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Description
This film programme provides an illustration of the analysis and design stages which are necessary for success in any computer installation. The programme uses two case studies described in the uni...t. The first is a large project, the computer control of traffic in London, and in this the head of the project describes the overall analysis and design of the system. The second part of the programme deals with a chemical manufacturer. The managing director describes the mistakes the company made with their first installation and emphasises the attention which must be paid to detail in analysis and design of a second dataprocessing computer. A computer consultant gives his view of the steps necessary.
This film programme provides an illustration of the analysis and design stages which are necessary for success in any computer installation. The programme uses two case studies described in the uni...t. The first is a large project, the computer control of traffic in London, and in this the head of the project describes the overall analysis and design of the system. The second part of the programme deals with a chemical manufacturer. The managing director describes the mistakes the company made with their first installation and emphasises the attention which must be paid to detail in analysis and design of a second dataprocessing computer. A computer consultant gives his view of the steps necessary.
| Module code and title: | T100, The man-made world: a foundation course |
|---|---|
| Item code: | T100; 14 |
| First transmission date: | 23-04-1972 |
| Published: | 1972 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:23:30 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | David Nelson |
| Contributor: | Geoffrey Holister |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Analysis; Chemical manufacturer; Choosing the correct computer system; Computer consultant; Computer control of traffic in London; Computer installation; Design stages; Illustration; Traffic detectors; Traffic light control box |
| Footage description: | This unit opens with shots of London traffic. Close ups of several drivers behind the wheel. There will be numerous shots of London traffic throughout the tape, accompanying the commentary. Michael Chandler of the GLC Dept. of Planning and Transportation explains how a computer can be used in traffic control. The computer's memory holds various signal plans for controlling traffic signals (cycle time, etc.) Chandler tells how these plans are compiled. Shot of map of West London showing the area covered by the GLC traffic control experiment. Shot of traffic light control box which receives computer signals and sends feedback. Traffic detectors buried in road send traffic volume data to computer. Shot of road where detector is buried. Shot of map in central control room, from control boxes are displayed. Shots of special road sign on London streets. It is computer controlled and directs traffic away from congested areas. Shots of a visual display unit. This allows an operator to study closely, any controlled junction in his area. Shot of remote TV camera mounted at a critical junction. It allows operator to monitor traffic in detail - watching for motor breakdowns and accidents. Shot of police car on way to accident. Holister gives the results of the GLC traffic control experiment - Shot of map of London to show how far the project has been extended (to the whole Greater London area) in the analysis. Michael Chandler standing by map explains how the system was designed to handle such a large area. Network control for the project explained. Shot of flow chart of project activities illustrates this network control. Chandler explains why the traffic control area has been broken into groups and subgroups. Shots of traffic flow information for the signal plan being fed into computer on punch cards. Chandler explains the overall computer layout. Shots of fault checking by computer. An inspector is shown simulating a fault at the control box. Shots of the inside of Koch-light Laboratories Ltd. Dr. Koch, the managing Director, explains his company's experience in buying and installing a computer system which was unsuitable for the company's needs. John Hoskins, management consultant, explains the criteria for choosing the correct computer system. He gives the ingredients of a feasibility study which he says is essential. Dr. Koch explains how his company prepared systen specifications prior to ordering a new computer. Shots of work going on inside the plant Dr. Koch discusses the problem of everyday running of the data processing after a system is installed. Shots of people working on the systems input at Koch-Light Laboratories Ltd. Koch explains the methods used. |
| Master spool number: | 6LT/70572 |
| Production number: | 00521_2533 |
| Videofinder number: | 2158 |
| Available to public: | no |
