Abstract: A beach cleaner for recovering waste while moving in a towed state by a traction vehicle. A grating-like portion scoops up waste present in front of the beach cleaner as the beach cleaner is moved and a reticulate portion that is formed behind the grating-like portion to hold waste. As the beach cleaner is moved, waste present in front of the beach cleaner is scooped up onto the grating-like portion and is held with the reticulate portion formed behind the grating-like portion. Sand that is scooped up together with the waste is allowed to drop through the gaps in the grating-like portion.

Abstract: A structure of joining in a T shape two frame members of U-shaped cross sections having openings is provided. At a joint of the first frame member and the second frame member, a reinforcing member mounted with unfoamed resin is set within the first and second frame members. A foamed resin fills the spaces between the first and second frame members and the reinforcing member. The first and second frame members, foamed resin and reinforcing member are integrally united, having a high strength at the joint of the two frame members.

Abstract: An element includes a body having a thin region in its substantially half lower portion and a head joined to the body by a neck. When the element is blanked out of a metal sheet, an excess amount of metal produced by pressing the substantially half lower portion of the body under a pressing load applied by a forming punch and a counter load applied by a counterpunch flows from the body into the metal sheet positioned on opposite side of the neck, and a metal flow is produced into laterally spaced ends of the neck. After the metal flows have occurred, the element is fully blanked out of the metal sheet by the forming punch. In the element, the head has relatively thick laterally spaced ends, and the head and the body have respective thicknesses equal to or smaller than the thickness of the head. The body includes a substantially half upper portion exclusive of the thin region, and has laterally spaced side end regions positioned on opposite side of a lower region of the neck.

Abstract: A supporting structure of a vehicle power source consists of a plurality of mount members with elasticity through which a power source is mounted on a vehicle body; first mount members for primarily sharing the weight of the power source and at least one of the first mount members, which is supported by the vehicle body at a first height lower than the height of gravity center of the power source, is attached to a sub-frame; and second mount members for secondarily sharing the weight of the power source and the second mount members, which have a spring effect in at least one of longitudinal and lateral directions of the vehicle body, are attached to the vehicle body at a second height higher than the gravity center of the power source. In the supporting structure, the height of elasticity center of the structure defined by the first and second mount members is set to be higher than the gravity center of the power source.

Abstract: A passenger protecting apparatus is composed so that an airbag is provided above a door opening of a vehicle body in a folded situation, is inflated and unfurled downward in gas inflow, is fixed to said vehicle body by a fitting through a bracket and the bracket positions a through-hole, through which the fitting to fix the bracket to the vehicle body is inserted, below the airbag attached to and housed in the vehicle body.

Abstract: A control system for a plant is disclosed. The control system includes a controller for controlling the plant based on a controlled object model which is obtained by modeling the plant. The controlled object model is modeled using an input and an output of the plant which are sampled at intervals of a sampling period which is longer than a control period of the controller. The sampled input of the plant is a filtered control output which is obtained by filtering an output of the controller. The controller carries out a control process of the plant at intervals of the control period.

Abstract: A vehicular power unit mount structure (33) having a first mounting member (51) for attachment to a power unit and a second mounting member (52) elastically connected to the first mounting member for attachment to a vehicle body includes at least one projection (66) protruding from a flange (62) of the second mounting member (52) toward the vehicle body and located at a position offset from a line connecting centers of attachment holes (64, 64) of the flange to ensure that the flange (62) of the second mounting member (52) and the vehicle body are forced together via the projection (66).

Abstract: A genetic design method and apparatus in which desired profiles, such as of an automobile, are broken down into concepts, including the local concepts of surface segments and glue segments, and in which a genetic algorithm is used to evolve parent profiles to produce offspring profiles based on merit values of the concepts. The genetic algorithm includes a probabilistic recombination algorithm which selects for each of the attributes of the concepts at least one of a random value and a value of the attribute associated with one of the parent profiles depending on a non-linear importance function based on the merit values. The combination of the merit values, as represented by the non-linear importance function, reflects the preferences of the designer as the design progresses through various modifications and generations of evolution. A family tree is maintained to identify successive generations of the parent and offspring profiles.

Abstract: A transmission mount structure for mounting a transmission connected to an end of a transverse-mounted engine to a vehicle body includes an elastic main vibration-damping member for reducing both vibrations in a vertical direction and vibrations in a roll direction, and an elastic auxiliary vibration-damping member smaller in diameter or thickness than the main vibration-damping member and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the roll direction. The auxiliary vibration-damping member has a constricted portion formed at a longitudinal central portion thereof and having a smaller cross-section than any other part of the auxiliary vibration-damping member.

Abstract: In a vehicle seat storage assisting apparatus, a folded second rear seat can be rotated to a front side and a rear side about seat rotating shaft members provided at both side portions thereof. A rearward and forward biasing springs are provided between the seat rotating shaft members and floor support brackets respectively. The biasing force of the rearward biasing spring gradually decreases as the second rear seat which is being in a horizontal state A forward of the seat rotating shaft members rotates from the horizontal state A to a vertical state B. The biasing force of the forward biasing spring gradually decreases as the second rear seat which is being in a horizontal state C rearward of the seat rotating shafts rotates from the horizontal state C to the vertical state B.

Abstract: A seat position detection unit which has a movable member, a stationary member, an attaching member, a position sensor, and a detecting object.

Abstract: A purge flow rate to be added (a value to be added or subtracted) DQPGC is calculated based on a deviation between a target purge flow rate QPGCMD (the current value) and the purge flow rate QPGC(k−1) that was calculated in the previous control cycle (step S118), and a purge flow rate QPGC (the current value) is calculated by adding (adding or subtracting) the purge flow rate to be added DQPGC which is so calculated to the previous value QPGC(k−1) of the purge flow rate (steps S130 to S132).

Abstract: A deviation DGAIR between a first induction air volume GAIRTH that is calculated (S10) based on a detected value (Gair) of an air flow meter and a second induction air volume GAIRPB that is calculated (S12) based on an absolute pressure (PBA) is calculated (S14), and a mean value DGAIRAVE of the deviation DGAIR is calculated (S16, S18), whereby when a difference DDGAIR between the deviation DGAIR and the mean value DGAIRAVE is larger than a predetermined value DGAIL1 (or when a correction mode AFMMODE is 1), secondary air is determined to be supplied to an engine, and the first induction air volume GAIRTH is then corrected (S24, S26).

Abstract: A subframe 1 is mounted on a vehicle body (body side frame 2) through mounts (subframe mounts B1-B6) with elastic bodies (rubber members 6, 7, 11), at two points located on both sides in lateral directions of a front portion of the subframe, at two points located on both sides in lateral directions of a middle portion thereof near a location where a suspension link is attached to the subframe 1, and at two points located on both sides in lateral directions of a rear portion thereof. The mounts at the points located on the both sides in lateral directions of the middle portion of the subframe each have a fracture stress upon crash smaller than that which the mounts at the points located on the both sides in lateral directions of at least one of the front and rear portions of the subframe 1 have. This subframe mount structure serves to mitigate damage of a passenger caused on collision of the vehicle to protect the passenger.

Abstract: A vehicular power unit mount structure having a first mounting member for attachment to a power unit and a second mounting member elastically connected to the first mounting member for attachment to a vehicle body includes an elastic waterproofing cover having an axial displacement stopper engageable with an end of a tubular portion of the second mounting member to elastically absorb impact shock and eventually stop movement of a shaft portion of the first mounting member when the shaft portion is displaced in an axial direction toward the second mounting member, and a radial displacement stopper engageable with an inner cylindrical surface of the tubular portion to elastically absorb impact shock and eventually stop movement of the shaft portion when the shaft portion is displaced in a radial direction relative to the second mounting member.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system for selecting a suitable travel route based on transmitted traffic information. A server calculates a proposed travel route based on input data and defines communication points so as to newly extract traffic information for an area from each communication point to the destination from a traffic information storage device, where a point from which a detour around a place noted in the traffic information is included. The server stores data for identifying the registrant, the proposed travel route, and the communication points in a storage device and sends the traffic information and communication points to a vehicle navigation device. The sent traffic information includes detailed information about a section from the current or start position of the vehicle to the closest communication point to the vehicle on the way to the destination and simplified information about a section from this point to the destination.

Abstract: A pedal retraction amount control apparatus is provided which can sufficiently move a pedal from a passenger compartment in the forward direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: An air fuel ratio controller for an internal combustion engine comprises an exhaust gas sensor, an identifier and a control unit. The exhaust gas sensor detects oxygen concentration of exhaust gas. The identifier calculates model parameters for a model of a controlled object based on the output of the exhaust gas sensor. The controlled object includes an exhaust system of the engine. The control unit is configured to use the model parameters to control the air-fuel ratio so that the output of the exhaust gas sensor converges to a desired value, and to stop the identifier from calculating the model parameters during and immediately after the engine operation with a lean air-fuel ratio. The calculation of the model parameters may be also stopped during and immediately after fuel-cut operation that stops fuel supply to the engine.

Abstract: The invention provides a proton conductive resin composition from which proton conductive membranes exhibiting high proton conductivity can be obtained without treatment to increase the acid concentration in the membrane. The invention also provides a method for preparing the composition, and a proton conductive membrane comprising the composition.

Abstract: In a gas turbine power generation system having a gas turbine engine and a generator connected to the engine, maintenance ease is enhanced by forming the housing to have openable maintenance faces at two of its faces. Installation space is reduced and a compact configuration is achieved by providing a partition that divides the interior space of the housing into two regions into an upper bay and a lower bay, mounting the engine in the upper bay and mounting air intake duct in the lower bay at a location directly under the engine. Noise is reduced by using a partition to define two separate spaces (bays) and mounting the engine and the air intake duct in the upper and lower bays. Noise is also reduced by preventing engine rotation noise from escaping to the outside through the air intake duct.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and first and second separators in the form of meal plates for sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly. An anode of the membrane electrode assembly has a gas diffusion layer, and a cathode of the membrane electrode assembly has a gas diffusion layer. Each of the gas diffusion layers includes a foamed member made of metal material such as stainless steel. Resinous flow field walls are provided in the foamed member by impregnation for forming a reactant gas flow field.

Abstract: An occupant detection system, which has a sensor, a controller, a base frame, and a heat insulator.

Abstract: A vehicle rear structure is provided in which, when a seatback is tilted forward and folded, an upper surface of the seatback and a rear floor positioned behind the seat form a flat surface. A bridge plate is extended between the folded seatback and the rear floor. The bridge plate is rotatably attached to the front edge of the rear floor. A portion for lifting a front edge portion of the bridge plate in conjunction with the uprising movement of the seatback is provided at the rear of the seatback to prevent the seatback from getting stuck on the front edge portion of the bridge plate.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation server for providing traffic information, which is useful and has a suitable data amount, to a vehicle navigation device, so as to make the vehicle have a comfortable travel. The server calculates at least one proposed travel based on input data including a current or start position and a destination of the vehicle, and defines a map mesh consisting of mesh units on the proposed travel route. The server extracts traffic information relating to each mesh unit from a traffic information storage device in turn, where traffic information relating to the mesh unit which includes the start or current position is obtained first. The server monitors a total amount of extracted information, and terminates information extraction for the following mesh units when the total amount becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value. The server then sends the traffic information to a vehicle navigation device.

Abstract: A child seat mounting structure in which a child seat can be easily mounted. The child seat mounting structure includes a seat which is installed in a vehicle body, and which has a seatback, a headrest which is mounted on the top of the seatback, and which has a through hole formed therein, and a child seat which is mounted on the seat, and which has a top tether extending from the top thereof for fixing the child seat. The top tether extends backward through the through hole and beyond the seatback, and the end of the top tether is engaged with a portion of the seat or a portion of the vehicle body.

Abstract: An attaching structure for a seatbelt apparatus of a vehicle equipped with a seat, which is supported by a vehicle body through a weight sensor. The seatbelt apparatus includes a buckle, a seatbelt, and a tang. The buckle is fixed to one side of the seat of the vehicle. One end of the seatbelt is fixed at the vehicle so that it allows a length adjustment of the seatbelt, and the other end of the seatbelt is connected to an anchor that is fixed to the other side of the seat. The tang is provided at the seatbelt and is engaged with the buckle so as to hold an occupant to the seat. Here, the anchor and the buckle are fixed at the position higher than the weight sensor.

Abstract: An electromagnetic brake interposed between a fixed housing and a rotating member. The electromagnetic brake includes a multiplate brake mechanism, a ringlike core member fixed through an annular brake guide inside the fixed housing, an exciting coil accommodated in an annular groove formed on the core member, and a ringlike armature member arranged radially outside of the core member. Each of the core member and the armature member has a plurality of tapering surfaces. The tapering surfaces of the core member are respectively complementary in shape to the tapering surfaces of the armature member. The electromagnetic brake further includes a cylindrical pressure member movable in a direction of pressing the multiplate brake mechanism. The cylindrical pressure member has one end fixed to the armature member and another end engaged with the multiplate brake mechanism.

Abstract: Each of separators for sandwiching a plurality of electrolyte electrode assemblies includes a pair of plates. A fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel are formed between the plates. First and second circumferential ridges are formed integrally on curved outer sections of the plates to protrude away from each other. Further, outer projections and inner projections are formed integrally on opposite sides of the first and second circumferential ridges to protrude toward each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides an airbag device for, upon collision of a vehicle carrying the airbag device with an obstacle, mitigating the impact of collision of the obstacle with an inflated airbag. The airbag device includes a bag housing case and a cover. A main airbag and a cover opening bag are housed in deflated, folded states within the bag housing case. First, the cover opening bag inflates by the inflow of gas, opening the cover. Gas also flows into the main airbag through the cover opening bag, thereby inflating the main airbag. If an obstacle collides with the inflated main airbag, a bag pressure release mechanism provided at the bottom of the bag housing case opens the main airbag, releasing gas within the main airbag and mitigating the impact on the obstacle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a side airbag system. This side airbag system has a side airbag unit, a posture detector, a weight detector, and a deployment controller. The side airbag unit includes an airbag to be deployed with respect to the sideward of the occupant sitting on a vehicle seat. The posture detector determines the posture of the occupant. The weight detector measures the weight of the occupant. The deployment controller controls the deployment of the airbag based on the posture checked by the posture detector and weight measured by the weight detector of the occupant.

Abstract: An upper portion of a rod protruding telescopically from an upper end of a hydraulic cylinder of a hydraulic shock absorber which suspends a wheel from a vehicle body is inserted from below into a mounting hole in an upper wall of a wheel house, and with a lower portion and an upper portion of the mounting hole being held by a lower damper mount bushing and an upper damper mount portion, respectively, a nut is then screwed on the upper portion of the rod to thereby fasten the rod to the upper wall of the wheel house. A temporarily fastening locking portion which is brought into engagement with the mounting hole in the wheel house to prevent the fall of the hydraulic shock absorber is integrally formed on the lower damper mount bushing fixed to the rod.

Abstract: In a foil bearing (23) having a plurality of foils (26) disposed in a gap between a rotating member (12) and a stationary mount member (25), a circumferentially extending portion of each foil and a moveable member (27) rotatable with respect to the stationary mount member are provided with magnets (30, 31) so that a magnetic force between these magnets urges the foils toward the rotating member. By rotating the moveable member to vary the relative circumferential position of the moveable member with respect to the foils, it is possible to adjust an amount of magnetic force between the magnets of the moveable member and the magnets of the foils.

Abstract: In a foil bearing (23) having a plurality of foils (26) disposed in a gap between a rotating member (12) and a stationary mount member (25), a moveable member (27) is disposed on a side of the stationary member opposite to the rotating member so as to be rotatable with respect to the stationary mount member, abutting members (30) extend from the moveable member toward the associated foils through respective through-holes formed in the stationary mount member, and a surface of the moveable member with which one end of each abutting member is in contact is provided with a cam surface. In such a structure, by rotating the moveable member and thus changing the length of the abutting members projecting out from the surface of the stationary mount member, it is possible to vary the range of movement of the foils and practically vary the stiffness of the same.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes an electrolyte electrode assembly and a pair of first and second separators. First through fourth oxygen-containing gas holes, first through fourth coolant holes, and first through fourth fuel gas holes extend through the fuel cell. The first through fourth oxygen-containing gas holes are selectively used as oxygen-containing gas supply ports or oxygen-containing gas discharge ports to change the flow direction of an oxygen-containing gas in an oxygen-containing gas flow field continuously.

Abstract: In order to improve the fuel consumption efficiency of a hybrid vehicle, a control apparatus 1 for a hybrid vehicle is provided, which comprises as a power source a motor M and an engine E capable of executing partial cylinder deactivation operation and the driving force of at least one of these is transmitted to wheels for running the vehicle. When the required output is larger than the output of the engine under partial cylinder deactivation operation, and is smaller than the total output of the engine and the motor, which is adjustable for assisting the engine, the control apparatus operates the engine under partial deactivation and adjusts the motor output so as to compensate the difference between the total output of the power source and the output of the partial cylinder deactivated engine.

Abstract: A cell assembly is formed by stacking a first fuel cell and a second fuel cell together. The first fuel cell has a first membrane electrode assembly, and the second fuel cell has a second membrane electrode assembly. In the cell assembly, oxygen-containing gas flow fields of the first and second separators are connected in series, and fuel gas flow fields of the first and second separators are connected in series. Coolant flow fields are formed on opposite sides of the cell assembly, respectively, for supplying a coolant straight in one direction through the coolant flow fields.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, and a first and second separators for sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly. The first separator has an oxygen-containing gas flow passage for allowing an oxygen-containing gas in a serpentine pattern to flow horizontally back and forth, and flow downwardly. Partition areas are provided along the oxygen-containing gas flow passage in the serpentine pattern. The partition areas are formed by partially cutting out a gas diffusion layer. Insulating seals for preventing leakage of the oxygen-containing gas are provided in the partition areas.

Abstract: A control system for a throttle valve actuating device is disclosed. The throttle valve actuating device has a throttle valve of an internal combustion engine and an actuator for actuating the throttle valve. Model parameters of a controlled object model obtained by modeling the throttle valve actuating device is identified by an identifier. The model parameters includes a specific model parameter irrelevant to an input and an output of the controlled object model. An opening of the throttle valve is controlled to a target opening using the identified model parameters. It is determined that the throttle valve actuating device is abnormal when the value of the specific model parameter becomes greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An indicator 19 having LEDs 20 is mounted on a panel 5 which is provided at the center of a steering handle 6 for monitoring the winkers. The indicator 19 indicates the battery charge amount with the lit up LEDs 20 and also the right or left turn of the vehicle when a winker switch 14 is turned on for indicating the corresponding steering direction. When turns right, the LEDs 20 are lit up incrementally in a sequence from the left to the right. As the LEDs 20 all have been lit up, they are temporarily turned off and their action in the incremental sequence is then repeated. When turns left, the LEDs 20 are lit up incrementally in order from the right. As the LEDs 20 all have been lit up, they are temporarily turned off and their incremental action from the right is then repeated.

Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle, which enables a smooth torque transmission when an engine of the vehicle is started from an idling stop state. The hydraulic control apparatus includes an engine and a motor as power sources, a transmission having a torque converter a clutch for a starting gear, an engine automatic stop and start device which is associated with the engine, a motor-driven oil pump for supplying oil pressure to the transmission, a brake pedal sensor, an accelerator pedal sensor, an engine revolution rate sensor. The oil pressure applied to the clutch is controlled to a level corresponding to a creeping torque when the engine is automatically stopped. When the brake pedal is released, the engine is automatically started, the accelerator pedal is not depressed, and the engine revolution rate is less than an idling revolution rate, the oil pressure applied to the clutch is maintained to the level corresponding to the creeping torque.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes an electrolyte electrode assembly and a pair of first and second separators. First through fourth oxygen-containing gas holes, first through fourth coolant holes, and first through fourth fuel gas holes extend through the fuel cell. The first through fourth oxygen-containing gas holes are selectively used as an oxygen-containing gas supply port or an oxygen-containing gas discharge port to cause an oxygen-containing gas to flow circularly along an electrode surface in an oxygen-containing gas flow field.

Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle driven by generated electric power of a fuel cell comprises a fuel cell box disposed underneath a floor for storing therein the fuel call, G sensors for detecting a deformation of a vehicle body sideward of the fuel cell box, and a shut-off valve for closing a supply side piping of a hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell when a predetermined amount of deformation or the vehicle body is detected by the G sensors.

Abstract: A separator 21, 22 for use in a fuel cell that generates electricity by a reaction between fuel and oxidant is disclosed. The separator is formed by metal foam 28 which is impregnated with resin. Gas flow passages 23, 25 are formed on a contact surface for contacting with an electrode 19, 20, and conductive plating is applied on the parts where the metal foam 28 is exposed to view in the contact surface 21a, 21b of the separator 21, 22.

Abstract: An image analysis device installed on a vehicle for detecting objects that are likely to affect the vehicle. An image processing unit included in the image analysis device sets a seeking area in a left-hand image of the field, and calculates a moving increment for seeking “Step” using a variable “n”. A correlation calculation process is sequentially executed in the seeking area set in the left-hand image of the field while moving a reference image stepwise at the moving increment “Step” so as to obtain a correlation area that gives the highest degree of correlation, and then a new seeking area is set, which consists of the correlation area and horizontally arranged two areas that sandwich the correlation area, and the moving increment “Step” is decreased in order to reduce the amount of calculation.

Abstract: Four load sensors having an upper limit value in a detection range are mounted in a seat of a vehicle. The weight of an occupant sitting on the seat is detected as a total of outputs from the load sensors. When the detected weight of the occupant is equal or larger than a predetermined value, the deployment of the air bag is permitted, and when the detected weight of the occupant is smaller than the predetermined value, the deployment of the air bag is prohibited. When any one of the outputs from the plurality of load sensors is the upper limit value in the detection range, the deployment of the air bag is permitted irrespective of the detected weight of the occupant. Thus, even when the output from the load sensor has been modified to the upper limit value by a limiting process, so that the weight of the occupant is calculated as a value smaller than an actual weight to become smaller than the predetermined value, the air bag can be deployed reliably to restrain the occupant.

Abstract: Fiber for reinforcing rubber products, which comprises fiber having a first coating film formed by a first coating agent comprising a condensate of resorcinol and formaldehyde, and a rubber latex, wherein the fiber has a second coating film formed by a second coating agent comprising an uncured phenol resin and a rubber, on the first coating film.

Abstract: Electric power steering apparatus includes an electric motor for producing steering assist torque corresponding to steering torque applied to a steering system, and a worm gear mechanism for transmitting the steering assist torque to the steering system. The worm of the worm gear mechanism has a pressure angle greater than a pressure angle of the worm wheel, so as to reduce an actual meshing pitch circle diameter of the worm in the worm gear mechanism.

Abstract: An engine stop and start control system for securing a normal line pressure in a hydraulic circuit of the transmission. The system has an engine as a power source for driving the vehicle; a transmission; a mechanical oil pump, operated by the power produced by the engine, for supplying oil pressure to the transmission; an automatic engine stopping and starting section for automatically stopping the engine under predetermined stopping conditions and automatically starting the engine under predetermined starting conditions; and an electric oil pump operated when the predetermined stopping conditions are satisfied, so as to supply the oil pressure to the transmission. The automatic engine stopping and starting section has a control section for prohibiting the automatic engine stop when the line pressure in a hydraulic circuit for supplying oil pressure to the transmission is equal to or lower than a predetermined value while the engine is operated.

Abstract: A clip for mounting a weatherstrip between an end side of a window and a window frame includes: a weatherstrip side member having arms for engaging the weatherstrip and tabular engagement pieces extending from a base portion of the arms; and a window frame side member including box-shape holding portions for allowing the tabular engagement pieces to slide therein and an attachment device, i.e. T stud attachment portion and a double-sided tape, for attaching to the window frame. An engagement device is provided between the engagement pieces and the holding portions, and is formed of claws provided on one of the engagement pieces and holding portions and holes provided on the other. The weatherstrip side member and the window frame side member can be separately formed, and easily combined.

Abstract: A posture recognition apparatus recognizes instructions signified by postures of persons present in the surroundings, from images obtained with an image capture device. The posture recognition apparatus includes an outline extraction device that extracts an outline of a body which is a candidate for a person from the images; a distance calculation device that calculates a distance to the body being the candidate, from distance information of each pixel within the outline in the image; a search device that searches for a candidate for a hand of a person based on the outline and the distance to the body represented by the outline; and a posture determination device that determines an instruction corresponding to the relative position of the candidate for a hand and the outline, and outputs this determination result as a posture determination result.