INTERFACE DEVICE AND PROCEDURES

Abstract

A human-machine interface (HMI) for a vehicle (1), comprising: an output means (40, 50) for outputting information; a passenger monitoring means (20) for determining the state of at least one passenger in the vehicle (1) and outputting a passenger state signal indicating this, wherein the passenger monitoring means (20) comprises at least one imaging device (25) arranged to output image data corresponding to at least one section of an interior of the vehicle (1) and an image processor (30) arranged to receive the image data, determine the state of the at least one passenger and output the passenger state signal accordingly; and a control means (10) for determining an operating state of one or more systems of the vehicle, wherein the control means is arranged to receive the passenger state signal;wherein the control means (10) is arranged to compile an output from the output means (40, 50) depending on the operating state of one or more systems and the passenger status signal; wherein the image processor (30) is arranged to determine an activity performed by at least one passenger by analyzing the image data in order to identify, using image recognition, one or more objects in the possession of the user and to output the passenger status signal, comprising an indication of the activity; and wherein the control means (30) is arranged to compile the output to a driver based on the activity performed by the at least one passenger in order to prevent distraction or interruption of the activity performed by the at least one passenger.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an interface device and a method, and in particular, but not exclusively, to an interface device and a method for compiling information relating to a vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to a human-machine interface, a vehicle, a human-machine interface method, and computer software. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Currently, an occupant of a vehicle, such as the driver, can access information relating to one or more of the vehicle's systems. It is desirable to provide vehicle information in a more convenient way.

[0003] It is an object of embodiments of the invention to at least mitigate one or more of the problems of the prior art. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Inventive aspects and embodiments provide a human-machine interface (HMI), a vehicle and a human-machine interface (HMI) method as claimed in the attached patent claims.

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, an interface is provided for a vehicle, comprising passenger monitoring means for determining a passenger's state and control means for compiling an output depending on the passenger's state. Advantageously, the passenger's state forms the basis for the output.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, the following is provided: a human-machine interface (HMI) for a vehicle, comprising a means for outputting information, passenger monitoring means for determining the state of at least one passenger in the vehicle and for outputting a passenger state signal indicating this state, control means for determining the operating state of one or more systems of the vehicle, wherein the control means is arranged to receive the passenger state signal, and wherein the control means is arranged to compile an output from the output means depending on the operating state of the one or more systems and the passenger state signal. Advantageously, the state of the passenger is taken into account when compiling the output.

[0007] The human-machine interface as described above, wherein: the means of output may include one or more output devices; the passenger monitoring equipment may include a passenger monitoring system; and The tax resource can comprise a tax unit.

[0008] The output means can include two or more acoustic output means, one visual output means, and one haptic output means. The control means can be arranged to select from the output means depending on the passenger status signal. Advantageously, several types of output means can be provided, and in some embodiments, a selection is made between the types of output means depending on the passenger status signal.

[0009] The passenger status signal can indicate the presence of at least one passenger. Advantageously, the presence of any passenger is taken into account.

[0010] Optionally, the passenger status signal displays the number of passengers in the vehicle. It is advantageous that the number of passengers is taken into account.

[0011] The passenger monitoring device may include at least one imaging device arranged to output image data corresponding to at least one section of the vehicle's interior. Advantageously, the image data is used as a sensor. The passenger monitoring device may include an image processor arranged to receive the image data, determine the state of the at least one passenger, and output the passenger state signal accordingly. Advantageously, the state of the passenger(s) is determined in a suitable manner.

[0012] The image processor is optionally arranged to determine an activity performed by at least one passenger based on the image data. The passenger status signal can include an indication of the activity. Advantageously, the passenger's activity is determined from the image data.

[0013] The control mechanism can be configured to adjust the driver's expenditure based on the activity performed by at least one passenger. Advantageously, passenger activity is taken into account when compiling the expenditure.

[0014] The control system can adjust the output to the driver to prevent distraction or interruption of the activity performed by at least one passenger. Advantageously, the passenger can continue their activity without interruption.

[0015] Adaptation can include adjusting the control to reduce the output volume, to deliver a message to the driver only visually and / or haptically, and / or to select output devices directed only at the driver. Advantageously, the driver can still receive the output without distracting the passenger from their activity.

[0016] Optionally, the activity can be one of the following: sleeping, using a communication device, reading, using a computing device, or speaking to another passenger. Advantageously, the activity can be one or more of several types of activities that can be carried out in a vehicle.

[0017] The image processor can be configured to determine the importance of at least one passenger based on the image data and to output a passenger status signal that includes an indication of the specific passenger status. Advantageously, the importance of the passenger is taken into account.

[0018] The importance level can be selected as a child or an adult. Optionally, the importance can be determined in relation to the vehicle's driver. It is advantageous to determine the importance in relation to the driver if the passenger's importance can vary.

[0019] The control system can be configured to monitor the passenger status signal after the output has been compiled and to recompile the output depending on the passenger status signal indicating a change in the status of at least one passenger. Advantageously, changes in passenger status are taken into account.

[0020] The control device can be configured to determine the volume of the output from the acoustic output device depending on the output composition. The control device can also be configured to select one or more audio output devices in the vehicle for the composite output. Advantageously, the type of output is determined.

[0021] Once the visual output device is selected, the control device can be configured to select one or more visual output devices in the vehicle for composite output. Advantageously, an output location is determined.

[0022] The control mechanism is optionally arranged to cause the output mechanism to issue the compiled output. The output is then made available in a useful manner.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided which includes a human-machine interface according to one of the preceding claims.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the invention, a human-machine interface (HMI) method is provided for a vehicle, comprising determining a state of at least one passenger in the vehicle, determining an operating state of one or more systems of the vehicle, compiling an output from the HMI depending on the operating state of the one or more systems and the state of the at least one passenger.

[0025] Optionally, the compilation of the output includes the selection of one or more types of output devices depending on the specific condition of the at least one passenger.

[0026] The selection can involve choosing from two or more of an acoustic output device, a visual output device, and a haptic output device.

[0027] The method may include determining the volume of the output from the acoustic output devices depending on the output composition. The method may include selecting from one or more audio output devices in the vehicle for the composite output.

[0028] Once the visual output device has been selected, the procedure may involve selecting one or more visual output devices in the vehicle for composite output.

[0029] Optionally, the passenger status signal includes an indication of the presence of at least one passenger.

[0030] The passenger status signal can include an indication of the number of passengers in the vehicle.

[0031] Determining the state of the at least one passenger optionally includes determining an activity being performed by the at least one passenger.

[0032] The output to the driver can be adjusted based on the activity being performed by the at least one passenger in order to prevent distraction or interruption of the activity being performed by the at least one passenger.

[0033] Adjusting the output may include one or more of the following: reducing the volume of the output, delivering a message to the driver only visually and / or haptically; and / or selecting only the output means directed at the driver.

[0034] The activity may be one or more of the following: sleeping, using a communication device, reading, using a computing device, or talking to another passenger.

[0035] Determining the condition of at least one passenger optionally includes determining the importance of that passenger; optionally, the importance as a child or adult is determined.

[0036] The procedure may include distributing the compiled output. Optionally, the compiled output is given to a driver of the vehicle.

[0037] The procedure may include receiving a passenger status signal that includes an indication of the status of at least one passenger.

[0038] The procedure may include receiving image data corresponding to at least one section of the vehicle's interior.

[0039] The procedure may include processing the image data to determine the condition of at least one passenger.

[0040] According to a further aspect of the invention, computer software is provided which, when executed by a computer, is configured to execute a method as defined by another aspect of the invention. The computer software can be stored on a computer-readable medium. Optionally, the computer software is stored in a tangible form on the computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may be non-volatile.

[0041] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives presented in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims, and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular their individual features, may be considered independently of one another or in any combination. This means that all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any way and / or in any combination, provided that these features are not incompatible.The applicant reserves the right to amend any originally filed patent claim or to file any new patent claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed patent claim to depend on and / or incorporate any feature of any other patent claim, even if it was not previously claimed in this manner. List of characters

[0042] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described exclusively by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a vehicle comprising a human-machine interface according to an embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a module of a control device according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 3 a flowchart that is a method according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Fig. 1 represents a tax resource 10 for configuring one or more systems according to an embodiment of the invention. The control means 10 It can be a control device or a control unit. In particular, some embodiments of the invention relate to a control device. 10 to configure a human-machine interface (HMI) 15 However, it is apparent that embodiments of the invention can be considered which are not used to configure the HMI. 15 to be used, and that other systems are controlled by the control device 10 can be configured, as indicated. The control device 10 is in Fig. 1 in a vehicle 1like a land vehicle. It can be seen that embodiments of the invention are not limited in this respect and that the control device 10 It can be useful in other vehicles, such as boats and airplanes.

[0044] The control device 10 It includes an electronic processor. The HMI 15 can also be a storage device such as a storage device 5 include a set of arithmetic instructions stored in the memory device. 5 stored, which, when they are by the processor 10 executed, cause the processor to implement a procedure as described herein. The control device 10This includes an input, such as an input for receiving electronic data, indicating the presence and condition of one or more passengers in the vehicle, as explained below. The term "passenger" is used herein to refer to an occupant of the vehicle who is not responsible for driving or operating (such as steering) the vehicle, as is the case with a land vehicle, where the driver is responsible. The passenger may be an occupant of the vehicle who is not seated in a driver's seat (a seating position that does not provide primary access to vehicle driving controls). In some embodiments, the passenger of the vehicle may be one or more occupants seated in one or more rear seats of the vehicle, i.e., in the second or third row of seats.

[0045] The vehicle 1 includes a passenger monitoring device 20to determine the condition of one or more passengers in the vehicle 1 The passenger monitoring equipment 20 A passenger monitoring system (PMS) can be 20. The PMS 20 includes an imaging device 25 , which is in the form of an imaging device or a camera 25 may be present. The imaging device 25 is configured to process image data ( D IMG ) to be output. The image data corresponds to at least one section of the vehicle's interior. 1 The image data indicates a position that at least one passenger can occupy. The imaging device 25 can show a view of one or more passengers (if present) in the vehicle 1 Capture the image data. D IMG can be digital data that includes a representation of an image falling on a sensor, for example a CCD, although other sensors of the imaging device 25 can be used. It is also noted that the PMS 20 other recording devices such as one or more microphones (not shown) for outputting audio data D AUD This can include displaying the sounds in the vehicle. The PMS 20 It can also receive passenger data indicating that one or more passenger seats are occupied. This passenger data can be received, for example, from the vehicle's seatbelt monitoring system or a seat occupancy sensor.

[0046] The image data D IMG are by a processor 30 received. The processor 30 can an image processor 30Although in embodiments of the invention which also include one or more microphones, the processor can be an audiovisual (AV) processor 30 It is also noted that a second processor may be provided to process the audio data. D AUD to process. Image processing can be an electronic processing device for analyzing image data. The image processor executes software instructions that implement the image analysis. The image processor 30 is configured to analyze the image data in order to firstly identify whether there is anything in the vehicle 1 Passengers are present, and secondly, one or more attributes of these passengers. For the sake of clarity, it is described that the vehicle 1 only one passenger is transported, although it is recognized that this does not restrict the embodiments according to the invention.

[0047] As mentioned above, the image processor 30Configured to identify one or more attributes of the vehicle's passenger. The one or more attributes may include the passenger's current behavior. The current behavior may indicate an activity performed by the passenger. The activity may be any of the following: sleeping, using a telephone or other communication device, reading, using a computing device such as a laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone, or talking to another passenger, although it is recognized that this list is not exhaustive. The activity may be one during which the passenger does not wish to be disturbed, distracted, or interrupted, and such an activity would be flagged as such. Several predefined categories of passenger activities can be defined, such as those listed above, and the image processor 30can select a category from the predefined categories that display the activity being performed. The image processor 30 In some embodiments, the system can determine activity by analyzing image data to identify, using image recognition, one or more objects such as a telephone or other communication device, a book, a tablet, or a laptop computer owned by the user. Similarly, sleeping can be identified by the visibility of the passenger's eyes, and speaking by the opening and closing of the passenger's mouth or other mouth movements.

[0048] In some embodiments, the attribute can include the passenger's importance. The importance can be a level of importance, i.e., selected from a variety of predetermined levels. The importance can indicate the passenger's authority. The level can be relative to a driver of the vehicle. For example, a child might be considered less authoritative than the driver, while an adult might be considered more authoritative. The level can be defined by one or more rules. Data specifying the rules can be stored in memory within the image processor. 30 stored or accessible to this person.

[0049] The HMI 15 and the PMS 20 are communicative with a communication bus 35 of the vehicle 1 coupled. The communication bus 35 It enables information to be exchanged between the vehicle's systems. 1can be exchanged. The communication bus can be implemented as a CAN bus or as an IP-based communication network, such as Ethernet. When using such a bus 35 Each system on the bus can represent a network node that has an associated ID or address, such as an IP address. Systems can communicate data to specific other systems by specifying one or more IP addresses to receive the data, or they can send data to all other systems on the bus. 35 transmit or publish. It should be noted that other communication protocols are available for the communication bus. 35 can be used.

[0050] The image processor 30 is configured to output data indicating whether there are passengers in the vehicle 1 are present. The image processor 30It can be configured to output data displaying one or more attributes of these passengers, such as the passenger's current behavior. For example, the activity the passenger is engaged in. The data can indicate the passenger's importance, which can be a level selected from a variety of predefined levels, such as child and adult.

[0051] The image processor 30 The data output is sent to the communication bus 35 provided, with the communication bus 35 The received data is communicated to other systems in the vehicle, as described above. The data can be used as a passenger status signal ( P STAT The passenger status signal can be described as one or more signals on the communication bus. 35 Published data packages will be made available.

[0052] The HMI 15Can the passenger status signal be transmitted from the communication bus? 35 received. The HMI 35 It can also receive information via the communication bus that can be used by one or more other systems 31 , 32 , 33 of the vehicle 1 display. For example, one or more other systems may display this. 31 , 32 , 33 This includes at least some of the following vehicle systems: an engine management system, a brake management system, a fuel monitoring system, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), a vehicle navigation system, and a traffic monitoring system. It is understood that this is a non-exhaustive list of vehicle systems (VS) suitable for use in conjunction with the HMI described herein. The vehicle systems output data signals. S1 , S2 , S3 ... to the communication bus 35 The data signals S1, S2 , S3 ... can each comprise one or more data packets relating to the operating status of the corresponding vehicle system. Each system can send data signals. S1 , S2 , S3 ... to the communication bus 35 The system publishes a notification when its operating state changes. In some embodiments, each signal is assigned a priority level, allowing a selection of signals to be prioritized by the HMI. 15 to be carried out, is enabled, i.e., only the selection of signals with a higher priority than a predetermined priority, such as warning messages.

[0053] The control device 10 is arranged to provide an output from the output means depending on the operating state of one or more systems 31 , 32 , 33 , and the passenger status signal PSTAT. The control device 10In some embodiments, it is configured to select from a variety of output devices located in the vehicle. 1 are available, depending on the state of at least one passenger, i.e., based on the passenger state signal PSTAT. In some embodiments, the control device 10 ordered to configure one or more outputs depending on the condition of at least one passenger, as explained.

[0054] The HMI 15 is equipped with one or more output devices in the form of output devices 40 , 50 coupled. The output devices are used to output information to one or more occupants of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the output devices are linked to the driver of the vehicle. 1directed. For example, at least one of the output devices may be a display screen positioned so that it can be seen by the driver, such as mounted on or in the vehicle's dashboard, or it may be the vehicle's head-up display (HUD). 1 train. The vehicle 1 It can include a variety of display screens, each controlled by several occupants of the vehicle. 1 can be seen. For example, in addition to one or more display screens visible to the driver, each passenger in the rear seat can be provided with a corresponding display screen. The control device 10 is arranged to output from a variety of visual output devices in the vehicle 1 to be selected according to the passenger status signal.

[0055] At least one of the output devices may include the vehicle's audio system, with the audio output in the vehicle being made available to a large number of vehicle occupants. 1 , i.e., not only the driver, but also the passengers of the vehicle 1 can be heard. The output devices can include one or more acoustic output devices, visual output devices, and haptic output devices. The control device 10 is arranged to select from the available output devices according to the passenger status signal.

[0056] It was pointed out that this is particularly true for some types of vehicle. 1 It is desired that the passengers of the vehicle 1not to disturb or interrupt. For example, in a vehicle used as a chauffeur-driven vehicle, it is desirable that one or more passengers in the rear seats or in the rows of seats behind the driver's seat, such as in the second or third row, not be disturbed. It may also be desirable, in particular, not to disturb passengers in conversations, while reading, sleeping, or using communication devices such as telephones or video communication devices. It is understood that such considerations apply not only to chauffeur-driven vehicles but to all types of vehicles. Embodiments of the invention improve this problem by providing an output of the HMI. 15 according to the condition of at least one passenger in the vehicle 1 configure.

[0057] Fig. 1 is an example of one equipped with an audio output device 40 and a display screen 50 coupled HMI 15 It is pointed out that, although there are only two output devices 40 , 50 As illustrated, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this respect. For example, the HMI can be coupled with a plurality of display screens, audio output devices such as loudspeakers, and one or more haptic output devices to provide a physical sensor output.

[0058] Fig. 2 schematically represents modules that are operationally controlled by the control device 10 the HMI 15 can be executed. It should be noted that the control device 10 In addition to the modules shown, it can also implement other modules. In some embodiments, the control device performs... 10an output selection module 210 in some embodiments, the control device performs 10 an output compilation module 220 out of.

[0059] The output selection module 210 is arranged to use one or more means of expenditure 40 , 50 to select in the vehicle. The output selection module 210 is arranged to display the passenger status signal PSTAT to receive and one or more output devices 40 , 50 in the vehicle 1 to select based on that. The output selection module 210 This can be one or more expenditure methods. 40 , 50 select to provide an output to avoid interrupting, disturbing, or distracting the passenger(s) in the vehicle, while the output is directed to the driver of the vehicle. 1is provided. For example, if it is determined that a passenger is talking, either to another passenger or on the phone, if it is determined that a passenger is sleeping, or if it is determined that a passenger is reading, the output selection module can 210 perform one or more of the following: 1.) Reducing the volume of output information; 2.) Selecting output devices, such as one or more of the speakers on the driver's side, for information only. 3.) Outputting a message to the driver only visually and / or haptically. 4.) Selecting only one audio device(s) and / or only one display screen(s) or devices, such as the HUD, directed towards the driver.

[0060] The output selection module 210The system can select which option to execute based on the passenger's condition. For example, reducing the volume of output information or selecting only devices directed at the driver may be the most appropriate option if it is determined that the passenger is on their phone, whereas delivering a message to the driver only visually and / or haptically may be the most appropriate option if it is determined that one or more passengers are asleep.

[0061] The output compilation module 220 is arranged to output information depending on one or more data signals. S1 , S2 , S3 ... from one or more of the vehicle systems 31 , 32 , 33 to compile. As mentioned above, the data signals represent S1 , S2 , S3...provides information relating to the operating status of the relevant vehicle system 31 , 32 , 33 refer to the output compilation module. 220 controls the output of information from the HMI 15 , for example, to control one or both of the times a message or notification is issued and the content of the message. For example, the output composition module 220 Compile the message or notification by selecting images to display, such as graphics or icons, and / or words or phrases to display or generate as audible speech.

[0062] Fig. 3 represents a human-machine interface (HMI) method 300 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0063] The procedure 300 includes one step 310of determining the condition of at least one passenger in the vehicle. In step 310 can the HMI 15 the passenger status signal PSTAT received.

[0064] The procedure 300 includes one step 320 Determining the operating state of one or more of the vehicle's systems. In step 320 can the HMI 15 the one or more data signals S1 , S2 , S3 received information about the status of one or more of the vehicle's systems. 1 show.

[0065] The procedure 300 includes one step 330 of compiling an output from the HMI depending on the state of at least one passenger. Step 330 may include the output selection module 210 selects one or more output devices according to the status signal. Step 330may include the output compilation module 220 the message or notification to be issued based on one or more data signals S1 , S2 , S3 forms. For example, the message can display an instruction from the vehicle's satellite navigation system or the TPMS.

[0066] In step 340 The output will be from HMI 15 Provided. Step 340 includes the HMI, which causes one or more output devices to 40 , 50 It is operated in the vehicle to output the message or notification. For example, the control device indicates 10 in step 340 one or more audio devices to output the compiled message.

[0067] It is noted that embodiments of the invention can be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Such software can be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage, such as a storage device like a ROM, whether erasable or overwritable, or in the form of memory such as RAM, memory chips, devices, or integrated circuits, or on an optically or magnetically readable medium, such as a CD, DVD, magnetic disk, or magnetic tape. It is noted that the storage devices and storage media are embodiments of machine-readable memory suitable for storing a program or programs that, when executed, implement embodiments of the invention.Accordingly, embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing a system or method according to one of the preceding claims, as well as a machine-readable memory on which a program is stored. Furthermore, embodiments according to the invention can be transmitted electronically via any medium, such as a communication signal transmitted via a wired or wireless connection, and embodiments include such a medium.

[0068] All features and / or steps of a method or process disclosed in this patent specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be combined in any combination except combinations in which at least some of these features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0069] Each feature disclosed in this patent specification (including any accompanying claims, the abstract, and the drawings) may be replaced by alternative features that serve the same, a corresponding, or a similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Accordingly, unless expressly stated otherwise, each disclosed feature is an example of a general set of corresponding or similar features.

[0070] The invention is not limited to the details of any embodiments described above. The invention extends to any new or novel combination of the features or steps disclosed in this patent specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), or any novel combination of steps of a method or process disclosed therein. The claims should not be interpreted as covering only the embodiments described above, but rather any embodiments within the scope of the claims.

Claims

[1] Human-machine interface (HMI) for a vehicle, comprising the following: an output device for displaying information; Passenger monitoring equipment for determining the status of at least one passenger in the vehicle and issuing a passenger status signal indicating this; a control device for determining an operating state of one or more systems of the vehicle, wherein the control device is arranged to receive the passenger state signal; and wherein the control means is arranged to assemble an output from the output means depending on the operating state of one or more systems and the passenger state signal. [2] Human-machine interface according to claim 1, wherein the output means comprise: two or more of an acoustic output means, a visual output means and a haptic output means and wherein the control means is arranged to select from the control means depending on the passenger status signal. [3] HMI according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the passenger status signal indicates the presence of at least one passenger. [4] HMI according to claim 3, wherein the passenger status signal indicates a number of passengers in the vehicle. [5] HMI according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the passenger monitoring means comprise: at least one imaging device arranged to output image data corresponding to at least one section of the vehicle's interior; and an image processor arranged to receive the image data, determine the state of at least one passenger and, depending on this, output the passenger state signal. [6] HMI according to claim 5, wherein the image processor is arranged to determine an activity performed by at least one passenger based on the image data and to output the passenger status signal comprising an indication of the activity. [7] HMI according to claim 6, wherein the control means is arranged to adapt the output to the driver based on the activity performed by the at least one passenger in order to prevent distraction or interruption of the activity performed by the at least one passenger. [8] HMI according to claim 7, if dependent at least on claim 2, wherein the control means is adapted as follows: Reducing the output volume; Output of a message to the driver only visually and / or haptically; and / or Selecting only dispensing devices intended for the driver; to prevent distraction or interruption of the activity being carried out by the at least one passenger. [9] HMI of claims 6, 7 or 8, wherein the activity is one of the following: sleeping, using a communication device, reading, using a computing device or talking to another passenger. [10] HMI according to one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the image processor is arranged to determine the importance of at least one passenger based on the image data and to output the passenger status signal which includes an indication of the determined passenger status. [11] HMI according to claim 10, wherein the importance is selected as that of the child or the adult; optionally, wherein the importance is determined in relation to a driver of the vehicle. [12] HMI according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control means is arranged to monitor the passenger status signal after the output has been assembled and to reassemble the output depending on the passenger status signal indicating a change in the status of the at least one passenger. [13] HMI according to claim 2 or any dependent claim, wherein, when the acoustic output means is selected, the control means is arranged to one or both of the following: Determining the volume of the output from the acoustic output devices depending on the output configuration; and Selecting one or more audio output devices in the vehicle for the compiled output. [14] HMI according to claim 2 or any dependent claim, wherein, when the visual output means is selected, the control means is arranged to select one or more visual output devices in the vehicle for the combined output. [15] HMI according to one of the preceding claims, wherein optionally the control means is arranged to cause the output means to output the assembled output. [16] Vehicle comprising a human-machine interface according to any of the preceding claims. [17] Human-machine interface (HMI) method for a vehicle, comprising the following: Determining the condition of at least one passenger in the vehicle; Determining the operating state of one or more systems of the vehicle; Compiling an output from the HMI depending on the operating state of one or more systems and the state of at least one passenger. [18] Method according to claim 17, wherein the assembly of the output comprises selecting one or more types of output means depending on the specific condition of the at least one passenger. [19] Method according to claim 18, wherein the selection comprises selecting from two or more of an acoustic output means, a visual output means and a haptic output means. [20] The method of claim 19, wherein, when the acoustic output means is selected, the method comprises one or both of the following: Determining the volume of the output from the acoustic output devices depending on the output configuration; and Selecting one or more audio output devices in the vehicle for the compiled output. [21] Method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein, when the visual output means is selected, the method comprises selecting one or more visual output devices in the vehicle for the composite output. [22] Method according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the passenger status signal comprises an indication of the presence of at least one passenger. [23] Method according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the passenger status signal comprises an indication of the number of passengers in the vehicle. [24] Method according to any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein determining the state of the at least one passenger comprises determining an activity carried out by the at least one passenger. [25] Method according to claim 24, wherein the output to the driver is adapted based on the activity performed by the at least one passenger in order to prevent distraction or interruption of the activity performed by the at least one passenger. [26] The method of claim 25, wherein adjusting the output comprises one or more of the following: Reducing the output volume; Outputting a message to the driver only visually and / or haptically; and / or selecting only output devices that are directed at the driver. [27] Method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the activity is one of the following: sleeping, using a communication device, reading, using a computing device or talking to another passenger. [28] Method according to any one of claims 17 to 27, wherein determining the condition of the at least one passenger includes determining the importance of the at least one passenger; optionally, the importance as a child or adult is determined. [29] Method according to any one of claims 17 to 28, comprising outputting the compiled output; optionally, the compiled output is output to a driver of the vehicle. [30] Method according to any one of claims 17 to 29, comprising receiving a passenger status signal, comprising a display of the status of the at least one passenger. [31] A method according to any one of claims 17 to 30, comprising the following: Receiving image data that corresponds to at least one section of the vehicle's interior; and Processing the image data to determine the condition of at least one passenger. [32] Computer software which, when executed on a computer, is configured to execute a method according to any one of claims 17 to 31. [33] Computer software according to claim 32, stored on a computer-readable medium; optionally, the computer software is stored in a tangible manner on the computer-readable medium. [34] Human-machine interface, vehicle, human-machine interface method and computer software substantially as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings.