Schematics + Signal Flow
Black Box ??
In Out
Black Box: an unknown process
Ins/outs or inputs and outputs: information or substances entering and exiting
Process: taking the input and altering it in some way to derive a new "useful" output
What goes in? What comes out?
Think about how processes work in terms of their inputs, and outputs. What must be going on inside the "black box"?
Video Signal
Light
Light
Video Signal
Your voice
Your friend's voice
Gasoline
Exhaust fumes
"Schematic"
This is an example of a 'Circuit' type of schematic. The Input is the battery power, and the output (in this case) is the laser pointer. When the circuit is completed the device "works" and the switch controls which circuit is completed.
Arrow through the different
switch settings to see the effect:
OFF
(no circuit)
ON
(constant circuit)
ON
with push button pressed
Position 1 = off
Position 2 = on constant
Position 3 = on only when
button is pushed
Schematic examples....NESW
Black Box ??
In Out
East North, East, or West
West North, South, or West
North North, East, or West
South South, East, or West
Freeway Interchange (no U-turns!)
WHAT COULD IT BE??
MacArthur Maze - Interchange (system)
Wired Magazine
(flow chart)
Maps
Geographic Semi-Schematic Schematic / Topologic
Realistic Abstract
London Underground Schematic (map)
Early Semi-schematic map
-note the stylized towns and zig-zag roads
Internet Speed and Connectivity of Japan (system)
Semi-schematic (map) showing geography relative to population
Semi-schematic (map) showing lots of geographic detail