Batting simulator system

In response to detecting a user hitting a pitched ball, a batting simulator system is configured to provide data such as batting average, slugging percentage, and exit ball velocity and distance in real-time. Furthermore, the batting simulator system can both display a trajectory of the hit ball in a virtual stadium and provide the results of the ball hit (e.g., groundout, double, home run, etc.) in real-time. The batting simulator system can store and later output these results to the player to allow the player or a coach to identify hitting tendencies and optimize swing mechanics over the course of one hitting session or over an entire season.

BACKGROUND

Baseball is a game that relies heavily on statistics. For example, the possibility of a player making the Hall of Fame can depend upon mere percentage points when looking at the player's career batting average. Additionally, statistics are used to assess a player's skill and are reviewed in great detail when determining if the player is able to reach higher levels of expertise. A player's ability to improve his performance and the associated statistics over the course of a season or career will greatly enhance the probability of his success at a variety of levels.

Over the past few decades, there has been a transformation in the way children and young adults practice and play baseball. Rather than gathering around the local sandlot, a number of ball players, for both baseball and softball, now receive professional instruction from experienced coaches at local indoor baseball facilities. With respect to hitting, conventional indoor baseball facilities offer year round clinics utilizing batting cages and pitching machines to improve the players' swing mechanics, bat speed, and ability to hit the ball on the sweet spot of the bat. As a result, the indoor baseball facilities can help to improve the players' batting average.

SUMMARY

In conventional baseball facilities, players take batting practice in batting cages that are 70 feet long by 12 feet wide and often hit balls into screens that are placed in relatively close proximity to the player. While coaches often manually chart the number of hard hit balls during the batting session, the coaches do not have a mechanism available to quantitatively measure the end result of the batted ball. For example, based upon the dynamics of the hit ball, the coach cannot quantitatively measure whether the hit results in a line drive double in the gap or fly ball to the left fielder. Knowledge of the metrics behind the batted ball can assist the coach in assessing the progress of a hitter and can increase the player's interest in the game and batting confidence.

Electronic batting simulators that measure the motion of a batted ball have been previously developed, but have failed to reach general commercial availability because of relatively high costs and impractical hardware configurations. For example, conventional batting simulators include a series of optical sensors that detect the passage of a batted ball through a plurality of relatively large detection planes and a computerized device electrically coupled to the optical sensors configured to calculate the projected trajectory and velocity of the batted ball. The computerized device of the conventional batting simulator can generate graphics of a baseball game played in response to the batted ball and can display the projected flight of the batted ball relative to the baseball game graphics. However, the proposed conventional batting simulators, similar to manual charting methods, lack a mechanism available to quantitatively measure the end result of the batted ball (e.g., whether a line drive was a double in the gap or fly ball to the left fielder) which can be used in assessing the progress of a hitter.

By contrast to conventional batting systems, embodiments of the present innovation relate to a batting simulator system. In one arrangement, in response to a user hitting a pitched ball, the batting simulator system is configured to measure the exit velocity and trajectory of the batted ball and, in combination with a system performance metric, provide the outcome or result of the ball hit (e.g., ground out, double, home run, etc.) in real-time. For example, the system performance metric can relate to a performance metric of a virtual fielder, such as the fielder's reaction time, running speed, and arm or throwing strength, a performance metric of the hitter, such as the hitter's running speed, and/or an environmental factor associated with a virtual playing field, such as wind direction, humidity level, and temperature. The player's individual performance metrics can be based on the player's age and/or gender, for example, and can be used in factoring the likely outcome of a hit. The system can also incorporate actual real-world performance metrics for a hitter based upon data entered into the system by the hitter or the coach.

As the batting simulator system collects exit ball velocity, ball trajectory, and outcome data, the system is configured to provide data such as batting average, exit ball velocity, and distance of batted ball in real-time via an output device such as a monitor. Additionally, the batting simulator system can display a virtual stadium as well as the trajectory and outcome of the batted ball within the virtual stadium. Furthermore, in one arrangement, the batting simulator system can store the results in a database and later compile and output these results to the user to allow the user or a coach to identify hitting tendencies over the course of one hitting session or over an entire season. The coach or hitter can utilize this data to optimize the hitter's swing mechanics with the goal of improving performance.

In one arrangement, the computerized device is configured as a gaming module. For example, with the outcome data of the batted ball being collected by the computerized device in real-time, the computerized device can be utilized by players and/or teams to compete against a computerized defense. In one arrangement, the defense can use algorithms based on artificial intelligence gathered from generally accepted baseball strategies and tactics to determine the correct defensive play for any given circumstance. For example, the computerized device can determine if the defense should execute a double play with base runners on first and second rather than prevent the base runner on second base to advance to third.

In one arrangement, in a batting simulator system having a set of cameras and a computerized device disposed in electrical communication with the set of cameras, embodiments of the innovation relate to a method for detecting a result of the ball hit. The method includes receiving, by the computerized device, a set of measurements of a ball associated with a ball hit, detecting, by the computerized device, a trajectory and exit ball velocity of the ball based upon the set of measurements, combining, by the computerized device, the detected trajectory and exit ball velocity with a system performance metric to generate a virtual ball hit outcome, and outputting, by the computerized device, the virtual ball hit outcome on an output device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In response to a user hitting a pitched ball, the batting simulator system is configured to measure the exit velocity and trajectory of the batted ball and, in combination with a system performance metric, provide the outcome or result of the ball hit (e.g., ground out, double, home run, etc.) in real-time. For example, the system performance metric can relate to a performance metric of a virtual fielder, such as the fielder's reaction time, running speed, and arm or throwing strength, a performance metric of the hitter, such as the hitter's running speed based upon the user's age, and/or an environmental factor associated with a virtual playing field, such as wind direction, humidity level, and temperature. As the batting simulator system collects exit ball velocity, ball trajectory, and outcome data, the batting simulator system is configured to provide data such as batting average, slugging percentage, and exit velocity of the ball in real-time via an output device such as a monitor. Additionally, the batting simulator system can display a virtual stadium and as well as the trajectory of the batted ball and outcome of the ball hit in the stadium. Furthermore, in one arrangement, the batting simulator system can store and later output these results to the user to allow the user or a coach to identify hitting tendencies and optimize swing mechanics over the course of one hitting session or over an entire season.

FIG. 1illustrates an overhead view of a schematic representation of a batting simulator system100, according to one arrangement. The batting simulator system100includes a ball delivery apparatus102, such as a pitching machine or live pitcher, and a detector104disposed in electrical communication with a computerized device106. As illustrated, the ball delivery apparatus102and the detector104can be disposed inside or outside of a batting cage or screen108.

The detector104, in one arrangement, is configured to capture a set of images of a ball110, such as a baseball, as the ball delivery apparatus102delivers the ball110to a user or hitter112and the user112hits the ball110. The detection104is also configured to generate a set of measurements associated with the captured image and related to the motion of the ball110.

In one arrangement, as indicated inFIG. 2, the detector104includes a set of cameras114, such as infrared (IR) cameras, mounted on a rigid frame116. With reference toFIGS. 3Aand3B, each camera of the set of cameras114includes overlapping field of views (FOVs)105to capture multiple images of the ball110as a result of a user hit. For example, a first camera114-1is configured to capture an image in a first field of view105-1, a second camera114-2is configured to capture an image in a second field of view105-2, and a third camera114-3is configured to capture an image in a third field of view105-3. Taken together, the field of views105define a tracking volume109.

With the cameras114mounted in a single compact frame116, the detector104can be positioned relative to user112in a relatively short amount of time and in such an orientation that the system100can capture data for either a right-handed batter, as shown inFIG. 1, or a left-handed batter. For example, the tracking volume109of the detector104can be disposed in proximity to a leading edge115of home plate107. Accordingly, with such positioning of the tracking volume109, the detector104can track and collect data for baseballs hit by right-handed or left-handed batters.

Returning toFIG. 1, the computerized device106, such as a computer having controller107including a memory and a processor, is disposed in electrical communication with the detector104. As will be described in detail below, the controller107is configured to receive a set of measurements138, such as images, of the ball110from the detector104and detect the trajectory and exit velocity of the ball110based upon the set of measurements138.

In one arrangement, the controller107stores a batting simulator application that, when executed by the controller107, causes the controller107to perform the operation of detecting a result of the ball hit. The batting simulator application installs on the computerized device106from a computer program product124. In certain arrangements, the computer program product124is available in a standard off-the-shelf form such as a shrink wrap package (e.g., CD-ROMs, diskettes, tapes, etc.). In other arrangements, the computer program product124is available in a different form (e.g., propagated signals, a network installation, purchasable and downloadable online media, etc.). In another arrangement, the memory in the computerized device106includes an identifier or address, in the form of a URL or the like, which when provided to the computerized device106allows the computerized device106to acquire the response application from an on-line repository of applications compatible with the computerized device106.

The computerized device106is disposed in electrical communication with an output device, such as a monitor120. As will be described in detail below, the monitor120can provide a display of a virtual field130, as illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B. For example the display130of the virtual field can include both a simulated three-dimensional (3D) view of the field132(FIG. 4A) and an overhead view134(FIG. 4B) of the field. While the output device120can be configured in a variety of ways, in one arrangement the output device120and the computerized device106are housed in a common portable kiosk to allow for easy transport.

Returning toFIG. 1, the computerized device106is configured to detect both the incoming ball speed and ball trajectory, such as provided by the ball delivery apparatus102, and the outgoing ball speed (i.e., exit ball velocity) and ball trajectory after the ball110is hit by the user112. As will be described in detail below, based upon the exit ball velocity, trajectory, and a system performance metric, the batting simulator system100can provide the user112with the direction and distance of travel of the ball110as well as predict the outcome of the hit ball, as in a real-life game scenario.

In use, the computerized device106initially receives a set of measurements138of a ball110associated with a ball hit. For example, during operation, the ball delivery apparatus102delivers the ball110to the user along direction140and in response to a ball hit, the ball travels along a generally opposing direction150. The cameras114of the detector104capture and transmit images or measurements138of the ball110to the computerized device106as the ball110travels along direction150in response to the ball hit.

Based upon the images or measurements138, the computerized device106detects the exit ball velocity152and the trajectory154(i.e., a first angle of the ball relative to a horizontal reference and a second angle of the ball relative to a vertical reference, such as a vertical reference associated with the user112) of the ball110. For example, the computerized device106can be configured to utilize image processing techniques that are known in the art to detect the exit ball velocity152and the trajectory154based upon the received images or measurements138.

With the exit ball velocity152and trajectory154of the ball110known after impact, the computerized device106can determine a virtual ball hit outcome156associated with the ball hit. For example, the computerized device106can initially detect the direction of travel of the ball and at least one of the horizontal or vertical distance of travel of the ball using a range of trajectory algorithms.

In one arrangement, the following equation provides the horizontal distance the batted ball travels after impact:

d=v⁢⁢cos⁢⁢θg⁢(v⁢⁢sin⁢⁢θ+(v⁢⁢sin⁢⁢θ)2+2⁢⁢gy0)
where the variables are provided as:g: the gravitational acceleration;θ: the angle at which the batted ball is launched;v: the exit ball velocity after impact;y0: the initial height of the ball at impact; andd: the total horizontal distance travelled batted ball.

Based upon the exit ball velocity152and trajectory154and as indicated inFIGS. 1 and 4A, the computerized device106can determine a virtual endpoint location157of the hit ball (i.e., a virtual hit ball), such as if the horizontal distance travelled by the hit ball results in a ground ball to the second baseman or a deep fly to centerfield. For example, in the case where the exit ball velocity152is relatively low and the trajectory154is relatively shallow, the computerized device106can detect virtual distance travelled (d) by the hit ball as being relatively short. Accordingly, based upon the detected distance, the computerized device106can detect the virtual endpoint location157of the virtual ball as being an infield location and can classify the virtual ball hit outcome156as being a ground ball. However, in the case where the exit ball velocity152is relatively high and the trajectory154is relatively steep, the computerized device106can detect virtual distance travelled (d) by the hit ball as being relatively large. Accordingly, based upon the detected distance, the computerized device106can detect the virtual endpoint location157of the virtual ball as being an outfield location and can classify the virtual ball hit outcome156as being a deep fly to centerfield.

Additionally during use, the computerized device106is configured to combine the detected trajectory154and exit ball velocity152(e.g., the virtual endpoint location157) with a system performance metric160to generate the virtual ball hit outcome156and to output the virtual ball hit outcome156on an output device120. The computerized device106utilizes the system performance metric160to predict real-life outcome of the hit (e.g., if the hit is an out, single, or home run) based upon the received measurements138. It should be noted that the computerized device106can be preconfigured with the system performance metrics160, such as where the controller107stores the system performance metrics160. Alternately, a user, such as a batter or a coach, can input the performance metric160into the computerized device106prior to, or while, the batter112hits balls110from the ball delivery apparatus102.

The system performance metric160can be configured in a variety of ways. The following provides examples of various configurations of system performance metrics160utilized by the computerized device106.

In one arrangement, the system performance metric160can affect the virtual ball hit outcome of the batted ball. For example, the computerized device106applies a set of system performance metrics160associated with a virtual fielder to the exit velocity152, trajectory154, and/or an endpoint location of the hit ball to affect the virtual ball hit outcome156(e.g., whether a single, double, or out) of the hit.FIG. 5is a flowchart200illustrating a process performed by the computerized device106when combining the detected trajectory154and exit ball velocity152with the system performance metric160to generate the virtual ball hit outcome156.

In step202and as described above, the computerized device106detects a virtual endpoint location157of the hit ball based upon the detected ball trajectory154and exit ball velocity152. For example, based upon the exit ball velocity152and trajectory154, the computerized device106can determine the virtual endpoint location157of the hit ball as corresponding to a center field location.

In step204, the computerized device106detects an intersection outcome between a virtual fielder and the virtual endpoint location157of the hit ball based upon a velocity performance metric associated with the virtual fielder. For example, the computerized device106can be configured with a database of fielder performance metrics associated with a virtual fielder, such as the virtual fielder's reaction time in response to a ball hit and running speed. By knowing the position (e.g., center field) of the virtual fielder, the reaction time and speed of the virtual fielder as the virtual fielder's performance metric160, as well as the virtual endpoint location157of the hit ball (i.e., based upon the detected trajectory154and speed152of the ball), the computerized device106can determine the time and place that the virtual fielder intersects with the trajectory of the ball (e.g., the outcome of the ball hit).

In step206, the computerized device106generates a first virtual ball hit outcome156based upon the intersection outcome between the virtual fielder and the virtual endpoint location157of the hit ball. For example, based upon the fielder performance metrics and the calculated virtual endpoint location157, if the intersection between the virtual fielder and the virtual endpoint location157of the hit ball occurs while the ball is in flight, then the computerized device106can detect the outcome156as being an out. If the computerized device106detects that an intersection of the virtual endpoint location157of the hit ball and virtual fielder occurs after the ball has struck the ground then, the computerized device106can utilize additional performance metrics to determine the outcome.

In one arrangement, the system performance metrics160can affect the virtual ball hit outcome of a ball fielded by the virtual fielder. For example,FIG. 6is a flowchart250illustrating a process performed by the computerized device106that takes the virtual fielder's arm strength into account, as well as the batters speed to first base, second base, third base or home plate.

In step252, the computerized device106detects a virtual endpoint location157of a virtual ball throw based upon an arm strength performance metric associated with the virtual fielder. For example, the computerized device106can be configured with a database of fielder performance metrics associated with a virtual fielder, including the virtual fielder's arm strength, as indicated by a thrown ball velocity. Accordingly, the outcome of a thrown ball by a virtual infielder can depend on the time it takes for the infielder to reach the ball (e.g., as calculated by the computerized device106from the fielder's reaction time and speed) plus the velocity at which he throws the ball to first base (e.g., the arm strength performance metric). As indicated above, the computerized device106can access this data via the virtual fielder database, for example.

In step254, the computerized device106detects an intersection outcome between a virtual batter and the virtual endpoint location157of the virtual ball throw based upon a velocity performance metric associated with the virtual batter. For example, the computerized device106can be configured with a database of batter performance metrics associated with the batter, such as the batter's base running speed. By knowing the distance between the virtual batter and the bases and the speed or velocity performance metric of the virtual batter (i.e., base runner) as taken from the database, the computerized device106can determine the time that the virtual batter can reach a base, such as first base, following a ball hit.

In step256, the computerized device106generates a second virtual ball hit outcome based upon intersection outcome between the virtual batter and the virtual endpoint location157of the virtual ball throw. For example, if the intersection outcome between the virtual batter and the virtual endpoint location157of the virtual ball throw indicates that the ball thrown by the virtual fielder reaches first base before the virtual base runner then the second virtual ball hit outcome is an out. However, if the intersection outcome between the virtual batter and the virtual endpoint location157of the virtual ball throw indicates that the runner beats the virtual fielder's throw, then the second virtual ball hit outcome or ruling is a base hit.

While the performance metric160of the virtual fielder can be based upon speed and arm strength, a number of other factors can contribute to the virtual fielder performance metric160. In one arrangement, the performance metric160associated with the virtual fielder is based upon the fielder's age. For example a 12 year old player will be typically slower than an 18 year old player. In one arrangement, the user112can select the age group he would like to compete against and input that age to the computerized device106. Based upon the selected age group, the computerized device106can apply a corresponding performance metric160related to that age group to the exit ball velocity and trajectory of the virtual ball and provide a corresponding outcome of the hit (e.g., single, double, etc.) as outlined above. The performance metric160, accordingly, factors in the slower running speed and arm strength of a relatively younger virtual fielder against the virtual batter to determine the likely outcome.

In another arrangement, the computerized device106applies a system performance metric160associated with the user or hitter to the exit ball velocity152and trajectory154of the ball110. For example, the system performance metric160relates to the speed of the batter, based upon the age group the user selects for the batter. In use, before starting a hitting session the user112inputs the desired age group to the computerized device106to set the running speed of the fielders, as well as the virtual fielder's arm strength, for example. Based upon the particular, selected age group, the computerized device106can apply a corresponding performance metric160against the exit ball velocity and trajectory of the ball110and provide a corresponding outcome of the hit (e.g., was the user fast enough to make a single, double, etc.). In another arrangement, the computerized device106applies the same running speed to the virtual hitter/base runner when determining the outcome of a hit to minimize the ability of the users from selecting one age group for the fielders while selecting another age group for the base runners.

Returning toFIG. 1, in one arrangement, the system performance metrics160can be configured as an environmental performance metric170utilized by the computerized device106to adjust at least one of the ball trajectory154and exit ball velocity152.

For example, the computerized device106is configured to apply environmental factors170to the exit velocity152and trajectory154of the virtual ball, or to the virtual ball hit outcome156, to mirror a real-life outcome of the hit. These factors170can include wind direction, humidity level, temperature or other weather conditions, and altitude. In one example, the computerized device106, can apply wind direction as the environmental factor170to adjust the virtual ball hit outcome156(e.g., adjust the horizontal and vertical distance of travel) for a particular hit ball. In another example, altitude can affect the drag coefficient on the ball following a ball strike. In such a case, a stadium located in higher altitudes like Denver will have an air density roughly 80% of stadiums located at sea level, such as at Miami. Accordingly, the computerized device106can adjust the horizontal and vertical distance of travel of the virtual ball such that a hit ball with a given exit ball velocity152and trajectory154will travel further in Denver compared to Miami. In one arrangement, the environmental factors170can be randomly generated by the computerized device106or can be provided by the user112.

In one arrangement, the turf material of baseball field can act as an environmental factor170to affect the outcome of the virtual ball. For example, the computerized device106can account for the conditions of the playing field, as the environmental factors170to adjust the virtual ball hit outcome156of the virtual ball and simulate, for example, play on real grass or artificial turf. For example, certain baseball fields such as domed stadiums use artificial turf. In these cases, the ball will react in a different manner compared to play on real grass due to varying coefficient of friction between the two surfaces. In this case, the computerized device106can adjust the coefficient of friction according to the stadium's surface type and incorporate these parameters into the virtual ball hit outcome156. The virtual weather conditions can be randomly generated by the computerized device106or can be provided by the user112.

In another example, the geometry of the baseball field itself can act as an environmental factor170to affect the outcome of the virtual ball. For example, what might be a home run in Fenway Park may result in a fly ball out in Yankee Stadium. Accordingly, the user can select a particular baseball field and, based upon the geometry and dimensions of the baseball field, the computerized device106can apply the baseball field's geometry to the exit ball velocity and trajectory of the ball110to predict real-life outcome of the hit. For example, to enhance the user's experience, the computerized device106can place the virtual hitter inside a Major League Stadium via the display120and have the user's hits projected to the field dimensions of that specific ballpark. The computerized device106can also show the results of the hit via the display120(e.g., Home Run—410 ft.).

After the player112has hit the ball110, the computerized device106can display the virtual ball hit outcome156on the output device120. During operation and with reference toFIG. 4A, the computerized device106is configured to display the speed and location of the pitched ball (not shown) along with the speed152, trajectory154, and calculated distance of the batted ball (e.g., the virtual ball hit outcome156) via the monitor120. For example, within a second of impact, the monitor120can display a reasonable simulation of the path of the ball110traveling through the virtual stadium132. This will give the batter an out-of-the-batting-cage view of where the ball would have landed had it not been confined by a screen seven feet from the batter's box. Additionally, the computerized device106and monitor120can display a virtual hitter (not shown), representing the user112inside a Major League Stadium, and show the player's hits projected to the field dimensions of that specific ballpark. Furthermore, in addition to the 3D view of the virtual field, the computerized device106can provide an overhead two dimensional (2D) view of the field as illustrated inFIG. 4Band can display the exact location of the batted ball.

With continued reference toFIG. 1, following the generation of multiple, virtual ball hit outcomes, the computerized device106is configured to generate a set of hitting session statistics174based upon the set of outcomes156. Statistics174from hitting sessions provide the user with information that can be used to improve the player's performance (i.e., by showing deficiencies in the players swing, stance, etc.). For example, the computerized device106is configured to display, as the statistics174, key performance indicators (KPIs) such as total distance, bat speed, and exit ball velocity for a single ball hit or for a set of ball hits. The computerized device106can also be configured to compile and display statistics174to the batter in real-time in order to provide the out-of-the-batting-cage results, as if the batter was playing a live game on an actual field. The computerized device106can also be configured to upload the statistics174to a secondary device182, such as a database (e.g., either onsite or remotely hosted over the network180) for analysis with software applications. These statistics174can be viewed per individual batting session or grouped together by date for a more comprehensive analysis. The statistics174can also be viewed for individual players or by groups or teams.

The computerized device106is configured to provide a variety of types of statistics174to the user to provide information regarding a variety of hitting metrics associated with the batter112.

In one arrangement, the computerized device106of the batting simulator system100is configured to provide statistics associated with the virtual ball hit outcome156to the batter112in real-time. For example, as described above, the computerized device106is configured to determine if a ground ball is a single or an out or whether a fly ball is a home run or a long out to the right fielder. With this information, computerized device106can generate statistics174for each hitting session with individual hitting sessions compiled in a database for an entire season. As the game of baseball relies heavily on such statistics174, this information is extremely valuable, as the player112can use the statistics174to perfect his swing mechanics or to chart his progress over a period of time.

In one arrangement, the computerized device106is configured to track and output statistics174related to pitch velocity, bat swing velocity, and batted ball velocity. For example, generally, the faster the batter swings the bat, the further the ball will travel. Accordingly, the computerized device106is configured to calculate and display the pitch speed, bat speed for each swing, and the exit velocity of the batted ball. By knowing the exit velocity of the batted ball as the output statistic174, the batting simulator system100can keep track of hard hit balls over the course of the batting session or season. For example, line drives indicate that the batter is hitting the ball on the sweet spot of the bat and can increase or improve the batter's overall batting statistics. A hard hit can be defined by the elevation angle of the batted ball from the horizon and the height/distance ratio of the trajectory.

In one arrangement, the computerized device106is configured to track and output statistics174related to the pitch location with respect to the batter's strike zone. For example, as indicated above with respect toFIGS. 3A and 3B, the detectors104are configured to detect the motion of the pitched ball110within a set of fields of view105. Within the volume defined by the fields of view105and with reference toFIG. 7, the computerized device106defines a strike zone300having a set of strike zone sections302. For example, the area of the strike zone300is defined as the distance between the batter's shoulders and knees and the distance between the outer edges of home plate107. While the strike zone300can have any number of sections302, in one arrangement, the strike zone includes nine substantially square-shaped inner sections and four substantially L-shaped peripheral sections. During operation, by knowing the exact location of the ball110within the fields of view105relative to the strike zone300and by knowing the resulting virtual outcome of the ball following the hit (strike, single double, etc.), the computerized device106can generate ball hit statistics174on a per strike zone section basis.

During operation, the computerized device106is configured to detect a location of the ball110associated with a ball hit within a strike zone section302of a strike zone300. In one arrangement, based upon the measurement138received from the detector104relating to a ball hit location within the detector's field of view105as well as the defined strike zone300, the computerized device106can detect the positioning of the hit ball within a strike zone section302. For example, as indicated inFIG. 7, the computerized device106can detect the hit ball110as being located within the strike zone section302-13.

Next, for each strike zone section of the set of strike zone sections302, the computerized device106is configured to output a hit ball metric304associated with a ball hit by the batter. In one arrangement, the computerized device106can output the hit ball metric304for each strike zone section302via the output device or monitor102of the system100. For example, the computerized device106can display the strike zone300and related strike zone sections302as well as the a hit ball metric304associated with each strike zone section302.

While the hit ball metric304can be configured in a variety of ways, in one arrangement, the hit ball metric304relates to the corresponding batting average or average exit ball velocity per strike zone section302. This will provide valuable information to the coach player as it identifies possible deficiencies in the player's swing and overall mechanics.

In one arrangement, the batting simulator system100provides, as part of the statistic output174, spray charts, such as indicated inFIG. 4B. Spray charts are typically used by hitters112to determine hitting tendencies and identifying flaws in their mechanics or general hitting approach. By knowing the location and distance traveled for each hit, the system100can provide these charts by session or over the course of an entire season. The player112will have the ability to view singles, doubles, triples, home runs, and outs. They can also view statistics like fly ball to ground ball ratios. In one arrangement, when coupled with the tracking of pitch location with respect to a batter's strike zone, the computerized device106can generate spray charts for batted balls for each section302of the strike zone300. This information is valuable as it can help determine if a player's approach to hitting an outside pitch is effective.

In one arrangement, the batting simulator system100can interact with other computerized devices over a network180to share statistics174. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the computerized device106is configured to communicate over the network180with one or more server devices182which can host a website configured to serve as a portal for the player112to generate and review their statistics from a single batting session or form a collection of batting sessions representing an entire season. For example, the player112can upload statistics from the computerized device106to a server device182over time. The player112can later visit their personal statistics page of the website hosted by the server182to retrieve individual player reports. For example, the user can login to the website by entering their unique player ID and pass code. From there, the player112can download his individual statistics174for their last session, an entire season, or their career.

In one arrangement, the server182can provide data allowing the player112to analyze the location of ground balls or outs via spray charts, review average bat speed per session, and analyze their batting average over the course of the entire season. For example, the server172can report batting averages, singles, doubles, triples, home runs, slugging percentages, swing to miss percentages (SMP), number of hard hit balls, average pitch velocity, back to the player112and coach to monitor the player's progress. In addition to the batting statistics, the server172is configured to allow the player to define the spray charts by selecting to view singles, doubles, triples, home runs, outs, ground balls, fly balls or all of the above. By monitoring the player's bat speed for each hit during each batting session, the server172can provide charts that show the average and progression of bat speed over the course of time. In one arrangement, this data is provided to the player112for a fee.

In one arrangement, the website is configured to offer members collective statistical information. For example, the player112can review the overall hitting leaders in select age groups or review the latest hitting tips from a professional coach. Additionally, the website can provide additional collective statistical information, provided as follows.

In one arrangement, the website can be configured to provide a dashboard for regional or national batting leaders for certain categories (BA, HR's) of particular age groups. In one arrangement, the website can be configured to promote upcoming events (e.g. hitting clinics, home run derbies, sports venues, etc.) at customer sites. In one arrangement, the website can be configured with a live chat room or user blog where members can discuss a variety of topics including hitting techniques, swing mechanics, or the latest news from Major League Baseball.

Furthermore, in one arrangement, the website can be configured with advertising space for local or national retails stores and with player profile information to highlight members that are achieving success on and off the field. In one arrangement, the website can be configured to post interviews from coaches on the latest batting and training techniques. The information can be gathered directly from the coaches or from presentations at national conferences. In one arrangement, the website can be configured with a Facility Portal to allow organization of hitting clinics, home run derbies, and simulated games. The facility will need to enter in their account name and password. Once entered, they will be brought to a page where they can either start an event or gather group statistics on current or past events. Payment for the events will be processed via this portal. In one arrangement, the website can be configured with a Player Portal configured to serve as the entry point to gather the individual player statistics. The player112will need to enter in their username and password to gain access to their updated stats. The player112can purchase credits for future downloads via this portal or subscribe to our monthly or yearly packages.

As indicated above, the batting simulator system100is configured to collect exit ball velocity, ball trajectory, and outcome data and provide a virtual ball hit outcome of the hit as well as statistics relating to the batter's performance. In one arrangement, the batting simulator system100is configured to provide these functions as part of a game, such as a video game.

In one arrangement, the computerized device106is configured as a gaming module. For example, the computerized device106can be configured to execute a baseball defense based upon the virtual outcome156of a batted ball. With such a configuration, players and/or teams can utilize the system100to compete against the defense provided by the computerized device106. In one arrangement, the computerized device106can execute a baseball defense algorithm, such as based on artificial intelligence gathered from generally accepted baseball strategies and tactics, to determine the correct defensive play for any given circumstance. For example, the computerized device106can determine if the defense should execute a double play with virtual base runners on first and second rather than prevent the virtual base runner on second base to advance to third.

In one arrangement, the system100is configured to run simulated games between two teams against a common virtual defense. The games can use an automated pitching machine or a live pitcher from the opposing team.

In one arrangement, the system100is configured to network simulated games, such as over the network180so that teams from different facilities can play against each other. For example, home run derby contests can be played between players (in same building or networked over the internet) in virtual stadiums.

While various embodiments of the innovation have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the innovation as defined by the appended claims.

As indicated above, the computerized device106is configured to provide a display of a virtual field130, as illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B. In one arrangement, in addition to the virtual field130, the computerized device106is configured to display virtual fielders that interact with a virtual hit ball after the user hits the ball110from the ball delivery apparatus102.

As indicated above, using the fields of view105provided by the detector104, the computerized device106is configured to detect a location of the ball110associated with a ball hit within a strike zone section302of a strike zone300. In one arrangement, the computerized device106is also configured to utilize the fields of view105provided by the detector104to detect points of impact on user's bat (e.g., the sweet spot or at the portion of the bat having the largest diameter). A ball hit on the sweet spot of the bat typically travels faster than a ball hit from other locations of the bat, thus increasing the likelihood of a base hit. Accordingly, by detecting points of impact on user's bat and providing corresponding statistics to the user, the user can adjust his swing mechanics to hit the ball on the sweet spot of the bat and increase his hitting percentage.

In one arrangement, the system100is configured with the ability to add sensors on either the batter112to analyze actual swing mechanics (e.g. power ‘L’) or on the pitcher to analyze pitching motion. This could be done with either optical sensors using the same cameras of the detector104or sourceless inertial sensors.

As described above, based upon the exit ball velocity152and trajectory154of the hit ball110, the computerized device106can determine a virtual endpoint location157, such as within a virtual field. It should be noted that in the event that the batter112swings and does not contact the ball (e.g., following a ball strike), the computerized device106is configured to remain in operational mode ready to collect data from the next pitch or hit and display the results accordingly. Accordingly, the batting simulator system100does not require dedicated personnel for operation.

As described above, with reference toFIG. 1, the computerized device106is configured to detect both the incoming ball speed and ball trajectory, such as provided by the ball delivery apparatus102, and the outgoing ball speed (i.e., exit ball velocity) and ball trajectory after the ball110is hit by the user112. In one arrangement, such as when a human pitcher pitches the ball to the batter112, the computerized device106associates the incoming ball speed and ball trajectory (e.g., location in the strike zone) with the virtual ball hit outcome156to develop pitcher-based statistics during a session. For example, based on the location of the ball within a strike zone and the ball's velocity, a pitcher can determine the percentage of pitches that resulted in line drives versus fly balls.