Traffic light countdown notification and alert suppression

Abstract

A method for providing a driver alert includes receiving a traffic signal phase status and a time remaining in the traffic signal phase status, determining a time to move forward in response to the traffic signal phase status being red and the time remaining in the traffic signal phase status, displaying the time to move forward to a driver, determining a driver attention level, and generating a driver alert in response to the driver attention level being below a threshold attention level and the time to move forward being less than a threshold time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a system for providing traffic signal information to a driver inside a motor vehicle. More specifically, aspects of this disclosure relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for determining the time of a traffic signal state change, providing a traffic signal countdown timer, determining driver attention, and providing an alert to an inattentive driver of an impending traffic signal state change. Background Technology

[0002] Communication systems such as Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication enable modern vehicles to communicate with data networks, nearby infrastructure, and other vehicles. These communications allow for data exchange, crowdsourcing, and analytics, providing these vehicles with more information than ever before. For example, using Signal Phase and Timing (SPaT) messages allows traffic signal controllers to provide nearby vehicles with additional information, such as the current light status of each lane at an intersection and the timing of light changes. This information allows vehicles to provide drivers with additional information and warnings about conditions that may not be easily apparent.

[0003] For example, vehicles can provide drivers with alerts when traffic light status has changed. Without such communication systems, the timing of traffic light changes is not readily apparent to drivers, so inattentive drivers might be warned when a vehicle can move forward without obstructing traffic at an intersection. However, if drivers are focused on driving, these continuous alerts can become tedious and may be disabled, thus becoming non-operational when they could be useful and beneficial to the driver. The aim is to provide drivers with a traffic light countdown notification system while overcoming the aforementioned problems.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is merely intended to enhance the understanding of the background of the invention, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art in this country. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This document discloses vehicle sensor methods and systems for supplying vehicle systems, related control logic, methods for manufacturing and operating such systems, and motor vehicles equipped with onboard control systems. By way of example and not limitation, this document presents various embodiments of systems for accurately determining appropriate driver notifications of traffic light state changes, and methods for performing traffic light countdown notifications and alarm suppression in motor vehicles.

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus includes: a receiver configured to receive a traffic signal phase state and a remaining time in the traffic signal phase state; a processor configured to determine a forward movement time in response to the traffic signal phase state being red and the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state, for determining a driver attention level, and for generating a control signal in response to the driver attention level being below a threshold attention level and the forward movement time being less than a threshold time; a user interface for displaying the forward movement time to the driver; and a driver alarm system for generating a driver alarm in response to the control signal.

[0007] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the driver alarm system includes tactile feedback to the driver.

[0008] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the driver alarm system includes auditory feedback to the driver.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the forward movement time is further determined in response to the distance between the host vehicle and the stop line.

[0010] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the forward movement time is further determined in response to at least one of the vehicle transmission state and the vehicle braking state.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the user interface is a head-up display.

[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the user interface is operable to visually display the forward movement time to the driver.

[0013] According to another aspect of this disclosure, it also includes determining the vehicle speed, and wherein forward movement time is displayed in response to the vehicle speed being lower than a threshold speed.

[0014] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the receiver is an SPaT receiver configured to receive SPaT messages, and the SPaT messages indicate the traffic signal phase state and the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state.

[0015] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for providing a driver alert includes: receiving a traffic signal phase state and the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state; determining a forward movement time in response to the traffic signal phase state being red and the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state; displaying the forward movement time to the driver; determining the driver's attention level; and generating a driver alert in response to the driver's attention level being below a threshold attention level and the forward movement time being less than a threshold time.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the driver alarm includes tactile feedback to the driver.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the driver alarm includes auditory feedback to the driver.

[0018] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the driver alarm includes visual feedback to the driver.

[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, it also includes determining the distance between the vehicle and the stop line, and wherein a forward movement time is determined in response to the distance between the vehicle and the stop line.

[0020] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the traffic signal phase state and the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state are indicated by an SPaT message received via vehicle-to-infrastructure wireless transmission.

[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the forward movement time is further determined in response to at least one of the vehicle transmission state and the vehicle braking state.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the forward movement time is displayed to the driver on a head-up display.

[0023] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the driver's attention level is determined in response to at least one of a driver's visual direction to a traffic signal and a display indicating forward movement time.

[0024] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle control system includes: an SPaT receiver for receiving an SPaT message, wherein the SPaT message includes a traffic signal phase state and the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state; a display for displaying forward movement time; a global navigation satellite system for determining the vehicle's position; a memory configured to store map data, wherein the map data includes the position of a stop line; a driver monitoring system for determining a driver attention level; a driver alarm system for generating at least one of a tactile alarm, an auditory alarm, and a visual alarm; and a processor configured to determine the distance between the vehicle and the stop line, a forward movement time in response to the distance between the vehicle and the stop line, a traffic signal phase state, and the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state, the processor further configured to generate a control signal in response to a driver attention level falling below a threshold attention level and a forward movement time falling below a threshold time.

[0025] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the threshold time is determined in response to the distance between the vehicle and the stop line, the driver's level of attention, and the vehicle's transmission status.

[0026] The above-described advantages and other advantages and features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in conjunction with the following accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 An exemplary environment for using a traffic light countdown notification and alarm suppression system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0029] Figure 2 A block diagram of a system for implementing a traffic light countdown notification and alarm suppression system in a motor vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for performing a traffic light countdown notification and alarm suppression system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0031] Figure 4 Another block diagram of a system for implementing a traffic light countdown notification and alarm suppression system in a motor vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0032] Figure 5 Another flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for performing a traffic light countdown notification and alarm suppression system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] The examples described herein illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and these examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application or use. Furthermore, it is not intended to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the foregoing technical field, background art, summary of the invention, or the following detailed description. As used herein, the term module refers to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped) and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

[0035] Now go to Figure 1 This illustration shows an exemplary environment 100 using a traffic light countdown notification and alarm suppression system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary environment 100 depicts a road surface 107 leading to a traffic light 105 having a stop line 115, and a first vehicle 110, a second vehicle 120, a third vehicle 130, and the vehicle itself 150.

[0036] In this exemplary embodiment, a first vehicle 110, a second vehicle 120, a third vehicle 130, and the vehicle 150 are depicted as waiting for a change in state at traffic light 105. A distance 155 from the vehicle to the stop line is also shown. Systems within the vehicle 150 are configured to determine the distance 155 between the stop line 115 and the vehicle 150. The distance 155 can be determined using map data to determine the location of the stop line 115 and Global Positioning System (GPS) data, etc., to determine the location of the vehicle 150. Alternatively, the vehicle 150 can determine the number of vehicles between the stop line 115 and the vehicle 150, and estimate the distance 155 in response to the average vehicle length of each vehicle. The number of vehicles between the stop line 115 and the vehicle 150 can be determined in response to vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, image data, or other sensor data (such as lidar depth maps).

[0037] Once the distance 155 is determined, the system within 150 estimates the forward movement time that the vehicle can move forward. The forward movement time can be the expected time the vehicle can move forward. For example, if the vehicle is the first vehicle in the queue at a traffic light, the forward movement time will be the time it takes for the traffic light in the vehicle's lane to change from red to green. If the vehicle is the third vehicle in the queue, and it is estimated that it takes 1.5 seconds for each vehicle in front of it to begin moving after the previous vehicle has moved, then the estimated forward movement time will be the time it takes for the traffic light in the vehicle's lane to change from red to green plus 3 seconds.

[0038] The forward movement time can be estimated in response to the remaining time in the red light cycle, the number of vehicles between vehicle 150 and stop line 115, and whether vehicle 150 or its transmission is in parking position and whether the vehicle's brakes are applied. Once the forward movement time is estimated, a system within vehicle 150 can display a countdown timer showing the time remaining until the forward movement time. The forward movement time can be displayed using the countdown timer to show the time remaining until the forward movement event. The forward movement time can be displayed on a vehicle display or other driver interface as a head-up display (HUD).

[0039] Once the countdown timer reaches its remaining threshold, the system within the vehicle can provide visual or audible alerts, such as an alarm tone, or tactile alerts, such as seat vibration, to notify the driver of the upcoming forward movement. However, the system can determine whether the driver is paying attention to driving and suppress the alarm. Internal cameras and other driving monitoring systems can be used to determine the driver's attention level. It may be desirable to suppress the alarm so that the driver does not receive excessive alerts while driving and can focus on driving operations.

[0040] Now go to Figure 2The illustration shows a block diagram of a system 200 for implementing a traffic light countdown notification and alarm suppression system in a motor vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary system 200 may include an antenna 205, a signal phase and timing (SPaT) receiver 210, a telemetry module 215, a processor 220, a driver information center 230, an augmented reality (AR) head-up device (HUD) 225, a driver alert system 235, an object detection system 345, and a driver monitoring system 255.

[0041] SPaT receiver 210 can be configured to receive SPaT messages from a vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) transmitter via antenna 205. SPaT messages can define the current traffic light phase at the intersection and the current state of all lanes at the intersection. Data received via SPaT messages can then be coupled to telemetry module 215 for processing and coupled to processor 220. Telemetry module 215 is configured to provide wireless connectivity between the vehicle, other vehicles, infrastructure, and data networks. The telemetry module may include multiple antennas, modulators, demodulators, signal processors, etc., to process, transmit, and receive radio frequency signals carrying data for vehicle use, such as system updates, updated map data, infotainment system data, etc. Telemetry module 215 may also include a GPS receiver for receiving GPS satellite signals used to determine the vehicle's location.

[0042] Processor 220 is configured to receive SPaT message data and vehicle position data, and determine the traffic light status of the current lane. In response to the SPaT message, processor 220 is configured to determine the distance from the vehicle to the stop line of the current lane. This distance can be determined in response to GPS data and map data indicating the stop line's location. Alternatively, the distance can be estimated by determining the number of vehicles between the vehicle and the stop line.

[0043] The processor 220 then determines whether the traffic light signal status for the current lane is red based on the SPaT message data. If the signal status is red, the processor then determines the vehicle speed. The vehicle speed can be determined in response to data from the vehicle controller 232, such as data from wheel speed sensors, vehicle transmission sensors, etc. Alternatively, the vehicle speed can be determined in response to periodic location determination based on GPS data. If the vehicle speed is less than a threshold speed and the distance to the stop line is less than a threshold distance, the processor 220 can estimate whether the vehicle is stopped or stopped in response to the red signal status of the traffic light. The processor 220 then determines the time of the next traffic light state change based on the SPaT message data.

[0044] Processor 220 can estimate the forward movement time of the vehicle in response to the time of the next traffic light state change and the number of vehicles between the vehicle and the stop line. The number of vehicles between the vehicle and the stop line can be estimated using object detection system 345. Alternatively, the number of vehicles can be estimated using the vehicle's position determined from GPS data and map data indicating the stop line's location. Processor 220 can also adjust the forward movement time in response to vehicle conditions that may cause additional time for forward movement, such as the vehicle being switched to park, the engine being off, and / or the driver's foot not being on the brake pedal.

[0045] The estimated time of the next state change of the traffic light and / or the estimated forward movement time can be coupled from processor 220 to driver information center 230 for display to the driver. Alternatively, the forward movement time can be displayed to the driver on an augmented reality (AR) head-up display (HUD) 225. When the forward movement time is displayed, driver monitoring system 255 can determine whether the driver is focused on the displayed forward movement time or on the traffic light. For example, if the driver's gaze is directed to a location other than the focused driving position, such as towards the passenger seat or downwards towards an object in the driver's hands, driver monitoring system 255 can determine that the driver's attention is not focused on driving operations.

[0046] If the driver's attention may not be focused on driving, the driver monitoring system 255 can send data to the processor 220 indicating driver inactivity. The processor 220 can then couple control signals to the driver alert system 235 to generate audible and / or tactile alarms, thereby alerting the driver to an impending forward movement event. For example, if it is determined that the driver is not engaged, an audible and / or tactile alarm can be provided two seconds before the forward movement time expires. This provides the driver with a warning to re-engage and prepare to drive the vehicle. If the driver is determined to be attentive, a driver alert may not be necessary. If the driver monitoring system 255 determines that the driver is attentive and engaged in driving by checking traffic signals or the driver information center 230 displaying the forward movement time, the driver monitoring system 255 sends data to the processor 220 indicating driver attention. The processor 220 then either does not send control signals to the driver alert system 235 or suppresses the alarm provided to the driver when the forward movement time reaches an alarm threshold.

[0047] Now go to Figure 3The diagram illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 300 for traffic light countdown notification and alarm suppression in a motor vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Some exemplary methods are first configured to receive, 310, an SPaT message related to the operation of a neighboring traffic signal. The SPaT message can be received via vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication or other wireless communication networks. The SPaT message can be sent periodically, for example, every 100 ms. The SPaT message can indicate the current phase of the traffic signal for each traffic lane at the intersection. The SPaT message also provides the remaining time of the phase for each lane.

[0048] The method is then configured to calculate the distance between the vehicle and the stop line in its lane at the intersection. The distance can be estimated in response to the location of traffic signals based on map data stored in the vehicle's memory or in response to one or more images captured by the vehicle's cameras or optical sensors. The distance can also be estimated by determining the number of vehicles between the vehicle and the stop line and summing the estimated lengths for each vehicle.

[0049] The method then determines whether the traffic signal status of lane 330 is red. The traffic signal status may be determined in response to an SPaT message and / or in response to one or more images captured by the vehicle's camera. If the traffic signal status is determined to be not red, the method returns to waiting to receive a subsequent SPaT message 310. If the traffic signal status is red, the method then operates to estimate the forward movement time of lane 335 of the vehicle in response to the distance between the vehicle and the stop line and the remaining time in the red traffic light phase of the current traffic light phase. The forward movement operation may be the time at which the vehicle can begin to move forward toward an intersection, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, the forward movement time may be set to the remaining time in the red traffic light phase of the current traffic light phase.

[0050] The method then determines whether the distance to the stop line (340) is less than a threshold and whether the vehicle speed is less than a threshold. If the speed and / or the distance to the stop line is greater than the threshold, the method returns to waiting to receive a subsequent SPaT message (310). If the speed and the distance to the stop line are less than the threshold, the method displays (350) at least one of the remaining time until the next traffic signal state change and the vehicle's forward movement time.

[0051] The method then determines whether the forward movement time (355) or the remaining time until the next traffic signal state change is less than a threshold time. The threshold time can be the amount of time remaining before the driver is warned of the impending forward movement. For example, the threshold time could be two seconds, allowing the driver to be warned of the upcoming forward movement two seconds before it is estimated to occur. If the forward movement time exceeds the threshold time, the method returns to waiting to receive the subsequent SPAT message (310).

[0052] If the forward movement time is less than a threshold time, the method then determines whether the driver is paying attention to driving operations. Driver attention can be estimated through a driver monitoring system, etc. Driver attention can be estimated by determining the driver's visual direction, which is determined by monitoring eye and / or head position, the driver's position in the driver's seat, steering wheel monitoring, etc. If the driver's estimated attention is below the threshold, the method operates to issue a driver alarm, 370. The driver alarm can be an auditory alarm sound and / or tactile feedback, such as seat vibration. The method then returns to waiting to receive a subsequent SPAT message, 310. If the driver is determined to be attentive, or the driver's attention level exceeds a minimum threshold, the driver alarm is suppressed or not generated, and the method returns to waiting to receive a subsequent SPAT message, 310.

[0053] Now go to Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a block diagram of a system 400 for traffic light countdown notification and alarm suppression in a motor vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The system may include a GPS 405, a receiver 410, a memory 415, a processor 420, a user interface 430, and a driver alert system 440.

[0054] Receiver 410 can be configured to receive the traffic signal phase state and the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state. In some exemplary embodiments, the receiver can be an SPaT receiver configured to receive an SPaT message. The SPaT message can indicate the traffic signal phase state and the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state. The SPaT message can be transmitted from the traffic signal controller to the receiver via a V2I wireless communication channel.

[0055] The processor 420 can be configured to determine a forward movement time in response to a traffic signal phase state being red and the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state. The forward movement time is the remaining time until the vehicle is expected to begin moving freely toward the intersection. The forward movement time can be increased in response to the distance between the vehicle and the stop line. For example, the more cars between the vehicle and the stop line, the longer it will take for the vehicle to begin moving forward, because each car introduces a brief time delay before it begins to move. If the vehicle is first in line at the stop line, the forward movement time will be the same as the remaining time in the traffic signal state. The forward movement time can also be adjusted in response to at least one of the following: the vehicle engine is off, the vehicle transmission is in the parked state, the vehicle brakes are applied or not applied, and the parking brake is applied or not applied. Each of these conditions requires time for the driver to bring the vehicle into a ready-to-drive state, so the forward movement time can be adjusted according to these conditions.

[0056] The processor 420 is also operable to estimate the driver's attention level and generate a control signal in response to the driver's attention level being below a threshold attention level and the forward movement time being less than a threshold time. The processor 420 may receive image data from vehicle cameras, steering controllers, and / or other driver monitoring sensors and determine the duration since the driver engaged in driving. For example, if the driver is looking forward in the direction of the traffic signal or toward a forward movement time display, a high driver attention level can be determined. If the driver has looked away from the front of the vehicle for more than 30 seconds, a low driver attention level can be determined. In some embodiments, the longer the duration for which the driver has not looked at the traffic signal, the lower the driver's attention level. The processor 420 may further determine the vehicle speed. In some embodiments, in response to the vehicle speed being below a threshold speed, the processor 420 may couple the forward movement time to a display.

[0057] User interface 430 can be configured to display the forward travel time to the driver. In some embodiments, the user interface may be a head-up display. User interface 430 can be operated to visually display the forward travel time to the driver on a vehicle display device, such as a dashboard.

[0058] The exemplary system 400 may further include a driver alert system 440 for generating a driver alert in response to a control signal. In some embodiments, the driver alert system 440 may include a device for providing at least one of tactile feedback, auditory feedback, and visual feedback to the driver.

[0059] In some exemplary embodiments, exemplary system 400 may be a vehicle control system. Receiver 410 may be an SPaT receiver for receiving SPaT messages. SPaT messages may include data related to the operation of traffic signals, such as the traffic signal phase state for each lane at the intersection, the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state, etc.

[0060] User interface 430 may include a display, such as an LED display, indicator lights, and / or analog gauges, to display the forward movement time from processor 420. Processor 420 may be configured to determine the distance between the vehicle and the stop line, the forward movement time in response to the distance between the vehicle and the stop line, the traffic signal phase state, and the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state. Processor 420 may also be configured to generate control signals in response to a driver attention level falling below a threshold attention level and a forward movement time falling below a threshold time. The threshold time may be determined in response to the distance between the vehicle and the stop line, the driver attention level, and the vehicle's transmission state.

[0061] To determine the distance between the vehicle and the stop line, the Global Navigation Satellite System 405 can be used to determine the vehicle's position. The memory 415 can be coupled to the processor 420 and configured to store map data, including the position of the stop line. The processor 420 can then calculate the distance between the stop line and the vehicle's position.

[0062] The driver alarm 440 may include at least one driver interface for generating at least one of a tactile alarm, an auditory alarm, and a visual alarm. The driver alarm 440 may be generated in response to a control signal generated by the processor 420.

[0063] Now go to Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of another exemplary method 500 for implementing a traffic light countdown notification and alarm suppression system in a motor vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The method first operates to receive 510 a traffic signal phase state and the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state. In some embodiments, the traffic signal phase state and the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state can be indicated by an SPaT message received via V2I wireless transmission.

[0064] The method then operates to determine the distance between the vehicle and the stop line. The stop line can be a stop line within the vehicle's lane. The stop line can be near a traffic signal or an intersection of roads where the traffic signal is located. The stop line position can be determined in response to map data stored in the vehicle's memory. Alternatively, the stop line position can be estimated in response to the vehicle's position and a captured image of the stop line captured by the vehicle's camera. The vehicle's position can be determined in response to a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), etc.

[0065] The forward movement time is then determined in response to the traffic signal phase state being red and the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state. Additionally, the forward movement time can be determined in response to the distance between the vehicle and the stop line. In some embodiments, the forward movement time is further determined in response to at least one of the vehicle's transmission state and the vehicle's braking state. For example, if the vehicle's transmission is in a parked state, the time can be subtracted from the forward movement time to allow the driver time to switch the transmission from parked to driving.

[0066] The method then operates to display the 540-second forward movement time to the driver. The forward movement time can be displayed on a vehicle display, such as the central stack display, the instrument cluster display, etc. The forward movement time can also be displayed to the driver on the head-up display.

[0067] The method then determines the driver's attention level. The driver's attention level can be determined in response to the driver's visual direction traffic signal and the amount of time elapsed since the driver's visual direction traffic signal. The driver's attention level can also be determined in response to the display of the driver's visual direction indicator's forward movement time and the amount of time elapsed since the driver's visual direction display.

[0068] If the driver's attention level is determined to be below a threshold level and the forward movement time is less than a threshold time, the method is configured to generate a driver alarm (570). A driver attention level below the threshold level may indicate that the driver is distracted by something other than vehicle operation. For example, the driver's attention may be directed at a mobile phone, etc. In some embodiments, the driver alarm may include at least one of tactile feedback to the driver, auditory feedback to the driver (such as an alarm tone or buzzer), and visual feedback to the driver (such as an illuminated LED or a message displayed on a vehicle display). If the driver's attention level is above the threshold level or the forward movement time is greater than the threshold time, the driver alarm is suppressed and / or not generated, and the method returns to receiving a subsequent SPAT message (510).

[0069] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should also be understood that the one or more exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: A receiver configured to receive the traffic signal phase state and the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state; A processor configured to determine a forward movement time in response to a traffic signal phase state of red, the distance between the vehicle and the stop line, and the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state, to determine a driver attention level, and to generate a control signal in response to a driver attention level below a threshold attention level and a forward movement time less than a threshold time, wherein the control signal is generated at a time determined in response to the driver attention level and the forward movement time. User interface for displaying the forward travel time to the driver; and The driver alarm system is used to generate a driver alarm in response to control signals. The processor determines whether the driver is paying attention to driving operations and suppresses the alarm.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The driver alarm system includes tactile feedback to the driver.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The driver alarm system includes auditory feedback to the driver.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The threshold time is determined in response to the distance between the vehicle and the stop line, the driver's attention level, and the vehicle's transmission status.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The forward movement time is further determined in response to the vehicle's transmission status.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The user interface is a heads-up display.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The user interface is operable to visually display the forward movement time to the driver.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising determining the speed of the vehicle, wherein, The forward movement time is displayed in response to the vehicle speed falling below a threshold speed.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The receiver is an SPaT receiver configured to receive SPaT messages, wherein the SPaT messages indicate the traffic signal phase state and the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state.

10. A method comprising: Receive the traffic signal phase state and the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state; The forward movement time is determined in response to the traffic signal phase state being red, the distance between the vehicle and the stop line, and the remaining time in the traffic signal phase state. Display the forward travel time to the driver; Determine the driver's level of attention; A driver alarm is generated in response to the driver's attention level falling below a threshold attention level and the forward movement time being less than a threshold time, wherein the driver alarm is generated at a time determined in response to the driver's attention level and the forward movement time; as well as Determine if the driver is paying attention to driving operations and suppress the alarm.

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