A variational approach to path planning in three dimensions using level set methods

In this paper we extend the two-dimensional methods set forth in [T. Cecil, D. Marthaler, A variational approach to search and path planning using level set methods, UCLA CAM Report, 04-61, 2004], proposing a variational approach to a path planning problem in three dimensions using a level set framework. After defining an energy integral over the path, we use gradient flow on the defined energy and evolve the entire path until a locally optimal steady state is reached. We follow the framework for motion of curves in three dimensions set forth in [P. Burchard, L.-T. Cheng, B. Merriman, S. Osher, Motion of curves in three spatial dimensions using a level set approach, J. Comput. Phys. 170(2) (2001) 720–741], modified appropriately to take into account that we allow for paths with positive, varying widths. Applications of this method extend to robotic motion and visibility problems, for example. Numerical methods and algorithms are given, and examples are presented.