N elevators serving M floors most efficiently

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Loren Booda
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding an efficient algorithm for managing N elevators serving M floors. It explores various factors that may influence the design and operation of the elevator system, including usage patterns and constraints.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the appropriate algorithm to solve the problem of elevator efficiency.
  • Another participant suggests considering that the bottom floor will likely be the most frequently used, proposing that at least one elevator should remain idle there when not in use.
  • A different participant mentions the need for a constraint regarding the relationship between a variable minimum number of elevators (N) and a variable maximum number of floors (M).
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about their ability to contribute but notes that the number of people using the elevators should also be factored into the solution.
  • Another participant proposes that the floors above ground are called at random, which may affect the algorithm's design.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have raised various considerations and constraints, but there is no consensus on a specific algorithm or approach. Multiple competing views and factors remain under discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined assumptions regarding elevator usage patterns, the impact of random floor calls, or the specific metrics for efficiency. The discussion lacks resolution on how these factors interrelate.

Loren Booda
Messages
3,115
Reaction score
4
What kind of algorithm aptly describes the solution to this problem?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Would you want to take into account that the bottom floor will be used most often therefore at least one elevator should idle there when not in use?
 
A good constraint for a variable minimum N vs a variable maximum M.
 
Oh right, I don't think I will be able to help with this question but I think that you will need another variable for how many people use the elevators.
 
Assume that the floors above ground are called at random.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
4K