Relative Visual-Inertial Odometry for Small Unmanned Aircraft in GPS-Denied Environments ID: 2019-018
An innovative odometry method enabling precise motion tracking of small unmanned aircraft in areas without GPS.

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Technology Overview
This technology introduces a novel approach to odometry, specifically designed for small unmanned aircraft operating in GPS-denied environments. It leverages a combination of camera and inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors, incorporating an extended Kalman Filter to achieve tightly-coupled visual-inertial odometry. The system periodically resets to improve motion estimation accuracy and ensure global state consistency through backend computations.
Key Advantages
- Enhanced navigation accuracy in GPS-denied environments
- Adaptable to various aircraft types and conditions
- Improves global state consistency with periodic estimator resets
- Tightly-coupled visual-inertial approach for precise motion tracking
Problems Addressed
- Limited navigation capabilities of unmanned aircraft in GPS-denied areas
- Challenges in maintaining accurate and consistent motion estimation over time
Market Applications
- Military navigation systems, including missile and aircraft guidance
- Commercial and research drones operating in complex environments
- Emergency response and search operations in GPS-impaired conditions
Additional Information
Technology ID: 2019-018
Sell Sheet: Download the Sell Sheet here
Market Analysis: Contact us for a more in-depth market report
Date Published: 28 March, 2025
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