This is the second of my three-part look into symmetry reduction algorithms for speeding up grid-based pathfinding. In part one I introduced the notion of path symmetry: a property of uniform-cost grid maps which can significantly slow down optimal search. In this article I discuss Rectangular Symmetry Reduction (RSR for short): a new pre-processing algorithm […]| Shortest Path
In this article, the first in a three-part series, I attempt to explain path symmetry: a property of uniform-cost grid maps and other regular search domains which can significantly slow down pathfinding. I describe how symmetry manifests itself and briefly discuss some approaches that other people have tried to improve things. Finally, I introduce two […]| Shortest Path
One of the (few) perks of being a research student is attending conferences. There are many reasons to attend a conference: you get to travel to places you probably wouldn’t otherwise visit, toss around ideas with other people who work in the same research area and get a glimpse into the state of the art […]| Shortest Path
In my last two articles I discussed HAA*, a clearance-based pathfinding technique applicable to grid maps that efficiently computes paths for agents of different sizes and with distinct terrain traversal capabilities. Such problems are common in many modern video games and particularly in the real-time strategy and role-playing genres (Figure 1). The basic idea behind HAA* is really […]| Shortest Path
In my last article I discussed Annotated A*, a search algorithm able to solve pathfinding problems for variable-sized agents with heterogeneous terrain traversal capabilities. Such problems are encountered in many modern video games which often feature different classes of units, each with distinct physical characteristics and navigational capabilities. The story so far Annotated A* operates […]| Shortest Path
Real-time strategy (RTS) games often feature a wide number unit types for the player to control. One of my favourite titles from the past, Westwood’s seminal Red Alert, had many classes of di…| Shortest Path
On Walking, Motherhood and Freedom The desire to walk is something that defines us, bringing joy, connection and freedom. But what happens to all this when we become mothers? In the wake of the com…| The Book Nook
Vehicle-like mechanics for Unity’s NavMesh system.| Keith M. Programming