A path-planning algorithm for autonomous vehicles based on traffic stability criteria: the AS-IAPF algorithm

<p>Urban traffic congestion, obstacle avoidance, and driving efficiency are the challenges faced by autonomous-vehicle path-planning technology in cities. The traditional artificial potential field (APF) algorithm is insufficient to meet the requirements of efficiency and safety in path planni...

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Main Authors: M. Zhao, X. Li, Y. Lu, H. Wang, S. Ning
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Copernicus Publications 2024-11-01
Series:Mechanical Sciences
Online Access:https://ms.copernicus.org/articles/15/613/2024/ms-15-613-2024.pdf
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author M. Zhao
M. Zhao
X. Li
Y. Lu
H. Wang
S. Ning
author_facet M. Zhao
M. Zhao
X. Li
Y. Lu
H. Wang
S. Ning
author_sort M. Zhao
collection DOAJ
description <p>Urban traffic congestion, obstacle avoidance, and driving efficiency are the challenges faced by autonomous-vehicle path-planning technology in cities. The traditional artificial potential field (APF) algorithm is insufficient to meet the requirements of efficiency and safety in path planning, as it easily gets trapped in local optima when dealing with complex environments. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel AS-IAPF path-planning algorithm to more efficiently enhance the target reachability of autonomous vehicles in complex traffic environments. Firstly, this paper analyzes and elucidates the macroscopic traffic model, achieving effective modeling of dynamic traffic flow stability based on Lyapunov stability theorem and a classical 1D flow model. Thus, the threshold discriminant formula for traffic element stability is obtained. Secondly, based on the aforementioned threshold discriminant formula, a new AS-IAPF algorithm is proposed. The algorithm mainly includes two aspects: firstly, by pre-generating initial paths and introducing a Gaussian oscillation coefficient of force fields, it avoids the algorithm falling into local optima; secondly, by using the aforementioned driving stability threshold discriminant formula as a dimensional adjustment for adaptively improving and adjusting the strength coefficient of the AS-APF repulsive field, the algorithm further improves the efficiency of path planning. Finally, the algorithm is subjected to joint simulations of 2D and 3D scenarios of different types. The research results show that the AS-IAPF algorithm outperforms other algorithms of the same type with respect to comprehensive performance based on multiple 2D scenario simulation experiments. In the 3D simulation experiments of three different typical traffic scenarios, the proposed algorithm can drive autonomous vehicles to effectively perform corresponding obstacle avoidance actions based on the actual traffic scenarios ahead, ultimately achieving safe obstacle avoidance. The path-planning method proposed in this paper can enhance driving efficiency while considering the safety and stability of vehicles, providing a promising approach and reference for the path planning of autonomous vehicles.</p>
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publishDate 2024-11-01
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spelling doaj-art-616a2c03a17b469b9de1c425acafdc122024-11-08T14:03:19ZengCopernicus PublicationsMechanical Sciences2191-91512191-916X2024-11-011561363110.5194/ms-15-613-2024A path-planning algorithm for autonomous vehicles based on traffic stability criteria: the AS-IAPF algorithmM. Zhao0M. Zhao1X. Li2Y. Lu3H. Wang4S. Ning5School of Mechatronic Engineering, Xi'an Technological University, Xi'an, 710000, ChinaJMC Automotive Product Research and Development Institute, Jiangling Motors Corporation, Ltd, Nanchang, 330000, ChinaSchool of Information Engineering, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang, 330000, ChinaSchool of Aeronautical Manufacturing Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang, 330000, ChinaSchool of Mechatronic Engineering, Xi'an Technological University, Xi'an, 710000, ChinaSchool of Mechatronic Engineering, Xi'an Technological University, Xi'an, 710000, China<p>Urban traffic congestion, obstacle avoidance, and driving efficiency are the challenges faced by autonomous-vehicle path-planning technology in cities. The traditional artificial potential field (APF) algorithm is insufficient to meet the requirements of efficiency and safety in path planning, as it easily gets trapped in local optima when dealing with complex environments. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel AS-IAPF path-planning algorithm to more efficiently enhance the target reachability of autonomous vehicles in complex traffic environments. Firstly, this paper analyzes and elucidates the macroscopic traffic model, achieving effective modeling of dynamic traffic flow stability based on Lyapunov stability theorem and a classical 1D flow model. Thus, the threshold discriminant formula for traffic element stability is obtained. Secondly, based on the aforementioned threshold discriminant formula, a new AS-IAPF algorithm is proposed. The algorithm mainly includes two aspects: firstly, by pre-generating initial paths and introducing a Gaussian oscillation coefficient of force fields, it avoids the algorithm falling into local optima; secondly, by using the aforementioned driving stability threshold discriminant formula as a dimensional adjustment for adaptively improving and adjusting the strength coefficient of the AS-APF repulsive field, the algorithm further improves the efficiency of path planning. Finally, the algorithm is subjected to joint simulations of 2D and 3D scenarios of different types. The research results show that the AS-IAPF algorithm outperforms other algorithms of the same type with respect to comprehensive performance based on multiple 2D scenario simulation experiments. In the 3D simulation experiments of three different typical traffic scenarios, the proposed algorithm can drive autonomous vehicles to effectively perform corresponding obstacle avoidance actions based on the actual traffic scenarios ahead, ultimately achieving safe obstacle avoidance. The path-planning method proposed in this paper can enhance driving efficiency while considering the safety and stability of vehicles, providing a promising approach and reference for the path planning of autonomous vehicles.</p>https://ms.copernicus.org/articles/15/613/2024/ms-15-613-2024.pdf
spellingShingle M. Zhao
M. Zhao
X. Li
Y. Lu
H. Wang
S. Ning
A path-planning algorithm for autonomous vehicles based on traffic stability criteria: the AS-IAPF algorithm
Mechanical Sciences
title A path-planning algorithm for autonomous vehicles based on traffic stability criteria: the AS-IAPF algorithm
title_full A path-planning algorithm for autonomous vehicles based on traffic stability criteria: the AS-IAPF algorithm
title_fullStr A path-planning algorithm for autonomous vehicles based on traffic stability criteria: the AS-IAPF algorithm
title_full_unstemmed A path-planning algorithm for autonomous vehicles based on traffic stability criteria: the AS-IAPF algorithm
title_short A path-planning algorithm for autonomous vehicles based on traffic stability criteria: the AS-IAPF algorithm
title_sort path planning algorithm for autonomous vehicles based on traffic stability criteria the as iapf algorithm
url https://ms.copernicus.org/articles/15/613/2024/ms-15-613-2024.pdf
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