Patent Publication Number: US-2016243419-A1

Title: Analyzing effectiveness of game ball delivery

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to analyzing effectiveness of delivery of game balls that include, but are not limited to, baseballs. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
     In the game of baseball, a pitcher strives to make the baseball travel in unexpected ways toward a batter before the ball passes through a strike zone over home plate. A baseball moves extremely fast when the pitcher attempts to throw it through the strike zone, and so pitchers tend to devote significant amounts of time to practice tailored to improve their pitching control. 
     SUMMARY 
     This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. 
     According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of apparatus and methods for analyzing delivery of a game ball. In an exemplary embodiment, a delivery analyzer apparatus generally includes a light curtain structure configured to provide a first plurality of parallel light beams in a first direction to form a first light curtain and a second plurality of parallel light beams in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction to form a second light curtain. The first and second light curtains provide a detection area in which a location of a user-propelled game ball is detectable as the game ball passes through the first and second light curtains toward a target. 
     In another example embodiment, a delivery analyzer apparatus generally includes a light curtain structure supported by a frame and configured to provide a first light curtain and a second light curtain that provides light beams orthogonal to light beams provided by the first light curtain. A target is mounted to the frame behind the light curtains so as to receive a game ball user-propelled through the light curtains. The first and second light curtains provide a detection area in which a location of a user-propelled game ball is detectable as the game ball passes through the first and second light curtains. 
     Also disclosed are methods that generally include a method of analyzing delivery of a game ball. A delivery analyzer apparatus provides a first light curtain and a second and third light curtain that provide light beams orthogonal to light beams provided by the first light curtain. The delivery analyzer apparatus receives a user-propelled game ball in a detection area formed by the light curtains, and uses data detected in the detection area to determine a position and speed of the game ball as the game ball passes through the light curtains. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  are perspective views of a delivery analyzer apparatus in accordance with one example embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a sensor upright in accordance with one example embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a horizontal sensor bar in accordance with one example embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a portion of a sensor housing in accordance with one example embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a portion of a shroud in accordance with one example embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of three alignment devices in accordance with one example embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a bar on which light emitters are arranged in accordance with one example embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a delivery analyzer apparatus in accordance with one example embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a sensor housing and mounting arms in accordance with one example embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a view of a scatter graph in accordance with one example embodiment; and 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a delivery analyzer apparatus in accordance with one example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     The inventor hereof has recognized that being able to analyze precisely the delivery of a baseball to a strike zone can help a pitcher improve his/her pitching skills. Accordingly, the inventor has developed and discloses herein exemplary embodiments of apparatus and methods for analyzing the effectiveness of delivery of baseballs and/or other types of game balls. Game balls may include but are not limited to baseballs, soccer balls, footballs, volleyballs, kick balls, etc. Delivering a game ball may include (without limitation) pitching, hitting, batting, kicking, tossing, butting, fisting, etc. It should be understood that the terms “deliver” and “delivery of” a ball, as referred to in the present disclosure and claims, does not require completion or success in making such delivery. Thus, for example, a baseball that is thrown but does not reach the strike zone may nevertheless be construed as having been “delivered.” 
     In some embodiments, a delivery analyzer apparatus is configured to capture a location and speed of a baseball pitch. Baseball pitches are governed to be a “strike” or a “ball” as determined by the rules of the game of baseball. In various embodiments, a delivery analyzer apparatus may record the location of a pitch, its location being expressed in graphic form relative to an x/y axis, and the speed of the ball travelling into or near a strike zone. Optical sensors are used to determine an (x, y) location, e.g., of a pitch relative to a rectangle of approximately four feet by four feet, which is the area above a baseball home plate known as a “strike zone”. A strike zone is the area of concern in relation to which an umpire would determine whether a pitch should be called a “ball” or a “strike.” 
     In one example embodiment, a delivery analyzer apparatus includes a light curtain structure configured to provide a first plurality of parallel light beams in a first direction to form a first light curtain and a second plurality of parallel light beams in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction to form a second light curtain. The first and second light curtains are configured to provide a detection area in which a location of a user-propelled game ball is detectable as the game ball passes through the first and second light curtains toward a target. 
     In the present example embodiment, the light curtain structure is further configured to provide a third plurality of parallel light beams in the first direction to form a third light curtain separated from the first light curtain by a space through which to detect the speed of the game ball as the game ball passes through the light curtains. Based on the detection of the ball through the light curtains, a controller determines location coordinates and speed of the ball as it moves through the light curtains. 
     With reference now to the figures,  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a delivery analyzer apparatus  10  embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The delivery analyzer apparatus  10  includes a light curtain structure  12  supported by a frame  14 . The frame  14  also supports a target  16 , e.g., a mat or net against which a game ball  20  may be thrown, kicked or otherwise propelled by user of the apparatus  10 . In the present example embodiment, the game ball  20  is a baseball and the target  16  is a mat  22 , made, e.g., of rubber or other suitable material, on which a marking  26  represents a strike zone. The marking  26  may be positioned so as to correspond to a strike zone that would be above a home plate in a baseball game. A controller  30  is provided, e.g., in or on the frame  14  behind the target  16 . A controller could be provided in other or additional locations. In some embodiments, control functions may be distributed among a plurality of controllers, microprocessors, etc. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the light curtain structure  12  may be activated to provide a plurality of parallel light beams  34  in a vertical direction to form a light curtain  38 . The light curtain  38  may be used to detect a horizontal location of the ball  20 , and so is referred to herein as the “x-detecting” light curtain  38 . In the present example embodiment, a horizontal emitter bar  42  has a row  44  of aligned light emitters  46  regularly spaced apart from one another. An opposed horizontal sensor bar  48  has a row  50  of aligned light sensors  52  regularly spaced apart and positioned to detect the vertical light beams  34  from the emitters  46 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the light curtain structure  12  may be activated to provide a plurality of parallel light beams  60  in a horizontal direction to form a y-detecting light curtain  64 . The y-detecting light curtain  64  is configured with the x-detecting light curtain  38  to provide a detection area  68  in which a location of the game ball  20  is detectable as the game ball passes through the light curtains  38  and  64  toward the target  16 . It will be understood by those knowledgeable in the art that a “detection area” has at least some thickness, which may be as narrow as dimensions of light waves produced by light emitters but may also include space, e.g., between two light curtains that are not coincident in the same plane. 
     In the present example embodiment, a second y-detecting light curtain  70  is provided that is spaced apart from the y-detecting light curtain  64  for determining the speed of a game ball as further described below. It should be noted, however, that in some other embodiments, two x-detecting light curtains could be provided additionally or alternatively for determining game ball speed. In the present example embodiment, an emitter upright  72  of the light curtain structure  12  includes two parallel columns  74  of light emitters  76  aligned with and regularly spaced apart from one another. An opposed sensor upright  78  has two parallel columns  80  of light sensors  82  regularly spaced apart and positioned to detect horizontal light beams  84  from the emitters  76 . 
     The sensor upright  78  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 3 . In the present example embodiment, the two columns  80  of light sensors  82 , e.g., phototransistors photo sensors, etc., are arranged two inches apart, both vertically and horizontally. It should be noted, however, that spacing between sensors could be different in other embodiments. The light sensors  82  are electronically connected to a microprocessor (not shown.) The light sensors  82  may provide analogue or digital output. Such light sensors can exhibit reaction times, e.g., under 16 millionths of a second. 
     The emitter upright  72  includes a plurality of light emitters  76 , which may include (without limitation) LEDs, lasers, infrared (IR) LEDs, IR lasers, etc. Such LEDs and/or lasers may provide light, e.g., that is red in color. Additionally or alternatively, an emitter  76  may provide, e.g., invisible infrared light, 620-nanometer wavelengths to 1,500 nanometer wavelengths, etc. 
     The horizontal sensor bar  48  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 4 . In the present example embodiment, the horizontal sensor bar  48  includes a single row  50  of sensors  52 . Where the speed of a ball passing through the detection area  68  is determined using the x-detecting light curtain  38  and y-detecting light curtain  64 , another two-curtain sensor arrangement for the horizontal emitter and sensor bars  42  and  48  may be omitted. In the present example embodiment, data from the x-detecting light curtain  38  is used to determine a horizontal “x” location of a game ball, and data from the y-detecting light curtain  64  is used to determine a vertical “y” location of the ball, which may be used, e.g., to obtain a pitching statistic. 
     In the present embodiment, each sensor  52  and  82  is arranged, e.g., in a linear formation of twenty-one (21) sensors. Each sensor  52  or  82  is spaced, e.g., two (2) inches apart from its neighboring sensor(s). In operation, one or more of the horizontal bar sensors  52  and one or more of the upright sensors  82  detect a pitching event induced by the ball  20  being thrown into the detection area  68  and blocking the light emitted by one or more light emitter  46  and one or more light emitter  76 . Such vertical and horizontal detection information may be used to identify a precise placement of the pitch, e.g., to within one (1) inch of variance. In various embodiments, microprocessor firmware may be used to interpolate the detection information to locate a regulation size baseball to within +/−½ inch of accuracy (varying on the algorithm of the data processing). The speed and position of the pitch may be stored digitally. 
     It should be noted that other or additional means could be used for detecting the position of a ball against a target such as the rubber mat  22 . For instance, accelerometers may be used to sense impact locations, which may be determined using timing measurements. Such accelerometers may measure shock in three dimensions (x, y and z.) Shock sensors may be positioned so as to determine the location of the ball&#39;s impact on the rubber mat  22 . Accelerometers may also be used to determine the velocity of the ball at impact, although the variance found in baseballs as to type, age and moisture content can complicate speed determination. In the present example embodiment, one or more accelerometers (not shown) are used for pitch placement sensing. 
     Another type of sensor mechanism that may be used in various embodiments is an intrusion sensor. Upon impact on a rubber mat of a baseball, a region of the mat is typically pushed backwards. The backward push typically cuts off ambient light making its way to light sensors. Such a sudden and brief absence may be detected and determined to be a pitch. Depending on which region of the mat is sensed, that pitch may be determined as being a strike or a ball. Although such sensors might not provide information that could be used to determine speed, such methods can be useful, e.g., in various outdoor applications and can be made waterproof. 
     An actual strike zone extends 18 inches from the ground, on average. The lower portion of the strike zone is at the height of the batter&#39;s knee, which varies from player to player. The upper region of the strike zone is usually 44 inches from the ground for an average adult. It is the area just under the batter&#39;s elbow. The strike zone is 24 inches wide as determined by most common baseball rules. The strike zone is not to be confused with home plate, which is usually “17” inches wide. An actual strike zone varies with different batters along with their height. Any pitch landing inside of this strike zone is considered a “strike”. Any pitch landing outside of the strike zone is considered a “ball”. In various delivery analyzer apparatus embodiments, a sensor array may detect the location of a ball substantially anywhere inside of an approximately 44-inch by 44-inch rectangle. Such a rectangular detection area is assumed to be a “batting area” where a baseball batter can reasonably be expected to be able to hit a ball with a baseball bat. In some embodiments, a ball thrown but not landing within such a detection area is a “wild” pitch and is not recorded by the delivery analyzer apparatus. In such an embodiment, both strikes and balls, but not wild pitches, may be analyzed. 
     Referring to the example embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the speed of a pitch is determined by the y-detecting light curtains  64  and  70 . The sensor upright  78  is configured to detect, e.g., the height from the ground at which a pitched ball travels into the detection area  68 . The sensor upright  78  is also configured to provide data indicative of the speed of the ball. The sensors  82  of the sensor upright  78  may determine the penetration of a ball inside the detection area  68 . Such event starts a counter, e.g., on a microprocessor or on the controller  30 . The counter is based, e.g., on a 20 MHz crystal oscillator time base. One or more microprocessors included in the apparatus  10  also use a 20 MHz clock pulse. As the ball proceeds onto the mat  22 , the ball penetrates the second y-detecting light curtain  70 , which triggers a stop of the counting process. The counter start and stop information is stored digitally, e.g., in the controller  30 . Logic-based algorithms may be used by microprocessor(s) controlling the light curtains to determine the speed of the ball. This sort of speed determination can be precise, for example, with errors not exceeding one (1) mile per hour. 
     Light sensor shielding shall now be described with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 .  FIG. 5  shows a portion of a sensor housing, e.g., a tube  100  in which the sensor upright  78  is housed. Two columns of slits  104  are provided through which the sensors  82  receive light beams from corresponding light emitters  76 . Electronic sensor components  108  are mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB)  112 , which is held in place inside the tube  100  by one or more mounting brackets  116 . A lens  120  made, e.g., of acrylic is positioned opposite the slits  104  and on a pad  124  made, e.g., of polyethylene foam, provided between the lens  120  and the PCB  112 . 
     To protect, e.g., the sensors  82  from most ambient light sources, the PCB  112  is mounted in a recessed location inside the sensor tube  100 . Such an arrangement can serve, e.g., to provide a tight aspect ratio for a sensor window and recessed position. The orientation of the mounting brackets  116  that hold the printed circuit board  112  in place, along with specific positioning of the pad  124 , serve to enhance a shrouding effect to defend against ambient light. As shown in  FIG. 6 , further interference can be dampened, e.g., by applying plastic shrouds  150  to block angular ambient light from electronic components  108 . 
     In various embodiments and as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , an alignment device  200  may be used to hold an emitter  46  or  76 , such as a laser or LED, in place in relation to the horizontal emitter bar  42  or emitter upright  72 . The alignment device  200  may be triangular in shape and may be made, e.g., of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic or other suitable material. Acrylic and/or substantially any types of plastics are suitable, as long as such material provides acceptable levels of rigidity and machinability, and/or leaves a fine finish if cut by laser cutting processes. In the present example embodiment, the alignment device  200  is approximately one and one fourth (1.25) inches wide and long and approximately one fourth (0.25) inches thick. The alignment device  200  includes a center hole  204  approximately six (6) millimeters in diameter and three alignment holes  208  surrounding the center hole  204 . The alignment holes  208  are distributed approximately one hundred and twenty (120) degrees (angular measurement) apart and equidistant from the center hole  204 . Each of the alignment holes  208  is approximately fourteen hundredths (0.14) inches in diameter to allow for clearance, e.g., for a #6 positioning screw  212 . In other embodiments, however, different dimensions may be provided. 
     The outer shape of an alignment device  200  is not necessarily triangular, but the triangular placement of the adjustment holes  208  is functional. Any three points comprise a plane, and so the alignment device  200  is capable of providing a flat surface  220 . The center hole  204  serves to affix a laser or LED light source  224 . Laser lights can provide an extremely straight and highly defined light beam. LEDs also may be used in various embodiments, if, e.g., a given LED is coupled with a focusing lens or the LED light is collimated, e.g., via a collimating lens or reflector. 
     In the present example embodiment, the affixed laser or LED  224  is affixed to the center hole  204  and is positioned to be perpendicular to the alignment device  200 . Any adjustment causing a repositioning of the flat surface  220  by any of the three positioning screws  212  causes a corresponding redirection of the laser&#39;s beam. The laser or LED light source embedded in the center hole  204  remains perpendicular to its flat surface  220 ; the flat surface  220  can face differing directions as positioned by the screws  212 . By adjusting the height of one or more of the screws  212 , the laser or LED  224  can be repositioned, redirected, and otherwise “aimed” in various directions. The final aimed direction can then be screwed into place using locking nuts  230 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , a variety of lasers or LEDs  224  can be grouped onto a single bar  234  (made, e.g., of metal or plastic) and can each be aimed individually. Such ganged light sources may be arranged in such a manner as to form a light curtain for use as previously described. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the frame  14  is made, e.g., of metal and may be constructed, e.g., using materials such as angle iron and tubing. Various parts may be welded together and/or bolted. In various embodiments, the frame  14  may be painted with enamel paint or powder coated. Above the frame  14  is a digital display  300  that may show, e.g., the resulting speed of each pitch. In front of the digital display  300  is a pane of Lexan®, acrylic, or other material suitable to protect the display  300  from damage, e.g., if struck by a baseball. The controller  30  may use data detected by the sensors  52  and  82  to determine the (x, y) location and speed of a ball. Based on the nature of the data, the controller  30  sends information for display, e.g., the speed and “call” information such as “ball” or “strike.” A variety of messages may be displayed, e.g., on a two dimensional monochrome graphics display having four different 32 by 64 LED panels, totaling 2048 LEDs. A regular plasma TV or LED TFT screen may also be used. 
     The frame  14  includes a rectangular front portion  304 , a rectangular rear portion  308 , and arms  312  whereby the horizontal bars ( 42 ,  48 ) and uprights ( 72 ,  78 ) are mounted to the frame  14 . The arms  312  are made, e.g., of 1½ by 1½ by ⅛ th  inch steel tubing. Holes used to mount the horizontal bars ( 42 ,  48 ) and uprights ( 72 ,  78 ) to the frame  14  are, e.g., round 7/16 th  inch holes to accommodate 7/16 th  bolts used for mounting. The accommodating holes in the frame  14  may be round on the front frame portion  304  but may be slotted on the rear frame portion  308 . 
     In various embodiments, the metal arms  312  are capable of being mechanically adjusted using a Vernier adjustment  314 . A combination of bolts and fittings can be adjusted to align the horizontal bars ( 42 ,  48 ) and uprights ( 72 ,  78 ) to effectively aim and sense emitted light. In the present example embodiment, the horizontal bars ( 42 ,  48 ) and uprights ( 72 ,  78 ) can be lowered and/or raised vertically into alignment with each other using a lever-pivoting action. Thus a vertical/pivotal adjustment can be provided. A slotted hole  320  on the rear frame portion  308  allows a mounting arm  312  to be moved up and/or down on the rear frame portion  308 , providing the lever action, which in turn allows the arm  312  to turn on a bolt  324  fastened to the front frame portion  304 , thereby providing a fulcrum effect. 
     Manual adjustments can also be made through horizontal swiveling. Such adjustments can provide fine tuning of angles of the horizontal bars ( 42 ,  48 ) and uprights ( 72 ,  78 ) to provide accurate aiming and accurate reception of light. The horizontal bars ( 42 ,  48 ) and uprights ( 72 ,  78 ) can be swiveled horizontally slightly for better matching of light beams and sensor angle of incident. Such manual adjustments make it possible to affix the horizontal bars ( 42 ,  48 ) and uprights ( 72 ,  78 ) in optimal positions relative to one another. 
     Circuitry of the apparatus  10  includes the sensors  52  and  82 , which may be phototransistors that produce an analog signal in response to certain levels of light. In various embodiments the sensors  52  and  82  may be particularly sensitive to the lower bands of the light spectrum, e.g., red light and invisible infrared light. Various light sources could be used, depending, e.g., on availability and/or brightness of LEDs and lasers. In the present example embodiment, red lasers are used, which can be extremely bright and relatively inexpensive. In other embodiments, infrared light LEDs may be used. 
     The apparatus  10  may include one or more microprocessors (not shown) that may be used in and/or in cooperation with the controller  30 , e.g., to process various types of data, to display the speed of a ball and/or status of the apparatus  10 , etc. In the present example embodiment, several microprocessors are used, e.g., by or in cooperation with the horizontal bars ( 42 ,  48 ) and uprights ( 72 ,  78 ) to gather and interpret pitching events and to log the speed and location of passing balls. The horizontal bars ( 42 ,  48 ) and uprights ( 72 ,  78 ) may be embedded with microprocessors, which may, e.g., gather information pertaining to light curtain events, interpolate and calculate ball position and speed, and store data that is made available to the controller  30 , e.g., during a data query phase. 
     The controller  30  may also be microprocessor-based and may conduct regular queries to the horizontal bars ( 42 ,  48 ) and uprights ( 72 ,  78 ), e.g., to query event activity that has taken place, to determine which particular sensors have such data and what the start and stop count was, etc. Based on such information the controller  30  may send scoreboard information to the display  300  for display, e.g., for a few seconds before resetting. Conditional information may also be displayed that includes, e.g., what the thrown ball was, whether it was a ball or a strike, etc. Other or additional information may be displayed, including, e.g., operational conditions such as wait, ready, error, etc. 
     In one embodiment, after a certain period of time and/or after a given number of pitches have been recorded, the controller  30  develops a graph of the pitching session, e.g., as shown in  FIG. 11 . The graph  400  is an x-y scatter graph illustrating a graphical record of pitches, placement of each pitch within the detection area  68 , the speed of each pitch, and ordinal sequence of each pitch. This data may be derived, e.g., from a table of information queried from the various microprocessors found, e.g., in the horizontal bars ( 42 ,  48 ) and uprights ( 72 ,  78 ). Firmware running the controller  30  may interpret such data to format each pitch for display in the graph  400 . It should be noted that the graph  400  can illustrate the strike/ball success rate of the pitcher. 
     The graph  400  can be generated and transmitted, e.g., via Bluetooth® cordless transmission to a player&#39;s smart phone. This information can then be stored and used by the player. A Bluetooth® capability may be integrated into the communications section of a circuit board, e.g., of the controller  30  and can be constructed of individual electronic components or as an add-on module. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus  10  may be equipped with a WiFi connection. Thus, at the end of a pitching session the controller  30  may transmit pitching session data, e.g., to a website and may upload the graph for subsequent use. In some embodiments, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port may be provided to allow a user to obtain data, e.g., by downloading the pitching data to a USB jump drive for personal use. 
     If the apparatus  10  has a malfunction as determined by resident diagnostic queries conducted by the controller  30 , an “Error” message may be displayed on the LED display  300  and the apparatus  10  may enter a “Pause” mode until the error is corrected and the apparatus  10  is reset. An error can be as simple as a baseball resting on the lower horizontal emitter bar  42  and not permitting the corresponding horizontal sensor bar  48  to receive light. It should be noted generally that various directions of emitted light, relative locations of emitters and sensors, and other similar spatial and directional relationships and dimensions could be different in various embodiments. For example, in one embodiment a horizontal emitter bar could be located above, instead of below, a horizontal sensor bar. 
     A power supply may be provided that converts from AC to DC regulated power supplies, e.g., from a 110 VAC input to a 12 VDC power signal to a variety of devices. Also, a separate 5V supply may be used to operate the controller  30  and the display  300 . Additionally or alternatively, a battery may be provided, e.g., mounted on the frame  14  that can be recharged, e.g., from a battery charger plugged into a standard 110 VAC outlet. 
     Another example embodiment of a delivery analyzer apparatus is indicated generally in  FIG. 12  by reference number  500 . The apparatus  500  includes a light curtain structure  504  supported by a frame  508 . In the present example embodiment, a horizontal emitter bar  512  has a row  516  of aligned light emitters  520  regularly spaced apart from one another. An opposed horizontal sensor bar  524  has a row  528  of aligned light sensors  532  regularly spaced apart and positioned to detect vertical light beams (not shown) from the emitters  520 . An emitter upright  530  of the light curtain structure  504  includes one or more columns  534  of light emitters  538  aligned with and regularly spaced apart from one another. An opposed sensor upright  542  has one or more columns  544  of light sensors  548  regularly spaced apart and positioned to detect the horizontal light beams (not shown) from the emitters  538 . 
     In the present example embodiment, X and Y positions of a ball are measured using light curtains and a radar speed sensor (not shown) is used to detect ball speed. The apparatus  500  can be used to measure a pitch in a similar fashion as the delivery analyzer apparatus  10 , and also can measure a subsequent hit by a batter and estimate the trajectory of the batted ball using Newtonian projectile physics. The delivery analyzer apparatus  500  can also be used, e.g., in a soccer application, e.g., to measure the kicking ability of soccer players and the blocking capability of a goalkeeper. 
     Various embodiments of the foregoing apparatus can be used, e.g., by pitchers and coaches to analyze the location of pitches, the speed of the pitches, and overall performance of a given baseball pitcher. The apparatus can provide information needed to determine accuracy, speed, fatigue and overall competence of a given baseball pitcher. The apparatus can render a “graph” of the pitcher&#39;s performance in the form of an x, y scatter graph, thereby providing a record of the location of each pitch about the strike zone area along with the corresponding speed of the pitch. 
     This type of pitching analyzer provides increased accuracy. Where an x,y sensor array is carefully placed, high precision of ball location can be achieved. The specific location of a pitch can be determined to within one (1) inch of accuracy and serves well to accurately determine the pitch outcome (ball or strike). The subsequent information can then be transmitted wirelessly by a digital protocol such as Bluetooth® and/or WiFi, to a website server and/or a personal digital appliance such as a tablet or smart phone. Such information can be made available for upload to certain websites. 
     Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. In addition, advantages and improvements that may be achieved with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for purpose of illustration only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, as exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may provide all or none of the above mentioned advantages and improvements and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Specific dimensions, specific materials, and/or specific shapes disclosed herein are example in nature and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure herein of particular values and particular ranges of values for given parameters are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values that may be useful in one or more of the examples disclosed herein. Moreover, it is envisioned that any two particular values for a specific parameter stated herein may define the endpoints of a range of values that may be suitable for the given parameter (i.e., the disclosure of a first value and a second value for a given parameter can be interpreted as disclosing that any value between the first and second values could also be employed for the given parameter). For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, and 3-9. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     The term “about” when applied to values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters. For example, the terms “generally,” “about,” and “substantially,” may be used herein to mean within manufacturing tolerances. Or, for example, the term “about” as used herein when modifying a quantity of an ingredient or reactant of the invention or employed refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can happen through typical measuring and handling procedures used, for example, when making concentrates or solutions in the real world through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients employed to make the compositions or carry out the methods; and the like. The term “about” also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term “about,” the claims include equivalents to the quantities. 
     Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements, intended or stated uses, or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.