IMAGERY INTERPRETATION INSTRUMENTS & TECHNIQUES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B05171A000500010017-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 14
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 26, 2005
• Sequence Number: 17
• Publication Date: November 25, 1969
• Content Type: PAPER

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NPIC/TSSG/RED
25 November 1969
IMAGERY INTERPRETATION INSTRUMENTS & TECHNIQUES
OBJECTIVES:
1. Automatic Target Recognition
a. FY-69 - Objective - to develop a fully automatic Target
Indexing Device (TID) for use on high volume output collection
systems and to maintain a sustaining research effort on related
Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) techniques.
Rationale - In order to cope with the increasing output of
future high volume collection systems, it is imperative to automate
those tasks that are tedious, repetitive, and time-consuming.
The TID will expedite the Phase II exploitation of photographic
missions as well as provide a capability for reprogramming and
the accurate determination of the percent of cloud cover per mission.
b. FY-71/72 - Objective - to develop the capability to auto-
matically and rapidly scan imagery for man made objects and to
investigate the feasibility of applying ATR techniques to
0
0
Rationale - the capability to machines-scan photographic
coverage of large areas of relatively sterile imagery and indicate
Declassification Review only those portions containing man made objects will greatly reduce
by NGA/DoD
a
PI time spent in search operations. With
systems, the
possible application of ATR techniques to solve such problems ar as
cloud and/or detail screening and target identification by operating
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c. FY-73/74 - Objective - to develop machine capability to
rapidly rescan for specific types of targets and to develop tech-
niques to determine change detection.
Rationale - The rescanning of numerous missions for start of
missile site construction, initial operations, etc. constitute a
very time-consuming operation that could be alleviated by developing
an automatic rescanning capability. Automation of the change
detection function could be a significant time saver by eliminating
the need for analysts to look at any target except those showing
significant change.
d. FY-7576 - Objective - To further apply techniques developed
in previous phases to permit the fabrication of a device that can
automatically and rapidly detect, identify, and count objects for
order of battle.
Rationale - This development would result in significant time
savings by automating the tedious and time-consuming order of
battle compilation. This development would be another "module"
leading eventually to an integrated automatic target system that
could relieve the analyst of those important but very time-consuming
operations and permit the bulk of this time to the specialized and
detailed analysis for which machines are not suited.
2. Imagery Interpretation Instruments
a. FY-70 to FY-72. Provide the necessary imagery interpreta-
tion equipment to accommodate format material.
b. FY-71 to FY-76. Develop
and fabricate imagery interpreta-
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tion instruments that will enable the interpreters to extract the
I I
maximum intelligence information from planned systems Produce
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viewers, light sources, optics, and human engineered instruments
P
to-r--t the results of earlier research contracts.
c. FY-70 to FY-76. Support the operational personnel in the
design and development of specialized instrumentation and modifi-
cations to equipment. Provide quick response support to the types
of equipment requested by the interpreters.
and other planned acquisition systems will require changes in the
basic working instruments of the interpreters. New viewing equip-
ment will have to be developed to handle the new formats and to
provide the proper lighting to
as well as high quality
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black and white imagery.
PROGRESS (during the past year) - The feasibility of building a fully
automatic TID (cloud screener) was demonstrated using both optical and
electronic techniques. Breadboards were constructed which proved
feasibility in the dynamic mode using roll film of operational imagery.
The decision was made to construct an engineering prototype, using
the optical approach, with delivery of the device scheduled for
September 1970.
In FY-69 and early FY-70 work was undertaken to produce equipment
material when it becomes operational.25X1
Advanced rhomboids for microstereoscopes, 1540 Light Tables, and PI
Search and Scan Stations are presently under development or design
contracts.
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PROGRAM PLANS
Late in FY-70 a contract will be awarded to fabricate a PI Search
and Scan Station based on the results of the design contract. From
FY-71/76 the planned approach is to improve the basic interpretation
instruments and to provide instruments that will be able to exploit
I
a. Alternatives - The alternative to automating the various
ATR tasks are to hire more analysts and/or increase the exploita-
tion time. As far as technical risks are concerned "double tracking"
will be used whenever possible, in order to assure success.
The alternative to developing individual new light tables,
microstereoscopes, viewers, and light sources is to undertake
the development of interpretation cells for the interpretation
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and other high performance systems.
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Instrument Development for
D
and other high quality
acquisition systems
Support P.I. in Component
Development
Prototype Device for Automatic
Detection, Identification, and
Counting of Targets (Order of
Battle Compilation)
Prototype Rescanning Device
Prototype Device for Detecting
Man-Made Objects
R&D on ATR Related Techniques - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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'&'k EGRET
b. SELECTED APPROACH (Milestones)
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IMAGE ANALYSIS AND MANIPUTATION
I. OBJECTIVES:
A. Unconventional Imaging Systems (FY-71 -- FY-76)
Determine the fundamental parameters, techniques, and equipment
necessary to realize the intrinsic imagery potential of unconventional
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to specify the quality of
this imagery and to enhance it as required.
RATIONALE
NPIC imagery sources are not restricted to conventional
photography and, with the advent of
ploitation of unconventional imagery will play an increasingly
significant role. The development and execution of this program
will assure the capability to extract the maximum amount of in-
formation from these new systems. It will furthermore establish
a flexible base from which to proceed to undefined systems, yet
maintain continuity of developments, definitions, and relationships
with conventional systems.
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B. Image Manipulation (FY-69 -- FY-74)
Achieve an automated image manipulation system by FY-74.(~'Y= _-_ ~~
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Such a system will provide a capability for improving image
quality (through enhancement and other manipulation techniques) to
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the point where the PI will be able to extract information fr an
imagery he would otherwise have been unable to consider exploiting.
C. Image Analysis (FY-70 -- FY-76)
Develop an improved photo-optical image quality measurement &
specification capability that correlates objective and subjective
performance criteria.
RATIONALE
Present objective image evaluation techniques do not correlate
adequately with subjective judgements of quality, and one is left
with the question of just how good was the mission. In the case
of equipment design, viewing devic 1 cannot now be built with
assurance that they will meet the interpreter requirements. Con-
sequently, the design and subsequent analysis of image producing
systems is less a science and more an art than is desirable. The
photo-optical image evaluation program will provide a capability
to objectively detect, specify, and measure system performance
in terms which agree with subjective judgement. While these
problems have been attacked in the past, they have not been
resolved and now
II. PROGRESS
FY-69 -- First Half FY-70
A. Unconventional Imaging Systems
1. Literature Search Begun
2. State of the art capabilities being explored
3. Limited feasibility experiments performed with existing equip
ment:
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a. Analog
b. Digital
c. Photographic
4. Development of overall program in planning stage.
B. Image Manipulation
1. Digital Image Manipulation being investigated under contract
a. Hardware developed
b. Software developed
c. Image Enhancement Performed for defocus, image motion, and
atmospheric effects.
d. Experiments designed and tested to obtain objective measure
Intelligence value of enhanced imagery -- preliminary
results very favorable.
2. Analog (Optical) Image Manipulation being investigated
in-house with contractual support
a. Hardware being assembled
b. Experiments being designed and performed
3. Photographic Image Manipulation, "Ring-Smear" being inves-
tigated under contract.
a. Equipment breadboard
b. Experiments performed
4. Program being developed to consider electronic enhancement
a. Equipment under evaluation
b. Proposals under evaluation
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5. Plan initiated to perform enhancement in-house on operational
imagery:
a. Hardware under development
b. Software under development
c. Best-method to attack operational problems considered
d. Coordination with ORD/DD/S&T/Optics and NPIC/PSG/AID to
obtain computer support
e. Physical location for equipment determined
f. Personnel requirements determined:
i. coordination with NPIC/IEG
ii. coordination with NPIC/TSSG/RED/ATB/EL
6. Future operational equipment requirements being explored
a. Input/output devices
b. Computer hardware requirements
7. Phased plan for evolution from experimental to operational
status under development
a. Responsibilities
b. Personnel requirements
c. Organizational location
C. Image Analysis
Progress (FY-69 -- fM S r- H #e F Fr-7o)
Three contracts have been concluded during this period. One
was a study that 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 sought to apply the theory developed
and establish basic conditions for evaluating optical components.
The third contract developed general requirements for microdensitometric
analysis of photographic imagery --
and black and white. Col-
lectively, these contracts have taken a first step, identifying the
areas where further effort will be best directed. From them has come
the develo mer- ofR
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accomplish the long range objective.
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III. PROGRAM PLANS
Second Half FY-70 -- FY-76
A. Unconventional Imaging Systems
1. Procedure
a. Obtain clearances and recieve briefing for planned
operational collection systems to be used through FY-76.
b. Establish priorities and needs.
c. Attack specific problems with projects
i. In-house
ii. Under Contract
d. Report results to exploitation community
e. Brief in detail APSD
f. Recommend:
i. Operational procedures
ii. Operational equilpment
2. Alternatives
a. Assume s tem develope will also develop (and report)
exploitatio quired parameters-maintain an awareness
rely on user
existing equipment and techniques.
's. Rely solely on contractual support.:P@& y :gr^m
(~. d, ' onto existing equipment and techniques
A
enlist contractual support where appropriate.
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3. Approach Selected
a. existing equipment and
techniques enlist contractual support where needed.
b. Milestones:
i. Establish needs and priorities
ii. Program definition
iii. Program execution
iv. Report
v. Integrate into operational invironment
vi. Recommendations
4. Resources
a. Contractual support totalling over a six year 25X1
period is anticipated.
b. In-house equipment and man-hours will be required.
c. Coordination with TSSG/RED/ATB/ELS and TSSG/APSD will be
necessary.
d. Computer support will be required, source and quantity
as yet undetermined.
e. Follow-on of undetermined amount (to be recommended)
B. Image Manipulation
1. Procedure
a. Establish in-house capability to perform digital, optical,
photographic, and electronic enhancement.
b. Perform enhancement techniques on operational imagery.
c. Demonstrate utility and value of an Automated Image
Manipulation System
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d. Report results and make recommendations.
e. Procure operational equipment and personnel.
f. Train personnel to operate system.
g. Integrate into organizational structure.
2. Alternatives
a. Evolve from in-house systems.
b. Request contractural development and .nstallation.
c. Issue requirement for performance of these operations
under external contract.
d. Issue requirement for these operations to an appropriate
military facility.
3. Approach Selected
a. Establish in-house capability in the preceding areas.
b. Develop in-house systems from in-house work.
c. Request contractual support if and where needed
d. Milestones
i.. In-house DIM capability established (JULY 1970)
ii. In-house AIM capability established (FEB 1970)
iii. In-house PIM capability established (JUNE 1970)
iv. Determine the best operational applications for
digital, optical, electronic, and photographic
enhancement techniques. (END FY-72)
v. Operational equipment requirements determined and
contract for development initiated.
vi.. Personnel and organizational requirements determined.
vii. System turned over to operational personnel for
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E C T viii. Integration into organizational structure accomplished.
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~~. Resources
a. Funding required, FY-70 through FY-76,
b. PI support from IEG
c. Computer support
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i. Initial phase of in-house work to be supported by
DD/S&T/ORD has been coordinated
ii. Further work requirements to be determined
d. In-house personnel to manage projects and run equipment
e. Additional personnel to man operational facility (estimate
for () )
C. Image Analysis
1. Procedures
a. Identify need
b. Establish priorities
c. Initiate projects
d. Report results
e. Make recommendations
2. Alternatives
a. Retain and refine the present objective measurements
and expand the subjective evaluation phase by more
carefully explaining to the P.I. the nature of the judge-
ments he makes.
b. Establish a program of basic research designed to quantify
the fundamental physical and psychophysical interrelationship.
On the basis of these results, develop practical mission
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c. Implement an integrated program to optimize existing
procedures, while developing new objective evaluation
techniques. As a parallel effort, psychophysical studies
will be initiated to provide a basis for determining the
correlation between subjective and objective evaluation
parameters.
3. Approach Selected
a. The third alternative offers the greatest pay-off at
the least risk and is therefore selected. Alternative
two would provide the firmest scientific foundation with
the lowest level of risk; however, it would cost con-
siderably more and require too much time to be practical.
The first alternative is the least attractive in that it
has the highest risk and would not allow consideration of
the new evaluation procedures available.
b. Milestones
i. Completion of study of evaluation techniques
ii. Objective measure identified
iii. Subjective experiment complete, testing procedures
developed
iv. Correlation procedures determined
v. Operational implementation
!+. Resources
a. Funding - FY-70 through FY-76
b. Support from and coordination with TSSG/RED/ATB/HFS
C. Coordination with and support from TSSG/APSD
d. Computer support (quantity and source to be determined)
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