A graph manipulator for on-line network picture processing

This paper describes research which involves the use of interactive computer graphics for processing systems analysis networks. The term "systems analysis network" is used to include project scheduling, task-resource simulation, computer programming flow diagrams, decision tree, assembly line balancing, flows in networks, etc. These network pictures usually characterize the precedence relations and the logical and data flow among network component parts, and are traditionally the planning tools for industrial engineers, operations research analysis, and management and systems planners. In this research, a system is developed to provide a "drawing board," through the use of interactive computer graphics, to compose, transform, decompose, partition, simplify, merge, and regenerate network pictures for the purpose of facilitating rapid convergence in man-computer experiments.