Dr. Thomas H. Harding Profile

Dr. Thomas H. Harding

Senior Scientist at US Army Aeromedical Research Lab

SPIE Involvement:

Author

Area of Expertise:

Helmet Mounted Displays , Vision Science

Websites:

Company Website

Profile Summary

Dr. Harding received his Ph.D. in 1977 from Purdue University in Visual Neurosciences. Research positions include Visiting Scholar at the Biomedical Engineering Center at Northwestern University from 1975 to 1977 and Visiting Fellow at the John Curtin School of Medical Research (Australian National University) from 1977 to 1979. Since 1979, Dr. Harding's career has been exclusively at the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory where he has held several key research and leadership positions. Dr. Harding is currently Director of the Warfighter Performance Group. In terms of his association with SPIE, his work has mainly focused on helmet mounted displays and other advanced optical systems with particular emphasis on design considerations, image quality metrics, operational performance, and visual perception.

Publications (27)

Proceedings Article | 12 April 2021 Presentation + Paper

Presentation + Paper

Modeling pilot performance under degraded visual environment

Kharananda Sharma, Jon Vogl, Thomas Harding

Proceedings Volume 11759, 1175907 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2585625

KEYWORDS: Visualization, Visual process modeling, Performance modeling, Sensors, Driver's vision enhancers, Data modeling, Visible radiation, Thermal modeling, Visibility through fog, Visibility

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Proceedings Article | 1 May 2019 Presentation + Paper

Presentation + Paper

Development of an army aviator composite risk assessment model

Thomas Harding, Raquel Goosey

Proceedings Volume 11019, 1101904 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2517100

KEYWORDS: Head-mounted displays, Driver's vision enhancers, Contrast sensitivity, Visibility, Visualization, Composites, Image filtering, Signal attenuation, Data modeling, Sensors

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SPIE Journal Paper | 19 December 2018 Open Access

Open Access

Modeling perceptual color confusion of helmet-mounted display symbology as a function of see-through contrast

Thomas Harding, Jeffery Hovis, Clarence Rash, Michael Smolek, Morris Lattimore

OE, Vol. 58, Issue 05, 051804, (December 2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.OE.58.5.051804

KEYWORDS: Head-mounted displays, Chemical vapor deposition, RGB color model, Color vision, Distance measurement, Optical engineering, Visualization, Visual process modeling, Absorption, Heads up displays

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Proceedings Article | 2 May 2018 Presentation + Paper

Presentation + Paper

HMD daylight symbology: color discrimination modeling

Thomas Harding, Jeffery Hovis, Clarence Rash, Michael Smolek, Morris Lattimore

Proceedings Volume 10642, 1064203 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2304049

KEYWORDS: Head-mounted displays, Color vision, Chemical vapor deposition, Visualization, Distance measurement, RGB color model, Visual process modeling, Absorbance, Absorption, Eye models

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Proceedings Article | 5 May 2017 Paper

Paper

Pilot cueing synergies for degraded visual environments

Aaron McAtee, Kathryn Feltman, Donald Swanberg, Deborah Russell, Jonathan Statz, John Ramiccio, Thomas Harding

Proceedings Volume 10197, 101970I (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2262205

KEYWORDS: Visualization, Forward looking infrared, Head-mounted displays, Image sensors, Sensors, Visibility, Situational awareness sensors, Display technology, Photonics, Copper, Fourier transforms, Electroencephalography, Beam propagation method, Linear filtering

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Proceedings Article | 5 May 2017 Presentation + Paper

Presentation + Paper

HMD daylight symbology: color choice and luminance considerations

Thomas Harding, Jeffery Hovis, Michael Smolek, Leonard Temme, Morris Lattimore, Clarence Rash

Proceedings Volume 10197, 101970Q (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2261883

KEYWORDS: Color blindness, RGB color model, Information visualization, Standards development, Visual process modeling, Visual communications, Solids, Diamond, Head-mounted displays, Heads up displays, Color vision, Visualization, Situational awareness sensors, Manufacturing

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Proceedings Article | 5 May 2017 Presentation + Paper

Presentation + Paper

Integrating DVE, cueing technologies, and pilot performance metrics into a research grade helicopter simulator

Donald Swanberg, John Ramiccio, Deborah Russell, Kathryn Feltman, Aaron McAtee, Rolf Beutler, Angus Rupert, Ian Curry, Michael Wilson, Thomas Harding

Proceedings Volume 10197, 101970J (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2262214

KEYWORDS: Driver's vision enhancers, Visualization, Databases, Device simulation, Analytical research, Data modeling, Motion models, Image visualization, Satellite imaging, Sensors, Image sensors, Computer simulations, Humidity, Information operations, Head-mounted displays

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SPIE Journal Paper | 31 January 2017 Open Access

Open Access

Daylight luminance requirements for full-color, see-through, helmet-mounted display systems

Thomas Harding, Clarence Rash

OE, Vol. 56, Issue 05, 051404, (January 2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.OE.56.5.051404

KEYWORDS: Head-mounted displays, Image quality, Optical engineering, LCDs, Heads up displays, Image processing, Clouds, Visualization, Standards development, RGB color model

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Proceedings Article | 13 May 2016 Paper

Paper

Perceptual issues for color helmet-mounted displays: luminance and color contrast requirements

Thomas Harding, Clarence Rash, Morris Lattimore, Jonathan Statz, John Martin

Proceedings Volume 9839, 98390E (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2223035

KEYWORDS: Head-mounted displays, Visualization, Color vision, Computer programming, Human vision and color perception, Physiology, Standards development, LCDs, Image quality, Heads up displays, Clouds, Visibility, Analytical research

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Proceedings Article | 21 May 2015 Paper

Paper

Development of a helmet/helmet-display-unit alignment tool (HAT) for the Apache helmet and display unit

William McLean, Jonathan Statz, Victor Estes, Shawn Booms, John Martin, Thomas Harding

Proceedings Volume 9470, 947013 (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2176411

KEYWORDS: Eye, Prototyping, Cameras, Analytical research, Phase modulation, Distortion, Optical design, Optical alignment, CRTs, Head

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Proceedings Article | 21 May 2015 Paper

Paper

The impact of human factors, crashworthiness and optical performance design requirements on helmet-mounted display development from the 1970s to the present

Thomas Harding, Clarence Rash, William McLean, John Martin

Proceedings Volume 9470, 94700U (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2176405

KEYWORDS: Head-mounted displays, Eye, Head, Curium, Optical design, Sensors, Neck, Visualization, CRTs, Optical components

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Proceedings Article | 5 May 2010 Paper

Paper

Perceptual and cognitive effects on the use of helmet-mounted displays due to external operational factors

Thomas Harding, Clarence Rash, Gregory Lang

Proceedings Volume 7688, 76880C (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.848931

KEYWORDS: Head-mounted displays, Head, Visualization, Cognition, Hypoxia, Oxygen, Light sources and illumination, Neck, Environmental sensing, Temperature metrology

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Proceedings Article | 2 May 2009 Paper

Paper

Flight performance using a hyperstereo helmet-mounted display: post-flight debriefing questionnaire

Melvyn Kalich, Clarence Rash, Thomas Harding, Sion Jennings, Gregory Craig, Geoffrey Stuart

Proceedings Volume 7326, 732605 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.819500

KEYWORDS: Head-mounted displays, Distortion, Curium, Sensors, Visualization, Image sensors, Head, Control systems, Safety, Aircraft structures

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Proceedings Article | 2 May 2009 Paper

Paper

Flight performance using a hyperstereo helmet-mounted display: aircraft handling

Sion Jennings, Gregory Craig, Geoffrey Stuart, Melvyn Kalich, Clarence Rash, Thomas Harding

Proceedings Volume 7326, 732604 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.819496

KEYWORDS: Head-mounted displays, Night vision systems, Fourier transforms, Analytical research, Night vision goggles, Global Positioning System, Control systems, Error analysis, Head, Safety

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Proceedings Article | 2 May 2009 Paper

Paper

Flight performance using a hyperstereo helmet-mounted display: adaptation to hyperstereopsis

Geoffrey Stuart, Sion Jennings, Melvyn Kalich, Clarence Rash, Thomas Harding, Gregory Craig

Proceedings Volume 7326, 732606 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.820500

KEYWORDS: Visualization, Sensors, Night vision, Head-mounted displays, Eye, Visual system, Night vision systems, Night vision goggles, 3D modeling, Defense and security

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Proceedings Article | 14 April 2008 Paper

Paper

Perceptual design tradeoff considerations for viewing I2 and FLIR with current helmet-mounted displays

Melvyn Kalich, Thomas Harding, Clarence Rash

Proceedings Volume 6955, 69550F (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.776759

KEYWORDS: Head-mounted displays, Forward looking infrared, Sensors, Distortion, Cameras, Eye, Image sensors, Visualization, Nose, LCDs

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Proceedings Article | 4 May 2007 Paper

Paper

The legibility of HMD symbology as a function of background local contrast

Thomas Harding, John Martin, Clarence Rash

Proceedings Volume 6557, 65570D (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.719657

KEYWORDS: Head-mounted displays, Spatial frequencies, Clouds, Heads up displays, Eye, Modulation, Solids, Modeling, Photography, Optical filters

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Proceedings Article | 18 May 2006 Paper

Paper

Performance effects of mounting a helmet-mounted display on the ANVIS mount of the HGU-56P helmet

Thomas Harding, John Martin, Clarence Rash

Proceedings Volume 6224, 622409 (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.666894

KEYWORDS: Head-mounted displays, Eye, Optical filters, Night vision, Imaging systems, Light sources, Light, Optical coatings, Optical simulations, Data modeling

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Proceedings Article | 18 May 2006 Paper

Paper

Evaluation of microvision SD2500 scanning laser display

Thomas Harding, Clarence Rash, Scott Dennis

Proceedings Volume 6224, 62240R (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.668908

KEYWORDS: Head-mounted displays, Cameras, Modulation transfer functions, Contrast transfer function, Photography, Modulation, Electronics, Monochromatic aberrations, Laser based displays, Prototyping

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Proceedings Article | 19 May 2005 Paper

Paper

Using a helmet-mounted display computer simulation model to evaluate the luminance requirements for symbology

Thomas Harding, John Martin, Clarence Rash

Proceedings Volume 5800, (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.602123

KEYWORDS: Head-mounted displays, Heads up displays, Clouds, Spatial frequencies, Computer simulations, Image processing, Image analysis, Statistical analysis, Visualization, Eye

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Proceedings Article | 8 September 2004 Paper

Paper

Laboratory system for the evaluation of helmet-mounted displays

Howard Beasley, Thomas Harding, John Martin, Clarence Rash

Proceedings Volume 5442, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.543375

KEYWORDS: Head-mounted displays, Measurement devices, Cameras, Photography, Optical alignment, Iris, Analog electronics, Calibration, Image quality, Amplifiers

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Proceedings Article | 8 September 2004 Paper

Paper

Potential see-through performance deficits in U.S. Army developmental helmet-mounted displays

Thomas Harding, Clarence Rash

Proceedings Volume 5442, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.543308

KEYWORDS: Head-mounted displays, Visualization, Spatial frequencies, Modulation transfer functions, LCDs, Flat panel displays, CRTs, Modulation, Optical filters, Target detection

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Proceedings Article | 8 September 2003 Paper

Paper

Proof of principle for helmet-mounted display image quality tester

Sheng-Jen Hsieh, Thomas Harding, Clarence Rash, Howard Beasley, John Martin

Proceedings Volume 5079, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.485548

KEYWORDS: Cameras, Head-mounted displays, Image analysis, Prototyping, Inspection, Image quality, Human-machine interfaces, Image acquisition, Algorithm development, Image processing

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Helmet mounted displays (HMDs) provide essential pilotage and fire control imagery information for pilots. To maintain system integrity and readiness, there is a need to develop an image quality-testing tool for HMDs. There is currently no such tool. A framework for development of an image quality tester for the Integrated Helmet and Display Sighting System (IHADSS) used in the U.S. Army's AH-64 was proposed in Hsieh et al. This paper presents the prototype development, summarizes the bench test findings using three IHADSS helmet display units (HDUs), and concludes with recommendations for future directions. The prototype consists of hardware (two cameras, sensors, image capture/data acquisition cards, battery pack, HDU holder, moveable rack and handle, and computer) and software algorithms for image capture and analysis. Two cameras with different apertures were mounted in parallel on a rack facing the HDU holder. A handle was designed to allow users to position the HDU in front of the two cameras. The HMD test pattern was then captured. Sensors are used to detect the position of the holder and whether the HDU was angled correctly in relation to the camera. Two sets of unified algorithms were designed to detect features presented by the two cameras. These features include focus, orientation, displacement, field-of-view, and number of gray-shades. Images of test pattern were captured and analyzed, and used to develop a specification for each inspection feature. Experiments were conducted to verify the robustness of the algorithms. A worst-case scenario for factors such as clock-wise and counterclockwise tilt, degree of focus, magnitude of brightness and contrast, and shifted images were set up and evaluated. Bench testing of three field-quality HDUs indicate that the image analysis algorithms are robust and able to detect the desired image features. Suggested future work includes development of a learning algorithm to automatically develop or revise feature specifications as the number of inspection samples increases.

Proceedings Article | 5 August 2002 Paper

Paper

Operational helmet-mounted display model: prediction of visible grayshades and see-through spectral data

Thomas Harding, Victor Klymenko, John Martin, Clarence Rash

Proceedings Volume 4711, (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.478880

KEYWORDS: Head-mounted displays, Image filtering, RGB color model, Data modeling, Eye models, Optical filters, Excel, Visualization, Composites, Computer simulations

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Proceedings Article | 22 August 2001 Paper

Paper

Design of an image-quality tester

Sheng-Jen Hsieh, Clarence Rash, Thomas Harding

Proceedings Volume 4361, (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.437996

KEYWORDS: Head-mounted displays, Prototyping, Cameras, Visualization, Image quality, Inspection, Image analysis, Image processing, Algorithm development, CCD cameras

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Proceedings Article | 23 June 2000 Paper

Paper

Investigation of helmet-mounted display configuration influences on target acquisition

Victor Klymenko, Thomas Harding, Howard Beasley, John Martin, Clarence Rash

Proceedings Volume 4021, (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.389162

KEYWORDS: Visualization, Eye, Head-mounted displays, Target acquisition, Visibility, Information visualization, Modulation, Optical benches, Mirrors, Image fusion

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Proceedings Article | 7 June 1996 Paper

Paper

Characterization of IHADSS performance

Clarence Rash, Thomas Harding, Howard Beasley, John Martin

Proceedings Volume 2735, (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.241890

KEYWORDS: Eye, Telescopes, Distance measurement, CRTs, Reflectivity, Transmittance, Monochromatic aberrations, Objectives, Photometry, Space telescopes

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Showing 5 of 27 publications

Proceedings Volume Editor (3)

SPIE Conference Volume | 30 April 2009

Head- and Helmet-Mounted Displays XIV: Design and Applications

SPIE Conference Volume | 19 May 2008

Head- and Helmet-Mounted Displays XIII: Design and Applications

SPIE Conference Volume | 1 May 2007

Head- and Helmet-Mounted Displays XII: Design and Applications

Conference Committee Involvement (7)

Head- and Helmet-Mounted Displays XIV: Design and Applications

16 April 2009 | Orlando, Florida, United States

Head- and Helmet-Mounted Displays XIII: Design and Applications

17 March 2008 | Orlando, Florida, United States

Head- and Helmet-Mounted Displays XII: Design and Applications

10 April 2007 | Orlando, Florida, United States

Helmet- and Head-Mounted Displays XI: Technologies and Applications

17 April 2006 |

Helmet- and Head-Mounted Displays X: Technologies and Applications

28 March 2005 |

Showing 5 of 7 Conference Committees

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