REPORT OF INVENTIONS AND SUBCONTRACTS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04747A002500050008-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 15
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 16, 2001
• Sequence Number: 8
• Publication Date: March 9, 1965
• Content Type: FORM

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REPORT OF INVENTIONS AND SUBCONTRACTS
Form Approved
(Pursuant to "Patent R"ights" Contract Clause)
Bud et Bureau No. 22?RIbU
INSTRUCTIONS T
O CONTRACTOR
This form may be used for INTERIM and FINAL reports, and
A FINAL report shall be submitted as soon as practicable
when used shall be completed and forwarded to the Contracting
after the work under the contract is complete and shall in
officer in triplicate.
elude (a) a summary of all inventions required by the contract
to be reported, including all inventions previously reported
An INTERIM report shall be submitted at least every twelve
and any inventions since the last INTERIM report; and (b)
months, commencing with the date of the contract, and should
any required information for subcontracts which has not pre-
include only those inventions and subcontracts for which com-
viously been reported.
plete information has not previously been reported.
1. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR
S. CONTRACT NUMBER
Project Inspector
STATINTL
S? TYPE OF REPORT (check one)
Oa. INTERIM b. FINAL
SECTION I - INVENTIONS ("Subject Inventions" required to be reported by the "Patent Rights" clause)
4. INVENTION DATA (shock one)
Mo. THERE WERE NO INVENTIONS WHICH REASONABLY APPEAR TO BE PATENTABLE
?b. LISTED BELOW ARE INVENTIONS WHICH REASONABLY APPEAR TO BE PATENTABLE. ANY INVENTION DISCLOSURES WHICH
HAVE NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED TO THE CONTRACTING OFFICER ARE ATTACHED TO THIS REPORT.
t)
{ii)
(lit)
(IV)
(v)
CONFIRMATORY
PATENT
CONTRACTOR
HAS FILED
LICENSE OR
APPLICATION
OR WILL FILE
ASSIGNMENT HAS
BEEN FORWARD-
NAME OF INVENTOR
TITLE OF INVENTION
SERIAL NUMBER
U.S. PATENT
EO TO CONTR AC-
AND CONTRAC-
TOR'S DOCKET NO.
APPLICATION
TING OFFICER
YES
NO
YES
No
STATINTL
STATINTL
Improved Photo-
x
Interpretation Apparatus
Docket
No. 360
Note: Contractor has
of yet decided whether or
not it desire
to fi
e a p
tent
application on th
s invention.
SECTION II - SUBCONTRACTS (Containing a "Patent Rights" clause)
S. LISTED BELOW IS INFORMATION REQUIRED BUT NOT PREVIOUSLY REPORTED FOR SUBCONTRACTS. (II not appt,rnblr, wrrte'None'.1
I)
IU
(NI)
DATE CLAUSE
(!v)
DATE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF SUBCONTRACTOR
SUBCONTRACT NUMBER
FURNISHED TO CON'
TRACTING OFFICER
SUBCONTRACT
COMPLETED
NONE
DECLASS REVIEW by N
MA/DOD
STATIN
L
SECTION II
I - CERTIFICATE
CONTRACTOR CERTIFIES THAT THIS REPORT OF INVENTIONS AND SUBCONTRACTS, INCLUDING ANY ATTACHMENTS,
IS CORRECT TO THE BEbT OF THE CONTRACTOR'S KNOWLEDGE AND BE IMF
DATE N TH RI ED OFFICIAL (Print or Type)
3/9/65
DD
FORM
I NOV s0
VIM I-IMUNW12-010
 INVENTION DISCLOSURE
Improved Photo-Interpretation Apparatus
DOCKET No. 360
2
Bee attached.
STATINTL
EXPLAINED TO. READ AND UNDERSTOOD BY:
DATE WITNESS'S SIGNATURE
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STATINTL
STATINT
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BRIEFING SUMMARY
Method of Approach
The original concept calls for a modulated light table in which the
modulation of the light source will compensate for gross differences in film
exposure. In addition, techniques are to be applied to increase the contrast.
of detailed information in the photograph. Object of the study was to:
(1) Prove or disprove the validity of this approach.
(2) Determine to what extent the approach can be
implemented with components and materials
available according to the state of the art.
The first step taken was to develop a good background of information on
photo interpretation in general and specifically on ideas and devices which have
been suggested to solve the problems. An extensive literature search was made
and the pertinent literature read and summarized. Discussions were held with
various people who have had experience in photo interpretation. Field trips
were made to Westover A. F. B., the Naval Photo Intelligence Laboratory in
Washington, D. C.", and Shaw A. F. B. . The visits to the two Air Force instal-
lations were chiefly to view normal photo interpreter operation. The trip to the
Naval Laboratory was to inspect and discuss certain instruments made by M
and others, for use in Photo interpretation. STATINTL
The second step was to determine the state-of-the-art of the various
components which would be required and from that determine the limitations
which would be set on any practical device. This was done through specification
sheets and direct contact with specific manufacturers who are in the forefront
of their particular sections of the industry. Once the approximate state of the
art was determined, a program of calculations and experiments was started to
determine what the limitations would be for a practical device.
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Numerous approaches for implementing the basic aims were discussed
and investigated by calculation and by simple experiments, to confirm or point
out errors in the calculated results. A large number of approaches were investi-
gated. These were reduced to a comparatively small number which appear to
be capable of implementation. Those approaches that appeared feasible were
further tested by practical experiments and simulations.
On the basis of the above, an attempt was made to synthesize the best
device, or devices, utilizing the tested approaches. Special effort was made to
maintain simplicity of operation and maintenance. Basically, the design effort
took two directions: 1). To design a universal unit, which would fulfill as many
requirements as possible, and 2). To design smaller units, each of which would
best fulfill a particular requirement or group of requirements at the expense of
capability in other directions.
Limiting Problems
One limiting factor is the size of the photograph which the unit is required
to handle. Certain approaches were eliminated because the lenses required
would be impractically large; that would make them either impractical to manu-
facture or make the whole device too bulky.
The second limitation is the state-of-the-art in development of cathode
ray tubes. Because of heating of the phosphor, there is a definite limitation on
the light output that can be obtained from cathode ray tubes. Another problem is
that high intensity cathode ray tubes operate at very high acceleration voltages
and produce x-rays. Since the operator must be protected from x-ray exposure,
this factor imposes further limitations on design. A check was made on the
possibility of using a matrix of discreet incandescent lamps. This is impractical,
inasmuch, as the inefficiency of the incandescent lamps creates a very large
amount of heat. Some investigation was also made on the possibility of using a
matrix of photo-emissive diodes as a light source. In the present state of devel-
opment, these divices are orders of magnitude away from our requirements.
The approach of using a modulated point light source and a mechanical scanning
device was not investigated. It was judged that the scanning speed involved to
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produce a real-time device would present some very difficult mechanical
problems. There are instances, in the literature examined, of devices which
used mechanical scanners. However, these devices were for printing photo-
graphs and not for real-time viewing, therefore, much lower scanning frequen-
cies were usable.
Television techniques will be used for scanning and for viewing the film.
This introduces the limitations of rasters, spot size, and the gain-bandwidth of
the video amplifiers to be used. We are in the process of conducting an investi-
gation to determine the best television scan techniques available today, so that
the television sections of the unit will have optimum scan rates and definition.
Another factor which placed definite limitations on the design is the
limited light gathering ability of lens systems. A few approaches were discarded
because the light gathering ability of practical lens systems was insufficient to
attain sufficient illumination of the film.
We feel that we have proven the validity of the basic principles. The
principle of the modulated light table is being used in photographic printing by
devices. In addition, we have, both with calculations and practical
experiments, proven the feasibility of the principle for real-time viewing of
photographic transparencies. One part of the demonstration prepared will
illustrate this.
The enhancement techniques of increasing contrast ratios and outlining
were investigated theoretically in our laboratory. Later, devices employing
these techniques were examined at the Naval Laboratory in Washington. There
remains no question as to whether these methods are feasible, inasmuch as
they have been * demonstrated.
None of the devices we have encountered in our reading or visits to
installations combine the two basic ideas which we intend to combine in a single
device. I refer to the idea of a modulated light table combined with a viewer
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which employs video processing of the signal to attain enhancement. Although
STATINTL the_device in Washington is quite good for increasing contrast within
small areas, it does this at the expense of loss of other areas of picture. In
other words, by increasing the contrast in a given area, other areas are thrown
into the whiter than white or blacker than black and are completely lost to view.
An example of the advantage to be gained with the combinations of the two
principles will illustrate our basic idea. If we take a transparency, with extremes
of transmission of 5% and 50%, and place it on a light table with an intensity of
300 ft. lamberts, we obtain extremes of 15 and 150 ft. lamberts of intensity.
That is, a difference from lightest to darkest areas of 135 ft. lamberts. By means
of the modulated light table, we increase the 15 ft. lambert level to 30 and reduce
the 150 ft. lambert level to 75 ft. lamberts. This gives us a maximum difference
in light intensity of 45 ft. lamberts between extremes. Now, if we amplify our
video signal so that we expand the range of 45 ft. lamberts back to 135, we obtain
a 3 times increase in contrast. These figures are not necessarily typical, but
were selected at random to illustrate the point. By selecting a smaller range of
the gray level and expanding it to the full capability of the monitor, we can obtain
more contrast expansion at the expense of throwing some portions of the view
into whiter than white or blacker than black, as the -device does. By STATINTL
combining both techniques, we get increase of contrast in all directions regard-
less of the direction of the scanning raster. Outlining techniques are good only
for lines at right angles to the raster scan. However, a rotation of the camera
or a special raster could solve this problem. Probably the better solution is
rotation of the camera or film, since this is a very simple and uncomplicated
solution. It is probably not worth going to great lengths to, obtain outlining,
inasmuch as,in the opinion of workers at the Naval Laboratory, the outlining is
of limited usefulness.
Throughout the investigation, lack of sufficient light intensity has been a.
problem. There are electronic and semi-conductor type light amplifiers being
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made and developed, but they have not yet reached a stage where they can be
of use to us in this project. In general, they are lacking in light level and
resolution capability. One way of overcoming the difficulty is to change our
light signal to an electrical signal, amplify it and then reconvert it to a light
signal. Basically, this is _ - closed circuit television monitoring. Any
such system inherently contains a danger of loss of information and resolution.
However, it is feasible, if the equipment is used properly, to attain the required
number of line pairs per mm. , and possibly more, without loss of information.
There are numerous advantages to be obtained in the use of closed circuit
television viewers. If we backlight a film with a compensated source, then
change our information to a video signal, we can actually obtain an increase in
contrast as noted above. The principle is simple. The compensation of the
light source reduces the differences in average area density between various areas
of film. This compresses the overall dynamic range, so as to allow us to amplify
the rernaining signal anu increase the Local differe:uces in dc'isit without
exceeding the dynamic range of the system. This allows for more enhancement
on a film where the contrast is generally poor, than on one where there are both
low and high contrast areas. However, a control can be provided so that when
viewing, the P. I. could adjust according to the requirements of the particular
area of interest. This principle, with the exception of the compensated light
source, is already in use on devices that have been examined at the Naval Labora-
tory. Pick up of the video signal may be accomplished either by photomulti-
plier, using time sharing techniques, or by a vidicon camera. Other circuitry,
such as aperture compensation circuits and gated differentiators may be added
to give line enhancement and outlining. In a closed circuit TV viewing system,
the vidicon becomes the limiting factor, as far as resolution is concerned.
There are American commerical tubes available specified at 1500 TV lines for
center of screen resolution. The problem of resolution is a question of how
much magnification we can obtain and still have sufficient light intensity to
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activate the vidicon to its maximum capability. With a high performance vidicon
250 line pairs per mm should be obtainable with available state of the art light
sources, on a film with 10% transmission and an f/1 lens system. The main
objection to a TVmonitor system of viewing will perhaps be more psychological
than other. As when viewing a scene through a microscope our field of view
becomes more limited as we increase the magnification, the view also is limited
as we go to greater resolution capabilities with a monitor. In addition, in order
not to have the discernment capability of the eye exceed the true resolution of the
monitor, the size of the monitor screen must be guaged properly to the distance
at which it is going to be viewed. For example, a monitor which is to be viewed
at a distance of 3 ft. with a 900 line system should not have more than 10" screen
height. A monitor viewed at 3 ft. would have a screen approximately 33 x 25
inches .. Higher resolution television systems will allow fotr larger monitors
at the same distance. This factor does not impose a limitation on the ultimate
resolution, it merely ties the field size to the resolution with whit it is being
viewed. In other words, with a 900 line system, to get 200 line pairs per Hamm
resolution, the total field on the viewing monitor would correspond ",,to 2 1/4 inm
in height on the actual photo. Therefore, the problem of using closed circuit
television techniques for viewing is not one so much of loss or likely loss of
information, but acclimating the user to the new techniques. The following are
some advantages to be obtained from closed circuit TV.
1. Since there is no problem interrupting the viewing by a direct
examination of the film, the optics can be optimized, and there is
no need for a magnetic memory.
2. A number of monitors can be operated simultaneously and a
television projector can be connected to the same line if desired.
3. The general lighting conditions of the operations room need be
much lesgs rigorously controlled, inasmuch as the optical section
of the unit is. enclosed and the viewing monitors can be individually
adjusted for the ambient conditions.
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V4W
4. If desired, more than one film can be viewed simultaneously
on different viewers, and a monitor switched between various
pictures, at will. This system could be used for comparinW
"before and after" photographs. A signal switching system
would show the two photographs alternately on tiie same screen
and any changes would appear as a flickering image at the point
of change.
Specific Devices
A. Combined Unit
This unit will be a rather large desk type console. It will have a tilted
modulated light table on the top surface, conveniently located for the viewer.
The light table will have, as a light source, a 16" diameter cathode ray tube.
Controll information for the light source will be obtained by a photomultiplier
mounted above the viewing area combined with a magnetic memory or, by use
of light pipe technique, the memory may be eliminated and the photornultiplier
could be mounted at a lower level where it would not interfere with the viewer.
The memory is used to provide capability for close viewing of the film with
magnifiers or microscopes. To use this feature, the information obtained by
the photomultiplier is recorded on a magnetic tape or disc. Then the photo-
multiplier is moved aside and, as long as the film is not moved, the information
from the memory will maintain the proper modulation of the light table. The
unit will have controls for shrinking the raster size to a small area and for
positioning this area any place on the film. The general intensity of the light
source and the degree of modulation will be controlled by the operator. Beside
the actual light table will be mounted a closed circuit television monitor. The
camera of the closed circuit television system will be mounted on a mechanical
arm or boom, and, by remote control, can be brought to bear on the photograph
which is on the light table. The TV system will be 1000 or 2000 line raster.
The camera. position controls will be synchronized with the raster position
control. Contrast control, grey level control and brightness control will be
available in the TV system. In addition, an outlining function and a positive or
7
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negative picture capability can be supplied. There may be difficulties in the
mechanical design, but the device does provide direct access to the film,
variable magnification, the full required resolution and a capability of using
numerous monitors and/or a projector. Measurements can be made on a 1
to I basis on the film itself, or through the monitoring system by means of
calibrated reticles. Disadvantages of this system are possible interference
between camera, photomultiplier and viewer; control requirement on ambient
lighting, so as not to interfere with the photomultiplier cell; and a possible
x-ray hazard. With the levels of accelerator voltage used for the applicable tube,
it will be necessary to have a sheet of leaded glass between the tube and the
film to protect the viewer. Although most versatile, this is the largest and
most expensive of the devices being suggested here as possible solutions.
B. Field Light Table
This unit will be a small desk type console, with the light table itself at
a sloping angle in front of the operator, or it could be in a slope-front unit which
may be placed on a desk. It is basically a modulated light table. The source of
light is a 16'' or 10" diameter cathode ray tube. Information for controlling the
light source will be obtained by a photomultiplier mounted above the lighted surface.
A provision will be included, with a magnetic memory, to allow for recording the
necessary control information and then moving the photomultiplier aside, so tinat
the film maybe closely examined and measured, without interfering with. the
modulation. While the film is being lighted through the control of the memory,
the film must not be moved. This device may also be constructed using light
pipes, in which case the memory may be eliminated, or there may be a com-
bination of light pipes and memory. Modulation control for the light table,
intensity control, a raster shrinking control and a positioning control will be
provided. When the raster is shrunk down, the general compensation will be
included in a small area. This unit is smallest, most simpie and least expen-
sive of those being suggested. It will be suitable for field use. It could be used
with the tube magnifiers, magnifying glasses, or microscopes that are presently
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rte,,
being used on normal light tables. This unit will be suitable for stereo viewin,,
inasmuch as the stereo pair will be lit up and compensated simultaneously and
a normal stereo viewer could be used above it. The unit allows direct access
to the film and direct measurement on the film. The only enhancement provided
by this device is that which is gained by allowing the eye to operate at optimum
light level. In other words, we eliminate excess glare and flare from highly
transmissive areas, so that the eye of the viewer is not required to operate and
discern details in a relatively dark area of tiie film while being disturbed by
the excess light coming through more highly exposed areas of film. The ambient
light in the room should be controlled as not to interfere with the viewer or with
the photomultiplier itself. As in the first device mentioned, the x-ray hazard
must be guarded against. This will probably mean a sheet of leaded glass between
the cathode ray tube a'?d the viewer.
C. Remote Viewer
This unit will be a desk type console, containing the complete device, or
the major part of the device may be rack mounted with remote controls on a
monitor that may be placed anywhere convenient. The unit will use a 16"
diameter cathode ray tube as a modulated light source. The information for
control of the light source will be gathered by a photo multiplier. Video informa-
tion will be obtained by a vidicon which will view the backlighted film simultane-
ously with the photomultiplier. The unit will be totally enclosed with no c4reut
access to the film. All the enhancement features provided in the combination
unit, described in A, will be available in this unit. The unit will be simpler
mechanically and much less expensive to design and build, because there will
be no need for synchronized systems for moving spot location and camera. On
this unit, the camera and light source will be held stationary and the film
carriage will be moved to obtain relative positioning of the camera and film.
Measurements will be made by means of calibrated reticles which will be
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inserted at the film plane. Since these reticles will be viewed simultaneously
with the film, any dimensional distortions would occur in the reticle together
with the film, and there will be no error in comparison of reticle and film.
Inasmuch as the unit is enclosed, there are no restrictions on the ambient light.
The unit will require no magnetic memory since the photon-multiplier and vidicon
would always be viewing the film together. This unit promises the best results
and yet is not the most expensive, or the most complicated of the group. The
most likely objection to this unit is the fact that there is no direct access
to the film. Devices that were built for the Navy, and which we examined in
Washington, also do not give direct access to the film. They do not feel that
this is a disadvantage. In fact, it may be an advantage since there is much less
likelihood of the original film being damaged. Even if this is not immediately
acceptable to interpretors today, it may be the type of device which will eventually
be used. It promises the most in possibiL.ities of future development with
reasonable cost and operabitit~,
D. High Magnification Viewer
This unit is specifically designed to obtain the highest possible magnifi-
cation to allow for even higher resolution than the 200 line pairs per mm required.
The unit will be constructed in either a desk type console, with the viewing screen
before the interpretor, or in a rack with a remote monitor including the controls
for the equipment in the rack. The light source will be a very high intensity
small diameter projection cathode ray tube. An image of the cathode ray tube
will be projected on the film by means of a variable optic. The illuminated film
will be viewed by a photomultiplier which supplies the control inforrnt.tion for the
intensity modulation of the light source. Video information will be obtained by
viewing the illuminated film with a vidicon. As the magnification of viewing is
increased, the image of the cathode ray tube source on the film will be reduced
in size. This will allow the same lighting compensation within the smaller area
being viewed, as is normally used over the whole film area. This unit is
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completely enclosed and there will be no direct access to the film. It is very
similar in its characteristics to the remote viewer of part C, with the exception
that the maximum area which can be viewed will be on the order of a 2" square
of film. This limitation is imposed by the practical size of the optics which
are required. The advantage over the remote viewer of C is that higher magnifi-
cation will be available. This unit could be used for viewing 35 mm or other small
film sizes, or for viewing small areas on larger film. It should be capable of
providing resolution better than the present requirement.
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i(IPa
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Device # A. Combined Unit
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Contrast
Enhance
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