A Complete Coverage Path Planning Approach for an Autonomous Underwater Helicopter in Unknown Environment Based on VFH+ Algorithm

Ma, Congcong and Zou, Hongyu and An, Xinyu (2024) A Complete Coverage Path Planning Approach for an Autonomous Underwater Helicopter in Unknown Environment Based on VFH+ Algorithm. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 12 (3). p. 412. ISSN 2077-1312

[thumbnail of jmse-12-00412.pdf] Text
jmse-12-00412.pdf - Published Version

Download (1MB)

Abstract

An Autonomous Underwater Helicopter (AUH) is a disk-shaped, multi-propelled Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), which is intended to work autonomously in underwater environments. The near-bottom area sweep in unknown environments is a typical application scenario, in which the complete coverage path planning (CCPP) is essential for AUH. A complete coverage path planning approach for AUH with a single beam echo sounder, including the initial path planning and online local collision avoidance strategy, is proposed. First, the initial path is planned using boustrophedon motion. Based on its mobility, a multi-dimensional obstacle sensing method is designed with a single beam range sonar mounted on the AUH. The VFH+ algorithm is configured for the heading decision-making procedure before encountering obstacles, based on their range information at a fixed position. The online local obstacle avoidance procedure is simulated and analyzed with variations of the desired heading direction and corresponding polar histograms. Finally, several simulation cases are set up, simulated and compared by analyzing the heading decision in front of different obstacle situations. The simulation results demonstrate the feasibility of the complete coverage path planning approach proposed, which proves that AUH completing a full coverage area sweep in unknown environments with a single beam sonar is viable.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Eurolib Press > Multidisciplinary
Depositing User: Managing Editor
Date Deposited: 27 Feb 2024 05:25
Last Modified: 27 Feb 2024 05:25
URI: http://info.submit4journal.com/id/eprint/3486

Actions (login required)

View Item
View Item