RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT APPROVAL REQUEST

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04747A001400030006-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 18, 2001
• Sequence Number: 6
• Content Type: MISC

Approved Foi "CIA-R[JP7$917 7A~0'1-400030006
Research and Development 25X1A
Project Approval Request
I. Identification
The National Photographic Interpretation Center proposes the develop-
ment of two groups of three prototype light tables for use in film viewing
operations. These tables, of three different configurations, are designed
as superior replacements for similar types of equipment presently in opera-
tional use. The iro'ect will be conducted as a para ent effort
with at the level and t the
25X1A dictated that it be programmed for Fiscal Year 1965 under Category II
"Viewing and Photo Interpretation Equipment." If the budget situation
25X1A changes, and time permits, this item should be reconsidered for Fiscal 1964
because of its high priority.
25X1A II.
Objectives
The results of this development will be six prototype advanced-concept,
film-viewing light tables -- three different tables developed by each manu-
facturer. The three types are: (1) An 11" x 18" format tilt-top unit,
(2) an 11" x 40" format unit with translating microscope carriage and (3)
an 11" x 40" unit with translating microscope carriage and integral tracking
high-intensity light sources.
This project should result in sophisticated (but reliable) prototype
light tables, built with proper attention to human engineering, and which
are to be evaluated under actual operational conditions by photo interpreters.
The desired final product of this development program would be prototypes
which could be further refined and then manufactured on a production basis
to replace current operational models.
III. Background
The present 9" x 18" format "tilt-top" and 9" x 40" "motion.-carriage"
light tables are two of the most heavily used pieces of equipment not only
at NPIC but also throughout the Intelligence Community. These units,
while functional, are generally awkward and uncomfortable to use because
they require the viewer to sit in an unnatural position and have controls
which require uncomfortable hand or arm movements. The current "tilt-top"
table, when tilted, requires cranking with the right or left hand in a
position approximately three inches above the head -- an extremely fati-
guing position after a few hours of steady work. In addition, it is dif-
ficult to load and has poor stability (balance) while the film is being
cranked; furthermore, the light source does not provide adaquate light
intensity and is subject to "flickering" when dimmed for use with low
density film positives.
DECLASS REVIEW BY NIMA / DoD
originally incorporated in the
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The 9" x 40" motion carriage unit has many of *r.e same disadvantages
as well. as some additional :problems. The stereo-microscope is mounted upon
a motion carriage which is designed in such u manner that. it is difficult,
if not impossible for the operator to sit comfortably and uprightly on a
chair, while looking through the stereomicroscope. The operator is forced
into a backstraining position. In addition, the hand wheels required for
transporting the film. are not conveniently located. Human engineering
was not thoroughly considered in the design of this equipment.
All of these features introduce high fatigue factors and inefficiency
into the photo interpretation operation. Since the highly skilled photo
interpreter is the most important single element in the P, I. process,
equipment which has not been engineered for maximum efficiency and com-
fort creates penalties we cannot afford. Two of the proposed prototype
table-types are units designed to replace present equipment. The third
table is designed in anticipation of solving future problems. As the
resolution of film materials increases, they must be viewed with higher
and higher magnifications; consequently, there is a point at which
general diffused illumination from the light table becomes inadequate
and high intensity light sources are required. Since the microscope
translates, these high intensity sources must track the objective lenses.
The third table-type is designed to accomplish this.
IV. Technical Specifications
A. AdvancedTilltt_Top Lid ht Table
The units to be built; by both contractors will
provide the following advanced features:
1. Handling (up to) 500' single rolls of 9z'; 5"
or 70 mm film, or dual. rolls of 5" or
70 mm film concurrently.
2. Increased illumination up to 1800 foot lam-
berts, continuously variable from 15% to
100% of full intensity, without visible
evidence of "flicker".
3. Adjustable sub-stage shades to block out
all of the illuminated surface not actually
covered by film.
4. A unique, completely reliable film drive
that will permit bi-directional film motion
and controllable from either end: i. e.,
it will permit both winding and unwinding
with the same crank at one end of the table.
In addition, the drive will incorporate
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electro-mechanical approach.
a two-speed feature to facilitate high-speed
slewing. system is a purely
mechanical system whit is very desirable from
the reliability standpoint uses an
5. Fast, positive loading and unloading mechanisms.
6. A film transport mechanism that maintains a
light, constant tension to keep the film flat
and in contact with the glass surface. This
tension is automatically eased when the film
is transported. The contractors have dif-
ferent approaches to this problem.
7. Tilt mechanisms that permit tilts of (up to)
750 on one axis and 450 on the other.
B. Advanced Film-Viewing Light Table with a Translating
Microscope Carria e.
For these, both contractors will incorporate all of the
tilt-top unit except for item A7. In addition, the
following features will be added:
1. An 11" x 40" illuminated area vice 11" x 18".
2. A height adjustment of 3" and a tilt adjustment
00 through 150.
An advanced, precision carriage for translating
microstereoscopes or steromicroscopes in both
X and Y over an area of 10" by 35" of the total
illuminated format. Adapters are provided for
mounting the
4. A fine micrometer X-and Y-microscope motion over
+ 2cm in travel, which can be implemented once
the main translational carriages have been locked
in position. This precision motion is graduated
and accurate to .001 mm plus .01% of the total
distance being measured.
C. Advanced Film-Viewing Light Table with Translating
Microscope Carriage and High-Intensity Tracking Light Source.
This unit is basically the same as Item B above, with
the following exception:
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1. Two high-intensity, condenser-type light sources
are provided which are positioned between the
general illumination source and the surface
glass plate and are independently adjustable
so that they can be adjusted beneath the objec-
tive lenses of the microscope. When the micro-
scope and microscope carriage are translated,
the high-intensity light sources will track
the objectives. proposes a
unique fiber-optic system with magnetic or
mechanical tracking linkages.
proposes a mechanical mirror system for
positioning (by means of reflection) externally-
mounted condenser sources,
V. Contract and Financial Arrangements
This project will be accomplished. under two parallel contracts:
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. A two-phase PFF or CPIF contract, with
prototype, advanced design, film-viewing light tables, The
25X1A feasibility study would cost-and the construction of
25X1A three prototype instruments an additional--- for the
25X1A total cost of Should the feasibility study prove
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unrewarding, the contract would be terminated at the end of
Phase I at a cost of
y, eve opmen and a rice ion of three
for a
fixed price effort with
for the design and fabrication of three
additional prototypes without a study phase.
25X1A Delivery of the three prototype units
is scheduled for ten (10) mon s from the actual award of
25X1A contract while delivery of the units is programmed
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Development of proposals were solicited from
com anies with
the only companies bidding.
pose was considered technically quite superior to
two. proposal was acceptable while)
was consi ere unacceptable.
25X1A The proposals are superior for the following reasons::
1. The drive system is purely mechanical -- an ex-
tremely important factor where reliability is
concerned. We cannot afford unreliable equipment.
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2. The proposals were technically
very oroug and complete: All of the problem
areas had been recognized, and feasible solutions
offered.
Their approach to the overall design is highly
desirable from the standpoipt.of mechanical sim-
plicity and human engineering,
4. Past developments undertaken with
indicated that they have the engineering and
mechanical capacity to design and implement
the desired drive and film-tension mechanisms.
Two of the roto- e units require measuring
stages specializes in this
type of equipmen-,.
Because of the importance of the items being
.developed, and because of the high degree of
sophistication required of the film drive and
film-tension mechanisms, it is technologically
prudent to under-_:ake a parallel development.
is suggested for parallel support
because: 'their :^elatively low cost, fixed-
price proposal.- though not as technicall
complete or as feasible as the
proposal. -- would provide at reasonable cos
insurance toward obtaining successful tables
within a reasonable time span. Development
of film-viewing :Light tables is relatively
new to although they are extremely
competen in on photographic interpre-
tation and among the foremost specialists in
-photography and interpretation. This
parallel contract would provide an additional
advantage of developing another potential
supplier of equipment of this type. Competition
is badly needed in this field. Even though
the basic units are quite different in con-
figuration and operation, there is significant
overlap in the design of the light table com-
ponents -- such as, the film holding mechanism,
and the sophisticated drive system, Consequently,
there are considerable monetary savings in nego-
tiating all three types of tables as a package
with one manufacturer. Dividing the package
between manufacturers could actually result in
increased costs or fewer prototypes per given cost.
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Although bid on a CPFF basis
it appears that this contract might be nego-
tiated CPIF. If an incentive-type contract
can be negotiated, P&DS will provide the
Office of Logistics with appropriate tech-
nological incentive criteria.
VI. Coordination
The proposed development has been coordinated with representatives
of both PID and PAG. The best of numerous suggestions, gathered from
many different NPIC analysts, were incorporated into the Development
Objectives upon which this project was based and are reflected in the
contractor's technical proposals. By virtue of contacts throughout
industry and the intelligence community it is concluded that no
equivalent devices are currently in existence.
VII. Security
This project is to be negotiated on an _ Confidential basis.25k A
required security measures are already in effect. at
as a result of other contracts, has been c eared t25X1A
receive classified Agency contracts.
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