Differential-Evolution Control Parameter Optimization for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Path Planning

PLoS One. 2016 Mar 4;11(3):e0150558. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150558. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

The differential evolution algorithm has been widely applied on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) path planning. At present, four random tuning parameters exist for differential evolution algorithm, namely, population size, differential weight, crossover, and generation number. These tuning parameters are required, together with user setting on path and computational cost weightage. However, the optimum settings of these tuning parameters vary according to application. Instead of trial and error, this paper presents an optimization method of differential evolution algorithm for tuning the parameters of UAV path planning. The parameters that this research focuses on are population size, differential weight, crossover, and generation number. The developed algorithm enables the user to simply define the weightage desired between the path and computational cost to converge with the minimum generation required based on user requirement. In conclusion, the proposed optimization of tuning parameters in differential evolution algorithm for UAV path planning expedites and improves the final output path and computational cost.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aircraft*
  • Algorithms*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Robotics*

Grants and funding

This study was supported by Universiti Sains Malaysia; short term grant no. 304/PAERO/60312047 and MYLAB-KPM grant no. 304/PHUMANITI/650718. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.