PANORAMIC STEREO VIEWER

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04747A002900010004-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 13
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 15, 2001
• Sequence Number: 4
• Content Type: MISC

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PANORAMIC STEREO VIEWER
DECLASS REVIEW by NIMA/DOD
STATINTL
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
STATINTL
1. Introduction
1. 1 Proposal
1. 2 =Capability
2. Statement of Problem
2. 1 Operational Characteristics
2. 2 Problem Areas
3. Equipment
3. 1 General Description
3. 2 Frame & Skin
3. 3 Film Transport
3. 4 Viewing Stages
3. 5 Illumination
3. 6 Optical Viewing System
4. Summary
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Artist's Concept
Panoramic Stereo Viewer
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.r
STATINTL 1.1
Proposal - proposes to enter into
a program of study, design and manufacture to develop a
prototype of a stereoviewer that is uniquely suited to panoramic
type photography. The design objectives for the viewer are set
forth below.
1. 2 Capabilities - For many years
has been a pioneer in the development of roll film Stereo Viewers.
Notable among the instruments developed are the Single Power,
STATINTL
Tri Power and Six Power or Zoom 70 and 5" roll film STATINTL
viewers. These instruments provide stereo viewing of the over-
lap area on any film width from 70mm to 9-1 /2 inches and with
any conventional image orientation.
Statement of Problem
2. 1 Operational Characteristics - The proposed Panoramic Stereo
Viewer will present the imagery carried on two duplicate copies
of original or transformed original photography. Synchronized
or separate motor driven film transport mechanisms will trans-
port the film in either the forward or reverse directions at
operator-controlled, variable speed. The optical system will
contain adjustments to allow the two fields of view to be placed
over corresponding image detail anywhere within the width of
the frame. Longitudinal adjustment is accomplished by advancing
one film with respect to the other.
40
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2.2 Problem Areas A difficult area of design is expected in
providing an apparent flat field of view over cylinder stages.
Optical field flatteners can accommodate some cylindrical
curvature of the object material. The problem will be re-
solved by a study of the practical limits imposed by both
optical and mechanical considerations.
Panoramic photography (not transformed) containing stereo
overlap will provide true stereo viewing on a line through
the field of view; the stereo perception degrades as the center
of attention recedes from the line. The complex pattern. of
scale changes over the format accounts for this phenomenon
and dictates that fine adjustment features be incorporated
into each of the variable elements to allow satisfactory opera-
tion. Factors which contribute to the definition and orienta-
tion of the line of true stereo vision include, but are not
limited to: location of the field of view within the format,
image motion compensation, deviation of the aircraft from
the ideal photo station location and orientation,. viewing
magnification and image quality.
The problem is to provide a viewing, instrument capable of
accommodating all the variables involved, to provide the
operator with the proper information for stereo viewing and
to provide the operator with easy access to each of the re-
quired adjustments.
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3. Equipment
3. 1 General Description - The instrument is expected to be a
floor mounted console occupying approximately a 50 x 30
inch area and will be about 45 inches high. The weight is
estimated as about 650 pounds. The base section will be made
up of two sections with knee space somewhat resembling an
office desk. Dual viewing areas will be located one on either
side of the knee space. An optical viewing system will mount
over the stages with the eyepieces located in the central area.
3.2 Frame and Skin - The console section will be fabricated of
suitable structural members to provide a rigid instrument
support. A sheet metal skin will cover the exposed portions
of the framework for equipment and operator safety and to
provide a pleasing unitized appearance. Access doors will be
provided for ease of operation and maintenance.
3. 3 Film Transports - Each console leg will contain a motor
driven film transport system capable of accepting film up
to 9-1/2 inches wide on spools up to 10-1/2 inches in
diameter. Each system will drive the film at operator-con-
trolled variable speeds. up to 200 feet per minute. The film
drives can be operated independently or synchronized. Mini-
mum film damage is assured since the film will touch no
stationary parts during any phase of operation; further, the
emulsion side touches no part at any time. A non-linear,
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joystick type control will provide delicate control at slow
speeds while compressing the higher speed ranges.
Provisions for holding the full spools, while loading and un-
loading, will be provided. Full film spools may weigh as much
as 70 pounds and serious damage could be caused if one of the
spools were dropped during the manual cycle of loading. Oper-
ator convenience during this loading cycle will be a major
consideration.
3. 4 Viewing Stages - Two complimentary identical transilluminated
viewing stages will be mounted one on either side of the instru-
ment. Cylindrical stages of a transparent or translucent
material will be used if practical. Inherent advantages of a
cylindrical stage become apparent when one considers film
flatness. With the cylinder the film will wrap around the peri-
phery and assume a completely predictable location without
pressure plates or other devices touching the emulsion. The
large contact area created by the wrapping provides a positive
force to rotate the cylinder with the film and preclude scratch-
ing of the film back. Dirt will not settle on the cylinder and
remain in position by gravity alone. Anti-static devices can be
incorporated to further assure cleanliness.
The stages will be mounted to slide along the axis of rotation,
parallel to the instrument front, for transverse film scan and/
or to adjust for stereo separation. Optical system flexibility
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is also available to supplement this motion. A more complete
study of the operational characteristics involved and certain
design aspects will be required before assigning the final ad-
justment facilities to specific areas.
3. 5 Illumination - Each stage area, will have a light source asso-
ciated with it. The films will be illuminated from inside the
VMV
wir
STrATINTL
stage with sufficient intensity for interpretation
dense areas of photography. A photo area of 2. 0 density is
considered the design limit in this respect. The intensity of
the light sources will be independently variable. Further study
will be required to determine whether it will be necessary to
use a variable concentration type. light source to enhance inter-
pretability at the high magnification and extreme image density
situations.
The films will be protected from excessive heating in the
focal area by means of selective filters and reflectors.
mirrors and other similar selective filters permit
the separation of light into two general categories, visible and
infrared. Once the separation has been accomplished, the
infrared energy can be directed to heat sinks and dissipated
without damage to the films. However, some heat energy is
transferred to the film in any case. A 25?F rise over an 80?F
ambient temperature is an acceptable limit and will be a
design goal.
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3. 6 Optical Viewing System - A variable magnification binocular
optical system with adjustable field location will be mounted
above the console base with one of the optical trains associ-
ated with each stage area. The two trains will be complimen-
tary identical halves of the binocular system. It will be
possible to adjust the magnifications separately or the two
sides may be coupled for synchronized changes. Non-linear
motion, an inherent characteristic of variable magnification
systems, dictates that the two sides must be set at a common
magnification for coupled operation.
Either of two types of optical systems may be incorporated
into the Panoramic Viewer. Unfortunately, the differences
in the two defy combining the better features of each into an
ideal system. lThe first system. operates from 2-1/2x to 25x
magnification while the second operates 10x to 100x. The
operational parameters of the two systems are compatable to
the point that operational preference becomes the only factor
determining the choice. Other characteristics of either optical
system are:
Field of View - Circular, 5-1/2 inches divided
by the magnification.
Resolution - A design goal of 6 lines per mm per
power of magnification.
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Interocular adjustment -. Accommodate observers
with interpupillary separations from 55 to 72mm.
Separate Eyepiece Focus Each eyepiece is capa-
ble of focusing through the range +4 to -4 diopters
independently.
Image Rotation - Each optical path contains an ele-
ment "allowing an independent 3600 image rotation.
Field Locations - Each optical train shall contain
an adjustable element to accommodate images
located + 4-1/2 inches from a nominal. film center-
line position.
Relative Stereo Model Distance The apparent
stereo model can be located, by the operator, at
any point in space from infinity to less than 1 meter.
Working Distance - Either system. maintains a
constant working distance of approximately four
inches. The final distance will be defined by detail
design characteristics.
4. Summary
The viewer described in this proposal would present photographic images
for operator study regardless of the film size or format. Stereo viewing
would be possible wherever the images contain similar photo data recorded
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at two separated camera stations. The stereo overlap may be conventional
end overlap or the more unconventional side overlap. The photographic
scales need not be the same for stereo viewing and the distance between
the halves of a stereo pair does not affect the viewing capability.
The proposed instrument may be used with normal vertical, oblique,
panoramic or transformed panoramic stereo photography of similar or
different photo scales. A truly versatile viewing instrument.
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