In this chapter, we got acquainted with the two components involved in webcam handling under Linux—the USB Video Class drivers and the Video4Linux framework. We learned how to obtain important information about our webcam's capabilities; we 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. We learned how to create an initial configuration suitable for verifying and tweaking the motion detection mechanism, and how to set off alarms upon detection. After a successful first run, a second configuration was made, 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...