Exploring BeagleBone: Tools and Techniques for Building with Embedded Linux

CHAPTER 11 BeagleBone with a Rich User Interface

In this chapter you are introduced to rich user interface (UI) architectures and application development on the BeagleBone. Rich UIs allow for a depth of interaction with an application that is not possible with command‐line interfaces (CLIs)—in particular, the addition of graphical display elements can result in easier‐to‐use applications. Also introduced are different BBB architectures that can support rich UIs, such as general‐purpose computing, touch screen display modules, and virtual network computing (VNC). Different software application frameworks are examined for rich UI development, such as GTK+ and Qt. The Qt framework is the focus of the discussion, largely due to its comprehensive libraries of code. An example rich UI application is developed for the BBB that uses the TMP36 temperature sensor. Finally, a feature‐rich remote fat‐client application framework is developed, and two example applications are described—one that uses the TMP36 sensor and a second that uses the ADXL345 accelerometer.

Equipment Required for This Chapter:

• BeagleBone Black
• Analog Devices TMP36 temperature sensor
• USB/HDMI accessories from Chapter 1 (optional)
• ADXL345 accelerometer (optional)

Further resources for this chapter are available at www.exploringbeaglebone.com/chapter11/.

Rich UI BBB Architectures

In Chapter 9, low‐cost LED displays and character LCD displays are introduced. They can be coupled with sensors, switches, or keyboard ...