Error analysis of algorithms for camera rotation calculation in GPS/IMU/camera fusion for UAV sense and avoid systems

In this paper four camera pose estimation algorithms are investigated in simulations. The aim of the investigation is to show the strengths and weaknesses of these algorithms in the aircraft attitude estimation task. The work is part of a research project where a low cost UAV is developed which can be integrated into the national airspace. Two main issues are addressed with these measurements, one is the sense-and-avoid capability of the aircraft and the other is sensor redundancy. Both parts can benefit from a good attitude estimate. Thus, it is important to use the appropriate algorithm for the camera rotation estimation. Results show that many times even the simplest algorithm can perform at an acceptable level of precision for the sensor fusion.