VEHICLE LIGHTING CONTROL AND METHODS

Abstract

A vehicle has a navigation device for detecting the vehicle's geographic location, a beam-shaping lamp configured to emit light in a beam pattern, and a controller configured to process the geographic location and determine a geographic region. The controller determines a beam pattern in compliance with lighting regulations assigned to the determined geographic region. The controller configures the beam-shaping lamp to produce the beam pattern in compliance with the lighting regulations.

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle lighting and in particular to the control of lighting, such as headlights, on a vehicle in accordance with geographically based lighting regulations. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Motor vehicles are typically equipped with various user-selectable lighting devices. For example, vehicle exterior lights may include headlights, daytime running lights, brake lights, turn signals, taillights, and other lighting devices. It may be desirable to provide efficient control of vehicle lighting that takes into account changes in regulations when driving from one geographical location to another. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle comprises a navigation device for detecting the vehicle's geographic location, a beam-shaping lamp configured to emit light in a beam pattern, and a controller configured to process the geographic location and determine a geographic region. The controller determines a beam pattern in compliance with lighting regulations assigned to the determined geographic region. The controller configures the beam-shaping lamp to produce the beam pattern in compliance with the lighting regulations.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - the beam shaping lamp includes a pixel lamp; - the pixel lamp comprises a multitude of light-emitting diodes configured in an array, with each of the multitude of diodes being selectively switchable to produce a beam output; - an imaging camera configured to capture images of a surrounding environment, with the controller processing video images to create one or more

[0005] to detect traffic signs, and furthermore to determine the geographical region based on the one or more detected traffic signs; - the navigation device includes a receiver of a global positioning system; - the lighting regulations are stored in a memory; - the lighting regulations include a lighting ordinance; - the geographical region encompasses a country; - the beam shaping lamp is located on one outside of the vehicle; - the beam shaping lamp is configured as a vehicle headlight; and - The color of the emitted light is changed based on the lighting regulations for the specific geographical region.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method for controlling the beam pattern of a beam-shaping lamp on a motor vehicle. The method involves turning on the beam-shaping lamp to produce a light emission in a first beam pattern, determining the geographical location of the motor vehicle, determining whether the motor vehicle is traveling from a first geographical region to a second geographical region which has different lighting regulations, selecting a second beam pattern in compliance with the lighting regulations assigned to the second geographical region, and controlling the beam-shaping lamp to change the light emission to the selected beam pattern in compliance with the lighting regulations.

[0007] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - Notifying a vehicle occupant when the first light beam pattern changes to the second light beam pattern; - a multitude of light-emitting diodes configured in an array, with each of the multitude of diodes being switchable to produce the first and second light beam patterns; - an imaging camera configured to capture images of a surrounding environment, wherein the controller processes video images to detect one or more traffic signs and further determines the geographical region based on the detected traffic signs; - the step of determining the geographic location involves processing signals received from a receiver of a global positioning system; - the lighting regulations may include a lighting ordinance; - the geographical region encompasses a country; - the beam shaping lamp is configured as a vehicle headlight; and - the step of changing the color of the light emission based on the lighting regulations for the specific geographical region.

[0008] These and other features, advantages and functions of the present disclosure are better understood and comprehended by the person skilled in the art by reference to the following description, claims and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The following applies to the drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective front view of a motor vehicle equipped with external lights, including headlights, fog lights and taillights, according to an example; Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of the in Fig. 1 illustrated motor vehicle; Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged section view of one of the headlights of the vehicle, which is equipped with a beam-shaping pixel lamp, according to an example; Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective front view of the in Fig. 3 illustrated beam-shaping pixel lamp; Fig. 5A is a schematic top view of the motor vehicle illustrating the headlights producing a first beam pattern according to a first controlled operation; Fig. 5B is a top view of the motor vehicle, with the headlights producing a second beam pattern; Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the motor vehicle approaching a traffic sign on the left side of the motor vehicle; Fig. 6B is a perspective view of the motor vehicle approaching a traffic sign on the opposite second side of the motor vehicle; Fig. 7 is a block diagram of the light control system for controlling the light beam pattern on the motor vehicle according to an example; and Fig. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a routine for monitoring the location of the motor vehicle and controlling the light beam pattern according to the geographic location. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0010] A detailed reference will now be made to the present preferred embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote identical or similar parts. In the drawings, the structural elements depicted are not to scale, and certain components have been enlarged relative to the other components for the purpose of emphasis and clarity.

[0011] In accordance with the requirements, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed in this document; however, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which can be implemented in various and alternative forms. The figures do not necessarily represent a detailed embodiment; some schematic representations may be enlarged or reduced to show a functional overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed in this document are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching the skilled person the diverse applications of the present disclosure.

[0012] For the purposes of description in this text, the terms "above", "below", "right", "left", "back", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and derivatives thereof refer to the concepts in their orientation in Fig. 1. It is understood, however, that the concepts can assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated otherwise. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the concepts according to the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical properties relating to the embodiments disclosed in this document are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0013] The embodiments illustrated herein primarily consist of combinations of process steps and equipment components related to a motor vehicle lighting control system and method. Accordingly, the equipment components and process steps are represented in the drawings, where appropriate, by conventional symbols, showing only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that are readily apparent to the person skilled in the art from the present description. Furthermore, identical reference numerals in the description and the drawings denote identical elements.

[0014] In this context, the expression "and / or" when used in a list of two or more elements means that each of the listed elements can be used individually, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0015] In this writing, reference terms such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like are used merely to distinguish one unit or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order of such unit or action between such units or actions. It is intended that the terms "includes," "comprehensive," or any other variation thereof cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, procedure, article, or facility comprising an enumeration of elements may include not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, procedure, article, or facility. An element that "includes..."The presence of “ein” does not, without further limitations, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, procedure, article or facility that includes the element.

[0016] As used in this document, the term "approximately" means that quantities, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantitative information and properties are not, and need not be, exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller if desired, and may reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and the like, and other factors known to the person skilled in the art. When the term "approximately" is used to describe a value or an endpoint of a range, the disclosure should be understood as including the specific value or endpoint to which reference is made. Regardless of whether a numerical value or an endpoint of a range includes "approximately" in the description, the numerical value or endpoint of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "approximately" and one not modified by "approximately".It is further understood that the endpoints of each of the areas are significant both with respect to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0017] It is intended that the terms "essentially," "substantially," and variations thereof, as used in this document, indicate that a described feature is equal to or nearly equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially flat" surface is intended to mean that a surface is flat or nearly flat. Furthermore, "substantially" is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal to or nearly equal to each other. In some embodiments, "substantially" may denote values ​​within approximately 10% of each other, such as within approximately 5% of each other or within approximately 2% of each other.

[0018] In the present context, the terms "the", "a", "a", or "a" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "just one" unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "one component" includes embodiments having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0019] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 illustrates an example of a motor vehicle 10, generally equipped with a plurality of lights 20, 20A, and 20B for emitting light, which are generally shown to be located on the exterior at the front end 16 and rear end 18 of the motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 has a body 12, which defines a cabin interior with a passenger compartment and is generally supported on a plurality of wheel and tire assemblies 14. The plurality of lights 20 in the example, shown at the front end 16 of the motor vehicle 10, are configured as headlights located at opposite front corners of the motor vehicle 10 and are configured to produce a headlight beam directed toward the exterior area in front of the motor vehicle 10. The lights 20A may be fog lights.The lights 20B can be taillights at opposite rear corners of the motor vehicle 10. Additionally, the multitude of lights can include daytime running lights, side marker lights, and turn signal lights, for example, at the front end 16, and, for example, taillights, brake lights, reversing lights, and turn signal lights at the rear end 18 of the motor vehicle 10. Furthermore, it is understood that the motor vehicle 10 can have a multitude of other lights, which may be configured with geographically based beam shaping, as shown and described in this document.Each luminaire 20 is configured as a beam-shaping luminaire for light emission, which can be controlled to shape or change the shape of the light emission beam pattern to accommodate different geographical regulations when the motor vehicle 10 travels from one geographical region, such as a first country, to another geographical region, such as a second country.

[0020] The cabin interior of the motor vehicle 10 can be configured with a variety of seats to accommodate a driver and one or more passengers as occupants of the motor vehicle 10. A steering wheel 38 is located in front of the driver's seat to enable the driver to steer the motor vehicle 10. The steering wheel 38 may include one or more sensors for detecting the steering wheel's angle of rotation. The motor vehicle 10 is also equipped with one or more cameras, such as a forward-facing camera 36, ​​which can capture images of the road and the surrounding area, generally in front of the motor vehicle 10, along its path.

[0021] The motor vehicle 10 can also be equipped with a human-machine interface (HMI) in the form of a display 35, which is generally shown to be located in front of the front row of seats between the driver and passenger seats, such as near or integrated into an instrument panel or dashboard. The display 35 can include a touchscreen, for example, a display that receives user input and provides a display output. Advantageously, the display 35 can communicate wirelessly with one or more portable devices, such as a smartphone, and can interact with one or more phone apps.

[0022] The motor vehicle 10 is equipped with a navigation positioning device in the form of a global positioning system receiver (GPS receiver) 40. The GPS receiver 40 can be located inside or on the body 12 of the motor vehicle 10, for example on the roof, as shown. The GPS receiver 40 can be located at another location on the vehicle, such as in or near one or more of the lights 20, 20A, and 20B. The GPS receiver 40 receives GPS signals from a variety of satellites, which are processed to determine the geographic location of the motor vehicle 10. In addition, the GPS signals can provide data on the time of day and date, i.e., the season.The specified geographical location, as well as the time and date information, can be used to determine appropriate lighting, such as the light beam pattern, in accordance with local rules and regulations applicable to the geographical region of the motor vehicle 10.

[0023] Each of the luminaires 20, 20A and 20B can be configured with a beam shaping luminaire. With reference to Fig. Figure 3-4 illustrates an example of a beam-shaping luminaire 20, which is implemented as a pixel luminaire. The beam-shaping luminaire 20 is controllable via a controller to change the pattern of the emitted light beam. The beam-shaping luminaire 20, as shown and described in this document, can be a pixel luminaire according to one example. According to other examples, the beam-shaping luminaire can be a matrix luminaire or a laser luminaire. The beam-shaping luminaire 20 has a control circuit that is programmable and can be readily reconfigured to produce a selectable light emission beam pattern, in particular a light emission beam pattern that complies with local regulations applicable to the geographical region of interest.

[0024] The in Fig. The pixel lamp shown in Figures 3-4 incorporates a variety of lighting devices, shown as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 34, mounted on a printed circuit board 30. The LEDs 34 can be configured as red-green-blue (RGB) LEDs, capable of producing light of any color. The variety of lighting devices is powered by an electrical current supplied via a circuit on the printed circuit board 30 and, in the example shown, is generally arranged in an array of rows and columns. The printed circuit board 30 can be thermally coupled to a heat sink to dissipate heat from the LEDs. The heat sink 32 incorporates a variety of thermally conductive elements, such as metal rods, to dissipate heat from the LEDs 34.The pixel luminaire 22 provides illumination via each of the light-emitting diodes 34, each of which provides one pixel within an array comprising multiple rows and columns of pixels. It is understood that each of the light-emitting diodes 34 can be individually switched ON and OFF to achieve a desired overall beam pattern. While this document generally describes a pixel luminaire 22, it is understood that other forms of beam-shaping luminaires can be used, such as malleable lenses for lens arrays that can change the light beam from one beam pattern to another.

[0025] The luminaire 20 has a housing 28 that generally extends in front of the pixel luminaire 22. An inner lens 24 is coupled to the front end of the housing. An outer headlight housing 26 extends in front of the inner luminaire and encapsulates the pixel luminaire 22, the housing 28, and the inner lens 24.

[0026] With reference to Fig. 5A and Fig. Figure 5B is an example of a light emission beam pattern 42 produced by the pair of headlights 20, illustrated in a driving scenario on a roadway. Fig. Figure 5A considers the light emission beam pattern 42 produced by the pair of headlights 20 for a left-hand motor vehicle 10 traveling in the left lane of a two-lane roadway 44. In this example, the beam pattern 42 exhibits an elongated, extended beam pattern generally in front of the motor vehicle 10 to cover the left lane in the vehicle's path, and a wider, less extended beam pattern illuminating the right-hand lane. The emitted beam pattern 42, which is shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5A, the lighting regulations in a first geographical region, such as a first country, can be complied with. If the motor vehicle 10 travels from the first country to a second geographical region, such as a second country which has different vehicle regulations, the beam pattern produced by the beam-shaping lamp can be reconfigured into a different pattern, as shown for a vehicle traveling on the right side of lane 44, as in Figure 5A. Fig. 5B is shown. Since the vehicle 10 in this example is driven on the other side of the road, the light pattern can be changed to reflect the change in lighting regulations from the first country to a second country.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 6A and Fig. In 6B, the motor vehicle 10 is shown in an example near a traffic sign 46 on the left side of the motor vehicle 10. In the example shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6B, the motor vehicle 10 is driven near a traffic sign 46 on the opposite side of the motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 can use one or more imaging cameras, such as the forward-facing camera 36, ​​and image processing to detect the presence of the traffic sign, including its location and shape, to help improve the detection of a geographic location, such as a specific country in which the motor vehicle is traveling. Thus, the detection of the traffic sign 46 can assist the navigation positioning device in determining the location of the motor vehicle 10 as it enters or leaves a geographic region and can therefore determine the regulations applicable to that geographic region.

[0028] The motor vehicle 10 has a lighting control system 60, which in one embodiment is Fig. Figure 7 illustrates this. The vehicle's lighting control system 60 includes a controller 50 with a control circuit that may contain a microprocessor 52 and a memory 54. It is understood that the controller 50 may employ a shared or dedicated controller and may include another analog and / or digital circuit. A control routine 100 for executing the procedure is stored in the memory 54 and is executed by the microprocessor 52. Additionally, one or more lighting regulations 200 and map data 300 for determining the relative location of the vehicle 10 based on GPS signals and the geographical region are stored in the memory 54.The lighting regulations 200 can initially be stored in advance in the memory 54 or can be downloaded periodically or continuously to the motor vehicle 10 and can be received from communication masts and satellites, such as mobile phone masts, and from other vehicles via vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

[0029] The control unit 50 receives and processes various inputs, including video images captured by the forward-facing camera 36, ​​vehicle tilt and gradient signals recorded by a tilt / gradient sensor 42, and steering wheel angle information recorded by the steering wheel sensor 38. Additionally, the control unit 50 receives signals from the GPS location control module 40, which may include specific GPS location data.

[0030] The controller 50 executes the control routine 100 based on the various inputs and the map data 300 and lighting regulations 200, and generates outputs that can be used to control one or more beam-shaping lamps on the motor vehicle 10 so that the lighting regulations in different geographical regions, such as different countries, are complied with. In the example shown, the lighting requirements for lighting devices in a country, such as Canada, can include controlling the light emission beam pattern for various lighting functions, such as low beam, high beam, glare-free light, cornering / stop / position light, fog lights and the color of the fog lights, reversing lights, side marker lights, speed-dependent daytime running lights, and cornering and turning lights.Additionally, the lighting requirements in a specific country may permit changes to the luminaire's color. Furthermore, the types of lighting, in compliance with the lighting regulations in a specific country, may adjust the light beam pattern based on highway lighting, rural lighting, urban lighting, and inclement weather lighting. The various lighting requirements set out in Block 56 for one country may differ from the lighting requirements set out in Block 58 for another country, such as the United States. Thus, when the motor vehicle travels from one country to another, the lighting control system can advantageously change the light beam pattern automatically and provide a notification of the change to the occupants, such as the driver, in the motor vehicle.

[0031] With reference to Fig.Figure 8 illustrates the control routine 100 for controlling the vehicle's warning light according to an example. Routine 100 begins at step 102 and proceeds to step 104 to provide a user, such as the driver of the motor vehicle, with a notification of a new geographic regulation zone. The motor vehicle determines its geographic location and looks up the new regulation for the zone in which the motor vehicle 10 is currently located. At decision step 106, routine 100 determines whether the motor vehicle has entered a left-hand or right-hand traffic jurisdiction. If not, it continues with the current vehicle settings for the warning light before returning to step 106.If the vehicle has entered a jurisdiction with left-hand traffic, routine 100 proceeds to step 110 to select the settings for the country with left-hand traffic to comply with its regulations. Next, at step 112, routine 100 adjusts the location determination using traffic sign recognition for the country with left-hand traffic, which can be determined from images taken with the windshield camera at step 108. Next, routine 100 proceeds to step 114 to switch the vehicle's headlights to the beam pattern for left-hand traffic. Additionally, control routine 100 can communicate via a CAN / ECU with an archive center 134 via the cloud 132. This allows the lighting patterns for geographic regions to be saved for later use.

[0032] Returning to decision step 106, if the vehicle has entered a jurisdiction with right-hand traffic, routine 100 proceeds to step 112 to select the settings for the country with right-hand traffic in order to comply with its regulations. Next, routine 100 proceeds to step 118 to adjust the location determination with sign recognition for the country with right-hand traffic using the camera in the windshield. Routine 100 then switches to the beam pattern for right-hand traffic in step 124 and can furthermore communicate with the archive center 134 via the cloud 132.

[0033] Additionally, lighting requirements can be provided to the vehicle at step 126. Routine 100 can then determine whether the vehicle has adapted to the mandatory requirements and, if so, returns to step 116 to continue using the current vehicle lighting settings. If the vehicle has not yet adapted to the mandatory lighting requirements, Routine 100 returns to step 112.

[0034] Accordingly, the lighting control system 50 for a motor vehicle and the method advantageously use location and regulatory information to determine and control one or more vehicle lights on a motor vehicle 10 in order to control the light beam pattern so that it complies with local rules or regulations. The lighting control system 50 and the method can further advantageously notify the driver of non-compliance when changes are made to the vehicle lighting pattern.

[0035] It is understood that variations and modifications to the aforementioned structure may be made without deviating from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it is further understood that such concepts shall be covered by the following patent claims, unless these patent claims expressly state otherwise by their wording.

[0036] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided comprising: a navigation device for detecting a geographical location of the vehicle; a beam-shaping lamp configured to emit light in a beam pattern; and a controller configured to process the geographical location and determine a geographical region, wherein the controller determines a beam pattern in compliance with lighting regulations assigned to the determined geographical region, and wherein the controller configures the beam-shaping lamp to produce the beam pattern in compliance with the lighting regulations.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the beam shaping lamp includes a pixel lamp.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the pixel lamp comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes configured in an array, wherein each of the plurality of diodes can be selectively switched on to produce a beam output.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by an imaging camera configured to capture images of a surrounding environment, wherein the control system processes video images to detect one or more traffic signs and further determines the geographical region based on the one or more detected traffic signs.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the navigation device includes a receiver of a global positioning system.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the lighting regulations are stored in a memory.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the lighting regulations include a lighting ordinance.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the geographical region comprises a country.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the beam shaping lamp is located on the outside of the vehicle.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the beam shaping lamp is configured as a vehicle headlight.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the color of the emitted light is changed based on the lighting regulations for the specific geographical region.

[0047] According to the present invention, a method for controlling a beam pattern of a beam-shaping lamp on a motor vehicle comprises the following: switching on the beam-shaping lamp to produce light emission in a first beam pattern; determining the geographical location of the motor vehicle; determining whether the motor vehicle is traveling from a first geographical region to a second geographical region which has different lighting regulations; selecting a second beam pattern in compliance with the lighting regulations assigned to the second geographical region; and controlling the beam-shaping lamp to change the light emission to the selected beam pattern in compliance with the lighting regulations.

[0048] In one aspect of the invention, the method involves notifying an occupant of the vehicle when the first light beam pattern is changed to the second light beam pattern.

[0049] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes configured in an array, wherein each of the plurality of diodes can be switched on to generate the first and second light beam patterns.

[0050] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes an imaging camera configured to capture images of a surrounding environment, wherein the controller processes video images to detect one or more traffic signs and further determines the geographical region based on the detected traffic signs.

[0051] In one aspect of the invention, the step of determining the geographical location involves processing signals received by a receiver of a global positioning system.

[0052] In one aspect of the invention, the lighting regulations may include a lighting ordinance.

[0053] In one aspect of the invention, the geographical region comprises a country.

[0054] In one aspect of the invention, the beam shaping lamp is configured as a vehicle headlight.

[0055] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes the step of changing the color of the light emission based on the lighting regulations for the specific geographical region.

Claims

[1] Vehicle, comprising: a navigation device for detecting the geographical location of the vehicle; a beam-shaping lamp configured to emit light in a beam pattern; and a controller configured to process the geographic location and determine a geographic region, wherein the controller determines a light beam pattern in compliance with lighting regulations assigned to the determined geographic region, and wherein the controller configures the beam shaping luminaire to produce the light beam pattern in compliance with the lighting regulations. [2] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the beam shaping lamp comprises a pixel lamp. [3] Vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the pixel lamp comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes configured in an array, wherein each of the plurality of diodes can be selectively switched on to produce a beam output. [4] Vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising an imaging camera configured to capture images of a surrounding environment, wherein the control system processes video images to detect one or more traffic signs and further determines the geographical region based on the one or more detected traffic signs. [5] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the navigation device comprises a receiver of a global positioning system. [6] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the lighting instructions are stored in a memory. [7] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the lighting regulations include a lighting regulation. [8] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the geographical region comprises a country. [9] Vehicle according to one of claims 1-8, wherein the beam shaping lamp is located on an outside of the vehicle. [10] Vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the beam shaping lamp is configured as a vehicle headlight. [11] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a color of the emitted light is changed based on the lighting regulations for the specific geographical region. [12] Method for controlling a beam pattern of a beam shaping lamp on a motor vehicle, the method comprising: Switching on the beam shaping lamp to create a light emission in a first light beam pattern; Determining the geographical location of the motor vehicle; Determine whether the motor vehicle is traveling from a first geographical region to a second geographical region that has different lighting regulations; Selecting a second light beam pattern in compliance with the lighting regulations assigned to the second geographical region; and Controlling the beam shaping lamp to change the light emission to the selected light beam pattern in compliance with lighting regulations.

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