The Modern Linux Graphics Stack on Embedded Systems

Explore the modern Linux graphics stack on embedded systems in this 32-minute conference talk by Michael Tretter from Pengutronix. Delve into the transition from X to Wayland as the primary windowing system, examining recent additions to the Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) and their impact on graphics performance and power usage in embedded systems. Learn about the components of the Linux graphics stack, from kernel drivers to applications, with a focus on DRM, Wayland, and Weston, the reference Wayland compositor. Gain insights into user interface development, graphics hardware features, and the challenges specific to embedded systems. Discover how Wayland compositors are becoming a compelling choice for embedded systems with graphical user interfaces, and understand the importance of smart hardware utilization decisions in this context.

Intro
User Interface for Linux Desktop
Desktop Environment / Window Manager
Windowing System
Display Server
Wayland Client xdg_shell Protocol
Surface Composition
Graphics Stack Overview
What is so Special about Embedded?
Graphics Hardware Features
Bridging the Gap
Linux dma-buf Framework
Atomic Modesetting
Videos and Pixel Formats
Tiling and Format Modifiers
Weston DRM Backend
compositor-drm.c: prepare planes
compositor-drm.cplane assignment
DRM Features Supported by Weston
Weston User Interface Development
Weston Shell: Example
Existing Weston Shells
IVI Shell with xdg shell Support!
IVI Shell: Architecture
Alternatives to Weston?
Qt Wayland Compositor
Open Questions
Summary