WO2000052412A1 - Pitching system with video display means - Google Patents
Pitching system with video display means Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2000052412A1 WO2000052412A1 PCT/US2000/004729 US0004729W WO0052412A1 WO 2000052412 A1 WO2000052412 A1 WO 2000052412A1 US 0004729 W US0004729 W US 0004729W WO 0052412 A1 WO0052412 A1 WO 0052412A1
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- Prior art keywords
- power head
- ball
- wheels
- machine
- horizontal
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/40—Stationarily-arranged devices for projecting balls or other bodies
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/40—Stationarily-arranged devices for projecting balls or other bodies
- A63B69/406—Stationarily-arranged devices for projecting balls or other bodies with rotating discs, wheels or pulleys gripping and propelling the balls or bodies by friction
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
- G09B19/00—Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass
- G09B19/003—Repetitive work cycles; Sequence of movements
- G09B19/0038—Sports
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/0002—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for baseball
- A63B2069/0004—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for baseball specially adapted for particular training aspects
- A63B2069/0008—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for baseball specially adapted for particular training aspects for batting
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/40—Stationarily-arranged devices for projecting balls or other bodies
- A63B2069/402—Stationarily-arranged devices for projecting balls or other bodies giving spin
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/15—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with identification means that can be read by electronic means
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/38—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for tennis
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a pitching system and, more particularly, to such a system that is adapted to pitch baseballs and softballs and throw tennis and other balls interchangeably to different locations and at different speeds and with different spins, where the ball-throwing machine has a power head having three coacting wheels for propelling a ball toward a batter to interchangeably simulate pitches of different types to different locations at different speeds.
- Each of these pitch parameters correspond to the rotational velocity of the drive wheels and the horizontal and vertical angular positions of the machine.
- Each parameter may be computed using a mathematical formula that linearly relates the parameter to the speed of the ball being propelled.
- the system is synchronized to work in conjunction with a video display means to permit an individual to visually view an opponent, such as a pitcher, prior to and during delivery of the ball or pitch.
- the invention has particular applicability as a baseball pitching machine for both professional and amateur athletes in that it realistically recreates a pitching environment whereby a batter faces the image of an actual pitcher, which image is synchronized with the machine to interchangeably deliver a variety of pitches (i.e., fastballs, curveballs, changeups, etc.) at different speeds to different locations, without the need for manually readjusting or repositioning the machine between pitches.
- pitches i.e., fastballs, curveballs, changeups, etc.
- Pitching machines and ball-throwing machines are well-known in the art and generally fall into four categories: (1) machines that employ a spring actuated arm mechanism to propel the ball; (2) machines that employ at least one rotating wheel or a pair of rotating, coacting wheels to propel the ball; (3) machines that rely on pneumatic pressure to propel the ball; and (4) machines that employ converging and diverging rotatable discs to propel the ball.
- Machines that utilize a pair of coacting wheels are able to deliver a variety of different pitches, e.g., fastball, curve ball, screwball, etc. at a variety of different speeds. Changes in the pitch speed or pitch type are accomplished by varying the speed of the individual wheels and the angle of presentation relative to a horizontal and/or vertical plane.
- the ability of such machines to deliver different pitches is described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 3,288,127 which issued on November 29, 1966 to J.C. Bullock for Baseball Pitching Machine with Ball Curving Device; U.S. Patent No. 3,604,409 which issued to Ralph W. Doeg on September 14, 1971 for Ball Projecting Machine with Direction Control Mechanism; U.S. Patent No.
- Triton G-2000 fails to provide for horizontal and vertical adjustments of the aiming point and, as such, is incapable of delivering a plurality of different pitches at different speeds and locations on an interchangeable basis.
- the concept of programming a pitching machine to deliver a variety of different pitches has been discussed in prior patents, most notably in U.S. Patent No. 5,125,653 which issued to Ferenc Kovacs et al. on June 30, 1992 for Computer Controller Ball-throwing
- a primary object of the present invention to provide a pitching system synchronized to work in conjunction with video display means that can be used to interchangeably throw a variety of different types of balls including baseballs, softballs, tennis balls and the like with less than ten second intervals between throws, while permitting a user to visually view his or her opponent prior to and during delivery of the throw.
- the present invention in brief summary, comprises a ball-throwing machine combined with a video display device that visually displays an actual pitcher or tennis player and which synchronizes the release of the ball with the video display so as, for example, to simulate an actual pitcher delivering an actual pitch.
- the ball-throwing machine is of the type having a power head including at least one and, preferably, three coacting wheels for propelling a ball toward a batter to simulate a pitch.
- the speeds of the three wheels are independently controllable so as to control the ball speed, spin rate and spin axis orientation.
- the pitch parameters correspond to the rotational velocity of each of said wheels and the horizontal and vertical angular position of the power head.
- Each of these pitch parameters correspond to the rotational velocity of the drive wheels and the horizontal and vertical angular positions of the machine.
- Each parameter may be computed using a mathematical formula that linearly relates the parameter to the speed of the ball being propelled. It will, of course, be appreciated that the machine can also be used to propel softballs, tennis balls, lacrosse balls and other ball-shaped objects.
- the machine includes control means that include means for independently controlling the rotational speed of each wheel, means for independently controlling the alignment of the power head in the horizontal plane, and means for independently controlling the alignment of the power head in the vertical plane so as to permit said machine to interchangeably deliver pitches of differing types to different locations at different speeds.
- the means for controlling the rotational speed of each wheel further includes means for rapidly accelerating and decelerating the rotational speed of each wheel.
- the control means also receives feedback from the means for independently controlling the rotational speed of each wheel, means for independently controlling the alignment of the power head in the horizontal plane, and means for independently controlling the alignment of the power head in the vertical plane so as to ensure the speeds and alignment
- the machine includes three coacting wheels for propelling the ball and a control system for simultaneously controlling the rotational speed of the wheels in combination with the horizontal and vertical alignment of the power head.
- the control and synchronization of the video playback is also a function of the control means for the entire pitching system.
- a screen is situated adjacent to the front of the ball- throwing machine, between the ball-throwing machine and a batter.
- a digital video image player is situated in front of the screen to project a video image of a pitcher thereon.
- a ball is delivered by a feeder tube to and retained within a staging area behind the power head.
- the control system chooses an image appropriate for the type of pitch to be thrown and instructs the components of the machine to assume the rotational velocities of the three drive wheels and the horizontal and vertical angular position of the machine by accessing a data table.
- a signal is sent to the control means to commence playback of the video image and a timer is started to countdown the time required for the image of the pitcher to reach the position where the ball is to be released.
- the control means sends a signal to a solenoid located immediately behind the ball in the staging means, which solenoid impels the ball through the power head and thereafter through the screen, such that it appears that the pitcher in the video image has thrown the ball.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of the pitching system of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the pitching system of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the upper portion of the pitching system of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the lower portion of the pitching system of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the manner in which the extension legs engage the upper portion of the pitching system of the present invention
- FIG. 6 is a top elevational view of the pitching system of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a top view of the pitching system of the present invention illustrating the manner in which the power head of the machine pivots in a horizontal plane;
- FIG. 8 is a side view of the pitching system of the present invention illustrating the manner in which the power head of the machine pivots in a vertical plane;
- FIG. 9 is front view of the control panel used in conjunction with the pitching system of the present invention.
- FIG 10 is a schematic of the control panel used in conjunction with the pitching system of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a front view of the controller used to control the pitching system of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the video component of the pitching system of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a top elevational view of the video component of the ball throwing machine of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the staging and retaining area of the pitching system of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a flow chart detailing the steps of the video synchronization means of the
- FIG. 16 is a sample printout of the computer-aided design program showing the linear relationship between pitch speed and wheel rotational velocity in a fastball.
- FIG. 17 is a sample graph showing the linear relationship between pitch speed and wheel rotational velocity in a fastball.
- FIG. 18 is a sample table showing the resultant wheel rotational velocities using the linear relationship.
- the machine 10 includes an upper portion 12 that is mounted on a base 13 that includes a plurality of removable legs 14, preferably a front leg 14A and a pair of rear legs 14B and 14C, respectively, to form a tripod.
- a shock-absorbing device such as a shock absorber (not shown) may be included in the rear legs 14B and 14C to minimize the impact of any recoil of the machine 10 during use.
- An enlarged foot 15 is provided at the outbound end of each leg 14 and is threadably secured to the leg 14 by threaded extension fitting 16 which permits the length of each leg 14 to be increased and decreased.
- a flat, rubberized plate 17 may be included at the bottom of each foot 15 to provide additional stability for the machine 10, particularly when used indoors such as, for example, on a gymnasium floor. Ball-throwing machines experience substantial recoil upon delivery of each pitch and it is important to stabilize the machine and reduce the effect of such recoil in order to provide consistent, accurate, repeatable results.
- the legs 14 are each attached to the upper portion 12 by insertion into and engagement with complementary sockets 18 mounted on the lower surface of the upper portion 12.
- the sockets 18 are secured to the upper portion 12 by bolts 19.
- the sockets 18 for the two rear legs 14B and 14C are angled relative to the horizontal plane of the upper portion 12 so that the rear legs 14B and 14C are positioned at approximately a 30
- the upper portion 12 includes a moveable power head 20 having at least two and preferably three coacting drive wheels 70A, 70B and 70C (only 70A and 70B are shown in FIG. 1) which serve to propel a ball introduced into the machine toward a desired location.
- three coacting wheels permits the ball-throwing machine of the present invention to interchangeably deliver a variety of different pitches without the need for resetting the angle of the power head as is required in other machines such as, for example, the JUGS machine.
- two wheels serve as the drive wheels while the third wheel serves to impart spin on the ball as it passes in the nip 92 between the coacting wheels 70A-70C.
- the ball-throwing machine 10 of the present invention may be used to propel baseballs, softballs, tennis balls, lacrosse balls, and the like depending upon the size of the nip 92 between the coacting wheels 70A-70C.
- the three coacting wheels 70A- 70C are positioned at equal distances and angles (120 degrees apart) relative to one another.
- the wheels 70A-70C are positioned at the 10 o'clock, 2 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions.
- the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock wheels are set at the same speed while the bottom or 6 o'clock wheel is set at a higher speed so as to create backspin on the ball. This results in a rising fastball.
- a changeup can be created by proportionally slowing the speed of the three wheels 70A-70C.
- a sinking fast ball or "split finger fastball” can be created by decelerating the speed of the 6 o'clock wheel relative to the drive wheels. This creates a topspin on the ball which causes the pitch to "sink.”
- the ball-throwing machine 10 is capable of throwing a curve ball by controlling the speed differential of all three drive wheels.
- a rotational spin is imparted to the ball which causes it to break in a down and out direction thus simulating an actual curve ball.
- the amount of break of the pitch can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the speed differential of the 2 o'clock and 10 o'clock wheels.
- a slider or fast curve ball can be thrown by increasing the speed of all three of the drive wheels.
- a screwball is achieved by decreasing the speed of the 2 o'clock and increasing the speed of the 10 o'clock wheel relative to the speed of the 6 o'clock wheel, causing the ball to
- a knuckleball can be thrown by setting each wheel at the same speed. This causes the ball to be propelled from the machine 10 with virtually no spin, thus creating a typical knuckleball. It should be appreciated, however, that the ability to control the delivery location of a knuckleball thrown by the machine is as difficult as the ability to control a knuckleball thrown by a live pitcher.
- the upper portion 12 of the machine 10 is pivotally mounted to a base plate 30 at a center ball joint 40.
- the power head 20 is comprised of a front plate 21 and a rear plate 22, which are attached to one another by three motor mounts 23 that extend between the front plate 21 and the rear plate 22.
- An aperture 24 is provided in the approximate center of the front plate 21 of the power head 20 through which a ball will be propelled from the machine 10.
- the motor mounts 23 are secured to the front plate 21 and the rear plate by a series of bolts 34 which pass through elongated grooves 36 in the front plate
- the power head 20 is further supported by a pair of pivot wheels 25 that are provided at the opposite sides of the front plate 21 and which permit the power head 20 to rotate in a horizontal direction on the base plate 30.
- the power head 20 is adapted to pivot in a horizontal plane about the center ball joint 40 in order to change the horizontal position of the power head 20 relative to a center position and, therefore, the angle at which a ball is delivered to a batter.
- a horizontal linear actuator 50 which is provided on the upper surface of the base plate 30.
- Horizontal linear actuator 50 includes a horizontally extending shaft 52 which extends from the horizontal linear actuator 50 to the inside surface of the front plate 21. The horizontal linear actuator 50 serves to cause the
- a spring 26 holds the power head against the linear actuator 50 removing backlash from the linear actuator internal mechanism, thereby increasing the accuracy of the horizontal alignment of the power head 20.
- Spring 26 is secured between a post 27 that extends upwardly from the base plate 30 and the inside surface of the front plate 21.
- the power head 20 is further adapted to pivot in the vertical plane about an axis defined by the center ball joint 40 and the wheels 25, in order to change the vertical angle of the power head 20 relative to the base plate 30 and, therefore, the vertical angle at which a ball is delivered to a batter.
- a vertical linear actuator 60 having a downwardly extending
- the vertical linear actuator 60 permits the power head 20 to pivot in the vertical plane about the front center ball joint 40.
- the ability to move the power head 20 in both a horizontal and vertical direction is critical not only to be able to throw pitches to different locations in the strike zone but, more importantly, to permit it to throw breaking pitches as well as pitches of differing speeds.
- Any ball-throwing machine that is intended to deliver interchangeable pitches of differing types must be able to be repositioned in the horizontal and vertical planes of the power head on a pitch by pitch basis.
- the power head 20 is thus able to be repositioned in both a vertical and horizontal planes by the use of horizontal and vertical linear actuators. By extending or retracting the shaft 52 or 62 of such actuators 50 and 60, respectively, the power head 20 is moved in such directions by pivoting about the center ball joint 40.
- the trajectory angle of the pitch must be raised to overcome the effect of gravity on the slower pitch.
- the power head 20 is pivoted about the center pivot 40 such that the angle of the pitch trajectory is raised to accommodate the effect of gravity on the pitch. This is accomplished by retracting the shaft 62 of the vertical actuator 60, thereby tilting the power head 20 in an upward direction.
- the power head 20 may be repositioned to throw a curve ball as follows.
- the shaft 62 of the vertical linear actuator 60 is retracted so as to cause the angle of trajectory of the pitch to rise while also changing the horizontal position of the power head 20 by retracting the shaft 52 of the horizontal linear actuator 50 causing the power head to point to
- FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the manner in which the power head 20 rotates about the center ball joint 40 relative to the base plate 30 in both a horizontal and vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 7, one can effect rotation of the power head 20 in a horizontal direction by extension and retraction of the shaft 52 of the horizontal linear actuator 50. Pivot wheels 25 assist in rotation of the power head 20.
- the power head 20 is able to rotate in a vertical plane about the center ball joint 40 upon the extension and retraction of the shaft 62 of the vertical linear actuator 60. Obviously, repositioning the power head 20 will affect the eventual trajectory of the balls being propelled from the machine 10.
- Control cables (not shown) connect the horizontal and vertical linear actuators 50 and
- remote actuator controls 204 and 206 contained in a remote control box 200 (see Figs. 9-10) which can be mounted on the bottom of the base plate 30.
- the three coacting drive wheels 70A, 70B and 70C of the ball- throwing machine 10 each include a solid hub 72, preferably composed of aluminum, steel or composite material and an outer coating 73 of a deformable material having a relatively high coefficient of friction so as to permit the wheels 70A-70C to sufficiently grip a ball with a minimum of slip in order to propel it toward a batter.
- Preferred materials for this outer coating include urethane, nitrile rubber and butyl rubber and a preferred hardness for the material is between 25 and 60 Durometer A with a particularly preferred hardness between 40 and 50 Durometer A. While softer materials provide greater conformity to the balls being propelled and allow the machine to be used with a wider variety of balls, such materials have
- the coacting wheels 70A-70C can be between eight and 20 inches, a diameter of between 12 and 16 inches is preferred. Wheels having a diameter of approximately 16 inches are particularly preferred. It has been found that larger wheels reduce slippage between the wheels and the balls, thereby increasing the accuracy of the machine. Similarly, larger wheels are advisable when attempting to achieve ultimate ball speeds greater than 90 MPH. Due to the speeds at which these wheels rotate, i.e., up to about 3500 RPM, it is preferable that the hubs be solid and balanced to minimize vibration.
- the coacting wheels 70A-70C are each powered by drive motors 80 which are attached to the wheels by motor shafts 82 which extend through the motor mounts 23 and are secured to the wheels 70A-70C by "Tran torque" expanding bushings 84. While drive motors 80 can be virtually any DC or AC motor with sufficient power to rotate the wheels 70A-70C at the desired speeds, one of the essential elements of this machine 10 is the ability to rapidly accelerate and decelerate the coacting wheels 70A-70C to permit the machine to interchangeably deliver a variety of different pitches in a relatively short period of time, i.e., less than 7-10 seconds. There are situations where it is necessary to rapidly accelerate a wheel from, for example, 1200 RPM to 2500 RPM while, simultaneously decelerating another wheel from 2500 RPM to 1500 RPM.
- this ball-throwing machine is to be able to deliver different pitches within a 7-10 second time period to simulate actual batting practice conditions with live pitchers. This, of course, requires rapidly accelerating and decelerating certain wheels within this limited period to be able to deliver these different pitches.
- AC motors with companion motor drives including dynamic or regenerative braking circuits.
- Particularly good results have been achieved using a three phase, AC motor that is capable of providing at least % HP.
- a particularly preferred AC motor is the 1HP motor marketed by Baldor as model number VM 3116.
- the drive motors 80 are each connected to remote variable speed AC motor drives 202A-202C in control box 200 (see Fig. 9) by cables 85. It is important that these AC motor drives include a dynamic or regenerative braking circuit to permit rapid deceleration of the coacting wheels 70A-70C in order to allow the rapid interchangeability of pitches.
- a particularly preferred AC motor drive is the AC Tech MCI 000 Variable Frequency Drive marketed by AC Technology Corporation of Uxbridge, MA which includes a dynamic or regenerative braking circuit to permit rapid deceleration of the motor and wheel.
- Ball introduction tube 90 shown in FIG. 1 is provided for introducing a ball into the ball-throwing machine 10 into the nip 92 formed between the coacting wheels 70A-70C.
- the ball-throwing machine 10 of the present invention may be operated either manually with a coach or other individual hand feeding balls to the machine or, alternatively, the machine 10 may be used in combination with a conventional automatic remote ball feeder of the type commonly used in conjunction with the JUGS and ATEC machines for automatically introducing balls into the machine 10 between the coacting wheels 70A-70C. It will be appreciated, however, that such automatic ball feeders must be modified to work in conjunction with the ball-throwing machine 10 of the present invention due to the movement of the power head 20.
- a pointer device 100 preferably a laser pointer device, is provided on the base plate 30, preferably at the front or batter side thereof.
- the pointer device 100 is provided to assist the user in properly aligning the ball-throwing machine 10 in a manner that will be explained in detail herein.
- a pair of transport wheels 110 is also provided on opposite sides of the base plate 30 to facilitate relocation and transportation of the machine 10. It will be appreciated that these wheels will permit the user to simply roll the machine onto or off the field before insertion of legs 14 preparatory to use of the machine 10.
- the ball-throwing machine 10 of the present invention is controlled by a programmable control unit 200 that is housed in a separate control box 201 (see FIG. 9). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the control unit 200 may be secured to the underside of the base plate 30 or, alternatively, as a separate stand-alone box which is connected to the ball-throwing machine by an umbilical cord (not shown). In either event, however, the control unit 200 is electrically connected to and provides the controls for the ball-throwing machine 10 of the present invention.
- control unit 200 includes drive motor controls 202A-202C, which are electrically connected to and control their respective drive motors 80A-80C.
- particularly preferred AC motor drives are the AC Tech MCI 000 Variable Frequency Drive marketed by AC Technology Corporation of Uxbridge, MA which includes a dynamic braking circuit and resistors to permit rapid deceleration of the motor and coacting wheels 70A-70C.
- a personal computer can also be used as a control unit, particularly one with a DVD drive.
- a vertical actuator control 204 is provided which is electrically connected to and controls the vertical linear actuator 60.
- a horizontal actuator control 206 is provided which is electrically connected to and controls the horizontal linear actuator 50.
- a programmable controller 208 is provided to control all of the various operations of the ball- throwing machine.
- a particularly preferred controller is the MultiPro+ MC controller, manufactured by Control Technology, Inc.
- control unit 200 includes a controller power supply 210, controller terminal blocks 212, a filter fan 214, a fuse block 216 and an inlet filter 218.
- the controller 208 is electrically connected to and controls the drive motor controls 202A-C and the actuator drives 204 and 206.
- a remote handheld terminal 220 is electrically connected to the programmable controller 208 for use by a coach or user.
- FIG. 11 depicts the layout of the remote handheld terminal 220 which is intended to be used by the coach or batter to control the ball-throwing machine of the present invention.
- the terminal includes a display area 222 where the type of pitch, location and speed are displayed using an LCD display.
- a conventional display area 222 where the type of pitch, location and speed are displayed using an LCD display.
- touch screen controller can be used in lieu of the remote handheld terminal 220 which would contain all of the information presently depicted on the handheld terminal.
- a series of mode LED's 224 are provided to indicate the mode in which the ball- throwing machine is to operate, i.e., manual, automatic, set and home.
- the mode LED's correspond to mode selection keys 226 which permit the user to select the actual mode of the machine which then result in an illumination of the corresponding mode LED's.
- the ball-throwing machine 10 is programmed to deliver a single pitch at a time corresponding to the pitch that is manually selected by the coach. Depression of the "Man" key of the mode selection keys 226 will cause the machine 10 to operate in the manual mode.
- the ball-throwing machine 10 is programmed to deliver a series of pitches, e.g., twenty or more, in a predetermined sequence. Depression of the "Auto" key of the mode selection keys 226 will cause the machine 10 to operate in the automatic mode.
- the user In the automatic mode, the user will be queried as to which sequence the user wants, e.g., right-hand pitcher to right-hand batter, left-hand pitcher to right-hand batter, etc., and which particular choice of sequence, e.g., the Kevin Brown series, etc. which would simulate an actual sequence of pitches delivered by a particular pitcher.
- the user may move from selection to selection using the "Position Adjustment Keys" 232.
- the "Home” key 225 is intended to permit the user to "fine adjust" the vertical delivery of pitches to accommodate a particular batter. For example, it might be desirable to
- the "Shift” key 227 is the equivalent of the "Enter” key on a computer in that it actually enters the selections made by the user into the controller.
- the "Shift” key also serves to order the delivery of pitches in a manual mode.
- An "On" key 228 is provided which serves as the on/off control for the machine 10.
- the ball-throwing machine 10 is programmed to operate at predetermined set speeds, i.e., fast, medium and slow, and these are selected by depression of the appropriate "Pitch Speed Key” 238.
- set speeds i.e., fast, medium and slow
- pitches Speed Key For example, when programmed to operate in the fast mode, all pitches will be based on a 90 MPH fastball. In the medium mode, all pitches will be based on an 80 MPH fastball and in the slow speed, all pitches be based on a 70 MPH fastball. It should be appreciated that these settings are purely arbitrary and can be easily changed.
- the three settings i.e., fast, medium and slow, could be, for example, based on a 95 MPH fastball, a 90 MPH fastball and an 85 MPH fastball, respectively.
- the actual number of pitch speed keys can be increased or decreased depending upon the particular application.
- the actual type of pitch being delivered by the ball-throwing machine 10 of the present invention is selected by depression of the appropriate "Pitch Type Key” 230.
- the ball-throwing machine 10 of the present invention is programmed to deliver the following types of pitches: rising fastball, sinker or split- finger fastball, changeup, curveball and slider. Other pitches can be added, if desired.
- the location of the pitch in the strike zone can be controlled by depressing the appropriate "Pitch Location Key” 236 which have baseballs on their surface.
- the ball- throwing machine 10 has been preprogrammed to deliver pitches to five locations within the strike zone, i.e., high and outside, high and inside, low and outside, low and inside, and center, all based on a right hand batter. Depression of the appropriate Pitch Location Key 236 will direct the machine 10 to deliver the pitch to the appropriate location in the strike zone.
- these five locations are arbitrary and can be varied depending upon the particular application. For example, a coach might find it desirable to deliver pitches actually outside the strike zone to assist a hitter in learning the strike zone. Similarly, the number of locations within the strike zone can be changed to, for example, nine locations rather than the
- a data table is pre-programmed in the programmable controller 208 which determines the appropriate pre-determined settings for the speed of each of the coacting wheels 70A-70C and the positions for the horizontal linear actuator 50 and vertical linear actuator 60 for each of the pitches selected and their location.
- An example of such a data table is included in Table 1, which establishes the respective wheel speed and the actuator settings for a series of pitches based on an 80-MPH fastball.
- the pitch type will designate the type of pitch desired and will correspond to the Pitch Type keys 230 on the hand held terminal 220, e.g., fastball, sinker, curveball, slider, screwball and changeup.
- the location in the chart relates to the pitch location as determined by the Pitch Location key 236 on the terminal 220.
- a pitch down the center is designated by numeral 1 followed by a high and outside pitch "2", high and inside pitch "3", low and outside pitch "4" and low and inside pitch "5".
- the individual wheel speeds for wheels A, B and C correspond to the wheel speeds for each of the individual coacting drive wheels 70A-70C.
- the horizontal setting corresponds to the setting on the horizontal actuator control 206 and the vertical setting corresponds to the setting on the vertical actuator control 204. Each of these settings is derived manually by determining the optimal pitch settings for a particular pitch.
- the ball-throwing machine of the present invention can operate in an automatic mode in which the programmable controller 208 instructs the machine 10 to throw a predetermined sequence of pitches to predetermined locations, typically within a particular speed set.
- the machine 10 can be programmed to throw a twenty pitch set in the following order: center fastball; fastball high and in; curve ball down and out; sinker down and in; fast ball high and in; screwball down and in; changeup down and out; fastball down and in; slider high and out; fastball high and out; screwball down and in; curveball down and out; etc.
- Virtually any combination of pitches can be programmed to establish the particular sequence and it can be created to achieve a right hand pitcher vs.
- These data tables can be programmed into the controller 208 using a computer.
- the programmable controller 208 can be attached to a remote magnetic strip "smart card” reader.
- a particular pitch sequence can be stored on a smart card which may be read by the smart card reader to immediately re-program the controller 208 and, thereby, change the automatic pitch sequence. This would permit the user to be able to immediately change sequences to simulate a variety of different pitches.
- the smart card can be used to change the profile of a particular pitch, e.g., a 98-MPH fastball for Roger Clemens rather than the "generic" 90-MPH fastball.
- the ball-throwing machine 10 of the present invention can also be used in conjunction with a video storage device and a video display device to display the image of a pitcher actually depicted winding up and delivering a pitch. Incorporation of the video image of a pitcher in combination with the ball-throwing machine 10 of the present invention permits the batter to be able to time his swing against simulated live pitching.
- Video display devices have been used in commercial batting cages. One such device is marketed under the mark Power Alley by the MIR Corporation of Atlanta, GA.
- such a device stores the video images of pitchers on a laser disc player which is synchronized with a conventional ball-throwing device to propel tennis balls to the hitter at speeds of less than 60 MPH.
- the tennis balls in such a device are fed directly to the nip of the ball-throwing machine by gravity.
- a video display means referred to generally by reference number 300.
- the components of such configuration include the ball-throwing machine 10, a video storage means 302, a video display or projection means 303 and a screen 304 having an opening 306 therein to allow passage of ball 308.
- the video storage means 302 may be any video device capable of storing the image of an actual baseball pitcher on a recording medium and may include, for example, laser disc players and digital video disc (“DVD”) players of the kind manufactured by Sony, Pioneer and Panasonic. Alternatively, the video images may be stored in a digital format on the hard disc of a computer.
- DVD digital video disc
- the aforesaid video storage means 302 are connected directly to the programmable control unit 200 as well as to the video projection means 303 which may be any computer or video digital projector such as, for example, those manufactured by Sanyo, Proxima or Hitachi. It has been found that the brightness of such projectors should be at least 1000 lumens and, preferably, between 1200 and 2100 lumens with a contrast ratio of at least 200 to 1 and preferably 300 to 1.
- the video storage means maintain the video image in a digital format to permit more precise control and timing of the image with the delivery of a particular pitch.
- the screen 304 is situated between the ball-throwing machine 10 and the batter 312.
- the screen 304 may, in theory, consist of any flat surface capable of displaying a video image 310. Rigid materials are generally not preferred, because of the large size of the opening 306 that would be required to allow for passage of the ball 308 from all possible vertical and horizontal positions of the ball-throwing machine 10. Flexible screens 304 are, therefore, preferred, particularly when ease of transportation and installation are considered. However, a limitation of flexible screens 304 is that they are often fragile or easily torn - a significant problem considering balls 308 are often hit back to the screen 304. Therefore, a durable, yet flexible screen 304, such as a vinyl coated polyester screen 304, is preferred.
- the opening 306 in the screen 304 must be large enough to allow for passage of the ball 308 from all possible vertical and horizontal positions of the ball-throwing machine 10. It has been found that a vertical slit in the screen 304 that intersects with a
- Positioning of the video projection means 303 may also vary, although front projection is preferred since the ball-throwing machine could potentially obstruct the image if rear-projection is used.
- the preferred location of the video projection means 303 is therefore between the screen 304 and the batter 312.
- the primary drawback of such a location is that it places the
- FIG. 14 shows the mechanisms that allow the control unit 200 to synchronize the ball-throwing machine 10 and video display storage 302 so precisely. It should be appreciated that the rear plate 22 has been removed from the drawing so as to facilitate the display of these mechanisms. A closely controlled timing cycle is employed to synchronize the image with the release of each pitch.
- feeder tube 316 is preferably flexible so as to allow for the changes in location of the ball introduction tube 90.
- the ball 308 is retained in a queued or ready position 317 by retaining means 318.
- Ball retaining means may be as simple as a slight concavity in the ball introduction tube 90 in which the ball 308 rests, or may be either a rigid or flexible device that acts to "fence" the ball 308 in it's ready position 317.
- a solenoid 322 Immediately behind the ball 308 in the queued position 317 is a solenoid 322 controlled by the control unit 200, which solenoid 322 serves to drive the ball 308 into the nip upon receipt of a signal from the control unit 200.
- each of these parameters is determined using a mathematical formula which relates the parameter to the speed of the pitch being delivered.
- Each of different pitch types has a different mathematical formula that linearly relates the wheel speeds of the coacting wheels 70A-70C and the horizontal and vertical positions of the actuators 206 and 204 with the speed of the pitch being delivered, as shown in FIGS. 16-18.
- y corresponds to the parameter being computed (i.e., wheel speed or horizontal or
- the constants m and b may best be computed using a computer program capable of
- linear regression so as to generate a "best fit" for the data points generated manually for the wheel speeds and horizontal and vertical positions.
- Computer programs capable of such linear regression are readily available on the mass market, and include such software titles as MathCAD and Mathematica.
- parameters for the wheel speed and horizontal and vertical positions are manually determined at both the lowest pitch speed and the highest pitch speed.
- the ball-throwing machine 10 of the present invention may be operated both outdoors on a field and indoors in a gymnasium or batting cage facility. It is positioned on the pitcher's mound or at a distance of approximately 60 feet (or 45 feet for Little League distances) from the batter's box.
- the ball-throwing machine 10 must initially be leveled and then properly aligned relative to home plate.
- the laser pointer device 100 is used to project a laser beam toward home plate against a target (not shown) which is positioned at the center of the intended strike zone.
- the ball-throwing machine 10 should be manually positioned such that the laser beam falls in the center of the target.
- Horizontal adjustment of the ball-throwing machine 10 is accomplished by simply repositioning the machine 10 in a horizontal direction while vertical adjustment is accomplished by raising or lowering the front leg 14A of the base 13.
- the control unit 200 automatically positions the power head 20 in a center position for a center fast ball at the medium speed. That is the "home" or default position and the power head 20 will always return to that position on startup.
- the machine can be adjusted to accommodate a particular strike zone either manually or automatically.
- Manual adjustment is accomplished by changing the vertical height of the front leg 14A by adjusting the extension fitting 16.
- any previous "fine tune” adjustment is lost and the power head 20 of the machine 10 returns to its normal default position.
- Balls can be introduced into the ball-throwing machine 10 either manually by a coach or automatically using a conventional ball feeder device (not shown).
- the machine 10 is adapted to be used in conjunction with a conventional elongated sleeve feeder device of the type commonly used with commercial pitching machines such as the JUGS and ATEC machines.
- a conventional elongated sleeve feeder device of the type commonly used with commercial pitching machines such as the JUGS and ATEC machines.
- the power head 20 of the present ball-throwing machine 10 is movable, it is necessary to connect the ball feeder to the ball introduction tube 90 using a flexible, preferably transparent, connection to allow the batter to actually see the delivery of the ball into the machine 10.
- Such feeders are electrically wired to the control unit 200, which controls the release of balls either manually or automatically at predetermined time intervals. For example, when the machine is in the manual mode, balls will be released upon the depression of the "Shift" key 227 on the terminal 220. When put in the automatic mode, balls will be released at predetermined time intervals.
- the machine Upon proper positioning of the ball-throwing machine 10 relative to home plate, the machine is turned on by depression of the ON/OFF switch on the terminal 220. Upon activation of the ON/OFF switch, the machine immediately goes to a default setting in which the machine is set to pitch a Medium fastball down the center of home plate.
- the user then has the option of operating the machine 10 in either a manual or an automatic mode and this selection is made by depression of the appropriate mode selection key 226.
- the manual mode the user is prompted to make three choices: the speed selection, i.e., fast, medium or slow; the pitch type, i.e., fast ball, sinker, curve ball, slider, changeup and screwball; and the pitch location, i.e., one of five locations in the strike zone.
- the appropriate selection is made by depression of the applicable key on the terminal 220.
- each of the drive motor controls 202 Upon receipt of the applicable signal, each of the drive motor controls 202 set their co ⁇ esponding drive motors 80 to the specified speed to accomplish the desired wheel speed and the two actuator controllers 204, 206 set their corresponding actuators to the specified positions to position the power head 20 in the desired position.
- the affect of this is to reposition the power head 20 in the proper position to deliver the specified pitch to the predetermined position with the coacting wheels 70A-C rotating at an appropriate speed to deliver the selected pitch.
- the controller waits for the proper feedback from the drive control motors 202A-
- the ball-throwing machine 10 can also be operated in an automatic mode by the depression of the "Auto" key on the terminal 220. Upon the depression of the "Auto” key, the user will be queried as to what sequence is desired. As previously noted, virtually an unlimited number of pitch sequences can be programmed including, for example, sequences based on the throwing arm of the pitcher and whether a batter is left handed or right handed. Actual choices will be made by using the "Position Adjustment Keys" 232. Upon depression of the "Auto” key and selection of the particular sequence, the hitter then selects the appropriate pitch speed set by depression of the appropriate "Pitch Speed Key” 238. At that time, the control unit of the machine 10 takes over, delivering pitches to the batter in a predetermined sequence of particularly profiled pitches.
- the controller 208 can be readily reprogrammed by the use of a smart card which is meant to work in conjunction with a smart card reader attached to the controller 208. In this manner, one could readily reprogram the machine 10 to deliver a predetermined sequence of pitches of a particular profile. This would permit the machine 10 to simulate the actual pitching sequence of a particular pitcher.
- Figure 15 is a flow chart showing the operation of the ball-throwing machine 10 in conjunction with the video storage means 302 and video projection means 303.
- the ball 308 is delivered to a queued position 317 in the ball introduction tube 90 by means of a feeder tube 316. Once in the ball introduction tube 90, the ball 308 is retained and prevented from entering the nip 92 by means of ball retaining means 318.
- the control unit 200 Upon delivery of the ball 308 to the queued position 317, the control unit 200 chooses an appropriate video image 310 for the type of pitch being thrown. For example, if the pitch to be thrown is a curve-ball thrown by a left-handed pitcher, the control unit 200 will select the video image of a left-handed pitcher throwing a curve ball. Simultaneously therewith, the control unit 200 determines the appropriate settings for the particular pitch at the particular location from the stored data table and then sends signals to the drive control motors 202A-202C, the horizontal actuator controller 206 and the vertical actuator controller 204 providing them with the applicable settings for the particular pitch.
- each of the drive motor controls 202 Upon receipt of the applicable signal, each of the drive motor controls 202 set their corresponding drive motors 80 to the specified speed to accomplish the desired wheel speed and the two actuator controllers 204, 206 set their corresponding actuators to the specified positions to position the power head 20 in the desired position.
- the affect of this is to reposition the power head 20 in the proper position to deliver the specified pitch to the predetermined position with the coacting wheels 70A-C rotating at an appropriate speed to deliver the selected pitch.
- the controller 200 instructs the video storage means 302 and video display means 303 to play the chosen video image 310.
- the control unit 200 Immediately upon commencement of the video image 310 playback, the control unit 200 initiates a countdown for the duration of time between the commencement of the video image 310 and the precise moment in which the ball 308 appears to be released by the video image 310. This duration of time is precisely determined and is the same for every individual video image 310. In the preferred embodiment, this duration is between 5 and 7 seconds, although it should be appreciated that shorter or longer durations may be preferred, either for more rapid operation or for a longer
- the control unit 200 Upon the termination of the countdown, at which time the pitcher in the video image 310 appears to be about to release the ball 308, the control unit 200 sends a signal to a solenoid 322 located immediately behind the ball 308. This signal instructs the solenoid to impel the ball 308 forward through the introduction tube 90 and into the nip 92, where the ball 308 is engaged by coacting wheels 70A-70C and further impelled through the opening 306 in the screen 304, such that it appears the pitcher in the video image 310 had actually thrown the ball 308.
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Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA002363550A CA2363550C (en) | 1999-03-01 | 2000-02-24 | Pitching system with video display means |
EP00908785A EP1159576A4 (en) | 1999-03-01 | 2000-02-24 | Pitching system with video display means |
MXPA01008767A MXPA01008767A (en) | 1999-03-01 | 2000-02-24 | Pitching system with video display means. |
JP2000602583A JP2002537919A (en) | 1999-03-01 | 2000-02-24 | Pitching system with video display means |
AU30063/00A AU769744B2 (en) | 1999-03-01 | 2000-02-24 | Pitching system with video display means |
CU20010201A CU23025A3 (en) | 1999-03-01 | 2000-02-24 | LAUNCH SYSTEM WITH VIDEO DEPLOYMENT MEDIA. |
HK02102927.2A HK1042543A1 (en) | 1999-03-01 | 2002-04-18 | Pitching system with video display means |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/259,722 | 1999-03-01 | ||
US09/259,722 US6182649B1 (en) | 1999-03-01 | 1999-03-01 | Ball-throwing machine |
US09/457,808 US6186133B1 (en) | 1999-03-01 | 1999-12-09 | System and method for establishing pitch parameters in a ball-throwing machine |
US09/457,809 | 1999-12-09 | ||
US09/457,809 US6186134B1 (en) | 1999-03-01 | 1999-12-09 | Pitching system with video display means |
US09/457,808 | 1999-12-09 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2000052412A1 true WO2000052412A1 (en) | 2000-09-08 |
Family
ID=27401254
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2000/004729 WO2000052412A1 (en) | 1999-03-01 | 2000-02-24 | Pitching system with video display means |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1159576A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2002537919A (en) |
KR (1) | KR100411754B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1188192C (en) |
AU (1) | AU769744B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2363550C (en) |
CU (1) | CU23025A3 (en) |
HK (1) | HK1042543A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA01008767A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000052412A1 (en) |
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JP4883516B2 (en) * | 2004-08-25 | 2012-02-22 | 国立大学法人金沢大学 | Pitching machine and method for controlling its changing sphere |
JP2007020646A (en) * | 2005-07-12 | 2007-02-01 | Osamu Komatsu | Ball throwing device |
KR101130348B1 (en) * | 2009-11-10 | 2012-03-28 | 김병진 | Pitching machines |
KR101055572B1 (en) | 2009-12-10 | 2011-08-08 | 박용덕 | Indoor baseball game device |
US9480899B2 (en) * | 2011-10-07 | 2016-11-01 | Jugs Sports, Inc. | Changeup controller for ball throwing machine |
US9480900B2 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2016-11-01 | Jugs Sports, Inc. | Changeup controller for ball throwing machine |
KR101352606B1 (en) * | 2012-04-04 | 2014-01-20 | 주식회사 에치케이텍 | Pitching machines |
CN104436611B (en) * | 2014-12-09 | 2016-08-31 | 张锐明 | Projection automatic kicking apparatus and the service method of this device |
KR101807005B1 (en) | 2015-12-18 | 2018-01-10 | 주식회사 골프존뉴딘 | Apparatus for base-ball practice, sensing device and sensing method used to the same and pitching control method of the same |
KR101823059B1 (en) | 2015-12-18 | 2018-01-29 | 주식회사 골프존뉴딘 | Screen base-ball system, device for opening or closing hole and pitching device used to the same and pitching control method in the screen base-ball system |
KR101744042B1 (en) | 2016-01-14 | 2017-06-07 | 주식회사 골프존뉴딘 | Apparatus for base-ball practice, sensing device and sensing method used to the same and control method for the same |
KR101865576B1 (en) | 2016-01-22 | 2018-06-08 | 주식회사 골프존뉴딘홀딩스 | Apparatus for base-ball practice, sensing device and sensing method used to the same and control method for the same |
KR101709154B1 (en) * | 2016-09-07 | 2017-02-23 | 주식회사 리얼야구존 | Screen baseball system comprising a screen shutter |
KR101722163B1 (en) * | 2016-10-06 | 2017-04-04 | 주식회사 리얼야구존 | A pitching machine for screen baseball and screen baseball system comprising therefore |
KR101807006B1 (en) * | 2016-10-20 | 2017-12-08 | 주식회사 골프존뉴딘 | Base-ball practice system and ball-pitching control method of pitching device in the same |
KR101922662B1 (en) * | 2017-07-04 | 2018-11-28 | 주식회사 리얼야구존 | A pitching machine for screen baseball capable of adjusting vertical direction with preset function |
IL294778B2 (en) * | 2017-10-06 | 2023-10-01 | Advanced Scanners Inc | Generation of one or more edges of luminosity to form three-dimensional models of objects |
CN111013114A (en) * | 2020-01-02 | 2020-04-17 | 青岛康顿健康产业有限公司 | Automatic launching machine for ice hockey |
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- 2000-02-24 EP EP00908785A patent/EP1159576A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-02-24 KR KR10-2001-7011084A patent/KR100411754B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2000-02-24 WO PCT/US2000/004729 patent/WO2000052412A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2000-02-24 JP JP2000602583A patent/JP2002537919A/en active Pending
- 2000-02-24 MX MXPA01008767A patent/MXPA01008767A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2000-02-24 CA CA002363550A patent/CA2363550C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-02-24 CN CNB008044724A patent/CN1188192C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-02-24 CU CU20010201A patent/CU23025A3/en unknown
- 2000-02-24 AU AU30063/00A patent/AU769744B2/en not_active Ceased
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU769744B2 (en) | 2004-02-05 |
JP2002537919A (en) | 2002-11-12 |
KR20020005604A (en) | 2002-01-17 |
CU23025A3 (en) | 2005-02-23 |
AU3006300A (en) | 2000-09-21 |
KR100411754B1 (en) | 2003-12-18 |
EP1159576A4 (en) | 2005-11-09 |
CA2363550A1 (en) | 2000-09-08 |
CN1188192C (en) | 2005-02-09 |
CA2363550C (en) | 2008-04-29 |
EP1159576A1 (en) | 2001-12-05 |
HK1042543A1 (en) | 2002-08-16 |
MXPA01008767A (en) | 2003-07-14 |
CN1342260A (en) | 2002-03-27 |
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