Method and apparatus for analyzing a pitched ball
First Claim
1. A method of performing computerized analysis of a pitched ball from a pitcher to a batter, the pitcher and the batter separated by a first distance, comprising:
- providing a computer having computer executable instructions thereon, the computer executable instructions causing the computer to perform the steps of;
processing a first speed of the ball thrown over the first distance;
processing location information, out of a range of pitch arrival locations, of the ball within a region proximate to the batter; and
determining a mathematical expression quantifying a hit reaction value for the pitched ball that embodies timing information as to when the batter should swing a bat to hit the pitched ball, wherein the mathematical expression is calculated from the first speed of the ball and a product of a velocity and a multiplier corresponding to a numerical value that varies according to spatial location of the pitch arrival locations relative to the batter;
wherein the multiplier and the mathematical expression increase as spatial locations of the pitch locations transition along positions of greater height above ground; and
wherein the multiplier and the mathematical expression increase as spatial locations of the pitch locations transition along positions incrementally closer to the batter in a lateral direction.
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Abstract
Analysis of pitches to determine both their velocity and the location at which they arrive at the batter. The speed of the pitch is adjusted according to an adjustment value whose magnitude is a function of the location of the pitch relative to the batter. For example, high outside pitches would have a different adjustment value than low inside pitches. These adjustment values are calculated to take into account the fact that hitters must swing at different pitches at different times. That is, they must swing at some pitches earlier than others, depending on the location of the pitch. The adjusted speed, or “effective velocity,” of the pitch is thus a function of both the pitch'"'"'s velocity and its location relative to the batter, making it a more useful metric than velocity or location alone.
26 Citations
44 Claims
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1. A method of performing computerized analysis of a pitched ball from a pitcher to a batter, the pitcher and the batter separated by a first distance, comprising:
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providing a computer having computer executable instructions thereon, the computer executable instructions causing the computer to perform the steps of; processing a first speed of the ball thrown over the first distance; processing location information, out of a range of pitch arrival locations, of the ball within a region proximate to the batter; and determining a mathematical expression quantifying a hit reaction value for the pitched ball that embodies timing information as to when the batter should swing a bat to hit the pitched ball, wherein the mathematical expression is calculated from the first speed of the ball and a product of a velocity and a multiplier corresponding to a numerical value that varies according to spatial location of the pitch arrival locations relative to the batter; wherein the multiplier and the mathematical expression increase as spatial locations of the pitch locations transition along positions of greater height above ground; and wherein the multiplier and the mathematical expression increase as spatial locations of the pitch locations transition along positions incrementally closer to the batter in a lateral direction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 22, 23, 24, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44)
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12. A computer-implemented method of facilitating the pitching of a ball, comprising:
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providing a computer having computer executable instructions thereon, the computer executable instructions causing the computer to perform the steps of; (A) processing a first speed of a ball as it is thrown from a pitcher toward a batter; (B) processing location information, out of a range of pitch arrival locations, of the ball within a region proximate to the batter; and (C) calculating a mathematical expression quantifying a hit reaction value for the pitched ball that embodies timing information as to when the batter should swing a bat to hit the pitched ball, wherein the mathematical expression is determined according to the first speed and a product of a velocity and a multiplier corresponding to a numerical value that varies according to spatial location of the pitch arrival locations relative to the batter, so as to determine an effective speed of the ball; wherein the multiplier and the mathematical expression increase as spatial locations of the pitch locations transition along positions of greater height above ground; and wherein the multiplier and the mathematical expression increase as spatial locations of the pitch locations transition along positions incrementally closer to the batter in a lateral direction. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. An apparatus for analyzing a pitched ball from a pitcher to a batter that are separated by a first distance, comprising:
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a housing; a speed measurement unit linked with the housing and configured to measure a speed of the ball thrown over the first distance; a computing unit coupled to within the housing and configured to determine a mathematical expression quantifying a hit reaction value for the pitched ball that embodies timing information as to when the batter should swing the bat to strike the ball, wherein the mathematical expression is calculated from the first speed of the ball and a product of a velocity and a multiplier corresponding to a numerical value that varies according to spatial location of the pitch arrival locations relative to the batter, wherein the multiplier and the mathematical expression increase as spatial locations of the pitch locations transition along positions of greater height above ground, and wherein the multiplier and the mathematical expression increase as spatial locations of the pitch locations transition along positions incrementally closer to the batter in a lateral direction; and a display unit linked with the housing and configured to display the mathematical expression. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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25. A computer-implemented method of analyzing a projected object in a game or sport that includes an implement used by a hitter to strike the projected object, the method comprising:
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providing a computer having computer executable instructions thereon, the computer executable instructions causing the computer to perform the steps of; processing a velocity of the projected object en route to the hitter; processing location information, out of a range of locations, a location of the projected object within a region proximate to the hitter; and determining a mathematical expression quantifying a hit reaction value for the projected object that embodies timing information as to when the batter should swing a bat to hit the pitched ball, wherein the mathematical expression is calculated from the velocity and a product of a velocity and a multiplier corresponding to a numerical value that varies according to spatial location of the pitch arrival locations relative to the batter; wherein the multiplier and the mathematical expression increase as spatial locations of the pitch locations transition along positions of greater height above ground; and wherein the multiplier and the mathematical expression increase as spatial locations of the pitch locations transition along positions incrementally closer to the batter in a lateral direction.
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26. A system used in association with a projected object from a game or sport and an implement used by a hitter to strike the projected object, the system including:
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a computer having computer executable instructions thereon adapted to instruct the computer to analyze the projected object, including instructions for; processing a velocity of the projected object en route to the hitter; processing location information, out of a range of locations, a location of the projected object within a region proximate to the hitter; determining a mathematical expression quantifying a hit reaction value for the projected object that embodies timing information as to when the batter should swing a bat to hit the pitched ball, wherein the mathematical expression is calculated from the velocity and a product of a velocity and a multiplier corresponding to a numerical value that varies according to spatial location of the pitch arrival locations relative to the batter, wherein the multiplier and the mathematical expression increase as spatial locations of the pitch locations transition along positions of greater height above ground, and wherein the multiplier and the mathematical expression increase as spatial locations of the pitch locations transition along positions incrementally closer to the batter in a lateral direction; and providing the mathematical expression as an output for indicating an analysis of arrival/reaction time; and at least one time training stick configured to be used by the hitter in connection with the output to train the hitter regarding correct reaction to the mathematical expression. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification