Improved methods, devices, and systems to assist baseball game umpires.

Abstract

This specification discloses methods, devices, and systems for assisting baseball umpires. According to one embodiment, a mobile device for assisting baseball umpires is disclosed. The mobile device includes a processor, a memory electrically coupled to the processor, a user interface electrically coupled to the processor, a haptic feedback device electrically coupled to the processor, and a wireless transceiver electrically coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to (1) receive a pitch clock start selection via the user interface, (2) send a pitch clock start device message to an access point via the wireless transceiver when it receives the pitch clock start selection via the user interface, (3) receive a pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message from the access point, and (4) instantaneously activate the haptic feedback device when it receives the pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] [Technical Field] [Claiming Priority] This application claims the benefit of priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 495,582, entitled "IMPROVED METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS FOR FACILITATING UMPIRES OFFICIATING A BASEBALL GAME", filed on April 12, 2023 (Attorney Docket No. 1265 / 8PROV), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] [Technical Field] The present invention relates to mobile devices, and more particularly, to methods, devices, and systems for assisting umpires in a baseball game.

[0003] [Background] Umpires have many duties and responsibilities before, during, and even after a baseball game. Umpires must have a thorough understanding of the rules, which can vary in different situations such as high school, college, or professional games. Umpires need to carefully observe the progress of the game, apply the rules to make decisions, and impose penalties if necessary. If a decision is disputed, they must check with other umpires or review the replay video to make a final decision. Umpires also have to handle rule violations and complaints from players and coaches. Additionally, they may be responsible for verifying the eligibility of players and coaches on both teams and ensuring that both teams are following all safety regulations. Therefore, umpires must have excellent negotiation and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to make quick and accurate judgments. They are also required to perform their duties honestly and accurately under pressure.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for better solutions to assist umpires in a baseball game.

[0005] [Summary] The subject of this disclosure relates to methods, devices, and systems for assisting umpires in baseball games.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a mobile device for assisting a baseball umpire is disclosed. The mobile device includes a processor, a memory electrically coupled to the processor, a user interface electrically coupled to the processor, a haptic feedback device electrically coupled to the processor, and a wireless transceiver electrically coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to (1) receive a pitch clock start selection via the user interface, (2) when it receives the pitch clock start selection via the user interface, send a pitch clock start device message to an access point via the wireless transceiver, (3) receive a pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message from the access point, and (4) when it receives the pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message, instantaneously activate the haptic feedback device (for example, using a specific pitch clock start vibration pattern). The access point is electrically coupled to a scoreboard controller. Furthermore, the access point is configured to start an external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller and / or start an internal pitch clock timer within the access point when it receives the pitch clock start device message.

[0007] In some embodiments, upon receiving the pitch clock start device message, the access point may be further configured to reset the external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller before starting the external pitch clock timer, and / or reset the internal pitch clock timer within the access point before starting the internal pitch clock timer.

[0008] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive a pitch clock reset selection via the user interface, and upon receiving the pitch clock reset selection via the user interface, to send a pitch clock reset device message to the access point via the wireless transceiver, to receive a pitch clock reset access point acknowledgment message from the access point, and upon receiving the pitch clock reset access point acknowledgment message, to instantaneously activate the haptic feedback device (for example, using a pitch clock reset vibration pattern). The access point may be further configured to reset the external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller and / or reset the internal pitch clock timer within the access point upon receiving the pitch clock device message.

[0009] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive a ball count increase selection via the user interface, send a ball count increase device message to the access point via the wireless transceiver upon receiving the ball count increase selection via the user interface, receive a ball count increase access point acknowledgment message from the access point, and instantaneously activate the haptic feedback device (for example, using a specific ball count increase vibration pattern) upon receiving the ball count increase access point acknowledgment message. Furthermore, the access point may be further configured to increase the ball count on the scoreboard controller upon receiving the ball count increase device message.

[0010] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive a strike count increase selection via the user interface, and upon receiving the strike count increase selection via the user interface, to send a strike increase device message to the access point via the wireless transceiver, to receive a strike count increase access point acknowledgment message from the access point, and upon receiving the strike count increase access point acknowledgment message, to instantaneously activate the haptic feedback device (for example, using a unique strike count increase vibration pattern). Furthermore, the access point may be further configured to increase the strike count on the scoreboard controller upon receiving the strike count increase device message.

[0011] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive a batter-must-be-in-box message from the access point and, upon receiving the batter-must-be-in-box message, instantaneously activate the haptic feedback device (for example, using a specific batter-must-be-in-box vibration pattern). Furthermore, the batter-must-be-in-box message may be transmitted from the access point based on a first time interval after receiving the pitch clock start device message. In further embodiments, the first time interval may be about 10 seconds.

[0012] In some embodiments, the user interface may include a pitch clock momentary switch. The processor may be further configured to receive the pitch clock start selection via the pitch clock momentary switch. The first time interval may be associated with the pitch clock time requirements of the league.

[0013] In other embodiments, the user interface may include a runner-less pitch clock momentary switch and a runner-enabled pitch clock momentary switch. The processor may be further configured to receive the pitch clock start selection via either the runner-less pitch clock momentary switch or the runner-enabled pitch clock momentary switch. When the pitch clock start selection is received via the runner-less pitch clock momentary switch, the first time interval may be associated with the runner-less pitch clock time requirement in the league. When the pitch clock start selection is received via the runner-enabled pitch clock momentary switch, the first time interval may be associated with the runner-enabled pitch clock time requirement in the league.

[0014] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive a pitch clock time expiration message from the access point and, upon receiving the pitch clock time expiration message, instantaneously activate the haptic feedback device (for example, using a specific pitch clock time expiration vibration pattern). Furthermore, the pitch clock time expiration message may be transmitted from the access point based on a second time interval after receiving the pitch clock start device message. In further embodiments, the second time interval may be about 20 seconds. Furthermore, the second time interval may be further associated with a pitch clock time requirement in the league. The second time interval may be associated with a pitch clock time requirement with no runners in the league or a pitch clock time requirement with runners in the league.

[0015] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive an inter-inning clock start selection via the user interface, and upon receiving the inter-inning clock start selection via the user interface, to send an inter-inning clock start device message to the access point via the wireless transceiver, to receive an inter-inning clock start access point acknowledgment message from the access point, and upon receiving the inter-inning clock start access point acknowledgment message, to instantaneously activate the haptic feedback device (for example, using a unique inter-inning clock start vibration pattern). Furthermore, the access point may be further configured to start an external inter-inning clock timer on the scoreboard controller and / or start an internal inter-inning clock timer within the access point upon receiving the inter-inning clock start device message.

[0016] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive an inter-inning warning message from the access point and, upon receiving the inter-inning warning message, instantaneously activate the haptic feedback device (for example, using a specific inter-inning warning vibration pattern). Furthermore, the inter-inning warning message may be transmitted from the access point based on a third time interval after receiving the inter-inning clock start device message. In further embodiments, the third time interval may be about 90 seconds.

[0017] In some embodiments, the user interface may include an inter-inning clock momentary switch. The processor may be further configured to receive the inter-inning clock start selection via the inter-inning clock momentary switch. The third time interval may be associated with the inter-inning clock time requirements of the league.

[0018] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive an inter-inning time expiration message from the access point and, upon receiving the inter-inning time expiration message, instantaneously activate the haptic feedback device (for example, using a specific inter-inning time expiration vibration pattern). Furthermore, the inter-inning time expiration message may be transmitted from the access point based on a fourth time interval after receiving the inter-inning clock start device message. In further embodiments, the fourth time interval may be approximately 120 seconds. The fourth interval may further be associated with the inter-inning clock time requirements of the league.

[0019] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive a batter-to-batter clock start selection via the user interface and, upon receiving the batter-to-batter clock start selection, transmit a batter-to-batter clock start device message to the access point via the wireless transceiver. The processor may be further configured to receive a batter-to-batter clock start access point acknowledgment message from the access point and, upon receiving the batter-to-batter clock start access point acknowledgment message, instantaneously activate the haptic feedback device (for example, using a unique batter-to-batter clock start vibration pattern). The access point may be further configured to start an external batter-to-batter clock timer on the scoreboard controller and to start an internal batter-to-batter clock timer within the access point upon receiving the batter-to-batter clock start device message.

[0020] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive a batter-to-batter warning message from the access point and, upon receiving the batter-to-batter warning message, instantaneously activate the haptic feedback device (for example, using a unique batter-to-batter warning vibration pattern). The inning-to-inning warning message may be transmitted from the access point based on a fifth time interval after receiving the batter-to-batter clock start device message.

[0021] In some embodiments, the user interface may include a batter-to-batter clock momentary switch, and the processor may be further configured to receive the batter-to-batter clock start selection via the batter-to-batter clock momentary switch. The fifth time interval may be associated with a batter-to-batter clock time requirement in the league.

[0022] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive a batter-to-batter time expiration message from the access point and, upon receiving the inning-to-inning time expiration message, instantaneously activate the haptic feedback device (for example, using a specific batter-to-batter time expiration vibration pattern). The batter-to-batter time expiration message may be transmitted from the access point based on a sixth time interval after receiving the batter-to-batter clock start device message. The sixth interval may be associated with the league's batter-to-batter clock time requirements.

[0023] In some embodiments, the user interface may include push buttons.

[0024] In some embodiments, the user interface may include a graphical user interface (GUI). In further embodiments, the GUI may include a touchpad display.

[0025] In some embodiments, the mobile device may further include a belt clip.

[0026] In some embodiments, the mobile device may further include a rechargeable battery. In further embodiments, the rechargeable battery may be a lithium-ion rechargeable battery.

[0027] In some embodiments, the mobile device may further include a charging port electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery. In further embodiments, the charging port may be compatible with a universal serial bus (USB) charger.

[0028] In other embodiments, the charging port may be a wireless charging port.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the wireless transceiver may be a wide-band direct sequence spread spectrum (WBDSSS) wireless transceiver. In further embodiments, the WBDSSS wireless transceiver may be configured to transmit and receive signals within a frequency band from 902 megahertz (MHz) to 928 MHz.

[0030] In another embodiment, a method is implemented on a mobile device to assist umpires in baseball games. The mobile device includes a processor, a memory electrically coupled to the processor, a user interface electrically coupled to the processor, a tactile feedback device electrically coupled to the processor, and a wireless transceiver electrically coupled to the processor. The method includes: (1) receiving a pitch clock start selection via the user interface; (2) when the pitch clock start selection is received via the user interface, transmitting a pitch clock start device message to an access point via the wireless transceiver; (3) receiving a pitch clock start access point confirmation response message from the access point; and (4) when the pitch clock start access point confirmation response message is received, instantaneously activating the tactile feedback device. The access point is electrically coupled to a scoreboard controller. Further, the access point is configured to start an external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller when the pitch clock start device message is received and / or start an internal pitch clock timer associated with the access point when the pitch clock start device message is received.

[0031] In another embodiment, a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium is disclosed. The non-temporary computer-readable medium stores instructions that are implemented on a mobile device to assist a baseball game umpire. The instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the mobile device to perform a method. The method includes (1) receiving a pitch clock start selection via the user interface; (2) sending a pitch clock start device message to an access point via the wireless transceiver upon receiving the pitch clock start selection via the user interface; (3) receiving a pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message from the access point; and (4) instantaneously activating the haptic feedback device upon receiving the pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message. The access point is electrically coupled to a scoreboard controller. Furthermore, the access point is configured to start an external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller and / or start an internal pitch clock timer associated with the access point upon receiving the pitch clock start device message.

[0032] In another embodiment, an access point for assisting multiple umpires in a baseball game is disclosed. The access point includes a processor, a memory electrically coupled to the processor, a user interface electrically coupled to the processor, a scoreboard controller interface electrically coupled to the processor, and a wireless transceiver electrically coupled to the processor. The wireless transceiver is configured to send and receive signals from a plurality of mobile devices operated by the plurality of umpires. The processor is configured to (1) receive a pitch clock start device message from each of the plurality of mobile devices via the wireless transceiver, and (2) when it receives the pitch clock start device message from any one of the plurality of mobile devices, send a pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message to the plurality of mobile devices via the wireless transceiver, each of the plurality of mobile devices is configured to instantaneously activate a haptic feedback device when it receives the pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message. Furthermore, the processor is further configured to start an external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller via the scoreboard controller when it receives the pitch clock start device message, and / or to start an internal pitch clock timer in the access point when it receives the pitch clock start device message.

[0033] In some embodiments, the pitch clock start device message and the external pitch clock timer may be associated with a pitch clock time requirement in the league. In further embodiments, the pitch clock start device message and the external pitch clock timer may be further associated with a no-runner pitch clock time requirement and / or a runner-in pitch clock time requirement in the league.

[0034] In some embodiments, the pitch clock start device message and the internal pitch clock timer may be associated with a pitch clock time requirement in the league. In further embodiments, the pitch clock start device message and the internal pitch clock timer may be further associated with a no-runner pitch clock time requirement and / or a runner-in pitch clock time requirement in the league.

[0035] In some embodiments, upon receiving the pitch clock start device message, the processor is further configured to reset the external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller before starting the external pitch clock timer and / or reset the internal pitch clock timer in the access point before starting the internal pitch clock timer.

[0036] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive pitch clock reset device messages from each of the multiple mobile devices via the wireless transceiver, and to send pitch clock reset access point acknowledgment messages to the multiple mobile devices via the wireless transceiver when it receives the pitch clock reset device message from any one of the multiple mobile devices, and each of the multiple mobile devices may be configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device when it receives the pitch clock reset access point acknowledgment message. Furthermore, the processor may be further configured to reset the external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller via the scoreboard controller and / or reset the internal pitch clock timer in the access point when it receives the pitch clock reset device message.

[0037] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive inter-inning clock start device messages from each of the multiple mobile devices via the wireless transceiver, and to send inter-inning clock start access point acknowledgment messages to the multiple mobile devices via the wireless transceiver when it receives the inter-inning clock start device message from any one of the multiple mobile devices, and each of the multiple mobile devices may be configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device when it receives the inter-inning clock start access point acknowledgment message. Furthermore, the processor may be configured to start an external inter-inning clock timer on the scoreboard controller via the scoreboard controller interface and / or start an internal inter-inning clock timer in the access point when it receives the inter-inning clock start device message.

[0038] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive ball count increase device messages from each of the multiple mobile devices via the wireless transceiver, to send ball count increase access point acknowledgment messages to the multiple mobile devices via the wireless transceiver when it receives the ball count increase device message from any one of the multiple mobile devices, and to configure the scoreboard controller via the scoreboard controller interface to increase the ball count on the scoreboard controller when it receives the inter-inning clock start device message, and each of the multiple mobile devices is configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device when it receives the ball count increase access point acknowledgment message.

[0039] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive strike count increment device messages from each of the multiple mobile devices via the wireless transceiver, to send strike count increment access point acknowledgment messages to the multiple mobile devices via the wireless transceiver when it receives the strike count increment device message from any one of the multiple mobile devices, and to configure the scoreboard controller via the scoreboard controller interface to increment the strike count on the scoreboard controller when it receives the inter-inning clock start device message, and each of the multiple mobile devices is configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device when it receives the strike count increment access point acknowledgment message.

[0040] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive a batter-to-the-table request scoreboard message from the scoreboard controller interface and, upon receiving the batter-to-the-table request scoreboard message, transmit a batter-to-the-table request access point message to a plurality of the mobile devices via the wireless transceiver. Furthermore, each of the plurality of mobile devices may be configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device upon receiving the batter-to-the-table request access point message. In a further embodiment, the batter-to-the-table request scoreboard message may be transmitted from the scoreboard controller based on a first time interval after receiving a pitch clock start access point message. In yet another embodiment, the first time interval may be about 10 seconds.

[0041] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive a pitch clock time expiration scoreboard message from the scoreboard controller interface and, upon receiving the pitch clock time expiration scoreboard message, transmit a pitch clock time expiration access point message to a plurality of the mobile devices via the wireless transceiver, each of the plurality of mobile devices being configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device upon receiving the pitch clock time expiration access point message. In further embodiments, the pitch clock time expiration scoreboard message may be transmitted from the scoreboard controller based on a second time interval after receiving the pitch clock start access point message. In yet another embodiment, the second time interval may be about 20 seconds.

[0042] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive an inter-inning warning scoreboard message from the scoreboard controller interface and, upon receiving the inter-inning warning scoreboard message, transmit an inter-inning warning access point message to a plurality of the mobile devices via the wireless transceiver. Furthermore, each of the plurality of mobile devices may be configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device upon receiving the inter-inning warning access point message. In a further embodiment, the inter-inning warning scoreboard message may be transmitted from the scoreboard controller based on a third time interval after receiving an inter-inning clock access point message. In yet another embodiment, the third time interval may be about 90 seconds.

[0043] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive an inter-inning time expiration scoreboard message from the scoreboard controller interface and, upon receiving the inter-inning time expiration scoreboard message, transmit an inter-inning time expiration access point message to a plurality of the mobile devices via the wireless transceiver. Furthermore, each of the plurality of mobile devices may be configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device upon receiving the inter-inning time expiration access point message. In a further embodiment, the inter-inning time expiration scoreboard message may be transmitted from the scoreboard controller based on a fourth time interval after receiving the inter-inning clock access point message. In yet another embodiment, the fourth time interval may be approximately 120 seconds.

[0044] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive batter-to-batter clock start device messages via the wireless transceiver from each of the multiple mobile devices, and to send batter-to-batter clock start access point acknowledgment messages via the wireless transceiver to the multiple mobile devices when it receives the batter-to-batter clock start device message from any one of the multiple mobile devices. Each of the multiple mobile devices may be configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device when it receives the batter-to-batter clock start access point acknowledgment message. Furthermore, the processor may be further configured to start an external batter-to-batter clock timer on the scoreboard controller via the scoreboard controller interface when it receives the batter-to-batter clock start device message, and / or to start an internal batter-to-batter clock timer in the access point when it receives the inning-to-inning clock start device message.

[0045] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive batter-to-batter warning scoreboard messages from the scoreboard controller interface and, upon receiving the batter-to-batter warning scoreboard messages, transmit batter-to-batter warning access point messages to a plurality of the mobile devices via the wireless transceiver. Each of the plurality of mobile devices may be configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device upon receiving the batter-to-batter warning access point message. The batter-to-batter warning scoreboard messages may be transmitted from the scoreboard controller based on a fifth time interval after receiving the batter-to-batter clock access point message. In certain embodiments, the fifth time interval may be approximately 22 seconds.

[0046] In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to receive a batter-to-batter time expiration scoreboard message from the scoreboard controller interface and, upon receiving the batter-to-batter time expiration scoreboard message, transmit a batter-to-batter time expiration access point message to a plurality of the mobile devices via the wireless transceiver. Each of the plurality of mobile devices may be configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device upon receiving the batter-to-batter time expiration access point message. The inning-to-inning time expiration scoreboard message may be transmitted from the scoreboard controller based on a sixth time interval after receiving the batter-to-batter clock access point message. In certain embodiments, the sixth time interval may be approximately 30 seconds.

[0047] In some embodiments, the user interface may include a GUI. In further embodiments, the GUI may include a touchpad display.

[0048] In some embodiments, the wireless transceiver may be a broadband direct sequence spread spectrum (WBDSSS) wireless transceiver. In further embodiments, the WBDSSS wireless transceiver may be configured to transmit and receive signals in the frequency band from 902 megahertz (MHz) to 928 MHz.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the scoreboard controller interface may include XLR connectors, DIN connectors, RJ11 connectors, RJ45 connectors, and the like.

[0050] In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for implementation on an access point to assist multiple umpires in a baseball game. The access point includes a processor, a memory electrically coupled to the processor, a user interface electrically coupled to the processor, a scoreboard controller interface electrically coupled to the processor, and a wireless transceiver electrically coupled to the processor. The wireless transceiver is configured to send and receive signals from a plurality of mobile devices operated by the plurality of umpires. The processor is configured to (1) receive a pitch clock start device message via the wireless transceiver from each of the plurality of mobile devices, and (2) when it receives the pitch clock start device message, send a pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message via the wireless transceiver to the plurality of mobile devices, each of the plurality of mobile devices is configured to instantaneously activate a haptic feedback device when it receives the pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message.

[0051] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of starting an external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller via the scoreboard controller interface when the pitch clock start device message is received.

[0052] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of starting an internal pitch clock timer in the access point when the pitch clock start device message is received.

[0053] In another embodiment, a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium is disclosed. The non-temporary computer-readable medium stores instructions that are implemented on an access point to assist a plurality of umpires in a baseball game. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the access point to perform a method. The access point includes a processor, a memory electrically coupled to the processor, a user interface electrically coupled to the processor, a scoreboard controller interface electrically coupled to the processor, and a wireless transceiver electrically coupled to the processor. The wireless transceiver is configured to send and receive signals from a plurality of mobile devices operated by the plurality of umpires. The processor is configured to (1) receive a pitch clock start device message via the wireless transceiver from each of the plurality of mobile devices, and (2) when it receives the pitch clock start device message, send a pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message via the wireless transceiver to the plurality of mobile devices, each of the plurality of mobile devices is configured to instantaneously activate a haptic feedback device when it receives the pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message.

[0054] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of starting an external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller via the scoreboard controller interface when the pitch clock start device message is received.

[0055] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of starting an internal pitch clock timer in the access point when the pitch clock start device message is received.

[0056] The features and advantages described in this summary and the detailed description below are not exhaustive. Numerous additional features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the drawings, specification, and claims presented herein.

[0057] [Brief explanation of the drawing] Figure 1 shows a system for assisting multiple umpires during a baseball game, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figure 2 is a side view and a front view of the mobile device shown in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the mobile device shown in Figures 1 and 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 4 shows a top view, front view, right side view, and left side view of the access point in Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the access points of Figures 1 and 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the present disclosure implemented on the mobile devices shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3.

[0063] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the present disclosure implemented on the access points shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5.

[0064] [Detailed explanation] The following descriptions and diagrams are illustrative and should not be interpreted restrictively. Many specific details are provided to ensure a full understanding of the disclosure. However, to avoid obscurity, some well-known or conventional details have been omitted in certain instances.

[0065] In this specification, the terms "one embodiment" or "embodiment" mean that a particular function, structure, or feature described in relation to that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Where the phrase "in one embodiment" appears anywhere in the specification, they do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Furthermore, various features are described that are included in some embodiments but not in others. Similarly, various requirements are described that are necessary in some embodiments but not in others.

[0066] The terms used herein generally have their usual meaning in the art, in the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context in which each term is used. Specific terms used in describing the disclosure are discussed below or elsewhere in the specification to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. Certain terms may be highlighted for convenience, for example, by using italics and / or quotation marks. The use of highlighting does not affect the scope and meaning of the terms. In the same context, the scope and meaning of the terms are the same with or without highlighting. It should be understood that the same thing may be expressed in multiple ways.

[0067] Therefore, alternative expressions and synonyms may be used for any one or more terms discussed herein. Furthermore, there is no special significance in whether a term is detailed or discussed herein. Synonyms for specific terms are provided. Listing one or more synonyms does not preclude the use of other synonyms. Any examples within this specification (including examples of terms discussed herein) are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to further limit the scope or meaning of the disclosed content or the exemplified terms. Similarly, the disclosed content is not limited to the various embodiments shown herein.

[0068] Unless otherwise stated, all numerical values ​​representing quantities, conditions, etc., of components used in the specification and claims should be understood to be modified by the term "approximately." Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the numerical parameters described herein and in the appended claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired characteristics intended to be obtained by the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0069] Without any intention to limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of apparatus, apparatus, methods, and their associated results according to embodiments of this disclosure are given below. Headings or subheadings may be used in the examples for the convenience of the reader, but these should not be considered to limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art relating to this disclosure. In the event of any conflict, this specification, including its definitions, shall prevail.

[0070] Baseball umpires include a home plate umpire and one or more field umpires (i.e., base umpires). Field umpires may take any position they wish and assist the home plate umpire in enforcing the rules. This specification discloses methods, devices, and systems for assisting umpires in baseball games. In recent years, pitch clocks have been introduced in minor league and collegiate baseball. More specifically, the disclosed methods, devices, and systems enable umpires to start, stop, and reset three different clocks (including a pitch clock) displayed on the scoreboard and on their belt packs (i.e., mobile devices).

[0071] The first clock is a 20-second pitch clock that vibrates after 10 seconds to notify the umpire that the batter is not in the batter's box (warning). In this case, a strike is automatically called according to the rules. After 20 seconds, a final vibration occurs to notify the umpire that the pitcher must have begun his windup (pitching motion). If the pitcher has not begun his windup, a ball is automatically called according to the rules. The first clock interval and early warnings may be adjusted to suit any given league requirements.

[0072] The second clock is a two-minute inter-inning clock that vibrates after 90 seconds to notify at least one umpire to signal the pitcher to take their final warm-up pitch. A final vibration at 120 seconds signals the umpire to begin the inning. The second clock interval and early warnings may be adjusted to suit any given league requirements.

[0073] The third clock is a 30-second batter-to-batter clock that vibrates at 22 seconds to provide an early warning of time expiring. A final vibration at 30 seconds notifies the umpire of time expiring. The third clock interval and early warning may be adjusted to suit any given league requirements.

[0074] Figure 1 shows a system 100 for assisting multiple umpires during a baseball game, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A baseball diamond 102 is shown along with mobile devices 104A-104D (e.g., belt packs). The mobile devices 104A-104D may be worn on the waistbands or belts of four umpires (not shown in Figure 1). The mobile devices 104A-104D communicate with an access point 106 via a radio frequency (RF) radio link. The access point 106 is electrically coupled to a scoreboard control console 108. The scoreboard 110 is electrically or wirelessly coupled to the scoreboard control console 108. The scoreboard control console 108 may be an OES control console, a Daktronics control console, or the like.

[0075] Access point 106 uses a DIN connector with a unique cable to connect to specific wiring and connector interfaces corresponding to control consoles from various manufacturers (e.g., XLR connector for OES control consoles, RJ11 connector for Daktronics control consoles). Input / output communication between access point 106 and scoreboard control console 108 involves isolated switched-state (dry contact) signals. Access point 106 has an input port that requires remote dry contact control. This input port can be programmed to accommodate the functions supported by various scoreboard controllers (e.g., the scoreboard controller may output a state change when the clock reaches zero). Access point 106 supports the ability to program and map input and output connections to accommodate specific functions and wiring configurations.

[0076] Each of the mobile devices 104A to 104D can detect input from the referee on the user interface (UI) and immediately send a message to the access point 106. The access point 106 receives the message, decodes it, and activates one or more remote inputs on the scoreboard control console 108 to start or stop the clock. The access point 106 also sends an acknowledgment to the mobile devices 104A to 104C indicating that the message was successfully received. The mobile devices 104A to 104D use this acknowledgment to drive a tactile vibration motor (i.e., a tactile feedback device) to notify the referee of the status change. This entire process is typically completed in less than 50 milliseconds (mS). This response time is faster and more consistent than the reaction of a human operating the scoreboard control console 108 in response to a signal from the referee.

[0077] The RF radio link operates in the frequency band from 902 megahertz (MHz) to 928 MHz. This frequency band is outside the frequency bands of the more commonly used Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi. The 902 MHz to 928 MHz frequency band offers significantly better communication range and propagation characteristics compared to the frequency bands of Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi. Specifically, the RF radio link uses wide-band direct sequence spread spectrum (WBDSSS) technology to minimize interference on a given link channel. Data for each RF radio link of mobile devices 104A-104C is distributed across five channels with 200 kilohertz (kHz) spacing (i.e., an effective channel with a width of 1 MHz is provided). There are a total of 123 available channels, with the center frequencies of each 1 MHz effective channel set to channels 3, 8, 13, ... 123 (i.e., 902.8 MHz, 903.8 MHz, 904.8 MHz, ... 926.8 MHz). Each RF radio link is wide-band half-duplex spread spectrum. In some embodiments, frequency hopping may be employed for the RF radio links.

[0078] Furthermore, access point 106 may sample the local RF spectrum in the baseball diamond 102 and the surrounding area to investigate interference and dynamically select the optimal channel for device commissioning (initial setup) and operation of mobile devices 104A-104D. In some embodiments, RF interference mitigation steps may be required, such as separating the proximity of mobile devices 104A-104D and access point 106.

[0079] Mobile devices 104A–104C and access point 106 may each operate at a maximum transmit power level of +10 decibels milliwatts (dBm) and a receive sensitivity of -110 dBm, thereby achieving a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) dynamic range of 95 dB. This provides ample margin against any RF radio signal shielding by the bodies of players, base coaches, and / or referees. Mobile devices 104A–104D each include a helical printed circuit board (PCB) antenna. Access point 106 includes an external half-wavelength dipole antenna. Furthermore, WBDSSS modulation enables forward error correction (FEC) using K=4 as a constraint length in the convolutional encoder.

[0080] To minimize power consumption and extend battery life, mobile devices 104A-104D operate in non-beacon mode, each generating status / keep-alive messages at programmable intervals. These status / keep-alive messages include statistics related to mobile devices 104A-104C, including battery status. During network establishment, each of mobile devices 104A-104C scans for incoming messages from access point 106 at approximately 500ms intervals, responding to key regeneration commands, wireless download commands, and remote configuration or control commands. This scan interval is also configurable.

[0081] Each of the mobile devices 104A–104D has a unique identifier (ID) in the form of a 6-byte Media Access Control (MAC) address and a configurable 4-byte serial number. Up to 50 mobile devices may be supported by access point 106. However, access point 106 may typically be configured by default to handle only 2 to 5 mobile devices per network session (i.e., the number of umpires required for a baseball game).

[0082] This network conforms to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15.4 standard, which defines the MAC layer protocol.

[0083] Data at the MAC layer is encrypted / decrypted using the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 128. Mobile devices 104A-104D and access point 106 use secure commissioning (AES-CMAC) with a shared secret network key for initial pairing. For runtime data exchange, a unique dynamic device key is generated during commissioning using Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH) p256. Access point 106 communicates only with mobile devices that possess the shared secret key and accepts only data encrypted using the dynamic device key. Access point 106 controls both the generation and storage of the dynamic device key. Additional security is provided by limiting the number of active associated mobile devices during a network session (e.g., 5 devices - mobile devices 104A-104D and 1 backup mobile device). This number is also configurable (changeable).

[0084] All communication between mobile devices 104A-104D and access point 106 is acknowledged by response messages / packets. System 100 is further configured to detect referee input and notify the scoreboard control console 108 in less than 50 ms. Mobile devices 104A-104D are also configured to notify each other via access point 106 and initiate communication via haptic feedback in less than 250 ms.

[0085] Access point 106 records and stores data from mobile devices 104A-104D, including timestamps, device IDs, events, and event data. For example, event data may include the time the scoreboard reached 0:00:00 and / or the game clock, inning, timeout, etc. Real-time and stored data are available for export via the Internet. Access point 106 may be connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi and / or Ethernet. Data may also be stored in the cloud in addition to a removable Secure Digital (SD) card.

[0086] The configuration data for mobile devices 104A to 104D is available via the remote application programming interface (API) while connected to the access point 106. Furthermore, the software within mobile devices 104A to 104D may be updated via the said remote API.

[0087] In one particular embodiment, the processor of each mobile device 104A to 104D may be configured to perform the following: • Receiving pitch clock start selection via the user interface; • When a pitch clock start selection is received via the user interface, send a pitch clock start device message to the access point 106 via the wireless transceiver; • Receive a pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message from access point 106; - Instantly activate the haptic feedback device upon receiving the pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message; When the access point receives a pitch clock start device message, it resets the external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller before starting the external pitch clock timer, and / or resets the internal pitch clock timer within the access point before starting the internal pitch clock timer; • Receiving pitch clock reset selection via the user interface; • When a pitch clock reset selection is received via the user interface, send a pitch clock reset device message to access point 106 via the wireless transceiver; • Receive a pitch clock reset access point acknowledgment message from access point 106; - Instantly activate the haptic feedback device upon receiving a pitch clock reset access point acknowledgment message; • Receiving the inter-inning clock start selection via the user interface; - When an inter-inning clock start selection is received via the user interface, send an inter-inning clock start device message to access point 106 via the wireless transceiver; • Receive an inning-inter-inning clock start access point acknowledgment message from access point 106; - Instantly activate the haptic feedback device upon receiving the inter-inning clock start access point acknowledgment message; • Receiving a ball count increase selection via the user interface; • When a ball count increase selection is received via the user interface, send a ball count increase device message to access point 106 via the wireless transceiver; • Receive a ball count increase access point acknowledgment message from the access point; - Instantly activate the haptic feedback device upon receiving a ball count increase access point acknowledgment message; • Receiving strike count increment selection via the user interface; - When a strike count increase selection is received via the user interface, send a strike increase device message to access point 106 via the wireless transceiver; • Receive a strike count increase access point acknowledgment message from access point 106; • Receive an access point acknowledgment message that increases the strike count; - Instantly activate the haptic feedback device upon receiving a strike count increase access point acknowledgment message; - To receive a batter-entering request message from the access point, and to instantly activate the haptic feedback device upon receiving the batter-entering request message; • Receive a pitch clock time expiration message from access point 106; - Instantly activate the haptic feedback device when the pitch clock time expiration message is received; • Receive an inning-interlude warning message from access point 106; - Instantly activate the haptic feedback device when an inning-interval warning message is received; • Receiving an inning-stop timeout message from the access point; - Instantly activate the haptic feedback device when the inning-interval timeout message is received; • Receive pitch clock start selection via pitch clock momentary switch; • To receive a pitch clock start selection via either a pitch clock momentary switch without a runner or a pitch clock momentary switch with a runner; • Receiving the inning-intervening clock start selection via the inning-intervening clock momentary switch; - Receive a batter-to-batter clock start selection via the user interface, and upon receiving the batter-to-batter clock start selection, send a batter-to-batter clock start device message to the access point via a wireless transceiver; - To receive a batter-to-batter clock start access point acknowledgment message from the access point, and to instantaneously activate the haptic feedback device upon receiving the batter-to-batter clock start access point acknowledgment message; • To receive batter-to-batter warning messages from the access point and instantly activate the haptic feedback device upon receiving the batter-to-batter warning message; • Receiving the batter-to-batter clock start selection via the batter-to-batter clock momentary switch; - Receive a message from the access point indicating that the time between at-bats has expired, and instantly activate the haptic feedback device upon receiving this message.

[0088] Furthermore, in this particular embodiment, the processor of the access point 106 may be configured to perform the following: • Receiving a pitch clock start device message via wireless transceiver from each of the multiple mobile devices 104A to 104D; - When a pitch clock start device message is received from any one of the multiple mobile devices 104A to 104D, a pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message is sent to all multiple mobile devices 104A to 104D via the wireless transceiver; When a pitch clock start device message is received, the external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller is started via the scoreboard controller interface, and / or the internal pitch clock timer in the access point is started; • Reset the external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller before starting the external pitch clock timer, and / or reset the internal pitch clock timer in the access point before starting the internal pitch clock timer; • Receiving pitch clock reset device messages via wireless transceivers from each of the multiple mobile devices 104A to 104D; - When a pitch clock reset device message is received from any one of the multiple mobile devices 104A to 104D, send a pitch clock reset access point acknowledgment message to all of the multiple mobile devices 104A to 104D via the wireless transceiver; - When a pitch clock reset device message is received, reset the external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller via the scoreboard controller interface, and / or reset the internal pitch clock timer in the access point when a pitch clock reset device message is received; • Receiving an inter-inning clock start device message via a wireless transceiver from each of the multiple mobile devices 104A to 104D; - When an inter-inning clock start device message is received from any one of the multiple mobile devices 104A to 104D, an inter-inning clock start access point acknowledgment message is sent to all multiple mobile devices 104A to 104D via the wireless transceiver; - When an inter-inning clock start device message is received, the external inter-inning clock timer on the scoreboard controller is started via the scoreboard controller interface, and / or the internal inter-inning clock timer in the access point is started when an inter-inning clock start device message is received; • Receiving ball count increase device messages via wireless transceiver from each of the multiple mobile devices 104A to 104D; - When a ball count increase device message is received from any one of the multiple mobile devices 104A to 104D, a ball count increase access point acknowledgment message is sent to all multiple mobile devices 104A to 104D via the wireless transceiver; - Configure the scoreboard controller via the scoreboard controller interface to increment the ball count on the scoreboard controller when it receives an inter-inning clock start device message; • Receiving strike count increase device messages via wireless transceiver from each of the multiple mobile devices 104A to 104D; - When a strike count increase device message is received from any one of the multiple mobile devices 104A to 104D, a strike count increase access point acknowledgment message is sent to all multiple mobile devices 104A to 104D via the wireless transceiver; - Configure the scoreboard controller via the scoreboard controller interface to increment the strike count on the scoreboard controller when it receives an inter-inning clock start device message; • Receiving a batter request scoreboard message from the scoreboard controller interface; - Upon receiving a scoreboard message requesting a batter to step up to the plate, send a batter to-the-plate access point message via a wireless transceiver to multiple mobile devices 104A-104D; • Receive pitch clock time expiration scoreboard messages from the scoreboard controller interface; • Upon receiving a pitch clock time expiration scoreboard message, transmit a pitch clock time expiration access point message to multiple mobile devices 104A-104D via a wireless transceiver; • Receiving inter-inning warning scoreboard messages from the scoreboard controller interface; - When an inning-interlude warning scoreboard message is received, transmit an inning-interlude warning access point message to multiple mobile devices 104A-104D via a wireless transceiver; • Receiving inning-interval time-out scoreboard messages from the scoreboard controller interface; - Upon receiving an inning-interval time expiration scoreboard message, transmit an inning-interval time expiration access point message to multiple mobile devices 104A-104D via a wireless transceiver; - Receiving batter-to-batter clock start device messages from each of the multiple mobile devices via a wireless transceiver; when a batter-to-batter clock start device message is received from any one of the multiple mobile devices, sending batter-to-batter clock start access point acknowledgment messages to the multiple mobile devices via the wireless transceiver; - When a batter-to-batter clock start device message is received, the external batter-to-batter clock timer on the scoreboard controller is started via the scoreboard controller interface, and / or when an inning-to-inning clock start device message is received, the internal batter-to-batter clock timer in the access point is started; • Receiving batter-to-batter warning scoreboard messages from the scoreboard controller interface; sending batter-to-batter warning access point messages to multiple mobile devices via a wireless transceiver upon receiving a batter-to-batter warning scoreboard message; - Receive a batter-time expiration scoreboard message from the scoreboard controller interface; and, upon receiving a batter-time expiration scoreboard message, transmit a batter-time expiration access point message to multiple mobile devices via a wireless transceiver.

[0089] Figure 2 is a side view and a front view of the mobile device 104 of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mobile device 104 includes a rechargeable lithium battery and a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charging port. In some embodiments, the mobile device 104 may also include a wireless charging port. The mobile device 104 is lightweight and configured to enter sleep mode after approximately 15 minutes of inactivity. The mobile device 104 is configured to use onboard flash memory to store configuration data. The configuration data includes an access point ID, network ID, frequency band, frequency channel, serial number, and encryption / decryption key.

[0090] The mobile device 104 further includes a graphical user interface (GUI) 202. Specifically, the GUI 202 may include a color thin-film transistor (TFT) display with light-emitting diode (LED) backlighting that supports custom graphics and a touchscreen. Tilt-based operation further saves battery light by dimming the GUI 202 when the referee is not looking at the screen. Furthermore, the mobile device 104 includes a momentary switch 204 and a toggle switch 206. The mobile device 104 may include additional momentary switches, toggle switches, and / or other types of switches on other sides of the mobile device 104 (not shown in Figure 2). The mobile device 104 also includes a belt clip 208. The switches are located on the mobile device 104 so that the referee can use the mobile device 104 while it is clipped to their belt. The GUI 202 may be used for additional functions to assist the referee. For example, the stopwatch application may be launched by an icon on GUI202. The stopwatch application may use one or more switches from a plurality of switches on the side of the mobile device 104 or GUI202 for start, stop, lap, and reset functions. The stopwatch application may use haptic feedback to indicate which switch was activated and / or when the timer has finished (such as the stopwatch's countdown function).

[0091] Figure 3 is a block diagram 300 of the mobile device 104 of Figures 1 and 2 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The mobile device 104 includes a processor 302, memory 304, a haptic feedback device 306, and a user interface (UI) 308. In some embodiments, memory 304 or a portion of memory 304 may be integrated into the processor 1302. Memory 304 may include a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory. In some embodiments, the processor 302 and memory 304 may be embedded within a microcontroller. The UI 308 includes a touchpad display and a plurality of momentary switches arranged to be easily accessible to the referee without directly looking at the mobile device 104, as disclosed in the description of Figure 2. The haptic feedback device 306 may be mechanically coupled to the case of the mobile device 104 and / or the UI 308. The haptic feedback device 306 may be configured to provide the referee with a plurality of unique vibration patterns without requiring the referee to look at the mobile device 104. Multiple such vibration patterns may include multiple inherent vibration frequencies and / or multiple inherent vibration on-off sequences.

[0092] The mobile device 104 further includes a microphone 310 and an external microphone interface 312. The external microphone interface 312 may be configured to be coupled with a lavalier microphone. The mobile device 104 may be further configured to receive audio (e.g., spoken language) from the referee and relay it to a public address (PA) system (not shown in Figure 1).

[0093] The mobile device 104 further includes a wireless transceiver 314 and a PAN interface 316. The wireless transceiver 314 may be configured to transmit and receive WBDSSS-compliant signals. WBDSSS signals may be associated with a frequency band from 902 MHz to 928 MHz.

[0094] The PAN interface 316 may comply with at least one version of the Bluetooth® standard. The PAN interface 316 may also be configured to wirelessly couple with an external microphone (e.g., a Bluetooth microphone).

[0095] The mobile device 104 is powered by a rechargeable battery 318. The battery charger 320 is configured to receive external power from a charging port 322. The charging port 322 may be configured to be plugged into a USB charger. Alternatively, the wireless charging port 322 may be a wireless charging port. A belt clip 324 is included for attaching the mobile device 104 to a game official (e.g., a referee).

[0096] The microphone 302 readily fits onto a standard lanyard and is tuned to the internal sensing circuit of the mobile device 104. A larger cable and flexible insulation prevent disconnection while electrically coupling the microphone 302 to the mobile device 104. In some embodiments, a wireless microphone (not shown in Figure 3) may be used.

[0097] Furthermore, the mobile device 104 includes haptic feedback technology to respond to acknowledgment packets / messages received from the access point 106. The pattern and intensity of the haptic feedback are controlled by software.

[0098] Figure 4 is Figure 400, showing a front view, top view, right side view, and left side view of the access point 106 of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The GUI 402 of the access point 106 is also shown in Figure 400.

[0099] Figure 5 is a block diagram 500 showing the access point 106 of Figures 1 and 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The access point 106 includes a processor 502, memory 504, a user interface (UI) 506, a wireless transceiver 508, and a scoreboard controller interface 510. The UI includes the GUI 402 of Figure 4. Furthermore, the UI may include additional switches, such as momentary switches. The UI 506 may be used by a scoreboard operator to perform any of the UI functions of the mobile device 104. The UI 506 may also be used for initial pairing of multiple mobile devices 104A-104D with the access point 106. The wireless transceiver 508 may be configured to transmit and receive WBDSSS-compliant signals. The WBDSSS signals may be associated with a frequency band from 902 MHz to 928 MHz.

[0100] In a more broad embodiment, Figure 6 is a flowchart 600 showing a method implemented on the mobile device 104 of Figures 1, 2, and 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In step 602, the method includes receiving a pitch clock start selection via the user interface 308. In step 604, upon receiving the pitch clock start selection via the user interface 308, the method further includes sending a pitch clock start device message to the access point 106 via the wireless transceiver 314. In step 606, the method further includes receiving a pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message from the access point 106 via the wireless transceiver 314. In step 608, upon receiving the pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message, the haptic feedback device 306 is instantaneously activated.

[0101] In a more broad embodiment, Figure 7 is a flowchart 700 showing a method implemented on the access point 106 of Figures 1, 4, and 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Step 702 includes receiving a pitch clock start device message via a wireless transceiver from one of the multiple mobile devices 104A to 104D. Step 704 includes sending a pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message to the multiple mobile devices 104A to 104D via the wireless transceiver 508 upon receiving the pitch clock start device message from one of the multiple mobile devices 104A to 104D. Step 706 further includes starting an external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller 108 via the scoreboard controller interface 510 and / or starting an internal pitch clock timer in the access point 106 upon receiving the pitch clock start device message from one of the multiple mobile devices 104A to 104D.

[0102] As those skilled in the art will understand, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as systems, methods, or computer program products. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or embodiments combining both software and hardware aspects, which are collectively referred to herein as “circuits,” “modules,” or “systems.” Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of computer program products embodied in one or more computer-readable media containing computer-readable program code.

[0103] Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be used. Computer-readable media may be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media (including, but not limited to, non-temporary computer-readable storage media). Computer-readable storage media may be, for example, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples (non-exclusive list) of computer-readable storage media include: electrical connections (having one or more conductors), portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or suitable combinations thereof. In this specification, computer-readable storage media means any tangible medium capable of containing or storing programs used by or in connection with instruction execution systems, apparatus, or devices.

[0104] Computer-readable signaling media can include propagated data signals that embody computer-readable program code, for example, as part of a baseband or carrier wave. Such propagated signals can take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic, optical, or appropriate combinations thereof. Computer-readable signaling media are not computer-readable storage media, but any computer-readable medium capable of transmitting, propagating, or transporting programs used by or in connection with instruction execution systems, apparatus, or devices.

[0105] Program code embodied in a computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, fiber optic cables, RF, or appropriate combinations thereof.

[0106] Computer program code for performing operations according to aspects of the present invention is written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or procedural programming languages. Programming languages ​​include, but are not limited to, Ruby, JavaScript, Java, Python, Ruby, PHP, C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Go, Scala, Swift, Kotlin, OCaml, etc. The program code may run entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer and operate as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or fully on a remote computer or server.

[0107] Embodiments of the present invention will be described herein using flowcharts and / or block diagrams to describe methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products. It will be understood that each block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, as well as combinations of blocks within the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions.

[0108] These computer program instructions are provided to the processors of general-purpose computers, dedicated computers, and other programmable data processing devices, thereby generating a machine. This creates a means for instructions executed via the processor of a computer or other programmable data processing device to implement the functions / operations specified in the blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0109] These computer program instructions may also be stored in computer-readable media that can instruct a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device to operate in a particular way. In this case, the instructions stored in computer-readable media generate a product that contains instructions to implement the functions / operations specified in the blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0110] Computer program instructions can also be loaded into a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device to perform a series of operations on that computer, other programmable device, or other device. This generates a computer implementation process in which the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide a process for implementing the functions / operations specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram blocks.

[0111] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the functions within a block may be executed in an order different from that shown in the figures. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or blocks may be executed in reverse order depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, as well as combinations of blocks in a block diagram and / or flowchart, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs a specified function or operation.

[0112] The terms used herein are for the sole purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, a reference to, for example, "a user" may include multiple such users. Furthermore, in this specification, the terms "includes" and / or "includes" identify the presence of the described features, elements, processes, operations, components, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, processes, operations, components, parts, and / or groups thereof.

[0113] All means or processes plus functional elements in the following claims are intended to include any structures, materials, actions, and equivalents that perform the function in combination with any other elements specifically described in the claims. The description of the invention is presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive or restrictive of the disclosed forms of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments of the invention have been selected and described to best illustrate the principles and practical applications of the invention and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the various embodiments with various modifications suitable for specific intended uses.

[0114] The descriptions of various embodiments of the present invention are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terms used herein have been selected to best describe the principles of the embodiments, their practical applications, the technical improvements to existing technologies, or to enable those skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0115] [Figure 1]This figure shows a system for assisting multiple umpires during a baseball game, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 200 shows a side view and a front view of the mobile device shown in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] These are block diagrams of the mobile devices shown in Figures 1 and 2 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows a top view, front view, right side view, and left side view of the access point shown in Figure 1, according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the access points in Figures 1 and 4 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows a method implemented on the mobile devices shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows a method implemented on the access points shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A mobile device to assist baseball game umpires, Processor and A memory electrically coupled to the aforementioned processor, A user interface electrically coupled to the processor, A haptic feedback device electrically coupled to the processor, A wireless transceiver electrically coupled to the aforementioned processor, Includes, The aforementioned processor, The pitch clock start selection is received via the user interface. When the pitch clock start selection is received via the user interface, a pitch clock start device message is sent to the access point via the wireless transceiver. Upon receiving a pitch clock start access point acknowledgment response message from the aforementioned access point, When the aforementioned pitch clock start access point acknowledgment response message is received, the haptic feedback device is instantaneously activated. It is configured in such a way, The access point is electrically coupled to the scoreboard controller. The aforementioned access point is The steps of starting the external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller when the pitch clock start device message is received; and The process of starting the internal pitch clock timer in the access point when the pitch clock start device message is received. A mobile device configured to perform at least one of the following steps.

2. When the aforementioned pitch clock start device message is received, the access point will A step of resetting the external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller before starting the external pitch clock timer; and A step of resetting the internal pitch clock timer in the access point before starting the internal pitch clock timer. The mobile device according to claim 1, further configured to perform at least one of the steps of:

3. The aforementioned processor, The pitch clock reset selection is received via the user interface. When the pitch clock reset selection is received via the user interface, a pitch clock reset device message is sent to the access point via the wireless transceiver. Upon receiving a pitch clock reset access point acknowledgment message from the aforementioned access point, When the aforementioned pitch clock reset access point acknowledgment message is received, the haptic feedback device is instantaneously activated. It is further structured in the following way: The aforementioned access point is The steps of resetting the external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller when the pitch clock reset device message is received; and The process of resetting the internal pitch clock timer in the access point when the pitch clock start device message is received. The mobile device according to claim 1, further configured to perform at least one of the steps of:

4. The aforementioned processor, The user interface receives a ball count increase selection, When the ball count increase selection is received via the user interface, a ball count increase device message is sent to the access point via the wireless transceiver. Upon receiving a ball count increase access point acknowledgment response message from the aforementioned access point, When the aforementioned ball count increase access point acknowledgment response message is received, the haptic feedback device is instantaneously activated. It is further structured in the following way: The mobile device according to claim 1, wherein the access point is further configured to increase the ball count on the scoreboard controller when it receives the ball count increase device message.

5. The aforementioned processor, The user interface receives a strike count increase selection, When the strike count increase selection is received via the user interface, a strike increase device message is sent to the access point via the wireless transceiver. Upon receiving a strike count increase access point acknowledgment response message from the aforementioned access point, When the aforementioned strike count increase access point acknowledgment response message is received, the haptic feedback device is instantaneously activated. It is further structured in the following way: The mobile device according to claim 1, wherein the access point is further configured to increase the strike count on the scoreboard controller when it receives the strike count increase device message.

6. The aforementioned processor, Upon receiving a message requesting the batter to step up to the plate from the aforementioned access point, When the aforementioned message requesting the batter to step up to the plate is received, the haptic feedback device is activated instantaneously. It is further structured in the following way: The mobile device according to claim 1, wherein the batter step-up request message is transmitted from the access point based on a first time interval after receiving the pitch clock start device message.

7. The user interface includes a pitch clock momentary switch, The processor is further configured to receive the pitch clock start selection via the pitch clock momentary switch, The mobile device according to claim 6, wherein the first time interval is associated with the pitch clock time requirement in the league.

8. The aforementioned user interface is With no runners on base, the pitch clock momentary switch and With a runner on base, the pitch clock momentary switch, Includes, The processor is further configured to receive the pitch clock start selection via either the runner-less pitch clock momentary switch or the runner-enabled pitch clock momentary switch. When the pitch clock start selection is received via the runner-free pitch clock momentary switch, the first time interval is associated with the runner-free pitch clock time requirement in the league. The mobile device according to claim 7, wherein when the pitch clock start selection is received via the runner-on-base pitch clock momentary switch, the first time interval is associated with the runner-on-base pitch clock time requirement in the league.

9. The aforementioned processor, Upon receiving a pitch clock time expiration message from the aforementioned access point, When the pitch clock time expiration message is received, the haptic feedback device is instantaneously activated. It is further structured in the following way: The mobile device according to claim 6, wherein the pitch clock time expiration message is transmitted from the access point based on a second time interval after receiving the pitch clock start device message.

10. The mobile device according to claim 9, wherein the second time interval is related to the pitch clock time requirement in the league.

11. The aforementioned second time interval is associated with the league's no-runner pitch clock time requirement, and The mobile device according to claim 9, wherein the second time interval is associated with the runner-on-the-pitch clock time requirement in the league.

12. The aforementioned processor, The user interface receives the inter-inning clock start selection, When the inter-inning clock start selection is received via the user interface, an inter-inning clock start device message is sent to the access point via the wireless transceiver. Upon receiving an inter-inning clock start access point acknowledgment message from the aforementioned access point, When the inter-inning clock start access point acknowledgment response message is received, the haptic feedback device is instantaneously activated. It is further structured in the following way: The aforementioned access point is The steps of starting the external inter-inning clock timer on the scoreboard controller when the inter-inning clock start device message is received; and The process of starting the internal inter-inning clock timer within the access point when the inter-inning clock start device message is received. The mobile device according to claim 6, further configured to perform at least one of the steps of:

13. The aforementioned processor, Upon receiving an inning-interval warning message from the aforementioned access point, When the aforementioned inter-inning warning message is received, the haptic feedback device is instantaneously activated. It is further structured in the following way: The mobile device according to claim 12, wherein the inter-inning warning message is transmitted from the access point based on a third time interval after receiving the inter-inning clock start device message.

14. The user interface includes an inter-inning clock momentary switch, The processor is further configured to receive the inter-inning clock start selection via an inter-inning clock momentary switch, The mobile device according to claim 13, wherein the third time interval is related to the inter-inning clock time requirement in the league.

15. The aforementioned processor, Upon receiving an inning-interval time expiration message from the aforementioned access point, When the inning-interval time expiration message is received, the haptic feedback device is instantaneously activated. It is further structured in the following way: The aforementioned inter-inning time expiration message is transmitted from the access point based on the fourth time interval after receiving the inter-inning clock start device message. The mobile device according to claim 13, wherein the fourth time interval is related to the inter-inning clock time requirement in the league.

16. The aforementioned processor, The user interface receives the batter-to-batter clock start selection, When the batter-to-batter clock start selection is received via the user interface, a batter-to-batter clock start device message is sent to the access point via the wireless transceiver. Upon receiving a batter-to-batter clock start access point confirmation response message from the aforementioned access point, When the aforementioned batter-to-batter clock start access point acknowledgment response message is received, the haptic feedback device is instantaneously activated. It is further structured in the following way: The aforementioned access point is The steps of starting the external batter clock timer on the scoreboard controller when the batter clock start device message is received; and The process of starting the internal batter clock timer within the access point when the batter clock start device message is received. The mobile device according to claim 15, further configured to perform at least one of the steps of:

17. The aforementioned processor, Upon receiving a batter-to-batter warning message from the aforementioned access point, When the aforementioned batter-to-batter warning message is received, the haptic feedback device is instantaneously activated. It is further structured in the following way: The mobile device according to claim 16, wherein the batter-to-batter warning message is transmitted from the access point based on a fifth time interval after the batter-to-batter clock start device message has been received.

18. The user interface includes a batter-to-batter clock momentary switch, The processor is further configured to receive the batter-to-batter clock start selection via a batter-to-batter clock momentary switch, The mobile device according to claim 17, wherein the fifth time interval is associated with the batter-to-batter clock time requirement in the league.

19. The aforementioned processor, Upon receiving a message indicating the end of the time between batters from the aforementioned access point, When the message indicating the end of the time between at-bats is received, the haptic feedback device is activated instantaneously. It is further structured in the following way: The aforementioned batter-to-batter time expiration message is transmitted from the access point based on the sixth time interval after receiving the batter-to-batter clock start device message. The mobile device according to claim 17, wherein the sixth time interval is associated with the batter-to-batter clock time requirement in the league.

20. The mobile device according to claim 1, wherein the user interface includes a push button.

21. The mobile device according to claim 1, further comprising a belt clip.

22. The mobile device according to claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable battery.

23. The mobile device according to claim 22, wherein the rechargeable battery is a lithium-ion rechargeable battery.

24. The mobile device according to claim 22, further comprising a charging port electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery.

25. The mobile device according to claim 24, wherein the charging port is compatible with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charger.

26. The mobile device according to claim 24, wherein the charging port is a wireless charging port.

27. The mobile device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless transceiver is a broadband direct sequence spread spectrum (WBDSSS) wireless transceiver.

28. The mobile device according to claim 27, wherein the WBDSSS wireless transceiver is configured to transmit and receive signals in a frequency band from 902 megahertz (MHz) to 928 MHz.

29. A method to be implemented on a mobile device to assist baseball game umpires, The process of receiving the pitch clock start selection via the user interface, The steps include: when the pitch clock start selection is received via the user interface, sending a pitch clock start device message to the access point via a wireless transceiver; The process of receiving a pitch clock start access point acknowledgment response message from the aforementioned access point, The process of instantaneously activating the haptic feedback device upon receiving the aforementioned pitch clock start access point acknowledgment response message, Includes, The aforementioned mobile device Processor and A memory electrically coupled to the aforementioned processor, The user interface is electrically coupled to the processor, The haptic feedback device is electrically coupled to the processor, The wireless transceiver electrically coupled to the processor, Includes, The access point is electrically coupled to the scoreboard controller. The aforementioned access point is The steps of starting the external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller when the pitch clock start device message is received; and The process of starting the internal pitch clock timer in the access point when the pitch clock start device message is received. A method configured to perform at least one of the following steps.

30. A non-temporary computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions to be implemented on a mobile device to assist baseball game umpires, When the aforementioned instruction is executed by the processor, it causes the mobile device to perform the method. The aforementioned method, The process of receiving the pitch clock start selection via the user interface, The steps include: when the pitch clock start selection is received via the user interface, sending a pitch clock start device message to the access point via a wireless transceiver; The process of receiving a pitch clock start access point acknowledgment response message from the aforementioned access point, The process of instantaneously activating the haptic feedback device upon receiving the aforementioned pitch clock start access point acknowledgment response message, Includes, The aforementioned mobile device The aforementioned processor, A memory electrically coupled to the aforementioned processor, The user interface is electrically coupled to the processor, The haptic feedback device is electrically coupled to the processor, The wireless transceiver electrically coupled to the processor, Includes, The access point is electrically coupled to the scoreboard controller. The aforementioned access point is The steps of starting the external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller when the pitch clock start device message is received; and The process of starting the internal pitch clock timer in the access point when the pitch clock start device message is received. A non-temporary computer-readable storage medium configured to perform at least one of the following steps.

31. An access point for supporting multiple umpires in a baseball game, Processor and A memory electrically coupled to the aforementioned processor, A user interface electrically coupled to the processor, A scoreboard controller interface electrically coupled to the aforementioned processor, A wireless transceiver electrically coupled to the aforementioned processor, Includes, The wireless transceiver is configured to send and receive signals from multiple mobile devices operated by multiple referees, The aforementioned processor, The radio transceiver receives a pitch clock start device message from each of the multiple mobile devices. When the pitch clock start device message is received from any one of the multiple mobile devices, the radio transceiver transmits a pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message to the multiple mobile devices. It is configured in such a way, Each of the multiple mobile devices is configured to instantaneously activate a haptic feedback device upon receiving the pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message. The aforementioned processor, The steps of starting an external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller via the scoreboard controller interface when the pitch clock start device message is received; and The process of starting the internal pitch clock timer in the access point when the pitch clock start device message is received. An access point further configured to perform at least one of the following steps.

32. The access point according to claim 31, wherein the pitch clock start device message and the external pitch clock timer are associated with the pitch clock time requirements in the league.

33. The access point according to claim 32, wherein the pitch clock start device message and the external pitch clock timer are further associated with the runner-free pitch clock time requirement in the league.

34. The access point according to claim 32, wherein the pitch clock start device message and the external pitch clock timer are further associated with the runner pitch clock time requirement in the league.

35. The access point according to claim 31, wherein the pitch clock start device message and the internal pitch clock timer are associated with the pitch clock time requirements in the league.

36. The access point according to claim 35, wherein the pitch clock start device message and the internal pitch clock timer are further associated with the runner-free pitch clock time requirement in the league.

37. The access point according to claim 35, wherein the pitch clock start device message and the internal pitch clock timer are further associated with the runner-in-pitch clock time requirement in the league.

38. When the processor receives the pitch clock start device message, A step of resetting the external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller before starting the external pitch clock timer; and A step of resetting the internal pitch clock timer in the access point before starting the internal pitch clock timer. The access point according to claim 31, further configured to perform at least one of the steps of:

39. The aforementioned processor, The wireless transceiver receives a pitch clock reset device message from each of the multiple mobile devices. When the pitch clock reset device message is received from any one of the multiple mobile devices, the wireless transceiver transmits a pitch clock reset access point acknowledgment message to the multiple mobile devices. It is further structured in the following way: Each of the multiple mobile devices instantaneously activates its haptic feedback device when it receives the pitch clock reset access point acknowledgment message. It is configured in such a way, The aforementioned processor, The steps of resetting the external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller via the scoreboard controller interface when the pitch clock reset device message is received; and The process of resetting the internal pitch clock timer in the access point when the pitch clock reset device message is received. The access point according to claim 31, further configured to perform at least one of the steps of:

40. The aforementioned processor, The wireless transceiver receives an inter-inning clock start device message from each of the multiple mobile devices. When the inter-inning clock start device message is received from any one of the multiple mobile devices, the wireless transceiver transmits an inter-inning clock start access point acknowledgment message to the multiple mobile devices. It is further structured in the following way: Each of the multiple mobile devices is configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device upon receiving the inter-inning clock start access point acknowledgment message. The aforementioned processor, The steps of starting an external inter-inning clock timer on the scoreboard controller via the scoreboard controller interface when the inter-inning clock start device message is received; and The process of starting the internal inter-inning clock timer within the access point when the inter-inning clock start device message is received. The access point according to claim 39, further configured to perform at least one of the steps of:

41. The aforementioned processor, The wireless transceiver receives a ball count increase device message from each of the multiple mobile devices. When the ball count increase device message is received from any one of the multiple mobile devices, a ball count increase access point acknowledgment response message is sent to the multiple mobile devices via the wireless transceiver. When the inter-inning clock start device message is received, configure the scoreboard controller via the scoreboard controller interface to increase the ball count on the scoreboard controller. It is further structured in the following way: The access point according to claim 40, wherein each of the multiple mobile devices is configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device when it receives the ball count increase access point acknowledgment message.

42. The aforementioned processor, The wireless transceiver receives a strike count increase device message from each of the multiple mobile devices. When the strike count increase device message is received from any one of the multiple mobile devices, the strike count increase access point acknowledgment response message is sent to the multiple mobile devices via the wireless transceiver. When the inter-inning clock start device message is received, configure the scoreboard controller via the scoreboard controller interface to increase the strike count on the scoreboard controller. It is further structured in the following way: The access point according to claim 41, wherein each of the multiple mobile devices is configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device when it receives the strike count increase access point acknowledgment message.

43. The aforementioned processor, The scoreboard controller interface receives a scoreboard message requesting the batter to step up to the plate. Upon receiving the aforementioned scoreboard message requesting the batter to step up to the plate, the wireless transceiver transmits a batter to step up to the plate access point message to multiple mobile devices. It is further structured in the following way: Each of the multiple mobile devices is configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device upon receiving the batter-to-bat request access point message. The access point according to claim 40, wherein the batter step-in request scoreboard message is transmitted from the scoreboard controller based on a first time interval after receiving the pitch clock start access point message.

44. The access point according to claim 43, wherein the first time interval is approximately 10 seconds.

45. The aforementioned processor, The scoreboard controller interface receives a pitch clock time expiration scoreboard message. When the aforementioned pitch clock time expiration scoreboard message is received, the wireless transceiver transmits a pitch clock time expiration access point message to multiple mobile devices. It is further structured in the following way: Each of the multiple mobile devices is configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device when it receives the pitch clock time expiration access point message. The access point according to claim 43, wherein the pitch clock time expiration scoreboard message is transmitted from the scoreboard controller based on a second time interval after receiving the pitch clock start access point message.

46. The access point according to claim 45, wherein the second time interval is approximately 20 seconds.

47. The aforementioned processor, The scoreboard controller interface receives an inter-inning warning scoreboard message. When the inter-inning warning scoreboard message is received, the wireless transceiver transmits an inter-inning warning access point message to multiple mobile devices. It is further structured in the following way: Each of the multiple mobile devices is configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device when it receives the inter-inning warning access point message. The access point according to claim 45, wherein the inter-inning warning scoreboard message is transmitted from the scoreboard controller based on a third time interval after receiving the inter-inning clock access point message.

48. The access point according to claim 47, wherein the third time interval is approximately 90 seconds.

49. The aforementioned processor, The scoreboard controller interface receives an inning-interval time expiration scoreboard message, When the aforementioned inning-interval time expiration scoreboard message is received, the wireless transceiver transmits an inning-interval time expiration access point message to multiple mobile devices. It is further structured in the following way: Each of the multiple mobile devices is configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device when it receives the inter-inning time expiration access point message. The access point according to claim 47, wherein the inning-interval time expiration scoreboard message is transmitted from the scoreboard controller based on a fourth time interval after receiving the inning-interval clock access point message.

50. The access point according to claim 49, wherein the fourth time interval is approximately 120 seconds.

51. The aforementioned processor, The batter-to-batter clock start device message is received from each of the multiple mobile devices via the wireless transceiver. When the batter-to-batter clock start device message is received from any one of the multiple mobile devices, the wireless transceiver sends a batter-to-batter clock start access point acknowledgment response message to the multiple mobile devices. It is further structured in the following way: Each of the multiple mobile devices is configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device when it receives the batter-to-batter clock start access point acknowledgment message. The aforementioned processor, The steps of starting the external batter clock timer on the scoreboard controller via the scoreboard controller interface when the batter clock start device message is received; and The process of starting the internal batter-to-batter clock timer within the access point when the inter-inning clock start device message is received. The access point according to claim 49, further configured to perform at least one of the steps of:

52. The aforementioned processor, The scoreboard controller interface receives a batter-to-batter warning scoreboard message. When the aforementioned batter-to-batter warning scoreboard message is received, the batter-to-batter warning access point message is transmitted to multiple mobile devices via the wireless transceiver. It is further structured in the following way: Each of the multiple mobile devices is configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device when it receives the batter-to-batter warning access point message. The access point according to claim 51, wherein the batter-to-batter warning scoreboard message is transmitted from the scoreboard controller based on a fifth time interval after receiving the batter-to-batter clock access point message.

53. The access point according to claim 52, wherein the fifth time interval is approximately 22 seconds.

54. The aforementioned processor, The scoreboard controller interface receives a scoreboard message indicating the end of the time between batters. When the aforementioned scoreboard message indicating the end of the time between at-bats is received, the wireless transceiver transmits the access point message indicating the end of the time between at-bats to multiple mobile devices. It is further structured in the following way: Each of the multiple mobile devices may be configured to instantaneously activate its haptic feedback device when it receives the batter-to-batter time expiration access point message. The access point according to claim 52, wherein the batter-to-batter time expiration scoreboard message is transmitted from the scoreboard controller based on the sixth time interval after receiving the batter-to-batter clock access point message.

55. The access point according to claim 54, wherein the sixth time interval is approximately 30 seconds.

56. The access point according to claim 31, wherein the user interface includes a graphical user interface (GUI).

57. The access point according to claim 56, wherein the GUI includes a touchpad display.

58. The access point according to claim 31, wherein the wireless transceiver is a broadband direct sequence spread spectrum (WBDSSS) wireless transceiver.

59. The access point according to claim 58, wherein the WBDSSS wireless transceiver is configured to transmit and receive signals in a frequency band from 902 megahertz (MHz) to 928 MHz.

60. The access point according to claim 31, wherein the scoreboard controller interface includes an XLR connector.

61. The access point according to claim 31, wherein the scoreboard controller interface includes a DIN connector.

62. The access point according to claim 31, wherein the scoreboard controller interface includes an RJ11 connector.

63. The access point according to claim 31, wherein the scoreboard controller interface includes an RJ45 connector.

64. A method implemented on an access point to support multiple umpires in a baseball game, The process of receiving a pitch clock start device message via a wireless transceiver from a first mobile device among a plurality of mobile devices operated by a plurality of referees, The process includes: when the pitch clock start device message is received from any one of the multiple mobile devices, the wireless transceiver transmits a pitch clock start access point acknowledgment response message to the multiple mobile devices; Includes, The aforementioned access point is Processor and A memory electrically coupled to the aforementioned processor, A user interface electrically coupled to the processor, A scoreboard controller interface electrically coupled to the aforementioned processor, The wireless transceiver electrically coupled to the processor, Includes, The wireless transceiver is configured to send and receive signals from multiple mobile devices. A method in which each of the multiple mobile devices is configured to instantaneously activate a haptic feedback device upon receiving the pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message.

65. The method according to claim 64, further comprising the step of starting an external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller via the scoreboard controller interface when the pitch clock start device message is received.

66. The method according to claim 64, further comprising the step of starting an internal pitch clock timer in the access point when the pitch clock start device message is received.

67. A non-temporary computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions implemented on an access point to assist multiple umpires in a baseball game, When the instruction is executed by the processor, it causes the access point to perform the method. The aforementioned method, The process of receiving a pitch clock start device message via a wireless transceiver from a first mobile device among a plurality of mobile devices operated by a plurality of referees, The steps include: upon receiving the pitch clock start device message, sending a pitch clock start access point acknowledgment response message to multiple mobile devices via the wireless transceiver; Includes, The aforementioned access point is Processor and A memory electrically coupled to the aforementioned processor, A user interface electrically coupled to the processor, A scoreboard controller interface electrically coupled to the aforementioned processor, The wireless transceiver electrically coupled to the processor, Includes, The wireless transceiver is configured to send and receive signals from multiple mobile devices. Non-transient computer-readable storage medium, wherein each of the multiple mobile devices is configured to instantaneously activate a haptic feedback device upon receiving the pitch clock start access point acknowledgment message.

68. The method further comprises the step of starting an external pitch clock timer on the scoreboard controller via the scoreboard controller interface when the pitch clock start device message is received, according to claim 67, for a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium.

69. The non-temporary computer-readable storage medium according to claim 67, further comprising the step of starting an internal pitch clock timer in the access point when the pitch clock start device message is received.

Images