Fujitsu’s Stylistic Pen Tablet Assists Astronauts Aboard Space Shuttle Columbia
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — December 4, 1997 — NASA selected Fujitsu Personal Systems' (FPSI) Stylistic pen tablet computer to enable astronauts aboard the space shuttle to access critical real-time alternate landing data.
In its initial use at the Nov. 19, 1997 launch aboard Columbia on mission STS-87, the Stylistic became the first mobile computer used on a space shuttle during take-off.
During the shuttle's ascent and entry phases, astronauts experience a considerable amount of shaking and vibration, and must wear a full space suit, including helmet and gloves. The Stylistic's durable and accessible design made it an ideal choice for such extreme conditions.
Unlike a keyboard-based computer, a pen tablet makes it easier for astronauts wearing gloves to retrieve data. The high-performance Stylistic is designed so it is always ready to use and can be strapped down without unduly restricting access. In addition, it is easy to operate and provides a very crisp and rich color display.
On this flight, the Stylistic was strapped onto the thigh of an astronaut for easy access to WORLDMAP, a Windows-based software application developed by SPOC (Space Operations Computing) programmers at the Johnson Space Center. With WORLDMAP, the astronaut is able to visualize the current location and orientation of the shuttle and identify a predicted touchdown point.
Up to now, display of real-time abort or emergency landing information was not available to astronauts — the decision was made "on the ground." The crew's only information on alternate landing sites and scenarios was available on reams of paper. In the future, NASA would like to replace the paper scenarios with automated scenarios incorporated into pen tablet "knee-board" computers, using actual information to provide real-time options for landing.
FPSI's pen tablet was selected to support the first flight of NASA's Development Test Objective (DTO) 685, "On-Board Situational Awareness Displays for Ascent and Entry." DTO 685 was designed to demonstrate the capability of providing real-time information on advanced displays during dynamic flight. The Stylistic was used to show the crew, if necessary, the same landing information as Mission Control. This display of data would help astronauts understand why a decision to land at a particular alternate site was chosen.
"Once again, table PCs are being used in a working environment that requires 'on the spot' information," commented Geoff Walker, vice president of marketing for Fujitsu Personal Systems. "The innovative Stylistic pen tablets meet the computing needs of users in dynamic situations where laptops are cumbersome and inaccessible."
About Fujitsu
Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc. is the undisputed leader in the Windows pen tablet market. The company's mission is to extend the benefits of true "working mobility" to the broadest possible base of workers. FPSI focuses on mobile decision support applications for large organizations and government institutions, and is supported by a worldwide network of certified VARs and system integrators. FPSI's state-of-the-art pen tablet PCs feature advanced CPU performance, extensive connectivity options and long battery life in compact, lightweight form-factors.
A wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu, Ltd., Fujitsu Personal Systems (408/982-9500) has headquarters in Santa Clara, and offices throughout North America and Europe. Product information is available at 800/831-3183 or http://www.fpsi.fujitsu.com .
CONTACT:
Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc.
Thomas Bayens, 408/982-9500
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Sterling Communications Inc.
Alice Aoki, 408/441-4100
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