Or, International Commission on Illumination, the CIE sets international
colorimetry standards.
Though the organization was not formally created until 1913, the need for the CIE
was noted at the 1900 meeting of the International Gas Congress by many parties who
wished to address the photometry of incandescent gas mantles. This quickly
led to the formation of the International Commission on Photometry. As research
progressed, the commission realized the need for standards and measurements in the
general field of lighting, and the CIE was formed.
The stated objectives of the CIE are as follows:
- To provide an international forum for the discussion of all matters relating to
the science, technology and art in the fields of light and lighting and for the
interchange of information in these fields between countries.
- To develop basic standards and procedures of metrology in the fields of light
and lighting.
- To provide guidance in the application of principles and procedures in the
development of international and national standards in the fields of light and
lighting.
- To prepare and publish standards, reports and other publications concerned with
all matters relating to science, technology and art in the fields of light and
lighting.
- To maintain liaison and technical interaction with other international
organizations concerned with matters related to the science, technology,
standardization and art in the fields of light and lighting.
To accomplish these objectives, the CIE distributes research amongst seven (formerly
eight) divisions. These are (As stated by the CIE):
-
Vision and Colour
Terms of Reference: To study visual responses to light and to establish
standards of response functions, models and procedures of specification relevant to
photometry, colorimetry, colour rendering, visual performance and visual assessment
of light and lighting.
- Measurement of Light and Radiation
Terms of Reference: To study standard procedures for the evaluation of
ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiation, global radiation, and optical
properties of materials and luminaires, as well as the optical properties and
performance of physical detectors and other devices required for their evaluation.
- Interior Environment and Lighting Design
Terms of Reference: To study and evaluate visual factors which influence the
satisfaction of the occupants of a building with their environment, and their
interaction with thermal and acoustical aspects, and to provide guidance on relevant
design criteria for both natural and man-made lighting; as well as to study design
techniques, including relevant calculations, for the interior lighting of buildings;
incorporating these findings and those of other CIE Divisions into lighting guides
for interiors in general, for particular types of interiors and for specific
problems in interior lighting practice.
- Lighting and Signalling for Transport
Terms of Reference: To study lighting and visual signalling and information
requirements of transport and traffic, such as road and vehicle lighting,
delineation, signing and signalling for all types of public roads and all kinds of
users and vehicles, and visual aids for modes other than road transport.
- Exterior Lighting and Other Applications
Terms of Reference: To study procedures and prepare guides for the design of
lighting for exterior working areas, security lighting, flood lighting, pedestrian
and other urban areas without motorized traffic, areas for sports and recreation,
and for mine lighting.
- Photobiology and Photochemistry
Terms of Reference: To study and evaluate the effects of optical radiation on
biological and photochemical systems (exclusive of vision).
- General Aspects of Lighting
This Division was closed down at the CIE Session 1999, its activities were
distributed among the other CIE Divisions, the CIE Central Bureau and the Board of
Administration.
- Image Technology
Terms of Reference: To study procedures and prepare guides and standards for the
optical, visual and metrological aspects of the communication, processing and
reproduction of images, using all types of analogue and digital imaging devices,
storage media and imaging media.
Above information valid as of October, 18, 2002 from:
http://members.eunet.at/cie/