Shortest Interpolating Curves with Constrained Curvature

A realistic generalization of the Markov–Dubins problem, which is concerned with finding the shortest planar curve of constrained curvature joining two points with prescribed tangents, is the requirement that the curve passes through a number of prescribed intermediate points/nodes. We refer to this generalization as the Markov–Dubins interpolation problem. We formulate this interpolation problem as an optimal control problem and obtain results about the structure of its solution using optimal control theory. The Markov–Dubins interpolants consist of a concatenation of circular (C) and straight-line (S) segments. Abnormal interpolating curves are shown to exist and characterized; however, if the interpolating curve contains a straight-line segment then it cannot be abnormal. We derive results about the stationarity, or criticality, of the feasible solutions of certain structure. In particular, any feasible interpolant with arc types of CSC in each stage is proved to be stationary, i.e., critical. We propose a numerical method for computing Markov–Dubins interpolating paths. We illustrate the theory and the numerical approach by four qualitatively different examples.