Abstract: A batting training device is disclosed that incorporates a ball arranged secured in an aerial position in order to be batted; has a column, wherein a tube is incorporated, arranged vertically with axial freedom of movement, an elastic cord passing through the tube, the lower end of which is fastened to the lower end of the tube, while the ball is fastened at the upper end of the elastic cord. The ball rests on the upper end of the tube. The tube is made up of segments, each segment provided on the outside with a guide slot with respect to a rod, has a bend that communicates with the slot of the adjacent segment, except for in the last lower segment, wherein the bend in the corresponding slot communicates with a return channel running along the entire length of the tube and communicates with the slot of the upper segment.

Abstract: Disclosed are an image-sensing-based sensing device and sensing method that are capable of acquiring an image of the motion of a pitched ball or a hit ball and analyzing the acquired image in order to calculate an accurate and rapid motion model of the ball, which shows how the ball moves, in a baseball practice apparatus that allows a user to perform a baseball practice or to play a baseball game, whereby it is possible to very accurately and rapidly calculate various kinds of information necessary for conducting the baseball practice or the baseball game, such as motion parameters of the pitched ball or the hit ball, a baseball practice apparatus using the sensing device and the sensing method, and a method of controlling the baseball practice apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed are an image-processing-type sensing device and sensing method that are capable of acquiring an image of the motion of a pitched ball or a hit ball and analyzing the acquired image in order to calculate an accurate and rapid motion model of the ball, which shows how the ball moves, in a baseball practice apparatus that allows a user to perform a baseball practice or to play a baseball game, whereby it is possible to very accurately and rapidly calculate various kinds of information necessary for conducting the baseball practice or the baseball game, such as motion parameters of the pitched ball or the hit ball, a baseball practice apparatus using the sensing device and the sensing method, and a method of controlling the baseball practice apparatus.

Abstract: The baseball and softball tournament system allows for completion of a large, multi-team baseball tournament in three days or less. This is accomplished by combining two elements: First, a computerized system replaces human fielders, as well as largely replacing human umpires for determining most offensive and defensive outcomes. The computerized system calls all balls/strikes, and determines base hits and outs, while also determining the probability of runs scored. Second, to encourage gameplay speed, variations of tournament rules, such as utilizing batting tees, soft toss, coach pitch, machine pitch, and team designated pitchers promote game speed, increases player and game action and reduces downtime during the contests. Also, other tournament rules such as shortening game length by determining innings played for regulation games from two innings to no more than eight innings, and other such rules help reduce the amount of time to complete the competition games.

Abstract: A method of operating a screen baseball system includes registering a personal rank of a user by a game management unit, displaying a pitching motion on a screen and starting a pitching action according to a selected pitch type, performing a simulation along a trajectory of a batted ball converted from batting detection data of a batter among users, and displaying an image on the screen by the game management unit, photographing a batting image of the batter and storing the batting image in a database by a game photographing unit such that the batting image is utilized for user training and character development programs, and transmitting simulation information and batting image data displayed, to a game shop, in which another user is positioned, in real time by a game server to play a game on line if the another user is positioned in a remote place.

Abstract: A method for performing pitch classification includes receiving, at a computing device, one or more pitch properties corresponding to a ball thrown by a pitcher. Pitcher information corresponding to the pitcher is also received. The pitcher information includes at least an identification of one or more pitches that are in a repertoire of the pitcher. A classification of the pitch is determined using at least a pitch classification algorithm, where the classification of the pitch is based at least in part on the one or more pitch properties and at least in part on the pitcher information.

Abstract: A game using a paddle and a Velcro ball. In one embodiment of the present invention one or more people can play the game. The game is played by throwing up a Velcro ball and landing on the Velcro covered paddle. Every player using his or her ability to hit the circles placed on the paddle.

Abstract: A baseball pitching simulator includes first and second vertical support members. A first adjustment assembly includes a first carriage coupled to a first vertical support member and is movable by a pulley system and first motor. A second adjustment assembly is coupled to the first carriage and movable vertically when the first carriage is moved along the vertical support member. The second adjustment assembly includes pulleys extending laterally between the vertical support members and is coupled to a pitching target. The first and second adjustment assemblies regulate vertical and horizontal positions thereof, respectively. First and second motors actuate movement of the adjustment assemblies. The pitching target includes a pressure sensor to detect impact. The simulator includes a backstop having a vibration sensor to determine when the backstop is impacted. A processor and programming cause the adjustment assemblies to move the pitching target.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for determining parameters of a contact between bodies occurring within an activity. A digital camera directed towards a target area during the activity captures image frames including infra red image data. Structure for comparing image data for multiple temporally spaced frames with image data of a reference datum records any localized infra red emission appearing in at least one incident frame. The image data for at least one of the incident frames is analyzed to determine at least one parameter of the contact, and the image data for the incident frame is recorded. Visual display means displays the incident frames including the image data in the IR spectrum to enable visual inspection of the activity in the target area at the time of the incident frame and that gave rise to the contact producing the infra red emission.

Abstract: A user interface device for controlling an audio visual system. In one embodiment, a device for interfacing with an audio/visual system includes a sensor mat including a surface and operable to be disposed on a substantially flat floor. The sensor mat is further operable for generating electrical signals responsive to physical interactions of a user with the surface. The interface device also includes an electronic control unit including circuitry for coupling to the mat, the electronic control unit for detecting the physical interactions of the mat and the electronic control unit operable to be placed on the substantially flat floor. The interface device further includes an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end and physically coupled to the electronic control unit via the first end and extending laterally therefrom. The second end of the elongated shaft is operable to be displaced in various directions by interactions with both hands of the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for simulating a ball-striking game for a batter in a game area. The system includes a fluorescent bat, a fluorescent ball, a tracking device, and a data computing device. The fluorescent bat is adapted to be held by the batter. The fluorescent ball is adapted to be delivered to the batter for hitting the fluorescent ball with the fluorescent bat. The tracking device is capable of detecting a first set and a second set of parameters associated with the fluorescent ball. Further, the tracking device is capable of wirelessly transmitting the first set and the second set of parameters to the data computing device. The data computing device is capable of generating a score for the batter based on the first set and the second set of parameters.

Abstract: In this program, a regulation command for controlling the movement of a first character is recognized by a control unit. After the regulation command for the first character is recognized by the control unit, a movement command for operating a second character is recognized by the control unit. Then, the state that the second character is moving based on the movement command is displayed on an image displaying unit using image data. The first character with movement controlled based on the regulation command is displayed on the image displaying unit using image data. And, if the receiving of commands related to movements for the first character and the second character is terminated by the control unit, a process for changing the ability data of the first character is executed by the control unit.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for a sports game involving movement of a projectile, the apparatus comprising impact sensors for detecting impacts by a player of the sport game or the projectile, the impact sensors being coupled to a processor operable to derive characteristic data for a projectile movement from impacts detected by two or more of the player impact sensors. By monitoring impacts, rather than the movement of the projectile through the air, the apparatus may be both inexpensive and easy to install.

Abstract: A video game player can control the movement of a moving object in a video game during a moving object dispatch operation by a character, thereby allowing the video game player to experience nervousness and a sense of realism when causing the character to dispatch the moving object. This video game program includes a first request receiving function, a operation display function, a second request receiving function, a moving object control function, and a moving object display function. In the video game implemented with this program, a dispatch request for dispatching the moving object is received from the controller in the second request receiving function when the dispatch operation of the character is displayed on the monitor. According to the timing at which the second request receiving function received the dispatch request, the movement of the moving object is controlled in the moving object control function.

Abstract: Techniques are provide for linking actions in an online fantasy sports game to a currency balance associated with a user of the game. The techniques adjust the balance by a first quantity in response to a sports player action, where the first quantity is based upon the player action, and adjust the balance by a second quantity in response to transfer of a sports player to or from a fantasy sports team associated with the user, where the second quantity is based upon a value of the sports player; and, prevent transfer of the sports player to the fantasy sports team in response to the second quantity being greater than the balance. The currency balance may be increased by the first quantity in response to the sports player action. The sports player action may include scoring a number of game points, and the first quantity may be based upon the number of game points.

Abstract: A game playing apparatus configured to facilitate playing a game is provided. The apparatus includes a body having a plurality of sides. The body includes a plurality of receptacles, wherein each receptacle has an ingress with an inclined surface extending downward from the ingress to facilitate return of a game playing member, and a plurality of indentations in at least one side. The apparatus further includes a game surface coupled to the body. The game surface includes a return surface beneath the plurality of receptacles to further facilitate return of the game playing member, and a plurality of holders. The plurality of holders and the plurality of receptacles are configured to receive a plurality of cups therein.

Abstract: A sensing baseball game apparatus (10) has a game machine (12) connected to a television monitor (18). A bat input device (32) is provided with an acceleration sensor. An acceleration signal is transmitted by an infrared-ray LED (34) to an infrared-ray receiving part of the game machine (12) whereby the game machine (12) determines a moving speed of the bat input device (32) to calculate a moving parameter of a ball to be batted. Accordingly, a batted ball is moved in the game scene according to the parameter.

Abstract: Pose and play dolls that will stand on a platform by magnetic attraction and dance with lifelike animation, but which may be removed from the stand for ordinary play. The dolls include animation powered from the platform through the legs of the doll. A motor in the doll animates the doll body, arms and head, with proportional feedback allowing control by a controller in coordination with music being played. The doll head may rotate or gyrate, and the arms swing as a unit or with the lower arms bending as the arms swing. In one form of platform simply rotates through controlled angles, again in coordination with the music being played. In another form of doll, the hips are configured to swing back and forth, and another form of platform controls the hip movement, again in coordination with the music being played. Various other features and capabilities are disclosed.

Abstract: A manual game is provided which simulates American football. The game has a playing surface with multiple openings having indicia associated with football activities, and players toss game pieces at the surface in order to achieve football action determined by the indicia of the opening into which a game piece drops. The game includes a goal the structure with a pair of uprights, and players attempt to score field goals and points after touchdown by tossing a game piece between the uprights. A plurality of template plates are provided to effect different games, and each template plate has a subset of the openings and covers at least one of them. As a result, different games are available with different patterns of openings. A blank, planar form is provided which can be folded and assembled into a game chassis which includes the playing surface.

Abstract: A game playing apparatus is provided. The apparatus is configured to facilitate playing a game. The apparatus includes a body including at least one first column including at least one receptacle and a second column coupled to the at least one first column. The second column has an upper surface having a plurality of openings such that a member may be tossed into at least one of the openings. The apparatus also includes a game surface coupled to the body, and a backboard coupled substantially perpendicular to the game surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for simulating a ball-striking game for a batter in a game area. The system includes a fluorescent bat, a fluorescent ball, a tracking device, and a data computing device. The fluorescent bat is adapted to be held by the batter. The fluorescent ball is adapted to be delivered to the batter for hitting the fluorescent ball with the fluorescent bat. The tracking device is capable of detecting a first set and a second set of parameters associated with the fluorescent ball. Further, the tracking device is capable of wirelessly transmitting the first set and the second set of parameters to the data computing device. The data computing device is capable of generating a score for the batter based on the first set and the second set of parameters.

Abstract: A system for practicing pitching includes a batter mannequin which is selectively movable to a right handed batting position or to a left handed batting position. The batter also can be selectively moved toward and away from home plate, and has a head which automatically faces the pitcher. A catcher mannequin is disposed behind the batter mannequin, the catcher mannequin being selectively positionable along a transverse path. The catcher mannequin has a mitt which may be selectively positioned up or down. The various movements of the batter mannequin and the catcher mannequin are remotely controlled using a remote control unit.

Abstract: A system for practicing pitching includes a batter mannequin which is selectively movable to a right handed batting position or to a left handed batting position. The batter also can be selectively moved toward and away from home plate, and has a head which automatically faces the pitcher. A catcher mannequin is disposed behind the batter mannequin, the catcher mannequin being selectively positionable along a transverse path. The catcher mannequin has a mitt which may be selectively positioned up or down. The various movements of the batter mannequin and the catcher mannequin are remotely controlled using a remote control unit.

Abstract: A mobile practice device for practicing the swinging motion of a baseball bat includes a holding apparatus (14) and strike zone restriction apparatus (16), the strike zone restriction apparatus (16) being supported by and maintained at a distance from and underlying ground surface by the holding apparatus (14). The strike zone restriction apparatus (16) includes a vertical side wall that restricts the swing of the baseball bat (12) by a practicing batter (18).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for testing a striking-type sports implement such as a bat is disclosed. In terms of apparatus, a system according to the invention includes a bat-swinging module, a ball-delivery module, and one or more programmed computers. The bat-swinging module includes means to grip a bat at its handle end, and an independent, computer servo-controlled motor to swing the bat. The ball-delivery module includes a ball support and a second, independent, computer servo-controlled motor to place the ball into the swing of the bat along a delivery path such that the bat is able to strike the ball and cause the ball to travel along a precise trajectory path. Various sensors are disposed to measure swing speed, “pitch” speed and exit velocity, with the computer(s) being operative to construct a database of bat performance characteristics based upon swing speed, pitch speed and exit velocity, and display selected portions of the database in accordance with a user input.

Abstract: After a batter hits a ball, the height of the ball moving on a trajectory passing through present movement positions is judged. For example, future movement positions positioned on a time axis ahead of the present movement positions are indicated on the ground by elliptical marks. The peak of the height becomes a boundary, and in the rising process of the ball, the mark is displayed in, for example, a star shape and blue, and in the falling process of the ball, the mark is displayed in, for example, an elliptical shape and red. Therefore, enjoyment of operations by the combination of the operation support of a computer and the operation skill of the user himself can be obtained.

Abstract: After a batter hits a ball, the height of the ball moving on a trajectory passing through present movement positions is judged. For example, future movement positions positioned on a time axis ahead of the present movement positions are indicated on the ground by elliptical marks. The peak of the height becomes a boundary, and in a rising process of the ball, the mark is displayed in a first color, and in a falling process of the ball, the mark is displayed in a second color. Therefore, the enjoyment of operations by the combination of the operation support of a computer and the operation skill of the user himself can be obtained.

Abstract: Input of a manipulation by a user is accepted before a player receives the ball. Upon occurrence of input of a manipulation, motion of the player including catching and throwing of the ball is determined in response to the input of the manipulation. By using the motion, transitions of display is made from a state before a catch of the ball by the player to a throw of the ball.

Abstract: A computer readable program product stores a program for a ball-playing type game enabling continuous action at the time a player catches a ball in a ball-playing game to be expressed smoothly. When a fielder starts a catching action, a difference between a position of a glove at the time the fielder catches the ball by a group of motion and an arrival position of the ball is calculated. The position of the glove at one motion based on a group of motion for catching in the catching motion of the fielder is corrected in accordance with the difference between the position of the glove and the arrival position. Other motion with the position of the glove corrected is displayed, and the position of the glove of the fielder is matched to the arrival position of the ball when the fielder catches the ball in the motion after correction.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for training a player of a game in which an object is projected towards the player at a normal velocity range. Depending on the application of the training method, the normal range of velocity for the projected object in the game is determined. An apparatus is provided for projecting the object at a velocity greater than the normal velocity range. The object is projected towards the player at the velocity greater than the normal velocity range. This routine is repeated to improve ocular conditioning and physical objects of the game.

Abstract: An automatic teeing apparatus for a ball. A ball, preferably a baseball or softball, is affixed to one end of an elastic cord such as, for example, a “bungee” cord. The opposing end of the elastic cord is affixed to a stable platform or base plate adapted to support the teeing apparatus on the ground. The length of the elastic cord between the ball and the base portion is coaxially housed within a hollow, substantially cylindrical flexible pedestal mounted in a vertically upright position on the base portion. In a preferred embodiment of the device, the pedestal, the height of which is telescopically adjustable, includes a coil spring having a lower end rigidly affixed to the base portion and an upper end in opposition thereto. A rigid cylindrical tubular member has a lower end, which is concentrically disposed within the upper end of the coil spring and is adjustably attached thereto to permit telescopic adjustment of the tubular member within the coil spring.

Abstract: A batting swing device is presented which enables a batter to determine whether or not his swing is good or bad. The device is designed for use by both baseball and softball players. It is intended to teach hitters the correct path that a bat must travel during a swing in order to most effectively hit a ball to all parts of a playing field. The device is approximately 5 inches in outer diameter and three inches in inner diameter, and shaped similar to a doughnut. The inner diameter is flat to enable the device to easily slip on and off a baseball bat. The device is made of polyethylene plastic and weighs approximately two ounces. When a batter takes a swing with the device slipped onto the bat and above the batter's hands, the direction of travel of the device will determine whether or not the batter has made a good swing. If the device travels towards the pitcher's mound, or within a 50 degree angle measured off of the pitcher's mound, the batter's swing was a correct one.

Abstract: A computer game simulates the playing of an athletic game such as a baseball game to its conclusion. In particular, the game simulates the sequential game play events and determines the outcomes of the events in accordance with historical or simulated data representative of the game playing characteristics of each team member under selected circumstances. The progress of the game is tracked in accordance with the outcomes through completion of the events to determine the winner of the athletic game and the score thereof.

Abstract: In a match game, game characters to be operated by game players are displayed on divided ones of a display screen at a prescribed point of time in the match game so that the respective game players make respective inputs. When the input operations of the game players are completed, motions of the game characters based on the inputs by the game players are displayed on the rejoined display screen. In a match game players can intuitionally decide operations they will make. The display method for game displays can make displays which are indicative enough to know situations of a match game.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a game device that is easier to use for the player. Therefore, the game device according to the present invention advances the game from a position in which the time axis of the game is slightly returned when the screen is switched. Accordingly, the difficulty of the game operation after the screen is switched may be reduced.