Embedded Glossary

Debayering describes the process that generates a colour image from the raw data of a sensor with a Bayer Pattern filter. Each sensor cell provides only a single numerical value for red, green, or blue. During debayering, the colour components are combined and weighted from the values of neighbouring cells so that, in the end, a pixel receives a complete RGB value. As an early step of image processing , the process influences sharpness, colour fidelity, and the occurrence of artefacts at edges. Computational effort and latency depend on the selected algorithm and on whether processing takes place in the ISP, on the GPU, or on the CPU. The process supports a complete RGB representation for every pixel.

Debian is an open-source Linux distribution that combines a kernel with an extensive, tested collection of software packages through configuration to form a complete operating system. It is characterised by solid package and patch management, supported by releases maintained over the long term. Debian is available for several CPU architectures, not only for x86 or x64. In the embedded environment, Debian is suitable for more powerful devices such as industrial computers or operator terminals that have enough memory and processing power for a full-fledged system. Compared with a leanly built Embedded Linux, Debian comes with a ready-made package ecosystem that reduces the effort required for setup and facilitates later updates. At the same time, the system is larger and can be tailored less finely to scarce resources. Debian provides a ready-made package ecosystem for suitable embedded devices.

A Device Tree describes peripheral hardware in an embedded system independently of the Linux kernel. It specifies processors, memory, buses, pins and connected peripherals. At startup, the kernel evaluates data and loads the appropriate Kernel Driver. Hardware variants can be adapted without modifying kernel code. A maintained Device Tree supports transparent hardware integration.