Elevator Simulation

The Elevator Simulation recreates the operation of a multi-floor elevator system, demonstrating event-driven programming and queue management. This project simulates one of the original implementations of events and event handlers, long before web applications existed.

This advanced project demonstrates:

• Event-Driven Architecture: Classical event handling patterns
• Queue Management: FIFO (First-In, First-Out) request processing
• State Machine Design: Elevator states and transitions
• Animation Systems: Smooth elevator movement and timing
• User Interface Design: Intuitive building cross-section visualization

Key Features to Implement:

Building Visualization

• Cross-Section View: 4-floor building with visible elevator shaft
• Floor Controls:
  • Floor 1: Up button only
  • Floors 2-3: Up and down buttons
  • Floor 4: Down button only
• Elevator Car: Visual representation moving between floors
• Control Panel: Floor selection buttons (1-4) beside the diagram

Event Handling System

• Single Event Handlers:
  • One handler for all up/down floor buttons
  • One handler for all elevator control panel buttons
  • Efficient event delegation patterns
• Request Queue: FIFO processing of elevator calls
• Priority Management: Sequential request fulfillment

Elevator Logic

• Movement Animation: Smooth elevator travel between floors
• Timing System: 5-second wait time for floor button selection
• Auto-Return: Elevator returns to floor 1 when idle
• State Tracking: Current floor, direction, and queue status

User Interaction

• Floor Calling: Click up/down buttons to call elevator
• Destination Selection: Choose target floor from control panel
• Visual Feedback: Clear indication of elevator position and movement
• Queue Display: Show pending requests (optional)

Advanced Features (Bonus)

• Sound Effects: Audio feedback for arrivals and warnings
• Capacity Limits: Maximum request queue with warnings
• Random Occupants: Simulated building occupants requesting elevator
• Configurable Timing: Adjustable intervals for occupant arrivals
• Performance Metrics: Track usage statistics and efficiency

Technical Challenges:

• Implementing efficient event delegation patterns
• Managing complex queue systems with multiple request types
• Creating smooth animations with proper timing
• Designing intuitive visual interfaces for complex systems
• Handling edge cases in elevator logic (simultaneous requests, etc.)

Learning Outcomes:

• Event-driven programming patterns
• Queue data structures and algorithms
• State machine design and implementation
• Animation timing and user experience design
• System simulation and modeling techniques

Constraints:

• Must use single event handlers (no individual button handlers)
• Implement proper FIFO queue management
• Maintain clean separation between logic and presentation

This project provides excellent practice with fundamental computer science concepts while creating an engaging, real-world simulation that users can easily understand and interact with.