RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT APPROVED REQUEST FOR PROCUREMENT OF A SPECIFIC FORMS CHIP PRINTER

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04747A000400030004-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 21, 2002
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: June 3, 1964
• Content Type: MF

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BEST COPY
AVAILABLE
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ASAVAPIC
Dirseter, !MC
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1 Mae. Dirsetor (Caisptroller)
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130 April 1964
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25X1A
CONFIDENTIAL
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Research and Development
Project Approval Request
I. Identification
This project covers the design and fabrication of a Specific Format
Chip Printer. The project is under the NPIC program for Reproduction and
Processing Equipment. At the time of submission of the FY 64 Financial
Plan a chip screening viewer and a chip storage and retrieval system were
included as long lead time development items,at the 'level. Since
then it has become apparent that the printer should be the primary step in
the development of chip handling mechanisms since all else would be dependent
upon the printer output insofar as size, format and content were concerned.
Therefore, the Specific Format Chip Printer is submitted in place of the
screening viewer and the storage retrieval system. The additional funds
are available in the approved budget.
II. Objectives
The current emphasis in both photo interpretation and photo mensura-
tion is that of recording targets and areas of interest on photographic
chips. This requirement is now being carried out in NPIC by a manual system
of screening and selection, cutting and mounting stereogram S for inter-
pretation. The obvious solution is the development of a high performance
printer capable of producing duplicate exposures of a specific format
containing the highest possible quality, resolution and acutance. Such
a development will provide the NPIC with:
a. A method of producing high quality photographic film chips
of desired target areas in quantities required to meet operational
needs.
b. A properly formatted film chip for use with the chip comparator,
scheduled for delivery this year.
c. A system which will reduce the amount of film handling now
required of the operational groups.
d. A convenient and usable formatted chip which will permit
transition to an automatic or semi-automatic storage and retrieval
system if and when required.
CONFIDENTIAL
. GROUP!
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III. Background
Existing camera systems and film combinations dictate that the
photo interpreter be furnished the ultimate in high quality material
in order to gain the most information from his interpretation process.
The current method of physically cutting the target areas out of a
second generation roll of duplicate film is the only practical way of
obtaining this quality. This method, although workable, obviates the
use of that roll of duplicate film for any other purpose.
The mensuration aspect as now performed requires the preparation
of glass plates for some equipment read-out and duplicate roll film for
other equipments. Inherent in any roll film handling process is the
lack of dimensional stability, which results in non-repeatable measure-
ments and gross inaccuracies. A high performance chip printer will provide
a method to overcome a large percentage of these errors. The original
chip size is known and can be allowed for in calculations; the film
emulsions have different characteristics, dependent upon type and thick-
ness and can be adjusted in calculations; the filmbase likewise has
known characteristics, dependent upon type and thickness and can be
calculated and allowed for in the mensuration cycle. The chip comparator,
now under contract, is designed to accept 4 x 5 inch chips and will have
the capability to extract target location information from the binary
encoded information on the chip as well as accurate mensuration relative
to this information.
Roll film, while the most practical media for scanning large areas, is
impractical for detailed study. Consequently, thousands of stereograms
have been prepared. This vast amount of film handling, cutting and stereo
preparation can be eliminated by the application of chip printing.
IV. Technical Specifications
The chip printer under consideration is a high resolution, contact
printer capable of producing a specific format chip containing all the
necessary data relative to the original photo frame from which it will
be printed. The proposed chip size will be 100 mm by 127 mm (standard
4" x 5" cut film or 5" roll film) containing an image size of 70 mm by
95 mm with optional sizes of 90 mm by 95 mm or 112 mm by 95 mm. A
survey of the operational groups was made to ascertain the type of
collateral data needed to meet the mensuration and PI readout requirements.
It was determined that certain factors were common to both and this
information will be printed on one edge of the chip in both alpha-numeric
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and machine readable characters. Applicable security classification will
also be exposed on each chip. The printer is to be operable from punched
paper tape or manually. Development is intended to be carried out in
three phases: (1) a preliminary design effort wherein investigation
into light sources, transport methods, film gates, automation, resolution
and the like will be made for optimum performance; (2) a breadboard phase
which is intended to demonstrate and prove the concepts of the preliminary
phase; and (3) a fabrication and testing phase which shall encompass final
design, assembly, testing, training and acceptance.
Input materials will be negative roll film, 70 mm through 9 inches
in width with formats varying from 70 mm x 70 mm to 9- inches x 50 inches
and continuous strip type. Output materials will be five inch duplicate
positive film of a specific format containing a contract image area,
security classification and a human-machine readable code. The printer
will be automated to the fullest extent applicable. Film transport, X-Y
positioning, azimuth orientation, exposure control, dodging and printing
all will have partial or full automation, the amount of which will be
determined by the breadboard phase.
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V. Contractor and Financial Arrangements
bidders
being submitted
on this
by the
printer.
Nine
Seven were
following
companies were recommended as potential
solicited, resulting in proposals
companies:
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Of
the four submissionsi
is
considered
the most acceptable from a technical aspect. The remaining
proposals were thoroughly evaluated and deemed unacceptable for reasons
of ultra
information
-sophistication, mis-interpretation of requirements,
to form conclusions and cost.
insufficient
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The
proposal
is based upon a
fourteen month effort at a cost
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VI. Coordination
Information concerning the proposed program has been disseminated
within the Agency and to other components of the intelligence community
through the NPIC Technical Development Committee and the NPIC Semi-annual
Joint Procurement Meeting held 28 February 1964.
The Production Services Division, NPIC, final recipient of the
equipment, was afforded a briefing on the program and the opportunity
to evaluate all the proposals.
The Procurement Division, Office of Logistics, has been informed of
this program and is anticipating contract negotiations during May-June
1964.
VII. Security
4.
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