The Path Planning Graphical User Interface is a computer program that, as its name indi- cates, generates a graphical user interface (GUI) for software that plans paths for robotic vehicles (rovers) to be used in exploration of remote planets. This GUI program is designed for use in conjunction with the A* Search Algorithm, which plans the path of a rover between starting and ending positions specified by the user. With the help of the GUI, the user can change rover positions interactively and can modify the parameters used by the path-planning search algorithm. Prior to the development of this GUI program, it was typical practice for engineers to hand-code path-planning algorithms in order to encode parameters particular to their application, so that testing with different parameters and terrain maps was tedious and costly. The present GUI program makes it easy for users to test their path-planning logic by downloading or modifying current terrain environments and search parameters, without need for a costly learning process.
This program was written by Ayanna Howard of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Don Hart of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393- 3425. Refer to NPO-30320.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
GUI Program for Planning Paths of Cover
(reference NPO-30320) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document outlines the Path Planning Graphical User Interface (GUI) developed by Ayanna Howard at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for planning navigation paths for robotic rovers used in planetary exploration. This software is designed to work with the A* Search Algorithm, which enables users to specify starting and ending positions for the rover, facilitating efficient path planning.
Prior to the development of this GUI, engineers typically hand-coded path-planning algorithms, which made testing different parameters and terrain maps a tedious and costly process. The GUI addresses these challenges by allowing users to interactively change rover positions and modify search parameters in real-time. This flexibility significantly streamlines the testing process, making it easier for users to experiment with various terrain environments without the need for extensive programming knowledge.
The document also provides instructions for starting the GUI, which is developed in the Java programming language. Users must have the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed on their systems to run the program. The command to invoke the GUI is specified, guiding users on how to access the software from the command line.
Additionally, the document emphasizes the software's availability for commercial licensing, directing interested parties to contact Don Hart at the California Institute of Technology for further information. The program is part of a broader initiative under NASA's sponsorship, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of robotic exploration in remote planetary environments.
Overall, the Path Planning GUI represents a significant advancement in the field of robotic navigation, providing a user-friendly platform that simplifies the complexities of path planning and enhances the efficiency of rover operations in exploration missions. The document serves as both a technical support package and a user manual, ensuring that users have the necessary information to effectively utilize the software for their path-planning needs.
