COLOR ACQUISITION SYSTEM REVIEW STUDY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04770A002400030027-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 10
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 11, 2005
• Sequence Number: 27
• Publication Date: February 20, 1964
• Content Type: STUDY

.- Approved For lease 2005/05/02 :CIA-RDP78B0477
TACT FILE
COLOR ACQUISITION SYSTEM REVIE{ri
STUDY
Date: 2O February 196.
Declass Review by NGA.
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,PROJECT AUTHORIZATION REOUFST
February 20, 196/
TITLE: Color Acquisition System Review Study
TASK/PROBLEM
In view of the increased interest and anticipated continued
use of color for photo reconnaissance, it is very evident that more infor-
mation is required concerning the capability of present and possible future
acquisition systems in order to predict future requirements to support ex-
ploitation and data reduction of the collected color photo intelligence
material.
In the investigation of color photography as a possible
anticipated intelligence collection item, many factors must be taken into
account, tabulated, evaluated, and in some instances experiments must be
preformed to insure reaching the proper conclusion.
The study will include review of currently available color
films and those in the development stages. However' should the studies
and findings indicate a desire or dictate requirements for a new or improved
color film or sensor, no effort will be expended in this area since this
company does not accept contracts for the development of sensitized products.
It must be assumed that all effort expended in the develop-
ment of acquisition systems will be directed to insure collection of the
maximum amount of intelligence information. Therefore, no part of this
study will be directed toward making recommendations for improvement of
such systems.
1. Collection Systems (Camera): A review will
be made of presently known systems and their
capabilities to handle color materials. These
findings will be projected toward possible
future developments in an attempt to determine
collection system capabilities in the next
five- to ten-year period.
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No. 212-A
February 20, 1964
2. Lenses: A survey will be made of potential
lenses to determine their capability to
record target data on all types of color
sensors. Firm conclusions must depend upon
the availability of these lenses to verify
theoretical data.
3. Filters: Investigation will be made for
the possible use of filters to aid in the
exploitation of intelligence. This investi-
gation may be in two parts.
(a) Possible use of filters in the col-
lection system to enhance the data
reduction capability.
(b) Possible use of filters, on exploi-
tation equipments to extract or add
colors to the correctly exposed mater-
ial, as an aid in the intelligence
data reduction process.
l.. Seale and Altitude: The effect of fecal length,
altitude, and haze upon image size vs resolution,
(grain, color smear, and etc.) will be studied
to determine design parameters for read-out
equipments.
5- Film: Both negative and reversal type film
will be compared and their capabilities includ-
ing resolution, reproducibility, and suitability
for intelligence data collection will be analyzed.
6. Processing: Since this study is not oriented
toward equipments except those for use in
read-out of the intelligence information, it
will be assumed that color film will, in all
cases,'ee processed in accordance with manufac-
turers' recommendations.
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February 20, 1964
7. Post Processing Operations: A study will
be made of the methods for handling, titling
and cleaning of processed colored materials
since these functions play an all important
part in the data reduction cycle. This
part of the study may also include possible
digital and alpha-numeric recording of data
in the collection system.
8. Stereo Combinations: Stereo taking and view-
ing systems will be examined and experiments
conducted as needed. Both color, and color
in conjunction with black-white will be
studied. A compatible combination of black-
white and color might be formed which retains
the resolution capabilities of the former
while utilizing the area color discrimination
of the latter.
9. Special Color Materials: Special color mater-
ials such as the two-color MTI (Moving Target
Identification) film, and infrared Ektachrome
will be reviewed during the course of this
study.
The analysis of any color material undertaken will be in re-
spect to its intended use (photo interpretation).. In addition, as new color
materials are developed and/or information becomes known regarding new ac-
quisition system capabilities, they will be included in this study and eval-
uated.
Liaison will be established with the customer's representa-
tives in order to provide a bettor understanding of the needs of the PI
community as a whole; and to assist in anyway possible to standardize a de-
sirable level of quality wherever feasible.
The objective of this program will be a final report with
organized data regarding color materials and discussing in detail the
work accomplished. The report will also contain recommendations for the
following:
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No. 212-A
February 20~ 196.
(a) Most suitable utilization of present exploi-
tation equipments.
(b) Future exploitation equipments for use with
color materials to include viewers, (direct,
and indirect) enlargers and printers.
(c) R,ecoramended design goals for future exploi-
tation equipments.
(d) How color materials should be handled and ex-
ploitated to insure maximum utilization.
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STUDY PROGRAM OBJECTIVE
Color Acquisition System Review (PAR 212_)
Problem
With the increased interest in color for photoreconnaassance
it is becoming evident that more information is needed as to capabilities
of the entire acquisition system when used with for this purpose.
Development Proposal
In this investigation of color acquisition systems, many
factors wi11 be taken into account, tabulated, evaluated and in same
instances where necessary, experiments wi11 be performed. The investiga-
tion wi11 include color acquisition films currently on the market, and
those in the development stages.
Among the factors to be considered will be:
1. Cameras
The characteristics of the various taking systems will be
evaluated to deteramine their suitability for handling color materials
on bath thin base and standard support. Film transport systems will
be analyzed ~rrlth respect to their specific capability to handle these
materials without the unwanted effects of pressure marks, static, etc.
Emphasis will be placed an shutter speeds as related to exposure control
and the reciprocity characteristics of color taking materials.
~. survey will be made of potential lenses which may be
used for color applications. Dependent upon the availability of these
lenses, their capabilities in a color system will be analyzed.
3. Filters
Tnvestigatian wJ.1.~. ~e grade into the passible use of filters
best suited to improve,. or correct color rendition.
~. Scale and Altitude
Potentials of all systems will be studied in respect to
thew passable use with color films under normal operations.
Bath negative and reversal types Sill be compared and their
capabilities, including resalutaon, color rendition, reproducibility,
etc. properly analyzed..
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PAR 212 - Page 2
6. Processing
~,
Study in this field will be minimal and limited only to
such equipment and processes as are compatible with the taking films
involved.
Post Processing Operations
A study will be made of the methods and equipment for
titling, cleaning and the application of protective coatings.
S. Stereo Combinations
Stereo taking and viewing systems wi3.7. be examined and
experiments candueted as needed. Both color, and color in conjunc-
tion with black-white will be studied. A compatible combination of
black-white and color might be formed which retains the. resolution
capabilities of the former while utilizing the area color discrimina-
Lion of the latter.
g. Viewers
Recommendations will be made for providing the mast suit-
able equipment for viewing the processed original materials.
1Q. Special Color Applications and Material
Special color materials, such as the two color MTI (Moving
Target Identification) films and Infra-red Ektachrome types wi17, b~
included i.n the study.
The analysis of any color system undertaken will be in
respect to its intended usage, either airborne, ground tv air or static.
In addition, as new color systems, taking materials, or acquisition equip-
ment are developed, they will be included in this study and evaluated.
This combined study of camera characteristics, lens per-
formance, the study of taking materials and processing requixemsnt~,
consideration of vehicle characteristics and operating parar~ters should
provide the knowledge which will determine:
1. What systems can now use color, or be readily adapted
far use with color.
2. What filters can best contribute to the effectiveness
of color systems.
3. What taking films should be used.
!~. How the films should be processed.
~, ~- : v -.- -.
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PAR 212 - Page 3
Sufficient testing and analysis will be performed to prove
the above conclusions and to demonstrate their potential value.
The prime objective is to provide organized data regarding
color acquisition systems and tv assist in the evaluation of their useful-
ness to the Photo-Interpreter.. data will be provided on color versus black
and whitey co],or in stereo' and color in conjunction with black and white
in stereo.
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