By Gemma Simpson, 29 January 2007 16:30
Another upcoming application is the Inventory Management System (IMS), which is responsible for keeping track of the location of all items stored on-board the ISS.
Starting in March 2007, the old barcode-based system will be revamped. The old barcode reader terminals - pictured to the left - will be replaced with PDAs.
A representation of the PDA system is pictured to the right, with a barcode reader attached to the top of the handheld and connected to the IMS via a wireless network.
PDAs are also being investigated by ESA and Nasa as an alternative or complementary platform for some applications currently running on the ISS laptops for situations where a laptop may be inconvenient to use because it is too big or cumbersome.
PDAs are already used by astronauts on-board the ISS for personal computing and entertainment purposes.
Photo credit: ESA
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1. HAL9000
My instructor was Mr. Langley, and he taught me to sing a song. If you'd like to hear it I can sing it for you. It's called "Daisy".
Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do. I'm half crazy all for the love of you. It won't be a stylish marriage, I can't afford a carriage. But you'll look sweet upon the seat of a bicycle built for two.
(Ed note. Er... OK)