Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle presenting a plurality of wheels, an engine and a clutch for selectively connecting the engine to a number of the wheels includes receiving a torque control signal indicative of a demanded output torque of the engine, and observing a value of a first vehicle operation parameter being the vehicle speed or a parameter which is indicative of the vehicle speed, controlling the clutch so as to be engaged if the received torque control signal indicates that the demanded engine torque is minimal or below a first threshold value and the observed first vehicle operation parameter value is above a second threshold value, subsequently to the step of controlling the clutch so as to be engaged, performing a test disengagement of the clutch, including at least partly disengaging the clutch, observing a behavior, in response to the test disengagement, of a second vehicle operation parameter, and based at least partly on the observation of the behavior of the second vehicle operation para

Abstract: A fuel cell equipped vehicle system in which an external power supply is coupled to an electric power supply line, the electric power supply line being coupled to a fuel cell, an electric power being input/output to/from a vehicular battery through the electric power supply line, the fuel cell equipped vehicle system performing an insulation test of the electric power supply line before charging the vehicular battery, the fuel cell equipped vehicle system including an insulation test unit configured to perform the insulation test of the electric power supply line; a switch that couples and cuts off between the fuel cell and the electric power supply line; and a control unit configured to control a coupling and a cutoff to/from the electric power supply line of the vehicular battery and control the switch, wherein the control unit is configured to cut off the vehicular battery from the electric power supply line and control the switch to cut off the fuel cell from the electric power supply line, and then drive

Abstract: During a predetermined drive in which the hybrid vehicle is driven with operation of the engine in such a state that the first inverter and the second inverter are shut down, the hybrid vehicle controls the engine and the step-up/down converter such that the hybrid vehicle is driven with output of a torque from a first motor to a driveshaft via a planetary gear by decreasing the voltage of the high voltage-side power line to be lower than a reverse voltage of the first motor in the range of not lower than a lower limit control voltage that is higher than an allowable lower limit voltage. The hybrid vehicle increases the lower limit control voltage during the predetermined drive, compared with the lower limit control voltage during a drive other than the predetermined drive.

Abstract: A controller is configured to select a rate of change direction of an output voltage of a variable voltage converter (VVC) based on a direction of current flow associated with a capacitor of the VVC, and to adjust a magnitude of the rate of change direction based on directions of current flow associated with the capacitor and an electric machine coupled to the VVC.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a low voltage direct current (DC)-DC converter (LDC) for an eco-friendly vehicle includes a reference current receiver for receiving a reference current, a ramp signal generator for generating a ramp signal by overlapping an input current of the LDC, and a DC offset and a sawtooth wave for adjusting a gradient of the ramp signal, and a comparator for generating a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal using the reference current received by the reference current receiver and the ramp signal generated by the ramp signal generator.

Abstract: An energy supply system for supplying at least first and second components of a motor vehicle with electrical energy. The energy supply system is arranged in the motor vehicle and has a charging socket (60). At least the first component an energy store and at least the second component is a consumer. The at least one first component has a first electrical voltage and the at least one second component has a second electrical voltage. To carry out a charging mode, the motor vehicle is connected via the charging socket (60) to a charging station with which current which either has the first or the second electrical voltage is to be made available. A first charging mode, a second charging mode and a travel mode of the motor vehicle can be carried out with the energy supply system (52).

Abstract: A method for charging a vehicle battery which stores electrical power for an electrical drive motor of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle battery is electrically connectable to a charging socket via a switch arrangement. The method includes: measuring a first electrical variable on the switch arrangement side facing the charging socket, by a first measuring device, measuring a second electrical variable on the switch arrangement side facing the vehicle battery, by a second measuring device, comparing the first and second electrical variables and closing the switch arrangement, if the first and second electrical variables substantially correspond, measuring the first and second electrical variables while the switch arrangement is closed, and adjusting the first measuring device and the second measuring device on the basis of a first measurement difference between measurement results of the first and second electrical variables while the switch arrangement is closed.

Abstract: Provided is an excessive length absorbing apparatus which absorbs the excess length of a primary resonant coil that is one of a pair of resonant coils which performs non-contact power supply via magnetic field resonance. A secondary hook in the excessive length absorbing apparatus hooks an excessive length portion of the primary resonant coil so as to hold the excess length portion of the primary resonant coil in a U-shape, and a holding member holds the secondary hook in a slidable manner.

Abstract: A wireless charging method performed by a wireless power receiving apparatus for a vehicle includes: producing a resonance between a primary pad located outside of the vehicle and a secondary pad installed in the vehicle based on an initial switching frequency; and tuning a switching frequency of a direct current (DC) to DC (DC-to-DC) converter within a range determined based on the initial switching frequency, according to an output voltage outputted based on a resonance of the secondary pad which is caused by the primary pad.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the contactless charging or discharging of a battery-operated object (4) via a magnetically coupled coil pair, comprising a primary coil (6) of a charging/discharging station (2) and a secondary coil (8) of the object (4), wherein: in a first step, the object (4) is transferred into a reference position in relation to the charging/discharging station (2); in a second step, a reference parameter is determined in the reference position; in a third step, a lateral desired offset of the object (4) to the charging/discharging station (2) is determined, based on the reference parameter; and in a fourth step, based on the lateral desired offset, the object (4) is transferred into a charging/discharging position in relation to the charging/discharging station (2) in which position the contactless charging or discharging is carried out.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an information providing system for providing information about a wireless power transfer system including a power receiver mounted on a moving object and one or more power transmitters installed in one or more charging stations includes a search unit configured to extract location information of a charging station in which a power transmitter capable of feeding power to the power receiver is installed, by referring to a station storage unit that stores station information indicating correspondence between the location information of the charging station and the power transmitter of the charging station and to a history storage unit that stores a usage history indicating one or more power transmitters previously used by the power receiver, and an output unit configured to output the location information of the charging station extracted by the search unit.

Abstract: Techniques for wirelessly transferring energy to a vehicle are disclosed. An example method for wirelessly transferring energy to a vehicle according to the disclosure includes detecting a ripple frequency on a transmitter coil circuit, such that the ripple frequency is associated with a vehicle switch mode controller frequency of a switch mode controller in the vehicle, and providing an electrical current to a coil in the transmitter coil circuit based at least in part on the ripple frequency.

Abstract: A method includes controlling an electrified vehicle by modifying a state of charge (SOC) window associated with an energy storage device of the electrified vehicle in response to a reverse driving event or a trailer towing event.

Abstract: An electronic control unit performs a control routine including a step of setting SOC_u(1) as an upper limit value of an SOC and a step of setting SOC_l(1) as a lower limit value when a battery temperature TBs is higher than a first threshold value TBs(1) and a step of setting SOC_u(2) as the upper limit value and a step of setting SOC_l(2) as the lower limit value when the battery temperature TBs is lower than a second threshold value TBs(2).

Abstract: A linear drive transport system may include a track that includes first, second, third, and fourth track surfaces that define perimeter boundaries of the track and a magnetic drive system. The first, second, third, and fourth track surfaces include first, second, third, and fourth trajectories about the track, respectively, which are each different from one another. A mover may move along the track and include first and second leading bearings that interact with the first and second track surfaces, respectively, and first and second lagging bearings that interact with the third and fourth track surfaces, respectively, and a reaction element that interacts with the magnetic drive system to generate a propulsive force. The first and second leading bearings may be coupled to the mover at a first fixed distance from one another, and the first and second lagging bearings may be coupled to the mover at a similar distance.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a lower seat and a seatback structure extending upwardly relative the lower seat, the lower seat and the seatback structure defining a seat H-point, and the seatback structure having an upper seatback support, a lower seatback support, and a split between the upper seatback support and the lower seatback support. The split is disposed between 270 and 300 mm, preferably about 285 mm, above the H-point along a line extending substantially parallel to the seatback structure. The upper seatback support pivots about a pivot between a rearward position and a forward position relative the lower seatback support. A motorized actuation assembly is disposed within the seatback structure and operably coupled to the upper seatback support, wherein the motorized actuation assembly pivots the upper seatback support about the pivot between the rearward position and the forward position.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a seat arrangement in a vehicle includes moving the seat arrangement forward by a first amount when a certain criteria are met. The criteria may include at least one criterion related to occupancy of a seat directly behind the seat arrangement and at least one criterion related to a likelihood of an impact into the vehicle from behind the seat arrangement. The method may also include not moving the seat arrangement forward by the first amount when at least one of the criteria is not met.

Abstract: A vehicle seat in which a swiveling motion of a sub-frame is restricted only to a desirable direction is provided. A sub-frame is suspended from a seatback frame. A first elastic member connects a right upper end of the sub-frame to the seat back frame, and a second elastic member a left upper end of the sub-frame to the seat back frame. A universal joint mechanism connects a lower lateral portion of the sub-frame to a lateral member of the seat back frame.

Abstract: A connecting element (3) for adjusting the height of a vehicle seat (1) includes an angular element (3.1) with a first leg (3.1.1) having a seat part side receiving opening (3.1.5) and an opposite rail side end receiving opening (3.1.4), and a second leg (3.1.2) angled relative to the first leg (3.1.1) and a tooth element (3.2). The seat part receiving opening (3.1.5) is situated in a connection area of the first leg (3.1.1) and of the second leg (3.1.2). The tooth element (3.2) has a first section (3.2.1) configured as a circular arc with toothing (V2) that is connected at an end side to the second leg (3.1.2) and a second section (3.2.2) that is angled from the first section (3.2.1) in the direction of the receiving opening (3.1.5) on the side of the seat part and is connected to the first leg (3.1.1) at the end side.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seatback pivot rotationally operable relative to a slidable base, a first cam in communication with the seatback pivot to activate a track-overslide actuator of the base when the seatback pivot is in a rear-entry position and a second cam in communication with the seatback pivot. When the track-overslide actuator is activated, forward operation of the base locks the seatback pivot in the rear-entry position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat pad configured to support an occupant and having a through-hole extending through the seat pad in a direction from an occupant sitting side toward a side opposite to the occupant sitting side; and a frame member attached to an opening end of the through-hole on the occupant sitting side, the frame member having an opening configured such that a fixation connecting portion of a child safety seat is inserted into the opening. The frame member is provided with an attaching portion attached to the seat pad. The seat pad includes an attachment pad portion provided integrally with an attachment member including an attachment portion to which the attaching portion of the frame member is attached, the attachment pad portion constituting a part of an inner wall surface of the through-hole. The attaching portion is fixed to the attachment portion with a fixing member.

Abstract: A movable partition system for a vehicle is provided. The movable partition system includes a body configured to be movably coupled to a cabin of the vehicle. The body is movable between at least a first position and a second position. The movable partition system includes a jumpseat coupled to the body so as to be pivotal about a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis. The jumpseat is pivotable about the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis to move between a first, stowed position and a second, use position. The first pivot axis is offset from the second pivot axis along a longitudinal axis of the jumpseat.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seatback frame pivotally coupled to a seat member at a recliner mechanism. A first actuator is supported on the seatback frame, and a second actuator is coupled to the seatback frame having upper and lower portions with an intermediate portion disposed between the upper and lower portions. A first cable interconnects the first actuator with the upper portion of the second actuator, and a second cable interconnects the recliner mechanism with the lower portion of the second actuator. The first actuator actuates movement of the second actuator between at-rest and actuated positions. The second actuator actuates movement of the recliner mechanism between locked and released positions. The first cable travels a first distance when the first actuator is actuated, and the second cable travels a second lesser distance when the first actuator is actuated.

Abstract: A foldable vehicle includes a seat base, a seatback connected to the seat base for pivotal movement relative to the seat base from a generally vertical use position to a generally horizontal stow position atop the seat base, wherein the seat base is pivotally connected to the floor such that, when the seatback is moved from its use position to the folded, stow position, the seat base may be moved rearward and downward to thereby provide a lower load floor position. The seat also includes a lock mechanism to engage and lock the seat base in a first position when the seatback is positioned within the defined range of use positions, and unlock the seat base for movement to a second position when the seatback is positioned outside the use range.

Abstract: The vehicle seat is configured to improve child seat mountability, and to prevent deterioration in appearance design when the child seat is demounted. The vehicle seat includes an anchor storage recess formed in a pad that constitutes the seat for storing an anchor to be engaged with an engagement member attached to a child seat. The anchor storage recess is covered with a skin material having a slit. The slit has an inverse T-like shape.

Abstract: A seating posture is stabilized for the shoulders of a passenger seated on a vehicle seat. A vehicle seat is provided with a seat back configured to support the seated person from the rear. A shoulder support portion of the seat back configured to support a corresponding one of the shoulders of the seated passenger includes an air cell configured to expand when air is supplied. When the air cell expands, one end portion of the shoulder support portion on the outside in the width direction of the vehicle seat moves more forward than the other end portion of the shoulder support portion on the inside in the width direction.

Abstract: An airbag assembly includes an attachment bracket, an inflatable airbag and a deployment device. The attachment bracket is attached to an outboard bolster section of a seat assembly. The attachment bracket defines an attachment section that extends along an inboard surface of the outboard bolster section and a deflection surface extending from the attachment section with the inflatable airbag. The deployment section is attached to an inboard side of the attachment section. The deflection surface is dimensioned and shaped such that upon deployment of the inflatable airbag the inflatable airbag is guided to move by the deflection surface in a forward deployment direction relative to the outboard bolster section.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat. An attachment bracket is coupled to an underside of the seat and includes forwardly-extending hook features. Each hook feature defines a receiving aperture to receive a front cross-tube. A polymeric overmold is disposed over each hook feature. A downwardly-extending retention member is disposed between the hook features. Rear support hooks are configured to engage a rear cross-tube of the seat as a seat carrier is rotated downwardly into position during manufacture.

Abstract: The technology described in this document can be embodied in a headrest of a seat, the headrest including an enclosure for housing one or more acoustic transducers, and an adjustable headrest wing disposed in front of the enclosure. The headrest wing is coupled to the enclosure by a pivot, and configured to be adjusted to one of multiple positions within an angle range around the pivot. The headrest wing is also configured to support the head of a seat-occupant. The headrest further includes a connector disposed between the enclosure and a rear portion of the headrest wing. The connector is configured to provide an acoustic channel between the enclosure and the headrest wing such that audio signals from the one or more acoustic transducers are radiated outward through the headrest wing.

Abstract: A headrest (1) for a vehicle includes a main element (2) on which a wing element (3) is mounted by means of a hinge (4) so as to be rotatable about a substantially vertical axis. So as to create a frictional locking function, the hinge (4) includes a shaft (41) with a projection (43) as well as a bush (42) with a receptacle (44) that is associated with the projection (43). The shaft (41) is mounted in the bush (42), and in a locked position the projection (43) engages into the receptacle (44).

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a backrest and a seat base connected to the backrest. The seat base includes a first cushion portion and a second cushion portion with an insert space between the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion. A cushion and console assembly is disposed in the insert space. The cushion and console assembly includes a liner base, an armrest assembly and a displacement connection between the armrest assembly and the liner base. The displacement connection guides a movement of the armrest assembly relative to the liner base between a stowed position, in which the armrest assembly upper surface forms at least a part of a center seat cushion, and an armrest position, with the upper surface raised upwardly and at a changed angle relative to the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a locking assembly for a ramp of a lift gate. The locking assembly comprises an elongated locking arm and a spring for spring loading the locking arm. The locking arm is pivotably disposed on a pivot point relative to the ramp. A biasing tension in the spring urges a proximal end of the locking arm to engage with a cam portion of the ramp to maintain the ramp in a selected position. The cam portion has multiple engagement surfaces for individually engaging with the locking arm, wherein selectively engaging the locking arm with each engagement surface of the cam portion maintains the ramp in a corresponding selected position.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for delivering proppant to a well site has a trailer with a bed thereon and at least one track of rollers extending in parallel relationship to the longitudinal axis of the trailer. The track of rollers extend substantially for an entire length of the bed of the trailer. At least one proppant container is translatably positioned on the track of rollers. The proppant container is movable along the array of rollers from one end of the bed to an opposite end of the bed. A bin can be removably positioned below the bed of the trailer in a position rearward of the front end of the trailer and forward of a rear end of the trailer so as to allow the proppant container to discharge into the bin. A conveyor is cooperative with the bin so as to move proppant from the bin to a location at the well site.

Abstract: A binder includes a right angle drive including a driving gear interfacing with a driven gear. A receptacle arranged substantially at a center of a diameter of the driving gear can receive a bit of a power driver. The bit of the power driver removeably received by the receptacle arranged at the center of the driving gear can rotate a threaded gear tube relative to the first and second threaded rods to linearly displace the first and second threaded rods of the binder to tension a tensionable load bearing member and lock the binder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the lashing of containers, which is to be attached between two fastening points, which are secured to one another, with a first clamping device, which can be connected to one of the fastening points and contains a spindle, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the first clamping device and has a spindle/threaded section, a second clamping device, which can be connected to the other of the fastening points, a spindle nut, which has a spindle nut/threaded section, which engages with the spindle/threaded section of the first clamping device, a locking means allocated to the spindle nut. The locking means enables reciprocal rotation of the two clamping devices in at least one direction of rotation corresponding to the tightening of the device, and that it counters the rotation in the opposite direction, and the locking means has at least one pre-tensioning element.

Abstract: An automatic tension sensing and control system for cargo restraints comprises a load binder, a tension sensor, an actuator coupled to the load binder, and a control module. The control module receives signals from the sensor and can command the actuator to tighten or slacken the load binder. The system can also include an annunciator and an information storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle includes a projector configured to project an image of visible light; an obstacle detection apparatus configured to detect an obstacle; and a processing apparatus configured to predict a travel area of the vehicle after a predetermined time or a predetermined distance of travel, project a first image with the projector in the predicted travel area upon no obstacle in the predicted travel area being detected by the obstacle detection apparatus, and project a second image, which is different from the first image, with the projector in the predicted travel area upon the obstacle in the predicted travel area being detected by the obstacle detection apparatus.

Abstract: An illumination device for a motor vehicle includes a light source constructed of a number of semiconductor diodes, and an optical device for generating a predefined light distribution from the light of the light source. The optical device is arranged in a housing. The illumination device is characterized in that the light source is rigidly connected to the housing. At least one optical waveguide is provided for guiding the light of the light source to the optical device.

Abstract: Three lamp units are supported on a bracket supported to be rotatable with respect to a lamp body. In the configuration of the respective lamp units, light source units are supported to be rotatable in an up and down direction with respect to the bracket, and projection lenses are fixedly supported on the bracket. Accordingly, it is possible to correct a misalignment of optical axes among the lamp units by preventing the occurrence of the positional misalignment of the projection lenses among the lamp units and then rotating the respective light source units with respect to the bracket.

Abstract: A headlamp that projects light forward includes: a low beam light source module; a reflector disposed in a path of light from the low beam light source module; and a first lens body and second lens body disposed farther forward than the low beam light source module and the reflector. The reflector reflects first light and second light, which are portions of the light from the low beam light source module, toward the first lens body and the second lens body, respectively. The first lens body transmits and projects, to a first region, the first light reflected by the reflector. The second lens body transmits and projects, to a second region larger than the first region and including a region closer to the headlamp than the first region, the second light reflected by the reflector. The first light is higher in luminous intensity than the second light.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring an indication device is described. An on-demand service system arranges a service for a user to be provided by a service provider. The system determines whether the user has specified an output configuration for an indication device in an account of the user. In response to determining that the user has specified an output configuration for the indication device, the system identifies data corresponding to the output configuration and transmits the data to a mobile computing device of the service provider to enable the mobile computing device to control the indication device of the service provider based on the data.

Abstract: A safety projection assembly including a housing comprising top, bottom, front, rear, and side portions that at least partially surround and at least partially define a cavity, the bottom portion of the housing is connected to at least a portion of the vehicle; and a projection mechanism at least partially received within the cavity of the housing, the projection mechanism is configured to project an image or a series of images onto at least a portion of the vehicle or an operator thereof.

Abstract: A sensing system for a vehicle includes a plurality of sensors disposed at the vehicle. The plurality of sensors includes individual sensors connected to a vehicle network using a daisy chain topology. A control determines an address of the sensors and calibrates the sensors. The control, responsive to determination that an individual sensor is not the last sensor of a daisy chain of sensors, adjusts the internal electrical configuration to provide an open connection for another sensor. The control, responsive to determination that an individual sensor is the last sensor of the daisy chain of sensors, adjusts the internal electrical configuration to provide a termination configuration. The control, responsive to the outputs of the sensors, determines the presence of one or more objects exterior the vehicle and within the field of sensing of at least one of the sensors.

Abstract: A pickup truck is provided that includes a tonneau cover or bed cap that includes a lighting system. The light system is selectively attached to the tonneau cover or bed cap. The light system includes a longitudinally extending rod having an illuminating portion extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the rod. The longitudinally extending rod includes first and second end portions and an on/off switch located at least adjacent to the first end portion of the longitudinally extending rod. At least one clip is attached to the tonneau cover or bed cap that selectively holds the longitudinally extending rod. The longitudinally extending rod is pivotable within the at least one clip such that the illuminating portion is selectively directable toward different directions.

Abstract: An unattended occupant alert system includes a car seat that may be positioned in a vehicle. A child is selectively seated in the car seat and the car seat has a pair of shoulder straps. An electronic device is included and the electronic device is carried by a caregiver. An alarm unit is coupled between the shoulder straps to selectively and removably attach the shoulder straps together. In this way the alarm unit retains the child in the car seat and the alarm unit is turned on when the shoulder straps are attached together. The alarm unit is in thermal communication with an interior of the vehicle to detect a temperature in the vehicle. Additionally, the alarm unit is in electrical communication with the electronic device. The electronic device emits an alert when the alarm unit is turned on and the alarm unit detects a temperature that exceeds a trigger temperature. In this way the alarm unit alerts the caregiver to a potential environmental danger for the child.

Abstract: A warning light used in lane change of a vehicle is provided, in which the light is installed in a side of a rearview mirror housing where the rearview mirror is connected to the vehicle, or the lights are installed in the two sides of the two front doors of the vehicle, so that the lighting emitted by the light is deflected or directed at the driver's eyes in the vehicle. The warning light includes a housing, a light guide, at least one LED light, a circuit board and a mask which is sealed by mold welding disposed on a side of the housing. There are cavities arranged in the rearview mirror or the two sides of the vehicle's two front doors where the light is inserted and is detachably installed in the cavity. A prism in the light guide deflects and directs the emitted light toward the driver's eyes.

Abstract: A collision avoidance and/or pedestrian detection system for a large passenger vehicle such as commuter bus, which includes one or more exterior and/or interior sensing devices positioned strategically around the exterior and interior of the vehicle for recording data, method for avoiding collisions and/or detecting pedestrians, and features/articles of manufacture for improving same, is described herein in various embodiments. The sensing devices may be responsive to one or more situational sensors, and may be connected to one or more interior and/or exterior warning systems configured to alert a driver inside the vehicle and/or a pedestrian outside the vehicle that a collision may be possible and/or imminent based on a path of the vehicle and/or a position of the pedestrian as detected by one or more sensing devices and/or situational sensors.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle operating on a road includes a vehicle placement module that references, based on a geographic position of the vehicle, a road mapping database to identify a selected lane of the road where the vehicle is located. A lane assignment module (i) receives information indicating identification of an object in the road and (ii) determines a relative lane of the object with respect to the selected lane. A curvature plotting module determines a curvature line of the selected lane. An object placement module (i) determines a first distance value representing a shortest distance between the object and the curvature line and (ii) determines whether the relative lane of the object is the selected lane based on the first distance value and a lane width value. An alert generation module selectively generates an alert signal in response to the object being in the selected lane.

Abstract: A route learning system for a vehicle and a method of using the system is described. The method includes: in response to determining that a current location matches a historical location, retrieving from memory false alert geotag that includes historical path data; and based on determining that a currently-predicted path does not match the historical path, replacing the currently-predicted path with the historical path to mitigate a false warning to a driver of a host vehicle.

Abstract: A periphery image display control device displays an image of a periphery area photographed by a camera sensor 21, and predicts a travel path area which a vehicle-body of the own vehicle will pass through along a predicted travel path. The device detects locations of obstacle points and heights of the obstacle points. The heights of the obstacle points become higher as the obstacle points are farther from the own vehicle. When a gradient (GR=(YO?YB)/(XO?KB)) being a ratio of “a subtraction value obtained by subtracting a height of a first obstacle point which is nearer from the own vehicle from a height of a second obstacle point which is farther from the own vehicle” to “a distance between the two obstacle points along the predicted travel path” is greater than a threshold gradient GRth, the device displays an alert screen for the second obstacle point.