two example applications to be detailed.The second section will present an application and technology review in the embedded systems area with especial emphasis on development tools and operating systems.The third section will detail the first application example, featuring the architecture and a field implementation for a flexible and scalable distributed access control and access management system.The fourth section of the chapter will present the second application example, describing the hardware and software developed to create an information system specifically tailored to be used as a distributed course management application.The last section concludes the chapter and includes a short discussion on the creation of specific firmware and the future use of real-time operating systems.