WO2003061778A1

WO2003061778A1 - Simulator for ball practicing hitting

Info

Publication number: WO2003061778A1
Application number: PCT/JP2002/011082
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hideyuki Kawabata
Original assignee: Yugen Kaisha Mega Hit
Priority date: 2002-01-21
Filing date: 2002-10-25
Publication date: 2003-07-31

Abstract

A small electronic device capable of realizing batting practice of baseball. A simulator for practicing ball batting comprises a pitch simulation light emission unit (21) for simulating the advance of a pitched ball from a pitcher to a batter according to the change in a light emission pattern, thereby allowing the batter to recognize the advance of the pitched ball, a light reception sensor (22) for detecting the light emitted from the pitch simulation light emission unit (21) and reflected by a bat of the batter, and a batting average display unit (23) for determining whether the pitch has been successful according to a detection signal of the reflected light by the light reception sensor (22) and the timing thereof, and displaying the result of determination.

Description

Akira Itoda Hitting practice simulator Technical field

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hitting practice simulator capable of judging the timing of a hitting ball in baseball and the quality of a trajectory of a bat. For a simulation evening. Background art

A conventional means of practicing baseball batting in an artificial environment is the so-called batting center. However, the batting center requires a large-scale facility, and it is difficult for users to respond to individual requirements. For example, they cannot respond to requests to practice in their home garden or to purchase training equipment on their own.

An object of the present invention is to provide a small-sized electronic device capable of practicing batting in baseball and to respond to the above demands for the prior art. Disclosure of the invention

A simulator for practicing a ball according to the present invention includes: a simulated pitching light emitting section that simulates the progress of a pitching from a pitcher to a batter by a change in a light emission pattern to allow the batter to recognize the light; A light-receiving sensor for detecting the reflected light reflected by the light-receiving sensor, and determining whether the hit ball was successful based on the detection signal of the reflected light from the light-receiving sensor and its timing, and displaying the determination result. And a rate display unit.

The pitch simulation light-emitting unit displays a light emission color that simulates a process in which the pitch is progressing from the pitcher to the batter and a light emission color that simulates the moment when the pitch reaches the batter's meet zone with different light emission colors. Is preferred.

It is preferable to have a level selection function that enables the pitching speed simulated by the pitching simulation light emitting unit to be selected according to the skill level of the batter.

It is preferable that a level selection function is provided to enable selection of a meet determination time width of a detection signal detected by the light receiving sensor according to a batter's skill level. It is preferable that the batting average display section indicates which time in the meet determination time width the meet time detected by the light receiving sensor corresponds to.

The use of the simulator for practicing hitting according to the present invention is the use of the simulator for practicing hitting which uses a retroreflective tape attached to a batter's bat.

It is preferable to use the hitting practice simulator by attaching a unidirectional retroreflective tape to a batter's bat.

In the simulation for hitting ball practice of the present invention, an infrared beam is used as a light-emitting beam that simulates that a pitch has reached a batter's meet zone. The light beam simulating that the pitch has reached the batter's mate zone is composed of three beams arranged at the top, middle, and bottom, and the three light beams are modulated or coded in different patterns. Then, it is preferable to identify whether the swing trajectory of the batter's bat is high or low by identifying the three beams reflected by the bat.

In order to distinguish whether the hit ball is a strike or a ball, the light emission pattern of the simulated light emitting unit is distinguished and recognized by the batter, and the swing of the bat of the batter is detected even though the hit ball is a pole. It is preferable to issue a warning when this occurs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration and functions of a hitting ball simulator according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration and function of the display / judgment unit of the simulation for hitting ball practice according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration and functions of the setting / operation unit of the hitting ball training simulator of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiment 1

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a main body of the simulator for hitting ball practice, 2 denotes a display / judgment unit, and 3 denotes a setting / operation unit.

The display 'judgment unit 2 has a large number of LEDs arranged concentrically, and simulates the approach of a pitch by changing the lighting state, so as to inform the batter. At the center of the display / determination unit 2, a light-receiving sensor is provided to determine the success or failure of the hit ball by detecting that the LED light is reflected on the batter's bat and sent back. .

The setting / operation unit 3 is used for setting the speed of the simulated pitch displayed by the LED of the display / judgment unit, the conditions for judging a hit ball, and the like, and for operating the device.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration and function of the display / judgment unit 2. Reference numeral 21 denotes a pitching simulation light emitting unit, 22 denotes a light receiving sensor, and 23 denotes a batting average display unit.

The pitching simulation light-emitting unit 21 This is intended to simulate the pitching progress of the pitching so that the batter can recognize it.The pitching simulation LEDs 21a, 21b, 21e arranged concentrically from the inside to the outside in order Have. The emission colors of the concentric LEDs are, for example, blue for the innermost LED 2la, yellow for the LEDs 21b, 21c, and 2Id in the middle zone, and red for the outermost LED 21e. The issuance pattern is such that the yellow LEDs 21b, 21c, and 21d in the middle zone alternately emit light sequentially from inside to outside. This process simulates the action of the pitcher heading for release, and the batter prepares for the hit ball, recognizing it as a notice of the pitch. Next, light is emitted alternately from the outermost red LED 21e to the innermost blue LED 21a via the intermediate annular LEDs 21d, 21c and 21b. This second process simulates the process in which the pitcher runs from the pitcher to the batter. The light emission of LED 21a is associated with the moment when the pitch reaches the batter's meet zone. The batter swings the bat toward the moment when the blue LED 21a emits light. The light emitted from the LED is reflected by the bat and detected by the light receiving sensor 22.

Here, if the detection timing of the reflected light from the light receiving sensor 22 coincides with the emission timing of the blue LED 21a within a certain time width, the bat swing timing is correct, that is, the hit ball has succeeded. ) Is displayed on the batting average display section 23. In addition, since the light emission of the LED is a narrow beam (about 10 cm in diameter), success is not judged unless the swing trajectory of the battery passes through the light emitting beam. The batting average display section 23

It has 10 LEDs 23a, 23b, 23j to indicate how many of the 10 attempts were successful.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration and functions of the setting / operation unit 3, where 31 is a level selection button, 32 is a random / normal switching button, and 33 is A start / stop button, 34 is a volume control knob, 35 is a power switch, and 36 is a power input jack.

The level selection button 31 is a switch for selecting the light emission timing of the pitching simulation light emitting section 21 and the meet determination timing (time width) of the light receiving sensor 22 according to the batter's skill level. There are two types of level selection, pitch speed selection and meet judgment timing selection. To select two types with one level selection button 31, use the random / normal switching button together, select the pitching speed in the normal mode, and select the meeting judgment in the random mode. .

The pitching speed can be selected from beginner (L), intermediate (M), and advanced (H), for example, 80 kmZhr, 120 kmZhr, and 140 kmZhr, depending on the pitching speed. The lighting timing of the pitching simulation light emitting unit 21 is changed. The selected level is indicated by the L, M, H lighting positions on the LED above the level selection button.

The TEST selection position by the level selection button is used for the initial setting at the start of use of the simulation evening. The meat judgment time width (lit in blue) is continuous, and the bat is moved slowly to check the meat zone. It is made available.

The level of the meat judgment timing (time width) can be selected from beginner, intermediate, and advanced in the same manner as the pitch speed level. However, in this case, the display of the selected level is displayed on the LED of the batting average display section 23 instead of the L, M, and H displays above the level selection button. The LED is lit when L is on the left, when M is on the center, and when H is on the right. However, this level display disappears when the operation is started by pressing the start button.

Here, the criterion of the meat judgment time width is set separately for each pitching speed. For example, if you select “Beginner” for the meet judgment timing, In principle, the time range for one-time judgment is also set wide, but if you select “Advanced” for the pitching speed here, the criteria for meeting will be stricter (the time width will be narrower) than the above-mentioned principle time width. It is set as follows. By making such a setting, it is possible to select the level of technical difficulty that balances the two factors of the pitching speed and the meeting judgment time width, and it is easy to use as a simulator for hitting ball practice.

The random / normal switching button 32 switches between a normal mode that operates at a constant pitch speed selected at a level and a random mode that randomly changes the pitch speed within a certain range before and after the pitch speed selected at a level. It is a switch. In the random mode, the batter is required to respond to unpredictable changes in pitching speed, so that higher practice effects can be achieved. In the random mode, as in the normal mode, the reference of the meet determination time width is slid to the pitching speed.

The start / stop button 33 is a switch for instructing the start and end of the simulator operation.When the start state is set after setting various operation conditions for the simulation, the simulator stops after a certain standby time. The operation of is started. This waiting time is set to the time required for the batter to return to the ball hitting position and prepare for the ball hitting after the batter instructs the start of the simulation simulation, and is usually about 5 to 10 seconds.

The volume control knobs 34 are used to adjust the volume of the speaker sound that indicates the progress of the setting and operation of the unit and the success of the hit ball.

Next, how to use the hitting ball training simulator of the present invention will be described.

(1) Install the main unit on a tripod, position it between the batter (3 to 4 m), and adjust the light emitting direction of the light emitting unit to fix it.

(2) Attach reflective tape to the battery.

③ Insert the AC adapter or battery pack into the power input jack of the main unit. No.

を Set the power switch to ON.

T Select TEST with the level selection button and move the bat slowly in that state to check the meat zone. If the meat zone is shifted, correct the tripod installation in ①.

レベル Set the level using the level selection buttons.

⑦Random ・ Set the normal switching button.

⑧Press the start button.

(The pitch starts several seconds after pressing the start button.)

Embodiment 2

In the hitting ball simulator of the present invention, a reflective tape to be attached to a batter's bat is used as an auxiliary tool. As this reflective tape, a reflective tape that concentrates incident light in the same direction and reflects it in order to efficiently reflect light emitted from the pitching simulation light emitting section 21 and reach the light receiving sensor 22 is preferable. Can be used. A reflective tape having such characteristics is called a retroreflective tape. Reflective tapes with such characteristics return the reflected light in the same direction with respect to the incident light in all directions, so the reflection efficiency to the light receiving sensor is high, but the bat emits light within the time for the mist judgment. If the beam is within the range of the beam, there is a problem that the reflected light returns to the light receiving sensor even if the battery is inclined. This phenomenon may cause a problem of substantially losing the meat judgment. One way to solve this problem is to use a unidirectional retroreflective tape having retroreflective characteristics in only one direction as the reflective tape. The retroreflection characteristic in only one direction means that it has a retroreflection characteristic in one direction, but does not have a retroreflection characteristic in a direction perpendicular to it. ). Such a reflection characteristic is achieved by a lenticular lens, in which thin cylindrical (kamaboko) lenses are arranged in parallel on a reflective film. Obtained by a film or the like. By using such a reflective tape, the reflected light reaches the light receiving sensor only when the bat is in the light-emitting beam within the meet judgment time width and the bat is perpendicular to the light-emitting beam. This avoids the problem of making the meet judgment loose.

Next, a method for accurately evaluating the reception time of the reflected light from the light receiving sensor 22 will be described. The waveform of the signal received from the light receiving sensor is a single pulse having a chevron waveform. In order to accurately determine the center time of this pulse, it is desirable to accurately determine the peak time of the chevron pulse. In order to accurately determine the peak time even when the size of the received signal waveform is not constant, the received signal pulse is differentiated with respect to time and the zero crossing time of the differentiated waveform is detected. Regardless, the peak time can be accurately detected. By performing such signal processing, more accurate meeting time determination can be performed.

Embodiment 3

In the first embodiment, the batting average display section 23 displays the number of successful hits in one set of hitting trials (for example, 10 times). It may be indicated at which time in the determination time width the meet was made. If the meet time is at the center of the meet judgment time range (Just Meet), the center LED of the display LEDs 23a, 23b, and 23j is turned on, and the meet time is within the decision time range. If it is the first half, turn on the left LED. If you meet in the second half, turn on the right LED. With such display contents, the batter can recognize in detail whether the meet time (swing) is too early or too late, and thus can perform more effective hitting practice. Also, the lighting distribution of the LEDs 23a, 23b, 23j is displayed to the left as soon as the meet time is earlier, and to the right as the meet time is later. Although there is a difference, This has a relationship with the direction of the ball when hit, which has the advantage that it can be easily recognized by the batter and can be used as a reference for practice.

Embodiment 4

In the present embodiment, an infrared light source incorporated adjacent to the light receiving sensor 22 is used as the light source of the emitted light beam that simulates a pitch, instead of the LED of the pitch simulation light emitting unit 21.

Infrared rays have the advantage that they are completely invisible to the batting practitioner, and that they have the advantage that light sources that can emit thin beams are readily available. Infrared rays can be detected only when the innermost blue LED 21a that simulates the time the pitch passes through the meat zone is lit, so the batter will be aware that the infrared rays only emit at that time. It is only necessary to swing the bat, but the actual operation of the electronic circuit is to keep the infrared light on all the time and to switch the infrared detection circuit to the active state only at the time of the pitch. Although this is the same as a batter's point of view, the operation of the electronic circuit does not require the time required to start infrared radiation projection, and has the advantage that high-speed timing determination can be performed.

In the method that always emits infrared light, an obstacle is created on the infrared light beam path by adding a reflected light detection function during a time period that is not related to the impact determination time (for example, when starting practice mode). Sometimes it is possible to add a function such as detecting it beforehand and canceling the start of the practice mode.

Embodiment 5

In the present embodiment, a function is added in which, when it is determined that the swing trajectory of the bat is shifted to any one of the upper and lower directions, and is unsuccessful, it is determined whether the trajectory is shifted to the upper or lower position.

In the present embodiment, three luminous beams that simulate a pitch Shoot. The three emission beams are projected vertically, for example, 10 cm apart. The three luminescent beams are similar visible or infrared beams, but each beam is modulated with a different pattern so that you can see which of the three luminescent beams is reflected by the battery. Or coded.

The light-emitting elements for the three light-emitting beams project light-emitting beams with slightly different directions, so one light-emitting element is used for each of the three light-emitting beams. One light-receiving element can be used in common for three emission beams. The three types of modulation or coding patterns of the three emission beams can be identified from the signal received by one light receiving element.

Embodiment 6

In the present embodiment, when the pitch is a pole, the batter can recognize that the pole is a pole. In addition, when the bat is swung in spite of being a ball, a warning display or a warning sound is issued.

In order to make the batter recognize that the pitch is a pole, the pitching simulation light-emitting unit 21 simulates the pitching. Later, the progress of the lighting ring toward the inner ring, which indicates the approach of the pitch, is stopped halfway. Therefore, the innermost blue LED ring that indicates that the pitch has reached the impact zone does not light. Stopping the inward progress of the LED ring, which indicates the approach of the pitch, the sooner it stops, the easier it is to recognize that it is a pole. The difficulty of the batter's perception of the pole can be adjusted by the number of rows from the outermost circumference to the inner circumference to stop lighting, but the second row from the outermost circumference to the inner circumference. Or stopping in the third row is an appropriate difficulty. As a method of signing the batter as a pole, in addition to the method of stopping the progress of the LED ring lighting to the inner circumference as described above, in addition to the lighting ring from the middle of the lighting inner circumference This pattern may be changed from the entire circumference to a semicircle so as to indicate a deviation in the direction of the pitch. If the pitch is a high pitched ball, only the upper semicircle is lit, and the upper, lower, left and right semicircles are similarly illuminated in the same direction. In this case, unlike the method of stopping the lighting ring halfway, the lighting becomes a semicircle from the middle, but proceeds to the innermost blue ring. In this way, the batter can recognize not only whether the pitch is a strike or a ball, but also which direction the pole is deviated, and can achieve a higher practice effect.

One way to issue a warning as a penalty when the batter swings the bat, despite the fact that the pitch is a pole, is to consider the blow as unsuccessful, but detect the swing of the bat itself. There is a need to. To this end, the upper and lower three emission beams used in the above-described fifth embodiment should be used in order to increase the determination time width of the meet timing and increase the upper and lower detection widths of the swing trajectory of the battery. To perform signal processing as a detection target. In this way, a warning is issued without missing that the batter has swung the bat.

Embodiment 7

In the present embodiment, the pattern of lighting progress of the pitching simulation light emitting unit that simulates the progress of the pitching from the pitcher to the batter is changed. In the first embodiment, the progress of the lighting pattern is such that the concentric light-emitting ring progresses from the inner circumference to the outer circumference, or from the outer circumference to the inner circumference. Is clockwise or counterclockwise along the circumference.

For example, for the period from pitch preparation to release, the outermost red The ring lights up sequentially from the 12 o'clock position of the watch, so that it turns in a ring when the entire circumference is turned around one turn. Such a lighting pattern is characterized in that it is easy to accurately recognize the moment when the lighting pattern completes one turn and the ring is completed. This is because the moment when the ring is completed may be predictable from the lighting status immediately before the ring is completed. Therefore, it has the effect of making it easier for the batter to grasp the timing.

The lighting pattern that rotates in the circumferential direction can be used in the period before the pitcher is released, or in the period from release to meeting.

Although the hitting ball training simulator of the present invention has been described using an example in which visible light or infrared light is used as a light emitting beam for simulating a pitching, it is also possible to use ultrasonic waves or ultrahigh-frequency electromagnetic waves. It is possible to simulate a pitch of a thin beam. Further, a plurality of concentric LED rings are used as the pitching simulation light emitting unit, but a liquid crystal display device or the like may be used instead.

In addition, although the simulation simulation for hitting ball practice of the present invention is described as an example of supporting baseball, it can also be used for other sports in which the timing of hitting and the swing trajectory, such as soft pole and tennis, can be practiced. It is also possible to arrange as follows. Industrial applicability

According to the simulator for hitting ball practice of the present invention, the trajectory and timing of the swing of the bat are determined and displayed simply by simulating the hitting action, so that an effect of effective hitting practice can be obtained.

In addition, the effect of being able to practice hitting in a narrow place is obtained.

In addition, it has a level selection function that can select the criteria for judging the quality of the hitting operation according to the skill level of the batter, so that beginners and advanced players can practice hitting according to their own skill level, and improve Can be confirmed.

Claims

Scope of Word

1. A simulated pitching light emitting section that simulates the progress of the pitching from the pitcher to the batter by the change of the light emission pattern and that is recognized by the batter, and detects the reflected light reflected by the batter's bat from the light emitted from the pitching simulated light emitting section. A hit ball training simulator comprising: a light receiving sensor; and a hitting rate display unit for judging whether or not the hitting is successful based on a detection signal of the light reflected by the light receiving sensor and its timing, and displaying the judgment result.

2. The pitch simulation light-emitting unit displays different colors of light to simulate the process in which the pitch is progressing from the pitcher to the batter and to simulate the moment when the pitch reaches the batter's meet zone. The hitting practice simulator according to claim 1, wherein

3. The simulator for hitting ball training according to claim 1, further comprising a level selecting function for selecting a pitching speed simulated by the pitching simulation light emitting section according to a skill level of the batter.

4. The simulation for hitting ball training according to claim 1, further comprising a level selection function that enables a meet determination time width of a detection signal detected by the light receiving sensor to be selected according to a batter's skill level.

5. The simulator for hitting ball training according to claim 1, wherein the batting average display section indicates which time in the meet determination time width the meet time detected by the light receiving sensor corresponds to.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the retroreflective tape is attached to a batter's bat.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the unidirectional retroreflective tape is attached to a batter's bat and used.

8. A luminous beam simulating that the pitch has reached the batter's meat zone, The simulation for hitting ball training according to claim 1 using an infrared beam.

9. The light beam simulating that the pitch has reached the batter's meet zone is composed of three beams arranged above, middle and below, and the three light beams are modulated or coded in different patterns, respectively. 2. The simulation simulator for hitting ball training according to claim 1, wherein the swing trajectory of the batter's bat is identified as being high or low by identifying the reflected light of the three beams from the bat.

10. In order to distinguish whether the hit ball is a strike or a pole, the light emission pattern of the simulated pitching light emitting part is distinguished and recognized by the batter, and the batter's swing of the batter despite the fact that the hit ball is a ball 2. The simulation for hitting ball training according to claim 1, wherein a warning is issued when a is detected.