EP0148909A1 - Systems analysis board - Google Patents

Systems analysis board

Info

Publication number
EP0148909A1
EP0148909A1 EP19840902685 EP84902685A EP0148909A1 EP 0148909 A1 EP0148909 A1 EP 0148909A1 EP 19840902685 EP19840902685 EP 19840902685 EP 84902685 A EP84902685 A EP 84902685A EP 0148909 A1 EP0148909 A1 EP 0148909A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pieces
backing board
flow chart
symbols
board
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP19840902685
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Mark Andrew Stemm
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0148909A1 publication Critical patent/EP0148909A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F7/00—Signs, name or number plates, letters, numerals, or symbols; Panels or boards
    • G09F7/02—Signs, plates, panels or boards using readily-detachable elements bearing or forming symbols
    • G09F7/04—Signs, plates, panels or boards using readily-detachable elements bearing or forming symbols the elements being secured or adapted to be secured by magnetic means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B29/00—Maps; Plans; Charts; Diagrams, e.g. route diagram

Definitions

  • TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a systems analysis board and has been devised particularly though not solely for the formulation of flow charts for computer programmes or the like.
  • the invention consists in a method of formulating a flow chart or the like incorporating a plurality of symbols interconnected in a desired array, said method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of pieces each shaped or patterned to represent at least one of the symbols, providing a backing board on which the pieces are adapted to be placed, placing desired pieces on the backing board in a desired array and interconnecting relevant pieces with connecting lines to represent the desired flow chart.
  • the relevant pieces are interconnected by drawing lines with an erasable marker.
  • the pieces are flat and adapted to adhere to the board.
  • Preferably said method includes the step of photocopying the completed array and connecting lines to give a permanent printed representation of the flow chart.
  • the invention consists in apparatus for formulating a flow chart or the like having a plurality of symbols interconnected in a desired array, said apparatus comprising a plurality of pieces each shaped or patterned to represent at least one of the symbols, a backing board on which the pieces are adapted to be placed in any desired location, and connecting means adapted to provide connecting lines between relevant pieces forming a representation of the desired flow chart.
  • said pieces are adapted to adhere to the backing board.
  • said pieces are formed from a magnetic material or incorporate a magnetic element and said backing board incorporates a metallic element to which the magnetic pieces are attracted.
  • the pieces are substantially flat or plate-like in character enabling the board with adhered pieces to be inverted and photocopied.
  • the pieces are shaped in accordance with symbols to be used for computer programming flow charts.
  • the pieces are able to be written upon.
  • the connecting means comprise an erasable marker with which connecting lines may be drawn on the backing board.
  • the backing board is provided with a grid pattern forming guide lines for the alignment of the symbols and the drawing of the connecting lines.
  • the grid pattern is incorporated on detachable sheets adapted to be placed over the base backing board between the backing board and the pieces.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of apparatus for formulating a flow chart or the like according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a scrap perspective view to an enlarged scale of pockets for retaining symbol-shaped pieces in the apparatus shown in Figure 1, and
  • Figure 3 is a representation of a photocopy of a flow chart produced from the apparatus shown in Figure 1.
  • BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION apparatus for formulating a flow chart for computer programming is constructed as follows, although it will be appreciated that the apparatus may be readily adapted for the formulation of other flow charts or for other planning purposes requiring a plurality of symbols to be arranged in a desired formulation.
  • the apparatus comprises a backing board 1 which is conveniently a planar board having a plain surface which may be written upon by an erasable marker.
  • a backing board 1 which is conveniently a planar board having a plain surface which may be written upon by an erasable marker.
  • Such boards are commonly referred to as “white boards” and the erasable marker for use thereon is typified by the marker sold under the Trade Mark TEXTOR.
  • the board incorporates a metallic element to which magnets are attracted as will be described further below.
  • the board is also conveniently provided in a folder having a hinged cover 2 which may be secured by a tab 3.
  • the board may, however, be of any desired size, shape or configuration.
  • the board may be provided with a grid pattern, or alternatively the grid pattern may be formulated upon a detachable face sheet 4 of the format shown in Figure 3 which may be placed on top of the backing board.
  • the face sheet may conveniently be provided with heading titles 5 for later identification of the particular flow chart.
  • the apparatus further comprises a plurality of pieces 6 each shaped or patterned to represent at least one of the symbols commonly used in a flow chart.
  • the pieces are plate-like or planar in configuration and formed from a magnetic material so that they will adhere to the backing board when placed thereon.
  • Each piece preferably has a plain white face 9 and a black border, so that appropriate labels or directions may be written in erasable marker upon the face of each piece when desired.
  • a plurality of pockets 10 may be formed in a double sheet of transparent plastics material and located inside the folder or attached to the inside face of the cover 2.
  • the pockets are preferably provided with flaps 11 to retain the pieces when the pockets are inverted.
  • To formulate the flow chart the pieces may be pushed around or placed on the backing board into the desired array which is typically shown in Figure 3. Once the desired pattern has been achieved, connecting lines 7 and arrows 8 may be drawn in erasable marker such as TEXTOR marker to show the dynamic interaction of the elements in the flow chart.
  • the elements and connecting lines in the flow chart may be arranged in a dynamic situation, possibly as a result of direct consultation between the programmer and his client, so as to achieve very simply and quickly the desired sequence for the computer program. Should an error be made, or a preferred way of formulating the flow chart seen, it is a simple matter to re-arrange the elements 6 and to erase and redraw the connecting lines 7. This procedure is much quicker than having to totally redraw and revise a flow chart drawn on paper in the conventional manner.
  • a permanent record may be taken by inverting the backing board with the adhered pieces in the desired array and placing the board face down onto a photocopy machine. Any desired number of copies may then be taken in the format shown in Figure 3. Where the pieces have directions written on each face 9 then these directions will be reproduced faithfully in the photocopies of the flow chart. Alternatively the face of each piece may be left blank as shown in Figure 3 and the appropriate labels or directions typed in onto a photocopy to achieve a "presentation quality" flow chart for incorporating into a formal document such as a presentation to a client.

Abstract

Un tableau d'analyse de systèmes possède un tableau de support (1) sur lequel peuvent être disposées de manière détachable différentes pièces de symboles d'organigrammes (6) afin de permettre la formulation d'un organigramme désiré pour la programmation d'un ordinateur ou analogue. Les pièces peuvent être reliées par des lignes tracées sur le tableau de support (1) à l'aide d'un marqueur effaçable. Le tableau peut avoir une couverture (2) et une feuille de face détachable (4) et quadrillée. Les pièces (6) peuvent être plates et adhérer magnétiquement au tableau de support (1) de manière à reproduire ce dernier par photocopie.A systems analysis table has a support table (1) on which various parts of flowchart symbols (6) can be detachably arranged in order to allow the formulation of a desired flowchart for programming a computer. or the like. The parts can be connected by lines drawn on the support board (1) using an erasable marker. The table may have a cover (2) and a detachable face sheet (4) and squared. The parts (6) can be flat and adhere magnetically to the support table (1) so as to reproduce the latter by photocopying.

Description

"SYSTEMS ANALYSIS BOARD"
TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a systems analysis board and has been devised particularly though not solely for the formulation of flow charts for computer programmes or the like.
BACKGROUND ART It is common to use as the first step in formulating a computer programme, a flow chart incorporating a number of symbols each representing a desired step in the computer programme, indicated in a desired array. In the past such flow charts have commonly been drawn by conventional writing materials such as pens or pencils on paper, sometimes with the assistance of templates to achieve the desired shapes. As the formulation of a flow chart is a dynamic process frequently requiring many revisions of format and arrangement before the ideal flow chart is derived, it has in the past been necessary to redraw the flow chart many times before a final format is reached. It is then necessary to make a "neat" copy of the flow chart for presentation and later use. Such procedures are time consuming and therefore expensive to augment.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method of and apparatus for forming a flow chart or the like which will obviate or minimise the foregoing disadvantages in a simple yet effective manner, or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Accordingly in one aspect the invention consists in a method of formulating a flow chart or the like incorporating a plurality of symbols interconnected in a desired array, said method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of pieces each shaped or patterned to represent at least one of the symbols, providing a backing board on which the pieces are adapted to be placed, placing desired pieces on the backing board in a desired array and interconnecting relevant pieces with connecting lines to represent the desired flow chart. Preferably the relevant pieces are interconnected by drawing lines with an erasable marker.
Preferably the pieces are flat and adapted to adhere to the board.
Preferably said method includes the step of photocopying the completed array and connecting lines to give a permanent printed representation of the flow chart.
In a further aspect the invention consists in apparatus for formulating a flow chart or the like having a plurality of symbols interconnected in a desired array, said apparatus comprising a plurality of pieces each shaped or patterned to represent at least one of the symbols, a backing board on which the pieces are adapted to be placed in any desired location, and connecting means adapted to provide connecting lines between relevant pieces forming a representation of the desired flow chart.
Preferably said pieces are adapted to adhere to the backing board.
Preferably said pieces are formed from a magnetic material or incorporate a magnetic element and said backing board incorporates a metallic element to which the magnetic pieces are attracted.
Preferably the pieces are substantially flat or plate-like in character enabling the board with adhered pieces to be inverted and photocopied. Preferably the pieces are shaped in accordance with symbols to be used for computer programming flow charts.
Preferably the pieces are able to be written upon.
Preferably the connecting means comprise an erasable marker with which connecting lines may be drawn on the backing board.
Preferably the backing board is provided with a grid pattern forming guide lines for the alignment of the symbols and the drawing of the connecting lines.
Preferably the grid pattern is incorporated on detachable sheets adapted to be placed over the base backing board between the backing board and the pieces. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Notwithstanding any other forms that may fall within its scope one preferred form of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of apparatus for formulating a flow chart or the like according to the invention.
Figure 2 is a scrap perspective view to an enlarged scale of pockets for retaining symbol-shaped pieces in the apparatus shown in Figure 1, and
Figure 3 is a representation of a photocopy of a flow chart produced from the apparatus shown in Figure 1. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the preferred form of the invention apparatus for formulating a flow chart for computer programming is constructed as follows, although it will be appreciated that the apparatus may be readily adapted for the formulation of other flow charts or for other planning purposes requiring a plurality of symbols to be arranged in a desired formulation.
The apparatus comprises a backing board 1 which is conveniently a planar board having a plain surface which may be written upon by an erasable marker. Such boards are commonly referred to as "white boards" and the erasable marker for use thereon is typified by the marker sold under the Trade Mark TEXTOR. In the preferred form of the invention the board incorporates a metallic element to which magnets are attracted as will be described further below. The board is also conveniently provided in a folder having a hinged cover 2 which may be secured by a tab 3. The board may, however, be of any desired size, shape or configuration. The board may be provided with a grid pattern, or alternatively the grid pattern may be formulated upon a detachable face sheet 4 of the format shown in Figure 3 which may be placed on top of the backing board. The face sheet may conveniently be provided with heading titles 5 for later identification of the particular flow chart.
The apparatus further comprises a plurality of pieces 6 each shaped or patterned to represent at least one of the symbols commonly used in a flow chart. In the preferred form of the invention the pieces are plate-like or planar in configuration and formed from a magnetic material so that they will adhere to the backing board when placed thereon. Each piece preferably has a plain white face 9 and a black border, so that appropriate labels or directions may be written in erasable marker upon the face of each piece when desired.
To conveniently retain the pieces 6 for use with the backing board 1. a plurality of pockets 10 may be formed in a double sheet of transparent plastics material and located inside the folder or attached to the inside face of the cover 2. The pockets are preferably provided with flaps 11 to retain the pieces when the pockets are inverted. To formulate the flow chart the pieces may be pushed around or placed on the backing board into the desired array which is typically shown in Figure 3. Once the desired pattern has been achieved, connecting lines 7 and arrows 8 may be drawn in erasable marker such as TEXTOR marker to show the dynamic interaction of the elements in the flow chart.
It is a particular feature of the apparatus according to the invention that the elements and connecting lines in the flow chart may be arranged in a dynamic situation, possibly as a result of direct consultation between the programmer and his client, so as to achieve very simply and quickly the desired sequence for the computer program. Should an error be made, or a preferred way of formulating the flow chart seen, it is a simple matter to re-arrange the elements 6 and to erase and redraw the connecting lines 7. This procedure is much quicker than having to totally redraw and revise a flow chart drawn on paper in the conventional manner.
Once the desired array of the flow chart has been achieved a permanent record may be taken by inverting the backing board with the adhered pieces in the desired array and placing the board face down onto a photocopy machine. Any desired number of copies may then be taken in the format shown in Figure 3. Where the pieces have directions written on each face 9 then these directions will be reproduced faithfully in the photocopies of the flow chart. Alternatively the face of each piece may be left blank as shown in Figure 3 and the appropriate labels or directions typed in onto a photocopy to achieve a "presentation quality" flow chart for incorporating into a formal document such as a presentation to a client. Although the preferred form of the invention has been described for specific use in formulating flow charts for computer programs it will be appreciated that the apparatus or a modification thereof can similarly be used in the formulation of flow charts for other purposes or for any form of planning chart requiring the use of various symbols in different arrays. It is a particular advantage of the method and apparatus according to the invention that the flow chart or similar may be arranged in a dynamic situation as a result of simultaneous discussion or consultation.

Claims

1. A method of formulating a flow chart or the like incorporating a plurality of symbols interconnected in a desired array, said method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of pieces each shaped or patterned to represent at least one of the symbols, providing a backing board on which the pieces are adapted to be placed, placing desired pieces on the backing board in a desired array, and interconnecting relevant pieces with connecting lines to represent the desired flow chart.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1. wherein the relevant pieces are interconnected by drawing lines on the backing board with an erasable marker.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1. wherein the pieces are flat and adapted to adhere to the board.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1, including the step of photocopying the completed array and connecting lines to give a permanent printed presentation of the flow chart.
5. Apparatus for formulating a flow chart or the like having a plurality of symbols interconnected in a desired array, said apparatus comprising a plurality of pieces each shaped or patterned to represent at least one of the symbols, a backing board on which the pieces are adapted to be placed in any desired location, and connecting means adapted to provide connecting lines between relevant pieces forming a representation of the desired flow chart.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pieces are adapted to adhere to the backing board.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pieces are formed from a magnetic material or incorporate a magnetic element, and the backing board incorporates a metallic element to which the magnetic pieces are attracted.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6. wherein the pieces are substantially flat or plate-like in character enabling the board with adhered pieces to be inverted and photocopied.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pieces are shaped in accordance with symbols adapted to be used for computer programming flow charts.
10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5. wherein the connecting means comprise an erasable marker with which connecting lines may be drawn on the backing board.
11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the backing board is provided with a grid pattern forming guide lines for the alignment of the symbols and the drawing of the connecting lines.
12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11. wherein the grid pattern is incorporated on one or more detachable sheets adapted to be placed over the base backing board between the backing board and the pieces.
EP19840902685 1983-07-05 1984-07-04 Systems analysis board Withdrawn EP0148909A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU125/83 1983-07-05
AU12583 1983-07-05
AU3412/84 1984-02-01
AU341284 1984-02-01

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0148909A1 true EP0148909A1 (en) 1985-07-24

Family

ID=25608623

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19840902685 Withdrawn EP0148909A1 (en) 1983-07-05 1984-07-04 Systems analysis board

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0148909A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1985000456A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB9015832D0 (en) * 1990-07-19 1990-09-05 Osprey Metals Ltd Introducing means
WO1995000938A1 (en) * 1993-06-19 1995-01-05 Teltenkoetter Kalheber Stefani Device for presentation lecturing or other, similar, purposes
GB2292474A (en) * 1994-08-09 1996-02-21 Robina Stretch Magnetic business card

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1245183B (en) * 1964-06-29 1967-07-20 Hermann Holtz Magnetic blackboard
US3839130A (en) * 1973-05-16 1974-10-01 Wright Barry Corp Magnetic display board symbols
DE2436241A1 (en) * 1974-07-27 1976-02-12 Andreas Gacs Magnetic computer programme flow diagrams - built up using plastics ties bearing standard DIN symbols
DE2618325B2 (en) * 1976-04-27 1978-07-27 Harald Dipl.-Ing. 7300 Esslingen Riehle Planning board
IT1114928B (en) * 1977-11-11 1986-02-03 Tecno Planning Italia Di Giuli MODULAR PANEL AVAILABLE WITH OTHER EQUALS FOR THE REALIZATION OF MAGNETIC PANELS FOR PROGRAMMING AND STATISTICS
FR2414764A1 (en) * 1978-01-11 1979-08-10 Bousquet Jean Paul Kit for constructing circuit plans - includes base plate and element blocks linked by coloured threads

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO8500456A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1985000456A1 (en) 1985-01-31

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Legal Events

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PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

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Effective date: 19850611