Univector field method-based multi-agent navigation for pursuit problem in obstacle environments

The pursuit problem is a well-known problem in computer science. In this problem, a group of predator agents attempt to capture a prey agent in an environment with various obstacle types, partial observation, and an infinite grid-world. Predator agents are applied algorithms that use the univector field method to reach the prey agent, strategies for avoiding obstacles and strategies for cooperation between predator agents. Obstacle avoidance strategies are generalized and presented through strategies called hitting and following boundary (HFB); trapped and following shortest path (TFSP); and predicted and following shortest path (PFSP). In terms of cooperation, cooperation strategies are employed to more quickly reach and capture the prey agent. Experimental results are shown to illustrate the efficiency of the method in the pursuit problem.