APPARATUS FOR CAPTURING TENNIS PLAY DATA

Abstract

An apparatus (10) for capturing tennis play data is preferably in the form of an apparatus which can be worn on the body of the player, particularly with an armband (12) on an arm of the player. By way of example, it comprises a voice recognition device with a microphone and particularly also motion sensors or further sensors. The sensors can record and later evaluate data from the player which are relevant to tennis play.

Description

NOTICE OF RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the priority of Swiss Patent Application No. 1397/11 of Aug. 26, 2011, the entire content of which is herewith included through this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an apparatus for capturing tennis play data according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a tennis play capturing apparatus according to claim 24, a data processing program according to claim 29 and a data medium containing such a program.

PRIOR ART

An apparatus of the type defined above is known from WO 2009/033298. The apparatus disclosed there makes it possible to input voice entries pertaining to tennis play into the apparatus, where the entries are then analyzed by voice analysis to at least recognize the points in the game and be able to display the game status. The apparatus disclosed there permits continuous voice input. The apparatus described in the document cited allows output of the non-analysed voice signals to a base station but may also be designed so that the voice recognition and evaluation, up to and including display of the game score, take place in the apparatus itself.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to improve upon such an apparatus.

With the apparatus defined above, this object is achieved with the characterizing features of claim 1.

Due to the fact that the apparatus includes a plurality of data capturing devices, which record various data, the game can be acquired better and then also evaluated subsequently. In particular two and preferably more than two data capturing devices from the group of voice recognition equipment including a microphone, a ball impact capturing apparatus, a motion sensor device, a key input device and a physiology sensor device are provided in the apparatus. The apparatus is preferably worn on the player's arm, in particular like a wrist watch.

The voice input is preferably possible only after prior activation, thus definitely reducing error identification in the voice signals by which the players input the play and/or the points achieved. Furthermore, the electric power consumption can be reduced if the voice recognition is activated only temporarily.

In one embodiment, the activation device is a switch or pushbutton that can be operated by finger pressure. In another embodiment, the activation device may be formed by a motion sensor in the apparatus. It is thus possible to move the apparatus by making one or two rotating movements with the wrist, for example, or tapping with one's finger on the apparatus to enable the voice recognition device through this movement or these movements of the apparatus, so that it will allow subsequent voice input that is relevant to the game. This manual enabling (first criterion) maybe combined with a special triggering voice command (second criterion) for release, so that the (further) voice input for the actual game capture is enabled only after both criteria are met. Six different activation options are available for voice input with the operable switch/pushbutton and the motion sensor as well as voice input because activation of the switch/pushbutton is followed by one of three possible second options (voice, motion sensor or second operation of the switch/pushbutton). This is also the situation at the start with the motion sensor and/or with the rotating movement or tapping. Each player can thus select the mode of activation that is most suitable for him for the voice input. An activation device in the form of another sensor, for example, a reed contact may also be provided, this being operable by a device that is worn by the player or provided on the tennis racket, i.e., by a permanent magnet attached to the tennis racket in the aforementioned example.

It is preferable here that different manually inputable operating sequences and a first voice input following the manual input can be recognized by the control unit of the apparatus, such that the manual sequence and the voice input can be recognized in combination as an allocation, which indicates whether the input has been made for the player or the player's opponent. In addition, it is preferable that the control unit is equipped so that a voice input occurring after this allocation can be checked for its validity with respect to the allocation to player or the opponent.

Activation of the voice recognition, as already mentioned, thus serves to reduce the energy demand, on the one hand, but also provides an “unambiguous” allocation of points to a player on the other hand. This is done by the fact that activation as a sequence (whether by operation of a pushbutton or by rotating one's arm or tapping) takes place as a single or double action (depressing the button once or depressing the button twice). Depending on the activation sequence, a voice trigger command is expected and/or recognized by the control unit. In one case (sequence with a single depression or rotating movement/tapping), this is one for “point player,” and in the other case it is for “point opponent.” The commands may include up to three commands, each which already contains detailed information about the type of the point (winner, forced error, unforced error) and at the same time serves to verify the point allocation through the activation. The point is allocated only if the activation sequence (for example, depressing twice) and the voice command (for example, green win) match. This is true of the simple form of pushing on the button as well as activation by rotating or tapping. The consideration behind this is that even if a button is inadvertently depressed or if there could be an inadvertent rotating motion or tapping, this should be prevented with the double check or verification mentioned above.

Instead of or in addition to voice input, there may also be a keypad input device which provides a keypad for input of predetermined play or hit information which would be otherwise entered by voice input, so that the input takes place through operation of the corresponding keys or by a combination of multiple keys.

It is also preferable that the device includes a vibration generator which can be activated for confirmation of receipt and/or recognition of voice input. Thus the successful input can be confirmed for the player without requiring the player to look at the display on the device.

It is a further object to improve on the detection of game information and to disburden the player from giving input by spoken words.

This object is achieved with a preferred embodiment of the apparatus defined above by the fact that the apparatus is equipped with a motion sensor device which is designed in particular for detecting and saving tennis stroke hit movements by the player. It is thus possible to provide an evaluation unit in the tennis play capturing apparatus (BASE) described below to permit recognition of tennis hit movements by the player. This may instead take place in a higher-level computer (SERVER) in particular if there is no BASE. Meanwhile it is also possible for the recognition and evaluation to take place in the apparatus itself, so that the data readout of the apparatus already includes an evaluation of the motion sensor signals, not just the raw data of the motion sensors, although this is the preferred variant.

Through recognition of a hit by the player in the apparatus, on the one hand, it is possible to further improve the input by voice because the plausibility of the voice input can be verified by the hit information. Furthermore, the thoroughness of the play data can be fundamentally improved, when hit information can be saved and related to the course of play too. Depending on the scope and accuracy of the hit information determined by the sensors, in particular by comparison of sensor signals stored previously for the known hits with the instantaneous sensor signals in the BASE and/or in the SERVER and/or in the apparatus, this also yields the possibility of recognition of sensor signal patterns and the generation of precise hit information such as the type of hit, forehand or backhand, spin, etc.

The apparatus is preferably designed to be worn on a player's arm and can optionally recognize hit movements on the player's hitting arm or non-hitting arm. The sensor signals occurring on the non-hitting arm are also characteristic of the movement of the hit arm and thus for the hit itself when they differ from the sensor signals on the hit arm. The possibility of selection by the player also allows the player to wear the apparatus on his hitting arm or on his non-hitting arm depending on his personal preference. Instead of the apparatus being worn on the player's arm, it may also be worn on the player's upper body, in particular with a chest belt, or on the player's head. In these cases, there are other sensor signals for the typical hitting movements of the player, which is taken into account in the analysis. On the one hand, the apparatus or software program performing the analysis must allow an input which indicates how the apparatus has been worn and, on the other hand, the apparatus and/or program must be equipped with corresponding motion sensor data libraries and/or tables in which the sensor data obtained for typical hits are stored. This data may be sensor data independent of the player, obtained on a population of players and stored. However, in addition or instead of that, player-dependent sensor data may also be saved but such data must first be acquired. In particular the motion sensor device used in the apparatus for generating hit information includes acceleration sensors. Furthermore, gyroscopic sensors and preferably also orientation sensors, also known as compass sensors may also be provided. Thus acceleration in all directions and rotations which are characteristic of the hitting motion can be acquired. Furthermore, with the orientation sensors it is possible to detect the orientation of the player as a function of the tennis court. The sensor signals may be compared with sensor data ranges that are characteristic of a certain hit stored previously in the apparatus, from which the apparatus can deduce the current hit. This may preferably also take place only in a higher-level computer (SERVER) and/or in a tennis play capturing apparatus (BASE) to which the data and/or the unanalyzed motion sensor data can be output. Synchronization of all the data is readily possible based on a common timeline.

The above discussion largely also applies to an embodiment in which the apparatus is situated inside the tennis racket. The apparatus may also be situated in the handle of the racket. It is also possible to provide the apparatus in the frame and/or in the strings, the latter resembling a vibration damper in the strings which is also possible. This is in addition to a partial arrangement in the handle or only in the strings or the frame. It is also possible for the apparatus to be worn on the player's body as described above, but then a part of the apparatus will be situated in or on the racket and will communicate wirelessly with the part of the apparatus worn on the player's body.

In addition, it is preferable for the apparatus to be designed to generate and store a ball signal (and also for a combination of the motion sensor device data with the ball signal) which signals the tennis ball striking the player's tennis racket. As a rule the ball signal is linked to the other information and/or data from the apparatus only in the tennis play capture apparatus (BASE) or in the higher level computer (SERVER). This also preferably takes place via the shared timeline and/or time information which accompanies the data. This allows a further improvement in hit recognition because the sensor data can be checked for correspondence, in particular for a chronological correspondence to the ball signal. The ball signal is preferably generated in the apparatus itself, so that no external sensor is required for this purpose. However, the apparatus may also be designed to receive an externally generated ball signal, for example, a ball signal supplied by the tennis racket. In this case the apparatus and the tennis racket are connected to one another by way of a near field radio connection.

The ball signal generated in the apparatus is preferably provided by detecting the impact acoustically by a microphone in the apparatus and is evaluated as being a ball signal by an evaluation unit in the apparatus. A second microphone may also be used which is not identical to the microphone for voice input. In particular, however, this provides for capture of the ball signal with the same microphone which is also provided for voice input.

In addition, it is also preferable that not only is the ball signal that occurs on impact of the ball with the racket of the player detected and evaluated by the apparatus but also a ball signal indicating the prior impact of the ball on the tennis court is also generated. The impact of the ball may also be detected acoustically by the microphone. In addition, it is preferable that a ball signal is also generated when the opponent strikes the ball. This signal may also be generated by acoustic acquisition of the corresponding sound. When the corresponding ball signals are displayed on a timeline in the analysis of the play information, conclusions about the game can also be drawn from this.

As stated previously, it is preferable for the invention to have at least one orientation sensor (compass sensor), which may be formed, for example, by an integrated circuit of the LSM303DLH type from the STI Microelectronics company. It is thus possible to determine the orientation/alignment of the player in relation to the tennis court because the orientation of the tennis court is known and is fixed.

The apparatus may also be designed to detect the player's heart rate in that it is designed to receive a signal of a known heart rate sensor. In addition or instead of the heart rate, other physiological data may also be acquired, in particular by using a physiological sensor for determining the oxygen saturation of the blood or a physiological sensor for measuring perspiration and/or a physiological sensor for measuring blood pressure.

The invention is also based on the object of improving the base station, which is fundamentally known, so that additional information will be available.

This object is achieved by a tennis play acquisition apparatus of the type defined in the introduction, which additionally comprises at least one laser scanner, by which at least the hit position of one of the players on the tennis court can be determined when the tennis play evaluation apparatus is placed on a tennis court.

The information for the players can be further improved by the additional determination of the position of the player on the court.

It is preferable for the tennis play acquisition apparatus to be designed for synchronization of the hit position with the data signals picked up from the apparatus. By combining the data from the apparatus worn on the player with the position of the player on the court, which is best obtained by having a common time line of formation, it is possible to provide the player with an even better analysis after the game.

In addition, it is preferable if the tennis play capturing apparatus comprises at least one video camera for recording at least one half of the tennis court, in particular comprising two video cameras for recording both halves of the tennis court. This allows the course of the game to be recorded. If the same timeline for the video recording is used as it is for the data from the apparatus and the court position determination, then the players can be provided with very accurate analyses. This is the case in particular when the at least one video camera is preferably controllable by the position signal of the at least one laser scanner, such that focused player recordings can be generated. A video camera having a so-called PTZ function (pan/tilt/zoom) allows the player to be tracked.

The invention is also based on the object of providing a data processing program that will improve the analysis of tennis games. This is achieved by a data processing program which is designed for processing the data of a tennis play capturing apparatus and by means of which game point information from the apparatus and video information can be linked on the basis of time information, and video sequences can be displayed in accordance with game point results.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in greater detail below on the basis of the figures, in which

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a frontal view of one embodiment of the apparatus; and

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of tennis court and the apparatus and tennis play capturing apparatus.

METHODS OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a preferred example of the apparatus. This electronic circuit is accommodated in a housing, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 2 as an example. This embodiment illustrated there has a housing resembling a sports watch and a wrist band, so that the apparatus can be worn on the tennis player's wrist. Fundamentally, the aforementioned WO 2009/033289 can be cited for the functionality of the apparatus in voice recognition; the content of this citation is herewith included through this reference.

The block diagram of the apparatus shows a processor 1 which performs all the calculation and control functions. Since the processor must recognize voice commands in particular, a so-called “natural language processor” is preferably based on a digital signal processor (DSP). Such processors are familiar to those skilled in the art and are commercially available. For example, an NLP-5x processor from the Sensory Co. may be used. Such processors allow the user to connect an analog microphone 2, which is then available for voice input by the player. In addition, operating buttons are provided, one of which is a special operating button 13 (FIG. 2, where three operating buttons 3 are shown at the side), which activates voice recognition in the processor as explained. Thus, when the player operates the button 13, which is shown inside the box 3 in FIG. 1, voice recording by the processor 1 is activated, so that the player can enter his description of the points and/or hits, which can be analyzed and converted to digital data. This is preferably done according to the sequences described above and/or with the differentiation of voice input pertaining to the player and that pertaining to the opponent, which is thus now possible. Reference is made again to WO 2009/033298 which presents a possibility for the type of voice input. Instead of or in addition to voice input, certain descriptions of points or hits can also be entered using buttons provided on the apparatus. Accordingly, the microphone for voice input may then also be omitted. If the voice input is omitted, then the CPU used may be different from the one mentioned here. An optical display is labeled as 4 in the block diagram and may be an OLED display, for example. The display provided in the housing 10 is labeled as 14 in FIG. 2. A memory 5 may be formed by a flash memory module or a secure digital memory card (SD card). In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus has motion sensors by means of which it can capture the hitting motion by the player. In the example shown here, acceleration sensor 6 and gyroscopic sensors 7 are provided for this purpose and supply the corresponding signals for all coordinates and are connected to the processor 1, which receives the sensor signals and at least stores them. The evaluation of this data then takes place later as a rule when the data is read out of the apparatus (for example, into a tennis play capturing apparatus (BASE) 30 (FIG. 3) or into a SERVER 35). However, the evaluation may already be performed in the apparatus itself. For the evaluation it is provided in particular that (in the case of the apparatus by the processor 1) the sensor data generated by a specific hit by the player is compared with a table (stored in the memory 5 in the case of this apparatus) that contains typical value ranges for the typical tennis hits. These values are determined empirically and then stored. However, corresponding algorithms may also be provided, which may be based in particular on the data acquired empirically. In this way, in particular using the empirical values, it is possible to conclude easily and quickly from the sensor signals, without any major computation effort, what type of hit the player has executed. Acceleration sensors are commercially available and, for example, a triaxial sensor circuit of the LIS3DH type may be used. For example, a triaxial sensor circuit of the type L3G4200D can be mentioned as a gyroscopic sensor 7 with which the angular velocity of the hitting motion can be determined. Combined acceleration and gyroscopic sensor circuits are also available on the market and may be used for example, a sensor of the LSM320HAY30 type. A triaxial sensor circuit of the LSM303DLHC type, for example, may be used as the orientation sensor and/or compass sensor, which can determine the orientation of the player in relation to the tennis court.

According to a preferred embodiment of the apparatus, it can both determine and store the hit information when the player is wearing the apparatus on his hitting arm as well as when the player is wearing the apparatus non-hitting arm. By using buttons 3, the player informs the processor 1 of which choice he would like to make. In readout of the data, this information is then also read out, so that the tennis play capturing apparatus 30 and/or the server 35 can consult with corresponding tables which are appropriate for the choice of a hitting arm and/or a non-hitting arm. If tables from the memory 5 of the apparatus are consulted, then the procedure selected will be selected accordingly, depending on the choice made previously. It has been found that even with the other arm than the hitting arm, sensor signals, which are characteristic of a specific hit, are also generated for the other arm. As mentioned above, this apparatus may also be worn on the upper body (alternatively or additionally) for example, with a chest belt or may be designed to be worn on the player's head. Again in this case, the location where the apparatus is worn on the player's body can be input on the apparatus, so that, for the evaluation of the signals, it is clear which type of wear has created these signals. As mentioned above, however, this apparatus may also be arranged completely or partially in the player's tennis racket.

In addition, it is preferable if the apparatus can determine a ball signal and at any rate can also take into account a ball signal which indicates that the player has hit a ball with his racket. To do so, a sensor whose signal is transferred to the apparatus via the interface 15 may be provided in the racket, for example. However, it is preferable for the apparatus to determine the ball signal itself. This takes place in particular via the microphone of the apparatus, which detects the impact of the ball acoustically. Another microphone 8 may also be provided for this purpose to record the sound that occurs on contact between the tennis racket and the tennis ball, so that the sound can be recognized by the processor. The preferred embodiment with acoustic capture allows very good recognition of a hit. In this way the impact of the ball with the tennis court and the ball being hit by the opponent's racket can also be recognized.

In addition, it is preferable if the apparatus allows a vibratory acknowledgment to the user, so that a vibration motor 9 is provided for this purpose, in particular in the case of keypad input and/or voice input. The apparatus may have a USB interface 16 and/or a wireless interface, in particular a Bluetooth interface 15, in particular a Bluetooth low energy interface.

FIG. 2 shows the apparatus 10 in a preferred embodiment as an apparatus having an arm band 12 wearable on the arm.

FIG. 3 shows schematically a tennis court 20 having two court halves 21 and 22. The player 23 wears an apparatus 10 on his non-hitting arm, which is represented in the figure by the apparatus 10 which is shown enlarged, and the arrow to the arm. The voice bubble 24 and the rectangles 25 and 26 are supposed to symbolize voice input by the player, voice recording by the microphone and voice analysis by the processor 1.

The apparatus 10 by itself can pick up the important information about a tennis game, as described here. In this case the apparatus is read out by a computer 40 and the data is transmitted to the server 35 where the analyses mentioned above can be performed on the raw data. However, a tennis play capturing apparatus 30 may also be provided as an additional element. Both cases will be considered below. The apparatus 10 is referred to here as the KIT, and the tennis play capturing apparatus 30 is referred to as the BASE. In addition, a server 35 is mentioned; this is where a data processing program according to the invention is running. This server is referred to below as SERVER. However, the program could also run on the tennis game acquisition apparatus 30 (BASE) and the data from the apparatus 10 could be analyzed there.

Differentiation of Two Cases

Case A—BASE 30 not present

Case B—BASE 30 present

Case A

KIT 10 functions autonomously. All the data acquired is loaded into any computer 40 via USB and from there is uploaded to the SERVER 35.

Case B

KIT 10 cooperates with the BASE 30.

A connection is established between a KIT 10 and a BASE 30. If a match is initialized on the KIT (generation of a unambiguous match ID), then the match ID is transmitted to BASE and the times are synchronized. Next the BASE collects additional information such as video signals and position data on the players.

The match data collected by the base (one's own data and data transmitted by KIT) is transmitted entirely or partially live to the SERVER, depending on the quality of the available Internet connection.

If no Internet connection is available, the collected data is linked physically (e.g., by removing the replaceable data medium/hard drive from the BASE) after the end of the match/game and physically connected to a third party device, from which the data is uploaded to the SERVER.

The procedure for uploading the data from the KIT to the SERVER as described for case A remains unchanged.

Function of the Server/Third Party Devices (PC, Laptop, Smartphone)

The data processing, analysis, etc. are performed on the server. Administration of the matches is also web-based. By logging in, the user can access his matches and match data. Locally on the device, only software for the simplified data upload need be installed.

The server has different functions (web applications) such as publication of live match data, coaching function, processing of statistics, etc.

KIT

Description of the Main Functions

Off Court

Clock Mode

KIT may be worn as a watch and has the applications usually found with a watch.

Pre-Match Mode

To prepare for a match, first a new match ID is generated. This new ID is formed on the basis of the device number, player information, etc. In the next step the player must inform the KIT whether he is wearing KIT on the hitting arm or on the non-hitting arm. Next, the relevant information about a match (tournament number, match mode (two winning sets with a tie break in the third set), name of opponent, temperature, etc.) can be acquired via a graphically user interface (GUI). This may be done either via the function keys or via voice recording (with voice recognition in some cases at any rate). Alternatively, the data may also be acquired on a third party device (laptop, smartphone, etc.) and transmitted to the KIT via USB.

Walk on Court

As soon as the player has walked onto the court and there is a BASE, the player can perform a pairing with the BASE by means of the function keys 3.

On Court

Activation of Match Mode

After the warm-up phase, immediately before the start of a match, the player begins the match tracking program by means of function key 3. Then the KIT requires only the information about which player is hitting in the first game. KIT then switches to the match mode. Voice recognition is activated but is still in pause mode. All sensors as well as the microphone for the ball signal are activated.

Match Mode

Capturing Point Information/Voice Recognition

If a point is concluded, the player acquires the point information in the depth required (minimal information to maximal information).

To do so, he will first activate the voice recognition. This is done either by way of the main button 13 or by way of a rotating movement of the wrist or by tapping with one hand on the other hand. KIT recognizes the rotating movement on the basis of the motion sensors, in particular the gyroscopic sensors or it recognizes the tapping on the basis of sensors 6 and microphone 2 or 8 as a predefined “motion/sound pattern” and activates voice recognition accordingly.

Depressing the main button once (or rotating or tapping once) means “point for the player.” Depressing the main button twice or rotating or tapping (within one second) means “point for the opponent.”

Depending on the command (point for player or opponent), a different trigger command vocabulary set is opened by the voice recognition software. This vocabulary set consists only of six words. These six words have the following meanings in the case of the point for the player:

• • point for player due to winning hit;
  • point for player due to forced error by opponent;
  • point for player due to unforced error by opponent;
  • point for player due to an ace;
  • point for player due to a service winner;
  • point for player due to a double error by opponent.

If the opponent has made the point, the corresponding vocabulary set is retrieved by tapping/depressing a button twice. The six words then stand for

• • point for the opponent from winning hit;
  • point for the opponent due to forced error by the player;
  • point for the opponent due to unforced error by the player;
  • point for the opponent due to an ace;
  • point for the opponent due to a service winner;
  • point for the opponent due to a double error by the player.

By limiting the vocabulary to six unambiguous trigger words, the probability of recognition is maximally high, even with different volume levels, distances from the microphone and heart rate/respiration. This is true even more so, since the vocabulary in the set-up phase of the KIT (after purchase) can be voice trained (speaker dependent). Although the KIT already comes with a high-quality vocabulary (speaker independent), it can still be trained independently by the speaker for even higher recognition rates.

The KIT thus expects a point confirmation for the player through one of the six commands after confirmation once via the main button. If this confirmation is not received within three seconds, the voice recognition will be closed and an error message will appear in the display. Then the sequence must be repeated as described above.

If the voice recognition recognizes a correct command within the three-second limit, a confirmation will appear on the display. For one second, a symbol for point player and the last command will appear on the display. Then the game score display will be updated.

The correct allocation of points to the player and to the opponent is crucial for the system as a whole. Due to the double-check system (button/turn or tapping and corresponding trigger command), false identification is minimized and amounts to less than 0.1%, which is excellent for voice recognition applications.

After correct recognition of a trigger term, KIT also opens the vocabulary set for the detail information regarding the hit. Voice recognition remains open for five seconds. If there is no recognition of additional terms from this vocabulary, the voice recognition will be closed again. If a command is recognized, this information is stored together with the point information. The commands for the detail information (e.g., forehand/backhand, volley, spin, stop ball, etc.) may be spoken in any order. The system can automatically allocate the information to a category.

Record Mode

If a player wants to make a personal commentary on a certain point, a game, etc., he can activate the record mode by pushing button 3 for two seconds. If the voice recognition mode is active, it is deactivated and the record mode is activated. The message “Speak now” appears in the display. The player can then speak his commentary for max. 10 seconds. The record mode stops either on reaching 10 seconds, which is indicated by a vibration signal, or by depressing the button X again. The display automatically changes to the results display and KIT goes back to the normal match mode. If the player wants to make a comment again, he must repeat this sequence.

Microphone “Ball Impact”

KIT may have two microphones, one for voice recognition, which is activated only on command and one microphone for measuring for ball impact with the racket (as well as with the court and with the opponent). This second microphone is active at all time and detects all sounds. Both functions can preferably be fulfilled with one microphone but its signals are evaluated only on request and/or when activated as voice input.

The ball signals detected and also the voice signals (which together may be referred to as audio data) are preferably stored locally on the KIT as digital data and/or are additionally transmitted to the BASE when there is a connection. This method saves a great deal of memory in comparison with storing the audio files (for post-processing) and massively reduces the volume of data to be transmitted when there is a connection to BASE.

Sensors

Various motion sensors have been integrated into the motion sensor device in KIT.

a) Acceleration sensors (acceleration meter/accelerometer)

b) Gyroscopic sensors

c) Orientation sensors (compass sensors)

Acceleration Sensors

An acceleration sensor detects linear acceleration in x and/or y and/or z axes. The translatory movement can be calculated from this.

Gyroscopic Sensor

A rotational rate sensor measures the angular velocity about the x and/or y and/or z axis. The rotating movement can be calculated from this. This sensor may also be used for recognition of the rotating movement of the person's wrist for activation of the apparatus and may thus replace the live analysis mentioned above for tapping.

Orientation Sensor

To determine the orientation of the player in relation to the tennis court, a magnetic field sensor (compass sensor) may also be used in addition. In FIG. 1 the compass sensor is labeled as 7′.

The values determined by the sensors are stored locally continuously on the KIT and/or are additionally transmitted to the BASE if there is a connection.

Live Analysis of “Tapping” on KIT or Rotating

To be able to detect the “tapping” (with one hand on the other—wearing the KIT) or rotating as described above, an approximate initial analysis is performed on the KIT.

This checks for very specific movement patterns and if such motion patterns are present, it checks on whether there has also been a corresponding sound pattern. If this the case, then a corresponding trigger vocabulary is opened as described above and the voice recognition is activated.

Data Transmission to BASE

All the detected data is transmitted by wireless technology, preferably by low-energy Bluetooth to the BASE if there is an existing connection to the BASE.

Data buffering is then performed. If data cannot be transmitted for a short period of time, it is stored temporary on the KIT and transmitted again when the connection is intact.

BASE

The BASE fulfills various functions:

• • Digital or manual display of results
  • Data recording by KIT
  • Data storage of KIT/BASE data
  • Forwarding of selected data to SERVER if there is an existing Internet connection
  • Laser position measurement of the player and the opponent, for which a so-called 2D laser or even a 3D laser may be used. The laser is diagramed schematically and labeled as 32
  • Video recordings
  • Two static cameras 33 for recording the two halves of the court
  • Two PTZ cameras 34, which are controlled by the apparatus 30 by way of the laser 32

“Scanning lasers” such as those which are also customary for robot applications may be used as the lasers for the position measurement of the player position with respect to the tennis game capture apparatus 30. For example, one laser scanner from the company SICK of the 111-10100 type may be used; it covers a measurement distance of 0.5 m to 20 m and has a viewing angle of 270°. Such a laser or similar lasers have a scanning frequency of 25 Hz or 50 Hz and detect any objects, i.e., tennis players with an angular resolution of 0.5°, for example, and a precision of ±30 mm. Thus the position of the player during the game can be detected and stored over time, so that the position information can be linked to the data from the at least one apparatus 10. It is thus possible to determine where the player was just before achieving a point for example, where the player was when the ball signal of the sensor was generated. The position information can also be linked to the voice input. This may also be done later in the server.

One camera may be used as the static video cameras 33 for each half of the court. For example, the usual commercial cameras from Sony or the Clover Electronics Co. may be used. Corresponding commercially available cameras from companies such as DLink or Sony or Panasonic are available for the cameras 34, which can track the players in a process that is controlled by the BASE 30, supported by the laser position detection (so-called pan/tilt/zoom cameras). These cameras can be operated by the computer of the BASE 30 via an interface (e.g., Ethernet or RS-422), so that the camera follows the player. The computer of the BASE recognizes the position of the player or players on the basis of the laser measurement using the laser 31 and can control the camera accordingly. Thus video data of the entire tennis court is available along with more specific video data for each player. This data is preferably analyzed in the server 35, instead of being analyzed already in the apparatus 30, although this is also possible.

The data analysis in the server is described in greater detail below. The data about the player position and optionally the video preferably data originate from a tennis play capturing apparatus, as described above. This data may also originate from a separate laser measuring device or from a separate video camera device. That is irrelevant for the combination of this data with the data from the apparatus 10 inasmuch as the laser position data and/or the video data is/are provided with the same time information and/or timeline as the data from the apparatus 10, so that for the program running on the server, the data can be allocated mutually.

SERVER—Data Analysis

The server 35 fulfills various functions such as

• • Data recording and storage of transmitted data (KIT or BASE)
  • Synchronization of BASE and KIT data
  • Data evaluation and processing
  • Processing of information
  • Performing match analyses/processing statistics

The most important function is data synchronization and/or evaluation and processing which are described in greater detail below.

All the available data is provided with a time stamp, so that it can be coordinated and/or synchronized.

Step 1—Evaluation of the Motion Sensor Data

Possible hits are extracted from the thousands of motion data bits by means of analysis software by scanning the data for stored motion patterns. With each potential hit event detected, a time stamp is placed at the most likely moment of impact (ball impacts racket—peak in the motion curve).

In addition, the motion data is subjected to a depth analysis in which a record is made for each possible hit event regarding what type of hit it is and in which embodiment it might be (for example, forehand volley or backhand ground hit slice).

Step 2—Synchronization with Microphone Data

The microphone data has already been prefiltered on the KIT. The sound data for the hit has been synchronized with the data from the motion sensors. The result is a draft of a hit event table in which the possible hit events are chronologically recorded from both sources (sensors and microphone).

In addition, the microphone data is also subjected to a depth analysis.

In this analysis, a record is made of each possible hit event to determine which type of hit it might have been on the basis of threshold values, in which case possible scores are extracted in particular.

Step 3—Synchronization of the Two Results

Then the possible hit events are filtered with the goal of eliminating false events. All events that might not have any correspondence within a time bandwidth of approx. 0.5 seconds are deleted from the list of hit events. If a serve motion has been recorded by the motion sensors but no ball impact was detected by the microphone, this event is deleted. This would presumably be a “dry run” or a faulty detection by the sensors.

This yields a corrected hit event table which is supplemented with the hit attributes of the prior analyses for each hit.

Step 4—Analysis of Voice Recognition

Then the voice recognition data is analyzed, primarily searching for the point information. This is unambiguous and may be only A or B. For each event, a “point” time stamp is set on the time axis and the results is calculated at the same time. This can be calculated on the basis of the rules of the game and the information about who began with the serve. The point information is thus supplemented in each case by the result and the serve information.

In addition, further information from the voice recognition and/or voice recording can be stored for each data record if available (e.g., spin information, etc.).

Step 5—Synchronization of Hit Event Table with Voice Recognition Data

The first point is retrieved first. Starting from this time stamp, a search is in reverse in the hit event table until the last serve has been found. If the player is not serving, the last return must be identified.

If this serve and/or return is found, additional information about that point is calculated and save:

• • Start of the ball exchange (time stamp)
  • Length of the ball exchange

Starting from the serve, it then calculates how long the ball exchange has lasted and/or how many times the ball was hit by the player (similarly, the opponent must have also hit the ball the same number of times accordingly).

• • First/second serve

Starting from the last serve, it determines whether yet another serve before that has been saved in the hit event table. If not, it was the first serve. If it was, then this may either have been the second serve or the first serve might have touched the edge of the net and had to be repeated. If there is no information about the serve from voice recognition, then it is assumed on the basis of probability that this was a second serve.

• • Ace/serve winner or double error

If there is no additional hit event for this ball exchange in the table after the serve, then this means (in the event the player wearing the KIT has served) that the opponent was unable to return the ball. The reason for this is taken from the information in the voice recognition (winning hit, forced error, unforced error). If a winning hit has been detected, it is either an ace or a serve winner. If the point went to the opponent for example, and two serve events were detected and an unforced error was recorded in the voice recognition, then this is probably a double error.

• • If it is not found, then the start command “Who serves” is searched for as the start of the first ball exchange and this is recorded as the start of ball exchange (time stamp). No additional calculations are performed.

Then the process is repeated for each additional point. A deviation exists only in the case of failure to find the serve and/or the return. Then it is not the start command that is taken as a reference point but rather the time stamp of the last point in formation. No additional calculations are performed.

Step 6—Synchronization of Position Data

The position data recorded by the BASE is synchronized with the point information on the server and the position information is recorded as additional information in the hit event table.

Step 7—Video Synchronization

The videos recorded by the four cameras are provided with the match ID on the server and are synchronized exactly in time.

Step 8—Calculation of the Point Video Sequence

The four video data files are synchronized with the point information in the next step, whereby a starting time (time stamp of the hit minus five seconds) and end time (time stamp of the last hit event within a point/ball exchange plus five seconds) is set for each point. In the subsequent match analysis this permits control of the corresponding video sequence for any point.

Live Calculation of Results on KIT

An immediate calculation of results is already performed on the KIT based on the data from voice recognition (point information for player or opponent). Based on the choice of the game rules (e.g., two winning sets, tie break in the third set) and the information about who began with the serve, the KIT can calculate the current results continuously, thanks to the integrated tennis counting algorithm, and provide this result as feedback to the player. At the same time, this result is transmitted to the BASE, if present, and transferred from there as the result to the server (with corresponding match ID) if there is an Internet connection. The server then makes this result available within a few seconds on any websites (such as tournament websites, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) or apps.

Motion Pattern Library (Independent of Player)

The server contains a library of motion patterns. In the analysis of the motion sensor data by KIT, the analysis software checks on whether there is a correspondence of a recorded motion with one or more stored motion patterns. If this is the case, the motion pattern having the greatest correspondence is selected. This is then recorded as the hit event in the hit event table (including all the stored details such as forehand/backhand, spin, etc.). The motion pattern library contains hit patterns saved for right-handed and left-handed players, for double- or single-handed forehand hits and/or backhand hits. The motion pattern library contains patters of hits in which the KIT is worn on the hitting arm as well as those when the KIT is worn on the non-hitting arm. As in the case of voice recognition, these are “player-independent” hit patterns. To improve the recognition rate and the accuracy, the player can create his own hit motion library on the server with the help of the kit.

Individual Motion Pattern Library (Player Dependent)

The player can set up individual hit motions in his personal motion pattern library during training with the KIT by using the “personal hit pattern” mode.

In doing so the player is first instructed to save some general information: forehand: one-handed, double-handed; backhand: single-handed, double-handed: KIT on the hitting arm or on the non-hitting arm; right-handed or left-handed player. These entries are made by using the function keys.

Then the player systematically performs possible hit motions for recording. For example, if he selects forehand topspin ground stroke, he must perform 10 hits in succession, which are recorded. If he considers these hits to be good, he will save them. Then he will continue with the next hit pattern.

After the training unit, he will load the data thus recorded onto his computer via USB and from there upload it to the server. The server then saves this hit pattern in the personal library of that player.

If an analysis of the motion data of a match is performed at a later point in time, the analysis software checks as a priority whether personal motion patterns are available and whether there is a correspondence. Only if no correspondence can be found does the system check secondarily on whether there is a correspondence with a hit pattern of the player-independent library.

The invention thus relates to an apparatus for capturing tennis game data, wherein the apparatus is designed as an apparatus to be worn on the body of a player or at any rate as an apparatus provided as a whole or partially in/on the tennis racket, characterized in that the apparatus has a plurality of data capturing devices for acquiring different tennis play-specific data. At least two, preferably more than two physiological sensor devices are provided as the data capturing devices, selected from the group comprising voice detection equipment with a microphone, ball impact capturing apparatus, motion sensor device, key input device for hit information.

In addition, it is preferable for the device to be designed as an apparatus that can be worn on the player's arm, or the apparatus may be designed as an apparatus that can be worn on the player's chest or the apparatus may be designed as an apparatus that can be worn on the player's head. The apparatus may comprise the voice recognition device with a microphone, by means of which voice input by the player can be detected and evaluated, and it is characterized in that the voice input device comprises an activation device that can be operated by the player and whose activation allows the input of voice input and/or whose non-activation prevents voice input from being input.

In addition, the apparatus may be characterized in that the voice recognition unit is designed for recognizing a speaker-independent vocabulary and/or for recognizing a speaker-dependent vocabulary.

Furthermore it is preferable that different operating sequences that can be entered by hand by the control unit on the device and a first voice input following the manual input can be recognized in which case the manual sequence and the voice input can be recognized as correlated in the combination which indicates whether the input is made for the player or for his opponent. Furthermore it is preferable for the control unit to be equipped, so that a voice input made according to the allocation can be checked for its accuracy with respect to the allocation to the player or the opponent. The activation device may be a switch or button that can be operated by finger pressure.

The activation device may be formed by a motion sensor in the apparatus, the sensor being designed, so that a turn/a rotation of the wrist or tapping on the apparatus can be recognized as activation.

Furthermore the apparatus may comprise a vibration generator which can be operated for confirmation of receipt and/or of recognition and/or of non-recognition of voice input by the control unit of the apparatus. Furthermore the apparatus may have a display that can be read visually, in particular an alphanumeric display which can be operated by the control unit of the apparatus to confirm the receipt and/or recognition and/or non-recognition of voice input. Furthermore the apparatus may have a display which can be read visually and which can be controlled by the control unit of the apparatus for display of the game, where the control unit is designed in particular for calculation and display of the result based on the voice input which is evaluated by the control unit.

The apparatus preferably comprises a motion sensor device for detecting tennis hit motions by the player and is designed for storing the motion sensor data. One to three acceleration sensors are provided in the motion sensor device and in particular one to three gyroscopic sensors and in particular one to three compass sensors are additionally provided.

If the apparatus is an apparatus that can be worn on the arm of the player, then it is preferable for the apparatus to be designed with a selection input means which makes it possible to input whether hit movements are being recorded on the player's hitting arm or on the player's non-hitting arm and stored and/or whether the apparatus is an apparatus that can be worn on the player's chest or an apparatus that can be worn on the player's head and is equipped with a selection input means which allows the input of the wearing position into the apparatus.

It is possible to provide that the control of the apparatus is designed for evaluation of the motion sensor signals, in particular for comparison of the motion sensor signals with sensor signal value tables saved in a memory of the apparatus. In addition, it is preferable for the apparatus to be designed for saving a ball signal which signals the impact of the tennis ball with the tennis racket of the player, at any rate, in addition to the impact of the ball with the tennis court and/or with the racket of one's opponent. The ball signal can be generated in the apparatus and/or the apparatus may be designed to receive a ball signal generated externally. The ball signal can preferably be generated by a sensor in the apparatus, in particular by acoustically capturing the impact of the ball by means of microphone of the apparatus and evaluating it as a ball signal by a recognition device of the apparatus. It is possible that the apparatus has two microphones, one of which is provided for acquisition of the ball impact and the other of which is provided for voice input, and in particular it is possible that the microphone is constantly ready for use for the ball impact, and the microphone for voice input is ready only after being activated by the player. Preferably only one microphone is provided and thus the same microphone is used for voice input and for acoustic recognition of the respective ball impact.

The apparatus may be designed with a physiological sensor for acquisition of the player's heart rate and/or with a physiological sensor for detection of the oxygen saturation of the blood and/or a physiological sensor for measurement of perspiration and/or a physiological sensor for blood pressure measurement.

The control unit of the apparatus may be designed for evaluation of at least two, in particular three and more in particular four of the data capturing devices. It is preferable for the apparatus to have at least one interface which is designed for output of saved data from the data capturing devices and/or for output of evaluation results from the data of the data capturing devices, where the interface is a wireless interface in particular.

In addition, a tennis play capturing apparatus comprising a computer and designed for recording and processing the data signals from at least one of the apparatus described here may be provided. The tennis game acquisition apparatus may comprise at least one laser scanner by means of which at least the hit position of one of the players on the tennis court can be determined by placement of the tennis play evaluation apparatus on a tennis court. The tennis play capturing apparatus may be designed for synchronization of the hit position thereby determined with the recorded and/or generated data signals from the apparatus worn by the player. In addition, the tennis play capturing apparatus may comprise at least one video camera for recording at least one-half of the tennis court and in particular two video cameras for recording both halves of the tennis court. The at least one video camera can be controllable by the position signal of the at least one laser scanner, so that focused player images can be recorded.

In addition, the invention relates to a data processing program which is designed for processing the data from at least one of the devices described here in that it is designed for processing and combining data from at least two of the data capturing devices of the apparatus. The data processing program may be designed for processing and combining motion sensor information and/or orientation sensor information and/or ball signal information from the apparatus as a function of play point results. The data processing program may contain at least one library of sensor signals which contains tables of characteristic sensor signals of sensors in particular motion sensors of the apparatus as well as tennis play information allocated to the characteristic sensor signals, in particular information about the type of hit. The data processing program may be designed, so that the library contains both characteristic motion sensor signals of the tables containing hitting arm motions as well as tables of characteristic motion sensor signals of the non-hitting arm, and the program is designed for analyzing information from the apparatus which indicates whether the apparatus is being worn on the hitting arm or on the non-hitting arm in the play capture. The library preferably contains at least one table with characteristic motion sensor signals for wearing the apparatus on the player's chest or it contains at least one table with characteristic motion sensor signals for wearing the apparatus on the player's head or it contains characteristic motion sensor signals when the apparatus is arranged entirely or partially in the racket. The library preferably contains player-independent tables which contain presaved motion sensor signals and the library contains player-dependent tables in which characteristic motion sensor signals are stored for an individual player. The data processing program is preferably also designed for processing player position data, in particular from a tennis play capturing apparatus and/or for processing video information, in particular from a tennis play capturing apparatus.

Claims

1. An apparatus for capturing tennis play data, wherein the apparatus is designed as an apparatus that can be worn on the player's body and/or as an apparatus arranged entirely or partially in the racket, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a plurality of data capturing devices for acquiring various tennis play-specific data.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two, preferably more than two, data capturing devices are provided from the group of voice recognition device having a microphone, ball impact capturing device, motion sensor device, key input device for hit information, physiology sensor device.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus is designed as an apparatus that can be worn on the player's arm or the apparatus is designed as an apparatus that can be worn on the player's chest or the apparatus is designed as an apparatus that be worn on the player's head or the apparatus is designed as an apparatus arranged in the handle and/or in the frame and/or in the strings of the racket.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a voice recognition unit having a microphone through which voice input by the player can be captured and evaluated, characterized in that the voice input device comprises an activation device that can be operated by the player and through whose activation voice input can be entered and/or on whose non-activation voice input cannot be entered.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the voice recognition unit is designed for recognition of a speaker-dependent vocabulary and/or for recognition of a speaker-independent vocabulary.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that different manually inputable operating sequences and a first voice input following the manual input can be recognized by a control unit, wherein the manual sequence and the voice input can be recognized as an allocation when combined, indicating whether the input is for the player or for his opponent.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the control unit is equipped, so that a voice input occurring after the allocation can be checked for its accuracy with respect to the allocation of players and/or opponents.

8. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the activation device is a finger pressure operable switch or button.

9. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the activation device is formed by a motion sensor in the apparatus which is designed, so that a rotation of the apparatus or tapping on the apparatus is recognizable as activation.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a vibration generator which is operable for confirmation of receipt and/or of recognition and/or of non-recognition of voice input by a control unit of the apparatus.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a visually readable display, in particular an alphanumeric display which is operable by a control unit of the apparatus for confirmation of receipt and/or recognition and/or non-recognition of voice input.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a visually readable display which can be controlled by the control unit of the apparatus to display the result of the play, wherein a control unit is designed in particular for calculation and display of the results based on the voice input evaluated by the control unit.

13. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the apparatus comprises the motion sensor device for detection of tennis hit motions by the player and is equipped for saving the motion sensor data.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the motion sensor device comprises one to three acceleration sensors and in particular additionally comprises one to three gyroscopic sensors and in particular additionally comprises one to three compass sensors.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is an apparatus that can be worn on the player's arm, characterized in that the apparatus is equipped with a selection input means, by which it is possible to enter whether hitting motions on the player's hitting arm or on the player's non-hitting arm are recorded and saved and/or whether the apparatus is an apparatus that can be worn on the player's chest and/or an apparatus that can be worn on the player's head and is equipped with a selection input means, which allows the input of the wearing position into the apparatus.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that its control unit is designed for evaluating motion sensor signals, in particular for comparing motion sensor signals with sensor signal value tables stored in a memory in the apparatus.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus is designed for storage of a ball signal which signals the impact of a tennis ball with the tennis racket of the player and in particular the apparatus also is designed for saving a ball signal for the impact of the tennis ball with the tennis court and/or for the impact of the tennis ball with the opponent's tennis racket.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the ball signal can be generated in the apparatus and/or the apparatus is designed for receiving an externally generated ball signal.

19. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the ball signal can be generated by a sensor in the apparatus, in particular the impact of the ball can be detectable acoustically by a microphone in the apparatus and can be evaluated by a recognition device of the apparatus as a ball signal and/or as one of the various ball signals.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that it has two microphones one of which is provided for detection of the ball impact and the other of which is provided for voice input, and in particular the microphone is continuously ready for the ball impact, and the microphone for the voice input is ready only after being activated by the player, or the apparatus has only one microphone which is constantly ready for the ball impact and is ready for voice input only after being activated by the player.

21. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it is designed with a physiological sensor for detecting the heart rate of the player and/or with a physiological sensor for detecting the oxygen saturation of the blood of the player and/or with a physiological sensor for measuring perspiration and/or with a physiological sensor for measuring the blood pressure.

22. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that its control unit is designed for evaluating at least two, in particular three and more in particular four of the data capturing devices.

23. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it has at least one interface which is designed for delivery of stored data from the data capturing devices and/or for delivery of evaluation results from the data of the data capturing devices, wherein the interface in particular is a wireless interface.

24. A tennis game capturing apparatus comprising a computer and designed to receive and process the data signals from at least one of the devices according to claim 1.

25. The tennis game capturing apparatus according to claim 24, comprising at least one laser scanner by means of which on placement of the tennis game evaluation apparatus on a tennis court at least the hitting position of one of the players on the tennis court can be determined.

26. The tennis game capturing apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that it is designed for synchronization of the hitting position determined with the recorded and/or generated data signals from the apparatus worn by the player.

27. The tennis game capturing apparatus according to claim 24, comprising at least one video camera for recording at least one half of the tennis court, in particular comprising two video cameras for recording both halves of the tennis court.

28. The tennis game capturing apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that the at least one video camera can be positioned by the positioning signal of the at least one laser scanner such that the focused player recordings can be generated.

29. A data processing program which is designed for processing the data of at least one apparatus according to claim 1 in that it is designed for processing and combining data from at least two of the data capturing devices of the apparatus.

30. The data processing program according to claim 29, characterized in that it is designed for processing and combining motion sensor information and/or orientation sensor information and/or ball signal information and/or physiological sensor information from the apparatus as a function of game point results.

31. The data processing program according to claim 29, characterized in that it contains at least one library of sensor signals which contains tables of characteristic sensor signals of sensors in particular motion sensors of the apparatus as well as the tennis game information allocated to the characteristic sensor signals, in particular information about the type of hit.

32. The data processing program according to claim 31, characterized in that the library contains characteristic motion sensor signals of the tables containing hitting arm motions as well as tables of characteristic motion sensor signals of the non-hitting arm, and the program is designed for evaluating information from the apparatus which indicates whether the apparatus was worn on the hitting arm or on the non-hitting arm during the play capture.

33. The data processing program according to claim 31, characterized in that the library contains at least one table with characteristic motion sensor signals for wearing the apparatus on the player's chest, or the library contains at least one table with characteristic motion sensor signals for wearing the apparatus on the player's head or the library contains at least one table with characteristic motion sensor data for sensors located in the racket.

34. The data processing program according to claim 31, characterized in that the library contains player-independent tables which contain presaved motion sensor signals, and the library contains player-dependent tables in which characteristic motion sensor signals for an individual player are stored.

35. The data processing program according to claim 29, characterized in that this program additionally is designed for processing player position data, in particular from a tennis game capturing apparatus and/or for processing video information.

36. A data medium containing a data processing program according to claim 29.