SELECTION OF 60 X 60' COORDINATE PLOTTER FOR ON-LINE CONNECTION TO THE (SANITIZED) 490 SYSTEM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04747A001600020068-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 19, 2000
• Sequence Number: 68
• Publication Date: April 25, 1963
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Relea 2 8B0474ZA001600020068-9
DECLASSIFICATION REVIEW BY NIMA / DoD
TCS No. 1346-63-KH
Copy No.
25 April 19 3
MEMORANDUM FOR: Chief, Plans & Development Staff, NPIC
25X1A
SUBJECT: Selection of 60 x 60" Coordinate Plotter for
On-line Connection to the 111 490 System
25X1A
25X1A
1. The attributes sought in a plotter for connection to the _
490 stems directly from the proposed uses for such an on-line plotter.
The proposed applications are two in number:
(1) The preparation of planimetric representations, over a
wide range of scales, of entities observed on photography
being processed through the photo-measurement system.
(2) The preparation of map overlays keyed to specific map
sheets and showing the limits or extent of photo coverage.
A. third of application, not now planned but altogether
feasible, consists of plotting vehicle track directly
on suitably constructed maps or charts while the mission
is in progess. 25X1 A
2. On the basis of the end utilizations described above,
of your staff prepared a set of specifications for a 60 x 60 plotter
system for use with the 490. This set of specifications was
to some degree relaxed when it became apparent that the present state
of the art did not permit attainment of all of the properties desired
in a coordinate plotter system. One of the paramount considerations
through the search for a plotting system was maximum reliability.
This high reliability requirement stems from two factors:
(1)
~xcioded tram a1tosnatic
Even though the output to the plotter in application is one
that is called by the real-time program the application
is best described as quasi real-time. The response
time must be rapid and for this to be the case, extreme
reliability is essential.
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(2) The plotter should require only occasional checks by the
computer system operator (essentially, it should be capable
of unattended operation).
3. The design of any plotter system calls for some compromise
solution to the problem of speed versus plotting accuracy. The original
specification called for speed that was the lowest possible consistant
that the potential use of the plotter for producing coverage plots of
orbital missions at jet navigations scales. The accuracy called for in
the original specifications was judged necessary to satisfy any potential
applications that might arise within the Technical Analysis Branch that
would require scribing onto stable base materials. When it became ap-
parent that no manufacturer would be able to meet both of these requirements
simultaneously,, it was decided that TAB high precision plotting requirements
would be handled by some future off-line plotting device in which speed
was not an essential consideration. Consequently, the accuracy requirement
was relaxed and the various manufacturers that had been contacted were noti-
fied accordingly and asked to restudy and amend their proposals.
solicited proposals to three manufacturers:
25X1A
25X1A
25X1A
25X1A
25X1A
Although there seems to be no doubt that = has the best record to date
in the production of analog plotting equipment, it seems that the analog
plotter that they proposed still offered considerable risks from the
reliability view point. On this basis the = proposal was dropped from
further consideration. The two remaining proposals (specifically, - 25X1A
have placed us in the rare position of having to decide
between two organizations very evenly matched in capabilities. Messrs.
25X1A had lengthy discussions with both. groups on the details of
eir proposals and were most favorably impressed by both organizations.
There exists little doubt that either can meet the objectives laid out in
25X1A the revised specifications. It should be noted at this point that the 25X1A
table for the - Plotter would be manufactured by on sub-
contract 25X1 A from and is, indeed, identical to the one in the 25X1 A
proposal. In this circumstance the question then becomes one of
the capabilities of both groups in circuit and servo designs. It is our
25X1A feeling that the group leads to somewhat more conservative,
and hence possible more reliable circuit design than does the group. 25X1A
Additionally there is a certain possible advantage to be gained by having
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25X1A
the complete manufacture .and assembly of the system in the hands of one
manufacturer. On. this basis, it is Our recommendation that the proposal
submitted by and subsequently amended to conform to the
relaxed accuracy requirement be accepted and that action. be taken to
initial this contract.
25X1A
Chief, Technical Iii,t9Lligence Division
Distribution:
Copies 1 & 2 - Assistant for Plans & Development
3 - Chief, TID
4 - TID Chrono
5 - Chief, TID/CB
NPIC/TID/CB,
25X1A
GROUP t
`yrluded from automatic
Pove
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