Abstract: A rear light condition detecting device for a camera is arranged to measure distances to a plurality of parts appearing within a taking picture plane on the assumption that an object located nearby is the main object to be photographed or that a light source such as the sun is among faraway objects. The device determines the object to be in a rear-light or counter-light condition in cases where the luminance of the nearby object is extremely lower than other objects or that of a faraway object is extremely higher than other objects.

Abstract: The average video level of a video camera is corrected for film-to-video conversion by having a film aperture plate with a light-passing opening that is slightly enlarged with respect to the image area of the film. Non-image light passes through a peripheral region of the film, as defined by the enlarged opening, and strikes a part of the camera sensor not receiving image-wise illumination. By enlarging the aperture plate opening just enough that the video signal from the non-imaged part of the sensor approximates a desired average video level, the automatic video level correction performed by the camera will pertain only to the image. The aperture plate is part of a film gate that is rotatably mounted so that the film may be supported in either a "horizontal" or "vertical" orientation, depending on how the film image was initially exposed.

Abstract: In a camera or a printer, exposure is controlled based on a selected mode of a light measuring system which has two modes of weighting the light measurement in for differently weighting various parts of an image of a scene according to whether the image is of a back light scene or a normal light scene. The light measuring means determines whether or not the difference in brightness between the central part and the marginal part of the image of a scene is smaller than a predetermined value. Pursuant to such determination, one of the modes of the light measuring system is selected, and the exposure is controlled by the output of the light measuring system in the selected mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a film development parameter and a camera exposure setting to compensate for the luminous dynamic range of a subject being photographed which takes film non-linearities into account. Film characteristic curve data is stored in a read only memory of the apparatus. In a semi-automatic embodiment, information corresponding to desired film densities for two areas of the subject matter is manually inputted to the apparatus, which is then pointed towards the two areas. In an automatic embodiment, information corresponding to desired film densities for the brightest and least bright areas of the subject to be photographed is manually inputted, the entire subject is automatically scanned by a vidicon or equivalent means, and the brightest and least bright areas of the subject are automatically detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for assessing the quality of illumination provided by a lighting environment to a task location in terms of the ability of that illumination to render the contrast of a visual task at the task location. Past systems have been inaccurate, inflexible, or required trained personnel and bulky equipment to make such an assessment. The present system accomplishes this assessment by generating a series of electrical signals, each such signal corresponding to the luminous flux impinging at the task location provided by a discrete, substantially non-overlapping zone of the lighting environment. These signals, when associated with the position of the corresponding zones, accurately describe the flux distribution of the lighting environment, and are used to calculate Equivalent Sphere Illumination, a figure of merit for that lighting environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a film development parameter and a camera exposure setting to compensate for the luminous dynamic range of a subject being photographed. In a semi-automatic embodiment, information corresponding to desired film densities for two areas of the subject matter is manually inputted to the apparatus, which is then pointed towards the two areas. In an automatic embodiment, information corresponding to desired film densities for the brightest and least bright areas of the subject to be photographed is manually inputted, the entire subject is automatically scanned by a vidicon or equivalent means, and the brightest and least bright areas of the subject are automatically detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring scalar irradiance or the incident flux of radiant energy from a 4.pi. solid angle about a point. The present invention relates to an apparatus which comprises a solid spherical radiant energy collector, a radiant energy detector which converts radiant energy into electrical signal, a light conductor which transmits a portion of the radiant energy within the spherical collector to the detector, a means for conditioning the electrical signal such that the electrical signal responds to the intensity of the incident flux, and a means for displaying the conditioned signal. The apparatus further includes a spectral shaping assembly located intermediate the detector and the light conductor whereby the spectral characteristics of the radiant energy are adjusted to compensate for apparatus response in the desired spectral region.

Abstract: An improvement in optical remote-control apparatus which comprises a light-beam transmitter and a light-receiver, wherein the improvement is that a light-scattering (i.e., light-diffusing) plate having a suitable area is provided in front of the light-receiver, so that the aiming tolerance of the light-beam transmitter becomes broader, enabling easy remote-control.