SYSTEMS ANALYSIS BOARD

Abstract: A systems analysis board has a backing board (1) on which can be detachably placed various flow chart symbol pieces (6) to formulate a desired flow chart for computer programming or the like. The pieces can be interconnected by lines drawn on the backing board (1) by an erasable marker. The board may have a cover (2) a detaand a detachable face sheet (4) with a grid pattern. The pieces (6) may be flat and magnetically adhered to the backing board (1) to enable the board to be inverted for reproduction of the flow chart 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 o- 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 OMPI ' WIPO _, 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. - &ZE i OMPI ?N O - 4 - 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. OMPI < . IPO 4?N T

Claims: 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.

Inventors: STEMM MARK ANDREW, STEMM, MARK, ANDREW
Applicants: STEMM MARK ANDREW, STEMM, MARK, ANDREW
Application year: 1984
Main classification: G09F7
IPC codes: G09B29, G09F7