STAFF STUDY - MARK II MULTIPLE IMAGE CORRELATOR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04747A003100030104-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 16, 2001
• Sequence Number: 104
• Publication Date: April 17, 1963
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Rele 2001/04/02 P78B0474 003100030104-0
ISO IL
17 April 1963
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MINORANDUM FOR: Assistant for Plans and Development
THROUGH: Executive Secretary, TDC
SUBJECT: Staff Study ?- Mark II Multiple Image Correlator
1. PROBLEM:
To construct the Mark II Multiple Image Correlator to improve the
operational capabilities of the NPIC in the general field of image
enhancement by the reduction of inherent grain "noise" existing in
those film inputs which are focal length limited or grain limited in
which there is more than one record of the same image.
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Under contract number Task 4 the firm of designed
and fabricated a Multiple Image Correlator prototype instrument which
was so spectacularly successful in the area of image enhancement that a
subsequent contract was let with the same firm to conduct a test and
evaluation program with that instrument. This program is presently
scheduled for completion in June of this year. Concurrently with the
test and evaluation program, a contract was let to design a production
instrument to be designated M.I.C. Mark II. This program is also
scheduled for completion in June and is sufficiently far along to consider
the letting of a contract to construct this instrument. Attached is the
proposal with pricing as solicited.
The attached samples demonstrate very clearly the degree of image
enhancement achieved through the medium of multiple image correlation.
Several existing input systems provide more than one record of the same
image and so are compatible with the technique. Several proposed input
systems will provide multiple image records. It is further suggested
that the technique of multiple image correlation will be employed to
enhance the quality of standard and high speed cinema photographic
Declass Review by NIMA/DOD
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Staff Study - Mark II Multiple Image Correlator Page 2
records, and further that the myriad of still camera records obtained
for intelligence purposes will lend themselves to multiple image
correlation. An experimental system of spacial filtering of a single
photographic record results in a number of records, each with its on
power spectrum, and these might well be re-combined through the
medium of multiple image correlation techniques to produce a result
far superior to the original record.
The prototype instrument, while operational to the extent of demon-
strating the feasibility of multiple image correlation, will not lend
itself to production techniques. This is precisely why the contract for
the Mark II study was initiated. The proposal for the fabrication of
the Mark II clearly indicates that is aware of those human engineer-
ing aspects required in an operational instrument. It should be noted
also that the circular film chip is no longer required having been replaced
by a roll film handling capability which alleviates the former objection
of destroying the original record. In addition, the exterior orientation
motions are servo motorized rather than manual. The magnification has
been extended so that it is continuously variable from 20X to 30X. Used
as a single stage, it might well be regarded as a high quality precision
enlarger within that magnification range. It is estimated that the time
required for a complete set-up of eight stages has been reduced from.
three hours with the Mark I to less than thirty minutes with the Mark II.
The registration accuracy has been improved to a point which is compatible
with the average grain size of high resolution emulsions.
4+. CONCLUSIONS:
Since the NPIC has pioneered the instrumentation in this particular 25X1A
field of image enhancement, it seems appropriate that we should continue
this work to its logical conclusion which is the fabrication of a production
instrument. It also seems appropriate that since the firm of designed
and built the prototype instrument, conducted the test and evaluation program,
and have designed the Mark II production. model instrument that they be selected
by the TDC to begin immediately the fabrication of that instrument.
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It is recommended that the proposal be approved by the TDC and
that the undersigned be appointed as contract monitor.
5. RECOMMENDATIONS:
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Development Branch, P&DS
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