Abstract
This paper presents a framework for GPS/INS/Vision based navigation system of helicopters. GPS/INS coupled algorithm has weak points such as GPS blockage and jamming, while the helicopter is a speedy and high dynamical vehicle amenable to lose the GPS signal. In case of the vision sensor, it is not affected by signal jamming and also navigation error is not accumulated. So, we have implemented an GPS/INS/Vision aided navigation system providing the robust localization suitable for helicopters operating in various environments. The core algorithm is the vision based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) technique. For the verification of the SLAM algorithm, we performed flight tests. From the tests, we confirm the developed system is robust enough under the GPS blockage. The system design, software algorithm, and flight test results are described.
