A LIGHTING DEVICE HAVING A CONTROLLABLE LIGHTING PATTERN

摘要

A lighting device, in particular a headlight of a motor vehicle, comprising lighting means (27) arranged for producing a light beam (7) to be emitted by the lighting device in response to a control signal delivered by light-sensitive sensor means (23) during operation. The lighting device comprises means (28) for intermittently, repeatedly controlling the intensity of the light (4) emitted by the lighting means (27) in a manner which is not visible to the human eye. Control means connect to the sensor means (23) in such a manner that the control signal delivered by the sensor means (23) during a period of low intensity of the lighting means (27) is processed so as to vary the pattern of the light beam (7). In this manner an accurate measurement of ambient light (11), which is not disturbed by the lighting device's own lighting means (27), is provided, for example for detecting light from oncoming traffic. As a result, the lighting pattern and the lighting intensity are automatically adjusted, in such a manner that oncoming traffic will not be blinded, thus permitting a light intensity which is generally higher than that of conventional dipped headlights, for example. More in particular, a lighting device which is built up of spotlight beams and spotlight sensors is provided.