Create Application Window on EC2

Question

Hi all, I have a local Python application that takes a user's video through webcam and does some processing with it. I am currently using OpenCV to create an application window to display the output (which is a video). I am wondering if I can do the same with EC2 instance? Do I have to install any graphical desktop environment like NICE DCV?

Thanniru Anil Kumar · Answer

**Run the application in headless mode:**

Modify your Python application to run without needing a graphical window. OpenCV offers functions for saving the processed video as a file or sending it over the network for visualization on another machine.

**Use a remote desktop solution:**
Install a graphical desktop environment like GNOME or KDE on your EC2 instance. This will allow you to use tools like VNC or Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to connect to the instance and see the application window. Some popular options include:
NICE DCV (as you mentioned)
NoMachine
Amazon WorkSpaces (managed desktop service)

**Choosing the right approach depends on your needs:**

If user interaction with the application window isn't necessary and you only need the processed video, running headless is simpler.
If you require a visual interface to monitor or interact with the application, a remote desktop solution is needed.

Here are some resources to get you started:

OpenCV documentation on video capture and display: OpenCV VideoCapture documentation
Installing a desktop environment on Ubuntu (popular Linux distro for EC2):[ https://www.makeuseof.com/install-desktop-environment-gui-ubuntu-server
VNC server setup:https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-install-and-configure-vnc-on-ubuntu-20-04

Create Application Window on EC2

Add your answer

Relevant content