Analytical Graphics Inc.

Douglas J Claffery

James William Woodburn

David M Holland

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for selecting a path between an originating point and a destination point in a communications network comprising a number of objects for a certain time interval. The method comprises constructing a link availability matrix which comprises a start time and an end time for a link between any two objects in the communications network. The start time for all links in the link availability matrix are arranged in a chronological order. A cost matrix is generated for the first start time in the link availability matrix based on selected factors and continuing through the following start times until a connecting path is found between the originating point and destination point using a number of objects in the network. After a connecting path is found, a first disconnect time based on the end times in the link availability matrix for the objects in the connecting path is selected. Steps (c) and (d) are repeated for all subsequent start time in the link availability matrix for the time interval to identify other connecting paths for the origination and destination points. An optimal path is selected for the communication between the origination and destination points based on the selected factors. The invention also relates to the utilization of graphical depictions of the optimal path preferably on a computer showing Earth imagery and the location of the objects in the communication system.

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Malvern, PA, United States of America

Douglas J Claffery