Patent Publication Number: US-6041266-A

Title: Baseball scorekeeper

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to electronic recording and calculating devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to electronic devices for recording, manipulation and storage of statistical sports data. 
     Sporting contests require accurate recordation of the events that transpire during the contest. A significant statistical record is often generated in a single athletic contest. Accurate record keeping often requires an experienced skilled individual and a significant effort during the contest. The final outcome of the contest is determined by record keeping or scoring and an evaluation of the contestants performance is accomplished through analysis of the statistical record. Historically a scorekeeper who has considerable knowledge of the contest is utilized to perform the necessary recordation and statistical compilations. 
     Devices which aid the scorekeeper have also been developed for recording the score of an athletic contest. U.S. Pat. No. 4,266,214 teaches a portable game scoring apparatus which allows for input of scoring information and provides displays of accumulated scoring information for several different games. 
     McGeary U.S. Pat. No. 4,367,526 teaches a golf calculator which automatically computes scoring results for a golf game based upon information entered during the course of play. 
     Collard U.S. Pat. No. 4,868,772 teaches a device which computes several aspects of a baseball player&#39;s individual performance but does not score a game. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is utilized to perform statistical record keeping during a baseball or softball game, much in the same manner as a traditional scorekeeper. Because of the automatic recordation and calculations preformed by the device, the operator need only enter basic information to keep accurate statistics. In this manner the device of the present invention allows a less knowledgeable individual to keep score and maintain statistics to a high degree of accuracy. 
     It is an object of the present invention to maintain the score and statistics of a baseball game while the game is in progress. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a device which tallies, records and computes the statistics of a baseball game, play-by-play, during the game. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a baseball scorekeeping device which allows for the entry of data in a simple manner allowing record keeping and statistical recording by an operator having less than complete knowledge of the sport. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device which maintains a printed record of all aspects of the statistical scorekeeping during the baseball game. 
     It is a object of the present invention to provide a device which records and stores all pitches by both teams in a baseball game. 
     It is an object of the present invention to compute batting averages on an ongoing basis during a baseball game and to report the averages when desired. 
     It is another object of the present invention to track the elapsed game time of a baseball game. 
     The automated scorekeeper taught in the exemplary embodiment described herein satisfies these and other objects by providing a recordkeeping device which accepts data via a user friendly keyboard, records the data and calculates baseball statistics. The device has a display screen for providing the operator with timely information such as inning, score, count on batter and team rosters. The device also has a date output port for a printer for hard copy output of the game statistics or for downloading of statistical information. 
     The design of the present invention includes a keyboard with a baseball diamond graphic to allow for easier data entry. Further, the keyboard includes a large number of specialized keys for entry of common statistical events. The device also incudes stored user help information which can be easily accessed to assist the user in the entry of less common statistical events. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a better understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference is had to the following figures and detailed description, wherein like elements are accorded like reference numerals, and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a top planer view of the present invention with a blank display screen. 
     FIG. 2 is a top planer view of the present invention illustrating a first exemplary screen of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a top planer view of the present invention illustrating a second exemplary screen of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a top planer view of the present invention illustrating a third exemplary screen of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is view of a fourth exemplary screen of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the circuitry of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 7A and 7B are a flow diagram illustrating exemplary logic of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The device, as illustrated in FIG. 1, includes a display 12 for display of a number of sets of information each accessible by either a single key or a short series of key strokes to allow ready access to available data before, during and after a game. The screen displays team rosters FIG. 2, a help screen FIG. 3, a game-in-progress screen FIG. 4, and a final score screen FIG. 5. 
     The team roster records each players number, name and field position for both home and visitor teams. The home team and/or visitor team roster screens can be accessed at any time during the game by actuation of the HOME or VISITOR key respectively. The roster can be accessed for reference or to allow for the entry of substitute players in the team roster either during the initial roster entry or during the game as substitutions arise. 
     When the computer is first activated, the processor 60 is initialized. The scorekeeper is now in the player entry mode, and the home team entry screen, FIG. 2, is displayed on the display 12. The operator is thus prompted to enter the numbers, names and positions of the home team. The names, numbers and positions are entered by typing on the full alpha-numeric keyboard. Player names can be abbreviated and positions are entered using their common two letter designations. 
     Chart I provides an example of a team roster entry for an exemplary home team. 
     
                       CHART I                                                     
______________________________________                                    
HOME TEAM Pepsi  Date                                                     
No.           Name          Position                                      
______________________________________                                    
11            Smith         2B                                            
22            Coves         RF                                            
13            Peterson      LF                                            
24            Waterfield    SS                                            
17            Taylor        1B                                            
12            Moore         3B                                            
9             Owens         C                                             
7             Hillard       CF                                            
30            Jordan        P                                             
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     The visitors team is entered in a similar manner after entry of the home team is completed. 
     Substitutions are made by recall of the appropriate team roster. The cursor keys are utilized to scroll up, down, left or right to the desired position. To enter a substitution, the SUB key is actuated and a space is created below the listed player. The scorekeeper is now in the substitute player entry mode. The substitution player number, name and position is then entered. The Home or Visitor key is then again actuated to return to the game mode and display. 
     The key board, as illustrated in FIG. 1, includes a set of alpha-numeric keys 14, a set of control keys 16, a set of common statistical event keys 18, and a set of field position keys 20 positioned around a baseball diamond graphic. The provision of these sets of keys allows for the easy and rapid entry of all common statistical events during the game without undue complexity or knowledge of the statistic keeping procedures for baseball. 
     The field position keys 20 can include the nine defensive player position for baseball or the ten defensive position for softball. The field position keys 20 are utilized to enter a player position when necessary, when the player is being listed on the team roster, when he makes a play, he is at bat or when it is otherwise necessary to designate a player position or to identify a field position. The provision of these keys allows the operator to easily and rapidly input play action by selecting the field position from the graphic keys, without the need for entry of position abbreviations from alpha-numeric keys. Errors are also reduced through the use of single key entry. 
     The event keys 18 are utilized for quick entry of common events such as a single -1B, a triple -3B, base on balls -BB, sacrifice -SAC, hit by pitch -HP, a strike, an out, etc. The DH key is for indicating a designated hitter, alternatively an EH key can be provided for an extra hitter in softball. The optional foul ball key, illustrated in FIG. 2 is utilized to maintain an accurate record of the total number of pitches. Without the foul ball key, the first two fouls are manually entered as strikes. With the foul ball key, all fouls are entered as such, and the processor 60 automatically records the first two as strikes. 
     The alpha-numeric keys 14 are for entry of alpha-numeric data such as player number, names, or unusual events. 
     The control keys 16 are for controlling the functions of the device, such as changing displays, printing or accessing help. In broader terms, each of the above keys is a manually operable element. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates the help screen which provides the user with entry codes not found on the predesignated keys. These events cannot be entered by a single event key from key group 18. Instead, when necessary to record such events, the operator will select the &#34;special&#34; or &#34;play&#34; key and then enter the code found in the help screen, such as &#34;F&#34; &#34;O&#34; for a fly out. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 4, during the game, the game-in-progress screen is displayed on the display 12. The following elements are displayed: 
     Time--actual time of day, 
     Game Time--the total elapsed game time beginning from the first pitch, 
     Team--the team currently at bat, 
     Inning--displays the current inning, 
     At Bat--indicates the player at bat, 
     Hits--displays the total number of hits for the team at bat, 
     Runs--displays the total number of runs for the team at bat, 
     Errors--displays total errors for the team at bat, 
     Total Pitches--displays the total number of pitches thrown by both teams during the game, 
     Balls--displays the current ball count for the current batter, 
     Strikes--displays the current strike count for the current batter, 
     Outs--displays the number of outs on the team at bat for the current inning, and 
     Last Entry--displays the last entry or command entered by the operator. 
     Once the first pitch is thrown, the user enters it as a ball, strike, or hit by actuation of the appropriate key from the event key set 18. The game time counter is automatically started upon entry of the first event. Each event is then entered as it occurs. As each batter&#39;s at bat is concluded, through entry of an out, bases earned, etc., the game-in-progress display is automatically advanced to the next batter in the lineup. 
     The statistics, runs/hits/errors/players left on/score, are calculated and recorded at the end of each half inning. The display is advanced to the opposing team after three outs at the end of each half inning. The current elapsed time is recorded at the start of each inning. 
     The statistics associated with each batter&#39;s turn at bat are recorded for later output and/or are printed as the line up advances if a printer is currently attached to the device. 
     The following example of the record of an exemplary inning of a baseball game illustrates an inning where six visitor players were at bat with a strike out, a single, a hit by pitch, a fly out to center field, a base on balls and a fly out to center field for the visiting team and five players at bat for the home team with one hit by pitch, a fly out to center field, a home run, a strike out and an unassisted out by the first baseman: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Visitor                        0:00                                       
 4  Lansford       3B                                                     
SBSBB K             1OUT                                                  
42  Henderson      CF                                                     
S 1B                                                                      
33  Canseco        RF                                                     
S HP                                                                      
39  Parker         LF                                                     
SSBB F08            2OUT                                                  
25  McGwire        1B                                                     
SBBSB BB                                                                  
36  Steinbach      C                                                      
BB F08              3OUT                                                  
.5  OR  1H  0E     3LO                                                    
HOME 0  Visitor 0                                                         
Home                           0:25                                       
 3  Sax            2B                                                     
HP                                                                        
22  Stubbs         1B                                                     
SSB F08             1OUT                                                  
 9  Hatcher        LF                                                     
SS BK HR                                                                  
 5  Marshall       RF                                                     
SSB K               2OUT                                                  
31  Shelby         CF                                                     
B U3                3OUT                                                  
1.0  2R  1H  0E    0LO                                                    
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     Other exemplary events are recorded as follows: 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
25  McGwire           1B                                                  
SSB 6-4                3OUT                                               
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     Number 25, McGwire the first baseman takes two strikes and a ball, then hits to the shortstop who throws to second for the out. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
       49  Belcher   P                                                    
       (SUB)                                                              
       56  Heep      PH                                                   
       BS 6-3         3OUT                                                
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     Belcher is replaced by a substitute, number 56 Heep, a pinch hitter who is thrown out at first by the shortstop. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
32  Woodson           PH                                                  
S 6-4FC                1OUT                                               
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     Woodson hits to the shortstop who throws to second for a forced out, fielder&#39;s choice. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
22  Stubbs              1B                                                
BS                                                                        
*WP  32  To  2B                                                           
3U                     3OUT                                               
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     While Stubbs is at bat, a wild patch allowed number 32 to advance to second base. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
30  Hamilton           3B                                                 
BSS 5U 5-3 DP           3OUT                                              
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     Hamilton hits to the third baseman who makes an unassisted out at third and then throws to the first baseman for a double play. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
       22  Stubbs      1B                                                 
       SB                                                                 
       *3  Steal                                                          
       F09            3OUT                                                
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     While Stubbs is at bat, number 3 steals second base. 
     The above examples illustrate how the simple straight forward shorthand recording of the present invention allows for accurate fast statistical scoring of a game in progress. If necessary, the alpha-numeric keys can be utilized by the operator to insert annotations into the record at any time to explain and/or record unusual events. 
     FIG. 6 provides a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment for implementation of the statistical logic of the present invention. 
     In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a CPU 60 is utilized to perform the necessary calculations and record keeping. CPU 60 can, for example, include ROM for program storage and RAM for storage of team data, player data and game statistics. A register within CPU 60 holds the team data which is displayed and automatically rotated at the end of an inning. Also, players are rotated when an at bat ends. The device is provided with a timer 61 for tracking game time and real time. Alternatively, the device could utilize a CPU with onboard timing capabilities. The elapsed game time and real time are stored in registers for display and updating during the game. 
     A keyboard 62 and decoder 63 are provided for user input to CPU 60. The device also includes a display driver 64 and a display 12 for display to the user. The provision of data port 65 and data driver 66, allows the device to export data to a printer or other device. The data can be output during a game to a printer to provide a hard copy of the game in progress or saved for downloading after the game, for subsequent printing, manipulation or statistical compilation. 
     The components illustrated in functional block form in FIG. 6 are exemplary. The components may be discreet or they may be incorporated into a single chip. Obvious substitute component combinations with similar functionality can be substituted without departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 7A and B illustrate an exemplary logic flow pattern for the device of the present invention. The steps illustrated in these Figures can be implemented by a processor such as CPU 60 illustrated in FIG. 6. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 7A, upon start up of the device, the processor is initialized. Next the Home team menu is displayed and then the operator can enter the home team data. After completion of the home team data entry, the Visitor team menu is displayed and the Visitor team data entered. 
     The processor then enters a wait state to await the next key entry by the operator. If the next key is a control key, the control command is processed and the processor accepts additional key entries, such as alpha-numeric keys, necessary to complete the command process. When an event or control key is entered, the processor again evaluates the key entry and either executes the command or proceeds to the start timer step. 
     Upon entry of the first event key after initialization, the game time is started to track the total elapsed time of the game. The timer continues to run until the end of the game, when all data is tabulated and stored. Once the timer has been started, the game-in-progress screen is displayed. While this screen is displayed, the operator can enter events, control commands, or alpha-numeric data. 
     Most entries will be events which are recorded as described below. However, it is occasionally necessary to enter a command key such as HOME, to update the Home team or to provide for a substitute. Upon entry of the command key, the command is executed and the appropriate additional keys are accepted. Upon completion, the processor returns to the display of the game-in-progress screen. 
     As each event is entered, the game statistics are updated, eg. the ball or strike count of the present batter is increased or a base or run is recorded. Next the processor compares the strike and ball counts to determine if the current batter is out or walked. If so the player performance is recorded and the player rotation is advanced. Otherwise the event key is analyzed to determine if the event is an out, a hit or an other event. If another event, the processor records the event and returns to the game-in-progress screen. If a hit then the player performance is recorded and the player rotation advanced. 
     If the event is an out, then the processor compares the number of outs and if less than three for the current half inning, the player performance is recorded and the player rotation advanced. After advance of the player rotation, the statistics of the latest player can be printed if desired to provide a running hard copy during the game. 
     If the outs equals three, then the score for the half inning is recorded, the player performance is recorded and the inning is advanced and the teams are rotated. 
     The processor then determines if the game is completed by first checking the inning number, and if greater than nine, determining if the score is tied. If the inning is not greater than nine or the score is not tied when the inning is greater than nine, the processor returns to the game-in-progress screen. The device will allow for play of as many innings as necessary to complete the game as long as the score remains tied after the completion of the ninth inning. Otherwise the game is complete and the final statistics are calculated and stored. The final score screen, FIG. 5, is displayed and the final statistics are either printed and/or stored for later output. 
     Final statistical calculations can include games won calculated as a percentage of total games played; player batting averages calculated by dividing the total number of hits by the total number of times at bat; fielding averages determined by dividing the total number of put-outs and assists by the total number of putouts, assists and errors. 
     Appendix A is an exemplary program for executing the logic of the present invention. ##SPC1##