Who Is Alan?
Last updated on Thursday, February 16, 2012 06:54:49 PM Eastern US Time Zone

    Abridged Curriculum Vitae - Dr. Alan R. Pinkus is a Senior Engineering Research Psychologist who, after working for eight years at Systems Research Laboratories, began his Federal career as an ergonomic specialist for the Aeronautical Systems Division in 1982. As a human factors engineer, he worked on major weapon systems including Gunship 2, LANTIRN Pod, Joint-Stars, Air Force One & the KE-3 tanker. While at that position, he also developed the Mil-Prime Specification for Interior & Exterior Aircraft Lighting. In 1986 he transferred to Armstrong Laboratory as a research psychologist concentrating on applied vision challenges. As a researcher, he has worked in the areas of: workload assessment, image display metrics, night vision goggles (NVGs), apparent motion models, aircraft lighting, transparency analysis, test method standardization, vision from space, & the visual psychophysics of multispectral image enhancement. A large portion of his work has focused on integration issues for NVGs & aerospace transparencies. He has lectured multiple times in Europe & Asia for NATO on the topics of NVG human factors/integration, aircraft lighting, display analysis, & rotary-wing brownout mitigation. Dr. Pinkus is currently leading research efforts in the areas of multispectral imaging systems & human visual performance test methodologies for digital image enhancement & fusion. He was awarded the USAF Science & Engineering Award in 1999 for his significant contributions to the testing & integration of night vision goggles with advanced weapon systems. Dr. Pinkus received the Award of Merit from & was made a Fellow of the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM International) in 2004.

PhD - Experimental Psychology, Miami University in Oxford Ohio, 1992
MA - Experimental Psychology, University of Dayton, 1980
BS - Experimental Psychology, Wright State University, 1974
 

US PATENTS ISSUED:

Visual Object Identification by Computational Majority Voting. US Patent No. 8,027,537 (2011).

Image Enhancement Using Object Profiling. US Patent No. 7,912,283 (2011).

Computationally Enhanced Image Recognition Device. US Patent No. 7,689,054 (2010).

Autonomous Helicopter Sensor-display System for Brown-out Landing Conditions. US Patent No. 7,642,929 (2010).

Computationally Enhanced Object Recognition System for Images Adjustable by the Operator. US Patent No. 7,627,190 (2009).

Low Cost Night Vision Apparatus & Cockpit Lighting Compatibility Evaluation Via Visual Acuity. US Patent No. 7,391,504 (2008).

Night Vision-weighted Irradiance Testing. US Patent No. 7,235,779 (2007).

Limiting Airborne Target Designating Laser Canopy Returns. US Patent No. 6,401,589 (2002).

Portable Night Vision Goggle Haze & Transmissivity Measurement Device. US Patent No. 6,194,701 (2001).

Low-Level Lighting Comparator, US Patent No. 5,926,265 (1999).

Night Vision Device Localized Irradiance Attenuation. US Patent No. 5,729,010 (1998).

Spectral Distribution Emulation. US Patent No. 5,608,213 (1997).

Night Vision Device Wavelength Test Pattern. US Patent No. 5,567,302 (1996).

Synthetic-Color Night Vision. US Statutory Invention Registration: H1599 (1996).

Night Vision Device Automated Spectral Response Determination. US Patent No. 5,679,949 (1995).

Programmable Airdrop Infrared Decoy (PAID). US Patent No. 5,406,287 (1995).

Night Vision Goggle Ambient Illumination Testing. US Patent No. 5,070,239 (1991).


PUBLICATIONS:

Pinkus, A.R, Dommett, D.W., & Task, H.L. (2012). A Comparison of Landolt C and triangle resolution targets using the synthetic observer approach to sensor resolution assessment. Proc SPIE, Vol. 8392-45.

Albery, W., et al. (2012). Rotary-wing Brownout Mitigation: Technologies and Training. NATO-OTAN RTO-TR-HFM-162.

Pinkus, A.R., Dommett, D., & Task, H.L. (2011). A Comparison of synthetic and human observer approaches to multispectral sensor resolution assessment. Proc SPIE, Vol. 8042B-30.

Pinkus, A.R., Task, H. L., & Unger, S.E. (2010). Quad-Emissive Display for Multi-Spectral Sensor Analysis. (AFRL-RH-WP-TR-2010-0123). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Research Laboratory.

Pinkus, A.R., Dommett, D., & Task, H.L. (2010). Synthetic observer approach to multispectral sensor resolution assessment. Proc SPIE, Vol. 7689-14.

Repperger, D.W., Pinkus, A.R., Farris, K.A., Roberts, R.G., & Sorkin, R.D. (2009). Image Fusion Using Registration & SVD Algorithms. NAECON, July 21-23.

Rash, C.E., Russo, M.B., Letowski, T.R., & Schmeisser, E.T. – Editors. (2009). Helmet-Mounted Displays: Sensory, Perceptual & Cognitive Issues. Chapter 10 Visual Perception & Cognitive Performance & Chapter 12 Visual Perceptual Conflicts & Illusions.

Pinkus, A.R., Toet, A., & Task, H. L. (2009). A Continuous Motion Object Recognition Methodology for the Assessment of Multi-spectral Fusion Algorithms. Proceedings of SPIE, Orlando, FL, Vol. 7336-35.

Pinkus, A. R., & Task, H. L. (2009). Quad-Emissive Display for Multi-spectral Sensor Analyses. Proceedings of SPIE, Orlando, FL, Vol. 7336-50.

Neriani, K.E., Pinkus, A.R., & Dommett, D.W. (2009). An investigation of image fusion algorithms using a visual performance-based image evaluation methodology. (AFRL-HE-WP-TR-2009-0015). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Research Laboratory.

Leger, A., et al. (2008). Common Methodological Basis for Evaluation & Testing of Visionic Device. NATO-OTAN RTO/RTG-027 Technical Working Group.

Martinsen, G. L., Hosket, J. S., & Pinkus, A. R. (2008). Correlating military operators’ visual demands with multispectral image fusion. Proceedings of SPIE, Orlando, FL, Vol. 6968-64.

Neriani, K. E., Pinkus, A. R., & Dommett, D. W. (2008). An investigation of image fusion algorithms using a visual performance-based image evaluation methodology. Proceedings of SPIE, Orlando, FL, Vol. 6968-44.

Demiryont, H., Shannon III, K. C., Dixon, S., & Pinkus, A. (2008). All solid-state electrochromic device for helmet-mounted displays. Proceedings of SPIE, Orlando, FL, Vol. 6955-6.

Pinkus, A. R., Poteet, M. J., & Pantle, A. J. (2008). Dynamic stimulus enhancement with Gabor-based filtered images. Proceedings of SPIE, Orlando, FL, Vol. 6968-63.

Task, H. L., & Pinkus, A. R. (2007). FAA air traffic control tower cab glass evaluation, specification & assessment with respect to optical-visual characteristics. (AFRL-HE-WP-TR-2007-0094). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Research Laboratory.

Pinkus, A. R., & Task, H. L. (2007). Applied & theoretical aspects of night vision goggle resolution & visual acuity assessment. NATO-OTAN RTO-MP-HFM-141.

Task, H. L., & Pinkus, A. R. (2007). Theoretical & Applied aspects of night vision goggle resolution & visual acuity assessment. Helmet- & Helmet-Mounted Displays: Technologies & Applications, Proceedings of SPIE, Orlando FL, Vol. 6557, 65570P-1-11.

Repperger, D. W., Pinkus, A. R., Skipper, J. A., & Schrider, C. D. (2007). Object Recognition Via Information-Theoretic Measures/Metrics. Proceedings of SPIE, Vol. 6498, 64980Z-1-12.

Repperger, D. W., Pinkus, A. R., Skipper, J. A., & Schrider, C. D. (2007). Object Recognition Via Information-Theoretic Measures/Metrics. (AFRL-HE-WP-TP-2007-0003). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Research Laboratory.

Repperger, D. W., Pinkus, A. R., Skipper, J. A., & Schrider, C. D. (2007). Stochastic Resonance Investigation of Object Detection in Images. Proceedings of SPIE, Vol. 6497, 649703-1-12.

Repperger, D. W., Pinkus, A. R., Skipper, J. A., & Schrider, C. D. (2006). Stochastic Resonance Investigation of Object Detection in Images. (AFRL-HE-WP-TP-2007-0002). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Research Laboratory.

Leger, A., et al. (2006). Toward Recommended Methods for Testing & Evaluation of EV & E/SV Based Visionic Devices. NATO-OTAN RTO-MP-HFM-125.

Reis, G. A., Pinkus, A. R., & Neriani, K. E. (2006). Psychometric Correlates of the Effects of Image-Enhancing Algorithms On Visual Performance. (AFRL-HE-WP-TR-2006-0040). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Research Laboratory.

Neriani, K. E., Herbranson, T. J., Reis, G. A., Pinkus, A. R., & Goodyear, C. D. (2006). Visual Performance-based Image Enhancement Methodology: An Investigation of Contrast Enhancement Algorithms. (AFRL-HE-WP-TR-2006-0052). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Research Laboratory.

Neriani, K. E., Herbranson, T. J., Reis, G. A., Pinkus, A. R., & Goodyear, C. D. (2006). Visual Performance-based Image Enhancement Methodology: An Investigation of Contrast Enhancement Algorithms. Enhanced & Synthetic Vision, Proceedings of SPIE, Orlando FL, Vol. 6226, 6226-06.

Reis, G. A., Neriani, K. E., Pinkus, A. R., & Heft, E. L. (2006). Psychometric Correlates of the Effects of Image-Enhancing Algorithms On Visual Performance. Enhanced & Synthetic Vision, Proceedings of SPIE, Orlando FL, Vol. 6226, 6226-24.

Repperger, D. W., Pinkus, A. R., & Koepke, C. G. (2006). A Study of Visual Search Algorithms in Compromised Images. AIAA 31st Annual Dayton-Cincinnati Aerospace Science Symposium.

Repperger, D. W., & Pinkus, A. R. (2006). Optimization to Improve Detectability - A Study Using Information Theoretic Means. AIAA 31st Annual Dayton-Cincinnati Aerospace Science Symposium.

Pinkus, A. R., & Rash, C. E. (2006). A Unified Taxonomic Approach to the Laboratory Assessment of Visionic Devices. Helmet- & Helmet-Mounted Displays: Technologies & Applications, Proceedings of SPIE, Orlando FL, Vol. 6224, 6224-06.

Rash, C. E., & Pinkus, A. R. (2006). A Unified Approach to the Laboratory Assessment of Visionic Devices. NATO-OTAN Workshop, Williamsburg VA.

Pinkus, A. R., Task, H. L., Hausmann, M. A., & Barbato, M. H. (2005). The Visual-Acuity-Based, Night Vision Goggle Cockpit Lighting Compatibility Field Evaluation Test Kit; A Low-Cost Alternative. (AFRL-HE-WP-TR-2005-0102). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Research Laboratory.

Task, H. L., Pinkus, A. R., Barbato, M. H., & Hausmann, M. A. (2005). Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) Lighting Evaluation Methodology. Proceedings of SPIE, Orlando FL, Vol. 5800, 45-54.

Neriani, K. E., Herbranson, T. J., Pinkus, A. R., Task, C. M., & Task, H. T. (2005). Visual Performance-based Image Enhancement Assessment Methodology. Proceedings of SPIE, Orlando FL, Vol. 5802, 92-101.

Task, H. L., Pinkus, A. R., Barbato, M. H., & Hausmann, M. A. (2004). Night Vision Imaging System Lighting Compatibility Assessment Methodology: Part 2. FAA Aviation Maintenance, General Aviation, & Vertical Flight Human Factors. Washington D.C.

Pinkus, A. R., Task, H. L., Hausmann, M. A., Barbato, M. H., & Goodyear, C. D. (2004). Dynamic Visual Acuity Assessment through Visors. (AFRL-HE-WP-TR-2004-0118). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Research Laboratory.

Pinkus, A. R., & Task, H. L. (2004). Night Vision Goggle Luminance Disparity & the Pulfrich Phenomenon. Proceedings of SPIE, Orlando FL, Vol. 5442, 54-63.

Mecham, J. B., & Pinkus, A. R. (2004). Self-Assembled Variable Transmittance Helmet-Mounted Display Visor. (AFRL-HE-WP-TR-2004-0029). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Research Laboratory.

Task, H. L., & Pinkus, A. R. (2003) Accuracy of NVG Objective Lens Focusing Using Artificial Objects, Natural Objects & the Hoffman 20/20 Tester. SAFE Journal Vol 31 (1).

Task, H. L., Pinkus, A. R., Barbato, M. H., & Hausmann, M. A. (2003). Night Vision Imaging System Lighting Compatibility Assessment Methodology. FAA Aviation Maintenance, General Aviation, & Vertical Flight Human Factors. Washington D.C.

Pinkus, A. R., Task, H. L., Barbato, M. H., Hausmann, M. A., & Dixon, S. A. (2003). Aerospace Transparency Research Compendium. (AFRL-HE-WP-TR-2003-0084). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Research Laboratory.

Pinkus, A. R., Task, H. L., Dixon, S. A., Barbato, M. H., & Hausmann, M. A. (2003). Twenty-Plus Years of Night Vision Technology: Publications & Patents From the Crew System Interface Division of the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. (AFRL-HE-WP-TR-2003-0048). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Research Laboratory.

Pinkus, A. R., Task, H. L., & Dixon S. A. (2003). Transmissivity & Night Vision Goggle Compatibility of Data of Select Aircraft Transparencies. (AFRL-HE-WP-TR-2003-0015). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Research Laboratory.

Pinkus, A. R., & Hausmann, M. A. (2003). Interlaboratory Study (ILS) For ASTM F 428-83, The Standard Test Method For Intensity Of Scratches On Aerospace Glass Enclosures. (AFRL-HE-WP-TR-2003-0012). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Research Laboratory.

Pinkus, A. R., & Hausmann, M. A. (2003). Interlaboratory Study (ILS) For ASTM F 548-01, The Standard Test Method For Intensity Of Scratches On Aerospace Transparent Plastics. (AFRL-HE-WP-TR-2003-0009). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Research Laboratory.

Pinkus, A. R., & Task, H. L. (2001). Interlaboratory Study (ILS) of the standard test method for measuring grid line slope (GLS) in aerospace transparencies. (AFRL-HE-WP-TR-2001-0104). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Research Laboratory.

Pinkus, A. R., Task, H. L., & Marasco, P. L. (2001). Aircraft Canopy Laser Porthole. AFRL Technology Horizons, 2(1).

van Schoor, M., Lengyel, A., Murray, S., & Pinkus, A. R. (2001). Breakaway Helmet Mount for Night Vision & Targeting Displays. (AFRL-HE-WP-TR-2001-0056). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Research Laboratory.

Pinkus, A. R., & Task, H. L. (2000). Night Vision Goggle Objective Lens Focusing Methodology. SAFE 38th Symposium Proceedings.

Pinkus, A. R., Task, H. L., Dixon, S., & Goodyear, C. (2000). Reproducibility of Night Vision Goggle Visual Acuity Measurements Using Landolt C’s. Proceedings 21st Annual Lasers on the Modern Battlefield Conference at Brooks AFB TX, pp. 245-248.

Pinkus, A. R., Task, H. L., Dixon, S., & Goodyear, C. (2000). Reproducibility Limits of Night Vision Goggle Visual Acuity Measurements. SAFE Journal, 30(1).

Pinkus, A. R., Task, H. L., Dixon, S. A., & Goodyear, C. D. (1999). Reproducibility of Night Vision Goggle Visual Acuity Measurements Using Landolt C’s. SAFE Symposium Proceedings 1999. 37th Annual Symposium.

Pinkus, A. R., & Task, H. L. (1998). Measuring observers’ visual acuity through night vision goggles. SAFE Symposium Proceedings 1998. 36th Annual Symposium, pp. 1-11.

Marasco, P. L., Pinkus, A. R., & Task, H. L. (1998). Photographic assessment of dark spots in night vision device images. SAFE Symposium Proceedings 1998. 36th Annual Symposium, pp. 20-25.

Pinkus, A. R., & Task, H. L. (1998). Interlaboratory study (ILS) of the standard test method for measuring the night vision goggle-weighted transmissivity of transparent parts. (AFRL-HE-WP-TR-1998-0016). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Research Laboratory.

Pinkus, A. R., & Task, H. L. (1998). Interlaboratory study (ILS) for the determination of the angular displacement of multiple images in transparent parts. (AFRL-HE-WP-TR-1998-0011). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Research Laboratory.

Standard test method for measuring the night vision goggle-weighted transmissivity of transparent parts F 1863-98 (10 April 1998). American Society for Testing & Materials Committee F-7 on Aerospace & Aircraft.

Pinkus, A. R., & Task, H. L. (1997). The effects of aircraft transparencies on night vision goggle-mediated visual acuity. SAFE Symposium Proceedings 1997. 35th Annual Symposium, pp. 93-104.

Pinkus, A. R., & Pantle, A. J. (1997). Probing visual motion signals with a priming paradigm. Vision Research, 37(5), 541-552.

Reising, J. D., Grable, C., Stearns, S. M., Craig, J. L., & Pinkus, A. R. (1994). Night vision imaging system lighting compatibility testing of a production C-130H3 aircraft. (AL/HR-TR-1994-0166). Human Resources Directorate, Mesa AZ.

Pinkus, A. R. (1994). The spatiotemporal characteristics of visual motion priming. (AL/CF-TR-1994-0084). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Armstrong Laboratory.

McCarthy, J. E., Pantle, A. J., & Pinkus, A. R. (1994). Detection & direction discrimination performance with flicker gratings in peripheral vision. Vision Research, 34, 763-773.

Pantle, A., Strout, J., Pinkus, A., & Jiang, Y. (1993). Some competing motion phenomena & their constraints on motion models. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 34(4), 1364. (No. 3267)

Pinkus, A. R. (1993). The spatiotemporal characteristics of visual motion priming. Dissertation Abstracts International, 53, 11B.

Pantle, A., Pinkus, A., & Strout, J. (1992). Motion signal interactions. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 33(4), 973. (No. 1406)

Pantle, A., Pinkus, A., & McCarthy, J. (1991). The puzzling influence of high spatial frequencies on motion perception. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 32(4), 892. (No. 1096)

Pantle, A., McCarthy, J., & Pinkus, A. (1990). Detection of the spatial structure & motion of second-order stimuli. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 31(4), 523. (No. 2574)

Merkel, H. S., Task, H. L., Whiteley, J. D., LaPuma, P. T., Pinkus, A. R., & Block, M. G. (1990). The development of the spaceborne direct-view optical system (SpaDVOS) (AAMRL-TR-90-016). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Armstrong Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory. (DTIC No. B144518)

Pinkus, A. R. (1988). Night lighting & night vision goggle compatibility. AGARD Lecture Series 156: Visual Effects in the High Performance Aircraft Cockpit (pp. 7-1 to 7-16). Neuilly Sur Seine, France: NATO Advisory Group for Aerospace Research & Development. (NTIS No. AGARD-LS-156)

Pinkus, A. R., & Task, H. L. (1988). Display system image quality. AGARD Lecture Series 156: Visual Effects in the High Performance Aircraft Cockpit (pp. 8-1 to 8-17). Neuilly Sur Seine, France: NATO Advisory Group for Aerospace Research & Development. (NTIS No. AGARD-LS-156)

Task, H. L., & Pinkus, A. R. (1987). The role of the contrast sensitivity function in display image metrics. Electronic Imaging '87: International Electronic Imaging Exposition & Conference, 1, 161-166.

Task, H. L., & Pinkus, A. R. (1987). Contrast sensitivity & target recognition performance: A lack of correlation. 1987 Society for Information Display International Symposium Digest of Technical Papers, 18, 127-129.

Schiffler, R. J., & Pinkus, A. R. (1987). Human factors R&D requirements for future aerospace cockpit systems. IEEE Aerospace & Electronic System Magazine, 2(9), 2-4.

Schiffler, R. J., & Pinkus, A. R. (1986). Human factors research & development requirements for future aerospace cockpit systems. Proceedings of the IEEE 1986 National Aerospace & Electronic Conference: NAECON 1986, 3, 883-885.

Pinkus, A. R. (1985). Interior & exterior airborne lighting equipment. USAF Specification MIL-L-87240.

Pinkus, A. R. (1982). The effects of color & contrast on target recognition performance using monochromatic television displays. (AFAMRL-TR-82-9). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory.

Task, H. L., Pinkus, A. R., & Hornseth, J. P. (1978). A comparison of several television display image quality measures. Proceedings of the Society for Information Display, 19, 113-119.

Task, H. L., Pinkus, A. R., & Hornseth, J. P. (1978). A comparison of several television display image quality measures. 1978 Society for Information Display International Symposium Digest of Technical Papers, 9, 32-33.

Martin, W. L., Task, H. L., Woodruff, K. R., & Pinkus, A. R. (1976). Element density & percent active area design requirements for liquid crystal displays (AFAL-TR-75-235). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Avionics Laboratory.

US Patent 5,070,239

My first patent.