Alignment and Calibration of Optical and Inertial Sensors Using Stellar Observations

Abstract

Aircraft navigation information (position, velocity, and attitude) can be determined using optical measurements from an imaging sensor pointed toward the ground combined with an inertial navigation system. A critical factor governing the level of accuracy achievable in such a system is the alignment and calibration of the sensors. Currently, alignment accuracy is limited by machining and mounting tolerances for low-cost applications. In this paper, a novel alignment and calibration method is proposed which combines inertial and stellar observations using an extended Kalman filter algorithm. The approach is verified using simulation and experimental data, and conclusions regarding alignment accuracy versus sensor quality are drawn.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2007
Accession Number
ADA462968

Entities

People

  • John Raquet
  • Mike Veth

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Algorithms
  • Calibration
  • Estimators
  • Filters
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Inertial Navigation
  • Inertial Navigation Systems
  • Kalman Filters
  • Measurement
  • Navigation
  • Optical Detectors
  • Orientation (Direction)
  • Simulations
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Adaptive Control and Estimation with Uncertainty in Dynamic Systems.
  • Geodesy
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.