GB2420722A

GB2420722A - A sports player monitoring system

Info

Publication number: GB2420722A
Application number: GB0524759A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian Edward Larkins
Original assignee: BAY 2 VIEW Ltd
Current assignee: BAY 2 VIEW Ltd
Priority date: 2004-12-03
Filing date: 2005-12-03
Publication date: 2006-06-07
Also published as: GB0524759D0; GB0426513D0

Abstract

A sport player monitoring system comprises a camera 19 to record a picture stream of the sports player, picture display means 21 to display the picture stream, detection means to detect the start of a sports activity by a sports player, and control means operative to control the camera 19, the picture display means 21 and the detection means. The system is operative such that initially the camera 19 is activated to begin recording the picture stream of the player, the control means activating the detection means, the detection means generating a datum signal which is sent to the control means upon the start of the sports activity by the sports player, the control means recording a picture stream from the camera 19 taken between a predetermined time before the datum signal, and a predetermined time after the datum signal. Also disclosed is a sport player monitoring system that involves reflecting a radar wave off the sports player.

Description

A SPORTS PLAYER MONITORING SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a sports player monitoring system and particularly but not exclusively relates to a sports player monitoring system for monitoring golf players.

It has previously been proposed to provide a golf player monitoring system to record pictures of a golf player for training purposes, and particularly to monitor the golf player's swing of the golf club in, for example, a driving range or the like.

Such a system typically has a camera which records a picture stream of the golf player, the golf player initiating and terminating the recording of the picture stream manually. Further manual control by the golf player is required to replay the picture stream.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a sport player monitoring system comprising a camera to record a picture stream of the sports player, picture display means to display the picture stream, detection means to detect the start of a sports activity by a sports player, and control means operative to control the camera, the picture display means and the detection means, the system being operative such that initially the camera is activated to begin recording the picture stream of the player, the control means activating the detection means, the detection means generating a datum signal which is sent to the control means upon the start of the sports activity by the sports player, the control means recording a picture stream from the camera taken between a predetermined time before the datum signal, and a predetermined time after the datum signal.

Preferably the detection means comprises a microphone which detects, in use, a sound indicative of the start of the sports activity.

Preferably the microphone is a directional microphone that receives, in use, sound waves from a predetermined direction only.

Preferably the detection means additionally comprises radar means operative to emit a wave towards the sports player and receive a wave reflected from the sports player, the emitted and reflected waves being processed by the control means to generate the datum signal.

The datum signal being generated based on signals from at least one of the microphone and the radar means minimises nuisance triggering as might be caused by the noise of golf balls being struck in adjacent bays.

Preferably the control means is operative to process the differences in properties between the emitted wave and the reflected wave to determine movement of at least part of the player or to determine movement of at least part of the equipment being used by the player, relative to the radar means.

Preferably the radar means comprises a Doppler radar operative to emit an electromagnetic wave of constant frequency towards the player, the control means being operative to process the differences in frequency between the emitted wave and the reflected wave.

Preferably the control means is operative such that the recorded picture stream is automatically replayed upon termination of the recording.

Preferably the control means is operative to automatically record picture streams of sequential sports activities without further user intervention occurring after initial activation of the system.

Preferably the system comprises selection means operative to enable the user to select, from a plurality of recorded picture streams, which picture stream is to be replayed.

Preferably the selection means comprises a button connected to the control means.

Preferably the length of each picture stream recorded can be varied.

Preferably the system further comprises storage means, the control means being operative to store a recorded picture stream or picture streams on the storage means.

Preferably the storage means comprises a disc recorder.

Preferably the disc recorder comprises a DVD writer.

Preferably the control means comprises an electronic data processor.

Preferably the system further comprises a target provided with a golf ball strike sensor operative to detect a ball striking the target, and means to transmit a signal from the golf ball strike sensor to the control means.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided electronic control means operative to control a camera, picture display means and detection means in a sports player monitoring system for monitoring a sports player undergoing a sports activity, the control means being operative, once the camera has been activated, to begin recording a picture stream of the player, to activate the detection means, the control means receiving a datum signal generated by the detection means upon the start of the sports activity, the control means recording a picture stream from the camera taken between a predetermined time before the datum signal, and a predetermined time after the datum signal.

Preferably the control means receives the datum signal from detection means comprising a microphone which detects, in use, a sound indicative of the start of the sports activity.

Preferably the control means receives the datum signal from a microphone comprising a directional microphone that receives, in use, sound waves from a predetermined direction only.

Alternatively the control means receives the datum signal from detection means comprising radar means operative to emit a wave towards the sports player and receive a wave reflected off the sports player, the emitted and reflected waves being processed by the control means to generate the datum signal.

Preferably the control means receives the datum signal from radar means comprising a Doppler radar operative to emit an electromagnetic wave of constant frequency towards the player, the control means being operative to process the differences in frequency between the emitted wave and the reflected wave.

Preferably the control means receives the datum signal from detection means comprising a microphone and radar means, the datum signal being generated based on signals from at least one of the microphone and the radar means.

Preferably the control means is operative to record picture streams of sequential sports activities.

Preferably the control means is operative to record the sequential picture streams on receipt of a manual signal provided by the player.

Alternatively the control means is operative to automatically record the sequential picture streams.

Preferably the control means comprises means operative to enable the user to select which picture stream is replayed.

Preferably the control means is operative to store a picture stream or streams on storage means.

Preferably the control mean is operative to store picture stream(s) on storage means comprising a disc recorder.

Preferably the control means is operative to store picture stream(s) on a disc recorder comprising a DVD writer.

Preferably the control means comprises an electronic data processor.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a sport player monitoring system comprising radar means operative to emit a wave towards the sports player and receive a wave reflected off the sports player, and control means operative to process the emitted wave and the reflected wave to determine the speed of at least part of the player or to determine the speed of at least part of a piece of equipment being used by the player.

Preferably the system comprises a camera to record a picture stream of the sports player, and picture display means to display the picture stream, Preferably the control means is operative to process the differences in properties between the emitted wave and the reflected wave to determine the speed of the part of the player, or to determine the speed of part of the equipment being used by the player.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided control means operative to control a radar means provided on a sports player monitoring system, the control means comprising means to control the radar means to emit a wave towards the sports player, means to process a wave reflected back to the radar means from the sports player, and means to process the differences between the emitted wave and the reflected wave to determine the speed of at least part of the player, or to determine the speed of at least part of a piece of equipment being used by the player.

Other aspects of the present invention may include any combination of the features or limitations referred to herein.

The present invention may be carried into practice in various ways, but embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a golf player monitoring system in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a front view of part of the golf player monitoring system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the part of the system shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is an enlarged front view of a control panel of the part of the system of Figures 2 and 3; Figure 5 is a front view of another part of the golf player monitoring system; Figure 6 is a side view of the part of the system shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a schematic circuit diagram of control means of the golf player monitoring system; and Figure 8 is a schematic flow diagram of the control means of Figure 7.

Referring initially to Figures 1 to 3 a golf player monitoring system I comprises two rectangular player bays 3, 4, the front of each bay 3, 4 opening onto a driving range or the like (not shown).

A rectangular tee off mat 5 is positioned within the bay 3 of sufficient size that one of a right handed player, and a left handed player can stand on the mat 5.

The first bay 3 comprises a number of player monitoring units including a master unit 7, a sub master unit 9, and a slave unit 11.

The second bay 4 comprises a square tee off mat 15, a master unit 7 and a slave unit 11.

The master units 7 each comprise an oblong housing the front panel 17 of which faces, in use, a right handed golf player within the respective bay 3, 4. Each master unit 7 comprises a video camera 19, picture display means comprising, for example, an LCD monitor 21, and a control panel 23. The camera 19 in use records a picture stream of the golf player, the picture stream being displayed on the LCD monitor 21 so that the golf player can view the pictures of himself.

The master unit 7 houses control means 25 comprising an electronic computer processor which may incorporate printed control boards (PCBs) and memory as is well known.

The master unit 7 houses a microphone which may be a directional microphone 27 directed only to receive sound waves from the tee off position on the mat 5.

The master unit 7 houses a Doppler radar means 29 positioned to emit a continuous electromagnetic radar wave of predetermined, fixed frequency towards the golf player, and to receive the wave reflected back from the player. Any relative movement between the radar 29 and the player (or the equipment of the player) results in the reflected wave being of different frequency to the frequency of the emitted wave.

The microphone 27 and the radar means 29 are controlled by the control means 25.

The sub master unit 9 comprises substantially the same features as the master unit 7 but is positioned in the first bay 3 to oppose the master unit 7 so as to be able record a picture stream of a left handed player.

The sub master unit 9 is controlled by the control means of the master unit 7. The sub master unit 9 need not comprise a separate control panel 23.

The slave unit 11 comprises a video camera 31 positioned in use to record a picture stream from the rear of the golf player and is connected to and controlled by the control means 25. The slave unit 11 may also comprise a queue display 26 to indicate to future users the number of players in the queue to use the system 1.

In use, the master unit 7 is used with right-handed players, and the sub master unit 9 is used with left-handed players. Each unit 7, 9 is used with the slave unit 11 so that the player has his/her picture recorded simultaneously by two cameras from different angles.

The second bay 4 comprises only a master unit 7 and a slave unit 11, both having substantially the same features as those described above.

Referring additionally to Figure 4, the control panel 23 comprises a token payment mechanism 35 in which a player inserts the appropriate prepurchased token to activate the system 1 for a predetermined period of time. Different tokens may be provided to activate different modes of operation of the system 1.

The control means 23 also comprises a coach operated program selection means comprising a tracker ball 37, three selection buttons 39, and a key operated lock 40. These are used upon activation by a coach having the appropriate key, to select a particular preprogrammed training program from an on-screen menu.

The control means 23 further comprises three player operated buttons 41 which are used by the player to select which pictures from the cameras 19, 31 of the units 7, 9 and 11 are to be displayed on the monitor 21, to select a particular picture stream to be replayed from a number of stored picture streams, or to pause the picture stream or to view the picture stream frame by frame.

The control means 23 also comprises a video output jack 43, and a button 44 which is operated by a coach or owner of the system 1 in conjunction with the lock 40 to view the total accumulated time that the system 1 has been used. This information is used for billing purposes.

Referring to Figure 7, the control means 23 comprises a primary processor 45 which controls all of the operations of the system 1. Thus the signals from the video cameras 19, 31 in the master unit 7, sub master unit 9 and slave unit 11 are all fed into the primary processor 45 which processes the picture streams from the cameras 19, 31 and sends the picture streams to the player monitor 21 on the master unit 7 or the sub master unit 9.

The primary processor 45 also receives an activation input signal from the token mechanism 35 and sends an output signal to the queuing display 26. Additionally, the primary processor 45 receives input control signals from the directional microphone 27, the Doppler radar 29, and sends appropriate control signals to microphone 27 and the Doppler radar 29. The primary processor 45 is also connected to, and controls, picture storage means such as, for example a DVD writer 47.

Referring additionally to Figure 8, the primary processor 45 comprises a number of sub systems.

The cameras 19, 31 from the master unit 7, the sub master unit 9, and the slave unit 11 are connected to a main processing PCB 50, the individual video streams from each camera 19, 31 being digitised by a video decoder 51. Both digital video streams are then fed to a video synchronisation and splitter system 53 using SDRAM 55. The video decoder 51, the video synchronisation and splitter system 53 and the SDRAM 55 are used to synchronise the video streams from the cameras 19, 31, and at the same time generate a vertical or horizontal (as required) split picture format as required to enable the player to view both camera angles simultaneously on the LCD monitor 21.

The SDRAM 55 is controlled to feed the digitised pictures as required within the system I at very precise times such as, for example, within approximately 10 nanoseconds.

Still in the digital domain, the combined picture stream is then fed to a digital video recorder and graphics controller 57 which controls a second SDRAM 58 which is larger than the first SDRAM 55. The digital video recorder and graphics controller 57 constantly receives the pictures from the video splitter system 53 and feeds them to the second SDRAM 58.

The second SDRAM 58 is controlled so as to store a predetermined length of digital video in a constantly updating rotating cycle. Thus, for example, the second SDRAM 58 can be controlled to store four-second lengths of picture stream. The length of the picture stream recorded can be programmed to any suitable length and may be varied from player to player.

The recorded picture stream is simultaneously fed to a first encoder 59 which provides the LCD display 21 with live pictures of the golf player.

The system 1 is activated with a coin or token inserted into the token mechanism 35 in the control panel 23. This effectively primes the system 1 SO that a storage and input/output processor 60 activates the LCD display 21, the directional microphone 27 and the Doppler radar 29.

The input/output processor 60 is connected to the digital video recorder and graphics controller 57.

The signals received by the directional microphone 27 and/or the Doppler radar 29 are used to send a control signal to the input/output processor 60 to create a datum for the recording of a picture stream of predetermined length of the player's actions. This datum is generated by processing a signal from the microphone 27, the signal being generated from the sound created by the golf club hitting the golf ball.

The datum signal is generated by a combination of the microphone signal and a signal from the Doppler radar 29. The Doppler radar 29, in use, emits a continuous electromagnetic wave of a predetermined frequency towards the golf player. The wave reflects off the player and the reflected wave is received by the Doppler radar 29 and has a different frequency to that of the emitted wave, if there is movement of the player relative to the radar 29. These differences are processed by the radar 29 to generate an electronic picture of the position and speed of the various parts of the golf player, the golf club, and the golf ball. When the player swings the golf club, and when the golf ball is hit by the club and begins to move, the change in frequency of the emitted wave is processed by the radar 27 to provide a datum signal.

Once the datum signal has been generated, the system will automatically replay the four seconds of picture stream, showing three seconds of the picture stream made before the datum signal, and one second of the picture stream made after the datum signal. The picture stream is replayed in a continuous loop. This loop is converted into a VGA signal to drive the LCD monitor 21 via a second encoder 63. The length of the picture stream can be varied according to user requirements and is primarily determined by the size of a dual inline memory module comprising part of the input/output processor 60.

Using the external buttons 39, 41 on the control panel 23, the player or trainer can choose to replay the four seconds of picture stream in half speed mode, and also in field by field mode so that individual pictures of the recorded picture stream can be viewed individually. The primary processor 45 can record, for example, 50 frames per second giving a potential 200 individual pictures of the player's action for review.

The golf player, can if he wishes, continue to take shots, and the system 1 will record a four second picture stream of each shot either automatically, using the datum method described above, or on receipt of a suitable control signal provided manually by the player. At any time the golf player may choose to replay the last recorded picture stream so as to view his/her last shot.

After a predetermined period of time corresponding to the value of coinage or tokens inserted into the system 1, the primary processor 45 is shut down and sends a signal to the queuing display 26 to indicate to the next player that the system 1 is ready.

Each recorded picture stream is then fed via the input/output processor 60 to a compact flash interface 65 (with a capacity of 500GB for example) which stores a specific predetermined number of four- second picture streams. From there the input/output processor 60, when requested by the user using a button 41 of the control panel 23, sends the digital pictures of the picture stream, via Ethernet port 67, to a DVD writer 47 to burn a copy of the picture stream of the player's activity onto a DVD.

The control of the external buttons 41 and tracker ball 37 is via a combination of the processor 60 and a network microcontroller 67.

The tracker baIl 37 running via the network micro controller 67 is designed to enable a frozen image of the player's activities to be manipulated such that line vectors can be drawn on the LCD screen 21 to illustrate optimum club/player limb positions as a comparison to the actual club and limb positions of the player concerned. This enables the golf player's posture and swing to be analysed in comparison with known, stored optimum postures and swings.

The system 1 can additionally generate a number of different graphics to aid the user. The system 1 may display various text messages such as, for example, next player please', until the next user inserts his/her coin/token into the token mechanism 35 to activate the system I for a predetermined period of time. Whilst in use, the system 1 displays the time available left for the user during any particular session. The graphics can be displayed on the LCD display 21, or on a separate display which may be the queuing display 26 on the slave unit 11.

The system 1 also includes a discreet management on-screen graphics display tool selected via the control buttons 41 to show total minutes of system usage.

The processor board of the primary processor 45 has the ability to calculate the speed of objects being propelled from the area covered by the cameras 19, 31 using the Doppler radar 29. This is achieved by the primary processor 45 controlling the radar 29 to transmit a continuous electromagnetic wave of a predetermined, fixed frequency towards the golf ball, and then measuring the change of frequency of the wave after reflection from the golf ball back to the radar 29.

The change of frequency is analysed by the primary processor 45 to determine a speed of the golf club head during the swing of the golf club.

The primary processor 45 displays this speed on the LCD display 21 or on another display means, for viewing by the golf player. The primary processor 45 may include a comparison program enabling the golf player to compare the speed of the golf club for a number of different swings of the golf club.

The system 1 could comprise any desired number of displays 21 to enable the golf player to view him/herself. The displays could be any suitable type of display. Similarly any suitable number of cameras may be provided as desired and the system I set up to display pictures from the cameras on the display(s) individually, or simultaneously by splitting the screen of the or each display into separate regions for respective camera outputs.

Whilst the system, 1 has been described above with reference to particular electronic components, it is envisaged that different combinations and specifications of electronic components could alternatively, or additionally, be used.

The system 1 has been described above with reference to monitoring a golf player, but could equally be used to monitor players of other sports including, for example, cricket, tennis, baseball, hockey, softball, squash, table tennis or any other sport where a player uses a hand held piece of equipment to play the sport, or where a player stands still for particular parts of the sport concerned such as, for example, football free kicks, rugby line outs, or bowls.

Different tokens can be used to operate the system 1 according to different programs. For example, one token could activate a fifteenminute viewing program where pictures of the player can be viewed. A second token could be used to activate a fifteen-minute viewing and storage program where pictures of the player can be viewed and stored onto a DVD or the like. A third token could activate a coaching program of thirty-five minutes or the like wherein a player can receive coaching from a professional with reference to the recorded picture streams of the player.

It will be appreciated that the automatic recording of the picture streams of the player enables the player, once the system 1 is activated, to concentrate on his game rather than on the operation of the system 1.

This avoids the player, for example, moving between sequential swings of the golf club and thus enables the player to make sequential small adjustments to his posture and swing in response to the picture stream displayed.

Modifications to the system 1 are envisaged whereby the system 1 can be simplified so as to, for example, just record and playback a single swing of a golf club.

A modification to the system I includes providing free standing targets in various positions on a golf driving range. Each target is provided with a ball strike sensor and a signal transmitter to transmit the signal generated by the ball strike sensor to the control means 25 in the master unit 7.

Each target can comprise a plurality of sensors adapted to generate signals indicative of the area of the target that is struck by the golf ball.

In use of the putting green, the control means 25 is operative to control at least one target camera so as to display the images of the target as received by the camera(s), on the monitor 21.

The control means 25 comprises a scoring program operative to display a score on the monitor 21, in the event of a ball strike signal being received by the control means 25 within a preset time period beginning on generation of the datum signal.

The control means 25 can be operative to display an image of the player with an overlay displaying total scores by target achieved by that player during a session. This total score overlay display is updated by the control means 25 during the session.

At the end of the pre-paid session, the image of the player is replaced with a background screen showing the player's total score which may be, for example, displayed together with other players' scores. After a predetermined period the system reverts to a stand by status.

On detection of the swing of the golf club, the control means is operative to cause the target camera to zoom in on the target itself, or the area of the driving range adjacent the target.

The golf club swing, and the zoomed image of the target, can be simultaneously displayed on the monitor 21 using a split screen facility.

In the event that a target strike is achieved, the successful golf club swing will be replayed on the monitor 21 until the control means 25 receives a reset signal. On receipt of the reset signal the successful golf club swing is recorded onto the picture storage means. The monitor 21 can then revert to displaying an image from the target camera.

A separate, dedicated picture storage means and monitor may be provided remote from the master unit 7 and is triggered to display and store images from all player sessions for security purposes.

The modified system could be used as part of a competition that could be sponsored.

Claims

1. A sport player monitoring system comprising a camera to record a picture stream of the sports player, picture display means to display the picture stream, detection means to detect the start of a sports activity by a sports player, and control means operative to control the camera, the picture display means and the detection means, the system being operative such that initially the camera is activated to begin recording the picture stream of the player, the control means activating the detection means, the detection means generating a datum signal which is sent to the control means upon the start of the sports activity by the sports player, the control means recording a picture stream from the camera taken between a predetermined time before the datum signal, and a predetermined time after the datum signal.

2. The sport player monitoring system of claim 1 wherein the detection means comprises a microphone which detects, in use, a sound indicative of the start of the sports activity.

3. The sport player monitoring system of claim 2 wherein the microphone is a directional microphone that receives, in use, sound waves from a predetermined direction only.

4. The sport player monitoring system of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the detection means additionally comprises radar means operative to emit a wave towards the sports player and receive a wave reflected from the sports player, the emitted and reflected waves being processed by the control means to generate the datum signal.

5. The sport player monitoring system of claim 4 wherein the control means is operative to process the differences in properties between the emitted wave and the reflected wave to determine movement of at least part of the player or to determine movement of at least part of the equipment being used by the player, relative to the radar means.

6. The sport player monitoring system of claim 5 wherein the radar means comprises a Doppler radar operative to emit an electromagnetic wave of constant frequency towards the player, the control means being operative to process the differences in frequency between the emitted wave and the reflected wave.

7. The sport player monitoring system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the control means is operative such that the recorded picture stream is automatically replayed upon termination of the recording.

8. The sport player monitoring system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the control means is operative to automatically record picture streams of sequential sports activities without further user intervention occurring after initial activation of the system.

9. The sport player monitoring system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the system comprises selection means operative to enable the user to select, from a plurality of recorded picture streams, which picture stream is to be replayed.

10. The sport player monitoring system of claim 9 wherein the selection means comprises a button connected to the control means.

11. The sport player monitoring system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the length of each picture stream recorded can be varied.

12. The sport player monitoring system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the system further comprises storage means, the control means being operative to store a recorded picture stream or picture streams on the storage means.

13. The sport player monitoring system of claim 12 wherein the storage means comprises a disc recorder.

14. The sport player monitoring system of claim 13 wherein the disc recorder comprises a DVD writer.

15. The sport player monitoring system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the control means comprises an electronic data processor.

16. The sport player monitoring system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the system further comprises a target provided with a golf ball strike sensor operative to detect a ball striking the target, and means to transmit a signal from the golf ball strike sensor to the control means.

17. Electronic control means operative to control a camera, picture display means and detection means in a sports player monitoring system for monitoring a sports player undergoing a sports activity, the control means being operative, once the camera has been activated, to begin recording a picture stream of the player, to activate the detection means, the control means receiving a datum signal generated by the detection means upon the start of the sports activity, the control means recording a picture stream from the camera taken between a predetermined time before the datum signal, and a predetermined time after the datum signal.

18. The electronic control means of claim 17 wherein the control means receives the datum signal from detection means comprising a microphone which detects, in use, a sound indicative of the start of the sports activity.

19. The electronic control means of claim 18 wherein the control means receives the datum signal from a microphone comprising a directional microphone that receives, in use, sound waves from a predetermined direction only.

20. The electronic control means of claim 17 wherein the control means receives the datum signal from detection means comprising radar means operative to emit a wave towards the sports player and receive a wave reflected off the sports player, the emitted and reflected waves being processed by the control means to generate the datum signal.

21. The electronic control means of claim 20 wherein the control means is operative to process the differences in properties between the emitted wave and the reflected wave to determine movement of at least part of the player or to determine movement of at least part of the equipment being used by the player, relative to the radar means.

22. The electronic control means of claim 21 wherein the control means receives the datum signal from radar means comprising a Doppler radar operative to emit an electromagnetic wave of constant frequency towards the player, the control means being operative to process the differences in frequency between the emitted wave and the reflected wave.

23. The electronic control means of claim 17 wherein the control means receives the datum signal from detection means comprising a microphone and radar means, the datum signal being generated based on signals from at least one of the microphone and the radar means.

24. The electronic control means of any one of claims 17 to 23 wherein the control means is operative such that the recorded picture stream is automatically replayed upon termination of the recording.

25. The electronic control means of any one of claims 17 to 24 wherein the control means is operative to record picture streams of sequential sports activities.

26. The electronic control means of any one of claims 17 to 25 wherein the control means is operative to record the sequential picture streams on receipt of a manual signal provided by the player.

27. The electronic control means of any one of claims 17 to 25 wherein the control means is operative to automatically record the sequential picture streams.

28. The electronic control means of any one of claims 25 to 27 wherein the control means comprises means operative to enable the user to select which picture stream is replayed.

29. The electronic control means of any one of claims 17 to 28 wherein the control means is operative to store a picture stream or streams on storage means.

30. The electronic control means of claim 29 wherein the control means is operative to store picture stream(s) on storage means comprising a disc recorder.

31. The electronic control means of claim 30 wherein the control means is operative to store picture stream(s) on a disc recorder comprising a DVD writer.

32. The electronic control means of any one of claims 17 to 31 wherein the control means comprises an electronic data processor.

33. A sport player monitoring system comprising radar means operative to emit a wave towards the sports player and receive a wave reflected off the sports player, and control means operative to process the emitted wave and the reflected wave to determine the speed of at least part of the player or to determine the speed of at least part of a piece of equipment being used by the player.

34. The sport player monitoring system of claim 33 wherein the system comprises a camera to record a picture stream of the sports player, and picture display means to display the picture stream,

35. The sport player monitoring system of claim 33 or claim 34 wherein the control means is operative to process the differences in properties between the emitted wave and the reflected wave to determine the speed of the part of the player, or to determine the speed of part of the equipment being used by the player.

36. The sport player monitoring system of any one of claims 33 to 35 wherein the radar means comprises a Doppler radar operative to emit an electromagnetic wave of constant frequency towards the player, the control means being operative to process the differences in frequency between the emitted wave and the reflected wave.

37. Control means operative to control a radar means provided on a sports player monitoring system, the control means comprising means to control the radar means to emit a wave towards the sports player, means to process a wave reflected back to the radar means from the sports player, and means to process the differences between the emitted wave and the reflected wave to determine the speed of at least part of the player, or to determine the speed of at least part of a piece of equipment being used by the player.

38. A sport player monitoring system substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

39. An electronic control monitor substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying drawings.