Abstract: An imaging system for use in a vehicle headlamp control system includes an opening, an image sensor, a red lens blocking red complement light between the opening and the image sensor, and a red complement lens blocking red light between the opening and the image sensor. Each lens focuses light onto a different subwindow of the image sensor. The imaging system allows processing and control logic to detect the presence of headlamps on oncoming vehicles and tail lights on vehicles approached from the rear for the purpose of controlling headlamps. A light sampling lens may be used to redirect light rays from an arc spanning above the vehicle to in front of the vehicle into substantially horizontal rays. The light sampling lens is imaged by the image sensor to produce an indication of light intensity at various elevations. The processing and control logic uses the light intensity to determine whether headlamps should be turned on or off.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle head lamp dimming system which includes an optical system and an imaging processing system. The optical system is configured to discriminate between head lamps and tail lamps and focus the light rays from the head lamps and tail lamps on different portions of a pixel sensor array. The optical system as well as the image processing system provides for relatively increased discrimination of head lamps and tail lamps of other vehicles and also enables the high beam head lamps of the control vehicle to be controlled as a function of the distance as well as horizontal angular position of other vehicles relative to the controlled vehicle.

Abstract: Dimmable fluorescent lamp apparatus includes a dimming control element housed in an integral adapter having a base which installs directly on an existing incandescent or other lighting fixture. The adapter mounts a fluorescent illumination element either fixedly or removably and replaceably. The lamp apparatus includes a manually accessible adjustment element connected with the control element and mounted on the adapter. The adjustment element can be an electrical adjustment element or an optical adjustment element.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a dimmable lighting system having an electric lighting fixture and light sensor in an electronic controller. The method comprises a system which makes eight measurements while controlling illumination levels from both indoor and outdoor lighting. The method calculates a set point and a gain which are utilized to maintain a constant lighting level at a lighting point of interest.

Abstract: A method for controlling the luminescence of a fluorescent lamp in which a light sensor operates in response to light other than that from the fluorescent lamp striking it to increase the luminescence of the lamp.

Abstract: A luminosity control device includes a photosensitive member to control the duty cycle of a square wave pulse oscillator. Then a high power switching tube and a high power gain tube are used to proceed with the luminosity control. Thus, when two cars meet, the luminosity of headlamps will automatically weaken so as not to dazzle the driver's eyes in the opposite direction. Should no car come in the opposite direction, the headlamps will automatically intensify the luminosity thereof. In this manner, it is possible to effectively control the luminosity of headlamps and thereby achieve the object of traffic safety.

Abstract: A range detector detects a range to an object to be measured by projecting light rays from a light source onto the object and producing an output signal by receiving light rays reflected by the object by a single semiconductor position detecting element (PSD) disposed at a given base length apart from the light source. The position detecting element is provided with signal electrodes of N pieces (N.ltoreq.3) in a separate manner and in a direction of the base length so that a light receiving plane of the PSD is divided into (N-1) areas. The range detector is capable of reducing a detectable close range so as to cover a very wide range by selectively deciding an output from these signal electrodes in accordance with a range to be measured without degrading accuracy of range measurements.

Abstract: The specification discloses an automatic rearview mirror control circuit which models the physiological response of the human eye to fluctuating light levels as observed in typical driving conditions. The control circuit calculates an ambient light signal representative of light levels within the driver's field of view and a rear light signal representative of light levels in a direction generally incident to the reflective element. The reflectivity of the reflective element is controlled to optimize rear image information while minimizing on rear image glare at the driver's eyes. The control circuit includes a multiple-rate filter for time-averaging an ambient light signal over a shorter time period during increasing ambient light intensities than during decreasing ambient light intensities to simulate the more rapid adaptation of the human eye to increasing light intensities than to decreasing light intensities.

Abstract: A combination electric lamp dimmer with automatic photocontrol which is adapted for mounting within a conventional electrical junction box such as mounted within walls. The devices includes a rotary dimmer switch for adjusting the current magnitude provided to the lamp to establish the magnitude of light produced thereby. The position of the dimmer switch is controlled by a manually rotatable knob. The knob includes an opening in it to allow ambient light to pass therethrough. A photocell is mounted behind the knob. When a knob is rotated to a position wherein the opening is disposed over the photocell, the photocell is enabled to monitor the ambient light. When the ambient light intensity drops below a predetermined value, the photocell and switch means responsive thereto enable current to be provided through the dimmer to the lamp to illuminate it.

Abstract: To inform the operator of a motion picture camera of under-exposure and the status of a fade operation, an indicator circuit is provided. The indicator circuit is in circuit with an automatic exposure control system which adjusts the diaphragm for correct film exposure under varying light conditions and an electronically controlled fade system which adjusts the diaphragm for a fade-in and fade-out sequence independently of the varying light condition on the subject.