Photographic image enhancement and processing

Image processing techniques (computer and photographic) are described which are used within the JSC Photographic Technology Division. Two purely photographic techniques used for specific subject isolation are discussed in detail. Sample imagery is included

Evaluation of film type QX 807 (SO-368, Kodak Ektachrome MS, Estar thin base, with an equivalent Wratten 2A filter overcoat)

A color film with a sensitivity and color balance equal to SO-368, Kodak MS Ektachrome (Estar thin base) was required for use on the Apollo-Soyuz test project (ASTP). A Wratten 2A filter was required for use with the film to reduce short wavelength effects which frequently produce a blue color balance in aerial photographs. The background regarding a special emulsion which was produced with a 2A filter equivalent as an integral part of an SO-368 film manufactured by Eastman Kodak, the cost for production of the special film, and the results of a series of tests made within PTD to certify the film for ASTP use are documented. The tests conducted and documented were physical inspection, process compatibility, effective sensitivity, color balance, cross section analysis, resolution, spectral sensitivity, consistency of results, and picture sample analysis

Water penetration study

Nine film-filter combinations have been tested for effectiveness in recording water subsurface detail when exposed from an aerial platform over a typical water body. An experimental 2-layer positive color film, a 2-layer (minus blue layer) film, a normal 3-layer color film, a panchromatic black-and-white film, and an infrared film with selected filters were tested. Results have been tabulated to show the relative capability of each film-filter combination for: (1) image contrast in shallow water (0 to 5 feet); (2) image contrast at medium depth (5 to 10 feet); (3) image contrast in deep water (10 feet plus); (4) water penetration; maximum depth where detail was discriminated; (5) image color (the spectral range of the image); (6) vegetation visible above a water background; (7) specular reflections visible from the water surface; and (8) visual compatibility; ease of discriminating image detail. Recommendations for future recording over water bodies are included

Evaluation of S190A radiometric exposure test data

The S190A preflight radiometric exposure test data generated as part of preflight and system test of KM-002 Sequence 29 on flight camera S/N 002 was analyzed. The analysis was to determine camera system transmission using available data which included: (1) films exposed to a calibrated light source subject; (2) filter transmission data; (3) calibrated light source data; (4) density vs. log10 exposure curves for the films; and (5) spectral sensitometric data for the films. The procedure used is outlined, and includes the data and a transmission matrix as a function of field position for nine measured points on each station-film-filter-aperture-shutter speed combination

Image degradation in aerial imagery duplicates

A series of Earth Resources Aircraft Program data flights were made over an aerial test range in Arizona for the evaluation of large cameras. Specifically, both medium altitude and high altitude flights were made to test and evaluate a series of color as well as black-and-white films. Image degradation, inherent in duplication processing, was studied. Resolution losses resulting from resolution characteristics of the film types are given. Color duplicates, in general, are shown to be degraded more than black-and-white films because of the limitations imposed by available aerial color duplicating stock. Results indicate that a greater resolution loss may be expected when the original has higher resolution. Photographs of the duplications are shown

Processing of SL-4 roll 51, S190A unfiltered 2443 original

The results of tests on processing the overexposed film on Skylab 4 are reported. The results of tests on type 2443 film exposed without a Wratten 12 filter are also included

Apollo-Soyuz test project photographic film processing and sensitometric summary

The Photographic Technology Division at the NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center processed original photographic films exposed in flight during the Apollo Soyuz Test Project (ASTP). Integrated with processing of the original films were strict sensitometric controls and certification procedures established prior to the flight. Information relative to the processing of the 54 rolls of original ASTP flight film and sensitometric data pertinent to each of these rolls of film is presented

Apollo Soyuz Test Project photographic processing control plan

The laboratory controls to be used within the photographic technology division (PTD) for processing original space flight films exposed on the Apollo Soyuz Test Project mission are specified. The sensitometric exposures to be used by PTD for certifying processes, for exposing Houston Controls, and for preflight and postflight exposures on original films as well as procedures for film certification are described. Processing conditions used to achieve each control and processing machine operating parameters are included

Dye fading test for mission control operator console displays

A dye fading test of 40 days duration was conducted to determine the effect of mission control operator console and ambient lighting effects on a series of photographic products under consideration for use in mission console operator consoles. Six different display samples, each containing 36 windows of several different colors, were prepared and placed in the mission control consoles for testing. No significant changes were recorded during the testing period. All changes were attributed to a mechanical problem with the densitometer. Detailed results are given in graphs

Acceptance procedures: Microfilm printer

Acceptance tests were made for a special order automatic additive color microfilm printer. Tests include film capacity, film transport, resolution, illumination uniformity, exposure range checks, and color cuing considerations