LETTER (Sanitized)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04770A002000030004-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 9, 2002
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: October 7, 1965
• Content Type: LETTER

October 7, 1965
We feel that techniques developed at could STAT
be directly applied to your needs for automatic ocusing of certain optical
instruments, as discussed in several previous meetings and as very briefly
outlined in your document, "Objectives for an Automatic Focusing System."
We would like to propose here a preliminary study phase during which
time we can learn more about your specific needs and can conduct a number of
experiments to determine whether we can indeed build a suitable "front end"
sensor to meet your specific requirements. Should the result be encouraging,
as we hope and expect, then we would propose a second study to take a specific
piece of equipment and modify it for complete automatic control.
The basic technique that we propose is outlined in the first attachment,
Item A, entitled "Optical Detect~ir for Objects Within an Adjustable Range."
In this approach, the object space is imaged on the face of a wide-area non-
linear photocell, which vibrates in the direction of the optic axis. By
sensing the phase of the fundamental component in the output signal, and
also certain harmonic content, it is possible to determine the state of focus,
or defocus, of the system. The series of photographs in Fig. 1 of Item B
(entitled "Techniques for Optically Determining Distance, Direction and .
Shape") shows the results for a three-dimensional "real world" object space
involving a person approaching the optical system, which is fixed-focused
for 6 feet. Nate the change in waveform as the front "surface" of the person
approaches and passes through the six-foot distance.
The successful results with three-dimensional object space, and with an
optical system designed to operate over a considerable range of focus dis-
tances, makes us confident that we could design a system to operate on basic-
ally two-dimensional objects (photographic film) whose object distance varies
over only a relatively small range.
There is little question then about designing a system for automatic
focus control, based on this technique. The primary questions revolve about
meeting the exact specifications. To answer these questions we need con-
siderably more information about the specific equipments involved, and we
must also engage in a certain amount of experimentation. Based on our present
knowledge of the requirements, however, we feel that we could design a system
which in both resolution and frequency response is such that overall per-
formance is not limited by the automatic focusing system itself.
Declass Review by NIMA/DOD
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Proposal ESU 65-88 -2-
We might note at this point that we are also actively engaged in study
of the human focus system. This research was motivated by the finding of an
axial vibration in the human lens system. Our previous experience with range
finding, and with axial vibrations, led us to speculate on the possible role
of this vibration in the human locus system, Under NASA sponsorship we studied
the problem and have now developed a model for accommodation control that
has stimulated a new series of experiments in accommodation control. We are
presently developing quite versatile facilities for continuously monitoring
accommodation magnitude and eye movements. (Our model predicts considerable
interaction between eye movements and accommodation control.) These results
may in fact be quite important to performance of your overall system, in
which operators must maintain good focus and acuity while scanning moving
patterns .
For the specific problem at hand, we propose a six-month study to carry out
the research and report results. We visualize the following program:
(1) Approximately one month for studying the specific requirements and for
planning a specific set of experiments.
(2) Four months for performing laboratory experiments. The key points to be
experimentally studied during the laboratory phase of the project
include:
(a) Selection of photocell that will best meet the requirements
of resolution, speed of response, and light sensitivity.
(b) Determination of the best method (such as beam splitting) of
incorporating the focus detection unit with the optical paths
of the various equipments under consideration.
(c) Determination of means to accommodate the focus detection with
the wide range of image magnifications used in some of the
equipments.
(3) A month to evaluate the results and make specific recommendations.
We could initiate work on this program as of January 1, 1966. The pro-
,lected cost is outlined in the attached Appendix Item C. The biographies of
professional personnel who would be mainly concerned with the program are
attached as Item D.
It is requested that any contract resulting from this proposal be
written on a cost-plus fixed-fee basis.
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This proposal will remain in effect until January 1, 1966. If con-
sideration of the proposal requires a longer period, the Institute will
be glad to consider a request for an extension of time.
Control Syst ms Lab ratory
eering Sciences and
STAT
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