Introduction

Java is the ideal choice if you want to create a program that included intelligence and can be operated from a PC GUI or command prompt. Although this language is more difficult to master than - for example - Flash ActionScript 2, it teaches you the basics of object oriented programming, inheritance, etc.

• Installation
• Documentation
• Support
• Demo projects

 

Installation [top]

In order to use phidgets in JAVA you have to install the following software (Note: only the versions listed below are supported by TU/e experts and coaches!):

• Java SDK
  [Recommended: Sun JAVA 2 Platform Standard Edition 5.0 with netBeans included]
  Installs JAVA software developer kit. This package is required to create your own JAVA applications.
• JCreator
  [Recommended: freeware version]
  Powerfull, light-weight JAVA indegrated developer environment.
• Phidget drivers and PhidgetWebService
  [Last Revision Date: May 26, 2006, Phidget.DLL version 2.0.8, Phidget20.DLL version 1.0.6]
  Installs libraries on your Windows 2000 or XP computer. This includes the COM Library, C API Library, .NET Library, and the PhidgetWebService. Adds a program to your system tray where you can configure you PhidgetWebService and check usefull diagnostic information.
• Phidget JAVA libraries
  [Last Revision Date: March 24, 2006, Version: 1.0.0]
  Java library for controlling Phidgets from Java. This is a network library - the PC with the phidgets attached must be running the PhidgetWebService.
  After unpacking the phidget java libraries to your PC, add the phidget directories to the java class path.

In order to use the components of the phidget java library, the Phidget WebService Manager must be running. Click on the Phidget WebService icon in the taskbar to show the control panel:

In the control panel you can start the service manually by pressing the start button or select to start the manager automatically when starting windows (recommended). Port and password fields can be left unchanged.

 

Documentation [top]

Documentation is included in the Phidget Java Libraries.
A Tutorial that shows how phidgets can be programmed from within JCreator and Netbeans is avialble here (demo1, demo2)

 

Support [top]

JAVA is teached during two assignments in the first year. Using phidgets and JAVA can be explored during the JAVA project in the first year.

Several JAVA experts are available in the research group and domains (see expert list avialble online).

 

Demo projects [top]

No demo's available yet.

Question: How can I implement my own phidget JAVA application?

No special template is available. However, you can add JAVA phidgets to your JAVA programming environment and just start programming as illustrated in the tutorial above (support).

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