RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT APPROVAL REQUEST FOR A STUDY OF TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING IMAGE PERCEPTIBILITY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04770A000600010011-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 8
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 27, 2005
• Sequence Number: 11
• Publication Date: April 1, 1965
• Content Type: MF

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 DDI/NPIC/P&US
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V. BUDGET PROJECT NO.
NP-ML-1 (Former NP-S-37)
11. SECURITY CLASS.
AA - Confidential
T - Unclassified
W - Unclassified
13. REQUIREMENT/AUTHORITY
The tone and shape dynamics of photographic images are often beyond the capa-
bility of visual perception. It may be possible to make images more perceptible
without losing information. NPIC operations demand maximum perceptibility.
14. TYPE OF WORK TO BE DONE
Applied Research
Modulated_Light_Imaging Systems
Images
Visual Perception
Electrouhotographic Processes
16. END ITEM OR SERVICES FROM THIS CONTRACT/IMPROVEMENT OVER CURRENT SYSTEM. EQUIPMENT, ETC.
This study will result in intermediate reports which document findings of
specific study projects and recommend techniques for utilizing this knowledge. In
some instances there may be deliverable breadboards and proposals for development
of prototype equipment.
17. SUPPORTING OR RELATED CONTRACTS (Agency & Other)/COORDINATION CO era a rfesearC directed
toward understanding, forming, restoring and enhancing imagery has been and is being
undertaken. However, no effort specifically duplicating this program has been dis-
Thisrresearchmwill yield knowledge NofCinterestN and possibleedirect timpact to project.
1e. DESCRIPTION OF INTELLIGENCE REQUIREMENT AND DETAILED TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT (Continue on addi.
tionai page if required)
See Continuation Sheet . . .
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
FORM
2338
Study of Techniques for
Improving Image Percepti-
bility
? CLASS OF CONTRACTOR
Manufacturer
FY 1965
FY 19 67
$-.
2. SHORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION This study wl inc ude:
defining image perceptibility criteria, developing
techniques for achieving maximum image perceptibility
and breadboarding to establish feasibility.
. TYPE OF d
10. EFFECTIVE CONTRACT DATE
(Begin . end)
2 June 1965 -7 June 1966 _
12. RESPONSIBLE DIRECTORATE/OFFICE/PROJECT OFFICER TELEPHONE EXTENSION
SECRET 4-9
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18. Aerial reconnaissance imagery often has characteristics which make the
perception of certain image details difficult if not impossible. A specific
field of technology has been developed in response to these characteristics
-- that of automatic dodging. By automatic dodging, large areas which act
as background to the fine detail in a photograph, can be selectively darkened
or brightened without changing the contrast of the fine detail. In some types
of photographic situations this dodging achieves dramatic improvement in the
perceptibility of such imagery. Until recently automatic dodging was limited
to the reproduction process. Under previous contract to NPIC/P&DS, 0 25X1
proved that automatic dodging could be achieved with a scanning modulated
light viewing system. In the course of the previous contract it was learned
that 0 had performed considerable research directed toward the development
of new techniques for improving the perceptibility of imagery. The work JI 25X1
had already accomplished, coupled with NPIC's absolute need for optimum image
perceptibility formed the basis for establishing the study program which is
outlined below:
I. Improving Image Perceptiblity
A. Defining the nature of images.
B. Defining optimum criteria for image perceptibility.
C. Developing photographic techniques for achieving
optimum image perceptibility.
1. with good original images
2. with poor original images
D. Automation of these techniques in reproduction processes.
1. Contact printing
2. Projection printing
3. Development
E. Automation of these techniques in viewing processes
1. Direct optical viewers
2. Indirect optical viewers
3. Electronic viewers
In the course of this program it is anticipated that new knowledge will be
evolved which will define previously unknown image properties which may be
utilized to improve their perceptibility. In turn, this knowledge will be used
to make carefully controlled reproductions of reconnaissance imagery which will
display this improved perceptibility. After the desirability of such improvement
has been established and verified by NPIC, techniques for automation in the
reproduction processes will be investigated and evaluated and, once proven feasible,
proposed for incorporation in the development of prototype equipment. The
ultimate goal of this phase is the development of practical reproduction techniques
and equipment which achieve improved modulation transfer functions over those
available through conventional processes.
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18. continued...
A coordinated directly analogous program is planned for viewing systems;
however, it is anticipated that this will be more difficult since the
implementation must be achieved on a real-time basis and at the same time
satisfy all the other unique requirements of the human visual system.
None of the equipment development referred to above will be included
under this program. Each time an equipment approach is proved feasible,
a detailed development proposal will be prepared and, if accepted, contracted
on a separate basis.
Appropriate security arrangements are already in existence at this
facility.
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TECHNICAL BACKGROUND PROCUREMENT INFORMATION
I. Contractor
A. Name and address:]
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B. Evaluation of previous performance: Very good an liodu2eted.-MVA Direct
or sibl,Sity
II. Brief description of this procurement:
nip study Au tcL ie:
per eptibtlity .+ t r1a, de" ism tedssttt*s for echiev saw it e
br+esdbosrdUw to Estimated total amt. $
bUeh teselbility.
Intemd1atte and l rep wte with possible
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deiftereble breadboards ps ?nIs ltor elopss tt of XVtCtXpe equip t
B . Is this procurement for other than a standard, "off the shelf" or slightly
modified commercial item? To* ;f "yes", is it anticipated that
any more of this unit will be procured? _A If so, a complete
set of directly reproducible manufacturing drawings and specifications
would normallybe included in this procurement. Comments: a is
re u113 be produced tmd r this pct.
amount at MW equip ee t vif be patfteed
C. Will contract cover a period of more than 90 days?
this 41t be
If "yes", are progress reports desired? ?its _ If so, indicate fre-
quency, content and number of copies desired: 10 `1` `' UU A-. "W"4041-A"
at the etudy were ecpl.ted
vere d, bow these results w erri
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D. Is any Government-owned property to be provided to the contractor?
Yes
If so, list and indicate its availability (where, when,
etc. ) Aerial pboto y of en uncicasUled sset%** v1U be supplied by the s ,ta r
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E. Is any special tooling involved? Tee
F. Security:
1. Association with the Sponsor is
2. The specifications and/or drawings are t>beUes#,#'
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3aasatrw
-. Contractor personnel known to be aware of this proposed procurement:
. Other security information C k a l* exist.
III. Reasons for selection of this source. If other sources were considered, indi-
cate results. If no other sources were considered, list the reasons why this
star tune. it is our api u n. tit the beet q l# .ed s e41 25X1
firm is considered to be uniquellified to perform this work.
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IV. If contract will cover deli le item(s) state room location where equip-
ment will be installed (it is extremely important that the
Engineering Data Sheet including room location and any other pertinent facts
be submitted to NPIC Engineering Section as far as possible in advance of
delivery.)
190
Name Date Telephone
In the event additional space is required, use the reverse side(s) of this form,
with a reference to the item number to which the comment applies.
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