TITLE

DEVICE FOR GATHERING INFORMATION ABOUT A PITCHED BASEBALL OR OTHER MOVING OBJECT

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates in general to devices for gathering information about moving objects. More particularly, this invention relate to a device for determining the speed and location of a pitched ball or other moving object as it approaches a target. [0002] Measurement and detections devices are utilized to determine the parameters of a pitched object as it passes through a target area. In baseball, for example, such devices can be useful to determine the precise speed of the baseball as it passes home plate and to detect whether the baseball falls within a particular strike zone. Parameters of pitched objects can be particularly useful as a training aid to improve pitching performance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to an apparatus for detecting characteristics about a moving object. The invention is directed to a device for gathering information about a moving object. The device comprises a plurality of frames, detection apparatus on each of the frames, and a back stop in spaced relation to the frames. The detection apparatus comprises at least one signal generating device and a plurality of signal detection device arranged to receive a signal from the signal detection device. The detection apparatus detects at least one of the location, movement, and speed of a pitched ball as the pitched ball passes through the frames and interrupts the signal from the signal generating device to one or more of the signal detection devices. The back stop has a target area at which the pitched ball may be aimed. [0004] Various aspects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Fig. 1 is a top view of a device for gathering information about a pitched ball or other moving object.

[0006] Fig. 2 is a side view of the pitched ball detector of the device shown in Fig.

1.

[0007] Fig. 3 is a front view of the pitched ball detector shown in Fig. 2.

[0008] Fig. 4 is a front view of an alternative pitched ball detector.

[0009] Fig. 4A is a front view of another alternative pitched ball detector.

[0010] Fig. 5 shows side views of pitched balls passing through beams of light generated by a pitched ball detector.

[0011] Fig. 6 is a front view of an exemplary target area of the device shown in

Fig. 1.

[0012] Fig. 7 is a diagram of the device shown in Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0013] Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in Fig. 1 a device 50 for gathering information about a pitched ball (such as a hardball or a softball, for example) or other moving object. The information gathering device 50 comprises a pitched ball detector, indicated generally at 10, and may further comprise a pitching rubber 60 (with a pressure measuring element 68), a stride detector 62, a video recording device 64, and a feedback device, such as a display device 66. [0014] Now, with reference to Fig. 2, an exemplary pitched ball detector 10 is shown. The pitched ball detector 10 is preferably configured to detect one or more of a location, movement, and speed of a pitched ball 12 as it passes through the detector 10. The exemplary detector 10 is comprised of a frame 14, which includes plurality of subframes. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three subframes, a first subframe 16, a second subframe 18, and a third subframe 20, although the detector 10 may include fewer subframes (e.g., as few as one) or more subframes (e.g., more than three). It should be appreciated, however, that a single subframe would provide

location and speed of a pitched ball 12 at a single point in space and time, while multiple subframes would provide location and speed of a pitched ball 12 at different points in space and time, as will become more apparent in the description that follows. Another benefit of having multiple subframes is that acceleration can be determined from a measure of the speed of a pitched ball 12 at different points in space and time. Although other distances may be established, subframes 16, 18, 20 are preferably spaced about 2-3 feet apart, as indicated at distances Dl, D2. However, the subframes may be spaced apart by any desired distance or combination of distances. An exemplary sub frame, as illustrated in Fig. 3, may include one or more detection apparatuses, indicated generally at 22, which may be arranged in both horizontal and vertical positions. The detection apparatuses 22 may include signal or beam generating devices 24 and signal or beam detecting devices 26 as will be described in greater detail below. The terms "signal or beam" may be used interchangeably and may refer to light, radiation, particles, or other energy suitable for detection by the beam detection device 26. Also shown in Fig. 2 is a back stop frame 28. The back stop frame 28, also shown in Fig. 6, may act as a separate frame and may be used to indicate the strike zone (in baseball) while also acting as a stop or area to collect the balls pitched. For example, the back stop frame 28 may support a first arrangement of nets (not shown) through which pitched balls 12 may pass. The first arrangement of nets functions to slow down the pitched ball 12. A second net (also not shown) is supported by the back stop frame 28 behind the first arrangement of nets. The second net functions to stop the pitched balls 12. The pitched balls 12 may be collected between the nets. It should be appreciated that, although square or rectangular subframes are shown, the subframes may be any shape, as long as the shape permits the location and/or speed of a pitched ball 12 to be determined. [0015] The subframes 16, 18, 20 may be comprised of one or more frame members, indicated generally at 30, and which are used for forming the first subframe 16, second subframe 18, and third subframe 20. The frame members 30 may be in the form of long, narrow beams that can be made of wood, metal, PVC tubing, plastic, or any other suitable material or any combination of materials. The frame members 30

can also be coated with a reflective material if so desired to reflect the beams generated by the beam generating devices 24. In addition, the frame members 30 may be configured so that the beam generating devices 24 and the beam detecting devices 26 can be supported on the frame members 30. In such case, the beam generating devices 24 and beam detecting devices 26 are most desirably supported on the back side of the first, second and third subframes 16, 18, 20 (i.e., on the right side when viewing Fig. 2) so that the beam generating devices 24 and beam detecting devices 26 are protected from pitched balls (i.e., balls, or other objects, moving from left to right when viewing Fig. 2).

[0016] One of the items of information gathered or detected by the pitched ball detector 10 is the location of a pitched ball 12. As used with the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of beams may be formed between the beam generating devices 24 and the beam detecting devices 26. Both horizontal beams 32 and vertical beams 34 may be generated thereby forming a grid pattern within each subframe 16, 18, 20. Using the detection apparatuses 22 (i.e., beam generating device 24/beam detecting device 26 configuration), when at least one of the beams 32 and 34 is interrupted, the precise location of the ball 12 can be determined. Although other configurations may be used to create the horizontal beams 32 and vertical beams 34, in the illustrated embodiment, a laser, or some other focused light or signal source, from each beam generating device 24 is focused on a corresponding beam detecting device 26 across from the beam generating device 24, as seen in Fig. 3. Beam generating devices 24 and beam detecting devices 26 are positioned in both the horizontal and vertical planes to detect both the height of the ball 12 off the ground, and the location of the ball 12 relative to, or across, the width of a home plate 36. A target, such as a home plate 36, has a length L (shown in Fig. 2) and a width W (shown in Fig. 3). As will be described below, the change in the position of the ball 12 along the length L (shown in Fig. 2) of the home plate 36 can also be determined. In the preferred embodiment, the beams 32 that are generated are spaced approximately two inches apart, which is based on the size of the pitched ball. For example, a typical baseball is approximately 2.9 inches in diameter. The positions of

the beams 32 can be modified depending on the size of the moving object through the target area. For example, a softball, having a diameter of approximately 4 inches, could be detected by beams 32 spaced approximately three inches apart. [0017] An alternative detection apparatus, as shown for example in Fig. 4, may have a single light or signal source or beam generating device 24 that produces or simulates a plurality of beams of light 38 (e.g., from a continuously moving beam of light 38) that can produce a plane of beams 38 originating from one point or a single source, like the lower corner 40 of a frame 42, as shown.

[0018] A further alternative detection apparatus, as shown for example in Fig. 4A, may have two lights or signal sources or beam generating devices 24 that produce or simulate respective pluralities of beams of light 38 (e.g., from a continuously moving beam of light 38) that can produce a plane of beams 38 originating from two points or two sources, like the two lower corners 40 of the frame 42, as shown. In each of these embodiments, the beams of light 38 are detected by beam detecting devices 26, which may be positioned on both horizontal and vertical frame members 30 across from the beam generating device 24. This could require a CPU or controller 44 (shown in Fig. 7) to perform more complex calculations (than is required by the detection apparatus shown in Fig. 3) to determine the location of the ball 12. The position of the ball 12 is approximated in relation to the number of detecting devices 26 for which the beams 28 are interrupted. For example, if the position of the pitched ball 12 is close to the beam generating device 24, the ball 12 could potentially interrupt the beams 38 for multiple detecting devices 26. If the position of the pitched ball 12 is farther away from the beam generating device 24, the ball 12 could potentially interrupt the beams 38 for fewer detecting devices 26 than if the position of the pitched ball 12 is closer. To further illustrate the operation of the alternative detection apparatus, if the ball 12 is close to the beam generating device 24 (i.e., in the lower right corner of the detection apparatus when viewing Fig. 4), then beams 38 for multiple detecting devices 26 would be interrupted to approximate the location of the ball 12. Conversely, if the ball 12 is farther away from the beam generating device 24 (i.e., in the upper left corner of the detection apparatus when viewing Fig. 4), then beams 38

for fewer (i.e., as few as one or two) detecting devices 26 would be interrupted to approximate the location of the ball 12.

[0019] In either embodiment, after the beam is temporarily interrupted by the flight of the ball 12 through one or more beams 32, 34, 38, the information is transmitted or otherwise retained to allow interface with the controller 44 (shown in Fig. 7). The controller 44 can determine which beams 32, 34, 38 were interrupted and use that information to calculate the location of the ball 12. This calculation may occur for each of the three subframes 16, 18, 20. Since the positions of the subframes 16, 18, 20 are known in relation to where home plate 36 is located, information about the position or location of the ball 12 in relation to home plate 36 may be displayed on the display device 66 (shown in Figs. 1 and 7).

[0020] Another item of information that can be gathered or detected is the movement of the ball 12 in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Based on the location of the ball 12, determined using the calculations mentioned above, as the ball 12 passes through the three subframes 16, 18, 20, the controller 44 (shown in Fig. 7) may compare the calculated location of the ball 12 in each of the three subframes 16, 18, 20 to determine the total movement (e.g., the trajectory) of the ball 12. The movement of the ball 12 as it passes through the third subframe 20 (i.e., the subframe closest to home plate 36 when viewing Fig. 2) can be used to determine the "break" of the ball 12. A breaking ball, as the term is conventionally used in baseball, is a ball that substantially drops and/or moves left or right as the ball 12 moves through the target area or strike zone.

[0021] Another item of information that can be gathered or detected is the speed of the ball 12 as it passes through the three subframes 16, 18, 20. This may be done by either calculating the time difference from when the ball 12 interrupts a beam or beams 32, 34, 38 in the first subframe 16 and when the ball interrupts a beam or beams 32, 34, 38 in the second subframe 18 or the third subframe 20. The distance between the subframes 16, 18, 20 is generally constant or known and can be programmed into the controller 44 so that when the time of travel between adjacent subframes 16, 18, 20 is determined, the speed can be quickly calculated.

Alternatively, the speed of the ball 12 as it passes through a particular subframe 16, 18, 20 can be determined by calculating the time from when a beam 32, 34, 38 is interrupted to off and when the beam 32, 34, 38 is turned back on. The alternative determination may be more complex because the ball 12 is generally round or spherical and will likely not interrupt a beam 32, 34, 38 directly in the middle of the ball 12 every time, as can be seen more clearly in Fig. 5. Therefore, a comparison of the interruption of two adjacent beams 32 A and 32B may have to be made when the ball 12 interrupts adjacent beams 32A and 32B. For example, in the top diagram in Fig. 5, a detecting device 26A detecting the beam 32A will detect an interruption in the beam 32 A or be turned-off for a shorter period of time by a smaller portion of the ball 12 than the detecting device 26B detecting the beam 32B, which will detect an interruption in the beam 32 A or be turned-off for a longer period of time by a larger portion of the ball 12. Based on this, a ratio between the two time periods can be calculated to establish an exact location of the ball 12 with respect to the two/beams 32A, 32B. Using a known diameter of the ball 12, the final speed may be calculated from the size (diameter) of the ball 12 and the time that the detecting devices 26A and 26B were turned-off.

[0022] In addition to the above, as illustrated in Fig. 6, the back stop frame 28 can be used to indicate the target area or strike zone 46. The frame 28 can also be used to stop or retrieve the pitched balls 12 and allow for aiming lights, indicated generally at 48, to be used as targets for the pitcher. This information can be used for grading the quality of pitches thrown when a specific target is indicated and the exact location of the ball 12 is compared to the target indicated. Grading may be performed by the controller 44, as disclosed in greater detail below. Pitched balls 12 may be retrieved in any suitable manner that is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art of the invention.

[0023] Another item of information that can be gathered or detected is the leg drive of the pitcher. For example, the pitching rubber 60 may include one or more pressure measuring elements 68, such as one or more pressure transducers, strain gauges, or pressure-sensitive switches, along a front surface or other portion of the pitching

rubber 60. Examples of such pitching rubbers are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,616,556, issued September 9, 2003, to Alan Osmunsen and U.S. Patent No. 5,566,934, issued October 22, 1996, to Wesley F. Black et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The pressure measuring element 68 can be any kind of pressure measuring element that is known in the art. Possible types of pressure measuring elements include, for example, electric, hydraulic, mechanical pressure measuring elements and various combinations thereof. The purpose of the pressure measuring element 60 is to measure the amount of pressure applied to it over a period of time. This is used to determine the maximum leg drive provided by the pitcher during the delivery of a pitch. This information can be plotted over a period of time to indicate the leg drive from the start of the delivery of the pitch to the end of the delivery of the pitched ball 12. Further, a plot can be used to determine the rate at which the leg drive is provided.

[0024] The pitching rubber 60 can be used to measure a pitcher's pressure profile and determine how well the pitcher is using his mechanics, including leg drive, to deliver a pitched ball 12. A pitcher who uses a strong leg drive would tend to throw harder and more importantly to put less strain on the shoulder and/or elbow, thereby having a longer career. On the other hand, a pitcher who does not have a strong leg drive may be considered a potential risk due to the strain placed on the pitcher's arm. [0025] The pitching rubber 60 can also be used as an indicator of how well a pitcher is recovering from an injury. When the pitcher's current pressure profile matches his pressure profile prior to the injury, then the pitcher can be seen to have recovered from the injury. The information gathering device 50 can also be used during a game to measure how tired a pitcher is getting. As a pitcher tires, his leg drive may diminish. The device 50 may provide a quantitative measurement that allows the fatigue of a pitcher to be determined quickly, effectively and accurately. [0026] The pitching rubber 60 may be disposed on a pitching mound 70, which may also be provided with a stride detector 62 (e.g., landing mat) for measuring the stride of the pitcher. The stride detector 62 may be provided with a horizontal array of beam generating devices 24 and signal or beam detecting devices 26, similar to the

devices of the detection apparatuses disclosed above, a similar pressure measuring element (or one or more pressure measuring elements) as is present in the pitching rubber 60, or may otherwise be structured and configured to provide information about the stride of the pitcher. This information is useful because during a pitcher's windup, there is a transfer and drive as the pitcher strides toward home plate 36. There is also a turnover ratio of a pitcher, which is the time from when the pitcher's front foot hits the front of the mound (as detected by the stride detector 62) to when the back foot comes off the pitching rubber 60, signified by the drop in pressure as seen by the pitching rubber pressure measuring element. This information is important because there is a correlation between a proper stride and the speed of the ball 12 and control of the ball 12 (e.g., increased stride has a positive affect on the speed of the ball 12 while too much stride may have a negative effect on the control of the ball 12).

[0027] The controller 44 (shown in Fig. 7) is intended to depict graphically, the location and movement of the pitched ball 12. It can also depict numerically or output a printed report of the movement of the ball 12 in both the horizontal and vertical directions and the speed of the ball 12. The controller 44 can be programmed for several different uses. For example, the controller 44 may be configured to provide information about at least one of the following outputs based on the data that is gathered. The controller 44 can provide instant feedback regarding the speed, location, and movement of the pitched ball 12. This can allow a pitcher to experiment with different grips, arm movements, release techniques, or other pitching techniques that may affect the movement and/or speed of the pitched ball 12. The instant feedback can inform the pitcher of additional (or reduced) movement and/or speed achieved with different pitching techniques.

[0028] To further assist the pitcher in the development of pitching techniques, the video recording device 64, as shown in Fig. 1, is provided for recording the pitcher's movements (e.g., arm movement, body motion, stride, etc.) while pitching the ball 12. The video recording device 64 is located so as to provide a field of vision (indicated between lines 74 and 76 in Fig. 1) that includes the pitcher's mound. In the exemplary

device 50, the video recording device 64 is located in the proximity of home plate 36, although other suitable camera locations may be established. The image captured by the video recording device 64 may be displayed to the pitcher immediately following a pitch so that the pitcher may observe the pitching motion or technique and determine the effect of the motion or technique on the pitched ball 12 (e.g., how the pitched ball 12 broke, whether the ball 12 entered the strike zone, how the speed of the ball 12 was affected, whether the pitched ball 12 was on target, and so on). It should be appreciated that the recorded video information may be saved or stored for later viewing. If desired, the recorded video can be viewed at a desired viewing rate, such as at slow speed or frame by frame.

[0029] The display device 66 may be a suitable display device, including but not limited to a computer monitor, which may form a part of a workstation or portable computer that may be transported by the pitcher, or a coach, for viewing anytime. The display device 66 may display information, in addition to the recorded video, such as a graph of the trajectory of the pitched ball 12, the break of the ball 12, the speed of the ball 12, the target indicated and the location of the ball 12 across home plate 36 in relation to the aiming lights 48 in the target area 46. Although other locations may be established, the exemplary display device 66 is located in the proximity of the pitcher's mound to permit the pitcher to review the aforementioned information following each pitch, so that the pitcher may alter the pitching motion or technique to correct the pitch, if such correction is necessary.

[0030] A diagram of an exemplary information gathering device 50 is shown in Fig. 7. The device 50 may include a plurality of input devices, including the detection apparatuses 22 supported by the subframes 16, 18, 20 (shown in Fig. 2), the pitching rubber 60, the stride detector 62, and the video recording device 64, and a plurality of output devices, including the aiming lights 48 (on the back stop frame 28) and the display device 66, all of which are connected to the controller 44. It should be appreciated that the connection may be made by a physical connection, a wireless connection, or a combination thereof. As further shown in the diagram, the device 50 may be provided with memory 72 for supporting software for operating the controller

44, as well as the input and output devices, and for gathering the information and displaying or otherwise using the information as desired.

[0031] The controller 44 may also be programmed to "grade" a pitcher. A coach or player may be able to specify a type of pitch and, with the use of the target lights 48, the preferred location for aiming the pitched ball 12. The actual location of the ball 12 can then be displayed on the display device 66 so that a comparison of the intended target and actual location of the pitched ball 12 can be determined. A grading program may summarize a pitcher's performance. For example, points may be earned equivalent to the speed of the ball 12 (e.g., a 90 mph pitch may earn the pitcher 90 out of 100 points), ten points may be earned for each inch of movement of the pitched ball 12 (e.g., 8 inches of movement earns the pitcher 80 out of 100 points), and five points may be deducted for each inch the pitcher is away from the indicated target, as indicated on the back stops 28 (e.g., a pitch that is three inches from the indicated target earns the pitcher a deduction of 15 out of 100 points). In this example, ^; 255 out of 300 points is earned. Regardless of the grading scale used, a grading program will allow the coach to determine how accurate and with how much speed and movement the pitcher may deliver. The pitcher may also use this information when practicing to enhance a training routine.

[0032] The controller 44 may also be programmed to determine when a pitcher is ready to pitch during a warm-up period based on the pitcher achieving a desired pitching speed, hitting a specific target a predetermined number of times, or any other parameter as determined by the player or by a coach. The detector 10 can be used to determine the effects on the pitcher's capability in different environmental conditions (i.e., temperature, humidity, different elevations above sea level, or other condition). [0033] The information gathering device 50 can also be programmed to function as a training device so that coaches can monitor performance and workouts of the pitchers, even when the coach and pitcher are in different geographical locations. The device 50 may also be programmed to simulate a game with different levels of hitter capabilities. For example, the levels may be from Major League to Little League.

The pitcher may be required to pitch as if a real batter were at the plate. A good pitch could result in a strike, while a bad pitch could result in a hit.

[0034] In an alternate embodiment, the pitched ball detector 10 can be used with a variety of other sports. In particular, the detector 10 can be configured and/or programmed to detect the speed, movement, and location of a thrown softball or football. The detector 10 could also be used to detect target areas, movement, location and speed for passing drills with a basketball, of a golf ball or hockey puck, of a volleyball, and of a soccer ball, as well as being configured to detect similar information for any moving object, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. [0035] The controller 44 of the device 50 of this invention can be programmed to accomplish a wide variety of desirable features. One such feature is display the results of each pitch or of a plurality of pitches on the display device 66. These results can be displayed in graphical and/or numerical form. The results can be viewed from any of the front, back, top side, or any other angle by means of conventional rotation of the graphics on the display device 66. Additionally, the display device 66 can display strike zone and graphically depict if a pitch is a strike or a ball by changing colors in each frame or using different colors.

[0036] The controller 44 of the device 50 can also be programmed to calculate a wide variety of parameters that describe the movement of the pitched ball 12 as it passes through the detector 10. Some of the parameters that can be calculated are the horizontal movement of the pitched ball 12 (i.e., right or left movement as it passes through the detector 10), the vertical movement of the pitched ball 12 (i.e., rising or dropping movement as it passes through the detector 10, the combined horizontal and vertical movement of the pitched ball 12, and the velocity thereof. As mentioned above, the target zone 46 can be displayed for work on accuracy. The controller 44 of the device 50 can also be programmed to calculate the resulting distance of the pitched ball 12 from a specified target in the target zone.

[0037] The controller 44 of the device 50 can further be programmed to function as a game device. To accomplish this, the controller 44 can assign specific point values to each of the pitched balls to based upon one or more of the measured or calculated

parameters, including break, drop, speed, and accuracy for example. By comparing scores of the pitch or pitches for each contestant based upon the point values assigned for each of the pitches, a fun and instructive competition can be created between individuals. Game simulation software can be provided within the controller 44 for this purpose.

[0038] The controller 44 of the device 50 can be programmed to record the results of one or more pitched balls 12 for later viewing. These recorded results can be viewed from similar angles to evaluate consistency. These recorded results can also be re-recorded or otherwise transferred to other media for review on other computers. [0039] Also, the controller 44 of the device 50 can be programmed to provide operating modes for warm-up, routine training, and competition. In the warm-up mode, the controller 44 can operate the device 50 to prompt the user for repetitive pitching, such as to work on break/drop, accuracy, or velocity of the pitched ball 12. In the training mode, the controller 44 can operate the device 50 to prompt the user for specific workouts. If desired, pre-programmed templates can be stored within the controller 44 for some or all of the operating modes.

[0040] Pitch statistics can, for example, show the minimum, maximum, or average amounts of the measured or calculated parameters, including break, drop, rise, and speed for each type of pitch. The pitch data can be logged to a conventional web server/database server to allow a coach at a remote location to monitor the pitcher workouts and view results in real time.

[0041] The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.