Sentilla Perk FAQ

Below you'll find some of our more frequently asked questions about the Sentilla Perk Pervasive Computing Kit.




What is Perk?
Sentilla Perk is an all-in-one pervasive computing kit that allows you to try out this exciting new technology in an approachable, affordable manner.

What is 'pervasive computing'?
Pervasive computing is about making the things around us intelligent. Small, wireless computers with sensors and actuators can be embedded into virtually any object, giving it the eyes and ears to collect data, the brain to immediately process what it collects, and the voice to share the resultant information and take direct action.

What is included in the kit?
Each Perk Pervasive Computing Kit contains two JCreate devices suitable for adding sensors and actuators to test and prototype your application, a USB Gateway device to allow your PC to talk to the wireless network, and all the software needed to develop, debug, deploy and manage your latest invention.

How is Perk different from your other solutions?
Perk is meant to be an approachable introduction to Sentilla's pervasive computing technology. It is designed to demonstrate the software and hardware at work, but is not for commercial use. Sentilla also provides a complete suite of products and services designed for robust, scalable, real-world deployments. If you have an application that would benefit from Sentilla's technology please feel free to contact Sales to learn more.

What sensors are included?
Each of the Perk kit's two JCreate devices contains a built-in accelerometer that can detect the intensity and direction of motion in three dimensions. Additional sensors can be purchased to connect to the ADC or Digital I/O pins that are easily accessible through standard terminals or the direct expansion connector.

What software is it running?
Each JCreate is running Sentilla software based on Java ME CLDC 1.1 technology. Developers familiar with Java can immediately begin writing applications directly for each device without any special training. In addition, each Perk kit contains a version of the Sentilla IDE based on the popular Eclipse platform for Windows XP. This environment is used to develop, deploy, and manage your application using tools familiar to millions.

What are the system requirements?
Perk requires a PC running Windows XP (SP2), 1 GB RAM, and 5 GB free hard disk space.

How do I build an application?
You can build your application using standard Java technology. Specifically, our product is based on Java ME CLDC 1.1, with all of the included classes and libraries of that specification. In addition, we provide special libraries that allow you to access the various ports and sensors on the JCreate devices included in the kit. If you wish, you may also attach your own sensor, and write a driver for it using the included APIs. All of this development can take place on your PC within the familiar Eclipse-based Sentilla IDE, and then wirelessly installed to your pervasive computing network.

Are there any limitations of the kit?
Perk is designed as a technology introduction and not a commercial offering, and there are limitations in the number of applications you can run, both on the JCreates and the PC which connects to the pervasive network. Perk also has single-hop networking and a fixed low-power operation mode. For more information about expanding your application, networking, and power settings to a full commercial offering please feel free to contact Sales

How can I learn more?
Sentilla hosts a monthly Webinar to introduce the technology. Also, you may wish to contact Sales to see how Sentilla can help your company create new revenue opportunities using this remarkable technology.

 

© 2007 Sentilla Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms and Notices.