Path Space Approach for Planning 2D Shortest Path Based on Elliptic Workspace Geometry Mapping

A new algorithm for planning a collision-free path based on algebraic curve is developed and the concept of collision-free Path Space (PS) is introduced. This paper presents a Geometry Mapping (GM) based on two straight curves in which the intermediate connection point is organized in elliptic locus ($\delta$, $\theta$). The GM produces two-dimensional PS that is used to create the shortest collision-free path. The elliptic locus of intermediate connection point has a special property in that the total distance between the focus points through a point on ellipse is the same regardless of the location of the intermediate connection point on the ellipse. Since the radial distance, a, represents the total length of the path, the collision-free path can be found as the GM proceeds from $\delta$=0 (the direct path) to $\delta$=$\delta$$\_$max/(the longest path) resulting in the minimum time search. The GM of elliptic workspace (EWS) requires calculation of interference in circumferential direction only. The procedure for GM includes categorization of obstacles to .educe necessary calculation. A GM based on rectangular workspace (RWS) using Cartesian coordinate is also considered to show yet another possible GM. The transformations of PS among Circular Workspace Geometry Mapping (CWS GM) , Elliptic Workspace Geometry Mapping (EWS GM) , and Rectangular Workspace Geometry Mapping (RWS GM), are also considered. The simulations for the EWS GM on various computer systems are carried out to measure performance of algorithm and the results are presented.