ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSING TECHNIQUES CONTRACT(Sanitized)MONTHLY NARRATIVE REPORT -- FEBRUARY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04770A000300050039-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 1, 2004
• Sequence Number: 39
• Publication Date: February 1, 1966
• Content Type: PERRPT

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ELECTROPHOTOORAPHIC PROCESSING TECHNIQUES
CONTRACT N0. 1 TASK ORDER NO. 03(lOO,762)65 R
Monthly Narrative Report .. February 1966
(Covering the period January 22, to February 22, 1966)
A. Current Status of Work
1. Electrical-.Chemical Processing
Further corrective processing experiments employing photo masking
techniques were conducted on the defocussed version of the specially-prepared
composite transparency (density-segmented triangle array plus scene). However,
as requested by the customer on February 8, 1966, further processing of these
degraded transparencies using the time consuming photo copy techniques was
stopped after that date. Processing was to concentrate henceforth on real
imagery, such as available on the AFSPPL Film, Mission No. 40-09112, and using
more advanced experimental techniques, e.g., modulated light, chemical, and
spatial filtering. However, measurements were made of the results of partial
correction on the defocussed transparency and comparisons made with measurements
for the undegraded standard and the original defocussed transparencies. Analyses
were made to determine the effect of the partial processing and the types of
further processing needed.
From the AFSPPL Film, Mission No. 140-09112, frame number 46574
was selected for the initial phase of qualification of real images. Two types
of images were selected: 1) a bar target and 2) an aircraft. The bar target
consists of two density steps and contains image elements that are above and
below the liminal (threshold) level. On the aircraft wing is a sub-liminal
service designation whose recognition shall be a goal of the processing. The
image consists of three density levels, (the service designation,
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the wing, and the ground behind the Ana- Actual image element dimensions are
from 5 microns to 250 microns. These images have been enlarged from between
50 and 500 diameters by means of a phase contrast microscope. At these
enlarged levels, it is possible to relate the CRT spot size to the image
incremental element size for the density manipulation program. Micro densia
tometer traces have been made of the original scene area and the enlargements.
Debugging continued on the CRT modulated light printer. Several modifi-
cations were made to the printer which enabled preliminary tests to be made
with it. Primary emphasis was to determine the uniformity of printing densities
during the modulated and unmodulated modes. Low, medium, and high density
levels, as well as zero, 50% and 100% modulation were the preliminary test points.
However, certain faults were still noted in the printer outputs, e.g., cross=
hatching and banding, and changes are now being made to attempt to correct these
faults.
2. Electronic Processing
Final samples of transparencies processed with negative masking through
the low resolution electronic processor were prepared and shown to the customer
on February 8, 1966, to compare with transparencies prepared through the system
with untnodulated light. At his request, enlarged positive copies of these trans-
parencies as well as copies from the original negatives have been prepared for
his examination.
On February !t, the low resolution electronic processing system was dis-
assembled to start construction of the high resolution system. All and STAT
E~nents have been received except the Ferranti mumetal shields for the
two kinescopes. They are promised by March 1.
Work is continuing on assembling and wiring the high resolution system
on the aluminum bedplate.
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3. Techniques Analysis
A mathematical model of modulated-light oontac'? reproduction s/stems
has been formulated. With appropriate interpretation of terms,, the model
attempts to describe the operation of the bread)-jard cathode-.ray--tube printer,
the low and high resolution breadooard electronic processing systems, and also
the prototype film viewing tables. The model incorporates the line spread
functions and spatial frequency responses of the major system elements: the
original transparency, the kinescope beaza3, and the feedback circuits. Secon-
dary system elements (e.g., lenses) are shot included in this preliminary model.
With respect to the space domaiuu, the line spread function of the
contact image (i.e., the image reproducEd by contact printing rrr viewing) is
shown to be the difference between an u?snodulated spread function (proportional
to the spread function of the original transparency) and a modulated spread
fug.^.tion. Correspondingly, the spatial frequency response Qf the contact image
is shown to be the difference between an unmodulated frequency response (pro=
portiorAl to the frequency response of the original tranparency) and a modulated
frequency response.
Several tests of the 1m)del are being performcsd before it is incorporated
fully in the techniques analysis. Specifically, the ability of the model to
satisfactorily predict known phenomena such ae low-frequency suppression and image
erasure is being determined.
B. Problem Areas Encountered
Difficulties with the CRT modulated light printer have not made it possible
to. utilize this equipment yet in actual processing experiments. A concentrated
effort is being made to make the necessary engineering corrections to this device.
A hold we placed, at the customer's request, on the purchase of a dichroic mirror
and a 2000 volt power supply for the high resolution electronic processor. This
delay in purchase of these items will delay completion of the processor.
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C. Projected Work for Next Month
1. Electro-Chemical Processing
a. Select images located in the submliminal region.
1) Associate the number of density steps in respect to the number
of detail elements of the image.
2) Enlarge, adjust densities, fill in inter-space among density
grains.
3) Measure density/intensity on Richards viewer.
b. Complete corrections on modulated-light printer and calibrate and
evaluate printer (using target supplied by customer).
2.
Electronic Processing
a.
b.
Complete construction of high resolution electronic processor
Calibrate and adjust processor
3.
Techniques Analysis
a. Complete check out tests of mathematical model and analyze results.
b. Use model to analyze results of final processing with low resolution
electronic processor, specifically the microdensitometer traces of
triangle edges.
4. Prepare Second Interim Report
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E. Documentation of Verbal Commitments ar
A/or Agreement During the Period
A meeting was held with the customer on February 8, 1966 reviewing the
financial and technical status of the EPT program. Several agreements were
made at that time And documented in minutes of that meeting which have been
transmitted to the customer. The key items were:
is not to take any action with regard to the following activities
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until directed to do so by the customer.
a) Rear Projection Viewer Study
b) Use of Photo Interpreter Consultants
c) Spatial Frequency Analyzer Development
71 was to supply a detailed listing of program costs broken down by
task indicating personnel assignments (This was delivered on Feb. 23,
1966).
3. 0 is to concentrate on processing of operational-type transparencies
rather than artificially generated scenes.
4. The customer would supply a resolution target to measure the capability
of the contact printer (supplied on February 25, 1966).
5. II will provide positives of samples of the inputs to and the results
of unmodulated and modulated processing by the low resolution breadboard
electronic processor.
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