RD&E PLANNING, FY 1972-76

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B05171A000500010001-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 20
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 26, 2005
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: December 15, 1960
• Content Type: MF

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M JM)RANI)UM FOR : DD/ I Planning Officer
SUBJECT: RDc;E, Planning, FY 1.972-76
REFERENCE: Your Aiemorandun, Planning PY 1972-FY 1.976,
dated 7 November 1969
I. Attached is the Research, Development, and Engineering
portion of the National Photographic Interpretation Center's Five
Year Plan for IFY 1.972-1976. It has been developed. to serve three
broad objectives:
- to increase the efficiency of the exploitation process
and the quality of its product;
- to improve our capability and capacity to receive, process,
reproduce, store, and retrieve imagery and imagery-related
materials;
- to develop concepts for exploitation of new imagery acqui-
sition systems, and to develop the equipment and procedures
necessary to the implementation of these concepts.
Each of these objectives is addressed separately, and in terms
of the progress and more significant accomplishments to date as well
as research efforts planned for the coming years.
2. The nature and scope of these RDF;E plans are responsive
to two important considerations:
- The Center serves a community of intelligence production
and imagery exploitation components through its research'
and development efforts. One aspect of this contribution
Which is peculiar to and best clone by the Center, as a
service of conmion concern, is. basic research aimed at en-
larging our understanding of imagery in its fundamental
scientific and technical aspects.
Declassification Review by NGA/DoD
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SUPJECT: PO CIE Planning, FY 1972-76
- The Center seeks to sustain and augment the quality and
quantity of imagery exploitation through development of
equipment, data handling systems, and other technical
improvements rather than by increasing the mwipower
engaged in exploitation.
3. Questions regarding this submission or requests for further
detail can be directed to myself or f my Staff.
Chief
Planning, Programnning ?, Budgeting Staff
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NPIC RDf E PLAN FY 1972-76
Objective One
500010001-3
To increase the efficiency of the exploitation. process and the
quality of its product.
1. Discussion
The exploitation process is bounded at one extreme by the
requirements of the intelligence community and at the other
extreme by the characteristics of the collection system. Within
those bounds, the significant factors are: (1) characteristics,
limitations, and skills of personnel involved in the process;
(2) equipment utilized; (3) procedures and techniques applied
in the process; and (4) quality and character of the film or
imagery medium.
2. Program Progxess
a. Personnel Factor
(1) Comparative tests to measure the performance of
imagery analysts and photograimietrists on selected
mensuration tasks were designed and administered; the
results of these tests have served as a basis for deci-
sion in the areas of equipment purchase and procedural
changes.
(2) Through a controlled test of mensuration performance,
a statistically sound approach to mensuration accuracy
statements was developed; this approach has increased
the level. of confidence in the Center's dimensional error
statements.
(3) A comparison of achievements and skills was made
between on-the-job experience and the 12-week training
program for new imagery analysts, the Defense Sensor
Interpretation and Application Training Program; the
findings resulted in a decision to schedule all new
imagery analysts for this training program.
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(4) A preliminary, validation of an Agency-admini stored
imagery interpretation test battery for use in evaluating
applicants was undertaken, and development of an Imagery
Analyst Target Knowledge Inventory was initiated. This
inventory will serve as the basis for development of an
in-house training course supplemental to the Defense
Training Program.
(5) Utilizing a five-year projection approach, the
functions of the imagery analyst and. collateral support
officer were analyzed to determine possible areas of
applicability for automation of manual operations.
(6) In the future, photographic imagery may well be
supplemented for analysis purposes by line-scan imagery
(cathode ray tube). An elementary study was undertaken
to determine the level of resolution of line-scan imagery,
as compared. with photographic imagery, deemed necessary
for exploitation by the imagery analyst.
(7) A review of articles pertaining to imagery exploi-
tation research was conducted, and those relevant to
Center operations were abstracted. Contacts were estab-
lished with industrial and governmental research and
development facilities for the purpose of obtaining, on
a continuing basis, human factors information pertinent
to exploitation equipment design. The PI Equipment Human
Engineering Design Guide, a stmnary of physiological and
engineering information applicable to the design of imagery
exploitation hardware, was updated by inclusion of specific
sections pertaining to acoustics and comparators.
(8) Recent studies have indicated that the convergence
angle of microstereoscope eyepieces might influence visual
performance; preliminary research was undertaken to determine
the effect of the convergence angle of optical instruments
on visual performance.
b. F;quipment Factor
(1) In 1971, under multiple year funding, a precision
stereo comparator will be completed and delivered to the
Center. This instrument is intended for ultra-precise
work by the photogranuneti:ists and incorporates many
advanced features such as .5 micron accuracy, automatic
correlation of the stereo imagery and the capability to
use roll film-on large format stages; i.e., the original
negative for maximum fidelity.
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(2) Utilizing FY 68 funding,. an on-line comparator
was produced for use by the imagery analyst. This
is a stereo instrument for measuring stereo images
on cut_ru m chips and is designed for use in detailed
interpretation. It can be used to measure heights
and is on-line to the Center's centralized UNIVAC
494 computer. It is a medium-precision instrument
with accuracy in the two-micron region.
(3) A digitized light table for use by the imagery
analyst has been developed under FY 69 funding. This
instrument, which will undergo operational. testing
during the next few months, is connected on-line to
the Center's 494 computer and will permit inunedi.ate
readout of either ground dimensions or film coordinates
from roil film while the film is still on a standard
operational light table.
(4) The 1540 light table, desi ned. and developed for
efficient exploitation of magery will be in
production in FY 70.
(5) Stereo rhomboids, required for viewing
imagery in stereo, are under development.
0
(6) An automated Target Indexing Device is under
development with the prototype scheduled to be
delivered to the Center in FY 71. This instrument
will. provide a capability to automatically determine
cloud coverage on roll film at the rate of 100 feet
per minute.
(7) An Automated. Stereoscanner under development is
designed to permit automatically correlated stereo-
scanning of roll film. It will be used to evaluate
the operational feasibility and value of scanning in
stereo.
(8) Detailed plans were developed for test and eval-
uation of two highly sophisticated pieces of equipment
mentioned above, the High Precision Stereo Comparator
and the Automated Stereoscanner. The comprehensive
testing program designed for these two unique items
includes development of simulated imagery having
characteristics, development of a special. calibra ion
device, and development of performance evaluation
standards.
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(9) Special. consultation arrangements were made with
the National Bureau of Standards to develop sensitom-
etric and resolution test equipment for the "dry silver"
or dry-process photo reproduction materials under devel-
opment. As a part of this effort, a special sensitorn-
ctri.c processor is being developed in FY 70.
(10) The best current method of evaluating the resolution
performance of optical components and systems is to have
a qualified phototechnologist read a resolution test
target displayed through the optics. T)iis evaluation
approach is quite subjective. A special target is being
developed for use in allowing objective measurement of
the performance of optical components as it relates to
resolution.
c. Procedures and Technique--, Factor
(1) Two pilot studies, undertaken to determine the level
of resolution necessary for satisfactory exploitation of
imagery to meet existing intelligence requirements, were
completed; a third such study is now in process.
(3) FY 69 and FY 70 funds were utilized to support
certain critical in-house studies of mensuration errors
and how they affect mensuration procedures and equipment.
The information thus gained will be utilized as a foun-
dation for further studies in the future development of
advanced mensuration instrumentation.
d. Image Characteristics Factor
(1) Three contracts were concluded during the period
FY 69 through mid-FY 70. The first defined the present
state-of-the-art in photo-optical image evaluation; it
recommended a general approach to finding a solution to
the problem of relating subjective quality estimates to
objective measurements. The second contract was an
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initial effort directed toward applying the theory
developed and toward establishing basic conditions for
evaluating optical components. The third contract
attempted to establish requirements for microdensito-
metric analysis of color and black and white photographic
imagery for use in objective assessment of quality.
(2) The capabilities of digital, optical, and photographic
manipulation systems are being explored by the Center with
contractor support. Preliminary results of experiments
designed to extract additional intelligence of value from
degraded imagery through a digital process are favorable.
The evaluation of results in each system will determine
the maximum payoff to be gained by (1) the application
of one of the above systems, (2) establishing a capability
in each system to be applied selectively against specific
conditions, and (3) development of a hybrid system to
incorporate the relative advantages of more than one
system. Time-phased plans are under development for
evolution from experimental to operational status. As
part of the manipulation effort, imagery enhancement
techniques for improving degraded portions of film are
being explored and-developed for the digital and elec-
tronic modes.
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(3) A literature search has been'initiated and state-
of-the-art capabilities are being investigated concerning
image manipulation of unconventional (e.g., 25X1
ili.ty experiments have been performed with existingfequip-
ment, utilizing optical., digital, and photographic processes.
Development of the overall program is the planning stage.
3. Program Plans
a. Alternatives
(1) Personnel Factor
Alternatives are: (1) to accelerate the program
somewhat by applying more funds thus reducing performance
time; (2) to extend the performance time frame, thus
reducing annual expenditures; (3) to reduce the scope
of the program, thereby reducing total expenditures;
(4) to continue as planned, with respect to both time
frame and scope, an approach tailored to feed in data
coincident with the::,advent of new systems and with
bench marks in certain other P140 projects.
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(2) Eclt_ ipment Factor
This factor offers few alternatives since the Center
must develop and incorporate into its inventory those
equipments necessary to exploit fully the products of
current and future acquisition systems. The few alter-
natives obtain, in fact, when dealing with questions of
equipment sophistication; in such cases, it is NPIC
policy to evaluate cost versus value tradeoffs.
Exploitation equipment developed for the Center is
unique and increasingly complex; the Techniques, standards,
and instrumentation, however, necessary for test and eval-
uation of the performance of the equipment often do not
exist. Due to the uniqueness of the equipment, industry
often finds the development of performance evaluation
instruments for use against this equipment to be un-
profitable. Such a situation mitigates against any
viable alternatives to further development of a test
and evaluation program other than that of funding by
the Center.
(3) Procedures and Techniques Factor
The two related areas of effort under this factor
provide different alternatives. In the one case, men-
suration error, alternatives are: (1) to perform the
majority of the work in-house, utilizing operational
personnel when and if available; (2) to contract out
the major portion of the work; (3) to use a hybrid.
approach, supplementing in-house efforts rather strongly
with contractual assistance. In the case of the other
area of primary effort; that is, objective determination
of what information and its intelligence value, additive
to that afforded by conventional black and white photo-
graphy,is provided by unconventional collection systems,
alternatives are: (1) to rely on extrapolations of
available and uncalibrated imagery obtained from con-
ventional and unconventional, collection systems for
purposes of assessment of intelligence value and (2)
to obtain simulated and operational imagery relating
to the collection systems, along with the necessary
ancillary information, to allow more effective intel-
ligence value assessment.
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of inter-related factors. A reduction in scope,
eliminating research into some of these factors,
would substantially and critically reduce the overall
effectiveness of the program. Alternative 4 was
selected because it will facilitate a systematic,
integrated approach to the various subtasks of this
effort and is designed to provide data in time to be
applied to oncoming programs (e.g.,
to provide a sound human
factors basis for use in new equipment design and
modification of existing equipment, and to enable the
establishment of techniques and procedures which will
take advantage of the capacities and skills of personnel
while recognizing, adjusting for, and minimizing human
limitations.
The plan is to accomplish this portion of the
program through the medium of one major contractor,
a number of minor contractors with specific areas of
specialization supplemental in-house efforts, and
support from the CIA Medical Staff. A significant
.
portion of the in-house effort will be accomplished
through the Technology Integration Check-Out Facility
(TICOF) used for gathering imagery analyst performance
data under controlled conditions. (TICOF itself was
an earlier accomplishment under this program.) The
analysis of inherent or acquired human characteristics
involved in the imagery exploitation process will
continue; specific characteristics which affect or
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are affected by new systems (e.g.,
advanced hardware, or changed procedures
will be investigated. Based. on the research findings,
determination will be made as how to best apply the
results, such as establishing new recruitment standards,
retraining or reorientation of personnel, modification
of procedures, or redesigning equipment. Efforts will
continue in investigation of potential applications of
automation to the imagery exploitation process, specif-
ically with respect to graphics display (FY 70-71),
line-scan systems (FY 70-76), collateral material
presentation (FY 70-76), and text editing (FY 70-76).
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(4) linage Characteristics Factor
The three major areas of the image characteristics
factor are image analysis, image manipulation, and, un-
conventional imagery. Image analysis deals with improving
conventional image quality measurement and determining the
relationship and degree of correlation between objective
and subjective imagery evaluation criteria; alternatives
applicable here are: (1) to utilize and refine the work
on objective measurement accomplished to date and concen-
trate upon subjective evaluation of imagery; (2) to con-
centrate heavily on what could he termed the theoretical
aspects of>subjective and objective image evaluation, and
(3) to develop new objective evaluation techniques, where
beneficial and to direct additional effort toward determi-
nation of significant subjective factors in image evaluation.
Image manipulation deals with developing an operational image
manipulation system with the capacity to compensate for image-
degrading factors which occurlcluring acquisition and/or the
processing of conventional imagery. Because image manip-
ulation is still in a preliminary phase with respect to
future direction, it is too early to specify feasible alter-
natives to any useful degree. The same is true generally
-b. Approaches Selected and Program Plan
(1) Personnel Factor
The first alternative was rejected because the
overall timetable is designed to provide needed in-
formation in the proper time frames and acceleration
would represent a situation of diminishing returns;
that is to say, that the nature of the projects are
such that beyond a certain point, the application of
additional dollars purchases very little in terms of
added results. Alternative 2 was rejected because of
the necessity to accomplish a number of these projects
within a given time frame, and if the results of the
projects are to be applied meaningfully, Alternative 3
is not acceptable because the nature of the overall
problem requires a simultaneous effort against a number
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Identification of the human factors which affect the
.assessment of image quality and dictate the level of quality
needed for exploitation will be continued. State-of-the-art
knowledge of hunian factors research will be maintained, and
the human Engineering Design Guide will be updated as required.
(2) Equipment Factor
The Center will continue to program for equipment
development utilizing contractors to meet established and
anticipated exploitation needs. Major emphasis will be
.upon lowering the cost of production units and designing
for high reliability and easy maintainability. Signif-
icant milestones are: FY 70 development of the Target
Indexing Device; FY 71, Ilinterpretation equipment
available for use and Image Comparison Stereoviewer
To avoid total reliance upon contractor assurance
that equipment specifications and performance standards
have been met, the Center will. continue its program, to
include techniques and equipment, for such test and
evaluation. In view of the limitations on the number
of in-house personnel who can be assigned to the test
and evaluation task, a supplementary contractual support
program for the development of the highly specialized
equipment and techniques needed for 'test and evaluation
has been established. Milestones will be established in
terms of timely provision of the required equipment and
techniques; results will, be in terms of objectively
determined evaluations.
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(3) Procedures and Techniques Factor
With respect to mensuration error, the third alter-
native, a hybrid approach, supplementing in-house efforts
with contractual assistance, was selected as most advan-
tageous because it achieves the overall objectives while
minimizing the disadvantages attendant to the other two
alternatives. The first alternative was rejected because
of its potential great drain on in-house assets and the
extended time frame for completion of the work. The
second alternative was rejected in favor of the third
because specific tasks related to the work will require
major inputs of man-hours from operational personnel.
The plan is to perform basic and applied research
to determine the relative and absolute values of the
various factors in the mensuration process in order to
improve mensuration accuracy. This involves determining
the amounts of error contributed by factors such as the
source material, the collection vehicle, the mensuration
equipment, and the operator.
With respect to additive information and its intel-
ligence value, the second of the two alternatives was
selected because of its obvious merit. Additional. in-
vestigations to those already undertaken will utilize
various selected target types and imagery collection
systems to determine the level. of resolution needed to
meet intelligence requirements and'the additive infor-
mational value of unconventional systems.
(4) Image Characteristics Factor
In the area of image analyses, the first alternative
is a high risk option with relatively low expected value;
that is, even if accomplished successfully, at best the
objectives would be attained only minimally. The second
image analysis alternative would afford a firm scientific
foundation against which to proceed; however, performance
time and costs would be increased beyond those desirable
or necessary. In effect, the second alternative would
result in project performance being extended over a
longer period of time without elimination of any of the
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essential subsequent steps. The third alternative was
selected because it embodies the best trade-off between
risk, cost, and pay-off.
The plan then is to continue along the lines of the
third alternative. Milestones anticipated are: FY 72,
complete the study of objective evaluation techniques;
FY 73, identify and codify the significant object measures;
FY 74, complete the study of subjective evaluation measures;
FY 75, determine the correlation procedures for objective
and subjective evaluation; FY 76, operationally implement
the evaluation techniques.
In the areas of image manipulation and unconventional
imagery systems approaches utilizing digital, optical, and
photographic concepts will. be continued. An initial effort
to determine applicability of these techniques to unconven-
tional imagery will be undertaken. Significant milestones
anticipated in the manipulation effort are: FY 70, estab-
lish in-house experimental capabi.liti.es in digital., optical,
and photographic image manipulation; FY 72, determine and .
evaluate the operational applications for digital, optical,
electronic, and photographic manipulation techniques; FY 73,
specify operational equipment requirements; FY 74, develop
prototype equipment; FY 75, test and evaluate prototype
equipment; FY 76, i_mripleinent the system for operational use.
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NPIC RD IV, PLAN FY 1972-76
objective Two
To improve our capability and capacity to receive, process, reproduce,
store, and retrieve imagery and imagery-related materials.
1. Discussion
The exploitation process includes and is dependent on: (1)
recall of and reference to imagery from past missions, prior imagery
analyses, and collateral information, and (2) the reproduction of
conventional and unconventional imagery materials. The volume of
data and material on hand, the growing volume of inputs, the
exploitation timeliness requirement, characteristics peculiar to
new collection system products, and a continuing constraint upon
manpower demand that the Center develop new and/or better ways of
conducting recall and reference and reproduction processes. The
main thrust in the recall and reference process (handling, processing,
storage, and retrieval of imagery and imagery-related products)
will be toward automation. Emphasis in the reproduction area will
be on the development of a total system, utilizing in large part
the dry-process, to handle both conventional and unconventional
imagery. The reproduction process will be directed toward a higher-
speed, more efficient total system able to handle expeditiously both
conventional and unconventional materials.
2. Program Progress
Various aspects of the recall and reference process have been
investigated in-house in the Automatic Reporting Techniques and
Equipment Study, TICOF studies, and by the advanced editing systems
evaluation teams. Additionally, a contractual effort, comprising
development of certain computer programs and techniques, demonstrated
the feasibility of a cathode ray tube graphics and textual display
system. Design objectives have been established for the development
of a prototype display system incorporating this concept. Design
objectives have also been defined for a system -to display multiple
images from film chips, microfilm, and collateral materials. A
Chip Implementation Study was contracted for in FY 69; upon completion,
it will present the Center with several alternative plans for utilizing
chips in support of the exploitation process.
In the area of imagery reproduction, major progress has taken
place in the dry-process reproduction of imagery. Film materials of
good quality were produced by the contractor in a pilot production
effort. Equipment "breadboards" to print and dry-process these
materials have been developed to a reasonable level of success. Contact
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from pilot production. Useable photo enlarging papers will be
available to the Center in June 1970. On the same date, a 40-inch
wide enlarging paper processor plus a sheet film processor will be
available. High-speed processors for roll film and papers have been
fabricated and undergone a 6 to 12 month test and evaluation program
by the contractor, A dry-heat processor (positive-to-positive
image) for direct use by imagery analysts has been developed.
3. Program Plans
a. Alternatives
In the recall and reference process, the feasible
alternatives are: (1) to rely on industry to develop
pertinent equipment and techniques at its own expense and
to fund the program at a later date utilizing industrial
developments wherever possible, and (2) to fund the effort
at the level and in the time frame required in order to insure
achievement of such a capability within the planning period.
In the reproduction area, there are two sets of alternatives.
These sets are: (1) to continue or halt efforts directed toward
implementation of dry-process reproduction, initially for black
and white materials but eventually applicable to all types of
imagery as feasible, and (2) to rely on industrial development
of wet-processes for unconventional imagery reproduction or to
advance the Center capability to reproduce unconventional imagery
materials by the wet process,
b. Approaches Selected and Plans
With respect to the recall and reference process, the second
alternative, to fund the effort in order to insure achievement
of the required capability within the planning period, was
selected because the unique developments required by the Center
in this area will not, in all probability, be achieved sufficiently
by private industry at its own initiative within the time frame
required.
The plan is to develop a cost-effective, integrated, automated
system for storage, retrieval, manipulation, and display of imagery,
information derived from imagery, collateral materials, and graphics
used in the analysis and reporting cycles of the exploitation
process. Significant milestones will be: (1) in PY 70-71, to
develop and operationally evaluate prototype, automated, off-line,
textual and graphic display consoles; (2) in FY 71-72, to
investigate the basic technologies required to handle and display
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imagery in various chip forms; (3) in PY 72-73, based upon
the knowledge gained from the evaluation of the prototype
consoles, to develop operational models as required; (4)
in FY 74-76, to incorporate the results obtained under this
effort into the Center's Integrated Information System.
The alternative to proceed with development of the dry-
process reproduction of imagery materials was selected
because it provides an imminent capability for Si gni.ficant
improvement in the Center's entire imagery reproduction system
not otherwise possible. The dry-process effort has been under
way since 1965. Specific advantages offered over the wet-
processing system are: equipment units required are approx-
imately equal in nunber to present units but are significantly
smaller in size, thus affording savings in space; the dry-heat
process does not require bulk liquid chemicals, thus avoiding
the inherent hazards of such chemicals while including the
possibility of additional space savings; the dry-process
equipment is less complicated to operate than the wet-process
equipment which affords a possibility for the Center to
decentralize part of its reproduction system, resulting in
savings in both the photo lab and imagery analyst areas; and
a reduction in the amount of silver used, with resultant dollar
savings. The plan is to proceed with the dry-process development,
major milestones being the development of satisfactory dry-
process films and paper in FY 70-72 and the development of
operational equipment over the period FY 70-74.
With regard to wet-process reproduction of unconventional
imagery materials, the selected alternative is to advance the
Center capability to reproduce unconventional imagery materials
by the wet-process. This alternative was selected because the
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and it is un i ely
that industry will develop such a capability for commercial
application that would be within the standards required for
intelligence exploitation. Reproduction of these materials is
slow and far more complex than standard black and white imagery
although the methods are basically the same. Dry-processing
na~y be applicable eventually to these materials; however, it is
necessary to plan for continued research and development in the
wet-processing system.
4. Resources
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NPIC RDtB PLAN FY 1972-76
Objective Three
Develop concepts for exploitation of new imagery acquisition
systems; develop the equipment and procedures necessary to the
implementation of these concepts.
1. Discussion
It is anticipated that new acquisition systems will become
operational late in the planning period. The Center plans to
undertake the research and development necessary to assure a
timely capability to exploit the products of such systems, as
well as to assist those concerned with designing such systems.
2. Pr sram Progress
Planning for exploitation of =is in the early stages of
development. Based upon prel.imi.na. information regarding the
I lacquisition system and thel Report, in-house studies
a.rected toward formulation of general exploitation concepts
are underway.
3. Prim Plans
a. Alternatives and Approaches
The Center recognizes that the future of or similar
collection systems is uncertain at this point in time. The
I concept, however, involves a major departure from exploi-
tation procedures and equipment now in use or contemplated,
and its implementation will require long research and develop-
ment lead times. It is necessary therefore, that early inves-
tigations be undertaken, with contractual support, to develop
the exploitation system concept and alternative approaches
to system design. As the investigations progress, procedural,
equipment, and staffing alternatives will be developed, provid-
ing choices with respect to costs, technical risk, degree of
automation, etc.
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The preliminary plan for research and development in
this area. comprises the following:
(1) Stem Definition (FY 70)
Develop several alternative 0 exploitation
system concepts based upon current knowledge of
acquisition system performance and intelligence
requirements.
(2) System Design (FY 71-72)
Based upon these system concepts, investigate
two exploitation systems utilizing significantly
different technological approaches - one emphasizing
advanced technology and the other, off-the-shelf
components and existing state-of-the-art techniques.
(3) Equipment Design (FY 72-73)
Based on the -system concept and technological
approach selected, initiate development of exploi-
tation system equipment. uu
(4) Equipment Development (FY 73-74)
Develop prototypes of new equipment items
necessary, and test and evaluate such prototypes.
(5) S stem Modification (FY 75-76)
Following evaluation under operational conditions,
modify system components and procedures and develop
additional equipment as required.
4. Resources
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