EVALUATION OF THE MONOCULAR RAPID ALIGNMENT DEVICE, CONTRACT (Sanitized)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B05171A000800080032-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 18, 2003
• Sequence Number: 32
• Publication Date: April 10, 1969
• Content Type: MF

SECRET
ApprovedL,For Release 2003/12/19 : CIA-RDP78Be5171A000800080032-9
Lgw1li/-X-o ul11P.}J?^i?t97" ~J
10 April 1969
MEIDRANDUM FOR: Chief, Development & Engineering Division, TSSG
SUBJECT . Evaluation of the Monocular Rapid Alignment Device,
Contract (File Igo.023018 )
1, Photographic reconnaissance systems frequently record
stereoscopic pairs of photographic images which are not inherently
aligned; that is, they must be translated, rotated, and contracted
or expanded, in one dimension or the other, under the microstereo-
scope before they can be properly oriented into a stereoscopic image.
This requirement resulted in the development of prototype anamorphic
eyepieces which function as attachments to the0 zoom 70 Micro-
stereoscopes and Q High Power Stereoviewers. These anamorphic
lenses provide the capability of compensating for the misalignment
often found in stereo reconnaissance imagery.
2. However, it was felt that the optical adjustments provided
by the snamorphic eyepieces were time-consuming, incomplete, and
difficult to achieve, and some means of visual superimposition of
the two images would be desirable. The Rapid Alignment Device was
developed to provide the superimposed images that would permit the
operator to observe the relative effect of the individual adjust-
ments made with the anamorphic eyepieces
and andoimpbetter roving visualize
align-
alignment process, thereby speeding up
ment of stereo pairs.
3. The anamorphic eyepieces were not available when development
objectives for the Rapid Alignment Device were being formulated and
ccchosen.
various parameters such as size and weight were edarbitrarily
During operational evaluation of the alignment apparent that the instrument was too heavy for the anamorphic eye-
pieces and was damaging teflon bearings in the rotating joints of
the eyepieces. Further evaluation of the instrument was discontinued.
4. Operational evaluation had been completed by the Scientific
Division and the Missiles and Space Division of the Imagery Exploits
Lion Group. However, experience with the anamorphic eyepieces during
this evaluation indicated that it was as easy to align imagery by
alternately closing one eye and then the other as it was to mount and
remove the Rapid Alignment Device. This was a process recommended
to, but previously rejected by the PI's. As a result, IEG has
reported marginal value for the present instrument.
25X1
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Declass Review b u
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NIMA/DOD AppYoved For Release 2003/12/19 : CIA-RDP78BO5171A00080008003
SECRET
 Approved Air Release 200 1c B~IA-RDP78BO -71A000800080032-9
SUBJECT; Evaluation of the Monocular Rapid Alignment Device, Contract
5. IEG was also questioned about, and requested to comment on,
whether the fundamental principle of superimposing the images from
anamorphic eyepieces merited further development toward a lighter
and more compact instrument. IEG reported that the principle was not
of sufficient value to warrant further effort.
6. It is possible to solve the problems of size and weight of
the alignment device. However, in view of the present marginal value
of the instrument, and considering that its value will probably de-
crease as greater familiarity is gained from use of the anamorphic
eyepieces, a modified version of the alignment device does not appear
to be desirable.
7. It is therefore recommended that the Monocular Rapid Align-
ment Device be removed from the project list.
25X1
Distribution:
Orig - Addressee
/3 - NPIC/TSSG/DED
NPIC/TSSG/DED/R&DB-II
(10 Apr 69)
Approved For Release 2003/12/19 : CIA-RDP78BO5171A000800080032-9
SECRET