A geometric approach to shortest bounded curvature paths

Abstract

Consider two elements in the tangent bundle of the Euclidean plane $(x,X),(y,Y)\in T{\mathbb{R}}^2$. In this work we address the problem of characterizing the paths of bounded curvature and minimal length starting at $x$, finishing at $y$ and having tangents at these points $X$ and $Y$ respectively. This problem was first investigated in the late 50's by Lester Dubins. In this note we present a constructive proof of Dubins' result giving special emphasis on the geometric nature of this problem.

14 pages, 8 figures