A Differentiable Signed Distance Representation for Continuous Collision Avoidance in Optimization-Based Motion Planning

Abstract: This paper proposes a new set of conditions for exactly representing collision avoidance constraints within optimization-based motion planning algorithms. The conditions are continuously differentiable and therefore suitable for use with standard nonlinear optimization solvers. The method represents convex shapes using a support function representation and is therefore quite general. For collision avoidance involving polyhedral or ellipsoidal shapes, the proposed method introduces fewer variables and constraints than existing approaches. Additionally the proposed method can be used to rigorously ensure continuous collision avoidance as the vehicle transitions between the discrete poses determined by the motion planning algorithm. Numerical examples demonstrate how this can be used to prevent problems of corner cutting and passing through obstacles which can occur when collision avoidance is only enforced at discrete time steps.