US010398957B2

(12) United States Patent ( 10) Patent No.: US 10 ,398 ,957 B2

Altshuler et al. (45 ) Date of Patent: Sep . 3, 2019
(54) PITCHING SIMULATOR SYSTEMS AND A63B 2024 /0031 (2013.01) ; A63B 2024 /0034
METHODS ( 2013.01 ); A63B 2024 /0056 (2013 .01 ); A63B
2024 / 0096 (2013 .01) ; A63B 2069/0006
( 71 ) Applicant: InMotion Systems, LLC , Westborough , ( 2013 .01) ; A63B 2069/0008 (2013 .01 ); A63B
MA (US) 2071/065 (2013 .01) ; A63B 2071/ 0638
( 72 ) Inventors: Yury Altshuler, Needham , MA (US ); ( 2013 .01); A63B 2208 /0204 (2013.01); A63B
Michael Anthony Donfrancesco , 2220 /05 (2013.01); A63B 2220 / 13 ( 2013 .01) ;
Westborough , MA (US); Thomas A63B 2220 /30 (2013 .01)
George Stepsis , Watertown, MA (US ) (58 ) Field of Classification Search
None
(73 ) Assignee : InMotion Systems, LLC , Westborough , See application file for complete search history .
MA (US )
( * ) Notice : Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this
(56 ) References Cited
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U .S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
U .S .C . 154 (b ) by 0 days. 5 ,443 ,260 A 8 /1995 Stewart et al.
5 , 846 , 139 A 12 / 1998 Bair et al.
(21) [Link].: 15/439,477 (Continued )
(22 ) Filed : Feb. 22, 2017 Primary Examiner — Damon J Pierce
(65 ) Prior Publication Data (74 ) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Nutter McClennen &
Fish LLP
US 2017 /0157484 A1 Jun . 8, 2017
Related U .S . Application Data (57) ABSTRACT
Pitching simulator systems and methods are provided that
(63 ) Continuation -in -part of application No. 13 /739 ,769 , are used to predict real- life outcomes for a real- life pitch .
filed on Jan . 11, 2013, now Pat. No . 9 ,597 ,570 . Predicted real-lift outcomes can be outcomes such as a hit
(Continued ) (e.g., groundout , double, home run , etc .), strikeout, etc ., and
can be made in real- time. More specifically, the systems and
(51 ) Int. Cl. methods can identify pitch metrics corresponding to the
A63B 69/00 ( 2006 .01) real- life pitch , cross - reference data in the form of system
A63B 24 /00 ( 2006 .01 ) performance metrics that can related to data about batters ,
A63B 71 / 06 ( 2006 .01) fielders , and/ or an environment, and then calculate a virtual
G06K 9 /00 ( 2006 .01) pitched ball outcome based on a combination of the pitch
G09B 19 / 00 (2006 .01) metrics and the system performance metrics. Computer
(52) U . S . Cl. programs capable of being used in such systems and meth
CPC ...... A63B 69/0002 ( 2013.01); A63B 24/ 0021 ods, as well as other systems and methods , are also provided .
( 2013 .01); A63B 71/0619 (2013.01) ; G06K
9 /00342 (2013 .01); G09B 19/0038 (2013 .01 ); 27 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets

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Related U .S . Application Data

(60 ) Provisional application No.61/ 586 ,421, filed on Jan .
13, 2012 .
(56 ) References Cited
U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
5 ,882, 269 A 3/ 1999 Lewis
7 ,335 ,116 B2 2 /2008 Petrov
7 ,544, 137 B2 6 / 2009 Richardson
2002/0176000 AL 11/ 2002 Katayama
2005 /0113158 AL 5 /2005 Sterchi et al .
2007/0265043 A1 11/ 2007 Wang et al.
2009/0029754 A1* 1/ 2009 Slocum .............. A63B 24 /0087
463/5
2010 /0255939 Al 10 /2010 York
2010 / 0298958 A1 11/ 2010 Connelly
2012 /0115556 AL 5 / 2012 Sogabe et al.
2012 /0194736 A1 * 8/ 2012 Dasher ............... HO4N 21/4402
348 /500
2013/0218308 AL 8/ 2013 Altshuler et al.
* cited by examiner
U . S . Patent Sep. 3, 2019 Sheet 1 of 8 US 10, 398,957 B2

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 US 10 ,398 , 957 B2
PITCHING SIMULATOR SYSTEMS AND display the projected flight of the batted ball relative to the
METHODS baseball game graphics. However, the proposed conven
tional batting simulators , similar to manual charting meth
RELATED APPLICATIONS ods , lack a mechanism available to quantitatively measure
5 the end result of the batted ball ( e . g ., whether a line drive
This patent application is a continuation - in -part of and was a double in the gap or fly ball to the left fielder) which
claims priority to U .S . patent application Ser. No . 13 /739, can be used in assessing the progress of a hitter.
769, filed on Jan . 11 , 2013 , entitled “ Batting Simulator By contrast to conventional batting systems, embodi
System ,” and claims the benefit of U . S . Provisional Appli - ments of the present innovation relate to a batting simulator
cation No. 61/586 , 421, filed on Jan . 13 , 2012, entitled 10 system . In one arrangement, in response to a user hitting a
“ Batting Simulator System ,” the contents and teachings of pitched ball, the batting simulator system is configured to
which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entire measure the exit velocity and trajectory of the batted ball
ties. and , in combination with a system performance metric ,
provide the outcome or result of the ball hit ( e .g ., ground out,
BACKGROUND 15 double , homerun , etc .) in real- time. For example , the system
performance metric can relate to a performance metric of a
Baseball is a game that relies heavily on statistics. For virtual fielder, such as the fielder 's reaction time, running
example, the possibility of a player making the Hall of Fame speed , and arm or throwing strength , a performance metric
can depend upon mere percentage points when looking at of the hitter, such as the hitter 's running speed , and / or an
the player 's career batting average . Additionally, statistics 20 environmental factor associated with a virtual playing field ,
are used to assess a player ' s skill and are reviewed in great such as wind direction , humidity level, and temperature . The
detail when determining if the player is able to reach higher player's individual performance metrics can be based on the
levels of expertise . A player 's ability to improve his perfor - player' s age and/ or gender, for example , and can be used in
mance and the associated statistics over the course of a factoring the likely outcome of a hit . The system can also
season or career will greatly enhance the probability of his 25 incorporate actual real-world performance metrics for a
success at a variety of levels . hitter based upon data entered into the system by the hitter
Over the past few decades, there has been a transforma- or the coach .
tion in the way children and young adults practice and play As the batting simulator system collects exit ball velocity,
baseball. Rather than gathering around the local sandlot, a ball trajectory , and outcome data , the system is configured to
number of ball players , for both baseball and softball , now 30 provide data such as batting average, exit ball velocity , and
receive professional instruction from experienced coaches at distance of batted ball in real-time via an output device such
local indoor baseball facilities. With respect to hitting , as a monitor. Additionally , the batting simulator system can
conventional indoor baseball facilities offer year round display a virtual stadium as well as the trajectory and
clinics utilizing batting cages and pitching machines to outcome of the batted ball within the virtual stadium .
improve the players ' swing mechanics, bat speed , and ability 35 Furthermore , in one arrangement, the batting simulator
to hit the ball on the sweet spot of the bat. As a result , the system can store the results in a database and later compile
indoor baseball facilities can help to improve the players ' and output these results to the user to allow the user or a
batting average . coach to identify hitting tendencies over the course of one
hitting session or over an entire season . The coach or hitter
SUMMARY 40 can utilize this data to optimize the hitter ' s swing mechanics
with the goal of improving performance .
In conventional baseball facilities, players take batting In one arrangement, the computerized device is config
practice in batting cages that are 70 feet long by 12 feetwide ured as a gaming module. For example, with the outcome
and often hit balls into screens that are placed in relatively data of the batted ball being collected by the computerized
close proximity to the player. While coaches often manually 45 device in real-time, the computerized device can be utilized
chart the number of hard hit balls during the batting session , by players and/ or teams to compete against a computerized
the coaches do not have a mechanism available to quanti defense . In one arrangement, the defense can use algorithms
tatively measure the end result of the batted ball. For based on artificial intelligence gathered from generally
example , based upon the dynamics of the hit ball , the coach accepted baseball strategies and tactics to determine the
cannot quantitatively measure whether the hit results in a 50 correct defensive play for any given circumstance . For
line drive double in the gap or fly ball to the left fielder. example , the computerized device can determine if the
Knowledge of the metrics behind the batted ball can assist defense should execute a double play with base runners on
the coach in assessing the progress of a hitter and can first and second rather than prevent the base runner on
increase the player 's interest in the game and batting con second base to advance to third .
fidence . 55 In one arrangement, in a batting simulator system having
Electronic batting simulators that measure the motion of a set of cameras and a computerized device disposed in
a batted ball have been previously developed , but have failed electrical communication with the set of cameras , embodi
to reach general commercial availability because of rela - ments of the innovation relate to a method for detecting a
tively high costs and impractical hardware configurations. result of the ball hit. The method includes receiving, by the
For example , conventional batting simulators include a 60 computerized device , a set of measurements of a ball asso
series of optical sensors that detect the passage of a batted ciated with a ball hit , detecting , by the computerized device ,
ball through a plurality of relatively large detection planes a trajectory and exit ball velocity of the ball based upon the
and a computerized device electrically coupled to the optical set of measurements, combining, by the computerized
sensors configured to calculate the projected trajectory and device , the detected trajectory and exit ball velocity with a
velocity of the batted ball. The computerized device of the 65 system performance metric to generate a virtual ball hit
conventional batting simulator can generate graphics of a outcome, and outputting, by the computerized device , the
baseball game played in response to the batted ball and can virtual ball hit outcome on an output device .
 US 10 ,398 ,957 B2
Systems and methods are also provided for pitching and /or virtual playing conditions. In some embodiments , the
simulation . In one exemplary pitching simulator system , the one or more system performance metrics can be calculated
system includes a detector device and a computerized device for the virtual batter , the one or more virtual fielders , the
communicatively coupled to the detector device . The detec - virtual playing field , and the virtual playing conditions based
tor device is operable to image a real-life pitch of a ball. The 5 on real - life metrics of a real -life batter , a real- life fielder, a
computerized device is operable to perform a number of real-life playing field , and real- life playing conditions ,
functions, including: retrieve one or more system perfor- respectively . The system performance metrics of the virtual
mance metrics relating to at least a virtual batter , identify batter can include system performance metrics of the virtual
one or more pitch metrics corresponding to the real-life batter as a virtual base runner.
pitch , calculate a virtual pitched ball outcome based on a 10 The detector device can be configured to capture images
combination of the one or more pitch metrics and the one or of the ball during the real- life pitch at a frames per second
more system performance metrics , and output the virtual rate exceeding a determined threshold . In some embodi
pitched ball outcome, which is a predicted real -life outcome ments , the detector device can include one or more cameras.
for the ball of the real- life pitch is output, via an output The function of the computerized device that allows the
device . The one or more system performance metrics are 15 computerized device to be operable to identify one or more
retrieved prior to the real- life pitch of the ball , and the one pitch metrics corresponding to the real- life pitch can include
or more pitch metrics can include , for example , one ormore the computerized device being operable to identify the one
of location , speed , spin of the ball, movement of the ball or more pitch metrics based on images of the real- life pitch
( e. g ., break or fade and / or rising or falling), etc ., during the taken by the detector device and/ or calculate attributes of the
real- life pitch . 20 ball at one or more instances during the real- life pitch .
In some embodiments, the real- life pitch can include a In one exemplary embodiment of a method for determin
sequence measured from at least a first instance to at least a ing outcomes from pitched balls , themethod includes imag
second instance . The first instance can be , for example , a ing a real- life pitch of a ball, retrieving one or more system
time when the ball is released by a pitcher, and the second performance metrics, identifying one or more pitch metrics
instance can be, for example , a time when the ball crosses a 25 that correspond to the real- life pitch , calculating a virtual
plate at a furthermost point from the pitcher. Alternatively, pitched ball outcome based on a combination of the identi
the first instance can be, for example , a timewhen a pitcher fied one or more pitch metrics and the one or more retrieved
initiates a wind -up motion for the real- life pitch , and the system performance metrics, and outputting the virtual
second instance can be , for example , a time when the ball pitched ball outcome, the outcome being a predicted real-life
crosses a plate at a furthermost point from the pitcher. 30 outcome for the ball of the real- life pitch . The one or more
Further expounding on the operable nature of the com - system performance metrics relate to at least a virtual batter
puterized device to calculate a virtual pitched ball outcome, and are retrieved prior to the real- life pitch of the ball. The
the computer device can be operable to identify matching one or more pitch metrics include one or more of location ,
pitches from one or more databases , determine one or more speed , spin of the ball, movement of the ball (e .g ., break or
candidate outcomes based on the matching pitches, calculate 35 fade and /or rising or falling ), etc . during the real- life pitch .
odds for each of the candidate outcomes, select one of the In some embodiments , the real- life pitch can include a
candidate outcomes based on the respective odds, and assign sequence measured from at least a first instance to at least a
the value of the selected one of the candidate outcomes to second instance . The first instance can be, for example , a
the virtual pitched ball outcome. Matching pitches can time when the ball is released by a pitcher, and the second
include stored entries of real- life pitches, and each of the 40 instance can be , for example , a time when the ball crosses a
entries can include, for example , for each of the respective plate at a furthermost point from the pitcher. Alternatively ,
matching pitches , one or more of: ( 1) pitch metrics , (2 ) pitch the first instance can be , for example , a time when a pitcher
outcome, ( 3 ) hitter data , (4 ) fielder data , and (5 ) environ initiates a wind - up motion for the real- life pitch , and the
mental factors . The one or more databases can include one second instance can be, for example , a time when the ball
or more databases of real- life offensive and defensive data 45 crosses a plate at a furthermost point from the pitcher.
tracked from a baseball league ( e . g ., Major League Baseball, The step of calculating the virtual pitched ball outcome
Division I college softball, Little League , etc .). In some can include steps such as identifying matching pitches from
embodiments , the computerized device can be configured to one or more databases , determining one or more candidate
operate by referencing a database of information to deter - outcomes based on the matching pitches , calculating odds
mine an outcome of the real - life pitch , based , for example , 50 for each of the candidate outcomes, selecting one of the
on one or more data points contained in the database related candidate outcomes based on the respective odds , and
to how a similar real-life pitch was hit in the past ( e. g ., exit assigning the value of the selected one of the candidate
velocity of the hit ball , launch angle of the hit ball, distance outcomes to the virtual pitched ball outcome. Matching
and/ or location of the hit ball, etc . ), such as those associated pitches can include stored entries of real-life pitches , and
with the Hit Trax databases, owned by InMotion Systems, 55 each of the entries can include , for example , for each of the
LLC of Northborough , Mass. respective matching pitches, one or more of: ( 1 ) pitch
The system performance metrics of a virtual batter can metrics, ( 2 ) pitch outcome, ( 3 ) hitter data , (4 ) fielder data ,
include metrics of a virtual batter related to an ability of the and (5 ) environmental factors. The one or more databases
virtual batter to hit the real- life pitch based on the one or can include one or more databases of real-life offensive and
more pitch metrics corresponding to the real-life pitch . The 60 defensive data tracked from a baseball league ( e . g ., Major
one or more system performance metrics can , for example , League Baseball, Division I college softball, Little League,
relate to one or more virtual fielders and environmental etc .).
factors , with the system performance metrics of the one or The system performance metrics of a virtual batter can
more virtual fielders including metrics related to an ability of include metrics of a virtualbatter related to an ability of the
a fielder to field the ball and/ or throw the fielded ball, and the 65 virtual batter to hit the real- life pitch based on the one or
system performance metrics of environmental factors more pitch metrics corresponding to the real-life pitch . The
including attributes associated with a virtual playing field one or more system performance metrics can , for example ,
 US 10 ,398 ,957 B2
relate to one or more virtual fielders and environmental and trajectory of the batted ball and, in combination with a
factors , with the system performance metrics of the one or system performance metric , provide the outcome or result of
more virtual fielders including metrics related to an ability of the ball hit ( e. g ., ground out, double , home run , etc .) in
a fielder to field the ball and /or throw the fielded ball, and the real-time. For example , the system performance metric can
system performance metrics of environmental factors 5 relate to a performance metric of a virtual fielder, such as the
including attributes associated with a virtual playing field fielder 's reaction time running speed and arm or throwing
and /or virtual playing conditions . In some embodiments, the strength , a performance metric of the hitter , such as the
one or more system performance metrics can be calculated hitter' s running speed based upon the user ' s age, and / or an
for the virtual batter, the one or more virtual fielders , the environmental factor associated with a virtual playing field ,
virtual playing field , and the virtual playing conditionsbased 10 such as wind direction , humidity level, and temperature . As
on real-life metrics of a real-life batter, a real-life fielder, a the batting simulator system collects exit ball velocity, ball
real- life playing field , and real- life playing conditions,
respectively . The system performance metrics of the virtual trajectory , and outcome data , the batting simulator system is
configured to provide data such as batting average , slugging
batter can include system performance metrics of the virtual
batter as a virtual base runner. percentage , and exit velocity of the ball in real- time via an
Imaging a real- life pitch of a ball can include capturing 15 output device such as a monitor. Additionally , the batting
images of the ball during the real- life pitch at a frames per simulator system can display a virtual stadium and as well
second rate that exceeds a determined threshold . In some as the trajectory of the batted ball and outcome ofthe ball hit
embodiments, one or more cameras can be used to image the in the stadium . Furthermore, in one arrangement, the batting
real- life pitch . The step of identifying one or more pitch simulator system can store and later output these results to
metrics corresponding to the real- life pitch can include 20 the user to allow the user or a coach to identify hitting
identifying one or more pitch metrics based on the imaging tendencies and optimize swing mechanicsosonover the course of
of the real- life pitch . Alternatively, or additionally, the step one hitting session or over an entire season .
of identifying one or more pitch metrics corresponding to A pitching simulator system is also provided . In response
the real-life pitch can include calculating attributes of the to a user pitching a ball, the simulator system is configured
ball at one or more instances during the real -life pitch . 25 to measure metrics of a pitched ball ( e . g ., speed , location ,
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS movement, spin , movement (e .g ., break or fade and /or rise
or fall)) , etc ., and , in combination with one or more system
performance metrics , provide a virtual pitched ball outcome.
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages A virtual pitched ball outcome is a predicted real-world
will be apparent from the following description of particular
embodiments of the innovation , as illustrated in the accom 30 outcome or result of the real- life pitched ball, such as a hit ,
panying drawings in which like reference characters refer to out , foul ball , strike, or ball. The virtual pitched ball outcome
can be more specific as well, including but not limited to
the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings
are not necessarily to scale , emphasis instead being placed identifying the type and location of a hit ( e . g., single to
upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments of shortstop , double to left field , home run to center field , etc .),
the innovation . 35 the type and location of an out ( e . g ., ground out third - to - first ,
FIG . 1 illustrates an overhead view of a schematic rep line out to second, fly out right field , etc . ), the type and
resentation of a batting simulator system , according to one location of a foul ball (e. g., pop -up to the catcher but
embodiment. dropped , caught by the catcher for a third strike , fly ball to
FIG . 2 illustrates an example detector of the batting the left fielder and caught, fly ball to the left field but out of
simulator system of FIG . 1 , according to one arrangement. 40 reach ), and the type of strike ( e . g ., swing -and -miss in the
FIG . 3A illustrates an overhead view of the detector of strike zone, swing- and -miss out of the strike zone, looking).
FIG . 2 . The system performance metrics are stored in one or more
FIG . 3B illustrates a perspective view of the detector of databases corresponding to or in communication with the
FIG . 2 . pitching simulator system . The system performance metrics
FIG . 4A illustrates a simulated three - dimensional display 45 can relate to performance metrics of virtual batters , virtual
of a field provided by the batting simulator system of FIG . fielders , and environmental factors . System performance
1 , according to one arrangement. metrics of virtual batters include any data available related
FIG . 4B illustrates an overhead display of a field provided to how a specific batter performs hitting generally and/ or in
by the batting simulator system of FIG . 1, according to one response to the measured pitched ball metrics, where a
arrangement. 50 specific batter may be , for example , a specific individual
FIG . 5 is a flowchart of a procedure performed by the known person or a generalized individual based on one or
computerized device of FIG . 1 , according to one arrange - more demographics (e . g ., age, gender, ability , game type like
ment. baseball vs . softball, or more specifically thirteen year old
FIG . 6 is a flowchart of a procedure performed by the boy,male professional baseball third baseman ,male profes
computerized device of FIG . 1 , according to one arrange - 55 sional baseball player, male single - A baseball left fielder,
ment. single - A baseball player, female Division III softball short
FIG . 7 illustrates an example of a strike zone grid gen - stop , male Division III baseball player ). A virtual batter ' s
erated by the batting simulator system of FIG . 1, according performance running after a ball is hit can also be accounted
to one arrangement. for, based , for example, on data related to the batter 's speed ,
FIG . 8 is a flowchart of a procedure performed by the 60 propensity to take an extra base , etc . System performance
computerized device of FIG . 1 , according to one arrange - metrics of virtual fielders include any data available related
ment. to how a specific fielder performs fielding generally and /or
in response to predicted locations of where a ball ends up
DETAILED DESCRIPTION after the pitch and batter information is taken into account
65 (i.e., a calculated virtual pitched ball outcomebased on the
In response to a user hitting a pitched ball, the batting batter system performancemetrics), where a specific fielder
simulator system is configured to measure the exit velocity may be , for example , a specific individual known person or
 US 10 ,398 ,957 B2
a generalized individualbased on one or more demographics is configured to capture an image in a second field of view
(non -limiting examples provided above ). Environmental 105 - 2 , and a third camera 114 -3 is configured to capture an
factors include many factors described through the present image in a third field of view 105 - 3 . Taken together, the field
disclosure, including but not limited to factors associated of views 105 define a tracking volume 109 .
with a virtual playing field , such as wind direction , humidity 5 With the cameras 114 mounted in a single compact frame
level , and temperature , as well as known elements of a field , 116 , the detector 104 can be positioned relative to user 112
such as its playing field dimensions, topography, turf type , in a relatively short amount of time and in such an orien
particular obstacles , etc . Notably , the types of data listed tation that the system 100 can capture data for either a
throughout the present disclosure is only a small sample size right-handed batter, as shown in FIG . 1 , or a left - handed
of the available data that can be used for purposes of 10 batter. For example , the tracking volume 109 of the detector
determining system performance metrics, and such listing is 104 can be disposed in proximity to a leading edge 115 of
by no means limiting to the types of data that can be used , home plate 107. Accordingly , with such positioning of the
whether that data is now known or is determined at some tracking volume 109, the detector 104 can track and collect
point in the future . Exemplary compilations of data that can data for baseballs hit by right-handed or left- handed batters.
be used as system performance metrics include a database of 15 Returning to FIG . 1, the computerized device 106 , such as
actual pitches in an Major League Baseball game (or any a computer having controller 107 including a memory and a
other league for that matter ) or from the results within the processor, is disposed in electrical communication with the
HitTrax databases, owned by InMotion Systems, LLC of detector 104 . As will be described in detail below , the
Northborough , Mass., using measured hit and defensive controller 107 is configured to receive a set ofmeasurements
performance metrics stored in the databases. For example , 20 138 , such as images, of the ball 110 from the detector 104
databases like the HitTrax databases can include information and detect the trajectory and exit velocity of the ball 110
about how a similar real - life pitch was hit in the past that can based upon the set ofmeasurements 138 .
be relied upon to make a determination of the result of the In one arrangement, the controller 107 stores a batting
real- life pitch . This information can include data such as an simulator application that, when executed by the controller
exit velocity of a hit ball , a launch angle of a hit ball, a 25 107 , causes the controller 107 to perform the operation of
distance and/or location of the hit ball, among other data detecting a result of the ball hit. The batting simulator
related to a hit ball. application installs on the computerized device 106 from a
As the simulator system collects and processes the pitched computer program product 124 . In certain arrangements, the
ball metrics , they are combined with the system perfor - computer program product 124 is available in a standard
mance metrics to provide the simulator or predicted virtual 30 off- the- shelf form such as a shrink wrap package ( e . g .,
outcome of the real- life pitched ball via an output device CD -ROMs, diskettes , tapes , etc .). In other arrangements , the
such as a display screen . The simulator system can deter - computer program product 124 is available in a different
mine and output information within the context of virtual form (e . g ., propagated signals, a network installation , pur
stadiums, such that information like the outcome of the chasable and downloadable online media , etc .). In another
predicted virtual ball hit is determined and visually repre - 35 arrangement, the memory in the computerized device 106
sented within the specified stadium . The simulator system includes an identifier or address, in the form of a URL or the
can store the virtual pitched ball outcome predicted , and the like, which when provided to the computerized device 106
information used to generate the virtual pitched ball out allows the computerized device 106 to acquire the response
come, to provide subsequent coaching or training based on application from an on -line repository of applications com
the characteristics and tendencies of the real- life pitch and 40 patible with the computerized device 106 .
the calculated virtual pitched ball outcome. The stored The computerized device 106 is disposed in electrical
information can also be used in a gaming module in which communication with an output device , such as a monitor
one or two players, engaging as real- life pitchers, face off 120 . As will be described in detail below , the monitor 120
against virtual batters and /or virtual teams. can provide a display of a virtual field 130 , as illustrated in
FIG . 1 illustrates an overhead view of a schematic rep - 45 FIGS. 4A and 4B . For example the display 130 of the virtual
resentation of a batting simulator system 100 , according to field can include both a simulated three - dimensional ( 3D )
one arrangement . The batting simulator system 100 includes view of the field 132 ( FIG . 4A ) and an overhead view 134
a ball delivery apparatus 102 , such as a pitching machine or (FIG . 4B ) of the field . While the output device 120 can be
live pitcher, and a detector 104 disposed in electrical com - configured in a variety of ways , in one arrangement the
munication with a computerized device 106 . As illustrated , 50 output device 120 and the computerized device 106 are
the ball delivery apparatus 102 and the detector 104 can be housed in a common portable kiosk to allow for easy
disposed inside or outside of a batting cage or screen 108 . transport.
The detector 104 , in one arrangement, is configured to Returning to FIG . 1 , the computerized device 106 is
capture a set of images of a ball 110 , such as a baseball, as configured to detect both the incoming ball speed and ball
the ball delivery apparatus 102 delivers the ball 110 to a user 55 trajectory , such as provided by the ball delivery apparatus
or hitter 112 and the user 112 hits the ball 110 . The detection 102 , and the outgoing ball speed (i.e ., exit ball velocity ) and
104 is also configured to generate a set of measurements ball trajectory after the ball 110 is hit by the user 112 . Aswill
associated with the captured image and related to the motion be described in detail below , based upon the exit ball
of the ball 110 . velocity , trajectory , and a system performance metric , the
In one arrangement, as indicated in FIG . 2 , the detector 60 batting simulator system 100 can provide the user 112 with
104 includes a set of cameras 114 , such as infrared ( IR ) the direction and distance of travel of the ball 110 as well as
cameras ,mounted on a rigid frame 116 . With reference to predict the outcome of the hit ball , as in a real- life game
FIGS . 3A and 3B , each camera of the set of cameras 114 scenario .
includes overlapping field of views (FOVs) 105 to capture In use , the computerized device 106 initially receives a set
multiple images of the ball 110 as a result of a user hit. For 65 ofmeasurements 138 of a ball 110 associated with a ball hit.
example , a first camera 114 - 1 is configured to capture an For example , during operation , the ball delivery apparatus
image in a first field of view 105 - 1 , a second camera 114 - 2 102 delivers the ball 110 to the user along direction 140 and
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in response to a ball hit, the ball travels along a generally 138 . It should be noted that the computerized device 106 can
opposing direction 150 . The cameras 114 of the detector 104 be preconfigured with the system performance metrics 160 ,
capture and transmit images or measurements 138 of the ball such as where the controller 107 stores the system perfor
110 to the computerized device 106 as the ball 110 travels mance metrics 160. Alternately, a user, such as a batter or a
along direction 150 in response to the ball hit . 5 coach , can input the performance metric 160 into the com
Based upon the images or measurements 138 , the com - puterized device 106 prior to , or while, the batter 112 hits
puterized device 106 detects the exit ball velocity 152 and balls 110 from the ball delivery apparatus 102 .
The system performance metric 160 can be configured in
the trajectory 154 (i.e ., a first angle of the ball relative to a a variety of ways. The following provides examples of
horizontal reference and a second angle of the ball relative 10 various configurations of system performance metrics 160
to a vertical reference, such as a vertical reference associated " utilized by the computerized device 106 .
with the user 112 ) of the ball 110 . For example , the com In one arrangement, the system performance metric 160
puterized device 106 can be configured to utilize image can affect the virtual ball hit outcome of the batted ball. For
processing techniques that are known in the art to detect the example , the computerized device 106 applies a set of
exit ball velocity 152 and the trajectory 154 based upon the system performance metrics 160 associated with a virtual
received images or measurements 138 . fielder to the exit velocity 152, trajectory 154 , and /or an
With the exit ball velocity 152 and trajectory 154 of the endpoint location of the hit ball to affect the virtual ball hit
ball 110 known after impact, the computerized device 106 outcome 156 ( e.g ., whether a single , double, or out) of the
can determine a virtual ball hit outcome 156 associated with hit . FIG . 5 is a flowchart 200 illustrating a process performed
the ball hit . For example , the computerized device 106 can 20 by the computerized device 106 when combining the
initially detect the direction of travel of the ball and at least
one of the horizontal or vertical distance of travel of the ball detected
system
trajectory 154 and exit ball velocity 152 with the
performance metric 160 to generate the virtual ball
using a range of trajectory algorithms. hit outcome 156 .
In one arrangement, the following equation provides the In step 202 and as described above, the computerized
horizontal distance the batted ball travels after impact: 25 device 106 detects a virtual endpoint location 157 of the hit
ball based upon the detected ball trajectory 154 and exit ball
velocity 152 . For example , based upon the exit ball velocity
d = vcose (vsind + V(vsing)2 + 297 152 and trajectory 154, the computerized device 106 can
determine the virtual endpoint location 157 of the hit ball as
30 corresponding to a center field location .
where the variables are provided as: In step 204 , the computerized device 106 detects an
g : the gravitational acceleration ; intersection outcome between a virtual fielder and the virtual
0 : the angle at which the batted ball is launched ; endpoint location 157 of the hit ball based upon a velocity
v : the exit ball velocity after impact; performance metric associated with the virtual fielder. For
yo : the initial height of the ball at impact; and 35 example , the computerized device 106 can be configured
d : the total horizontal distance travelled batted ball . with a database of fielder performance metrics associated
Based upon the exit ball velocity 152 and trajectory 154 with a virtual fielder, such as the virtual fielder 's reaction
and as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 4A , the computerized device time in response to a ball hit and running speed . By knowing
106 can determine a virtual endpoint location 157 of the hit the position (e . g ., center field ) of the virtual fielder, the
ball ( i. e ., a virtual hit ball ), such as if the horizontal distance 40 reaction time and speed of the virtual fielder as the virtual
travelled by the hit ball results in a ground ball to the second fielder ' s performance metric 160 , as well as the virtual
baseman or a deep fly to centerfield . For example, in the case endpoint location 157 of the hit ball (i.e ., based upon the
where the exit ball velocity 152 is relatively low and the detected trajectory 154 and speed 152 of the ball), the
trajectory 154 is relatively shallow , the computerized device computerized device 106 can determine the time and place
106 can detect virtualdistance travelled ( d ) by the hit ball as 45 that the virtual fielder intersects with the trajectory of the
being relatively short. Accordingly , based upon the detected ball (e.g., the outcome of the ball hit ).
distance , the computerized device 106 can detect the virtual In step 206 , the computerized device 106 generates a first
endpoint location 157 of the virtual ball as being an infield virtual ball hit outcome 156 based upon the intersection
location and can classify the virtual ball hit outcome 156 as outcome between the virtual fielder and the virtual endpoint
being a ground ball. However, in the case where the exit ball 50 location 157 of the hit ball. For example, based upon the
velocity 152 is relatively high and the trajectory 154 is fielder performance metrics and the calculated virtual end
relatively steep , the computerized device 106 can detect point location 157, if the intersection between the virtual
virtual distance travelled (d ) by the hit ball as being rela - fielder and the virtual endpoint location 157 of the hit ball
tively large . Accordingly , based upon the detected distance , occurs while the ball is in flight, then the computerized
the computerized device 106 can detect the virtual endpoint 55 device 106 can detect the outcome 156 as being an out. If the
location 157 of the virtual ball as being an outfield location computerized device 106 detects that an intersection of the
and can classify the virtual ball hit outcome 156 as being a virtual endpoint location 157 of the hit ball and virtual
deep fly to centerfield . fielder occurs after the ball has struck the ground then , the
Additionally during use , the computerized device 106 is computerized device 106 can utilize additional performance
configured to combine the detected trajectory 154 and exit 60 metrics to determine the outcome.
ball velocity 152 ( e . g ., the virtual endpoint location 157 ) In one arrangement , the system performance metrics 160
with a system performance metric 160 to generate the virtual can affect the virtual ball hit outcome of a ball fielded by the
ball hit outcome 156 and to output the virtual ball hit virtual fielder. For example , FIG . 6 is a flowchart 250
outcome 156 on an output device 120. The computerized illustrating a process performed by the computerized device
device 106 utilizes the system performance metric 160 to 65 106 that takes the virtual fielder ' s arm strength into account,
predict real- life outcome of the hit ( e. g ., if the hit is an out, as well as the batters speed to first base , second base , third
single , or home run ) based upon the received measurements base or home plate .
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In step 252 , the computerized device 106 detects a virtual fielders , as well as the virtual fielder 's arm strength , for
endpoint location 157 of a virtual ball throw based upon an example . Based upon the particular, selected age group , the
arm strength performance metric associated with the virtual computerized device 106 can apply a corresponding perfor
fielder . For example , the computerized device 106 can be mance metric 160 against the exit ball velocity and trajec
configured with a database of fielder performance metrics 5 tory of the ball 110 and provide a corresponding outcome of
associated with a virtual fielder, including the virtual field the hit (e . g ., was the user fast enough to make a single ,
er ' s arm strength , as indicated by a thrown ball velocity . double , etc .). In another arrangement, the computerized
Accordingly , the outcome of a thrown ball by a virtual device 106 applies the same running speed to the virtual
infielder can depend on the time it takes for the infielder to batter/ base runner when determining the outcomeof a hit to
reach the ball ( e . g ., as calculated by the computerized device 10 minimize the ability of the users from selecting one age
106 from the fielder 's reaction time and speed ) plus the group for the fielders while selecting another age group for
velocity at which he throws the ball to first base ( e .g ., the the base runners.
arm strength performance metric ). As indicated above , the Returning to FIG . 1 , in one arrangement, the system
computerized device 106 can access this data via the virtual performance metrics 160 can be configured as an environ
fielder database , for example . 15 mental performancemetric 170 utilized by the computerized
In step 254 , the computerized device 106 detects an device 106 to adjust at least one of the ball trajectory 154 and
intersection outcome between a virtual batter and the virtual exit ball velocity 152.
endpoint location 157 of the virtual ball throw based upon a For example, the computerized device 106 is configured
velocity performance metric associated with the virtual to apply environmental factors 170 to the exit velocity 152
batter. For example, the computerized device 106 can be 20 and trajectory 154 of the virtual ball , or to the virtual ball hit
configured with a database of batter performance metrics outcome 156 , to mirror a real- life outcome of the hit. These
associated with the batter, such as the batter 's base running factors 170 can include wind direction , humidity level,
speed. By knowing the distance between the virtual batter temperature or other weather conditions, and altitude. In one
and the bases and the speed or velocity performance metric example , the computerized device 106 , can apply wind
of the virtual batter (i.e ., base runner ) as taken from the 25 direction as the environmental factor 170 to adjust the
database , the computerized device 106 can determine the virtual ball hit outcome 156 ( e . g ., adjust the horizontal and
time that the virtual batter can reach a base , such as first vertical distance of travel) for a particular hit ball. In another
base , following a ball hit. example , altitude can affect the drag coefficient on the ball
In step 256 , the computerized device 106 generates a following a ball strike. In such a case , a stadium located in
second virtual ball hit outcome based upon intersection 30 higher altitudes like Denver will have an air density roughly
outcome between the virtual batter and the virtual endpoint 80 % of stadiums located at sea level, such as at Miami.
location 157 of the virtual ball throw . For example, if the Accordingly , the computerized device 106 can adjust the
intersection outcome between the virtual batter and the horizontal and vertical distance of travel of the virtual ball
virtual endpoint location 157 of the virtual ball throw such that a hit ball with a given exit ball velocity 152 and
indicates that the ball thrown by the virtual fielder reaches 35 trajectory 154 will travel further in Denver compared to
first base before the virtual base runner then the second Miami. In one arrangement, the environmental factors 170
virtual ball hit outcome is an out. However, if the intersec - can be randomly generated by the computerized device 106
tion outcome between the virtual batter and the virtual or can be provided by the user 112 .
endpoint location 157 of the virtual ball throw indicates that In one arrangement, the turf material of baseball field can
the runner beats the virtual fielder' s throw , then the second 40 act as an environmental factor 170 to affect the outcome of
virtual ball hit outcome or ruling is a base hit. the virtual ball. For example , the computerized device 106
While the performance metric 160 of the virtual fielder can account for the conditions of the playing field , as the
can be based upon speed and arm strength , a number of other environmental factors 170 to adjust the virtual ball hit
factors can contribute to the virtual fielder performance outcome 156 of the virtual ball and simulate, for example ,
metric 160 . In one arrangement, the performance metric 160 45 play on real grass or artificial turf . For example , certain
associated with the virtual fielder is based upon the fielder's baseball fields such as domed stadiumsuse artificial turf. In
age . For example a 12 year old player will be typically these cases , the ball will react in a different manner com
slower than an 18 year old player. In one arrangement, the pared to play on real grass due to varying coefficient of
user 112 can select the age group he would like to compete friction between the two surfaces . In this case , the comput
against and input that age to the computerized device 106 . 50 erized device 106 can adjust the coefficient of friction
Based upon the selected age group , the computerized device according to the stadium 's surface type and incorporate
106 can apply a corresponding performance metric 160 these parameters into the virtual ball hit outcome 156 . The
related to that age group to the exit ball velocity and virtual weather conditions can be randomly generated by the
trajectory of the virtual ball and provide a corresponding computerized device 106 or can be provided by the user 112 .
outcome of the hit ( e . g ., single , double, etc .) as outlined 55 In another example , the geometry of the baseball field
above. The performance metric 160, accordingly , factors in itself can act as an environmental factor 170 to affect the
the slower running speed and arm strength of a relatively outcome of the virtual ball. For example, what might be a
younger virtual fielder against the virtual batter to determine home run in Fenway Park may result in a fly ball out in
the likely outcome. Yankee Stadium . Accordingly , the user can select a particu
In another arrangement, the computerized device 106 60 lar baseball field and , based upon the geometry and dimen
applies a system performance metric 160 associated with the sions of the baseball field , the computerized device 106 can
user or hitter to the exit ball velocity 152 and trajectory 154 apply the baseball field ' s geometry to the exit ball velocity
of the ball 110 . For example , the system performance metric and trajectory of the ball 110 to predict real- life outcome of
160 relates to the speed of the batter, based upon the age the hit . For example , to enhance the user ' s experience , the
group the user selects for the batter . In use , before starting 65 computerized device 106 can place the virtual batter inside
a hitting session the user 112 inputs the desired age group to a Major League Stadium via the display 120 and have the
the computerized device 106 to set the running speed of the user' s hits projected to the field dimensions of that specific
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ballpark . The computerized device 106 can also show the In one arrangement, the computerized device 106 is
results of the hit via the display 120 ( e. g ., Home Run 410 configured to track and output statistics 174 related to pitch
ft.). velocity, bat swing velocity , and batted ball velocity . For
After the player 112 has hit the ball 110 , the computerized example , generally, the faster the batter swings the bat, the
device 106 can display the virtual ball hit outcome 156 on 5 further the ball will travel. Accordingly, the computerized
the output device 120 . During operation and with reference device 106 is configured to calculate and display the pitch
to FIG . 4A , the computerized device 106 is configured to speed , bat speed for each swing, and the exit velocity of the
display the speed and location of the pitched ball (not batted ball. By knowing the exit velocity of the batted ball
shown ) along with the speed 152, trajectory 154, andi 10 as the output statistic 174 , the batting simulator system 100
can keep track of hard hit balls over the course of the batting
calculated distance of the batted ball (e. g., the virtual ball hit session or season . For example, line drives indicate that the
outcome 156 ) via the monitor 120 . For example , within a batter is hitting the ball on the sweet spot of the bat and can
second of impact, the monitor 120 can display a reasonable increase or improve the batter ' s overall batting statistics. A
simulation of the path of the ball 110 traveling through the hard hit can be defined by the elevation angle of the batted
virtual stadium 132 . This will give the batter an outfor
-of-the 15 ball from the horizon and the height/distance ratio of the
batting -cage view of where the ball would have landed the had trajectory.
it not been confined by a screen seven feet from the batter 's In one arrangement, the computerized device 106 is
box. Additionally, the computerized device 106 and monitor configured to track and output statistics 174 related to the
120 can display a virtual batter (not shown), representing the pitch location with respect to the batter ' s strike zone. For
user 112 inside a Major League Stadium , and show the 20 example, as indicated above with respect to FIGS. 3A and
player' s hits projected to the field dimensions of that specific 3B , the detectors 104 are configured to detect the motion of
ballpark . Furthermore , in addition to the 3D view of the the pitched ball 110 within a set of fields of view 105 . Within
virtual field , the computerized device 106 can provide an the volume defined by the fields of view 105 and with
overhead two dimensional (2D ) view of the field as illus reference to FIG . 7 , the computerized device 106 defines a
trated in FIG . 4B and can display the exact location of the 25 strike zone 300 having a set of strike zone sections 302 . For
batted ball. example, the area of the strike zone 300 is defined as the
With continued reference to FIG . 1, following the gen distance between the batter ' s shoulders and knees and the
eration of multiple , virtual ball hit outcomes, the comput - distance between the outer edges of home plate 107 . While
erized device 106 is configured to generate a set of hitting the strike zone 300 can have any number of sections 302 , in
session statistics 174 based upon the set of outcomes 156 . 30 one arrangement, the strike zone includes nine substantially
Statistics 174 from hitting sessions provide the user with square - shaped inner sections and four substantially
information that can be used to improve the player's per- L -shaped peripheral sections. During operation , by knowing
formance (i. e ., by showing deficiencies in the players swing, the exact location of the ball 110 within the fields of view
stance , etc .). For example , the computerized device 106 is 105 relative to the strike zone 300 and by knowing the
configured to display , as the statistics 174 , key performance 35 resulting virtual outcomeof the ball following the hit (strike,
indicators (KPIs ) such as total distance , bat speed , and exit single double, etc .), the computerized device 106 can gen
ball velocity for a single ball hit or for a set of ball hits . The erate ball hit statistics 174 on a per strike zone section basis .
computerized device 106 can also be configured to compile During operation , the computerized device 106 is config
and display statistics 174 to the batter in real- time in order ured to detect a location of the ball 110 associated with a ball
to provide the out-of-the -batting - cage results , as if the batter 40 hit within a strike zone section 302 of a strike zone 300 . In
was playing a live game on an actual field . The computerized one arrangement, based upon the measurement 138 received
device 106 can also be configured to upload the statistics 174 from the detector 104 relating to a ball hit location within the
to a secondary device 182, such as a database (e. g., either detector's field of view 105 aswell as the defined strike zone
onsite or remotely hosted over the network 180 ) for analysis 300 , the computerized device 106 can detect the positioning
with software applications. These statistics 174 can be 45 of the hit ball within a strike zone section 302 . For example ,
viewed per individual batting session or grouped together by as indicated in FIG . 7 , the computerized device 106 can
date for a more comprehensive analysis . The statistics 174 detect the hit ball 110 as being located within the strike zone
can also be viewed for individual players or by groups or section 302 - 13 .
teams. Next, for each strike zone section of the set of strike zone
The computerized device 106 is configured to provide a 50 sections 302, the computerized device 106 is configured to
variety of types of statistics 174 to the user to provide output a hit ball metric 304 associated with a ball hit by the
information regarding a variety of hitting metrics associated batter. In one arrangement, the computerized device 106 can
with the batter 112 . output the hit ball metric 304 for each strike zone section
In one arrangement, the computerized device 106 of the 302 via the output device or monitor 102 of the system 100 .
batting simulator system 100 is configured to provide sta - 55 For example , the computerized device 106 can display the
tistics associated with the virtual ball hit outcome 156 to the strike zone 300 and related strike zone sections 302 as well
batter 112 in real- time. For example, as described above, the as the a hit ball metric 304 associated with each strike zone
computerized device 106 is configured to determine if a section 302 .
ground ball is a single or an out or whether a fly ball is a While the hit ball metric 304 can be configured in a
home run or a long out to the right fielder. With this 60 variety of ways , in one arrangement, the hit ball metric 304
information , computerized device 106 can generate statistics relates to the corresponding batting average or average exit
174 for each hitting session with individual hitting sessions ball velocity per strike zone section 302 . This will provide
compiled in a database for an entire season . As the game of valuable information to the coach player as it identifies
baseball relies heavily on such statistics 174 , this informa - possible deficiencies in the player's swing and overall
tion is extremely valuable , as the player 112 can use the 65 mechanics .
statistics 174 to perfect his swing mechanics or to chart his In one arrangement, the batting simulator system 100
progress over a period of time. provides, as part of the statistic output 174 , spray charts ,
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such as indicated in FIG . 4B . Spray charts are typically used bers that are achieving success on and off the field . In one
by hitters 112 to determine hitting tendencies and identifying arrangement, the website can be configured to post inter
flaws in their mechanics or general hitting approach . By views from coaches on the latest batting and training tech
knowing the location and distance traveled for each hit , the niques . The information can be gathered directly from the
system 100 can provide these charts by session or over the 5 coaches or from presentations at national conferences . In
course of an entire season . The player 112 will have the one arrangement, the website can be configured with a
ability to view singles, doubles, triples, homeruns, and outs . Facility Portal to allow organization of hitting clinics , home
They can also view statistics like fly ball to ground ball run derbies , and simulated games . The facility will need to
ratios . In one arrangement, when coupled with the tracking enter in their account name and password . Once entered ,
of pitch location with respect to a batter ' s strike zone, the 10 they will be brought to a page where they can either start an
computerized device 106 can generate spray charts for event or gather group statistics on current or past events .
batted balls for each section 302 of the strike zone 300 . This Payment for the events will be processed via this portal. In
information is valuable as it can help determine if a player ' s one arrangement , the website can be configured with a
approach to hitting an outside pitch is effective . Player Portal configured to serve as the entry point to gather
In one arrangement, the batting simulator system 100 can 15 the individual player statistics. The player 112 will need to
interact with other computerized devices over a network 180 enter in their username and password to gain access to their
to share statistics 174 . As illustrated in FIG . 1 , the comput- updated stats . The player 112 can purchase credits for future
erized device 106 is configured to communicate over the downloads via this portal or subscribe to our monthly or
network 180 with one or more server devices 182 which can yearly packages .
host a website configured to serve as a portal for the player 20 As indicated above , the batting simulator system 100 is
112 to generate and review their statistics from a single configured to collect exit ball velocity , ball trajectory, and
batting session or form a collection of batting sessions outcome data and provide a virtual ball hit outcome of the
representing an entire season . For example , the player 112 hit as well as statistics relating to the batter ' s performance .
can upload statistics from the computerized device 106 to a In one arrangement, the batting simulator system 100 is
server device 182 over time. The player 112 can later visit 25 configured to provide these functions as part of a game, such
their personal statistics page of the website hosted by the as a video game. In one arrangement, the computerized
server 182 to retrieve individual player reports . For example , device 106 is configured as a gaming module . For example ,
the user can login to the website by entering their unique the computerized device 106 can be configured to execute a
player ID and pass code. From there , the player 112 can baseball defense based upon the virtual outcome 156 of a
download his individual statistics 174 for their last session , 30 batted ball. With such a configuration , players and/or teams
an entire season, or their career. can utilize the system 100 to compete against the defense
In one arrangement, the server 182 can provide data provided by the computerized device 106 . In one arrange
allowing the player 112 to analyze the location of ground ment, the computerized device 106 can execute a baseball
balls or outs via spray charts, review average bat speed per defense algorithm , such as based on artificial intelligence
session , and analyze their batting average over the course of 35 gathered from generally accepted baseball strategies and
the entire season . For example, the server 172 can report tactics , to determine the correct defensive play for any given
batting averages, singles , doubles , triples , home runs , slug- circumstance . For example , the computerized device 106
ging percentages , swing to miss percentages (SMP ) , number can determine if the defense should execute a double play
of hard hit balls, average pitch velocity, back to the player with virtual base runners on first and second rather than
112 and coach to monitor the player ' s progress . In addition 40 prevent the virtual base runner on second base to advance to
to the batting statistics, the server 172 is configured to allow third .
the player to define the spray charts by selecting to view In one arrangement, the system 100 is configured to run
singles , doubles , triples , home runs, outs , ground balls , fly simulated games between two teams against a common
balls or all of the above . By monitoring the player ' s bat virtual defense . The games can use an automated pitching
speed for each hit during each batting session , the server 172 45 machine or a live pitcher from the opposing team .
can provide charts that show the average and progression of In one arrangement, the system 100 is configured to
bat speed over the course of time. In one arrangement, this network simulated games, such as over the network 180 so
data is provided to the player 112 for a fee . that teams from different facilities can play against each
In one arrangement, the website is configured to offer other. For example , home run derby contests can be played
members collective statistical information . For example , the 50 between players in same building or networked over the
player 112 can review the overall hitting leaders in select age internet) in virtual stadiums.
groups or review the latest hitting tips from a professional While various embodiments of the innovation have been
coach . Additionally , the website can provide additional particularly shown and described , it will be understood by
collective statistical information , provided as follows. those skilled in the art that various changes in form and
In one arrangement, the website can be configured to 55 details may be made therein without departing from the
provide a dashboard for regional or national batting leaders spirit and scope of the innovation as defined by the appended
for certain categories (BA , HR 's ) of particular age groups. claims.
In one arrangement, the website can be configured to pro As indicated above, the computerized device 106 is
mote upcoming events ( e. g . hitting clinics , home run der - configured to provide a display of a virtual field 130 , as
bies, sports venues , etc . ) at customer sites. In one arrange - 60 illustrated in FIGS . 4A and 4B . In one arrangement, in
ment, the website can be configured with a live chat room or addition to the virtual field 130 , the computerized device 106
user blog where members can discuss a variety of topics is configured to display virtual fielders that interact with a
including hitting techniques , swing mechanics, or the latest virtual hit ball after the user hits the ball 110 from the ball
news from Major League Baseball. delivery apparatus 102.
Furthermore , in one arrangement, the website can be 65 As indicated above , using the fields of view 105 provided
configured with advertising space for local or national retails by the detector 104 , the computerized device 106 is config
stores and with player profile information to highlight mem - ured to detect a location of the ball 110 associated with a ball
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hit within a strike zone section 302 of a strike zone 300 . In configured to visualize and capture images of a real-world
one arrangement, the computerized device 106 is also con - ball as it is pitched , and to measure attributes of the pitched
figured to utilize the fields of view 105 provided by the ball based on the visualization and captured images. The
detector 104 to detect points of impact on user 's bat (e. g., the cameras 114 are positioned relative to the live pitcher 102
sweet spot or at the portion of the bat having the largest 5 and /or plate 107 in a manner that allows for a pitched ball
diameter ). A ball hit on the sweet spot of the bat typically to be imaged at least from the time the ball is released by the
travels faster than a ball hit from other locations of the bat, pitcher to the time the ball crosses the plate _ e .g ., at the
thus increasing the likelihood of a base hit. Accordingly, by furthermost point from the pitcher. The positioning of the
detecting points of impact on user 's bat and providing cameras 114 provides the same range of imaging of the
corresponding statistics to the user , the user can adjust his 10 pitched ball regardless of whether the pitcher 102 is right
swing mechanics to hit the ball on the sweet spot of the bat handed or left- handed . Moreover, the position and/ or angle
and increase his hitting percentage . of the cameras 114 relative to the pitcher 102, to the mound
In one arrangement, the system 100 is configured with the or area where the pitcher stands, or to the plate 107 can
ability to add sensors on either the batter 112 to analyze remain constant, for example , during a single pitch , a series
actual swing mechanics ( e . g . power ' L ') or on the pitcher to 15 of pitches , or a simulated game. The measured attributes of
analyze pitching motion . This could be done with either the real -life ball are used to predict a virtual pitched ball
optical sensors using the same cameras of the detector 104 outcome, as described in detail below in connection with
or sourceless inertial sensors . flow chart 800 illustrated in FIG . 8 . Alternatively, the system
As described above, based upon the exit ball velocity 152 can be auto -calibrated based on one or more known refer
and trajectory 154 of the hit ball 110 , the computerized 20 ence points (e . g ., home plate ) to auto - align the camera ( s ) to
device 106 can determine a virtual endpoint location 157 , the tracking volume. As a result, one or more camera (s ) can
such as within a virtual field . It should be noted that in the be moved during use without impacting the metrics or
event that the batter 112 swings and does not contact the ball outcome of the system and process .
( e .g ., following a ball strike), the computerized device 106 As shown in FIG . 8 , at step 850 , the cameras 114 image
is configured to remain in operational mode ready to collect 25 a pitched ball during a real -life pitch . In some embodiments ,
data from the next pitch or hit and display the results a " pitch ” refers to a time starting from when a ball is released
accordingly . Accordingly , the batting simulator system 100 by the pitcher 102 until a time that the ball crosses home
does not require dedicated personnel for operation . plate 107. It should be understood that the process of
As described above, with reference to FIG . 1 , the com - imaging described at step 850 refers to a high rate imaging
puterized device 106 is configured to detect both the incom - 30 or filming of the ball , in which images are captured at a
ing ball speed and ball trajectory , such as provided by the sufficiently high number of frames per second ( fps ) ( e. g .,
ball delivery apparatus 102, and the outgoing ball speed (i.e ., > 100 fps, 210 fps , 420 , fps , 1000 fps , > 1000 fps ) based on
exit ball velocity ) and ball trajectory after the ball 110 is hit or exceeding a determined threshold . In some embodiments ,
by the user 112 . In one arrangement, such as when a human the cameras 114 further capture images of the ball during the
pitcher pitches the ball to the batter 112 , the computerized 35 time that the ball is gripped by the pitcher 102 as the pitcher
device 106 associates the incoming ball speed and ball is in a wind -up motion until the ball is released or pitched .
trajectory ( e . g ., location in the strike zone) with the virtual The images captured by the cameras 114 are transmitted to
ball hit outcome 156 to develop pitcher -based statistics the computerized device 106 over a wired or wireless
during a session. For example, based on the location of the connection .
ballwithin a strike zone and the ball ’s velocity, a pitcher can 40 The computerized device 106 , at step 852 , calculates
determine the percentage of pitches that resulted in line metrics of a given real-life pitch . It should be understood
drives versus fly balls . that in some embodiments, the cameras 114 can calculate the
In another exemplary embodiment of the system simula metrics of the pitch and then transmit those metrics to the
tor 100 illustrated in FIG . 1 , the simulator 100 can be computerized device 106 . In the present embodiment, how
configured to make determinations about real baseball out- 45 ever, the computerized device 106 performs the calculation
comes following a user pitching the ball without having a of metrics . Non - limiting examples of the metrics of a pitch
live batter. In such instances, components for purposes of include its speed , location ,movement, spin , movement ( e. g .,
measuring hit ball information can be replaced by compo - break or fade and/ or rise or fall), etc . Themetrics of the pitch
nents for purposes of measuring pitched ball metrics . As a can be calculated by using the captured images to identify
result, the system simulator 100 can be configured to provide 50 attributes of the pitched ball ( e . g ., speed , location , spin ,
a simulated pitching game of baseball , softball , or the like . movement (e . g ., ( break or fade and/ or rise or fall), etc .)
In the system simulator 100 adapted for use with live throughout the pitch sequence or at one or more points
pitchers to make real life baseball determinations , ball during the pitch sequence . In some embodiments , the met
delivery is provided using a live pitcher 102, and the rics of the pitch refer to a maximum ,minimum , or average
detector 104 can be communicatively coupled to the com - 55 of the ball's metrics throughout the pitch , such that, for
puterized device 106 . It should be understood that the live example , a pitched ball measured as having a first speed
pitcher 102 , detector 104, and/ or computerized device 106 upon release and a second speed upon crossing the plate 107
can be disposed within or outside of a pitching cage or is deemed to have a speed metric equaling the average of the
screen 108 . It should also be understood that components of first speed and the second speed .
the simulator 100 can be housed together or embedded with 60 In some embodiments, the metrics of the pitch refer to the
one another, or can share hardware or software resources real- life pitched ball ' s metrics measured at a particular time
such as a processor and memory . For example, in some during the pitch , such as the time the ball crosses the plate
embodiments, the computerized device 106 can be housed 107. In such an embodiment, the images of the real-life
together and share a processor and memory with the detector pitched ball captured at step 850 are used to calculate ,
104 . 65 among other attributes, the horizontal and /or vertical loca
As described above in further detail in connection with tion of the ball relative to the plate 107 at the time the ball
FIG . 1 , the detector 104 includes a set of cameras 114 crosses the plate 107 (e .g ., toward the bottom of the strike
 US 10 ,398,957 B2
19 20
zone and on an outside edge of the plate ). Othermetrics such scenario - e. g., after hitting the ball . Non -limiting examples
as the speed of the ball , its spin , its movement ( e. g., break of system performance metrics for a virtual base runner
or fade and /or rise or fall ), etc. can be calculated also at the include age, weight, height, running speed , propensity to run
timethat the ball crosses the plate 107. The time at which the extra bases, sliding ability , etc .
location and other metrics are determined can be at any 5 The system performance metrics of a virtual batter ( and /or
location along the trajectory of the pitch as it approaches , base runner ) can be input and /or can be retrieved from a
crosses, and passes through the plate . A person skilled in the communicatively coupled memory for a single pitch , an
art will recognize how additional data related to where a at -bat, a series of pitches , or a virtual game. System perfor
hitter typically contacts the ball can be applied to the system mance metrics of a virtual fielder and environmental factors ,
to determine the location at which this information should be 10 which are described below in more detail with reference to
identified for use in making subsequent swing/hit determi- step 856 , can be retrieved and /or input similar to the system
nations . For example , the system may identify particular performance metrics of a virtual batter. In some embodi
pre -identified hitters ( e. g ., a thirteen year old boy , Miguel ments , the system performance metrics are input and /or
Cabrera , etc .) as a hitter who stands towards the back of a retrieved prior to the start of a pitch . For instance , specific
batter ' s box and therefore typically makes contact at some 15 input system performance metrics can be provided using
point later than when the ball first crosses home plate . In known input devices of the computerized device 106 , such
such instances, the system can account for the time at which as a keyboard , mouse , touchscreen , microphoneand the like.
the hitter typically makes contact with the ball when apply . In one exemplary scenario , a pitching instructor can input
ing the pitch and system performance metric data . system performance metrics of the virtual batter that the
In turn , at step 854 , the computerized device 106 predicts 20 real- life pitcherwould like to face, including for example the
a virtual outcome of the pitched ball (also referred to as a virtual batter 's age, strength , and /or batting side (e. g., right,
“ virtual pitched ball outcome” ) by applying system perfor - left). On the other hand , retrieved system performance
mance metrics of a virtual batter (and , optionally, system metrics can be requested and/ or retrieved from a memory
performance metrics of the virtual batter as a base runner ) to based on an automated selection by the computerized system
the pitch metrics calculated at step 852 . A virtual pitched ball 25 106 or a manual selection by a user. The memory is a
outcome refers to the predicted and/ or likely result of the memory of the computerized system 106 or a third party
real- life pitch imaged at step 850 based on hypothetical storage system , which can include databases of locally
information relating to the virtual batter ( also referred to as obtained system performance metrics and/or system perfor
" virtualbatter system performance metrics” ) that could have mance metrics obtained by or from other simulators or
an effect on the result of the real-life pitch . Non - limiting 30 real - life games played in amateur and professional leagues
examples of virtual pitched ball outcomes include a hit, out, such as Major League Baseball (MLB ). In one exemplary
foul ball , strike, or ball. The virtual pitched ball outcome can scenario , retrieved system performance metrics can include
be more specific as well, including but not limited to the metrics associated with a particular MLB player. Non
information identifying the type and location of a hit (e .g ., limiting examples of compilations of system performance
single to shortstop , double to left field , home run to center 35 metrics are the Hit Trax databases , owned by InMotion
field , etc. ), the type and location of an out (e . g ., ground out Systems, LLC of Northborough , Mass ., that measure and
third -to - first, line out to second , fly out right field , etc .), the store offensive and defensive performance metrics.
type and location of a foul ball (e. g ., pop - up to the catcher Still with reference to step 854 , the computerized device
but dropped , caught by the catcher for a third strike , fly ball 106 determines the virtual pitched ball outcome of the
to the left fielder and caught, fly ball to the left field but out 40 real-life pitch based on or by applying the selected system
of reach ), and the type of strike (e .g ., swing -and -miss in the performance metrics . The virtual pitched ball outcome can
strike zone, swing - and -miss out of the strike zone, looking). be determined , for example , by correlating or matching the
It should be understood that any possible real - life result of metrics of the real-life pitch imaged at step 850 , along with
a ball after being pitched in a real- life baseball, softball, or the selected system performance metrics of the virtual batter
similar sporting scenario is contemplated . 45 to actual pitched ball data stored in the memory of or
Still with reference to step 854, the virtual pitched ball communicatively coupled to the computerized device 106 .
outcome is determined using , at least, the system perfor- For instance, the memory of or communicatively coupled
mance metrics of a specified virtual batter . A virtual batter is to the computerized device can include one or more data
a digital representation of a real person or a hypothetical bases that track and maintain statistics of real-life baseball
construct of a person generated using demographic infor- 50 games including defensive and offensive performances. For
mation ( e. g ., age , gender, height, weight) and/ or baseball- example , a database can track and store entries of real - life
related attributes (e . g ., baseball player vs. softball player , pitches made together with their respective real-life out
hitting power, bat speed ). In some embodiments , the hypo - comes . Along with that information , other data such as
thetical construct of the person can be a generalization of a information about the hitters , fielders and environmental
type of person or persons , such as a thirteen year old boy, a 55 factors is stored in association with each real- life pitch and
male professional baseball third baseman , a male single - A its real -life outcome. For example , the computerized device
baseball left fielder, a female Division III college softball 106 is communicatively coupled to a database of MLB
shortstop , etc . System performance metrics of virtual batters pitching and hitting information (though it should be under
include any data related to a real or hypothetical hitter 's stood that similar databases of other leagues or simulators
personal characteristics and/ or baseball -related hitting char - 60 can be used ). Among other information , the database can
acteristics . Non - limiting examples of system performance store batter data such as the batter 's name, age , weight,
metrics of a virtual hitter include age , batting side ( e . g ., left, power, hitting side, running speed , and more . The database
right, switch hitter), strength , weight, height, and hand also stores entries for every pitch thrown in an MLB game.
speed . A virtual batter can also be associated with virtual For each pitched ball, the database can store corresponding
base runner system performance metrics . These metrics 65 pitch metrics ( e . g ., speed , location , spin , movement ( e . g .,
refer to demographic or baseball- related characteristics of a break or fade and /or rise or fall) , etc . ) of the real- life pitched
virtual batter once the virtual batter enters a base running ball, the pitcher and batter involved in the pitch , and the
 US 10 ,398,957 B2
21 22
real-life outcome of the pitch (e . g ., swing and miss , ground outcome can be determined using fewer system performance
out to shortstop , home run to right field ). Other information metrics than in the example above in which a specific player
such as distance , speed , and time of the real- life outcome can is selected . The virtual pitched ball outcome can be none
be stored . It is therefore possible based on this information theless similarly determined by searching, within the data
to determine , for example, when a fly ball to right field was 5 base or databases, for entries of matching pitches to all left
hit, how long it took the ball to reach its destination at right handed hitters in the database . If a pitch is measured as
field , the speed atwhich the ball traveled , the trajectory ( e . g ., having pitch metrics of, for example : maximum velocity of
height, arc , etc . ), the distance to the destination at right field , 89 miles per hour (mph ), spin rate of 2 , 300 revolutions per
and the like. Any number of metrics can be measured for a minute , vertical drop of 7 inches and left- to -right fade of 3
real- life pitch , and any number of metrics can be referenced 10 inches , and crossing the plate at the bottom center of the
in a database in determining a real- life outcome in view of strike zone, the computerized device 106 searches the data
a real- life pitch . How these metrics are measured is within base or databases to find entries of pitches having one or
the knowledge of a person skilled in the art in view of the more matching or substantially similar characteristics .
present disclosure. For example , a person skilled in the art Substantially similar pitches can be included in a set of
will know existing databases in which various pitch and hit 15 matching pitches, for example , (1 ) if the number of match
metrics are provided , including but not limited to the Stat- ing pitches found is below a certain threshold such that the
cast databases , which has ties with Major League Baseball data sample is determined to be too small, and/ or (2 ) if the
of New York , N . Y . ( see http ://m .mlb . com / glossary / statcast, metrics of the substantially similar pitches are within a
and http :// m .mlb . com /news/article / 119234412 /statcast- certain amount of deviation from the metrics of the real -life
primer -baseball-will -never -be - the -same/), the databases 20 pitch . The amount of percentage of deviation allowed for a
associated with Baseball Savant (e .g ., MLB PITCHf/x ), substantially similar pitch to be considered a matching pitch
which also appears to have ties with Major League Baseball can be based on a threshold that can be preset or predeter
and Daren Willman (see http ://[Link] .com ), and mined , or a threshold that is determined based on the number
HitTrax databases, owned by InMotion Systems, LLC of of identified matching pitches . For example , substantially
Northborough , Mass . 25 matching pitches can be considered to be matching pitches
Thus, in some instances, to determine the virtual pitched if they are within 2 % (or, for example, 0 . 5 % , 1 % , 3 % , 5 % ,
ball outcome of the real-life pitch captured at step 850, the 10 % , etc .) of the pitch metrics of the real- life pitch . This
computerized device 106 identifies, within the database ( s ), percentage can change on a per -metric basis, or can be
matching pitches - namely stored entries of pitches having provided not on percentage , but on a + - scale , such that the
metrics similar to the real- life pitch imaged at step 850 . The 30 metric is within + / - 1 (or, for example 0 .5 , 2 , 3 , 5 , 10 , etc. )
identified matching pitches are further narrowed based on of a given data point. For example, in some exemplary
the selected system performance metrics of the virtualbatter, embodiments , a pitch in a database can be considered to be
such that if the selected system performance metrics indicate a matching pitch to the real-life pitch if the pitch in the
that David Ortiz is the virtual batter to whom the real- life database has a maximum velocity within + / - 1 mph of the
pitch is delivered , the computerized device 106 can narrow 35 real- life pitch , a spin within + / - 2 % of the real- life pitch , a
the matching pitches accordingly . Similarly , the identified location within + / - 2 inches of the real- life pitch , and a
matching pitches can be based on a broader pool of candi- movement ( e.g., break or fade and/or rising or falling ) within
dates for matching real- life pitches , such as all 13 -year-olds +/ - 2 inches of the real- life pitch . A person skilled in the art
playing at a particular level of Little League. In other words , will recognize that these parameters for identifying a match
the results references in making a determination of the result 40 ing pitch can be adjusted without departing from the spirit of
in response to the real-life pitch can be passed on a skill level the present disclosure . Alternatively, if only five matching
of the virtual hitter (and likewise the skill level of the virtual pitches are identified in the database, the simulator can
fielders to the extent that information is further relied upon adjust the threshold to allow for the most similar 10 (or, for
to make determinations of real-life outcomes in response to example , 20 , 50 , 100 , 500 , 1000, etc .) pitch entries to be
the pitched ball ). Based on the identified matching pitches, 45 considered matching pitches. The thresholds can be adjusted
the system provides the predicted virtual pitched ball out one or more pitch metrics at a time. For example , the
come of the real- life pitch . For example, if the computerized threshold can be expanded for a single metric such as speed
device identifies in the database three pitches thatmatch the until the target number of matching pitches is identified , or
real- life pitch imaged at step 850 and the specified system all of the pitch metrics can be adjusted at once until the target
performance metrics , and those three pitches are all ground - 50 number of matching pitches is identified . Based on the
outs to first base , then , the computerized device will deter - metrics and the matching pitches of one example discussed
mine and output the virtual pitched ball outcome of the above , the computerized device 106 determines, for
real- life pitch as a groundout to first base . Because the example , that 72 % of such pitches, when made to left
system can rely on data based on skill level, a specific pitch handed hitters, produced a hit with an average exit velocity
for one skill level can result in a different outcome than for 55 of 84 mph , and resulted in a ground ball out to the right side
another skill level (e.g., a specific pitch may yield a ground of the field . While the examples provided above primarily
out to a shortstop at a high school level but a single at a discuss pitch speed , any metric related to the real -life pitch
collegiate level; similarly, a specific pitch may yield a deep can be used , and any such metric ( e. g., location of pitch , spin
fly ball double to right field at a professional level but a of pitch , movement of the pitch (e .g ., whether the pitch is
medium depth fly ball out to the right fielder at a high level 60 breaking or fading and /or whether the pitch is rising or
because the pitch overmatched the less - skilled hitter ). falling ), etc.), including multiple metrics at a time, can have
It should be understood that the virtual pitched ball matching pitches that are considered substantially matching
outcome can be determined based on any number of system pitches . The term matching pitch can include substantially
performance metrics . For instance , by way of further matching pitches , where the system is set-up to define what
example, a pitchermay wish to train more generally against 65 constitutes a substantially matching pitch in accordance with
left handed hitters, rather than a specific left handed hitter the present disclosures and knowledge of those skilled in the
such as David Ortiz . In such a case, the virtual pitched ball art.
 US 10 ,398 , 957 B2
23 24
In some embodiments, the computerized device 106 can For example, in one scenario , the simulator system can
randomize the virtual pitched ball outcome based on the identify one hundred matching pitches at step 854 that match
identified likelihood of all potential outcomes. The potential the calculated pitch metrics and virtual batter system per
outcomes (also referred to as “ candidate outcomes” ) are the formance metrics . At step 856 , the input or retrieved system
outcomes of the pitch entries identified as being matching 5 performance metrics related to virtual fielders and / or envi
pitches . Thus, if in the matching pitches identified from the ronmental factors can be used to identify stronger matching
database , 72 % of the pitches matching the real - life pitch pitches within the initial set of one hundred matching pitches
result in hits ( e . g ., ground ball , fly ball ) that lead to an out identified at step 854 . For instance , system performance
on the right side of the field , and the other 28 % of the time metrics related to virtual fielders can be selected to be the
those pitches matching the real-life pitch result in a swing - 10 2012 New York Yankees opening day team . System perfor
and -miss , the computerized device 106 identifies two can - mance metrics related to environmental factors can be
didate outcomes: (1 ) out to right side of the field , and (2 ) selected to be Yankee Stadium in New York , N . Y . Thus , at
swing - and -miss . The pitched ball outcome, which is the step 856 , the simulation system identifies within the one
virtual outcome of the pitch captured at step 850, is calcu - hundred matching pitches whether they were made against
lated by randomizing the odds or probabilities of the occur - 15 the 2012 New York Yankees opening day team and / or at
rence of each of the two candidate outcomes ( e . g ., 72 % and Yankee Stadium . If is determined that only a single pitch ,
28 % ). The odds can be adjusted or continued to be tracked among the set of one hundred matching pitches, was indeed
and applied over a pitcher' s session such as an at-bat or a set
made at opening day 2012 at Yankee Stadium , the virtual
of at-bats amounting to a simulated game. pitched ball outcome is set to match the outcome of that
In some embodiments, the virtual pitched ball outcome 20 single identified matching pitch . If, in another scenario , the
determined at step 854 can be further refined , at step 856 , set of one hundred matching pitches is narrowed to a set of
based on additional system performance metrics , such as ten matching pitches, the virtual pitched ball outcome can be
system performance metrics associated with a virtual fielder determined as described above in connection with step 854
and /or environmental factors . (e.g., by proportionally randomizing the results of those ten
A virtual fielder is a digital representation of a real person 25 matching pitches ).
or a hypothetical construct of a person generated using In another example , the virtual pitched ball outcome
demographic information and /or baseball related fielding identified at step 854 can be further narrowed by applying
attributes . The hypothetical construct of the person can be a additional performance metrics . For instance , the simulator
generalization of a type of person or persons . System system 854 in one scenario can identify, at step 854 , the
performance metrics of a virtual fielder include any data 30 virtual pitched ball outcome based on a single identified
related to a real or hypothetical fielder' s personal charac - matching pitch . If the virtual pitched ball outcome is a fly
teristics and /or fielding -related characteristics. Non - limiting ball out to center -right field at a distance of approximately
examples of system performance metrics of a virtual fielder 315 feet from the plate 107, the system can adjusted that
include running speed , and arm strength . virtual pitched ball outcome based on the selected virtual
Environmental factors are digital representations of envi- 35 fielder and /or environmental factors system performance
ronmental conditions and /or attributes of a real or hypotheti - metrics. With respect to applying the environmental factors
cal venue . A real venue refers to a real-world stadium , field , system performance metrics , for example, the trajectory,
dome or the like used for baseball, softball or similar distance or other information related to the matching pitch
sporting events . The real world venue can be a stadium used used to generate the virtual pitched ball outcome can be
for Major League Baseball events , such as Fenway Park in 40 adjusted . For instance , if the matching pitch includes infor
Boston , Mass . or Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles , Calif. A mation indicating that the hit ball traveled 315 feet when the
hypothetical venue is construct of a venue based on a set of wind was blowing at 10 miles per hour in a direction from
individually selected characteristics or characteristics the outfield towards the plate 107 , the distance of 315 can be
derived from real-world venues. Characteristics can include adjusted if the environmental factors system performance
location , temperature , elevation , field dimensions , size of 45 settings indicate that wind conditions are calm (i. e ., no
outfield walls, type of venue ( e . g ., dome, open air ), turf ( e . g ., wind ). In such a case , the distance would be adjusted such
grass , different species of grass more particularly, turf, that the ball would travel further than 315 feet ( e. g ., 325
different iterations of turf) , etc . The hypothetical venue can feet .)
be a generalization of a type or types of venues, such as The virtual fielder system performance metrics can also
baseball stadiums in Colorado , Division I women ' s softball 50 be applied to refine the virtual pitched ball outcome. For
stadiums, etc . Non - limiting examples of environmental fac - instance , the running speed of the virtual right fielder
tors include temperature , precipitation , wind direction , wind indicated in the virtual fielder performance metrics can be
speed , turf type , elevation , etc . used to calculate the time it would take the virtual right
As described above, at step 854, a virtual pitched ball fielder to reach the end location of the ball — e . g ., 325 feet ,
outcome is determined by identifying matching pitches in a 55 as newly calculated based on the environmental factor
database based on pitch metrics and virtual batter system system performance metrics. If it is determined that the
performance metrics . The matching pitches include infor - virtual right fielder' s speed would not allow the virtual
mation about the outcomeof each matching pitch and other fielder to reach the ball in time to cause an out, the virtual
attributes ( e. g ., speed , distance ) associated with each out- pitched ball outcome could be adjusted accordingly . In such
come. Additionally , environmental condition information 60 as case , the virtual pitched ball outcome determined at step
can be stored in association with each of the matching 854 to be a fly ball out to right center-field would be adjusted
pitches . In some embodiments, the virtual pitched ball to be a hit to center- right field .
outcome can be refined at step 856 by further narrowing the person skilled in the art will recognize a variety of other
previously identified matching pitches, and/ or modifying the ways the system performance metrics can be applied to the
identified virtual pitched ball outcome based on the system 65 pitched ball to make a virtual pitched ball outcome deter
performance metrics associated with virtual fielders and mination in view of the present disclosures. The present
environmental factors . disclosure is by no means limited to making determinations
 US 10 ,398 ,957 B2
25 26
based on “ similar pitches," although that is one exemplary calculate a virtual pitched ball outcome based on a
way of operating the system . Different ways the system combination of the one or more pitch metrics and the
performance metrics can be applied to a pitched ball will one or more system performance metrics ; and
depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to output the virtual pitched ball outcome via an output
the data available for system performance metrics and the 5 device ,
preferred way to use that data by those operating the system . wherein the one or more system performance metrics are
The present system and methods can also be used to match retrieved prior to the real- life pitch of the ball,
trends in performance metrics as a way of identifying wherein the one or more pitch metrics include one or more
indicators for injuries of actual pitchers . For example , in of location , speed , and spin of the ball during the
view of the present disclosures, a person skilled in the art can 10 real -life pitch , and
review the metrics of a pitcher over months leading up to an wherein the virtual pitched ball outcome is a predicted
arm injury and can use the systems and methods provided real- life outcome for the ball of the real-life pitch .
for in the present disclosure to track similar trends in 2 . The system of claim 1 ,
real- life pitchers to determine if the real-life pitcher is wherein the real- life pitch comprises a sequence measured
showing signs of similar development, and thus is more 15 from at least a first instance to at least a second
susceptible to a similar injury . Essentially the present sys instance, and
tems and methods can be used as an early warning sign of wherein the first instance is a time when the ball is
potential pitching injury, allowing somebody to set - in and released by a pitcher, and the second instance is a time
possibly prevent the injury from happening by making when the ball crosses a plate .
adjustments to the real- life pitchers ' pitch count, motion , 20 3 . The system of claim 1 ,
form , routine , technique, days pitches, etc . wherein the real-life pitch comprises a sequence measured
At step 858 , the computerized device 106 outputs the from at least a first instance to at least a second
identified virtual pitched ball outcome and related informa instance , and
tion . For instance , the virtual pitched ball outcome can wherein the first instance is a timewhen a pitcher initiates
include an indication of the calculated virtual pitched ball 25 a wind - up motion for the real- life pitch , and the second
outcome for the real- life pitch , such as a graphical and /or instance is a time when the ball crosses a plate .
textual notification of whether the outcome is, for example , 4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the computerized
a home run . The output can also include information related device being operable to calculate a virtual pitched ball
to the virtual pitched ball outcome, such as how far the home outcome further comprises the computerized device being
run was hit, its direction on thebaseball field , the velocity of 30 operable to :
the ball immediately after impact, the time for the ball to identify matching pitches from one or more databases ;
reach its landing point, and the arc or trajectory of the hit determine one or more candidate outcomes based on the
ball. In some embodiments , metrics of the pitch and /or the matching pitches;
system performance metrics used to identify the virtual calculate odds for each of the candidate outcomes ;
outnut with the virtual pitched 35
pitched ball outcome are also output select one of the candidate outcomes based on the respec
ball outcome. tive odds ; and
Real-life pitching can be incorporated into a gaming assign the selected one of the candidate outcomes to the
module , including the gaming modules described herein . In virtual pitched ball outcome.
such a gaming module , one or two real-life pitchers deliver 5 . The system of claim 4 ,
pitches in a cage simulator or similar environment. The 40 wherein the matching pitches comprise stored entries of
virtual pitched ball outcome of each real- life pitch is deter real- life pitches, and
mined as described above based on system performance wherein each of the entries comprises, for each of the
metrics of virtual batters , defenses , and / or environmental respective matching pitches , one or more of: ( 1 ) pitch
factors , as input by users or automatically determined by the metrics, (2 ) pitch outcome, (3 ) batter data , (4 ) fielder
computerized device 106 . Each virtual pitched ball outcome 45 data , and (5 ) environmental factors .
corresponding to each real- life pitch is aggregated into 6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the one or more
at -bats, innings and /or games . databases comprise one ormore databases of real- life offen
It should be understood that, in some embodiments, the sive and defensive data tracked from a baseball league.
output virtual pitched ball outcome and information used to 7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the system performance
generate the virtual pitched ball outcome can be stored in 50 metrics of a virtual batter comprise metrics related to an
one or more memories . This information can be retrieved , ability of the virtual batter to hit the real- life pitch based on
used and /or output by a pitching coaching or training the one or more pitch metrics corresponding to the real- life
platform , in line with the batting coaching described above . pitch .
8 . The system of claim 7 ,
What is claimed is : 55 wherein the one or more system performance metrics
1. A pitching simulator system comprising : further relate to one or more virtual fielders and one or
a detector device operable to image a real-life pitch of a more environmental factors ,
ball, and wherein the system performance metrics of the one or
a computerized device communicatively coupled to the more virtual fielders comprise metrics related to an
detector device, the computerized device being oper - 60 ability of a fielder to at least one of field the ball and
able to : throw the fielded ball, and
retrieve one or more system performance metrics from wherein the system performance metrics of the one or
a compilation of data , the one or more system more environmental factors comprise attributes asso
performance metrics relating to at least a virtual ciated with at least one of a virtual playing field and
batter ; 65 virtual playing conditions.
identify one or more pitch metrics corresponding to the 9 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the one or more system
real- life pitch ; performance metrics are calculated for the virtualbatter, the
 US 10 ,398 , 957 B2
27 28
one or more virtual fielders , the virtual playing field , and the 18 . The method of claim 15 , wherein calculating the
virtual playing conditions based on real- life metrics of a virtual pitched ball outcome includes:
real-life batter , a real - life fielder, a real- life playing field , and identifying matching pitches from one or more databases ;
real- life playing conditions, respectively . determining one or more candidate outcomes based on the
10 . The system of claim 7 , wherein the system perfor- 5 matching pitches;
mance metrics of the virtual batter include system perfor calculating odds for each of the candidate outcomes ;
mance metrics of the virtual batter as a virtual base runner. selecting one of the candidate outcomes based on the
11 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the detector device is respective odds ; and
configured to capture images of the ball during the real- life assigning the selected one of the candidate outcomes to
pitch at a frames per second rate exceeding a determined 10 the virtual pitched ball outcome.
threshold . 19 . The method of claim 18 ,
12 . The system of claim 1, wherein the computerized wherein the matching pitches comprise stored entries of
device being operable to identify the one or more pitch real- life pitches , and
metrics corresponding to the real-life pitch further comprises wherein each of the entries comprises, for each of the
the computerized device being operable to identify the one 15 respective matching pitches, one or more of: ( 1 ) pitch
or more pitch metrics based on images of the real- life pitch metrics , (2 ) pitch outcome, ( 3 ) batter data , ( 4 ) fielder
taken by the detector device. data , and (5 ) environmental factors .
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the computerized 20 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the one or more
device being operable to identify the one or more pitch databases comprise one or more databases of real-life offen
metrics corresponding to the real- life pitch further comprises 2020 sive21and defensive data tracked from a baseball league.
. The method of claim 15 , wherein the system perfor
the computerized device being operable to calculate attri
butes of the ball . mance metrics of a virtual batter comprise metrics related to
14 . The system of claim 1, wherein the detector device an ability of the virtual batter to hit the real- life pitch based
on the one or more pitch metrics corresponding to the
comprises one or more cameras .
15 . A method for determining outcomes from pitched 25 le 22 . The method of claim 21 ,
balls , comprising : wherein the one or more system performance metrics
imaging a real-life pitch of a ball ; further relate to one or more virtual fielders and one or
retrieving one or more system performance metrics from more environmental factors ,
a compilation of data , the one or more system perfor 30 wherein the system performance metrics of the one or
mance metrics relating to at least a virtual batter; 30 more virtual fielders comprise metrics related to an
identifying one or more pitch metrics corresponding to the
real-life pitch ; ability of a fielder to at least one of field the ball and
calculating a virtual pitched ball outcome based on a throw the fielded ball, and
combination of the identified one or more pitch metrics wherein the system performance metrics of the one or
and the one or more retrieved system performance 35 more environmental factors comprise attributes asso
metrics ; and ciated with at least one of a virtual playing field and
outputting the virtual pitched ball outcome, virtual playing conditions .
wherein the one or more system performance metrics are 23 . The method of claim 22, wherein the one or more
retrieved prior to the real- life pitch of the ball , system performance metrics are calculated for the virtual
wherein the one ormore pitch metrics include one ormore 40 batter
40 , the one or more virtual fielders, the virtual playing
field , and the virtual playing conditions based on real-life
of location , speed , and spin of the ball during the
real-life pitch , and metrics of a real-life batter, a real-life fielder, a real-life
playing field , and real - life playing conditions, respectively.
wherein the virtual pitched ball outcome is a predicted playing 24 . The method of claim 21 , wherein the system perfor
real-life outcome for the ball of the real-life pitch . 45 mance
16 . The method of claim 15 , metrics of the virtual batter include system perfor
wherein the real-life pitch comprises a sequencemeasured mance metrics of the virtual batter as a virtual base runner.
from at least a first instance to at least a second 25 . The method of claim 15, wherein imaging a real- life
instance, and pitch of a ball further comprises capturing images of the ball
wherein the first instance is a time when the ball is during the real-life pitch at a frames per second rate that
ime 50 exceeds a determined threshold .
released by a pitcher, and the second instance is a time 50 exce
when the ball crosses a plate . 26 . The method of claim 15 , wherein identifying the one
17 . The method of claim 15 , or more pitch metrics corresponding to the real- life pitch
wherein the real-life pitch comprises a sequencemeasured further comprises identifying the one or more pitch metrics
based
from at least a first instance to at least a second 55 27 . The on the imaging of the real-life pitch .
instance , and method of claim 15 , wherein identifying the one
wherein the first instance is a time when a pitcher initiates or more pitch metrics corresponding to the real- life pitch
a wind - up motion for the real-life pitch , and the second further comprises calculating attributes of the ball .
instance is a time when the ball crosses a plate . ? *