Abstract:
A virtual batting range such for engaging in sporting activities, the virtual batting range comprising one or more individual batting areas for user to hit, bat, throw or kick balls; a reactive system with sensors linking to a feedback system which generates various corresponding audio and visual effects; a display unit portions to generate audio and visual effects for an overall ambiance; and a ball dispensing device to deliver balls to users.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This Application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/683,275 filed May 20, 2005 entitled VIRTUAL BATTING CAGE, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and claims any and all benefits to which it is entitled therefrom.  
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to a virtual sport practice facility, and more specifically to an interactive reactive target system that allows practice of sport activity that involves hitting, batting, throwing and/or kicking of a ball.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Many sport activities involve batting (baseball, tennis), kicking (soccer) and/or throwing (football) an object, such as a ball, to specific targets. Targets can be a region or goal structure (football, soccer), a teammate (football) or combinations of various subjects. In order to improve one&#39;s skills, repetitions in the form of practice are frequently employed.  
         [0004]     The present invention provides an interactive and virtual environment for users to practice their batting, kicking and/or throwing skills. Users can control target difficulties, format feedback for their preferences, and engage in types of activities which cater to their practice objectives.  
         [0005]     The standard baseball/softball batting range only offers one pitch speed per cage. Pitching machines in the present invention of virtual batting range will be able to change between three or more different speeds as well as a random speed option and pitch height adjustment. The present invention consists of the selection console behind the batter&#39;s back stop whereas users can select their choices of speed, patterns, activities, varieties of responses etc. A standard batting range usually is only equipped with a basic token box and a “start” button in each cage with only one ball speed.  
         [0006]     The present invention also consists of an “LED ball counter” near the LED image to allow the users to see how many pitches remain in the round. As the present invention offers more options from each cage, the design proves to be more efficient in space and equally more effective for training and amusement.  
         [0007]     The present invention also combines the batting game and the pitching game that offers more options to users.  
       ADVANTAGES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     An object and advantage of the present invention is to provide a virtual, controlled environment for practice. Users can set their own practice goal and cater for their own skills.  
         [0009]     Another object and advantage of the present invention is to allow individual practice. Users can use the facilities anytime without scheduling with others.  
         [0010]     Another object and advantage of the present invention is to allow actual indoor practice for outdoor sports like baseball, golf etc. through use of a virtual sporting environment.  
         [0011]     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a virtual sporting experience for users with instantaneous feedback to users and other participants.  
         [0012]     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide versatility in types of sports practice.  
         [0013]     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide varieties in speed, angle, spin and pitching sequence of the incoming balls.  
         [0014]     Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide easy control of various parameters of practice through an individual multi-functional selection console. As the virtual batting range offers more options from each cage, it&#39;s design proves to be more efficient in space and equally more effective for training and amusement.  
         [0015]     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be come apparent through the following descriptions, and will be included and incorporated herein.  
         [0016]     In an embodiment, a target reactive system responds when the target is hit by a baseball or other projectile, different target zones having different reactions depending on the location of impact. For example, in a four target zone, if the top zone is hit with the projectile, then a voice such as that provided by a real announcer would play or sound something like “HOME RUN!” shouted at high volume and utilizing a sportscaster&#39;s or announcer&#39;s virtual tone, pitch and camber. In an embodiment, strobes would go off, and the sounds of crowds cheering would be heard. If a second target zone was hit, a voice might say “It&#39;s a triple!” and a few strobes would go off and some emulated or virtual crowd approval could be heard. A third zone would say something like “It&#39;s a double! ” with a couple of virtual crowd claps or applause. A fourth zone might correspond with an in-field single. Behind the batter there may also be a zone with a sensor such that when the ball struck the zone behind the batter a voice says “Ball 1” or “Ball 2”, etc., if the batter didn&#39;t swing. If the batter did swing and misses the ball, a voice may project a loud “Strike 1”, “Strike 2”, “Strike 3” or “You&#39;re Out!”, etc.  
         [0017]     The design of the overall virtual batting cage  100  of the present invention can be made to re-create or emulate, copy or appear similar to famous football or baseball fields anywhere in the world, including SBC/Pac Bell Park in San Francisco, Wrigley Field in Chicago, etc. Such virtual batting cage  100  would appear similar in design and general appearance to the actual stadium or ballpark. Thus, any sort of field could be emulated, including baseball and football stadiums, soccer and cricket fields, golf courses, frisbee or other sporting events.  
         [0018]     It will be understood that emulated voices of famous sporting event announcers, including John Madden, Howard Cosell, etc., could also be utilized, so as to give the virtual batting cage invention an air of reality. In addition to sounds of fans, announcers, scoring, etc., it is also possible to provide virtual scents and odors such as identified with or created by steaming hot dogs, fresh popcorn, frothing beer, sweating players, etc.  
         [0019]     In a more comprehensive and another embodiment, a virtual batting range  100 ′ for engaging in sport activities, the virtual batting range comprises one or more individual batting areas for user to hit, bat, throw or kick balls, a reactive system with sensors linked to a feedback system which generates various corresponding audio and visual effects, a display unit portions to generate audio and visual effects for an overall ambiance and a ball dispensing device to eject balls to users. In an embodiment, the reactive of the virtual batting range  100 ′ can be positioned in specific locations for different sport skills.  
         [0020]     The virtual batting range  100 ′ for use in training or recreation, in an embodiment, the virtual batting cage comprises a batter&#39;s box area, the batter&#39;s box area comprising a home plate and a control panel, an automatic pitching mechanism located at a pitcher&#39;s position for delivering or pitching balls into the batter&#39;s box area essentially across the home plate and a target zone reactive to impact by a ball, such that depending on the location of impact, a unique sound or light response is produced identifying the general area of impact in the target zone. In an embodiment, the target zone of the virtual batting range  100 ′ comprises a sensor. In an embodiment, the target zone of the virtual batting range  100 ′ comprises a plurality of sensors. The virtual batting range  100 ′, in an embodiment, the plurality of sensors provide unique sounds and/or lights upon impact by a projectile. In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors of the virtual batting range  100 ′ provide unique sounds and/or lights as a function of the location of the sensor impacted by the projectile. In an embodiment, the target zone of the virtual batting range  100 ′ comprises a sensor array and further comprises a display zone. In an embodiment, the display zone of the virtual batting range  100 ′ indicates a virtual score.  
         [0021]     In an embodiment, the virtual batting range  100 ′ for engaging in a sport hitting game and a sport throwing game, the virtual batting range comprises a hitting game having a ball delivery device, a virtual pitcher synchronized to the ball delivery device, controller for controlling the speed, height and angle of delivery of balls across a home plate, a target zone having one or more sensors, and associated feedback dependent upon the location and force of impact of balls successfully hit into the target zone, the feedback being one or more of the types selected from the group consisting of visual LED user game score display, visual LED tournament data display, virtual sportscaster&#39;s randomly generated audio announcement, virtual sportscaster&#39;s uniquely generated audio announcement, visual background lighting effects, visual foreground lighting effects, visual stroboscopic and laser generated effects, generation of steam, smoke or fog, video imaging, holographic imaging, and video-enhanced imaging and a throwing game having a ball delivery device, a target zone having one or more sensors, a controller for controlling delivery of balls and scoring, and associated feedback dependent upon the location and force of impact of balls successfully thrown into the target zone, the feedback being one or more of the types selected from the group consisting of visual LED user game score display, visual LED tournament data display, virtual sportscaster&#39;s randomly generated audio announcement, virtual sportscaster&#39;s uniquely generated audio announcement, visual background lighting effects, visual foreground lighting effects, visual stroboscopic and laser generated effects, generation of steam, smoke or fog, video imaging, holographic imaging, and video-enhanced imaging. In an embodiment, the virtual batting range  100 ′ further comprises automatic ball return system, the automatic ball return system comprising sloped ground surface, ball capture mechanism and ball lifting device. In an embodiment, the virtual batting range  100 ′ further comprises enclosure for preventing loss of balls. In an embodiment, the enclosure of the virtual batting range  100 ′, consists of safety netting. In an embodiment, the enclosure of the virtual batting range  100 ′ consists of impact-resistant rigid sections, the impact-resistant rigid sections composed of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of tempered glass, plastic. In an embodiment, the enclosure the virtual batting range  100 ′ separates the hitting game and the throwing game.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]      FIG. 1A  is a representative schematic view of an embodiment of the virtual batting cage  100  of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 1B  is a representative front view of an alternative embodiment of target zone  92  of the present invention  100 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a representative schematic top view of another embodiment of the virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 3A  is a representative schematic left side view of an embodiment of the virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 3B  is a representative left side view of an embodiment of the virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention showing the ball retrieval mechanism.  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  is a representative side view of an embodiment of the selection console  105  of the virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 5A  is a representative front view of the combination of pitching machine  113  and LED virtual pitcher display device  108  of the present invention  100 ′ in a right-handed pitcher mode.  
         [0029]      FIG. 5B  is a representative electric wiring diagram  550  associated with the ball pitching mechanism  112  of the virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention.  
         [0030]      FIG. 6A  is a representative schematic front view of interactive score board  204  in the pitching game portion  300  of the virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 6B  is the schematic front side view of interactive pitching target  224  in the pitching game portion  300  of the virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 6C  is a representative schematic logical control diagram  300 ′ of the pitching game  300  of the virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0033]     The description that follows is presented to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the present invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principals discussed below may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but the invention is to be given the largest possible scope which is consistent with the principals and features described herein.  
         [0034]     It will be understood that in the event parts of different embodiments have similar functions or uses, they may have been given similar or identical reference numerals and descriptions. It will be understood that such duplication of reference numerals is intended solely for efficiency and ease of understanding the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting in any way, or as implying that the various embodiments themselves are identical.  
         [0035]      FIG. 1A  is a representative schematic view of an embodiment of the virtual batting cage  100  of the present invention. In an embodiment, the virtual batting cage  100  of the present invention consists of playing field  101 , one or more individual batting booths  103 , a target zone  110 , a display zone  114 , one or more LED pitcher display devices  108  and one or more ball dispensers  112 .  
         [0036]     As shown in  FIG. 1A , playing field  101  is a confined area where sport activities are carried out. In an embodiment, playing field  101  can be barricaded or caged, netted or otherwise enclosed to avoid balls flying out of the present invention  100 . One or more batting booths  103  are installed at one end of the virtual batting cage  100  of the present invention. In an embodiment, each individual batting booth is separated by partitions  106 . Each individual batting booth  103  (as best shown in  FIG. 2 ) further consists of a virtual “home plate” or batting patch or mound  102  where user(s) should position and control panel  104 . In an embodiment, users can preset various parameters such as different sport module, ball speed, angle, target size, speed, display, feedback or other virtual effects intensity r type, etc., at control panel  104  to specify requirements for their individual practice or entertainment.  
         [0037]     In an embodiment, corresponding to individual batting booths  103 , there is a LED display device  108  and ball dispenser  112 . Users can pick different visuals such as pitching motion of a baseball pitcher or visual of a goal keeper to emulate a real sport environment. In an embodiment, ball dispenser  112  will throw ball to user according to their input at the control panel  104 . It will be understood that the virtual pitcher can be left-handed or right-handed, as preferred. Settings can be specific or random.  
         [0038]     In an embodiment, display zone  114  is an area where visuals such as stadium crowd, music, score board, advertising, etc., can be displayed to further emulate the actual environment of a sports game. The display zone  114  may emulate or re-create the bleachers full of fans, indicia or signage typically found in a real baseball or other sporting field, score signs, pictures of blue sky with pretty clouds, airplanes, occasional birds, etc. The display zone  114  may also consist of moving images and changing images, such that the display is a virtual display of an actual sporting arena, gamepark, stadium, etc.  
         [0039]     In an embodiment, target zone  110  is situated facing users at individual batting booths  103 . In an embodiment, sensors should be installed on the surface of target zone  110 . Users can bat, hit, kick or throw an object into the target zone  110 . When an object makes contact with target zone  110 , it will trigger the target reactive system according to the position, speed, angle, force, etc., of the incoming object. A preset predetermined, random or variable feedback will be triggered. For example, in a baseball batting module, if the ball makes contact at the upper part of target zone  110  with enough speed and upward angle, a home run response feedback effect will be triggered. In an embodiment, the feedback could be sportscaster, crowd cheering sound, visual of roaring crowd, home run visuals etc. In alternative embodiments, target zone  110  can be placed at anywhere, or even moving and random positions, to suit different sport training requirements and emulate different sport situations.  
         [0040]      FIG. 1B  is a representative front view of one alternative embodiment of target zone  110  or  110 ′ of the present invention  100 . In a soccer training module, target zone  110  or  110 ′ can be preset to be the goal. A goal-scoring feedback will only be triggered if user manage to kick a ball to the shaded area. The shaded area can be further reduced or move to practice more advanced skills.  
         [0041]     In an embodiment, the target zone  110  consists of an array of sensors, such that depending on the exact location of impact of the baseball or other ball, the sound and lights correspond uniquely to the precise location of impact. Said sensor array can provide different sounds and lights responsive to impact at different locations on the target zone.  
         [0042]      FIG. 2  is a representative schematic top view of an embodiment of the virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention. In an embodiment, virtual batting range  100 ′ consists of the virtual batting cage portion  100  and pitching game portion  300 . In alternative embodiments, other sport practice range such as tennis hitting, golf putting can be incorporated.  
         [0043]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the entire virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention is surrounded on four sides by safety netting  208  to keep flying balls within the perimeter of the present invention. Safety net  208  is extended from the ground to the ceiling and are connected by another safety netting  208  suspended from the ceiling that cover the entire area of the virtual batting range  100 . When balls  120  make contact with safety netting  208 , they will be bounced back and fall on playing field  101 . In an embodiment, the virtual batting cage portion  100  and pitching game portion  300  are separated by separating netting  220  which main function is to keep balls of each game in their respective area. Fewer or more portions of netting can be suspended as desired in order to section or divide the area into more or fewer separate, discrete or different shaped areas.  
         [0044]     One or more individual batting booth(s)  103  are installed at one end of the virtual batting cage portion  100  of the present invention. In an embodiment, each individual batting booth  103  is separated by partition  106  and there is an approximately 6″ step ledge  152  separating and reminding users not to step on to the playing field  101 . Each individual batting booth  103  further consists of batting patch or “first base”  102  where user(s) should position and selection console  105 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , each selection console  105  is protected from incoming balls  130  by batter&#39;s back stop  206  so users can operate selection console  105  without being hit by incoming balls.  
         [0045]     In an embodiment, the selection console  105  replaces control panel  104  with similar and more functionality selections. Moreover, selection console  105  offers the exact operation selections on both sides of the fixture. Users therefore won&#39;t cross the path of incoming balls and risk accidents. Instead, both right-handed or left-handed users can simply walk from their respective batting box  140  and  142  to behind back stop  206  and operate on respective sides of selection console  105 .  
         [0046]     As shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3A , corresponding to each individual batting booth  103 , there is a LED display device  108 , pitching machine  113  and ball dispenser  112 . In an embodiment, their function is to emulate a real pitching action by physically producing pitches of ball towards users at corresponding batting booth  103  while generating synchronized pitcher in motion display at LED display device  108 .  
         [0047]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , each set of LED display device  108 , pitching machine  113  and ball dispenser  112  is protected inside protective cage  150 . In an embodiment, protective cage  150  is made of steel or other building materials that are sturdy enough to sustain impact from flying balls  130 . There are cut outs in the protective cage  150  to allow the pitched ball  130  to be ejected and to allow all LED visuals display on the LED display device  108  to be visible as well. The top of protective cage  150  must have netting or tarp and be sloped at a minimum of a range of approximately 6% to the back or to the front. It will be understood that the slope of the top of the protective cage  150  may fall within a range of about 3% to about 9%, or more or less. Balls  130  that land on top of protective cage  150  will roll back on playing field  108 . Each set of LED display device  108 , pitching machine  113  and ball dispenser  112  can optionally be raised on individual stands or one big stand. In an embodiment, the protective cage  150  with all the machines enclosed in it may sit in a range of 4 feet to 20 feet in front of 3D mural backdrop  400  and/or in the range of 50 feet to 55 feet, or more or less, from individual batting booth  103 .  
         [0048]     In an embodiment, users can preset various parameters such as different sport module, ball speed, angle, target size, speed, right-handed/left-handed display, feedback effects etc., at selection console  105  to specify requirements for their individual practice. In an embodiment, each selection console  105  is connected to respective control console  109  behind pitching machine  113 .  
         [0049]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a ball retrieval system including inclined troughs  250 , ball well  302  and ball elevator tower  320  (shown best in  FIG. 3B ) is located behind inside protective cages  150 . In an embodiment, the main function of the ball retrieval system is to pick up and redistribute used balls  130  to pitching machines  113  in the virtual batting cage portion  100  and/or tossing machine  226  in the pitching game portion  300  of the present invention  100 ′.  
         [0050]     As best shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3A , display zone  114  in the form of a 3D mural backdrop  400  is either suspended on the wall or erected vertically on the opposite end of virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention facing users at individual batting booths  103 . In an embodiment, 3D mural backdrop  400  should be outside safety netting  208  for protection from impact of flying balls  130 .  
         [0051]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , pitching game portion  300  is separated from virtual batting cage portion  100  of virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention by separation netting  220 . The main function of the pitching game portion  300  of the present invention is to allow users to practice pitching techniques with immediate and interactive responses. In an embodiment, one or more individual pitching booth  218  is separated from each other and/or adjacent individual batting booth  103  by partition  106 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , pitching score board  204 , coin or token box  202  and pitching console  209  are installed inside individual pitching booth  218 . In an embodiment, tossing machine  226  is in playing field  101  facing user at individual pitching booth  218 . The main function of tossing machine  226  is to eject and deliver balls  130  to user so they can throw/pitch to pitching target  224 . Understandably, the tossing machine mechanism  226  should not interfere or cross the vision or flight path from user to pitching target  224 .  
         [0052]      FIG. 3A  is a representative schematic left side view of an embodiment of the virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention. As best shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3A , display zone  114  in the form of a 3D mural backdrop  400  is either suspended on the wall or erected vertically on the opposite end of virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention facing users at individual batting booth  103 . In an embodiment, 3D mural backdrop  400  is of a baseball stadium with bleachers and a scoreboard and background images can be skylines of select, well-known or anonymous cities. In alternative embodiments, 3D mural backdrop  400  can be designed specifically to reflect sport environment combining with landmark of hosting cities and marketing/branding opportunities for sponsors.  
         [0053]     In an embodiment, sensors such as mechanical, visual, laser etc. can be installed on the surface of target zone  110 . In another embodiment, a target system  500  with one or more individual targets  502  is suspended in front of the safety netting  208  that is in front of 3D mural backdrop  400 . When target system  500  is struck, it will activate a series of pre-set responses in accordance to target  502  being struck. In an embodiment, sensors on the target  502  can activate sounds such as crowd noise and announcers broadcasting around the virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention. Other responses include the scoreboard lighting up on 3D mural backdrop  400 , strobes flashing, fog or mist, etc. The objective is to bring a new dimension and novelty to batting ranges with the virtual aspect, drawing the casual fan as well as the avid, serious competitor.  
         [0054]     In an embodiment, users can bat, hit, kick or throw an object to the target system  500 . When an object makes contact with any target  502 , it will trigger the target reactive system according to the position, speed, angle, force etc. of the incoming object, a preset feedback will be triggered. For example, in a baseball batting module, if the ball makes contact with certain target  502  with enough speed and upward angle, a feedback of home run will be triggered. In an embodiment, the feedback could be crowd cheering sound, visual of roaring crowd, home run visuals etc. In alternative embodiments, target  502  can be placed at anywhere or even moving to suit different sport training requirements and emulate different sport situations. It will be understood that any contact-type circuit element can be used to trigger a score, and when the balls  130  strike a target portion  500 / 502 , a score will be generated. It will further be understood that the target  500 / 502  can comprise an optical switch, any other type of mechanical/electrical switch, or other which can be used to record location of impact, force of impact, etc.  
         [0055]     In an embodiment, each selection console  105  is connected to respective control console  109  behind pitching machine  113  that controls both pitching machine  113  and its pairing LED display device  108 . As best shown in  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 5A , pitching machines  113  are 3-speed arm-style or other styles that are known in the art. Every pitching machine  113  is paired with a LED display device  108  mounted in front of the pitching machine  113  thereof. In an embodiment, their collective main function is to emulate a real pitching action by physically producing pitches towards users at corresponding batting booth  103  while generating synchronized pitcher in motion display at LED display device  108 . In an embodiment, each LED display device  108  should be able to generate real-life virtual or animated, full-colored and life-size pitcher image. In baseball pitching mode, images are of a baseball pitcher in pitching motion. The pitching movement of the animated pitcher from LED display device  108  is synchronized with the dispatching of balls from the paring pitching machine  113 , such that a virtual video or animated ball leaves the hand of the virtual or animated pitcher from LED display device  108  at the exact same time real ball  130  leaves the pitching machine  122 . In so doing, this gives user an illusion that a pitcher is actually pitching the ball  130  to him/her while the ball  130  is in fact catapulted by the pitching machine  113  in unison with the virtual or animated image generated by LED display device  108 . In an embodiment, the virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention may have a combination of one pitching machine  113  and one LED display device  108 . To make simulated pitching motion more realistic and have more variety, in an alternative embodiment, pitching machines should be set up on the right side of LED display device  108  that left-handed pitching images are displayed. In yet another embodiment, pitching machines should be set up on the left side of LED display device  108  that right-handed pitching images are displayed. In yet another alternative embodiment, virtual batting range  100 ′ of present invention may also feature a combination of one LED display device  108  pairing with one pitching machine  113  on either side of the LED display device  108 . In this case, pitching machine  113  on the left hand side will pitch in unison with the left-handed pitching image in the LED display device  108  and the other pitching machine  113  does the same with the right-handed pitching image. This alternative embodiment allows users to practice batting balls from both left-handed pitchers and right-handed pitchers.  
         [0056]      FIG. 3B  is a representative left side view of an embodiment of the virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention showing the ball retrieval mechanism. As shown in  FIG. 3B , playing field  101  of the present invention &#39; 100  is an one-directional downward inclined plane from step ledge  152  to the other end of the entire virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention. In an embodiment, the downward sloped floor is finished in green tile and/or green epoxy finish or other smooth floor finish which allows smooth rolling of balls  130 . In an embodiment, the angles can be set at a range of approximately 3.5% slope down in direction A. It will be understood that the slope in direction A may fall within a range of about 1.5% to about 5.5%, or more or less. As shown in  FIG. 3B , at the end of the sloped playing field  101  there are troughs  250  which are built with downward inclination in the range of approximately 4.5% towards ball well  302 . It will be understood that the slope of troughs  250  may fall within a range of about 2% to about 6%, or more or less. In an embodiment, ball well  302  is a well like hollow structure with certain depth to hold balls  130  and ball elevator tower machine  320 .  
         [0057]     As best shown in  FIG. 2 , all balls  130  trapped inside the safety netting  208  and ultimately will fall on playing field  101 . As shown in  FIG. 3B , when any ball  130  falls on the sloped playing field  101 , it will roll in direction A and eventually falls into troughs  250 . Subsequently, the ball  130  will roll down in direction B inside troughs  250  and eventually stored inside ball well  302 . In an embodiment, ball elevator tower machine  320  or other ball picking machines may have a slotted conveyer system that allows it to capture balls  130  from the ball well  302  and send them to pitching machines  113  in virtual batting cage portion  100  and/or tossing machines  226  in pitching game portion  300  of virtual batting range &#39; 100  of present invention. In an embodiment, all machines and units that are located in playing field  101  should be raised on stands and/or one big stand with legs that allows balls  130  to roll under them.  
         [0058]      FIG. 4  is a representative side view of an embodiment of the selection console  105  of the virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention. As best shown in  FIG. 2 , each selection console  105  has two identical front panels to allow both right-handed and left-handed users to operate without risk accidents. As shown in  FIG. 4 , users can preset various parameters such as different sport module, ball speed, angle, target size, speed, display, feedback effects etc. at speed panel portion  406  of selection console  105  to specify requirements for their individual practice. In a traditional standard batting range with only one speed would only have a token box  402  and a “start” button  404  in each cage. The virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention also includes a ball counter  408  using an LED image  408  or other visual display logistics to allow users to see number of remaining pitches in the round. In one embodiment, a lock box  450  is present at the bottom portion of the selection console  105  of the virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention to collect tokens/coins securely. To provide security, as shown in  FIG. 4 , key access  452  or other security measures can be installed.  
         [0059]      FIG. 5A  is a representative front view of the combination of pitching machine  113  and LED display device  108  of the present invention  100 ′ in a right-handed pitching mode. As shown in  FIG. 5A , pitching machine  113  is set up on the right side of LED display device  108  that right-handed pitching images are displayed. In yet another embodiment, pitching machines can be set up on the left side of LED display device  108  that left-handed pitching images are displayed. In yet another alternative embodiment, virtual batting range  100 ′ of present invention may also feature a combination of one LED display device  108  pairing with one pitching machine  113  on either side of the LED display device  108 . In this case, pitching machine  113  on the left hand side will pitch in unison with the left-handed pitching image in the LED display device  108  and the other pitching machine  113  does the same with the right-handed pitching image. This alternative embodiment allows users to practice batting balls from both left-handed pitchers and right-handed pitchers.  
         [0060]      FIG. 5B  is a representative electric wiring diagram  550  showing the ball pitching mechanism of the virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 5B , ball counter  510  and LED display device  108  are either connected in parallel or powered individually by power unit  610  that supply electricity in AC 120V. In an embodiment, control console  109  and subsequently pitching machine  113  are powered by power unit  512  that supply electricity at higher industrial voltage 208V. In an embodiment, selection console  105  and its corresponding control console  109  are connected two ways by cable  518  and cable  516 . In an embodiment, cable  518  is VCTF 0.75×20c or other cable that performs similar functions and cable  516  is VCTF 0.75×5c or other cable that performs similar functions. The main function of control cable  516  and control cable  518  is to convey pitching parameters such as number of pitches (rounds) purchased, speed, height, pitch order, left-handed/right handed pitch selection etc. that are selected by users from selection console  105  to control console  109 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , those information is subsequently transmitted to pitching machine  113  through cable  522  and to LED display device  108 . As a result, pitching machine  113  and LED display device  108  will be perfectly synchronized in pitching motion and generate the exact order (speed, height, random orders, etc.) of pitches that users inputted. In an embodiment, ball counter display  520  is also connected to control console  109 . In an embodiment, ball counter display  520  should calculate number of pitches (rounds) purchased minus number of pitches generated to display number of pitches remaining to user.  
         [0061]      FIG. 6A  is a representative schematic front view of interactive score board  204  in the pitching game portion  300  of the virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 6A , interactive score board  204  displays pitching speed and the relating pitching statistics and scores. In an embodiment, target display  620  is a LED display that is corresponding to interactive pitching target  224 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , selected target area  622  with blinking effect that indicate the exact spot user should be targeting at their pitch. User will be rewarded by extra scores if selected target area  622  is hit. In one alternative embodiment, target area  622  can be programmed by user to remain stationary to practice certain pitch or at random sequence. In yet another embodiment, it can be programmed to allow 2 or more users to compete in the pitching game and individual scores will be calculated according to their pitching speed and accuracy in hitting target area  622 .  
         [0062]      FIG. 6B  is a representative schematic front side view of interactive pitching target  224  in the pitching game portion  300  of the virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention. In an embodiment, the interactive pitching target  224  is made of sturdy materials such as steel to withstand impact from pitching ball  130 . As shown in  FIG. 6B , there are 16 or other number of target areas  622  that are corresponding to those at target display  620  on interactive score board  204 . In an embodiment, motion sensors are installed at each and every target area  622  to record which target area  622  is hit by incoming pitching ball  130  by user. In an embodiment, the entire target areas  622  are protected by protective shield  612  to avoid damage. In an embodiment, protective shield  612  should be made of transparent materials that have special strength to absorb incoming impact to avoid damage but yet transmit enough localized impact to trigger the motion sensors on the exact target area  622  that is being hit. In one alternative embodiment, LED can be installed on target area  622  and will be triggered when it is hit to show pitcher which target area  622  is being hit. In an embodiment, speed measuring device such as visual senor can be installed on side panel  616  of the interactive target pitching target  224  to measure pitching speed.  
         [0063]      FIG. 6C  is a representative schematic logical control diagram  300 ′ of the pitching game  300  of the virtual batting range  100 ′ of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 6C , selection console  105 , interactive score board  228 , toss machine  226 , interactive pitching target  224 , ball retrieval mechanism  304  are all connected by cables  650  that are VCTF 1.25×2C or other cables that have similar specifications.  
         [0064]     It will be understood that further virtual effects, including artificial wind, rain or snow, temperature control, lighting effects, rising or setting sun, vibrations and other motion or movement of the batting range  100 ′, and others which will be known or obvious to those skilled in the art of virtual effects, are included within the scope of this invention. It will also be known to those skilled in the art that the present invention  100 ′ can be used for individual or team practice, entertainment, amateur or professional competition and tournaments.  
         [0065]     Furthermore, it will be understood that in an embodiment, the target zone of the batting range is 3-dimensional, thereby creating a more realistic, life-like virtual batting range  100 ′. By creating different portions of the target zone  500  located at different distances from the home plate  102 , a more realistic effect is imparted to the user. Utilizing sensors located at different distances back from the home plate  102  will increase the virtual effects, and enhance user enjoyment.  
         [0066]     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications and patent documents referenced in the present invention are incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0067]     While the principles of the invention have been made clear in illustrative embodiments, there will be immediately obvious to those skilled in the art many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, the elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the invention, and otherwise, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from those principles. The appended claims are intended to cover and embrace any and all such modifications, with the limits only of the true purview, spirit and scope of the invention.