REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE ELECTROCOLOR SYSTEM STUDY PROJECT(Sanitized) FROM FY1967 FUNDING

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04770A002600110007-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 9, 2002
• Sequence Number: 7
• Publication Date: June 7, 1966
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release 2003/01/28 : CIA-RDP78BO477OAA002600110007-6
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Approved For Release 2003/01/28.: CIA-RDP78B04770A002600110007-6
ELECTROCOLOR SYSTEM STUDY
1. PROBLEM:
14 April 1966
To increase the NPIC capability to exploit color photography
inputs.
2. FACTS BEARING ON THE PROBLEM:
a. Exploitation of color photography's increased information
content is hampered by the long and intricate processing required.
b. The use of color photography is rapidly increasing at tie
same time that new uses, such as camouflage detection and foliage
penetration, are being developed.
c. The Electrocolor process is an automatic process for maa~ang
photographic color prints. It shows promise of greater speed to match
the increasing volume and of control over contrast and color to meet
the new demands for versatility.
d. An in-house test of the Electrocolor processor by the
Production Services Division in 1965 was terminated, as explained
in Tab C, with a recommendation for further analysis of the system.
11
3. DISCUSSION:
a. Current Procedure. The limited number of color prints
now used by the NPIC are produced by the Ektacolor proces.;. The
volume is small, and requirements are straightforward. However, new
color collection systems are being put into operation which will
greatly increase the volume of input for exploitation. It. is there-
fore incumbent upon the NPIC to be prepared to handle this. volume
and to explore methods for obtaining the maximum information from
this medium.
In its present stage of development the Electrocolor procesf
cannot compete with the Ektacolor process for day-to-day operation.
Nevertheless, the versatility of the process and the speed with which
it can produce a single print show enough promise to justify an
impartial, complete evaluation of its potential.
b. Origin of Concept. The Electrocolor technique is based
on the same principle as electroplating of metals. The process
electrically charges the emulsion, which is then "plated'+ with any
desired color. . Thus, the colors can be faithfully reproduced or
varied at will to facilitate interpretation?
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c. Proposed Program. The proposed evaluation consists o' a
one-year impartial study in depth of the Electrocolor technique. This
study will determine the possibilities of using this process for )ro-
ducing multiple prints more rapidly, increasing the size and reso:.cation
of prints, and producing transparencies. Results of the study wi.:..l
be applicable to photo interpretation as well as to the reproduction
of color photographic prints.
d. Selection of Contractor. I :submit ..ed 25X1
an unsolicited proposal to conduct this evaluation. Acceptance o_'
the proposal is recommended because o# previou 25X1
experience with this system. performed. tests on 25X1
the system for the Air Force and built, a prototype color negative
analyzer for thel to use in conjunction with the Elect-o-
color system. Approx'imAtely 33% of the expenditure for this projE,ct
will be subcontracted to the for experimental work necessary 25X1
to the evaluation.
e. Program Phaing. The contractor will submit monthly reports
on expenditures, work performed, and results obtained. After four
months there will be a major review to determine whether results
warrant continuation of the study. Al; the end of a year, the contractor
will present a report supported by laboratory models, spelling ou'
all possible improvements of the system. The report will include
design concepts for optimized equipment. If findings are fa.vorab=e,
the final evaluation will outline a program for fabrication of test
models and a prototype.
components will be established through the Technical Development
Board. Care is being taken to avoid duplication of efforts by other
f. Coordination. This project has been closely coordinated
with the Production Services Division. Coordination with other CEnter
Government activities. Particular attention was given to the
evaluation carried out for the Air Force. None of thEt
evaluation will be repeated, but the results will be used in this
study. All studies will be coordinated with DDS&T, and formal
community-wide coordination will be maintained through the Committee
on Photographic Exploitation.
g. Alternatives. This process has unique features which
deserve careful, impartial investigation. The Center does not hate
the space, equipment, or personnel for such a study and sufficient
impartiality cannot be expected from the manufacturer.
4. CONCLUSIONS:
The increasing use of color in reconnaissance photograpYy malke.,, it
necessary for the NPIC to expand its knowledge and capability in tie
field of color exploitation. The Electrocolor process offers significant
promise for more speed and versatility in this field. An objective
study is required. to determine whether its advantages can be applied
to Center tasks.
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5. RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that approval be granted o contract with t=ie
6. REFERENCES AND ATTAC.HMNTS:
Tab A. Catalog form
Tab B. Technical specifications
Tab C. Memorandum on in-house test
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Tab D. Program phasing
Attachments I
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