Question

(4 points.) Write an algorithm (i.e., step-by-step instructions) via which someone could walk or drive from some origin to some destination, perhaps a path that you yourself tend to travel. Take care to specify what the origin and destination that you have in mind. And take care to use loops and conditions as needed, particularly if there might be obstacles (e.g., red lines). Assume that your algorithm will be executed by a robot (or lost friend) who will follow your directions precisely, so avoid ALL ambiguity!

Answer 1

Answer:

The algorithm is as follows :

1. Record Current Position, Final Destination

2. While Current Position is not Final Destination, repeat the following:

2.1 If destination location is up then:

  2.1.1 If an obstacle is directly above you then:

     2.1.1.1 Look for alternate position (left, right, down)

     2.1.1.2 If alternate position is found then

        2.1.1.2.1 Move there

        2.1.1.2.2 Record Current Position

     2.1.1.3 If no alternate position is found then

        2.1.1.3.1 Call for help

        2.1.1.3.2 End

  2.1.2 If no obstacle is directly above you then:

     2.1.2.1 Move up

     2.1.2.1 Record Current Position

2.2 If destination location is down then:

  2.2.1 If an obstacle is directly below you then:

     2.2.1.1 Look for alternate position (left, right, up)

     2.2.1.2 If alternate position is found then

        2.1.1.2.1 Move there

        2.2.1.2.2 Record Current Position

     2.2.1.3 If no alternate position is found then

        2.2.1.3.1 Call for help

        2.2.1.3.2 End

  2.2.2 If no obstacle is directly below you then:

     2.2.2.1 Move down

     2.1.2.1 Record Current Position

2.3 If destination location is right then:

  2.3.1 If an obstacle is directly by your right then:

     2.3.1.1 Look for alternate position (down, up, left)

     2.3.1.2 If alternate position is found then

        2.3.1.2.1 Move there

        2.3.1.2.2 Record Current Position

     2.3.1.3 If no alternate position is found then

        2.3.1.3.1 Call for help

        2.3.1.3.2 End

  2.3.2 If no obstacle is directly by your right then:

     2.3.2.1 Move right

     2.3.2.1 Record Current Position

2.4 If destination location is left then:

  2.4.1 If an obstacle is directly by your left then:

     2.4.1.1 Look for alternate position (down, up, right)

     2.4.1.2 If alternate position is found then

        2.4.1.2.1 Move there

        2.4.1.2.2 Record Current Position

     2.4.1.3 If no alternate position is found then

        2.4.1.3.1 Call for help

        2.4.1.3.2 End

  2.4.2 If no obstacle is directly by your left then:

     2.4.2.1 Move left

     2.4.2.1 Record Current Position

Explanation:

The algorithm is straight forward.

All it does is to check for available position and move into the position if there is any available.

It keeps checking and moving until an obstacle prevents it from moving.