Method for communication and communication device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for communicating with a vehicle occupant of a motor vehicle by means of a communication device (10), the communication device (10) comprising a base body (20); a head (16) mounted on the base body (20) and comprising a screen device (18) for communicating with a vehicle occupant of the motor vehicle in order to output optical display content; a movement device, which is provided for moving the head (16) relative to the base body (20); a control device, which is designed to control the movement device and / or the screen device (18); the invention relates to a method for providing a communication device (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a screen device (18), and an interface device, by means of which a mechanical connection and an electrical connection can be reversibly established between the communication device (10) and the motor vehicle for power supply and / or data transmission, in which method optical display content is output by means of the screen device (18), which optical display content is presented as an eye (22) of the communication device (10), the display of the optical display content is adjusted according to information to be transmitted to a vehicle occupant.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for communicating with a vehicle occupant of a motor vehicle by means of a communication device and to a communication device for communicating with a vehicle occupant of a motor vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known from document US 2011 / 0144856 A1 a three-dimensional figure for communicating with a vehicle occupant in a motor vehicle, wherein the three-dimensional figure is fixed at a position in the motor vehicle. The three-dimensional figure is provided for a visual and / or audible communication with a driver or an occupant of the motor vehicle.

[0003] Furthermore, it is known from document DE 10 2007 037 073 A1 a device for communicating information to a driver of a motor vehicle. The device comprises a control device and an indication device controlled by the control device. The indication device has a directional indication element which constitutes at least one three-dimensional body and which is movable in at least one degree of freedom. Furthermore, the indication device has a drive element for moving the directional indication element. A spatial direction to be displayed to the driver can be determined by the control device. The drive element of the indication device can be controlled by the control device in order to align the directional indication element towards the spatial direction to be displayed.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known from document WO 2016 / 202450 A1 a method for controlling an interface device of a motor vehicle. Within the scope of the method, physiological parameters of at least one occupant, in particular a driver of the motor vehicle, are acquired by a sensor device. The method further comprises determining a mental state of the occupant by analyzing the acquired physiological parameters. Furthermore, the method comprises controlling an output device of the interface device, which is provided for outputting at least one output information depending on the analyzed mental state of the vehicle occupant in order to influence the mental state of the vehicle occupant. SUMMARY

[0005] The technical problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a solution which enables a particularly simple communication between a vehicle occupant and a digital assistant of a motor vehicle.

[0006] The technical problem is solved according to the invention by a method for communicating with a vehicle occupant of a motor vehicle by means of a communication device, the communication device comprising:

[0007] - a base body,

[0008] - a head arranged on the base body, the head comprising a screen device for communicating with a vehicle occupant of a motor vehicle in order to output an optical display content,

[0009] - a movement device, which is provided for moving the head relative to the base body,

[0010] - a control device, which is provided for controlling the movement device and / or the screen device, and

[0011] - an interface device, by means of which a mechanical and electrical connection for power supply and / or data transmission can be reversibly established between the communication device and the motor vehicle,

[0012] wherein, in the method, optical display content is output by means of the screen device, which is presented as an eye of a communication device, wherein the presentation of the optical display content is adapted in accordance with information to be communicated to a vehicle occupant.

[0013] The technical problem is also solved according to the application by a communication device for communicating with a vehicle occupant of a motor vehicle, comprising:

[0014] - a base body,

[0015] - a head, which is arranged on the base body, comprising a screen device for communicating with a vehicle occupant of a motor vehicle in order to output optical display content,

[0016] - a movement device, which is provided for moving the head relative to the base body,

[0017] - a control device, which is provided for controlling the movement device and / or the screen device, and

[0018] - an interface device, by means of which a mechanical and electrical connection for power supply and / or data transmission can be reversibly established between the communication device and the motor vehicle,

[0019] wherein the communication device is provided for carrying out a method of the aforementioned type.

[0020] Further possible embodiments of the application are disclosed in the description and the drawings. The features, advantages and possible embodiments set forth in the description for any one of the technical solutions of the independent claims are to be considered at least analogously to be features, advantages and possible embodiments of the respective technical solution of the other independent claims and of each possible combination of the technical solutions of the individual independent claims, if necessary in combination with the features, advantages and possible embodiments of one or more dependent claims.

[0021] The invention relates to a method for communicating with a vehicle occupant of a motor vehicle by means of a communication device. The method enables the communication device to communicate with the vehicle occupant. The communication device is in particular provided for performing an action that is adapted to the occupant's behavior and / or instructions. The action can in turn be characterized as information to be communicated to the occupant.

[0022] In motor vehicles, the interaction with digital assistants is usually carried out primarily by voice and thus in a purely linguistic form. The lack of non-verbal communication can lead to the user perceiving the interaction process as unnatural. Virtual figures can enhance the degree of natural interaction. Thus, for example, a digital avatar can give the digital assistant an expression on the screen. To achieve a real body language, however, a physical body that can move is required. The communication device is a physical avatar designed for vehicle applications. The physical avatar has a distinctive, perceptible and easily understandable body language and is designed in a minimalist, safe and reliable and non-distracting manner for integration into the vehicle interior of a motor vehicle.

[0023] The communication device comprises a base body and a head arranged on the base body. The head comprises a screen device for interacting with the vehicle occupant in order to output optical display content. Furthermore, the communication device comprises a movement device which is provided for moving the head relative to the base body. The movement device is in particular provided for moving the head relative to the base body in six degrees of freedom. This means that the head can be moved in translation relative to the base body along three spatial directions and that the head can be rotated or deflected relative to the base body about the respective spatial axes. The communication device further comprises a control device which is provided for controlling the movement device and / or the screen device. Furthermore, the communication device comprises an interface device by means of which a mechanical and electrical connection for power supply and / or data transmission between the communication device and the motor vehicle can be established reversibly. The interface device is provided for engaging with a counterpart interface device on the vehicle. It can be provided that the motor vehicle has a plurality of different counterpart interface devices arranged in different positions in the vehicle interior, which can each engage with the interface device. As a result, the communication device can be arranged in different positions in the vehicle interior. By engagement of the interface device with the counterpart interface device, the communication device can be fixed in a specific position in the vehicle interior and thus positioned and fixed in the vehicle by means of the interface device.

[0024] It is provided within the framework of the method that optical display content is output by means of the screen device, which is presented as an eye of the communication device. The presentation of the optical display content is adapted in accordance with the information to be communicated to the vehicle occupant. Here, the presentation of the eye is adapted in particular in accordance with the information to be communicated to the vehicle occupant. It is provided in particular that only the eye is presented by the optical display content, without the mouth of the communication device being displayed. Furthermore, the presentation of the nose can also be omitted. As a result, the optical display content can be designed particularly simply and unobtrusively. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid the technical problem that the mouth needs to be synchronized with the text output by means of the communication device or the motor vehicle in different languages. The eye presented by the screen device also enables an emotional connection between the communication device and the vehicle occupant to be facilitated particularly simply and reliably. The presented eye can be interpreted particularly simply and intuitively by the vehicle occupant, so that the information represented by the optical display content can be understood particularly simply and intuitively by the vehicle occupant.

[0025] It is provided in one possible refinement of the application that the shape of the eye is adapted in accordance with an emotional state and / or a line of sight direction associated with the communication device. By adapting the eye in this way to represent the emotional state of the communication device, an especially strong emotional bond between the vehicle occupant and the communication device can be achieved. The mood of the vehicle occupant can be influenced by the emotional state to be expressed by the presentation of the eye. For example, an angry driver can be calmed down by adapting the eye of the communication device in accordance with the emotional state to be communicated to the driver. By adapting the presentation of the eye in accordance with a line of sight direction preset for the communication device, the line of sight of the vehicle occupant can be directed. As a result, the line of sight of the vehicle occupant can be directed to a predetermined region or a predetermined location by the line of sight direction presented by the eye of the communication device. As a result, the line of sight of the vehicle occupant can be suitably directed by means of the communication device, so that the attention of the vehicle occupant can be focused on a region represented or predetermined by the line of sight direction.

[0026] It is provided in another possible embodiment of the application that the optical display content presents a decoration in addition to the eye or that the background of the eye is adapted. The decoration can be, for example, glasses, an umbrella or a magnifying glass, or colored confetti or balloons or water can be presented in the background of the eye. Furthermore, the background color can also be adapted. By presenting a decoration or adapting the background, the information to be communicated can be obtained particularly simply and intuitively by the vehicle occupant by means of the optical display content.

[0027] It can also be provided in connection therewith that the background is adapted in dependence on the environment in which the motor vehicle is located and / or the season or a holiday. For example, when the vehicle enters a car wash line, the background can show water. Thereby, for example, the passenger can be informed that the vehicle has recognized that it is in the car wash line. In order to adapt the background in dependence on the season and / or the holiday, for example, a pumpkin can be shown in the background during Halloween. The vehicle passenger thereby recognizes from the display whether the vehicle has correctly recognized the season or the holiday. Furthermore, by adapting the background of the optical display content in dependence on the season or the holiday, it is also possible to create a particularly close emotional bond between the vehicle passenger and the communication device or the vehicle.

[0028] In a further possible embodiment of the application it is provided that the shown ornament is selected in dependence on the weather conditions or in dependence on the action of the motor vehicle or the communication device. When it is detected that the vehicle is in the rain, an umbrella can be shown as an ornament in the background of the optical display content. Alternatively or additionally, when weather updates are retrieved by means of the communication device or weather information is output to the vehicle passenger, an umbrella can be shown in the background. If information is searched for by the digital assistant and thus by means of the communication device or the vehicle electronics, for example on the Internet, glasses or a magnifying glass can be shown as an ornament in the optical display content. Depending on the shown ornament, the vehicle passenger can recognize particularly easily the action currently performed by the vehicle or the communication device.

[0029] In a further possible embodiment of the application it is provided that the eyes are output by means of the screen device only when no digital assistant in the form of a digital avatar is shown on the display screen of the motor vehicle. Here, the digital assistant can be provided either only in the form of a digital avatar on the display screen of the vehicle or shown as eyes in the form of a physical avatar by means of the screen device of the communication device. Thereby, it is possible to give the vehicle passenger the impression that there is only one digital assistant, which is either arranged in the communication device or in the display screen of the vehicle. It is thus possible to create the impression that there is only one digital assistant, which changes its location within the vehicle. As an alternative scenario it can be provided that, in addition to the eyes shown by means of the screen device, a digital avatar is also shown on the display screen of the vehicle. Thereby, it is possible to give the vehicle passenger the impression that the vehicle comprises two assistants with a role / functional division of labor. Alternatively, the digital assistant can also be implemented exclusively in the form of a physical avatar by means of the eyes shown by means of the communication device and not by means of a digital avatar output on the display screen of the vehicle. The display screen of the vehicle in particular refers to a so-called human-machine interface (HMI) of the vehicle, which can be part of an infotainment system, for example.

[0030] In another possible embodiment of the application it is provided that the presentation of the optically displayed content is also adjusted in accordance with an extension means detected by the communication device and / or in accordance with a detected user input. By selecting a respective corresponding extension means and arranging the extension means, for example an artistic hat, on the communication device, the vehicle occupant can personalize the eyes presented on the screen device. Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle occupant can personalize the presentation of the eyes by performing a user input. For example, the vehicle occupant can perform the user input directly on the communication device or the human-machine interface of the vehicle. Since the vehicle occupant can personalize the appearance of the physical avatar at least by adjusting the presentation of the eyes by means of the extension means or by means of the user input, it is possible to achieve a particularly strong emotional bond between the vehicle occupant and the communication device.

[0031] In connection therewith it can be provided, in particular, that the pupil color of the presented eyes and / or the presentation style of the eyes is adjusted in accordance with the user input. For example, the pupil color can be set to blue, brown, gray or green. Other colors are also possible. As a style pattern of the presentation of the eyes it can be provided that the eyes have a serious expression or a playful expression. The personalization of the presentation of the digital assistant can effectively promote the establishment of an emotional bond between the vehicle occupant and the communication device.

[0032] In another possible embodiment of the application it is provided that the movement of the eyes presented by means of the screen device is coordinated with the movement of the head of the communication device relative to the base body in accordance with the information to be conveyed to the vehicle occupant. For example, the head can be rotated in the direction in which the presented eyes are rotated in order to present a predetermined gaze direction of the communication device. Thereby, the movement and the gaze trajectory of the communication device appear natural and familiar to the vehicle occupant. Since the movement of the presented eyes is supported by the movement of the head relative to the base body, the gaze direction presented by the communication device can particularly simply and intuitively direct the gaze of the vehicle occupant to the region predetermined by the gaze direction of the communication device.

[0033] The application also relates to a communication device for communicating with a vehicle occupant of a motor vehicle. The communication device comprises a base body, a head arranged on the base body, a movement device, a control device and an interface device. The head comprises a screen device for outputting optically displayed content for communicating with the motor vehicle occupant. The movement device is provided for moving the head relative to the base body. The control device is provided for controlling the movement device and / or the screen device. A reversible mechanical and electrical connection for power supply and / or data transmission between the communication device and the vehicle can be established by means of the interface device. The communication device is provided for carrying out the aforementioned method for communicating according to the application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] Further technical features of the present application can also be gathered from the following description of the drawings and are given according to the drawings. The features mentioned in the above description and the features mentioned in the following description of the drawings and / or shown in the drawings alone or in any desired combination are not only technically feasible but can also be considered technically advantageous on the basis of the application.

[0035] In the drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 schematic internal view showing a partial area of a cockpit of a motor vehicle, wherein a communication device is arranged;

[0037] Figures 2a to 2h different emotional states exhibited by the eyes output by means of a screen device of the communication device are shown;

[0038] Figures 3a to 3f different gaze directions exhibited by the eyes output by means of a screen device are shown;

[0039] Figures 4a to 4e various presentations of an optical display content output by means of a screen device of the communication device are shown, which include the eyes and at least one ornament or adapted background;

[0040] Figures 5a to 5c various side views of a communication device with different extension means are shown; and

[0041] Figures 6a to 6c various schematic internal views of a cockpit of a motor vehicle with a communication device and a display screen of the vehicle are shown, wherein a digital assistant of the vehicle is presented by means of the communication device and / or the display screen.

[0042] The same or functionally identical elements are denoted by the same reference signs in the various figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Figure 1 A communication device 10 arranged within a cockpit 12 of a motor vehicle is shown. Furthermore, a display screen 14 of the motor vehicle is shown in Figure 1 The vehicle comprises a digital assistant, which can be implemented by means of the communication device 10 and / or the display screen 14.

[0044] As Figure 1As shown, the communication device 10 comprises a head part 16 with a screen device 18 and a base part 20. The head part 16 is arranged on the base part 20. The screen device 18 is provided for outputting optical display content by interaction with a vehicle occupant. The communication device 10 further comprises a movement device, not shown in detail, which is provided for moving the head part 16 relative to the base part 20. Furthermore, the communication device 10 comprises a control device which is provided for controlling the movement device and / or the screen device 18 and an interface device by which a reversible mechanical and electrical connection between the communication device 10 and the vehicle for power supply and / or data transmission can be established.

[0045] As further shown, Figure 1 in order to communicate with the vehicle occupant by means of the screen device 18, the communication device 10 outputs an optical display content which is presented as eyes 22. The presentation of the optical display content, in particular the eyes, is adapted to the information to be communicated to the vehicle occupant. The presentation of the eyes 22 can be adapted to an emotion associated with the communication device 10. In Figures 2a to 2h , the screen device 18 is shown with eyes 22 presenting different emotions. In Figure 2a , the eyes 22 are presented with a neutral expression. In Figure 2b , the eyes 22 are presented with a happy expression. In Figure 2c , the eyes 22 are presented with a surprised expression. In Figure 2d , the eyes 22 are presented with a confused expression. In Figure 2e , the eyes 22 are presented with a happy expression. In Figure 2f , the eyes 22 are presented with a sad expression. In Figure 2g , the eyes 22 are presented with a tired expression. In Figure 2h , the eyes 22 are presented with a contemplative expression.

[0046] In Figures 3a to 3f , the presentation of the eyes 22 is adapted to a preset gaze direction to be presented. In Figure 3a , the eyes 22 are presented in a straight ahead neutral state. In Figure 3b , the eyes 22 are presented in a leftward gaze state. In Figure 3c , the eyes 22 are presented in a rightward gaze state. In Figure 3d , the eyes are presented in a blinking motion state. In Figure 3e , the eyes are presented in an upward gaze state. In Figure 3f , the eyes are presented in a downward gaze state.

[0047] In Figures 4a to 4e , the optical display content is adapted such that the respective eyes 22 are presented by a decoration 24 and / or the background of the optical display content around the eyes 22 is adapted. Figure 4bThe image shows an eye 22 with a magnifying glass 26 as a decorative element. This could indicate that a digital assistant is performing a search. Figure 4c In the image, eye 22 is displayed alongside umbrella 28, which serves as a decorative element. This could indicate that the digital assistant is obtaining weather updates. Figure 4a , 4d In versions 4e and 4e, the background of the optical display content surrounding eye 22 was adjusted. The background can be adjusted according to the vehicle's environment and / or according to the season or holiday of the year. Figure 4a In the middle, the background is fully displayed with colored confetti, for example, on the birthday of one of the vehicle's occupants. Figure 4e In the middle, the background is designed with a Halloween pumpkin theme. Figure 4d In the middle, water 32 is displayed in the background. This design is particularly suitable for situations where vehicles are in a car wash line.

[0048] exist Figures 5a to 5c In the illustration of the communication device 10, the display of optical display content is adjusted according to the expansion member 34 arranged in the communication device 10. Based on the determined expansion member 34, the display content can be adjusted as follows: Figure 5a Adjust the background as shown, or as... Figure 5b As shown, accessories 24 can be provided; in this example, they are glasses 36 and a scarf 38. Figure 5c As shown, the display style of eye 22 can also be adjusted according to the determined extension component 34.

[0049] The display of optical content can also be adjusted based on user input. In this process, for example, the pupil color of the displayed eye 22 and / or the display style of the eye 22 can be adjusted based on user input.

[0050] The movement of the eyes 22 displayed by the screen device 18 can be coordinated with the mechanical movement of the head 16 of the communication device 10 relative to the base 20, based on the information to be transmitted to the vehicle occupants.

[0051] The vehicle's digital assistant can be provided by the physical avatar provided by the communication device 10, and additionally by the digital avatar 40 displayed by the vehicle's display screen 14 when necessary.

[0052] exist Figures 6a to 6c The image shows the cockpit 12 of a motor vehicle equipped with communication equipment 10 and a display screen 14. Digital assistants, such as... Figure 6a The above can be implemented physically via communication device 10 alone. Alternatively, such as Figure 6bAs shown, the digital assistant can comprise two virtual figures, namely the physical avatar provided by the communication device 10 and the digital avatar 40 presented on the display 14. The two virtual figures can have different roles or task assignments. Alternatively, the digital assistant can alternately be provided as a physical avatar by the communication device 10 and by means of the output of the digital avatar 40 by the display 14. Here, it appears to the vehicle occupant as if the digital assistant switches back and forth between the communication device and the display 14. To this end, the eyes 22 are output by means of the screen means 18 only when the digital avatar 40 is not displayed on the display 14.

[0053] The communication device 10 is here in the shape of a cylinder, which can be integrated as a physical avatar on the dashboard of a motor vehicle. The physical avatar is here designed in such a way that it allows a high degree of flexibility in the presentation of digital content and a high degree of mechanical movement. The physical avatar comprises as main components a head 16, a base body 20 and an interface means designed as a proprietary connector here. This construction makes it possible for the head 16 to move in all six degrees of freedom relative to the base body 20 and allows the display of digital content on the curved screen means 18 integrated in the head 16 of the communication device 10.

[0054] The expression of the physical avatar is presented in a minimalist way with the eyes 22 as the central element. The eyes 22 are characterized in such a way that different emotions can be clearly recognized and accurately expressed. In addition, the eyes 22 allow the impression to be created that the physical avatar can look in different directions. This impression can also be enhanced by mechanical rotation of the head relative to the base body. Here, the presentation of the nose and mouth is deliberately omitted, thereby making the virtual figure even more minimalist and almost distraction-free. In addition, the technical challenge of synchronizing lip movements with the output text in a multilingual scenario is solved in this way. In order to enhance the expression, in specific cases, a decoration 24 can be added to the eyes. This makes it possible for emotions to also be assigned a field. For example, on the screen means 18, colored confetti 30 can be displayed on a birthday greeting, a magnifying glass 26 when searching for a navigation destination and an umbrella 28 when a weather update is displayed. In addition, in the context, the background of the optically displayed content can be adapted to the situation. Thus, it is possible to present the head 16 of the physical avatar as being filled with water 32 when driving through a car wash or to be written in an appropriate way on a specific date, for example to be transformed into a pumpkin on Halloween. To this end, a calendar integration function as well as a recognition system for specific events and places or environments based on geofencing can be provided.

[0055] The physical avatar is integrated with other interaction media, for example in particular the display 14, in the cockpit. For the interaction concept of the physical avatar and the digital avatar in the infotainment system of a motor vehicle, it is possible to provide the scenarios already described in connection with Figures 6a to 6c the description. In Figure 6aIn the first scenario shown, there is only one virtual avatar. Once the physical avatar is installed in the vehicle, the digital avatar 40 exits, and the digital assistant migrates to the communication device 10. Figure 6b In the second scenario shown, the physical avatar and digital avatar 40 coexist with different role assignments. Both have a visual form and can communicate with each other. Each virtual avatar has a specific role and / or task scope. For example, the digital avatar 40 can play the role of a butler, executing all instructions issued by the user, while the physical avatar plays the role of a partner, i.e., a friend, actively playing a role in emotional application scenarios such as birthday wishes.

[0056] exist Figure 6c In the third scenario shown, only one digital assistant exists, but it can take two different forms. Therefore, under certain circumstances, switching can be dynamically achieved by the assistant optically moving from the communication device 10 to the display screen 14. Thus, the assistant can transform between its physical and digital avatars 40.

[0057] The physical avatar can be personalized. Therefore, the physical avatar's appearance can be configured, such as the eye color or the style of the displayed eyes 22, for example, a 2D or 3D style; the digital assistant's voice, especially configured between female and male voices; or the digital assistant's personality, especially configured between serious and lively. Alternatively or additionally, the physical avatar can be extended by physical accessories and therefore by at least one extension member 34. With the aid of these extension members 34, new digital elements can be loaded and played on the screen device 18 of the communication device. Figure 5c In this context, the extension component is shown in the form of Darth Vader. The Darth Vader helmet-shaped extension component 34 results in adjustments to the face of the physical avatar displayed by the screen device 18. In addition to visual adjustments, the voice and / or characters of the digital assistant and / or the interior lighting of the vehicle and / or the human-machine interface, particularly the display on the display screen 14, can be adjusted according to the extension component used.

[0058] The communication device 10 is highly customizable and personalized. Its basic design is simple yet expressive. The optical display content can be expanded with any embellishments 24 and context to increase detail. Furthermore, the appearance and features of the digital assistant or physical avatar can be configured by the user and extended via additional expansion components 34. The described communication device 10 is capable of achieving rich facial expressions and body language while maintaining a highly integrated and minimalist design.

[0059] In summary, this invention demonstrates how to design interaction schemes for physical avatars.

[0060] List of reference numerals

[0061] 10 communication device

[0062] 12 cockpit

[0063] 14 display screen

[0064] 16 head

[0065] 18 screen device

[0066] 20 base

[0067] 22 eyes

[0068] 24 ornament

[0069] 26 magnifying glass

[0070] 28 umbrella

[0071] 30 colored paper

[0072] 32 water

[0073] 34 extension member

[0074] 36 glasses

[0075] 38 scarf

[0076] 40 digital avatar

Claims

1. A method for communicating with a vehicle occupant of a motor vehicle by means of a communication device (10), the communication device (10) comprising - a base body (20), - a head (16) arranged on the base body (20), the head comprising screen means (18) for communicating with a vehicle occupant of a motor vehicle in order to output optically displayed content, - movement means, which are provided for moving the head (16) relative to the base body (20), - control means, which are provided for controlling the movement means and / or the screen means (18), and - interface means, by means of which a mechanical and electrical connection for power supply and / or data transmission can be reversibly established between the communication device (10) and a motor vehicle, wherein in the method optically displayed content is output by means of the screen means (18), which optically displayed content is presented as an eye (22) of the communication device (10), wherein the presentation of the optically displayed content is adapted in accordance with information to be communicated to the vehicle occupant.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The shape of the eye (22) is adapted in accordance with an emotion and / or a line of sight direction associated with the communication device (10).

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The optically displayed content is presented as a decoration (24) or the background of the eye (22) is adapted in addition to the eye (22).

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The background is adapted in accordance with the environment in which the motor vehicle is located and / or the season or a holiday.

5. The method of claim 3 or 4, wherein, The presented decoration (24) is selected in accordance with the weather conditions or in accordance with the movement of the motor vehicle or the communication device (10).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The eye (22) is output by means of the screen means (18) only if a digital avatar (40) is not presented on a display (14) of the motor vehicle.

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The presentation of the optically displayed content is also adapted in accordance with an extension member (34) detected by the communication device (10) and / or in accordance with a detected user input.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The iris of the presented eye (22) and / or the presentation style of the eye (22) is adapted in accordance with a user input.

9. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The movement of the presented eye (22) by means of the screen means (18) is coordinated with the movement of the head (16) of the communication device (10) relative to the base body (20) in accordance with the information to be communicated to the vehicle occupant.

10. A communication device (10) for communicating with a vehicle occupant of a motor vehicle, the communication device comprising - a base body (20), - a head (16) arranged on the base body (20), the head comprising screen means (18) for communicating with a vehicle occupant of a motor vehicle in order to output optically displayed content, - movement means, which are provided for moving the head (16) relative to the base body (20), - control means, which are provided for controlling the movement means and / or the screen means (18), and - interface means, by means of which a mechanical and electrical connection for power supply and / or data transmission can be reversibly established between the communication device (10) and a motor vehicle, wherein, the communication device (10) being provided for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

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