Abstract:
Devices, systems, and methods for training baseball and softball batters, to identify types of pitched balls (fast ball, curve ball, slider and changeup) and locations (strike or non-strike zone) of pitched balls in order to increase hitting accuracy. A motion sensor can be triggered by the leading foot of a pitcher. The motion sensor can face upward to detect the passage of a pitched ball from the pitcher. When the motion sensor is triggered, a signal can be sent to a black out lens that blocks the vision of a hitter being trained to identify the types and locations of the pitched balls. The training includes changing the lens from transparent to opaque at selected distances between the hitter and the pitcher.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to training batters, and in particular to devices, apparatus, systems, and methods for training baseball and softball batters, to identify types (fastball, curveball, slider and changeup) of pitched balls and locations (strike or non-strike zone) of pitched balls in order to increase hitting accuracy. 
     BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART 
     It is important for baseball hitters to identify not only the different types of pitches pitched by a pitcher but to also recognize if the pitched ball is going into the strike zone or ball zone in order to be successful. 
     Currently the most popular types of pitched balls include fastballs, curveballs, sliders, and changeups. Over time hitters develop favorite pitches to hit, and often find it desirable to swing only on those types of pitches. However, the batter has less than approximately one second to make this identification in order to determine the type of pitch being made. 
     The batter must also determine at the same time if the ball is being thrown in the strike zone or outside the strike zone and not worth hitting. Batters learning to hit a baseball need to be patient and look for a good pitch to hit and not waste a swing on a pitch that is not in the strike zone. Accordingly, what is needed is a system for training batters to swing only at strikes. 
     By example, a baseball exceeding about 82 mph travels at about 130 ft/sec and a pitched softball exceeding about 63 mph travels at about 100 ft/sec). Thus, the hitter as an extremely short period of time of less than approximately one second to determine if both the ball being pitched is a desired pitch (for example, fastball, curveball, slider or changeup), as well as determine if the pitched ball is in or outside the strike zone. 
     Various attempts have been made over the years to help the batter. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,303,241 to Burroughs describe a sports vision training device. However, this device requires components and setup that would not be desirable for regular repeated use. For example, Burroughs recommends using “plywood” boards on a pressure switch to activate the device, large painted face shields, and requires long cumbersome “cables” for being used on the baseball playing field. The use of these components would be difficult to setup, difficult to repetitively use over time for training different batters, and also would become a tripping hazard for players on the field. As such, this attempt is not practical for real world use on a baseball or softball field. 
     Thus, the need exists for solutions to the above problems with the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A primary objective of the present invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems, and methods for training batters, such as baseball and softball batters to identify types and locations of pitched balls in order to increase hitting accuracy 
     A secondary objective of the present invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems, and methods for training batters, such as baseball and softball batters to identify as close as possible to when the pitcher is releasing the ball as to whether the pitched ball is a fastball, a curveball, a slider, or a changeup. 
     A third objective of the present invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems, and methods for training batters, such as baseball and softball batters to recognize as close as possible when the pitcher is releasing the ball as to whether the pitched ball is in or out of a strike zone. 
     A fourth objective of the present invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems, and methods for placing an artificial limitation on the amount of time and/or distance a hitter needs to view a thrown ball, in order to train the batter to increase their hitting accuracy. 
     A fifth objective of the present invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems and methods for training and improving the accuracy of baseball and softball hitters to identify pitch types, pitch locations with or without changing pitched ball speeds with a portable system that can use wireless components. 
     Novel devices, apparatus, systems and methods are used to train a batter to better visually identify the types of pitched balls being released by a pitcher so that the batter can selectively swing at desired types of pitched balls. For example, the invention described herein conditions the batter to better concentrate looking at the motion of the pitcher and pitched ball to identify if the pitched ball is a fastball, curve ball, slider or changeup, and to desensitize the user to the motion of balls that are not desired pitches and to other motions associated with a pitched ball such as the motion of the pitcher and the like which may distract the user. 
     Novel devices, apparatus, systems and methods are used to train a user to better visually recognize pitches that are strikes and to condition the user to hit good pitches and to not swing at pitches that are not strikes. For example, the invention described herein conditions the batter to better concentrate at looking at the motion of the pitcher to look for motion to cause the pitched ball to go into the defined strike zones and to desensitize the user to the motion of balls that are not strikes and to other motions associated with a pitched ball such as the motion of the pitcher and the like which may distract the user. 
     Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments which are illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a system setup of the invention on a baseball playing field. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the system setup shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a portable visions training system in a portable case with the case closed. 
         FIG. 4  is another perspective view of the case of  FIG. 3  in an open position and the battery cover lifted to show the battery. 
         FIG. 5  is another perspective view of the case of  FIG. 4  with the components removed and the battery charger is clipped to the charging posts on the system control box. 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of the tripod from  FIG. 5  in a deployed position. 
         FIG. 6B  shows the tripod of  FIG. 6A  with the tripod legs folded. 
         FIG. 6C  shows the tripod of  FIG. 6A  with the tripod disassembled. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the IR (infrared) blackout goggles with the IR emitter package mounted. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the goggles of  FIG. 7  with the IR emitter package disassembled. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment flip-door goggle embodiment with electromagnet actuation. 
         FIG. 10  is another perspective view of the alternative goggles of  FIG. 9  with the door shown down. 
         FIG. 11  is another perspective view of the goggles of  FIG. 10  showing the electromagnet and cable removed for storage. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the goggles of  FIG. 11  with the components identified. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the blackout goggle with no IR sensor. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the blackout goggle with no IR sensor. 
         FIG. 15  shows a schematic of the components used in the IR emitter system. 
         FIG. 16  shows another schematic of the components used in the electromagnet actuation system. 
         FIG. 17  is a pitch chart used to tabulate and evaluate the training subject&#39;s progress. 
         FIG. 18A  is a side view of a configuration of the invention with a variable placement of the motion sensor. 
         FIG. 18B  is a top view of a configuration of the invention with a variable placement of the motion sensor of  FIG. 11A . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
     In the Summary above and in the Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification does not include all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. 
     In this section, some embodiments of the invention will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments. 
     A list of components will now be described.
       1  system setup on a baseball field     10  Portable vision training system in carrying case.     20  Tripod Assembly with Motion sensor mounted on tripod.     30  Motion sensor “cone” (beam array) of sensitivity.     40  Infra Red (IR) cable     50  Cable from motion sensor plugs to receptacle in case.     60  Blackout assemblies (goggle assembly) with goggles  220  and IR light assembly  230  mounted. The training subject  120  looks through glass, W, that is normally clear but will “blackout” when exposed to IR light  400 .     70  Protective shield for training subject (hitter)     80  Home plate.     90  Catcher.     95  Observer/umpire     100  Pitcher.     110  Pitchers mound.     120  Training subject (batter)     130  Carrying case for vision training system.     140  Tripod for mounting motion sensor. Legs can be folded and retracted for storage.     150  Motion sensor.     160  Rechargeable battery.     170  Battery cover.     180  A.C. Powered battery charger.     190  On/off switch.     200  Goggle receptacle.     210  Motion sensor receptacle.     220  Blackout welding goggles.     230  IR light assembly with goggle cable and plug for receptacle. with fasteners, adhesive, VELCRO (hook and loop fasteners), etc.     240  Tripod adapter tube mounts motion sensor to adapter cap.     250  Tripod adapter cap mounts adapter tube to tripod.     260  Plug on motion sensor cable plugs to receptacle in case.     270  System control box.     280  Battery charging terminals.     290  Alligator clips on batter charger wires clip to charging terminals.     300  Cavity for tripod assembly storage.     310  Cavity for goggle assembly storage.     320  Cavity for battery charger storage.     330  Cavity for IR extension cable storage.     340  Extension cable for connecting the male IR cable from the goggles to the goggle receptacle in the case.     350  Female plug of IR extension cable plugs to male plug on IR cable from goggles.     360  Male plug of IR extension cable plugs to goggle receptacle in case.     370  Male plug of goggle IR cable plugs to female plug of IR extension cable.     380  Hex nut secures tripod adapter cap to tripod.     390  IR sensor is part of the welding goggles.     400  IR light is positioned such that it is shining on the IR sensor when mounted to the goggles.     410  IR light package.     420  Alternate embodiment goggles have a hinged opaque door     430  Flip-door style welding goggles.     440  Magnet cable connecting the electromagnet to the extension cable which then connects to the carrying case.     450  Male plug on the magnet cable connects to the female plug on the extension cable.     460  Electromagnet.     470  Electromagnet mounting plate can be removed via wing nuts from the goggles for storage.     480  Wing nuts secure the electromagnet mounting plate to the goggles.     490  Bracket permanently attached to the goggles adapts the electromagnet mounting plate.     500  Hinged flip-up door is supplied with the goggles.     510  Steel “puck” (strike plate) is affixed to the flip-up door via a bracket. The puck provides the electromagnet with a holding point for the door.     520  Bracket for mounting the steel puck to the flip-up door.     530  Screws on goggle bracket provide mounting points for the electromagnet mounting plate.     540  Mounting hardware for goggle bracket.     550  Mounting hardware for steel puck bracket.     560  Alternate embodiment blackout goggles using no IR light or IR sensor.     570  Cable connecting goggles to carry case.     580  Male plug connects to female receptacle in carry case.     590  Alternate embodiment blackout goggles using no IR light, IR sensor, or hard cable connecting the goggles to the carry case.     600  Cable connecting goggles to wireless receiver.     610  Wireless receiver.     620  Clip on wireless receiver for the training subject can clip the receiver to his clothing.   

     For pitching baseballs, a pitcher can often pitch balls over the plate between low ranges of less than approximately 45 miles per hour to higher range of approximately 102 miles per hour. 
     For children up to 12 years of age baseball fields typically have a distance between the pitcher&#39;s mound and home plate of approximately 45 feet. 
     After 12 years of age, typically high school, college, semi pro and professional baseball fields have a distance between the pitcher&#39;s mound and home plate of approximately 60.5 feet. 
     Typically, the time between the times a pitched ball leaves a pitchers hand to the time the ball crosses the plate can be no more than approximately 6/10 of a second. 
     Table 1 shows a reaction time in seconds based on balls being pitched in miles per hour along two foot increment distances of 40 and 60 feet between the pitching mounds (for pitchers) and home plate (for hitters). 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Reaction Time in Seconds 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 DISTANCE (feet) 
               
             
          
           
               
                 MPH 
                 40 
                 42 
                 44 
                 46 
                 48 
                 50 
                 52 
                 54 
                 56 
                 58 
                 60 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 66 
                 0.41 
                 0.43 
                 0.45 
                 0.48 
                 0.50 
                 0.52 
                 0.54 
                 0.56 
                 0.58 
                 0.60 
                 0.62 
               
               
                 68 
                 0.40 
                 0.42 
                 0.44 
                 0.46 
                 0.48 
                 0.50 
                 0.52 
                 0.54 
                 0.56 
                 0.58 
                 0.60 
               
               
                 70 
                 0.39 
                 0.41 
                 0.43 
                 0.45 
                 0.47 
                 0.49 
                 0.51 
                 0.53 
                 0.55 
                 0.56 
                 0.58 
               
               
                 72 
                 0.38 
                 0.40 
                 0.42 
                 0.44 
                 0.45 
                 0.47 
                 0.49 
                 0.51 
                 0.53 
                 0.55 
                 0.57 
               
               
                 74 
                 0.37 
                 0.39 
                 0.41 
                 0.42 
                 0.44 
                 0.46 
                 0.48 
                 0.50 
                 0.52 
                 0.53 
                 0.55 
               
               
                 76 
                 0.36 
                 0.38 
                 0.39 
                 0.41 
                 0.43 
                 0.45 
                 0.47 
                 0.48 
                 0.50 
                 0.52 
                 0.54 
               
               
                 78 
                 0.35 
                 0.37 
                 0.38 
                 0.40 
                 0.42 
                 0.44 
                 0.45 
                 0.47 
                 0.49 
                 0.51 
                 0.52 
               
               
                 80 
                 0.34 
                 0.36 
                 0.38 
                 0.39 
                 0.41 
                 0.43 
                 0.44 
                 0.46 
                 0.48 
                 0.49 
                 0.51 
               
               
                 82 
                 0.33 
                 0.35 
                 0.37 
                 0.38 
                 0.40 
                 0.42 
                 0.43 
                 0.45 
                 0.47 
                 0.48 
                 0.50 
               
               
                 84 
                 0.32 
                 0.34 
                 0.36 
                 0.37 
                 0.39 
                 0.41 
                 0.42 
                 0.44 
                 0.45 
                 0.47 
                 0.49 
               
               
                 86 
                 0.32 
                 0.33 
                 0.35 
                 0.36 
                 0.38 
                 0.40 
                 0.41 
                 0.43 
                 0.44 
                 0.46 
                 0.48 
               
               
                 88 
                 0.31 
                 0.33 
                 0.34 
                 0.36 
                 0.37 
                 0.39 
                 0.40 
                 0.42 
                 0.43 
                 0.45 
                 0.46 
               
               
                 90 
                 0.30 
                 0.32 
                 0.33 
                 0.35 
                 0.36 
                 0.38 
                 0.39 
                 0.41 
                 0.42 
                 0.44 
                 0.45 
               
               
                 92 
                 0.30 
                 0.31 
                 0.33 
                 0.34 
                 0.36 
                 0.37 
                 0.39 
                 0.40 
                 0.42 
                 0.43 
                 0.44 
               
               
                 94 
                 0.29 
                 0.30 
                 0.32 
                 0.33 
                 0.35 
                 0.36 
                 0.38 
                 0.39 
                 0.41 
                 0.42 
                 0.44 
               
               
                 96 
                 0.28 
                 0.30 
                 0.31 
                 0.33 
                 0.34 
                 0.36 
                 0.37 
                 0.38 
                 0.40 
                 0.41 
                 0.43 
               
               
                 98 
                 0.28 
                 0.29 
                 0.31 
                 0.32 
                 0.33 
                 0.35 
                 0.36 
                 0.38 
                 0.39 
                 0.40 
                 0.42 
               
               
                 100  
                 0.27 
                 0.29 
                 0.30 
                 0.31 
                 0.33 
                 0.34 
                 0.35 
                 0.37 
                 0.38 
                 0.40 
                 0.41 
               
               
                 102  
                 0.27 
                 0.28 
                 0.29 
                 0.31 
                 0.32 
                 0.33 
                 0.35 
                 0.36 
                 0.37 
                 0.39 
                 0.40 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a system setup  1  of the invention on a baseball playing field.  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the system setup  1  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a portable visions training system of the setup components  1  in a portable case  10  with the case  10  closed.  FIG. 4  is another perspective view of the case  10  of  FIG. 3  in an open position and the battery cover  170  lifted to show the battery  160 .  FIG. 5  is another perspective view of the case  10  of  FIG. 4  with the components removed and the battery charger  180  is clipped to the charging posts (battery charging terminals  280 ) with alligator clips  290  on the system control box  270 , and on and off switch  190 . The motion sensor  150  has been mounted to its tripod  140 . Case  130  can include a cavity  300  for tripod assembly  20  storage, a cavity  310  for goggle assembly  60  storage, cavity  320  for battery charger  180  storage, cavity  330  for IR extension cable  340  storage. 
       FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of the motion sensor on tripod  20  from  FIG. 5  with tripod  140  legs in a deployed position.  FIG. 6B  shows the motion sensor on tripod  20  of  FIG. 6A  with the tripod  140  legs in a folded position.  FIG. 6C  shows an exploded view of the motion sensor on tripod  20  of  FIG. 6A  with the tripod disassembled. Motion sensor  150  can be connected to cable  50 , which has a plug  260  at one end. The bottom of motion sensor  150  can be attached to a tripod adapter tube  240 . The top of tripod  140  legs can have a threaded end which passes through tripod adapter cap  250 , and is held in place by a hex head nut  380 , which secures the tripod adapter cap  250  to the tripod  140 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the IR (infrared) blackout goggles  60  with the IR emitter package mounted. The goggles lens is normally transparent. When the IR emitter shines on the IR sensor of the goggles, the lens becomes opaque. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the goggles  60  of  FIG. 7  with the IR emitter package disassembled. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , the setup  1  can include the portable vision training system  10  in carrying case  130 , with the motion sensor arrangement  20  of the motion sensor  150  on the tripod  140 , with the motion sensor  150  having a “cone” of sensitivity  30  all about a pitcher  100  on a mound  110 . An Infra Red (IR) cable  40  plugs to a receptacle  200  in the case  130 . At the end of the IR light assembly  230  opposite the plug  370  is affixed a package  410  that contains an IR light  400 . This IR light package  410 , when mounted, is positioned such that IR light  400  shines on an IR sensor  390  that is part of the welding goggles  220 . When the IR light  130  from the package  410  is sensed by the IR sensor  390  on the goggles  220  the window, W, in the goggles  220  goes from transparent to opaque. IR cable  40  can be attached to extension cable  340  by female plug  35  and male plug  370 . Male plug  360  of IR extension cable  340  plugs into goggle receptacle  200  in case  130   
     Cable  50  from motion sensor  150  plugs to receptacle  210  in case  130 . Black out assembly  60  includes black out goggles  220  with IR light package  410  mounted. The test subject (batter)  120  can look through the glass (lens)/window W, that is normally clear, in the goggles  220 , but will black out when exposed to IR light  400 . 
     In addition to a pitcher  100 , there can be a training subject (batter)  120  that is next to home plate  80 , with a catcher (observer)  90  behind the plate  80 . During use, the training subject (batter)  120  is wearing black out assembly  60  which includes the goggles  220  with IR light package  410 . During operation, the training subject (batter)  120  can be standing behind a protective shield  70  that is used during the training of training subject (batter)  120 . The protective shield can have a transparent surface, such as hurricane resistant glass, and the like, that allows the training subject (batter)  120  to see through the shield to see the balls being pitched, while protecting the training subject (batter)  120  from being hit and injured by a pitched ball from the pitcher  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , the setup  1 , can include three main components: 1) a motion sensor  20  with an integrated adjustable timer relay chip, 2) a power source (in this case, a 12 volt rechargeable battery  160 ) and 3) a lens and goggle combination assembly  60 , wherein the lens, W, can be activated to change from clear to opaque upon energizing an Infrared Emitter,  400  (i.e. an auto-darkening lens). 
     Motion Sensor  20 —The motion sensor  150  in the motion sensor assembly  20  can be equipped with a 5-wire cable. The motion sensor  150  being used can be, but is not limited to a Model# Q45VR3DL by BANNER Engineering Corporation, which can be a one-piece photoelectric sensor that can be placed in the vicinity (within approximately 6′) of the lead foot of the pitcher  100  as the triggering mechanism for the process to start the auto darkening of the lens W, in the goggles  60 . The motion sensor  150  can be equipped with a timing chip, such as but not limited to a Model 45LM Series Modules by BANNER Engineering Corporation that can be adjusted manually by a 15-turn screw. 
     Each of the 5 wires is a different color, signifying its purpose. Two of the wires are directed to the power source  160 , 2 wires are directed to the Infrared Emitter,  400  and the 5 th  wire is not used. 
     Power Source  160 —The power source  160  can be a commercially available 12 volt rechargeable battery. 
     Lens/Goggle Combination  60 —The goggles  220  can be a commercially available welder&#39;s goggle, such as goggles with liquid crystal display lens, with a 2″×4″ opening for the lens, W. For example, PYRAMEX model WHA200 welding goggles with sensors, and the like, can be used. The lens, W, can have an auto darkening feature that, when the Infrared Emitter  400  is energized above the Infrared Sensor of the goggles, causes the lens W to become opaque for 2 seconds. 
     The integration of the above components is as follows:
         1. The motion sensor  20  can be connected to the power supply  160  and the Infrared Emitter,  400 , through cables,  340 ,  40  (or wirelessly).   2. The Infrared Emitter  400 , can be connected to the motion sensor  20  and the power supply  160  through cables (or wirelessly)   3. The power source  160  can be connected to both the motions sensor  20  and infrared emitter  400 , thereby closing the circuit.       

     The system can function and operate in an outdoor environment or indoors, and can include a system setup and system placement. 
     The environment that this system can be utilized can include but is not limited to a baseball or softball playing field, and the like. For example, the pitcher&#39;s mound  110  to home plate  80  whether on the actual playing field, bullpen or setting of similar nature. 
     The system set up can operate as follows:
         1. Plug the cord of the motion sensor  20  into the appropriate outlet   2. Plug the short cord of the Infrared Emitter  400  into the plug of the long cord   3. Plug the long cord into the appropriate outlet   4. Attach the Infrared Emitter  400  to the goggles  60  making sure the Emitter  400  is placed directly over the sensor  390  on the lens, W   5. Energize the system.
 
System Placement—The placement of the individual components can be as follows:
       

     Motion Sensor  20 —The motion sensor  20  can be placed in a location where it can read the movement of the lead foot of the pitcher  100  when it lands. The motion sensor  20  can have a range of up to approximately 6 feet. However, signal strength is more consistent between approximately 2 feet to approximately 4 feet. The 2 primary factors in determining the placement of the motion sensor  20  can be 1) receiving a strong consistent signal from the motion sensor  20  and 2) not interfering with the mechanics of the pitcher  100 . 
     Infrared Emitter/Goggles  60 —The goggles  220  with the Infrared Emitter (IR light assembly  230 ) can be placed on the head of the batter  120 . The batter  120  would then stand next to home plate  80  in the same manner as he/she would prepare to hit. Due to the defenseless nature of the hitter  120 , it is important for safety concerns that the hitter  120  be behind a protective screen  70 . 
     Power Source  160 —The power source  160  can be placed anywhere as long as it does not interfere with the pitcher  100  or hitter  120 . 
     System Function—When the lead foot of the pitcher  100  crosses the zone of influence  130  of the motion sensor  20 , the motion sensor  20  can send a signal to the timer relay chip that can be used with the motion sensor  150 . The timer relay chip will receive the signal and, per a predetermined delay, will then energize the infrared emitter for a predetermined amount of time. The energized emitter in the IR light assembly  230  can send an infrared light wave  400 ,  410  that is captured by the sensor  390  on the lens W. The internal components of the lens W can then cause the lens W, to darken in approximately 1/24,000 of a second and remain dark for approximately 2 seconds. 
     The delay by the timer relay chip in the motion sensor  150  can be adjusted from approximately 0.001 seconds to approximately 15 seconds. The range appropriate for use in this system should be from approximately 0.1 seconds to approximately 0.7 seconds, which is well within the functionality of this timer relay. 
     Purpose of System 
     First, the purpose of the system can be based on the following premises:
         1. To be successful, the hitter must know the type of pitch (fastball, curve ball, slider and changeup) and the location of said pitch (whether in or out of the strike zone.   2. The trajectories of the 4 most common pitches (fastball, curveball, slider and changeup) are fairly predictable.   3. By recognizing the pitch type and location (in and out of the strike zone) earlier in the trajectory, the hitter  120  gains an advantage.       

     Therefore, based on these premises, the purpose of the system is to place artificial limitations on the amount of time and/or distance that the hitter  120  can view the object, being the ball. By doing so the hitter  120  can be forced to process the details of each pitch with less information. Through repetition and feedback (discussed below), the hitter should be able to decrease the amount of time needed to determine a pitch type and location, thereby, giving the hitter more time to swing or not swing at the pitch. 
     Use of System 
     This system can be utilized in is a baseball or softball setting, specifically, the pitcher&#39;s mound to home plate whether on the actual playing field, bullpen or setting of similar nature. Four participants are required. They are as follows:
         1. Pitcher  100     2. Catcher  90     3. Hitter (person being trained)  120     4. Observer (umpire) charting pitches  95         

     The pitcher  100 , catcher  90  and hitter  120  can assume their natural positions with the exception that the hitter  120  can have a protective screen  70  placed between him/her  120  and the pitcher  100  for safety precautions. The observer  95 , such as an umpire (will either or both position him/herself in a location where they can both verbally hear the hitter and visually see the entire trajectory of the thrown pitch. 
     The observer can have a chart with ten 5×5 grids signifying the 25 most probable locations of each pitch. The inner 3×3 grid represent the 9 zones of a strike (inside, middle, outside by upper, middle, lower). The remaining exterior zones represent balls thrown outside of the strike zone. 
     After the timer relay chip has been set to the desired delay, the pitcher will begin throwing pitches to the catcher in a normal manner. For each pitch, the hitter will call out the pitch type, vertical and horizontal location of where the ball will cross home plate and whether ball is a strike or ball (i.e. “fastball, low and away, ball”, “curveball up and in, strike”). The observer  95  can note the pitch type and location on the 5×5 grid called out by the hitter which will be described in reference to  FIG. 17 . The observer  95  can then note on the same 5×5 grid the actual pitch type and location. 
     After a determine number of pitches, the hitter  120  and observer  95 , can compare their results and a percentage will be tallied for the hitter for correctly calling both of the following:
         Pitch type (fastball, curveball, slider and changeup)   Location of each pitch (in or out of strike zone)       

     Once the hitter  120  can successfully and consistently call out the correct pitch type and location, the delay in the timer relay can be decreased. The procedure is then repeated until the hitter can, again, successfully and consistently call out the correct pitch type and location. 
     For example where the distance between home plate  80  and the mound  110  is 60 feet, the lens, Win the goggles  60  on the hitter  120  can be blacked out starting at a distance of 50 feet from the pitcher&#39;s mound  110 . 
     The training can have the hitter needing to successfully identify both the pitch type and location of the pitch in 8 or 9 out of 10 pitched balls from the pitcher  100 . Once a success rate of 8 or 9 out of 10 pitches occurs, the invention can blacken out the lens, W in a 10 foot increment. So the lens W on the goggles  60  can be blacked out when the pitched ball is at 40 feet from the pitcher&#39;s mound. Again, the hitter  120  would need to keep trying to identify pitch type and pitch location, and would need to keep identifying both until an 8 or 9 out of 10 success rate is achieved. The aim is to keep moving back the blacken lens, W, effect until and as close to the pitcher&#39;s release of the ball is achieved. 
     Benefits of Using System 
     
         
         
           
             1. This system can determine when a hitter  120  is actually reading the details of the pitch. If the hitter  120  is using too much time to determine the pitch type and location, he/she has less time to determine whether to swing or not. 
             2. By using this system in a repetitious manner, it is possible for the hitter  120  to process the information of each pitch quicker, thereby giving the hitter  120  more time to determine whether to swing or not. 
             3. If the hitter  120  is not making progress in processing the pitch information, it could signify an issue with the visual acuity of the hitter  120  that had previously been undetected. 
           
         
       
    
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment flip-door goggle embodiment  420  with electromagnet actuation. Here, flip door welding goggles  430  can be used. A hinged opaque door  500  can be held out of the training subjects  120  line of sight by an electro magnet  460 . At a signal from the motion sensor  20  (routed through the carrying case  130 ), the electromagnet  460  can release the hinged door  550  and occludes the training subject&#39;s  130  line of sight. The door  500  is shown up in this figure so that the training subject  130  could see if he was wearing the goggles  430 . 
       FIG. 10  is another perspective view of the alternative goggles  420  of  FIG. 9  with the door  500  shown down. In this Figure, the training subject  120  could not see if wearing the goggles  420 . 
       FIG. 11  is another perspective view of the alternative goggles  420  of  FIG. 10  showing the electromagnet  460  and cable  440  removed for storage. 
       FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the alternative goggles  420  of  FIG. 11  with the components identified. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-12 , the alternative goggles  420  can include magnet cable  440  for connecting the electromagnet  460  to the extension cable  440  by a electromagnet mounting plate  470 , that can be removed via wing nuts  480  from the goggles  430  for storage. A bracket  490  can be permanently attached to the goggles  430  adapts the electromagnet mounting plate  470 . 
     Alternative goggles  420  can include a steel “puck” (strike plate)  510  that can be affixed to the flip-up door  500  via a bracket  520 . The puck  510  can provide the electromagnet  460  with a holding point on the door  500 . Fasteners  530 , such as screws and bolts on goggle bracket  490  can provide mounting points for the electromagnet mounting plate  470 . Mounting hardware  540 , such as nuts, can be used with the fasteners  530  for the bracket  490 . Additional mounting hardware  550  such as nuts, can be use with the fasteners  550  for the bracket  520  which mounts the steel puck  510  to the flip-up door  500 . 
     The opposite end of the cable  440  can include a male plug  450  that can connect to the female plug on the extension cable  340  previously described. 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment  560  of the blackout goggled with no IR sensor, and no IR light. This embodiment  560  can have the cable  570  with male plug  580  that connects to a female receptacle in the carrying case  130  so that the system is wired directly into the goggles blackout lens W. 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the blackout goggle with no IR sensor, no IR light, or hard cable connecting the goggles to the carry case  130 . A cable  600  can connect the goggles  590  to a wireless receiver  610 , that the training subject  120  wears on his person. A wireless transmitter (not shown) in the carry case  130  can send a signal to the receiver  610  when the blackout lens W, needs to go dark. A clip  620  on the wireless receiver  610  can clip the receiver  610  to the clothing of the training subject  120 . 
       FIG. 15  shows a schematic of the components used in the IR emitter system  1  used in the previous Figures. 
       FIG. 16  shows another schematic of the components used in the electromagnet actuation system of  FIGS. 10-12 . 
       FIG. 17  shows a pitch chart that can be used with the invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-17 , after the delay in auto darkening lens Win the goggles  60 ,  420 ,  560 ,  590  has been set at the desired distance. The hitter  120  can take his/her place in the batter&#39;s box (next to home plate  80 ), behind the protective screen  70 . In addition, an observer  95  can record the pitches on the pitch chart ( FIG. 17 ). The observer  95  can position themselves in a location to both view the pitch and be able to hear the hitter&#39;s  120  verbal call of the pitch. 
     The observer  95  can record the both the actual pitch (based on their observations) and the called pitch from the hitter  120  on the Pitch Chart ( FIG. 17 ). The Pitch Chart ( FIG. 17 ) can be a series of 10 each 5×5 grids. The interior 3×3 grid represents the strikes zone, with the exterior cells representing balls out of the strike zone. The observer  95  can use the following symbols to record the pitches: F=Fastball, C=Curveball, SI=Slider and Ch=Change up. For each pitch, the observer  95  can record the hitter&#39;s  120  verbal call of pitch and location then record the actual pitch type and location on the same chart. The actual pitch can be circled. If both the hitter  120  and observer  95  are in agreement, a check mark will be placed next to the symbol on the grid. At the end of 10 pitches, the observer  95  can record the total number of correct pitch types called, the total number of locations called correctly and the distance from the pitcher that the auto darkening occurs. 
     The pitch chart in  FIG. 17  can be used to tabulate and evaluate the training subject&#39;s  120  progress. 
     Referring to TABLE 1, the system setup motion sensor  150  with time delay can be adjusted based on speed of the pitched ball. A speed gun or other ball velocity detector can also be used to further train the hitter  120  to reach accuracy rates of identifying pitch types and pitch locations with the pitched balls being pitched at different speeds. 
       FIG. 18A  is a side view of a configuration of the invention with a variable placement of the motion sensor  150  with cone  130 .  FIG. 18B  is a top view of a configuration of the invention with a variable placement of the motion sensor  150  with cone  30  of  FIG. 11A . 
     In the previous setup  1 , the motion sensor assembly  20  with motion sensor  150  such as the BANNER Model# Q45VR3DL) was placed in the vicinity (within approximately 6′) of the lead foot of the pitcher  100  as the triggering mechanism for the process to start the auto darkening of the lens W. The motion sensor assembly  20  was equipped with a timing chip such as the BANNER Model 45LM Series Modules that was adjusted manually by a turn screw. 
       FIGS. 18A-18B  employs a different motion sensor  150 , such as but not limited to a Banner Engineering, Model Q45VR3Dx with an approximate 10′ Cone of Influence. By using this different sensor, the motion sensor can be placed on the ground, underneath the trajectory of the thrown ball, B, with its Cone of Influence directed vertically. As the ball B, passes thru the Cone of Influence, the motion sensor  150  is activated, sending a signal to the auto darkening lens W. in the goggles 
     The benefits of  FIGS. 18A, 18B  includes several benefits. For example, there is no need for a timing chip, hence no need to adjust a timing chip for each hitter  120  or pitcher  100 , and because the physical placement of the motion sensor, the hitter  120  knows exactly the distance in which the auto darkening lens W will activate. 
     The term “approximately” can be +/−10% of the amount referenced. Additionally, preferred amounts and ranges can include the amounts and ranges referenced without the prefix of being approximately. 
     While the invention has been described with a physical setup  1  that includes a separate pitcher  100 , catcher  90 , observer  95  and separate motion sensor arrangement  20 , screen  70 , goggle assembly  60 , some or many of the components may be eliminated. 
     For example, devices, such as an automated device system can be used instead of or with the observer to identify the type of pitch and location of the pitched ball automatically for comparison with the hitter&#39;s  120  called out identification. Additionally, other components, such as but not limited to voice recognition used in smart phones and the like, can record the hitter calling out the pitch and location of the pitched balls, which can also be saved for later comparison with the accurate observations of the observer. Additionally, the observer can also be automated so that devices, such as but not limited to pitch speed and pitched ball location (in and out of the strike zone) can be recorded. See for example, U.S. Published Patent Application 2006/0030128 to Mosbey. Also, an automated pitcher device can collect actual data on pitch type, and the like. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,983,741 to Donald. Other automated devices such as radar and speed guns can be used as the observer. 
     While the blackout lens have been described as being controlled by IR (infra red) light emitter and IR sensor, the lens can include other types of lens that change from transparent to opaque, such as but limited to be liquid crystals, and the like. 
     Although the disclosed embodiments show and describe goggles, such as welding goggles, the invention can be used with other types of eyewear, such as but not limited to spectacles, eyeglasses, or other types of adjustable lens such as contact lens, and the like. 
     Additionally, the protective screen can have lens, such as LCD (liquid crystal lens) with controls for causing the lens to be transparent to opaque and back, built thereon that blackout the pitcher to the hitter, so that the hitter does NOT need to wear goggles, and the like. 
     While the preferred embodiments show and describe wired components and some wireless components, the invention can be used with all wireless components and the like. 
     Additionally, a software simulation application of a pitcher pitching different types of pitches, at different speeds, that fall in and out of the strike zone, can be a downloadable App where the hitter can have a program on their smart phone, tablet, computer where the hitter is looking at a pitcher, and the screen is darkened at different increments. For example, the screen can be darkened where the pitched ball is 50 feet from the hitter (person looking at the computer screen). And the hitter again must successfully identify the type of pitch and location of the pitch at least 8 or 9 out of 10 times, before the screen is blacked out. Followed by the screen can be blacked out at another 10 foot increment (such as when the pitched ball is 40 feet from the pitcher, and so on, as described with the setup  1  in  FIGS. 1-8 . In addition to being used for training the software application can be game used for entertainment. 
     The accuracy training for playing sports and/or for playing computer games, can be based on pitch type (fastball, curve ball, slider and changeup) as well as location (in and out of the strike zone), and different pitched speeds. The lens and screen can be blacked out at selected distances for any one of these parameters, and for different combinations of these parameters. Tabulation and accuracy determination can also be for comparing the hitter&#39;s identifications with the observer&#39;s identifications with any one of these parameters, or any combination of these parameters. 
     Although the invention is describes as being applied to baseball and softball hitters, the invention can be used to train players where a ball is thrown, kicked or hit toward them, or where increased speed of situational recognition is beneficial or advantageous. Other sports, can include but are not limited to identify the trajectory of racquet balls, tennis balls, ping pong balls, as well as golf balls, soccer balls, and other sports, that use pucks, and the like, such as but not limited to hockey, and the like. Additionally, other sports, such as a football quarterback can have a lens in front of the them that blacks out at different times when the quarterback is seeing defensive coverage, and has to remember the coverage in order to set up their offensive play response. 
     While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.