TRIP REPORT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04747A002700030027-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 2, 2002
• Sequence Number: 27
• Publication Date: April 17, 1964
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release 02/01 flfl RDP78BO4747AO02700030027-1
PS - 120/61+
17 April 1964
MEMORANDUM FOR: Chief., CIA/PID (NPIC)
FROM : Chief., Production Staff
SUBJECT : Trip Report
1 On 10 April 1 6+, I accompaniedi
on an inspection trip
The ur ose of the trip was to view e near -completed
prototype unit of the hip comparator and evaluate its 'Potential
as a unit to be used by PID analysts in conjunction with the as an
on-line mensuration system.
2. The essentials of the comparator are as follows:
a. Format size is approximately 2" by 42". It may be
made exactly 12" by slight modifications to the base.
b. Minimum measurement resolution of + ,i micron. The
absolute accuracy will probably be better than ? 2 microns.
c. The measurement is made on only one of the two stages.
The other stage is moveable to allow stereo positioning of the image.
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d. The measurement technique is the 'nterferometer. 25X1
e. The film hold-down is a vacuum system. This eliminates the
need for a glass cover plate with its attendant problems.
f. The illumination of each stage is individually controlled.
Both overall illumination of the entire stage and spot illumination
of the area viewed by the microscope are provided.
g. The entire unit is mounted in a specially designed desk unit
which is separated from the measuring engine to minimize vibration and
distortion of the carriages by the operator.
Declass Review by NIMA / DoD
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h. The communications console for entering information into
I land receiving back measurement data is incorporated as a
separa e unit.
i. The microstereosco e incorporated into the present system
25X1 This unit has been evaluated by P&DS
and PID and is being purchased separately at the present time for
independent use due to its extremely high resolution characteristics.
3. At the time of the visit the comparator was in the.final stages of
construction and alignment. A collimator was attached to the device for
our inspection of the alignment of the perpendicularity of the ways. TAese
proved to be perpendicular within .6 seconds of arc. Resolution targets
were placed on the glass stages and the motions of the fast and slow drive
wheels evaluated. :, The motions were of extremely high quality and
allowed the operator to position the image for measuring to the desired
degree of precision. There was no detectable backlash or creep in the
system. A suggestion was made for motorizing the last drive wheel on
future systems for operator convenience. Warning buzzers were also suggested
to inform the operator as he approached the end of travel on the ways.
4+. It is my opinion that this device is one of the finest examples of
precision machinery that has ever been devised for use by the photo analysts.
All aspects of the construction show evidence of the competence and integrity
of the contractor and the foresight and technical skill of the contract
monitors from P&DS. The only probable limitations of the device lie in
those areas which may be replaced or modified without change to the basic
concept. For example;, the placement of the reticle in the eyepiece is
inferior to mounting it in the optical train within the body of the
microscope. However, this can be changed at a later date. The question of
whether or not to measure with only one reticle in one optical train or to
mount reticles in both trains,, still is open to investigation. This also
can be incorporated into the microscope without changing the basic device.
It might be decided on the basis of future developments to replace the entire
Isystem with another microscope-a relatively simple modification.
lr,ewise, the intereferometric measuring system is an integral unit which can
be changed or replaced without affecting the measuring carriages should a
superior system be found at a later date.
5. Based on these considerations, and on the excellent quality observed
on the prototype instrument at the manufacturers facility, it is strongly
recommended that PID initiate purchase action for a production model of this
instrument at this time. As shown by the present crude on-line system using
the microscope and the Dunit,, such a mensuration capability will
fill a definite need of PID analysts. Thel Chip Comparator will
provide highly accurate measurements as well as automating the inputs of the
measuring process to the computer. It is also recommended that PID request
P&DS to place the present prototype unit in PID when it is delivered for
evaluation next month. The experience gained by the Production Staff in
working with this instrument in an on-line situation will allow the maximum
possible feedback to P&DS in incorporating changes to the production model.
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In addition, the Production Staff has the personnel to provide training in the
use of the device similar to that being given on the current
system and would be able to produce self-instructional materials, if desired.,
for other users in the Center. Finally, the comparator would be a valuable
device for use i experiments currently
being undertaken with the assistance
of the Chief, Production Staff. The comparator would be place in a PID
instrument room and would be available to all components of the Center for
their investigation: and experimentation.
Distribution:
Orig. & 1 Addressee
1 - PS/Chrono
1 PS/Subject File
1 - P&DS
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