ADVANCED FILM VIEWING LIGHT TABLES WITH A TRANSLATING MICROSCOPE CARRIAGES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04747A003000040028-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 8
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 21, 2003
• Sequence Number: 28
• Publication Date: November 16, 1966
• Content Type: MF

"Approved For Release 20MMYIDEUT[Ar4747AO03000040028-5
3 ]CC/TDS/D/6-1681
16 November 1966
The film transport system can be operated in three
modes (manual, power-assisted or fully powered)
Declass Review by NIMA / DoD
1. In the latter part of 1963 various individuals of your organi-
zation were given the opportunity to make suggestions for the improve-
ment of these 9 x 40 Advanced Film Viewing Light Tables.
2. As a result of these discussions, the attached Development
Objectives entitled, "Advanced Film Viewing Light Table with a
Translating Microscope Carriage" dated 24 March 1964 were formul ted.
This document was submitted to industry and after a competitive
evaluation of the resulting proposals was made it was decided to
initiate a parallel effort for this develo4went. From the start it
was recognized that of the two contractors selected 25X1
had the higher probability of success; nevertheless, because of the
i nce of this of fart was selected as an alternate or 25X1
"back-up" supplier.
3. After two and a half years of intense monitoring by this
office and extensive inputs from your organization, the light tables
have been delivered. All of the requirements of the Development
Objectives have been more or less satisfied; but, as a consequence,
the light tables have become relatively complicated in comparison to
existing equipment. These units can therefore serve as a "test bed"
to determine if all or part of the advanced features should be
incorporated into a production version of an advanced light table;
e.g., the better features of each light table can be combined into a
single production version and the undesirable features eliminated
thereby reducing both complexity and coat.
Assistant for Photographic Analysis, NPIC
Advanced Film Viewing Light Tables With a Translating
Microscope Carriages
25X1
4. Although most of the advanced features are direct and
traight-forward solutions, sr deserve discussion.
Light Table
25X1
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2ulamet~r.
t,! dew?u;rad ng and
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CONFIDENTIAL
and allow the operator to control the film from
ai single handwheel in a number of different
transport modes.. Any combination of film motions
can be accoupliehed with this transport system.
The three separate mode feature was incorporated
to determine which method is preferred. It is
felt that the sensitivity of any mode can be
is d when the other two are eliminated.
The simple push-button film reel holders seem to
be an improvement.
The film holddo techniques has been devised which
elites the curling of the film by applying a
uniform tension to the film, and an additional
glass cover plate has been Added to maintain proper
film flatness.
The ski shades are easily operated; however,
the center shade is probably better implemented in
the version. These shades eliminate
the stray - gh from the edges of the film format.
;Light Table
1. The excessive friction in this manual film transport
shows that some method of power assist is mandatory.
in the t Table, all combina-
ties film transport functions can be accomplished.
The film reel brackets are positioned simultaneously
which eliminates film tracking problem. The
miasking shades could be attached to this manism
so that the shades would automatically be positioned
when the reel brackets 4re positioned.
lemention of the microscope movement appears
ry satisfactory on this light table. The
excessive friction in the movement
has been reduced considerab , thereby rmitting
a uniform motion for scanning, but retaining the
required measuring accuracy.
4. The Olight source has very large dimming
completely without flicker.
tructive criticism is sincerely requested on all of
of the two light tables from the standpoint
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of the desirability of e biasing all of the s perior features into
a ei a advanced light t ble p for to produ on
I - lessee
3S/DS
NPIC/TDS/D
25X1
(16 Nov 1966) 25X1
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BEST COPY
Available
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_arci
ADVANCED FILM-VIDJING LIGHT TABLE
WITH A TRANSLATING MICROSCOPE CARRIAGE
25X1
ILLEGIB
These development objectives describ?o the requirements to be met'in the
design and development of an advanced viewing light table with a trans=
lating microscope carriage. The proposed table would replace the current
models which cannot be adjusted to accommodate different operators. The
present tables are generally awkward and uncomfortable to use and do not pro-
vide adequate illumination.
CONCEPT.
two
This table is intended to provide cane of viewing, increased illumina-
tion, easy loading, an advanced film: t:' L;ndrt oystem and a superior method
of translating a microscope over the vii _ng area of the table. is to
'.be as light? compact and simple in mechanical design as is possible within
the parameters imposed by the specific requirements stated in these objectives.
This table shall provide an 11" by LO" illuminated area for us. in viewing
single rolls of 90, 5" or 70mm fi3m or two rolls of either 5" or. 7n_ :'ilm.
This unit will normally be positione . on an elevating or low, Tixe tails with
the unit's viewing surface in a horizontal position, the long dimension extend-
ing to the right and left of the operator. The operator will work at the table
as he would sit (or stand) at his own des!. Most operators pr-fer t; position:
viewer close to the edge nearest their side of the supporting table. r.
vable carriage s h--.11 afford translation of a microscope over the viewing area.
4. REQU ~ ENTS .
4._. 1im ins ion System.
4.I.L. In,.;e.nsity.
4.i._L3 At full intensity the illumination system must -provide.
at least ?u nn_r l c ~S:c~L_s_ measured at the illumination surface. 2000 lam-
berts is a definite design goal. Illumination shall not vary by more than
10% between any two points on the entire illuminated surface.
4.1.12. Variability. The intensity of illumination shall be continu-
ously variable through a range of 15% to 100% of full intensity without
vis ib a evidence of "flicker" .
14.1.2- Heat. The light table mu _ ; 'be able to be o~?e:: meted continuously
at n . a , mur t intensity over a.24-hour in a room w n 8002 ambient
temper s tur e:? $ without exceeding 110?F on any external sun.:: .
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k"..,e ' . All l :t 1 a ?'1;.., C, Y' ., I(i I , I~f dffll er -hall be .1 c^E.1;ed
Duiidccil Lilt; li?hL courco afli the Clctia -lu:.. mop.
Li .1_.l+. Shades. Adjustable shad: rust be provided to mask out all of
; he viewing surface not actually coV~ 1_ r. r 2i1Sn. Each of these shades must
uc lOCa1 eC) Denea ti she Surface glass :_JUx;i ed along the long dimension of
the unit and extendible across t :c d ;,ensi on. This extensibility must
be continuously variable between extension of (0) zero inches and
a maximum extension of 9 inches. shnn-ies must not encroach upon the
illuminated viewing area when and, in addition, must be able to
be locked in any extended or :osition.
4.,2. External Configuration.
4.2.1. Size. The entire unit no':, exceed 55" in le:-th and 20"
in width. Width is exclusive of the _._ _- nk handles but nclude ...ll the
cor,.ponents of the translating carria, . The tre ^: lI_ i_t irh`li of the light table
shall not exceed 7" (minus the carriage, scol, eels o . The carriage height
shall be kept at a minimum.
4.2.2. Weight. The uni-. must be as light as possible without sacrificing
good stability.
4.2.3. He--',ht Adjustment. A supe'`.oradjustment :system must be provided
so that the entire table can be raises. .)r Ic-.:7ar ed 3: inches
4.2.4. Tilt Mechanism. A means provided. for a 0? through 15?
back-to-fro _`w tilt of the light tc.blc Its long axis. This motion must
be simple, smooth, positive and mus--_. able to be locked at any angular tilt
within this range
4.2.5- Comfortable Viewing Pon _ _ cn.
ca`rr_a and the microscope adapter .. ;.:.ts
--he. light table,
t n.. translatin
..st be designed to place each of
the mi%.."osco eS at a comfortable v_.....;.__; height and '.a! a comfortable working
Jos-...
uld count strongly in the new design
posi tons also - :::mend on the height
or the
,Is Us.__ of
r1_.lur:,_inated surface, the
;.mian engineering factor
er hood, of co,=,se, that t_
`'she f: l in and the varyic roE
S;pool adj_nLo- and Ho" d4
of single s.-_
must be prop:.
This icwdi
action: i.e..
matter how
is .: :ble
car-
directional f _-Lm motion controllable from e_ ... and. _ . o . ? Will aerrnit
an.s:
ri< < to adea ately
the : Ilcrosc pc S.
for one fast loadir_ . cc. unloading
5" and 70::..; lm o_ rcl o ' ei 5" cr 70r.mm
.,ells will range to, lar _ , 500- 'c et Carc.city.
s-cem :gust operate qu_ h f ann. ?o? time be --.-_-,re Li
must not drop the h ,,rest spoor'. (9'", 500 fe no
t or hard the film is cranked. :. dro-a- n film loadi r_ -' m -stem
Mechanism. The holding agages w_ns.
ast lie designed for easy ono;er.a. . >n -- so tat
in one hand while the holding :seen-4zcim . is activated. wit :
CY,e and yet quick release lock must be ;orated.
!; . BFI a^:snot .
.1. Gc._cral. A unique film trsacspor. rs'cem shall permit bi-
Dom:. .~'i.ndin1 ca u "~r_ nding with the same brans. _-3
T i t anspc, c sirs , -. _.,;.y be either mechanics electru
basic o and complete reli abi' are
clam'_.a_zical system is more desi_z.sle.
The film transport system must
_e table.
ical; however,
y. Conse-
,.. _..,r_ ods.te
:ially- or fully-
i:. dition,
9-2", 5" or 70rm-wide film or. e_2_--;her
iowwck 3_Ooo to, and including, 500-foot ct a c vv ,
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~\~.. -,i .. LAC` ...'.~:C` .?~: ilf.4;ltI I 111; , 't.wo co I I.:; o,` oith('r 5-" or 70ffirri film
_'lhesC: roils should be mounted side by side with a supporting
:otit in between.
.~ .3, ii i lm Direction. Film s,ools shall be located at both ends of the
lo::g dimension of the viewing area, with the film or films transported along .1. L
(a _k ,::2.rallel to,< e long axis of light table. When two rolls are used,
stri 1 .. : . .l. travel icl to each other and to the long axis of
wi-: .nirrtu r sey)a ` ior_ between strips.
must . signed so that film can be transported
~i'`, '_ ,.1si a: er uls-_on-do . :._ -.ut scratching. Either the rollers
-~r. ~.. . ., _ :>nac alternative stem provided so that when two rolls
_c wl ;ernate rolls can be ?:aound in opposite directions
of the two rolls translated while the other roll- remains
' nsion. The film transport mechanism must maintain a light,
av.. tension on the film or films -- just enough to keep the film
.n cor_cact with the plate ;- na: sure...ce when the film is stationary.
.on s :aculd be automatical=_: wce ;. .. eased when the film is moved.
T'ilmDrive.
1_ 1 Drive w:ode he fi r,_ urine :rL st: lr.d ._.:~i unwind single rolls
'- ar 7Cr _Li or two lls Of eiv- r 70 vn film; .be
dual whii.._ ur nding the alternate roll
;,ii ore ain s.. __wry while the other roll is translated.
LNev r, _ an eiec-,rical control is used., it must provide
speed range with a 'high or "slew"
=n the form of a two-stood, mechanical
-speed- electricL :... or, a variable lever marm --rank or an
and e fici~ ncy. hc.u~.ever the system, it must be
_wc nd-.\, dual hand crank . e..:. ~, in c or unwind file very
Ei -cher its own spool or the -spool at the other end of the
e a be a low-friction systc- which incorporates i_ert;ia
,d features. The efficiency, reliability and ease of
ape of system is one of the most important considerations
VE'_.G. .-_
;scone Carri.ar e
&caerw A carriage shall be provided for translating a stereo-
~ope or -11C.--:)Stereoscope in both X- Y-directions over the illuminated
2. ^ aunt of Translation. The opc__:.w1 center of ane microscope shall
,scar. area of 1C by 35. This area shall centered . i ]c _lb eafed
.r :a-, across the .:host dimension, and shall c:,.~:mence or_e frog: the
vr. _ ad edge of the illuminated area. (T h right-hand tat.; s to the
o ~c s right as he faces the light table .
They must permit x?,~ id but
stable -:cunti:ng of any of the above uniaa:,s (with their attendmnt 2ocuusirg
noon the translating carriage. In addition, this mounting must
permit ::..: 1030 rotation of each scope so that it may be used parallel to
either . X- or Y-axis of the light table a d from either long side.
3
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x?5.3.1? Carriage Motion. The carriage motion must be a smooth, positive,
low-friction motion which is free of vibration ("chatter"). The friction load
must be consistent throughout its range: i.e., a consistent pressure results
in a consistent motion with no position of lesser or greater resistance.
4.5.3.2. Locks. Positive locks must be provided to lock the carriage
in X and Y at any position of its 10" by 36" travel.
4.5.3.3. Fine Micrometer Motion. A fine micrometer X- and Y-microscope
motion must 'be provided. The total travel of this motion must be +2cm. in
both X and Y. This motion shall be a precision, auxiliary motion accomplished
once the main translational carriages have been locked in position. This
precision motion must be graduated and easily readable. The motion shall be
accurate to .001 mm plus .01% of the total distance being measured-with a
leas count of .0005 Mm.
4.5-3.4. Rigidity. It i 3 mandatc---y tat the carriage ways be of rigid
con';truction to insure perpendicularit r of X- and Y-axis. These ways
(or,,tracks) must be perpendicular and ~r.~...a1 to the extent that, when one
end{of the Y track is locked (so that it can not move in X) and a pressure of
5 pounds is applied to the other end (:longest possible. lever arm) of the Y
tra c, it will not deflect more than 002 _:ches.
'e.6. Miscellaneous.
4.6.1. Jonstruction. Con ;,r?uc-:.-on shall meet 'the highest commercial
standards.
4.6.2. ':.'lock Hazard. The unit must be grounded and free of all shock
hazards .
4.6.3. A warning light must be provided to show when
t e unit is even ii le (tabled i intensity is turned completely down.
ontrols -l_l one=._;";` controls must be conveniently located
and 1 Human engineering factors must be
the :? y co._~idered ~. -. -I-le des--,-----, placement of these controls.
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