Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI) has been awarded its 16th patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for work by astrodynamicist Sergei Tanygin, Ph.D., entitled “Visualization of Field-of-View Constraints” (U.S. patent 7,609,907). This patent covers a method used in AGI software to compute one or more directional contours or horizons that encompass regions of space visible to the sensor. AGI’s core COTS software offering, STK, uses this invention to determine and visualize complex visibility conditions that arise when sensor field-of-view is further limited by additional constraints, for example, the ground sample distance.

With this method, STK leverages its comprehensive system of visibility computations to produce accurate and informative visualizations of complex time-dynamic geometries on 2D maps and in 3D scenes. AGI will release STK version 9.1 this month. Additional AGI patented technologies include methods for orbit determination; transmitter and receiver bandwidth modeling; determination of spacecraft drag; spacecraft sensor obscuration; and three-dimensional orbit maneuver analysis.