RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT APPROVAL REQUEST

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04747A001100050019-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 7, 2001
• Sequence Number: 19
• Content Type: REPORT

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RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT APPROVAL REQUEST
I. Identification
A feasibility study of a Modulated-Light, Film Viewing System is proposed
under the Technical Development Program of the P&DS, NPIC. The total study 25X1A
program will comprise three feasibility studies performed by separate firms at
respective estimated costs of totaling
The item was originally include in e financial plan for Fiscal Year 1964
at the - level under the category "Special Techniques and Development
Studies." The additional funds are avialable within the approved budget.
II. Objectives
The purpose of the program is to conduct feasibility studies of all light
modulation concepts that have a potential for improving the state-of-the-art in
both 1:1 viewing and enlarged viewing of photographic transparencies for exploita-
tion purposes.
The objective is to ultimately evolve an improved film viewing system that
would not only reduce the physiological strain on the human visual system but
also improve the display of photographic information for more effective exploita-
tion.
III. ,Background
The purpose of the Modulated-Light Viewing System is related to that of
automatic dodging systems as they are used in the reproduction process.
The oldest of automatic dodging systems is probably the unsha.rp mask as
it is used in printing to attenuate tone ranges and sharpen edge gradients; how-
ever, such techniques are limited to isolated applications since they are not
wholly automatic -- requiring considerable measurement, analysis and manipulation
on the part of the photographer.
through the original negative. This system is marketed under the trade name
Truly automatic dodging first became feasible for production applications
by virtue of the development of a cathode ray tube illumination system, incre-
mentally controlled by negative feedback generated by the light transmitted
Since this development about ten years ago, automatic dodging
contact prints, plates for stereo plotters and photo mosaics -- the most dramatic
effects being the attenuation of highlights in areas of specular reflection of
sunlight.
as become an accepted standard in the reproduction of mapping photography for
Automatic dodging or "incremental exposure control" wasi.eventua,lly accepted
by the photo interpreter, but not without reservations. `Invar.iably, he was not
Declass Review by NIMA/DOD
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convinced that all of the information on the original negative was faithfully
reproduced by this system, and it is now conceded that this is true -- so the
beneficial effects of automatic dodging in the duplication process have been
lost to the more important requirement for high fidelity. But even if the auto-
matic dodging system could be significantly improved as :far as resolution is
concerned, :it is doubtful that it would be acceptable for the first duplication
phase, since photo interpreters have different preferences for the degree or
even the presence of such dodging. Yet the impact of this technology must not
be underrated. It has been adopted and nurtured by the television industry to
produce manifold image "enhancement'? effects; still these have not satisfied
the P.I. for again some of the information on the original is lost.
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It is through the ingenuity of of the Development Branch,
Plans and Development Staff, NPIC that the most likely solution to this dilemma
has been devised -- that is the Modulated Light Viewing System. By this system
conventionally-produced, high-fidelity, duplicate positives may be viewed as
it automatically dodged positives, directl on 1i ht tables or through conventional
optics and under the complete control of the P.I. himself. At his choice, he
may selectively attenuate the illumination of large bright areas of specular
reflection, snow or clouds; or increase illumination in the shadows; or sharpen
up the edges; and then return to unmodulated illumination if he so desires.
Thus, this system will not produce the degrading effects of television processes
or have the inflexibility of the dodged duplicate; moreover, most of the potential.
of these systems for optimizing viewing conditions will be at the P.I.'s finger
tips, and at his discretion.
IV. Technical Specifications
Contractors were invited to propose development programs in two phases-,
"feasibility study" and "development of the prototype." Systems employing
cathode ray tubes, modulated-light scanning, UV-IR phosphor-quenching, photo-
chromic and phototropic masts and various combinations of these were invited.
Only the proposals for CRT systems were felt to hold sufficient promise to
justify development support. Contractors were advised that before the prototype
phase will be pursued, the feasibility study phase must culminate which proves
the operational potential of the system.
The most important performance parameters to be accomplished in the feas-
ibility study phase are-,
1. Illumination of a 9" x 9" viewing area with a source capable of incre-
mental modulation and a maximum brightness equivalent to (at least) 1000
foot lamberts over the. entire area.
2. Automatic modulation of illumination as a function of the density
(d=.o5-3.0) and spatial frequency (1 to 100 1/m) Qf the transparency
being viewed. The operator must be able to control both the sensitivity
and degree of modulation with respect to either of these variables.
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3. A feedback system which controls the modulation and must not present.
any form of physical interference to the viewer.
4. Applicability to contact, 1:1, and magnified, 5X-60X viewing must
be domon.strated.
5. Potential applicability to rear-projection viewing (:i.s desired).
V. Contractor and Financial Arrangements
Proposals were solicited from a total of twenty-three (23) commercial con-
cerns best qualified in the technology of active and passive light-modulating
systems. The companies solicited were:
The request for proposals covered development objectives for a "Modui.ated-
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Light Film Viewing System" dated 23 March 1964. Seven of the invited bidders
responded, as follows:
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It was hoped that a broad solicitation from industry would uncover com-
petitive but basically different approaches to the problem: that is, approaches
employing "Active" systems such as electronic scanning (TV) or optical scanning;
and "Passive" systems such as photochromic masking, photot:rop:ic masking or UV-IR
quenching.
A review of the proposals, however, shows predominant technical. favoring
of the TV flying-spot scanner as the concept most likely to fulfill the require-
ments for a highly versatile source of illumination for viewing aerial trans-
parencies. Only those bidders with nationally recognized capabilities in elec-
tronics, TV developments and scanning techniques were considered. These companies
are the It is considered that these
three companies are approximately equal in capability and are all outstanding in
the field of electronic scanning and modulation. Each can be expected to make
significant contributions to the technology necessary for development of the
prototype light-modulated film viewer.
It is therefore recommended that separate study contracts be awarded to
each of the above three concerns in, accordance with their respective proposals
and at the prices proposed.
The Procurement Division, Office of Logistics, has been. informed of this
program and is expecting to undertake contract negotiation.
VI. Coordination
The proposed program has been coordinated internally with DD/S&T and
externally with Air Force SPPL, Army GT.MRADA and industry. In addition,
investigation throughout DOD components and industry show that this program
does not duplicate any other study efforts capable of meeting NPIC's require-
ments.
VII0 Security
The program is to be negotiated on an _ Confidential basis. 25X1A
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