Training system and method

Abstract

The method may include providing an object having a size smaller than a size of a known, defined object, projecting the object toward a trainee via a delivery device, and training the trainee to follow the object. The method may include determining a game parameter of a game trajectory of the sports object projected along the game trajectory in a real-time sports event, and adapting the delivery device to deliver a training object along a training trajectory that mimics at least a portion of the game trajectory based on the game parameter, wherein the training object is smaller than the sports object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of training individuals to improve performance in the areas of personal work or play. More specifically, the present embodiment relates to a system and method for projecting an object towards a trainee (or individual) who interacts with a target and an object.

Summary of the Invention

[0002] One or more computer systems can be configured to perform a particular operation or action by having software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof installed on the system that causes or causes the system to perform an action during operation. One or more computer programs can be configured to perform a particular operation or action by including instructions that cause the device to perform an action when executed by a data processing device.

[0003] One general aspect includes a method for sports training. The method also includes determining game parameters of a game trajectory of a sports object projected along a game trajectory in a real-time sports event, and adapting a delivery device to deliver a training object along a training trajectory that mimics at least a portion of the game trajectory based on the game parameters, where the training object is smaller than the sports object. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, devices, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices each configured to perform the actions of the method.

[0004] One general embodiment includes a system for training a trainee in the course of playing a sport. The system also includes a launching device that projects an object along a trajectory toward a target, a sensor configured to detect the trainee's eye characteristics, the trainee being configured to track the object, and a computing system configured to determine the trainee's score based on the detected eye characteristics. Other embodiments of this embodiment include corresponding computer systems, devices, and computer programs recorded in one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the method.

[0005] One general embodiment includes a method for sports training. This method also includes projecting an object toward a target along an actual trajectory via a launching device, tracking the object along at least a portion of the actual trajectory, comparing the portion of the actual trajectory with a corresponding portion of a desired trajectory, and adjusting one or more parameters of the launching device based on the comparison. Other embodiments of this embodiment include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded in one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the method.

[0006] One general embodiment includes a method for sports training. The method also includes projecting an object along a trajectory toward a target via a launching device, tracking the object along at least the distal portion of the trajectory, the distal portion of the trajectory including the object reaching the target, scoring a trainee's performance score for tracking the object along the distal portion of the trajectory, and increasing or decreasing the distance of the distal portion of the trajectory to which the trainee is configured to track the object before the object reaches the target, based on the scoring. Other embodiments of this embodiment include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded in one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the method.

[0007] One general embodiment includes a method for sports training. The method also includes projecting an object along a trajectory toward an impact device via a transmission device, receiving the object in a target zone of the impact device, having a trainee strike the impact device in the impact zone using sports equipment, and scoring the trainee's performance score for striking the impact zone at an appropriate time compared to the time it takes for the object to reach the target zone. Other embodiments of this embodiment include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded in one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the method.

[0008] One general embodiment includes a method for sports training. The method also includes projecting an object along a trajectory toward a target via a sending device, the target may include a target zone, receiving the object at an actual landing position on the target, the actual landing position being either inside or outside the target zone, and the trainee being configured to send instructions via a human-machine interface (HMI) device when the trainee anticipates the object landing inside the target zone, receiving, comparing the instructions to the actual landing position, and determining a performance score based on the comparison. Other embodiments of this embodiment include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded in one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the method.

[0009] One general embodiment includes a method for sports training. The method also includes projecting a first object toward a target via a projecting device, causing the first object to collide with a friction device of the projecting device, imparting a first spin and a first deflection to the first object in response to the collision with the friction device, thereby projecting the first object toward the target along a first trajectory, automatically adjusting one or more parameters of the projecting device via a controller, projecting a second object toward a target via the projecting device, causing the second object to collide with a friction device, imparting a second spin and a second deflection to the second object, thereby projecting the second object toward the target along a second trajectory. Other embodiments of this embodiment include corresponding computer systems, devices, and computer programs recorded in one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the method.

[0010] One general embodiment includes a system for sports training of a launching device that projects a first object toward a target along a first trajectory and a second object toward a target along a second trajectory, the launching device may include a propulsion device that propels the first or second object from the launching device and a friction device that imparts spin and deflection to the first or second object as each first or second object is propelled toward the target, the friction device being automatically controlled to change the second trajectory of the second object compared to the first trajectory of the first object. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] The features, aspects, and advantages of this embodiment will be better understood by referring to the attached drawings and reading the following detailed description.

[0012] [Figure 1A] This is a representative functional diagram of a system and method for training trainees to improve coordination, visual training and / or tracking abilities, and visual training and / or timing abilities, according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 1B] This is a representative functional diagram of a system and method for training trainees to improve coordination, visual training and / or tracking abilities, and visual training and / or timing abilities, according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 1C] This is a representative functional diagram of a system and method for training trainees to improve coordination, visual training and / or tracking abilities, and visual training and / or timing abilities, according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 1D] This is a representative diagram of an object used with a transmission device to train a trainee to improve coordination, visual training and / or tracking abilities, and visual training and / or timing abilities, according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 1E] This is a representative diagram of an object used with a transmission device to train a trainee to improve coordination, visual training and / or tracking abilities, and visual training and / or timing abilities, according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 2A] This is a representative functional diagram of a system and method for training a trainee to improve coordination, visual training, and / or tracking abilities, including an impact device, according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 2B] This is a representative functional diagram of a system and method for training a trainee to improve coordination, visual training, and / or tracking abilities, without the use of impact devices, according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 3A] This is a typical side view of an impact device according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 3B] This is a typical side view of an impact device according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 3C] This is a typical side view of an impact device according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 3D] This is a typical side view of an impact device according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 3E] This is a typical side view of an impact device according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 4]Includes a representative functional diagram of a system and method for training a trainee to improve coordination, visual training, and / or tracking abilities, according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a typical functional block diagram of an object delivery device that can support the system and method of the present disclosure according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a typical perspective view of a friction device for a feeding device according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a representative partial cross-sectional view along line 7-7 shown in Figure 5, according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 8A] This is a typical partial cross-sectional view of the barrel or barrel assembly of a dispensing device along line 8-8 in Figure 5, according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 8B] This is a typical partial cross-sectional view of the barrel or barrel assembly of a dispensing device along line 8-8 in Figure 5, according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 8C] This is a typical partial cross-sectional view of the barrel or barrel assembly of a dispensing device along line 8-8 in Figure 5, according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 8D] This is a typical partial cross-sectional view of the barrel or barrel assembly of a dispensing device along line 8-8 in Figure 5, according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a typical functional block diagram of an object sorter for a sending device that can support the system and method of the present disclosure according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 10A] This is a representative functional diagram of a system and method for a specific embodiment in which a launching device launches a sports object along at least a portion of the game trajectory of the object. [Figure 10B] This is a representative functional diagram of a system and method for a specific embodiment in which a launching device launches a sports object along at least a portion of the game trajectory of the object. [Figure 10C]A representative functional diagram of a system and method for a delivery device to deliver an object along at least a portion of a game trajectory of a sports object according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 10D] A representative functional diagram of a system and method for a delivery device to deliver an object along at least a portion of a game trajectory of a sports object according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 11] A representative functional block diagram of a control system for a training system according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 12] A representative functional block diagram of a parameter database for a training system according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 13A] A representative functional block diagram of a training system that can support a calibration method according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 13B] A representative detailed diagram of a part of the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 13A according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 14A] A representative functional diagram of a system and method for training a trainee to improve coordination, visual training, and / or tracking ability through segmented training according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 14B] A representative functional diagram of a system and method for training a trainee to improve coordination, visual training, and / or tracking ability through segmented training according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 14C] A representative functional diagram of a system and method for training a trainee to improve coordination, visual training, and / or tracking ability through segmented training according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 14D] A representative functional diagram of a system and method for training a trainee to improve coordination, visual training, and / or tracking ability through segmented training according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 14E] A representative functional diagram of a system and method for training a trainee to improve coordination, visual training, and / or tracking ability through segmented training according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 14F] This is a representative functional diagram of a system and method for training trainees to improve coordination, visual training, and / or tracking abilities through segmented training, according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a typical partial cross-sectional view of a camera used to detect and track the eyes of a trainee and the centerline of the trainee's gaze (or foveal vision) according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a representative functional diagram of a system and method for tracking the eye movements of a trainee and comparing them to the trajectory of an object, according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a typical functional diagram of a system and method for delivering an object along a trajectory to a target zone, according to a specific embodiment, where the object delivery is initiated via a stride sensor. [Figure 18] This is a typical functional diagram of a system and method for activating a stride sensor according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a representative functional diagram of a system and method for initiating the launch of an object along a trajectory in response to a gesture from a trainee or coach, according to a specific embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The following description, combined with the drawings, is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The following discussion focuses on specific implementations and embodiments of these teachings. This focus is provided to aid in the description of these teachings and should not be construed as a limitation on the scope or applicability of these teachings.

[0014] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variation thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of features is not necessarily limited to those features alone, and may include other features not expressly enumerated or that are inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise, “or” means inclusive “or” and not exclusive “or.” For example, condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist); A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists); and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0015] The use of “one (a)” or “one (an)” is used to describe the elements and components described herein. This is done solely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read as including one or at least one, and unless it is clear that this is not the case, singular forms include plural forms and vice versa.

[0016] The use of the words "about," "approximately," or "substantially" is intended to mean that the parameter value is close to the stated value or position. However, slight differences can prevent the value or position from being exactly as stated. Therefore, a difference of up to 10 percent (10%) of a value is a reasonable difference from the precisely stated ideal target. A statistically significant difference may occur when the difference is greater than 10 percent (10%).

[0017] Figures 1A–1C are representative functional diagrams of System 10 for training a trainee 8 to improve coordination, visual training, and / or tracking ability. System 10 and methods of using the System as disclosed in embodiments herein may be particularly suitable for sports training. However, it should be understood that other uses are also possible. Such sports may include, but are not limited to, baseball (Figure 1A), tennis (Figure 1B), or hockey (Figure 1C). Other sports such as softball, lacrosse, cricket, soccer, table tennis, American football (referred to as “football”), volleyball, basketball, and shooting sports may also benefit from similar training. Other training activities such as military training, first responder training, search and rescue training, rehabilitation training (for example, if trainee 8 has autism, is recovering from a stroke, is recovering from an injury, or has other medical conditions), or other trainees who can benefit from the eye-hand coordination training provided by the training system described herein may also benefit from similar training using the system described herein.

[0018] Military personnel, first responders, and tactical executioners often need to make quick but accurate decisions under stress. Improving the time it takes to recognize the nature of the surrounding situation allows for faster risk assessment and threat identification. Search and rescue personnel may operate in difficult, stressful, or adverse operating environments. Improving visual skills can reduce the time it takes to recognize hazards, personal risks, and situational risks. The visual skills that can be improved by the training system in this disclosure are: ● Dynamic visual acuity, ●Line of sight stabilization, ●Starting speed, ● Peripheral recognition, ● Speed ​​of visual processing, ● Vision in dim lighting, ●Visual identification, ●Concentration, or ●Spatial recognition However, it is not limited to these.

[0019] Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C show a launching device 20 that may be used to project an object 30 toward a target zone 50 (or trainee 8). According to one embodiment, the object 30 may be projected in a direction 66 toward the target zone 50 or trainee 8 along a trajectory (e.g., 40, 42, 44). As used herein, “trajectory” is a representation of the flight path of an object through a three-dimensional (3D) X, Y, Z coordinate system space, where each point along the trajectory can be represented by a point in 3D space. Each point along the trajectory may include a velocity vector representing the speed and direction of the object’s movement at that point along the trajectory.

[0020] In one embodiment, the projection of an object 30 along a trajectory (40, 42, 44) can be controlled by one or more controllers 28, 29 (also referred to as "controllers 28, 29") that can control various aspects of the process of projecting the object 30 so that the projection occurs along a predetermined trajectory 40, 42, or 44. One or more controllers 28, 29 may include only one controller (28 or 29) which can control aspects of the sending device 20 and communicate with internal and external data sources to set the parameters of the sending device 20 to desired values. One or more controllers 28, 29 may also include an internal controller 28 and an external controller 29 which can communicate with each of the controllers, as well as with internal and external data sources, to control aspects of the sending device 20 and set the parameters of the sending device 20 to desired values.

[0021] The predetermined trajectory may include a trajectory estimated (or determined) before the projection of the object 30. The predetermined trajectory may be selected by controllers 28, 29, which may be used to control one or more components of a delivery device 20 that may be used to control the trajectory of the object. The delivery device 20 may include one or more controllers 28, 29, or be communicably coupled thereto (wired or wirelessly), which may be configured to control one or more delivery variables associated with delivering an object along a predetermined trajectory 40, 42, or 44. In a non-limiting embodiment, the delivery variables may include the position of the device in 3D space (i.e., position in space in the X, Y, and Z planes), the angle of the device with respect to the intended target or trainee, the distance from the target or trainee, the intended velocity of the object along the intended trajectory between the device and the target or trainee, the spin of the object along the intended trajectory between the device and the target or trainee, the weight of the object by selection, the surface characteristics of the object by selection, and others. Additional transmission variables (or parameters) are defined in the following description with respect to at least Figures 5A to 10. In non-limiting embodiments, these parameters are: ●Air pressure supplied to an object to propel it through a barrel having a central axis, ● Volume of air supplied to an object, ● Barrel tilt, ●Barrel azimuth orientation, ● Barrel length, ●A friction device comprising an inclined portion and a surface material on the inclined portion, ● Azimuth orientation of the friction device around the central axis of the barrel, ● Azimuth orientation of the friction device around the longitudinal axis of the friction device, ● Distance of friction device from barrel, ● Surface materials for friction devices, ● The object launch position from the sending device, where the object launch position is a position in 3D space in the XYZ coordinate system, ● Object selection, ●Distance to the target, and ●Target height It is possible.

[0022] The delivery device 20 can be moved horizontally as indicated by arrows 60 and 62, or vertically as indicated by arrow 64. The height L1 of the object exiting the delivery device 20 can be adjusted by moving the chassis 22 of the delivery device 20 up or down (arrow 64) by a desired distance. This 3D movement of the delivery device 20 allows a user (e.g., coach 4, trainer 4, individual 8, trainee 8, or others) to adjust the position from which the object 30 exits the delivery device 20. This makes it possible to position the exiting object 30 to emulate a human or other real-world source for the delivery of a specified object (e.g., a specified baseball, specified softball, specified hockey puck, specified tennis ball, specified table tennis ball, specified lacrosse ball, specified cricket ball, specified football, and specified soccer ball), for example, by a pitcher for baseball or softball, a quarterback for football, or a skeet delivery device for shooting sports. As used herein, “real” or “real event” refers to a game, practice session, or tactical situation in which a trainee is training to improve their performance. A real event is an event in which prescribed equipment is used to perform a sport or tactical operation or situation.

[0023] In addition, the trajectory of the object 30 can be projected from the delivery device 20 at an appropriate angle A1 with respect to the ground 6. A guide 24 can be used to eject the object from the delivery device 20 at a certain angle, causing the object to experience various resistances as it is ejected from the guide 24. The guide 24 may include a barrel and friction devices for imparting spin and deflection to the object in order to project the object 30 along a predetermined trajectory. Controllers 28, 29 can control the angle and position of the guide 24 and select a predetermined (or desired, or expected) trajectory from a plurality of trajectories, or define a predetermined trajectory based on data collected from a data source. In non-limiting embodiments, each predetermined trajectory (e.g., trajectories 40, 42, 44) may include any parameters required to configure the delivery device 20 to eject the object 30 along that particular predetermined trajectory (e.g., trajectories 40, 42, 44). In non-limiting embodiments, the parameters may include the azimuth direction of the guide 24 to produce a desired azimuth direction for the object 30 as it exits the delivery device 20. The parameters may also include the amount and location of resistance applied to the object as it is propelled toward the exit of the delivery device 20. These will be described in more detail below with respect to the delivery device 20.

[0024] In non-limiting embodiments, the parameters may also include a force applied to the object 30 that propels it from the projection device 20 and moves it along a predetermined trajectory (e.g., trajectories 40, 42, 44). In non-limiting embodiments, the force may be applied to the object 30 via a pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, electromechanical, or mechanical power source that can selectively vary the amount of force applied to the object 30. The parameters may also include which of a plurality of objects 30 should be selected to provide a desired trajectory. The plurality of objects 30 may have many different characteristics, which are described in more detail below. Controllers 28, 29 can select the object 30 required to generate the desired trajectory. Controllers 28, 29 can control warning functions 26 (such as turning lights on or off, turning audible signals on or off, or playing synchronized video of a real projection source) to indicate that an object 30 is about to be projected from the projection device 20 toward the target zone 50. The warning function 26 may be any device that can warn the trainee 8 that the object 30 is ready to leave the sending device 20.

[0025] In non-limiting embodiments, object 30 may be a spherical or substantially spherical object used for training purposes. Object 30 may be shaped to represent a desired sport. In non-limiting embodiments, object 30 may be a different color, such as white, yellow, orange, red, blue, tan, gray, black, or luminous. The color of object 30 may be selected for the sport being trained 8 or for the type of training being used. In non-limiting embodiments, a coloring pattern (e.g., a red, yellow, white, green, blue, orange, or black pattern) may be applied to object 30 to distinguish it from other objects 30. The coloring pattern may be used to help trainee 8 focus on object 30 so that trainee 8 can more quickly notice and track a particular sports ball. The object may have one or more surface features (e.g., smooth, dimples, bumps, depressions, ridges, rough textures, etc.) that facilitate delivery along various trajectories. In non-limiting embodiments, object 30 may be made from materials such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polylactic acid, calcium carbonate, recycled paper, cotton, foam, plastic, calcite, rubber, steel, lead, copper, aluminum, or metal alloys, plant-based materials, or fungal materials.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, the device may include a magazine capable of containing multiple objects. The objects 30 in the magazine may be substantially identical, or at least a portion of an object 30 may have different properties from the other objects 30. Object properties may include, but are not limited to, shape, size (e.g., diameter in the case of a sphere, or diameter along the main surface in the case of a disk, the longest dimension or length of the object), color, surface features, density, material (e.g., inorganic, organic, metallic, polymer, ceramic, or any combination thereof), or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the dispensing device 20 may include a first magazine with a first portion of an object having a first object property, and a second magazine with a second portion of an object having a second object property different from the first object property. In one embodiment, the device may select a single object from the first portion or the second portion. Various parameters can be used to select different objects, which may include, but are not limited to, training methods (e.g., pre-selected training protocols), the trainee's measured or scored abilities, selections made by the trainee, and commands from one or more devices communicably coupled to controllers 28, 29 (e.g., data inputs from sensors, such as sensors associated with impact devices).

[0027] In a non-limiting embodiment, it may be desirable that object 30 be sized to be significantly smaller than the corresponding standard object. The corresponding standard object is determined based on the intended sport in which the trainee is training. For example, in the case of training for baseball, the corresponding standard object is the standard size for baseball. In a non-limiting embodiment, the size difference between object 30 and the corresponding standard object can be expressed as a Lo / Lr value, where Lo is the maximum dimension (i.e., length) of object 30 and Lr is the maximum dimension (i.e., length) of the standard object. In at least one embodiment, the size difference (or ratio Lo / Lr) may be 0.9 or less, or 0.8 or less, or 0.7 or less, or 0.6 or less, or 0.5 or less, or 0.4 or less, or 0.3 or less, or 0.2 or less, or 0.1 or less. Furthermore, in another non-limiting embodiment, the size difference may be at least 0.001 or at least 0.002 or at least 0.004 or at least 0.006 or at least 0.008 or at least 0.01 or at least 0.02 or at least 0.03 or at least 0.05 or at least 0.07 or at least 0.1 or at least 0.15 or at least 0.2 or at least 0.25 or at least 0.3. It should be understood that the size difference (Lo / Lr) between object 30 and the corresponding specified object may be within a range including, but not limited to, at least 0.001 and 0.9 or less, or at least 0.001 and 0.5 or less, or at least 0.002 and 0.006 or less, including any of the above minimum and maximum values.

[0028] In a non-limiting embodiment, the diameter D1 of object 30 (see Figures 1D and 1E) may be at least 0.05 inches, at least 0.06 inches, at least 0.07 inches, at least 0.08 inches, at least 0.09 inches, at least 0.10 inches, at least 0.110 inches, at least 0.118 inches, at least 0.120 inches, at least 0.125 inches, at least 0.130 inches, at least 0.135 inches, at least 0.140 inches, at least 0.145 inches, at least 0.150 inches, at least 0.20 inches, or at least 0.25 inches.

[0029] In another non-limiting embodiment, the diameter D1 of object 30 may be 2.0 inches or less, 1.90 inches or less, 1.80 inches or less, 1.70 inches or less, 1.60 inches or less, 1.50 inches or less, 1.40 inches or less, 1.30 inches or less, 1.20 inches or less, 1.10 inches or less, 1.00 inches or less, 0.90 inches or less, 0.85 inches or less, 0.80 inches or less, 0.75 inches or less, 0.70 inches or less, 0.65 inches or less, 0.60 inches or less, 0.59 inches or less, 0.55 inches or less, 0.50 inches or less, 0.45 inches or less, or 0.40 inches or less.

[0030] It should be understood that the diameter of object 30 may be within a range that includes, but is not limited to, at least 0.05 inches and 2.0 inches or less, or at least 0.05 inches and 1.10 inches or less, or at least 0.07 inches and 1.00 inches or less, and includes any one of the aforementioned minimum and maximum values.

[0031] In a non-limiting embodiment, the size of object 30 can be at least 120 times smaller than a baseball, at least 220 times smaller than a softball, at least 400 times smaller than a soccer ball, at least 25 times smaller than a table tennis ball, at least 90 times smaller than a lacrosse ball, at least 40 times smaller than a hockey puck, at least 70 times smaller than a clay pigeon (for shooting sports), and at least 110 times smaller than a cricket ball.

[0032] In a non-limiting manner, the weight of object 30 could be at least 0.001 ounces, at least 0.002 ounces, at least 0.003 ounces, at least 0.004 ounces, at least 0.005 ounces, at least 0.006 ounces, at least 0.007 ounces, at least 0.008 ounces, at least 0.009 ounces, at least 0.010 ounces, at least 0.011 ounces, at least 0.012 ounces, at least 0.013 ounces, at least 0.014 ounces, at least 0.015 ounces, at least 0.20 ounces, at least 0.25 ounces, at least 0.30 ounces, at least 0.35 ounces, at least 0.40 ounces, at least 0.45 ounces, at least 0.50 ounces, at least 0.55 ounces, or at least 0.60 ounces.

[0033] In another non-limiting embodiment, the weight of object 30 may be 10 ounces or less, 9 ounces or less, 8 ounces or less, 7 ounces or less, 6 ounces or less, 5 ounces or less, 4 ounces or less, 3 ounces or less, 2 ounces or less, 1.5 ounces or less, 1 ounce or less, 0.9 ounces or less, 0.8 ounces or less, 0.7 ounces or less, 0.6 ounces or less, 0.5 ounces or less, 0.4 ounces or less, 0.3 ounces or less, 0.2 ounces or less, 0.1 ounces or less, 0.09 ounces or less, 0.08 ounces or less, or 0.05 ounces or less.

[0034] It should be understood that the weight of object 30 may be within a range including, but not limited to, any one of the aforementioned minimum and maximum values, including, for example, at least 0.001 ounces and 10 ounces or less, or at least 0.07 ounces and 0.9 ounces or less, or at least 0.002 ounces and 5 ounces or less, or at least 0.002 ounces and 1.5 ounces or less. In a non-limiting embodiment, other sizes and weights of object 30 may be used with the delivery device 20 to project object 30 toward the target zone 50.

[0035] The weight of object 30 can be adjusted to achieve different training objectives and various predetermined trajectories (e.g., 40, 42, 44). The weight may depend on the size and material used for a particular object 30 that supports different training processes. Changes in weight may result in changes in the velocity of object 30.

[0036] In a non-limiting embodiment, the shape of object 30 may be substantially spherical. In another non-limiting embodiment, the object may be non-spherical, such as an ellipsoid. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, object 30 may also have surface features for trajectory correction (e.g., dimples, divots, holes, depressions, ridges, bumps, rough texture, etc.). The shape of object 30 may be adjusted to emulate a specific predetermined trajectory, such as a knuckleball throw or a kick from a soccer ball.

[0037] In non-limiting embodiments, the material constituting object 30 may be acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polylactic acid, calcium carbonate, paper, cotton, or foam, any polyplastic, or common plastic, calcite, metals such as steel, lead, copper, or aluminum, rubber, plant-based materials, or fungal materials. In non-limiting embodiments, object 30 may be coated with a dark glow. This can be used in various training methods for visual training, such as segmented training and strike zone training (described later).

[0038] In a non-limiting embodiment, object 30 may be illuminated with ultraviolet light, such as a black light, for an isolated training process for visual tracking. Because it is smaller than the specified object, object 30 may be safer than the specified object. The user only needs to wear safety glasses or a mask.

[0039] The transmission device 20 may be positioned at a distance L2 from the target zone 50 or the person being trained 8. In a non-limiting embodiment, the distance L2 may be at least 3 feet, at least 4 feet, at least 5 feet, at least 6 feet, at least 7 feet, at least 8 feet, at least 9 feet, at least 10 feet, at least 11 feet, at least 12 feet, at least 13 feet, at least 14 feet, at least 15 feet, at least 16 feet, at least 17 feet, at least 18 feet, at least 19 feet, at least 20 feet, at least 25 feet, at least 30 feet, at least 35 feet, or at least 40 feet.

[0040] In another non-limiting embodiment, distance L2 may be 210 feet or less, 205 feet or less, 200 feet or less, 190 feet or less, 180 feet or less, 170 feet or less, 160 feet or less, 150 feet or less, 140 feet or less, 130 feet or less, 120 feet or less, 110 feet or less, 100 feet or less, 90 feet or less, 80 feet or less, 70 feet or less, 60 feet or less, 55 feet or less, 50 feet or less, 45 feet or less, 40 feet or less, 35 feet or less, 30 feet or less, 25 feet or less, or 20 feet or less.

[0041] It should be understood that distance L2 may be within a range that includes, for example, at least 5 feet and 200 feet or less, or at least 5 feet and 55 feet or less, or at least 15 feet and 50 feet or less, or at least 15 feet and 40 feet or less, or at least 5 feet and 15 feet or less, or at least 10 feet and 25 feet or less, and includes any one of the above minimum and maximum values.

[0042] However, longer distances can be achieved by increasing the power used to project the object 30 toward the target zone 50. In non-limiting embodiments, the target zone 50 may be a rectangle defined by a height L5 and a width L4, representing a relative position in space, or the target zone 50 may be a physical acquisition device that captures objects 30 entering individual target segments 76. The target zone 50 can be positioned at a desired height L3 by moving the target up and down (arrow 68 in Figure 4). The imaging sensor 32 can capture an image of the trainee 8 and communicate the image to the controllers 28, 29. In non-limiting embodiments, the imaging sensor 32 may include a camera, a 2D camera, a 3D camera, a LiDAR sensor, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, or other video recorder.

[0043] The target zone 50 can be divided into multiple target segments 76, and the controllers 28, 29 can initiate projections of an object 30 along a predetermined trajectory (e.g., trajectories 40, 42, 44) toward a specific target segment 76 or toward an area outside the target zone 50 for various training methods. For example, at the start of a training session, such as in baseball or softball training, the controllers 28, 29 (via selection from the coach / trainer 4, trainee 8, or another user) can send a fastball along a trajectory 42 that can reach the target zone 50 within the central target segment 76 (or any other suitable segment 76). This can be used to help the trainee 8 to recognize the object 30 and track it along the trajectory 42 through consistent training using the trajectory 42.

[0044] If the scoring of this activity indicates that the trainee 8 has learned to track the object 30 through at least a portion of the trajectory 42, other trajectories may be selected for additional training. These other trajectories may be configured by the trainee 8, coach 4, other individuals, or controllers 28, 29 for a particular training method. These other trajectories may also be configured to mimic at least a portion of the trajectories of a sports object projected by a real athlete through one or more game trajectories in a real event. In this type of training, the trainee 8 can be trained as if facing a real athlete who has projected a sports object along one or more game trajectories. Scoring may be determined via images captured by one or more imaging sensors or by the coach / trainer 4 who visually observe the interaction between the trainee 8 and the object 30. Controllers 28, 29 may analyze the images to determine the trainee 8's performance against the training objectives or criteria of the training method being implemented. Next, controllers 28 and 29 can establish the trainee's score and use it to provide feedback to the trainee, coach / trainer 4, or other users in order to improve the trainee's performance. By comparing this score to previous scores, trends in the trainee's performance can be identified.

[0045] In the fastball simulation, object 30 can be projected by the launching device 20 along a trajectory 42. Object 30 can be seen traveling along trajectory 42 as indicated by object position 30''. With respect to other trajectories such as 40, 44 (which may be more complex trajectories), object 30 can be seen traveling along trajectories 40, 44 as indicated by positions 30' and 30''''.

[0046] Figures 1D and 1E are representative side views of exemplary objects 30, which may be of various shapes and sizes. In a non-limiting embodiment, the object 30 in Figure 1D is shown as a sphere having a central axis 31 and a diameter D1. When projected by the delivery device 20, the object 30 may have a spin 94 imparted to it by the delivery device 20. The spin 94 can be in any direction of rotation around the axis 31. In another non-limiting embodiment, the object 30 in Figure 1E is shown as a spheroid having a central axis 31 and a diameter D1, which is the shortest diameter of the spheroid shape. When projected by the delivery device 20, the object 30 may have a spin 94 imparted to it by the delivery device 20. The spin 94 can be in any direction of rotation around the axis 31. The spin 94 is shown to rotate the object 30 around the axis 31, similar to a football spiral throw. However, spin 94 can also rotate object 30 up and down about axis 31, and can also rotate it in any direction in between.

[0047] In a non-limiting embodiment, spin 94 may be "0" zero, at least 1 RPM, at least 2 RPM, at least 3 RPM, at least 4 RPM, at least 5 RPM, at least 10 RPM, at least 20 RPM, at least 50 RPM, at least 100 RPM, at least 200 RPM, or at least 300 RPM.

[0048] In a non-limiting embodiment, spin 94 is 120,000 RPM or less, 116,000 RPM or less, 115,000 RPM or less, 110,000 RPM or less, 105,000 RPM or less, 100,000 RPM or less, 90,000 RPM or less, 80,000 RPM or less, 70,000 RPM or less, 60,000 RPM or less, 50,000 RPM or less, 40,000 It may be less than or equal to 30,000 RPM, less than or equal to 20,000 RPM, less than or equal to 15,000 RPM, less than or equal to 14,000 RPM, less than or equal to 13,000 RPM, less than or equal to 12,000 RPM, less than or equal to 11,000 RPM, less than or equal to 10,000 RPM, less than or equal to 9,000 RPM, less than or equal to 8,000 RPM, less than or equal to 7,000 RPM, less than or equal to 6,000 RPM, or less, or less than or equal to 5,000 RPM.

[0049] It should be understood that the spin 94 of object 30 may be, for example, within a range including, but not limited to, at least "0" RPM and 11,000 RPM ounces or less, any one of the above minimum and maximum values, or within a range of at least 1 RPM and 116,000 RPM or less, or within a range of at least 1 RPM and 115,000 RPM or less, or within a range of at least 100 RPM and 10,000 RPM or less.

[0050] Figure 2A is a typical functional diagram of a system 10 for training a trainee 8 to improve eye-hand coordination in various sports. This system is similar to the systems shown in Figures 1A-1C, except that the impact device is located at a distance L2 from the delivery device 20. The target zone 50 can be seen as a physical collecting device that captures a projected object 30 within a target segment 76 where the object reaches the target zone 50. The impact device 52 may have a platform 54 for mobility. The target zone 50 may be positioned on one side of the impact device 52, and the user impact zone 56 may be positioned on the opposite side of the impact device 52. In this configuration, generally, after the trainee 8 has progressed from training movements in which the trainee 8 tracks an object 30 through a trajectory, the trainee 8 may use prescribed sports equipment 12 (see Figures 1A-1C) to strike (or impact) the zone 56 at an appropriate time, preferably when the object 30 is captured within the target zone 50.

[0051] The impact device 52 may include a sensor 58 within the user impact zone 56 to detect when the designated sports equipment 12 impacts the impact zone 56. The sensor within the target zone 50 can determine the time it takes for the object 30 to reach the target zone 50, and optionally its position within the target zone 50 (e.g., which target segment 76). By comparing the time it takes for the sports equipment 12 to impact the impact zone 56 with the time it takes for the object 30 to be detected in the target zone 50, a score can be provided to the trainee 8, encouraging them to improve their performance in impacting the zone 56 at the appropriate time so that they correctly make contact with the object 30, or the designated object in an actual game situation.

[0052] In non-limiting embodiments, the impact device 52 may comprise a support structure having a target zone 50 on one side and an impact zone 56 on the opposite side, wherein the target zone 50 comprises a sensor 51 for detecting the reception time and position of a projected object 30, and the impact zone comprises a sensor 58 for detecting the reception time and position of an impact from a sports equipment 12 operated by the trainee 8. The impact zone 56 may also include several other types of impact materials for receiving impacts from the sports equipment 12 operated by the trainee 8. In non-limiting embodiments, the impact material may be a padded (or weighted) panel as shown in Figure 2A, a padded (or weighted) bag as shown in Figure 3A, an object (such as a puck, ball, or bag) attached to a structure as shown in Figure 3B, a suspended object (such as a puck, ball, or bag) as shown in Figure 3C, a tensioned net as shown in Figure 3D, or a tensioned rope or resistance band as shown in Figure 3E.

[0053] Any of these impact devices 52 can be used in one or more training methods in which an object 30 is projected along a predetermined trajectory toward the target zone 50 of the impact device 52. In a non-limiting embodiment, the trainee 8 attempts to strike the impact zone 56 with the sports equipment 12 at an appropriate time and position compared to the time and position in which the object would be received in the target zone 50. Controllers 28, 29 can collect data from sensors 51, 58 and score the trainee 8 based on their performance in striking the impact zone 56 with the sports equipment 12 at an appropriate time and position compared to the time and position in which the object 30 would be received in the target zone 50.

[0054] Training using the impact device 52 allows the trainee 8 to use the delivery device 20 to project an object 30 toward the target zone 50, while simultaneously enabling the trainee 8 to strike the impact zone 56 with the prescribed sports equipment 12. This allows the trainee 8 to work on eye-hand coordination using the delivery device 20, as well as on the mechanics of body movement (e.g., swing mechanics in baseball or softball) using the prescribed sports equipment 12 (e.g., a prescribed bat for baseball or softball, a prescribed racket for tennis, a prescribed stick for hockey, etc.).

[0055] In non-limiting embodiments, controllers 28, 29 can communicate a performance score to the trainee 8, who can use the performance score to know if their performance needs adjustment or if their performance is acceptable. In non-limiting embodiments, the score can also be used to instruct the delivery device 20 to make adjustments to project objects 30 along various trajectories to focus on the trainee 8's weaknesses or to improve the trainee 8's strengths. After the trainee 8, coach / trainer 4, another individual, or controllers 28, 29 adjust the delivery device 20 based on the score, the delivery device 20 can project the next object 30 along a different trajectory toward the impact device 52. This process involves projecting an object 30 toward the impact device 52, the trainee 8 striking the impact device 52, controllers 28, 29 scoring the trainee's performance, and adjusting the delivery device 20 based on the scoring to deliver one or more subsequent objects 30, which may be continued as needed to continue impact device training.

[0056] In non-limiting embodiments, sensor 51 may comprise one or more imaging sensors 32 capable of capturing images of object 30 as it moves along a trajectory (e.g., 40, 42, 44). The images can be analyzed by controllers 28, 29 to determine the time and location of the object 30's arrival at the target zone 50. In non-limiting embodiments, sensor 58 may include one or more imaging sensors 32 capable of capturing images of the sports equipment 12 when it strikes the impact zone 56. The images can be analyzed by controllers 28, 29 to determine the time and location of the sports equipment 12's arrival at the impact zone 56. Controllers 28, 29 can compare the arrival time and location of object 30 with that of sports equipment 12 to determine the accuracy of when and where sports equipment 12 struck the impact zone 56 and establish a performance score for trainee 8 indicating how well trainee 8 interacted with object 30.

[0057] In another, less restrictive embodiment, the sensor 58 may include one or more strain sensors capable of detecting the impact force when the sports equipment 12 strikes the impact zone 56. This force information can be communicated to controllers 28, 29, which can determine the estimated trajectory of a specified object if the sports equipment 12 collides with it.

[0058] Figure 2B is a typical functional diagram of system 10 for training a trainee 8 to improve eye-hand coordination in various real-world events (e.g., sporting events, training events, tactical situations, etc.). This system is similar to the systems shown in Figures 1A-1C and includes an imaging sensor that can monitor, capture, or record the interaction between the trainee 8 and an object 30 delivered from a delivery device 20 to a target zone 50. The target zone 50 can be seen as a spatial representation of the area where the trainee 8 wishes to strike the object 30 with a sports tool 12. The virtual target zone 50 may be at a distance L2 from the exit of the delivery device 20.

[0059] With respect to training method 114, the delivery device 20 may be configured by controllers 28, 29 to deliver the object 30 along a predetermined trajectory (e.g., 40, 42, 44) to the target zone 50. The predetermined trajectory can (if necessary) direct the object 30 to one of a plurality of target segments 76 within or outside the target zone 50. The trainee 8 can swing the sports equipment 12 towards the object when the sports equipment 12 reaches the target zone 50. In certain embodiments, the sports equipment 12 may be a dedicated piece of equipment for training purposes. For example, the sports equipment 12 may be a bat with a significantly smaller diameter so that the trainee 8 needs greater precision to accurately hit the object 30 that is close to the target zone 50. However, using a smaller sports equipment 12 may minimize swing mechanics training but may be beneficial for training more precise control over the position of the sports equipment 12. The trainee 8 or the coach / trainer 4 or controller 28, 29 may score the trainee's performance and evaluate it as better, worse, or the same. The trainee 8 (or the coach / trainer 4 or controller 28, 29) may then select the next object and trajectory for the trainee's next attempt to hit object 30 when object 30 reaches or substantially reaches the target zone 50. This process may be repeated as many times as necessary for the trainee 8 to achieve the desired performance level of hitting object 30 when the object is received in the target zone.

[0060] The imaging sensor 32 can capture images of an object 30 moving along a predetermined trajectory (e.g., 40, 42, 44), the trainee 8's ability to visually track the object along the trajectory, and the trainee 8's reaction time and movement when swinging toward the object 30. The images can be used by the controllers 28, 29, the coach / trainer 4, or the trainee 8 to evaluate the trainee's performance and determine a score indicating the difference from a desired performance. Any scoring described herein can be used to track the trainee 8's progress (or lack thereof) over time as the trainee 8 progresses through the training method. Any scoring described herein can be used to identify weaknesses or strengths in the trainee 8, and the transmission device 20 can automatically adjust its parameters (or be manually adjusted via user input) to focus on these weaknesses or strengths. The scoring can also be compared between any of the training methods described herein to determine the trainee 8's overall performance score. By correlating or analyzing trainee scores across various training methods, it is possible to identify further weaknesses or strengths that may not be easily identified through a single training method.

[0061] Method 114 may differ from Method 112 in that it can focus on the trainee's 8 swing mechanics while using standard prescribed sports equipment 12 to strike the impact device substantially simultaneously with the object reaching the target zone. However, training method 114 can focus on the hand-eye coordination required to make contact with an object (smaller than the prescribed object) with sports equipment 12 (which may be, for example, specialized sports equipment 12 smaller than the prescribed sports equipment for that sport). By training with a smaller device, the trainee 8 can do this more accurately when striking the prescribed object with the prescribed sports equipment 12.

[0062] Figure 4 is a typical functional diagram of a system 10 for training a trainee 8 to improve eye-hand coordination in various sports. The delivery device 20 can be adjusted in various ways to facilitate the projection of an object 30 along predetermined trajectories 40, 42, 44 toward a target zone positioned at a distance L2 from the delivery device 20. The distance L2 may be at least 5 feet, or at least 10 feet, or at least 15 feet, or at least 20 feet, or at least 25 feet, or at least 30 feet, or at least 35 feet, or at least 40 feet, or at least 45 feet, or at least 50 feet, or at least 55 feet, or at least 75 feet, or up to 100 feet.

[0063] One or more imaging sensors 32 can be used to capture and record the movement of an object 30 along a predetermined trajectory (e.g., 40, 42, 44). The imaging sensors 32 can be placed at any position around the system 10, with at least three possible positions indicated in Figure 4. A user (e.g., coach 4, trainer 4, trainee 8, individual 8, or others) can also track an object along a predetermined trajectory and score the reproducibility of the object 30 moving along the predetermined trajectory. The imaging sensors 32 can capture and record how the trainee 8's eyes track the object 30 along a predetermined trajectory. Images collected via the imaging sensors 32 can be analyzed by a local controller 28 or a remotely located controller 29 to determine how the trainee 8 tracks the object 30 along a predetermined trajectory, and the controllers 28, 29 can score the trainee 8's ability to track the object 30 along a predetermined trajectory. The score can be used to improve the trainee's ability to track object 30, adjust the launching device 20, or select a follow-up trajectory for another object 30 (for example, when the trainee 8 performs well enough to proceed to a more difficult trajectory).

[0064] In non-limiting embodiments, the imaging sensor 32 may also capture and record how other parts of the trainee's body move while the trainee is tracking an object 30. For example, the imaging sensor 32 may collect images of head movement as the trainee 8 tracks an object along a predetermined trajectory (e.g., 40, 42, 44). Scoring can then instruct the trainee on how well they minimize head movement during object tracking. The images can also be used by controllers 28, 29 to determine whether other parts of the body are moving accurately or inaccurately. For example, when the trainee 8 tracks an object 30 toward a target zone 50, such as in preparation for maneuvering a sports equipment 12, arm movements, hip rotations, shoulder movements, etc., can be analyzed. Controllers 28, 29 can score the body movements to provide positive or negative feedback to the trainee 8, thereby enabling the trainee 8 to improve their body control. Controllers 28 and 29 can also analyze the image and calibrate the transmission device 20, similar to aiming a rifle at rifle range. By recording the trajectory of the object 30, the controllers can indicate whether the actual trajectory correlates precisely with a desired (or predetermined, expected) trajectory.

[0065] The delivery device 20 may include a guide 24 used to change the exit angle A1 and the rotation of the object 30 when the object 30 leaves the delivery device 20. In a non-limiting embodiment, the guide 24 may be inclined in any direction, including a horizontal arc length (arrow 72) and a vertical arc length (arrow 74), and the guide may allow the object to be directed at any angle within a conical region where the end of the cone is at the exit point of the object 30 and the diameter expands as the distance from the delivery device 20 increases. The guide 24 can also change the amount of spin on the object 30 (i.e., the changed RPM) and the direction of rotation of the spin relative to the delivery device 20 by the rotation of the guide 24 (arrow 70). The guide 24 can also change the interference between the object 30 and the friction device to impart various rotational speeds (RPM) to the object 30. Controllers 28, 29 can control the speed at which the object 30 is projected from the delivery device 20. In non-limiting embodiments, by controlling this degree, object 30 can be adjusted to reproduce substantially any desired trajectory, which may be a baseball pitch, a softball pitch, a soccer kick, a hockey player's shot at a goal with a puck, a football pass, a cricket pitch, a lacrosse throw, a tennis volley, a skeet throw for shooting sports, and the trajectory of many other defined objects in other sports or real-world events.

[0066] Figure 4 can also represent Method 110 for cognitive training. This method may be called tracking. Strike path recognition training is generally applicable to baseball or possibly softball. It should be understood that this type of training can also be used in training for other sports, such as emulating a straight shot at a hockey goal or a center shot at a soccer goal. This method uses repeated projections of an object 30 along a single predetermined trajectory, so that the trainee can train their vision and brain to focus on the smaller object 30 and recognize its trajectory faster than before training. The objective of Method 110 may be to improve the trainee's ability to recognize the strike path of the object 30. Controllers 28, 29 can initiate Method 110 by throwing a fastball into the dead red (center of the strike zone), and the trainee 8 can recognize and develop their vision and brain to recognize the successive repetitions of the strike-through path of the object 30 traveling along a predetermined trajectory 42 that can emulate a fastball that lands in the center of home plate. It should be understood that the fastball trajectory can be aimed at any point on the target zone 50, which in this example can represent the strike zone.

[0067] The faster the trainee's brain recognizes a fastball strike, the more opportunities the trainee will have to make contact with the fastball and hit it. Training with an object 30 much smaller than a baseball can train the trainee's vision and brain to process trajectory information more quickly and determine the ball or strike trajectory more rapidly. Recognizing the strike trajectory of dead-red pitches can be important because these may be the best pitches to hit for average and distance. The delivery device 20 can be programmed to throw both strikes and balls, but it should be understood that it may be preferable to throw the clearly majority of pitches that will be strikes. Therefore, training can improve the trainee's vision and brain's ability to see the trajectory of a strike. Method 110 (i.e., the strike trajectory recognition training method) can train the trainee 8 to know and recognize more optimal trajectories that may lead to more favorable results more quickly.

[0068] If the trainee 8 is very familiar with the strike path trajectory, trajectories outside the strike zone path should appear strange, different, and incorrect, allowing the trainee 8 to recognize these trajectories more quickly and enabling them to make a quicker decision to ignore objects traveling along strange trajectories. It may be desirable to project the object 30 along only the "strike path" trajectory and restrict trajectories that go outside the target zone 50 to only specific conditions, such as when specifically requested by the trainee 8, coach 4, or another person or controllers 28, 29. Controllers 28, 29 can be programmed to project the object 30 along "outside the target zone" trajectories during a given sequence of trajectories (e.g., a pitch sequence, a volley sequence, a throw sequence). The importance of improved strike path recognition can be demonstrated in the trainee 8 taking the lead in the strike / ball count, which puts them in a more favorable position when facing a pitcher in baseball. Batters in favorable counts tend to hit a much higher average (100 points higher) hits than batters in unfavorable counts.

[0069] Method 110 may include the actions of powering on the system 10, verifying that the correct object 30 and the correct number of objects 30 are placed in the delivery device 20, adjusting the speed to deliver the object 30 at the appropriate speed according to the desired training via a human-machine interface for selecting a training protocol for throwing a dead-red fastball, moving to the target zone of the system 10, and starting to deliver the object 30 along a predetermined trajectory. In non-limiting embodiments, the human-machine interface (HMI) may be a graphical user interface GUI, a touchscreen, a mechanical interface panel switch, a button, a stride sensor, a signal generator that creates a signal and transmits it to the controllers 28, 29 via wired or wireless communication, or an audio sensor for detecting an audio signal (such as a voice command) that can be recognized by the controllers 28, 29. In non-limiting embodiments, the HMI device input may be a sensor read, an imaging sensor, a handheld computer system interface, a handheld motion sensor, a motion sensor, an optical pointer, a touchscreen input, an audible signal, a trigger, a keystroke input, a mouse click, or a combination thereof. Controllers 28 and 29 can read a file record from the controller's non-temporary storage medium containing desired parameters for the sending device 20 to project an object along a predetermined trajectory. Controllers 28 and 29 can instruct the sending device 20 to move the object to a starting position, and then instruct the sending device 20 to project the object 30 along the predetermined trajectory into the target zone 50. The sending device 20 may be instructed by controllers 28 and 29 to repeat reading the file record, configuring the sending device 20, and projecting the object 30 along the predetermined trajectory to send as many objects 30 as desired into the target zone.

[0070] The trainee 8, positioned close to the target zone, focuses on the object 30 along at least a portion of the predetermined trajectory 42 and tracks the object 30, and attempts to maintain a direct line of sight to the object 30 and keep it in focus as the object 30 moves along at least a portion of the predetermined trajectory 42.

[0071] The controllers 28, 29 (or coach 4, or trainee 8) can analyze the trainee 8's performance and provide feedback on the trainee's performance by providing the trainee 8 with a performance score that can be determined by the controllers 28, 29 (or coach, trainee 4, or trainee 8) through the analysis of images captured from the imaging sensor 32 or other feedback devices (e.g., sensors 51, 58, 32 of the impact device 52).

[0072] Referring again to Figure 2A, the configuration of system 10 having an impact device 52 in the target zone 50 can be used for a training method 112 which may be called swing mechanics training. In a non-limiting embodiment, method 112 can also be readily adapted to provide swing mechanics training for other sports such as cricket, tennis, table tennis, soccer, or any sport that requires collision with a moving object. Generally, after the trainee 8 has achieved a sufficient score in method 110 (strike path recognition method), the coach / trainer 4 or the trainee 8 or controllers 28, 29 can start training method 112 (swing mechanics training method 112). Training method 112 enables the trainee 8 to perform a full swing on the object 30 while maintaining proper swing mechanics.

[0073] In a non-limiting embodiment, the training method 112 may include an impact device 52, which the trainee 8 can use to fully swing an object 30 while impacting the impact device 52. The method 112 promotes the trainee's sense of balance and allows the coach / trainer 4 (and optionally controllers 28, 29) to examine the trainee 8's true swing mechanics, from initial hand loads through the swing, including the contact point between the impact device 52 and the sports equipment 12, and including the swing follow-through.

[0074] The impact device 52 may include a weighted panel (or a weighted bag, as shown in Figure 2A) as shown in Figure 3A, the size and weight of which are adjusted to the size and strength of the trainee 8. The weighted panel may include a soft inner core surrounded by three layers of various materials to protect the soft inner core from the impact of the sports equipment 12 and to minimize the impact of the sports equipment 12 on the trainee to the impact device 52. The weighted panel may be any shape, such as cylindrical, square, rectangular, or polygonal. As described above, the impact zone 56 may be mounted on one side of the impact device 52, and the target zone may be positioned on the opposite side of the impact device 52. The target zone 50 may be configured to capture the object 30 when it collides with an individual target segment 76 within the target zone 50.

[0075] The impact device 52 can be mounted on a movable platform 54 which can represent a baseball or softball home plate or a hockey goalkeeper position. The platform 54 and the impact device 52 are configured so that the impact device 52 does not move when impacted by the sports equipment 12. The impact zone is configured to absorb substantially all of the energy emitted by the sports equipment 12. The mobile platform 54 allows for easy placement and removal of the impact device 52 to accommodate other training methods that do not require the impact device 52 (such as strike path recognition training).

[0076] With the trainee 8 positioned close to the impact device 52 in a suitable position to strike the impact zone 56 and to swing or manipulate the sports equipment 12 as would normally be done in a game situation, the launching device 20 may be commanded to project an object 30 along a predetermined trajectory toward the target segment 76 of the target zone 50 or out of the target zone 50. The trainee 8 can then attempt to track the object 30 as it has been projected along at least a portion of the predetermined trajectory. The trainee 8 can then swing the sports equipment 12 to strike the impact zone 56 at an appropriate time compared to when the object 30 was received at the target segment 76. An appropriate time refers to the time of impact of the sports equipment 12 with the impact zone 56 that would have resulted in the exact time of impact with the object 30 if the object 30 had been able to continue along the predetermined trajectory as if the impact device 52 had not been there. The impact zone 56 may include a sensor 58 that detects when the sports equipment 12 collides with the impact zone 56, and the sensor data can be transmitted to controllers 28 and 29 to record the time of the collision. The sensor 58 may also be positioned to detect the location of the impact of the sports equipment 12 within the impact zone 56. Thus, the sensor data supplied to controllers 28 and 29 may include both a timestamp and the location of the impact within the impact zone. The sensor 58 may also be configured to detect the force of the impact, so that controllers 28 and 29 can calculate how much force was applied and which of the specified objects it was applied to.

[0077] The target zone 50 may also include sensors 51 capable of detecting when an object collides with the target segment 76. When the sensors from the target segment 76 communicate their detection to the controllers 28 and 29 (transmit sensor data), the controllers 28 and 29 know which sensors are in which segment 76, and therefore know which segment 76 received the object. Thus, using knowledge of when and where in the target zone 50 the object collided, and knowledge of when and how much force was applied to each segment 76 in the collision zone 56, the controllers 28 and 29 can calculate a score for the trainee's attempt to collide with the collision zone at the appropriate time and location, and provide this score to the trainee 8, trainer 4, coach 4, or others to help the trainee 8 improve their performance.

[0078] Method 112 may include the actions of powering on the system 10, verifying that the correct objects 30 and the correct quantity of objects 30 are placed on the delivery device 20, adjusting the speed to deliver the objects 30 at the appropriate speed according to desired training via a human-machine interface that selects a training protocol for projecting the objects 30 one at a time along one or more predetermined trajectories, moving the system 10 to the target zone, and starting the delivery of the objects 30 along the predetermined trajectories. In non-limiting embodiments, the human-machine interface may be a graphical user interface GUI, a touchscreen, a mechanical interface panel switch, a button, a stride sensor, voice commands recognized by controllers 28, 29, remote control control to controllers 28, 29, or commands via wireless communication. Controllers 28, 29 may read file records from the controller's non-temporary storage medium containing desired parameters for the delivery device 20 to project objects along predetermined trajectories. Controllers 28 and 29 can command the delivery device 20 to move an object to a starting position, and then command the delivery device 20 to project the object 30 along a predetermined trajectory into the target zone 50. After each projection of the object 30, the coach / trainer 4 can score the trainee's performance and provide the trainee 8 with the score and any additional feedback to help the trainee 8 improve their performance by improving timing, power, positioning, and swing mechanics. The delivery device 20 can be commanded by controllers 28 and 29 to read file records, configure the delivery device 20, and repeat the projection of the object 30 along a predetermined trajectory to deliver a desired number of objects 30 into the target zone, and the coach / trainer 4 can provide scoring and feedback as needed to help the trainee 8 improve their performance.

[0079] The trainee 8, positioned close to the target zone, focuses on and tracks the object 30 along at least a portion of a predetermined trajectory, maintaining a direct line of sight to the object 30 and remaining focused on it as the object 30 moves along the predetermined trajectory. Next, the trainee 8 attempts to hit the object 30 by swinging a sports tool 12 (e.g., a baseball bat) towards the object 30. The training method trains the trainee to focus on the object 30 as it moves towards the target zone and hits the impact zone 56 at the same time as the object 30 collides with the target zone 50. The variation between the time the sports tool 12 hits the impact device 52 and the time the object 30 hits the target zone 50 can be scored with a higher score representing a smaller variation in time between two strikes (or impacts). The power of the impact of the sports equipment 12 on the impact zone 56 and the position of the impact within the impact zone 56 can also be used to determine a score indicating how close the trainee is to hitting the desired position with a desired amount of power.

[0080] The controllers 28, 29 (or coach 4) can provide feedback on the trainee's performance by analyzing the trainee's performance and providing the trainee with a performance score that can be determined by the controllers 28, 29 (or coach, trainer 4) through the analysis of images captured from image sensors or other feedback devices (e.g., sensors in the impact device 52).

[0081] Figure 5 is a typical functional block diagram of an object 30 delivery device 20 that can support the system and method of the present disclosure, as well as other systems and methods. The delivery device 20 may include a chassis 22 that is adjustablely mounted on a base 18, which can move the delivery device 20 along the ground 6 in directions 166, 168. The delivery device 20 may include one or more local controllers 28 (hereinafter referred to as controllers 28) which are communicatively coupled to components within the delivery device 20 via a network 35 and may be communicatively coupled to one or more remote controllers 29, one or more imaging sensors 32, and one or more external databases 36 via one or more networks 33a, 33b, 34. In some network configurations, the network 35 may include one or more internal networks 35 for communicating with components of the delivery device 20. The controllers 28 may be communicatively coupled to non-temporary memory 37 that can store a delivery device parameter database 38. A set of transmission device parameters may be stored in a database 38, and each set may be used to configure the transmission device 20 to transmit objects 30 along their respective predetermined trajectories via controllers 28, 29. These internal networks 35 may include networks having standard or custom network protocols for transferring data and commands to and from the components of the transmission device 20.

[0082] One or more remote controllers 29 (referred to as controllers 29) may be communicatively connected to a local controller 28 via network 33a, which connects an external network 34 to an internal network 35 (network 33b is not connected). In this configuration, the remote controllers 29 can directly command and control the components of the transmission device 20 without direct intervention from the local controller 28. However, in a preferred embodiment, the controllers 29 may be communicatively connected to the controller 28 via network 33b, which is not directly connected to network 34 (network 33a is not connected). In this configuration, the controllers 29 can communicate configuration changes (or other commands and data) for the transmission device 20 to the controllers 28, and the controllers 28 can then execute these changes on the components of the transmission device 20. In another configuration, it should be understood that networks 33a, 33b, 34, and 35 may all be connected to controllers 28 and 29 that manage communication over the networks.

[0083] In a non-limiting embodiment, the delivery device 20 may include a guide 24 that can correct the trajectory and spin of the object 30 as it is projected toward the target zone 50 or the trainee 8. The guide 24 may include a barrel 360 having a central axis 90 through which the object 30 can be projected toward the friction device 200. The friction device 200 may have a central axis 92 and can be rotated about the central axis 92 to change the engagement of the object 30 when it collides with the friction device 200 at position 30'''. The object 30 may be received from the object storage area 120 and positioned at position 30' within the first end of the barrel 360. A pressurized air source 152 may be fluidly coupled to the first end of the barrel 360 via a conduit 158, and the delivery of a certain volume of pressurized air is controlled by a valve 154. The valve 154 and air source 152 are controlled by controllers 28 and 29, which can adjust the air pressure and volume of air applied to the object 30 at position 30'. It should be understood that pressurized air is only one possible option for supplying the desired force to the object 30 in order to project it through the barrel 360. Other air pressures, as well as hydraulic, electric, electromechanical, or mechanical power sources, can be used to supply the desired force to the object 30 in order to project it through the barrel 360.

[0084] In a non-limiting configuration, the air pressure could be at least 3 PSI (i.e., pressure per square inch), at least 4 PSI, at least 5 PSI, at least 6 PSI, at least 7 PSI, at least 8 PSI, at least 9 PSI, at least 10 PSI, at least 20 PSI, at least 30 PSI, at least 40 PSI, at least 50 PSI, at least 60 PSI, at least 70 PSI, at least 80 PSI, at least 90 PSI, or at least 100 PSI.

[0085] In another non-limiting embodiment, the air pressure may be 220 PSI or less, 210 PSI or less, 200 PSI or less, 190 PSI or less, 180 PSI or less, 170 PSI or less, 160 PSI or less, 150 PSI or less, 140 PSI or less, 130 PSI or less, 120 PSI or less, 110 PSI or less, 100 PSI or less, or 90 PSI or less.

[0086] Please understand that the air pressure may be within a range that includes, but is not limited to, any one of the aforementioned minimum and maximum values, including, for example, a range of at least 5 PSI and 220 PSI inches or less, or at least 5 PSI and 200 PSI or less, or at least 10 PSI and 200 PSI or less, or at least 5 PSI and 180 PSI or less.

[0087] In a non-limiting embodiment, the length of the barrel 360 may be at least 2 inches, at least 3 inches, at least 4 inches, at least 4.5 inches, at least 5 inches, at least 5.5 inches, at least 6 inches, at least 7 inches, at least 8 inches, at least 9 inches, at least 10 inches, at least 11 inches, or at least 12 inches.

[0088] In another, less limiting embodiment, the length of the barrel 360 may be 48 inches or less, 36 inches or less, 24 inches or less, 23 inches or less, 22 inches or less, 21 inches or less, 20 inches or less, 19 inches or less, 18 inches or less, 17 inches or less, 16 inches or less, 15 inches or less, 14 inches or less, 13 inches or less, 12 inches or less, 11 inches or less, 10 inches or less, 9 inches or less, 8 inches or less, 7 inches or less, 6 inches or less, or 5.5 inches or less.

[0089] Please understand that the length of the barrel 360 may be within a range that includes, but is not limited to, any one of the minimum and maximum values ​​above, including, for example, a range of at least 2 inches and 48 inches or less, or at least 4.5 inches and 24 inches or less, or at least 4.5 inches and 5.5 inches or less, or at least 3 inches and 12 inches or less.

[0090] When valve 154 is activated, a controlled volume of pressurized air (or other pressurized gas) is delivered to the first end of barrel 360 over a predetermined length of time, allowing object 30 to be propelled through barrel 360 at a predetermined speed so that object 30 achieves a desired velocity vector 174 at position 30''. The velocity vector 174 may range from 25 mph to 135 mph. If the friction device 200 is not positioned to interfere with the trajectory 46 of object 30 as object 30 is propelled from the second end of barrel 360, object 30 can continue along the trajectory 46 and exit the launching device 20 without having any additional spin or deflection imparted to object 30 by the friction device 200. This may be used to launch a “fastball” along a predetermined trajectory 42 because the object does not engage with the friction device 200 before exiting the launching device 20.

[0091] However, if the friction device 200 is positioned to interfere with the object 30 as the object 30 is propelled from the second end of the barrel 360, the object 30 can engage (or collide) with the friction device 200 at position 30'''', thereby deflecting the object 30 at an angle from the axis 90 of the barrel 360 and imparting spin 94 to the object. By impacting the friction device 200, the object 30 can begin to move along a predetermined trajectory 48 having a modified velocity vector 176 at position 30''''. The amount of spin 94 and the amount of deflection from trajectory 46 to trajectory 48 can be determined by the velocity vector 174 of object 30 at position 30'', the spin of object 30 at position 30'', the azimuth position of the friction device 200 around its central axis 92, the azimuth position of the barrel 360 of the friction device 200 around the central axis 90, the inclination of the friction device 200 with respect to the central axis 90 (arrow 89), the length of the friction device 200 (arrow 88), and the surface material on the friction device 200. The object 30 can then continue to move along the predetermined trajectory 48 to the target zone 50 or toward the trainee 8.

[0092] If a different trajectory is desired, the controllers 28, 29 can modify the parameters of the delivery device 20 to deliver the subsequent object 30 along a new predetermined trajectory 48 (e.g., changing the velocity vector 174 and the spin of the object 30 at position 30'', changing the azimuth position of the friction device 200 about its central axis 92, changing the azimuth position of the friction device 200 about the central axis 90 of the barrel 360, changing the inclination of the friction device 200 with respect to the central axis 90 (arrow 89), changing the length of the friction device 200 (arrow 88), or changing the surface material on the friction device 200).

[0093] In non-limiting embodiments, in addition to the parameters described above, there are also parameters for the barrel position and the position of the chassis 22 of the delivery device 20 that can be used to change the trajectory of the object 30 and propel it along a predetermined trajectory (e.g., 40, 42, 44) to the target zone (or trainee 8). Some of these parameters may affect the orientation of the barrel 360 within the delivery device 20, others may affect the orientation and position of the chassis 22 of the delivery device 20 relative to the ground 6, and still others may affect the selection of the object 30 propelled from the barrel 360. In non-limiting embodiments, all of these parameters may affect the trajectory of the object 30 as it is projected from the delivery device 20 toward the target zone 50 or trainee 8.

[0094] The barrel 360 can rotate around its central axis 90 (arrow 86). This may be beneficial if the barrel 360 includes an internal bore of the barrel 360 (i.e., a surface with helically oriented ridges or grooves along the internal bore of the barrel 360) which has rifling grooves that can impart spin (clockwise or counterclockwise) to the object 30 as it moves through the internal bore of the barrel 360. Other surface features may also be used on the internal bore of the barrel 360 to influence the spin of the object 30 as it moves through the barrel 360.

[0095] The barrel 360 can be rotated around axis 91 to adjust the direction of object 30 as it exits the barrel 360 (arrow 84). The barrel 360 can also be moved to adjust the distance between the exit end of the barrel 360 and the friction device 200 (arrow 85).

[0096] The friction device 200 can be coupled to a structure (e.g., structure 210 via support 202) that can be used to rotate the friction device 200 around the central axis 90 of the barrel 360. This can be used to change the deflection angle imparted to the object 30 when the object 30 collides with the friction device 200 at position 30''''.

[0097] The chassis 22 can be rotatably mounted to the base 18 at a pivot point 148. Actuators 144 can be used to rotate the chassis 22 about the X-axis (arrow 81) or Y-axis (arrow 82) relative to the ground 6 by extending / contracting. There may be four actuators 144 positioned circumferentially around a central axis 93. The base 18 can rotate the chassis 22 about the Z-axis (arrow 80) relative to the ground 6. Supports 142 can be used to raise or lower the chassis 22 relative to the ground 6 (arrow 83). Supports 146 can be used to stabilize the support 142 relative to a support structure 160. The support structure 160 may have multiple wheels 164 with multiple axles 162 to facilitate movement of the support structure 160 along the ground 6 in the X and Y directions (arrows 166, 168). The support structure 160 can house an optional controller 169 for controlling the joints of the base 18 to orient the chassis 22 to a desired orientation. The controller 169 can be positioned not only within or on the chassis 22, but also at any location within or on the base 18. The controller 169 does not need to be located within the support structure 160.

[0098] In non-limiting embodiments, the dispensing device 20 may include one or more storage bins 150 for storing objects 30 and dispensing the objects 30 into the barrel 360 at position 30'. In the example shown in Figure 5, there are two storage bins 150a and 150b, but it should be understood that more or fewer storage bins 150 may be used in accordance with the principles of this disclosure. Storage bin 150a may contain object 30a, and storage bin 150b may contain object 30b. A controller 28, 29 (or coach 4, or trainee 8, or another individual) can select which storage bin 150a, 150b will deliver the objects 30 into the barrel 360 at position 30'. If object 30a is selected, storage bin 150a may release one object 30a that can be directed to position 30' via a conduit 156. If object 30b is selected, the storage bin 150b can release one object 30b, which can be directed to position 30' via the conduit 156. In this configuration, only one object 30a or 30b is released at a time.

[0099] However, conduit 156 may be a collection conduit that receives each object 30a or 30b and holds them in chronological order within conduit 156 with respect to when they were received in conduit 156 from storage bins 150a, 150b. Mechanism 155 can be used to discharge the next object (30a or 30b) into barrel 360 at position 30', thereby discharging objects 30a and 30b into barrel 360 in the order in which they were received in conduit 156. Even if only one object 30a or 30b is discharged into conduit 156, mechanism 155 may still be used to prevent leakage of pressurized gas into conduit 156. However, mechanism 155 is not essential. Other means may be provided to prevent loss of pressurized gas through any other path other than barrel 360.

[0100] Figure 6 is a typical perspective view of the friction device 200 for the delivery device 20. Similarly, as described above, the friction device 200 can be rotated about its axis 92 (arrow 87) and also about the axis 90 of the barrel 360 (arrow 96). A support (e.g., support 202) may be used to support the friction device 200 and to rotate it about the axis 92. The barrel 360 can rotate about the axis 90 (arrow 86) and can move toward or away from the friction device 200 (arrow 85). The object 30 can exit the barrel 360 at position 30'' with a velocity vector 174. When the object 30 collides with the friction device 200 at position 30''', a spin 94 is imparted to the object 30, and the object 30 is deflected by substantially an angle A1 with respect to the central axis 90 of the barrel 360. The object 30 can then travel along the resulting trajectory 48 from the object 30 as it collides with the friction device 200. Object 30 may have a resulting velocity vector 176 at position 30''''.

[0101] In a non-limiting embodiment, velocity vectors 174, 176, and 178 can be velocities directed in any 3D direction, and the velocity of object 30 is at least 4 MPH (i.e., miles per hour), at least 5 MPH, at least 6 MPH, at least 7 MPH, at least 8 MPH, at least 9 MPH, at least 10 MPH, at least 15 MPH, at least 20 MPH, at least 25 MPH, at least 30 MPH, at least 35 MPH, at least 40 MPH, at least 45 MPH, at least 50 MPH, at least 55 MPH, at least 60 MPH, at least 65 MPH, at least 70 MPH, at least 75 MPH, at least 80 MPH, at least 90 MPH, or at least 100 MPH.

[0102] In another non-limiting embodiment, the velocity vectors 174, 176, and 178 can be velocities directed in any 3D direction, and the velocity of object 30 is 220 MPH or less, 210 MPH or less, 200 MPH or less, 190 MPH or less, 180 MPH or less, 170 MPH or less, 160 MPH or less, 150 MPH or less, 145 MPH or less, 140 MPH or less, 135 MPH or less, 130 MPH or less, 125 MPH or less, 120 MPH or less, 115 MPH or less, 110 MPH or less, 105 MPH or less, 100 MPH or less, 95 MPH or less, 90 MPH or less, 85 MPH or less, 80 MPH or less, 75 MPH or less, 70 MPH or less, 65 MPH or less, 60 MPH or less, 55 MPH or less, 50 MPH or less, 45 MPH or less, or 40 MPH or less.

[0103] It should be understood that the velocity of object 30 in velocity vectors 174, 176, and 178 may be within a range that includes, but is not limited to, at least 5 MPH and 75 MPH or less, or at least 15 MPH and 100 RPM or less, or at least 15 MPH and 220 MPH or less, and may include any one of the above minimum and maximum values.

[0104] In non-limiting embodiments, the friction device 200 may include an inclined portion 206 to which one or more surface materials are attached. The surface materials control the friction applied to the object 30 when it collides with the friction device 200. It may be beneficial to allow the delivery device 20 to automatically select from among various surface materials (e.g., 204, 205, 208). Multiple surface materials 204, 205 can be attached to one side of the inclined portion 206. By moving the friction device 200 axially (arrow 88), an object can be made to collide with either a surface material 204 or 205. If the surface materials 204, 205 have different textures or coefficients of friction, colliding with one or the other can change the spin 94 or trajectory 48 of the object 30 when it collides with the friction device 200. The inclined portion 206 may also have one or more surface materials (e.g., 208) attached to the opposite side of the inclined portion 206. The inclined portion 206 can be configured to rotate about the axis 92 so that the surface material 208 is positioned to collide with the object 30 at position 30''. The surface materials 204, 205, and 208 may be various wool fiber materials, plastics, cotton, foamed rubber, metals such as steel, lead, copper, aluminum, or metal alloys, plant-based materials, or fungal-based materials.

[0105] In a non-limiting embodiment, surface materials 204, 205, 208 may have a coefficient of friction of at least 0.010, at least 0.015, at least 0.20, at least 0.25, at least 0.30, at least 0.35, at least 0.40, at least 0.45, at least 0.50, at least 0.55, at least 0.60, at least 0.65, at least 0.70, at least 0.75, at least 0.80, at least 0.85, at least 0.090, at least 0.095, at least 0.10, at least 0.15, at least 0.20, at least 0.30, at least 0.40, at least 0.50, at least 0.60, at least 0.70, at least 0.80, at least 0.90, or at least 1.00.

[0106] In another non-limiting embodiment, surface materials 204, 205, and 208 may have coefficients of friction of 1.50 or less, 1.45 or less, 1.40 or less, 1.35 or less, 1.30 or less, 1.25 or less, 1.20 or less, 1.15 or less, 1.10 or less, 1.05 or less, 1.00 or less, 0.95 or less, and 0.90 or less.

[0107] It should be understood that the coefficient of friction may be, for example, within a range including, but not limited to, at least 0.20 and 1.35, any one of the above minimum and maximum values, or within a range of at least 0.01 and 1.50, or within a range of at least 0.25 inches and 1.35.

[0108] Figure 7 is a typical partial cross-sectional view of the friction device 200 along line 7-7 shown in Figure 5. The structure 210 can rotate around the central axis 90 of the barrel 360 (arrow 95). With the friction device 200 coupled to the structure 210 via a rotatable support 202, the friction device 200 can rotate around the central axis 90 (arrow 96). The friction device 200 can be tilted relative to the central axis 90 by raising or lowering it relative to the central axis 90 (arrow 89). Thus, the friction device 200 can be positioned at any azimuthal angle position around the central axis 90 and can rotate around its own axis 92 (arrow 87). When an object 30 traveling along the trajectory 46 collides with the friction device 200, the object 30 can be deflected away from the friction device 200 along a trajectory 48 having a spin 94 at position 30''''. The desired spin 94 for the object 30 can also be expressed as the desired yaw, pitch, and roll of the object 30.

[0109] Figures 8A to 8D are representative partial cross-sectional views of the barrel 360 or barrel assembly 370 of the delivery device 20 along line 8-8 shown in Figure 5. Figure 8A shows a single barrel 360 having a smooth internal bore 368 and an external surface 362. This barrel 360 may be used to minimize the spin imparted to the object 30 as it travels through the barrel 360 along the trajectory 46. Figure 8B shows a single barrel 360 having a grooved internal bore 368 with grooves 364 and ridges 366. These grooves 364 and ridges 366 may be referred to as “riveting” of the barrel 360. The grooves 364 and ridges 366 can form a helically oriented path along the internal bore of the barrel 360, which can impart either clockwise or counterclockwise rotation to the object 30 as it travels along the barrel 360. However, the grooves 364 and the raised portion 366 may be parallel to the central axis 90 so as to minimize the rotation of the object 30 along the trajectory 46 within the barrel 360.

[0110] In a non-limiting embodiment, the inner diameter D2 of the internal bore 368 can be larger than the object diameter D1 by at least 0.01%, at least 0.1%, at least 0.2%, at least 0.3%, at least 0.4%, at least 0.5%, at least 0.6%, at least 0.7%, at least 0.8%, at least 0.9%, at least 1.0%, at least 1.1%, at least 1.2%, at least 1.3%, at least 1.4%, at least 1.5%, at least 1.6%, at least 1.7%, at least 1.8%, at least 1.9%, or at least 2.0% of D1.

[0111] In another non-limiting embodiment, the inner diameter D2 of the internal bore 368 can be larger than the object diameter D1 by 20% or less of D1, 19% or less of D1, 18% or less of D1, 17% or less of D1, 16% or less of D1, 15% or less of D1, 14% or less of D1, 13% or less of D1, 12% or less of D1, 11% or less of D1, 10% or less of D1, 9% or less of D1, 8% or less of D1, 7% or less of D1, 6% or less of D1, 5% or less of D1, 4% or less of D1, 3% or less of D1, 2% or less of D1, or 1% or less of D1.

[0112] It should be understood that the inner diameter D2 of the internal bore 368 may be greater than the object diameter D1, within a range that includes, but is not limited to, at least 0.01% of D1 and no more than 20% of D1, or at least 0.1% of D1 and no more than 10% of D1, or at least 0.1% of D1 and no more than 2% of D1, and includes any one of the aforementioned minimum and maximum values.

[0113] Figure 8C shows a barrel assembly 370 that can include multiple barrels 360. In this exemplary configuration, the barrel assembly 370 includes four barrels (360a, 360b, 360c, 360d) that can rotate together around an axis 374 (arrow 372). Each of the barrels 360a, 360b, 360c, and 360d may have a grooved or smooth bore. Thus, the controllers 28, 29 or users 4, 8 can select which barrel to use when feeding the object 30. In Figure 8C, the upper barrel 360a is positioned to receive the object 30 and feed it along the track 46 and axis 90. If the assembly 370 is rotated clockwise by one barrel position (arrow 372), barrel 360d may be positioned to receive the object 30 and feed it along the track 46 and axis 90.

[0114] Figure 8D shows a barrel assembly 370 that can include multiple barrels 360. In this exemplary configuration, the barrel assembly 370 includes two barrels (360a, 360b) that can be moved left and right (arrow 376). Each of the barrels 360a, 360b may have a grooved or smooth bore. Thus, the controllers 28, 29 or users 4, 8 can select which barrel to use when feeding the object 30. In Figure 8D, the left barrel 360a is positioned to receive the object 30 and feed it along the track 46 and axis 90. If the assembly 370 is moved to the left (arrow 376), barrel 360b may be positioned to receive the object 30 and feed it along the track 46 and axis 90. It should be understood that various other barrel or barrel assembly configurations can be used in accordance with the principles of this disclosure.

[0115] In a non-limiting embodiment, an object sorter 270 having a body 280 can be provided to automatically sort various different objects 30 and send the sorted objects (e.g., 30a, 30b) to a plurality of storage bins 150 (e.g., 150a, 150b) in a dispensing device 20. In this example, the bins 282 may contain a plurality of types of objects 30a, 30b that may have at least one characteristic different from other objects. The various characteristics of an object may be color, shape, surface texture, surface features, size, weight, or visually identifiable markings (e.g., barcode, Q code, etc.). Different objects 30a, 30b can be sent to the object sorter 272 via conduits or passages 274. The object sorter 272 may be configured to detect specific differences between objects 30a and 30b. After identifying the differences, the sorter can send the appropriate objects to the appropriate storage bins 150a, 150b via passages 276, 278. If more objects 30 are used, along with additional storage bins 150 to accommodate the sorted different objects 30, this may require more passages to deliver the objects to the appropriate storage bins 150.

[0116] In a non-limiting embodiment, the parameters of the transmission device 20 are: ●Air pressure supplied to the training object 30 in order to propel the training object 30 through a barrel 360 having a central axis 90, ● Volume of air supplied to the training object 30, ● Barrel tilt of 360 degrees, ● Barrel 360 azimuth orientation, ● Barrel length 360, ●Selection of Barrel 360, ●The inclination of the friction device 200, comprising an inclined portion 206 and surface materials 204, 205, and 208 on the inclined portion 206, ● Azimuth orientation of friction device 200 around the central axis 90 of barrel 360, ● Azimuth orientation of the friction device 200 around the longitudinal axis 92 of the friction device 200, ● Length of friction device 200, ● Surface materials 204, 205, 208 of friction device 200, ●Twenty object launch positions from the sending device, where the object launch position is a position in 3D space in the XYZ coordinate system, ●Selection of object 30, ● Height of the transmission device 20, ● Inclination of the transmission device 20, ● Azimuth orientation of the transmission device 20, ●Distance to target zone 50, and ● Height of target zone 50 It may include one or more of the following.

[0117] Figures 10A to 10D are representative functional diagrams of a system and method for a delivery device 20 that delivers an object 30 along at least a portion of the game trajectory 140 of a sports object 130. Each figure shows a real participant 14 (such as a real athlete) delivering a specified object 130 to a target zone 50 along the game trajectory 140. The game trajectory 140 of the sports object 130 can be captured using a tracking device 190. The game trajectory 140 can also be captured in past video, which can be used by controllers 28, 29 to determine the parameters of the delivery device 20 to mimic at least a portion of the game trajectory 140. In addition, or alternatively, the game trajectory 140 can be collected (or transmitted) from a statistical database 36 to controllers 28, 29, which contains the parameters of the game trajectory 140 that can be used to determine the parameters of the delivery device 20. For example, the statistical database 36 could be the Statcast database, which is an application programming interface (API) for sports data.

[0118] Controllers 28 and 29 may be used to analyze the parameters of the game trajectory 140 to determine the delivery device parameters that can be used by the delivery device 20 to project the training object 30 along at least a portion of the game trajectory 140. The training object 30 can be projected along a training trajectory 40 that at least substantially mimics the game trajectory 140 for a portion of the game trajectory 140. Controllers 28 and 29 may determine the characteristics of the sports object 130 (such as the spin 132 and velocity vector at positions 130' and 134'') as the sports object 130 moves along the game trajectory 140 so as to be captured by the imaging sensor 32. The game trajectory 140 may also include the position within the target zone reached by the sports object 130.

[0119] The tracking device 190 may include a controller 192 communicatively coupled to a tracking sensor 194. The tracking sensor 194 can capture an image of the game trajectory 140 or otherwise detect its parameters as the sports object 130 moves along the game trajectory 140. In non-limiting embodiments, the imaging sensor 194 may include a camera, a 2D camera, a 3D camera, a LiDAR sensor, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, or other video recorder. The controller 192 can receive tracking data from the tracking sensor 194 and store the tracking data for later analysis. The tracking device 190 may be communicatively coupled to controllers 28, 29 via a wireless or wired network, or the tracking data may be transferred from the tracking device 190 to controllers 28, 29 via non-temporary memory storage (e.g., a USB drive). Controllers 28, 29 may request the transfer of tracking data from the tracking device 190, or the tracking device 190 may transmit tracking data to controllers 28, 29. The tracking device 190 can store tracking data in non-temporary memory storage 196 or an external statistical database 36. Controllers 28 and 29 can retrieve tracking data from the tracking device 190 or the statistical database 36.

[0120] Figure 10A shows a launching device 20 positioned closer to the target zone 50 than the actual participant 14 was in the actual event, with the sports object 130 positioned to launch object 30 on a trajectory 40 that is not initially aligned with the game trajectory 140. In a non-limiting embodiment, the determined launching device (DD) parameters may be configured such that the launching device 20 projects object 30 along a trajectory 40 that overlaps with the game trajectory 140 by a distance L6, using a distance L7 which is the remaining distance of the game trajectory 140 from a first substantial common point 136 between the game trajectory 140 and the training trajectory 40. The training object 30 may be consistently launched into the target zone 50 within group 78 (at position 138) in the target zone 50. In a non-limiting embodiment, group 78 may have a diameter of less than 2 inches, less than 1.9 inches, less than 1.8 inches, less than 1.7 inches, less than 1.6 inches, less than 1.5 inches, less than 1.4 inches, less than 1.3 inches, less than 1.2 inches, less than 1.1 inches, less than 1.0 inches, less than 0.5 inches, or less than 0.1 inches.

[0121] The overall distance of the game trajectory 140 appears to be L6 plus L7 (or L6+L7). In a non-limiting embodiment, distance L6 may be 100%, less than 100%, less than 99%, less than 95%, less than 90%, less than 85%, less than 80%, less than 75%, less than 70%, less than 65%, less than 60%, less than 55%, less than 50%, less than 45%, less than 40%, less than 35%, less than 30%, less than 25%, or less than 20% of the total distance of the game trajectory (i.e., L6+L7). In another non-limiting embodiment, distance L6 may be more than 5%, more than 10%, more than 15%, more than 20%, more than 25%, more than 30%, more than 35%, more than 40%, or more than 45% of the total distance of the game trajectory (i.e., L6+L7).

[0122] Distance L6 may be a percentage of the total distance of the game trajectory, and this percentage is understood to be within a range that includes, but is not limited to, any one of the minimum and maximum values ​​mentioned above, including, for example, at least 5% of L6+L7 and no more than 95% of L6+L7, or at least 10% of L6+L7 and no more than 50% of L6+L7, or at least 20% of L6+L7 and no more than 40% of L6+L7.

[0123] In addition, in a non-limiting embodiment, the game parameters of the game trajectory 140 are: ● Track the game trajectory 140 during a real-time sports event, determine the game parameters of the game trajectory 140, and transmit the game parameters to controllers 28 and 29 in real time or as desired after the game trajectory 140 has been captured. ● Track the game trajectory via the tracking device 190 during a real-time sports event, determine the game parameters of the game trajectory 140, store the game parameters in non-temporary memory 196 or database 36, and retrieve the game parameters from the tracking device 190 via controllers 28 and 29. ● Track the game trajectory via the tracking device 190 during a real-time sports event or real-time practice session, determine the game parameters of the game trajectory 140, and retrieve the game parameters from the tracking device 190 via the controllers 28 and 29. ● Track the game trajectory 140 via the tracking device 190 during a real-time sports event or real-time practice session, determine the game parameters of the game trajectory 140, and retrieve the game parameters from the tracking device 190 in real time via controllers 28 and 29. ●Collect game parameters from one or more data sources (such as memory 196 or database 36) and send the game parameters to controllers 28 and 29. ●Retrieving game parameters from the database 36 via controllers 28 and 29, or ● Determined by at least one of those combinations. It is possible.

[0124] In a non-limiting embodiment, the game parameters of the game trajectory 140 are: ●Spinning of sports objects, ● Speed ​​of sports objects, ● Velocity vector of a sports object, ●Weight of sports objects, ● Size of sports objects, ● Surface texture of sports objects, ●Game trajectories of sports objects passing through 3D space in the XYZ coordinate system, and ●The combinations of those Includes one or more of the following.

[0125] Multiple game trajectories can be tracked by the tracking device 190 using game parameters determined for each of the multiple game trajectories. By projecting the training object 30 along at least a portion of each game trajectory 140, a set of parameters for the projector device 20 can be determined for each of the game trajectories 140 such that the projector device parameters for each game trajectory 140 can mimic each game trajectory 140. By selectively adjusting the projector device 20 (manually or automatically) based on each consecutive set of projector device parameters, the projector device 20 can mimic a set of game objects projected in a real sporting event. For example, the projector device 20 can mimic a series of pitches by a particular pitcher in a baseball game (or a real baseball practice session), a series of pitches by a particular pitcher in a softball game (or a real softball practice session), a series of goal shots by a particular hockey player in a hockey game (or a real hockey practice session), a series of volley hits during a tennis match (or a real tennis practice session), and so on.

[0126] Multiple sets of transmission device parameters, each defining a predetermined trajectory 40, can be stored in the parameter database 38 as a sequence file that can generate a desired sequence of the predetermined trajectory 40 when invoked by the controllers 28, 29.

[0127] In addition, the sequence of training trajectories 40 can be constructed to emulate (or mimic) the sequence of game trajectories 140 as described above. Furthermore, the sequence of training trajectories 40 can be constructed by a user (coach 4, trainee 8, controllers 28, 29, another individual, etc.) as desired to construct a modified sequence of training trajectories 40 that is not necessarily related to the realistic game trajectories 140 of the game object 130.

[0128] Referring now to Figure 10B, as discussed above with respect to Figure 10A, the tracking device 190 can track and record the game trajectory 140 of the game object 130 in a real sporting event (which may include a real practice session). However, in Figure 10B, unlike the training system 10 in Figure 10A, the training system 10 projects the object 30 from the launching device 20 along substantially the end of the game trajectory 140 as the object leaves the launching device 20. This allows the distance (L6) that the object 30 travels along the game trajectory 140 to be longer than in Figure 10A. In the configuration of Figure 10B, the launching device 20 can be moved closer to the target zone 50 while maintaining the desired length L6 over which the object 30 tracks the game trajectory 140. As can be seen from the figure, the object 30 traveling along the training trajectory 40 (position 30', etc.) substantially mimics the game trajectory 140 of the game object 130 (position 130', etc.) to the target zone.

[0129] Referring now to Figures 10C and 10D, the descriptions in Figures 10A and 10B apply to Figures 10C and 10D, except that the real participants 14 and trainees in Figure 10C are for the sport of tennis, and the real participants 14 and trainees in Figure 10D are for the sport of hockey. This demonstrates that the training system 10 can be used for training in multiple sports and is not limited to baseball or softball.

[0130] Figure 11 is a typical functional block diagram of the control system 350 for the training system 10. The local controller 28 may be communicatively coupled to the remote controller 29 via network 33b, the game statistics database 36 via network 33a, the input device 342, and the display 340. The input device 342 can provide a human-machine interface (HMI) that receives user input (trainee 8, coach 4, or others) and transmits the user input to one or more processors 330 of the controller 28. In non-limiting embodiments, the input device may be a keyboard, mouse, trackball, virtual reality sensor, graphical user interface GUI, touchscreen, mechanical interface panel switch, button, stride sensor, microphone for inputting voice commands recognized by the controller 28, or video sensor for detecting gestures of the trainee 8 or coach 4 or other individual.

[0131] In non-limiting embodiments, the display 340 may be used to display performance scores to the user (i.e., trainee 8, coach 4, another individual, etc.), a GUI interface window, training trajectories (one or more), emulated game trajectories 140, and players 14 associated with game trajectories 140, a video of game trajectories 140, a video of the training trajectories while or after the object is projected onto the target zone, training statistics and trends, selection criteria object 30, selection criteria for training trajectories 40, parameters of the delivery device 20, and selected parameters when selected by the input device. For example, in baseball or softball training, the display 340 can be used to display the pitch type, the delivery speed of object 30 in the target zone 50, the delivery position of object 30 in the target zone 50, a text message about the delivered object 30, an animation, video, photo, or warning about the delivered object 30. The display is intended to provide the trainee 8 or coach 4 with immediate feedback about the delivered object 30. Although the input device 342 and the display 340 are shown separately, they can be integrated together into a device such as a smartphone, smart tablet, laptop, or touchscreen.

[0132] The network interface 332 manages network protocols for communication with external systems (e.g., controller 29, database 36, image sensor 32, tracking device 190, etc.) and can facilitate communication between the processor 330 and external systems. These external systems are shown connected to network 34, but can be disconnected and reconnected as needed. For example, the tracking device 190 does not need to be connected to the network until it is positioned on a docking station to download its acquired data. In addition, the transmission device 20 does not necessarily need to be connected to an external network. Once reconnected to an appropriate external network, communication between external systems becomes possible again.

[0133] In non-limiting embodiments, the processor 330 may be communicatively coupled to non-temporary memory storage 37 which can be used to store program instructions 334 and information in databases 38, 336, 338. The processor 330 may store and read instructions 334 from memory 37 and execute these instructions to perform any of the methods and operations described herein on the sending device 20. Sending device parameters for each training trajectory 40 (see parameters described above) may be stored in a sending device parameter database 38 in memory 37. This database 38 may be organized such that each training trajectory 40 defined by a set of sending device parameters may have a trajectory entry in the database 38. When this trajectory entry is accessed, the set of sending device parameters may be transferred to the processor 330, which may use the parameters to adjust the components of the sending device 20 and send out the predetermined trajectory defined by the trajectory entry.

[0134] If the user wishes to define a pre-prepared sequence of trajectories, the processor 330 (based on input from the input device) can assemble a sequence of trajectories including associated sender device parameters and store the sequence in the sequential trajectory database 336 as a retrievable set of predetermined trajectories. When accessed by the processor 330, the sequential trajectory database 336 can send the predetermined set of trajectories including sender device parameters to the processor 330. The processor 330 can then sequentially configure the sender device 20 to project objects sequentially one after the other to generate the desired set of predetermined trajectories in the desired order. Memory 37 may also include a game trajectory database 338 that stores game parameters of game trajectories received from other sources (such as the tracking device 190, the game statistics database 36, or user input) and can store them for later emulation by the sender device 20.

[0135] Figure 12 is a typical functional block diagram of the parameter database 38, which may be contained within the transmission device 20, but may also be contained in another non-temporary memory outside the transmission device 20, such as a remote controller 29. In a non-limiting embodiment, the parameter database 38 may contain multiple database entries 400 (e.g., 402), each accompanied by unique identification information (ID) 404, a player 406 associated with the entry (e.g., a sports player, coach, controller 28, 29, trainee 8), and a trajectory 408 for the entry. The list of entries 400 is shown with simplified variables for ID 404, player 406, and trajectory 408, but it should be understood that these variables can be as complex as necessary to perform the function of identifying an entry and providing guidance to the user for selecting and using it. For example, ID 1001 indicates that it is a trajectory from a hockey player identified as "Hockey Player 1", and the title indicates that the trajectory is a hockey shot at goal (number 1). For example, ID 1002 indicates a trajectory from a baseball pitcher labeled "P1," and trajectory 408 instructs the user to mimic a curveball outside the plate. The remaining entries can be identified in a similar manner to help the user know which of one or more to select for training.

[0136] In non-limiting embodiments, these trajectories represented by entry 400 may be individually selected to perform single or repeated training using the selected training trajectory 40. These trajectories represented by entry 400 may be randomly selected (e.g., via controller 28, 29, or coach 4, or other means) to project a subsequent object 30 along a randomly selected trajectory chosen from the list of entries 400. The random selection of trajectories, including their associated ejection device parameters, is recorded and stored in the sequential trajectory database 336 and can later be retrieved to repeat the sequence of randomly selected trajectories. In addition, as described above with respect to the sequential trajectory database 336, the user can assemble a sequence of trajectories, including associated ejection device parameters, and store that sequence in the sequential trajectory database 336 as a retrievable set of predetermined trajectories. Three examples of this process are shown for consideration. Many more different sequences 410 than those shown in Figure 12 can be assembled.

[0137] In a non-limiting embodiment, entries 1009, 1010 may be assembled (or compiled) (420a) to generate a sequence 410a of two trajectories created by coach 4, which could then be used for fastball training.

[0138] In another non-limiting embodiment, entries 1002-1004, 1006, and 1007 are assembled into a sequence 410b (420b) that appears to focus on a single baseball pitcher P1. This can be used to prepare a real game situation (or real practice session) in which a real pitcher P1 would pit along with a trainee 8.

[0139] In another non-limiting embodiment, entries 1008-1010 are used to assemble sequence 410c (420c), which also appears to focus on fastball training. Entry 1008 appears to be a training trajectory created by trainee 8 and is duplicated several times to create sequence 410c. Entries 1009 and 1010, which appear to be created by coach 4, are inserted near the end of the list. These sequences are generally a matter of user preference, but could also be constructed to mimic game trajectory sequences of game objects projected by players in real-world events (e.g., pitch sequences in baseball or softball).

[0140] In non-limiting embodiments, sequences 410a, 410b, 410c, and other sequences 410 not shown, may be stored in a sequential trajectory database 336 to facilitate access when a particular sequence 410 is desired to be used in training. The progression of the trajectory sequence defined in sequence 410 may be automatic, such that the sending device 20 initiates the projection of the next object 30 along the next trajectory 40 in sequence 410 based on a predetermined time interval. The time interval between each projected object 30 may be set to mimic the time interval between actual game object projections in a real-world sporting event that sequence 410 is simulating. Alternatively, the predetermined time interval may be a set time, such as projecting each subsequent object after X time has elapsed since the last projection. In addition, the predetermined time interval may be established by the trainee 8 (or coach 4)'s gestures or through other user input.

[0141] Figure 13A is a typical functional block diagram of a training system that can support calibration method 116. It should be understood that any of the training systems 10 described herein can be used for calibration. Figure 13A is just one example of a system 10 that can be used for calibration method 116. The training systems 10 may each include a launching device 20 that can project objects 30, 430 along predetermined trajectories 40, 440 toward a target zone 50. Controllers 28, 29 can adjust parameters of the launching device 20 to control the trajectories of the objects 30, 430. These parameters are described in more detail above with respect to Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, and 5-10D. In non-limiting embodiments, the parameters control the orientation, direction, and velocity of the objects 30, 430 as they travel along their trajectories 40, 440 once projected from the launching device 20.

[0142] For calibration purposes, the predicted trajectory 40 of object 30 is compared to the actual trajectory 440 that has taken place after object 430 has been projected from the launching device 20 toward the target zone 50. The predicted trajectory 40 may be a trajectory whose attributes are stored in the trajectory databases 336, 338 within controllers 28, 29 after controllers 28, 29 or tracking devices 190 have captured the trajectory 40 of object 30 from a previous operation and stored the trajectory attributes in databases 336, 338. Alternatively, the predicted trajectory 40 may be a trajectory captured at the start of calibration method 116 and stored in non-temporary memory 37. The predicted trajectory 40 can then be used as a reference for the subsequent actual trajectory 440 to be measured during the calibration method.

[0143] Method 116 can be initiated by retrieving or capturing a predicted trajectory 40. Controllers 28, 29 can then retrieve a set of calibration parameters from a parameter database 38, which may be a set of parameters for one or more trajectories. After adjusting the launching device 20 based on the calibration parameters, controllers 28, 29, or a user (e.g., trainee 8, coach 4) can begin projecting the object 430 along the actual trajectory 440 toward the target zone 50. Controllers 28, 29 can capture attributes of the actual trajectory 440 via an imaging sensor or a tracking device 190 and compare those attributes with those of the predicted trajectory 40. Any deviations identified between the predicted and actual trajectories can be used to adjust the launching device parameters to minimize any deviations between the predicted and actual trajectories, such as between a position 30'' along the predicted trajectory 40 and a position 430'' along the actual trajectory 440. The sensor 51 within the target zone 50 can also be used to measure the arrival position of the object 430 in the target zone 50, and the controllers 28 and 29 can compare the actual position with the expected position.

[0144] After adjustments have been made to the projection device 20, the controllers 28, 29, or the user (e.g., trainee 8, coach 4) can begin projecting the subsequent object 430 along the subsequent actual trajectory 440 toward the target zone 50. The controllers 28, 29 can capture the attributes of the subsequent actual trajectory 440 via the imaging sensor or the tracking device 190, compare those attributes with the attributes of the predicted trajectory 40, and determine how effective the adjustments to the projection device parameters were in reducing the deviation to below an acceptable amount.

[0145] Figure 13B is a magnified view of the actual trajectory 440 and the predicted trajectory 40, with deviations exaggerated for illustrative purposes. Controllers 28, 29 can analyze multiple corresponding positions of objects 30, 430 along their respective trajectories to achieve a proper calibration of the delivery device 20. In this example, three positions along the trajectory are compared, but it is preferable that more positions be analyzed to ensure a valid calibration procedure. At position 430', object 430 can exit the delivery device 20 with velocity vector 476. Compared to the predicted trajectory 40, position 30' of object 30 indicates a deviation of distance L10 between position 30' and position 430'. Furthermore, the velocity vector 476 of object 430 can be compared to the velocity vector 176 of object 30 to identify the vector deviation. The deviation distance L10 may be a result of the components of the dispensing device 20, such as the components of the base 18, the orientation of the barrel 360, the orientation of the friction device 200, and the surface materials 204, 205, 208, which position the exit of the object from the dispensing device 20.

[0146] At position 430'', the position 30'' of object 430, which has a velocity vector 478 traveling along the actual trajectory 440, can be compared to the position 30'' of object 30, which has a velocity vector 178 traveling along the predicted trajectory 40. Compared to the predicted trajectory 40, the position 30'' of object 30 indicates a deviation of distance L11 between position 30'' and position 430''. Furthermore, the deviation of the velocity vectors 478 of object 430 can be compared to the velocity vector 178 of object 30 to identify deviations in these vectors. The deviation distance L11 may be the result of a variation in either the sending device 20 or a component of object 430 that affects the position, velocity vector, and spin of object 430 as it travels along the actual trajectory 440.

[0147] At position 430''', object 430 has reached the target zone 50, and position 430''' can be compared to position 30''' of object 30 in the target zone 50. Compared to the predicted trajectory 40, position 30''' of object 30 indicates a deviation of distance L12 between position 30''' and position 430'''. The deviation distance L12 may be the result of a variation in either the launching device 20 or a component of object 430 that affects the position, velocity vector, and spin of object 430 as it travels along the actual trajectory 440.

[0148] In non-limiting embodiments, controllers 28, 29 can determine a score indicating how well the delivery device 20 minimizes deviation between the actual trajectory and the expected trajectory. A smaller deviation results in a better score. When the score falls below a predetermined value, further calibration activity may be required. When the score is above a predetermined value, the calibration may be considered successful, such that the delivery device 20 can reliably deliver the object 430 or 30 substantially along the expected trajectory (after an acceptable calibration score).

[0149] If the score falls below a predetermined value, manual adjustments can be made to compensate for at least part of the deviation, such as by replacing or repairing deteriorated components. However, manual adjustments may also be made via user input to controllers 28 and 29 to adjust the parameters of the delivery device 20. When the score is above a predetermined value, controllers 28 and 29 can compare the current parameters with a set of calibration parameters and create a set of offset parameters, which can be used when projecting a subsequent object so that the offset parameters can be used to modify the stored set of parameters for a given trajectory so that the offset parameters compensate for the variations in the delivery device 20 identified in the calibration process.

[0150] It should also be understood that the calibration process and the creation of the offset parameter set can be performed automatically under the control of controllers 28 and 29. Controllers 28 and 29 can start projecting an object 430 along an actual trajectory 440, compare the actual trajectory 440 to the predicted trajectory 40, determine a score, adjust the parameters of the delivery device 20 as needed (stopping if not necessary), start projecting another object 430 along another actual trajectory 440, compare the actual trajectory 440 to the predicted trajectory 40, determine a score, and repeat the process until the score reaches an acceptable level. When the score is acceptable, controllers 28 and 29 can create a set of offset parameters to be used for the projection of subsequent objects 30 in order to adjust the parameters of the delivery device 20 to compensate for the variation in the delivery device 20 that caused the deviation.

[0151] Figures 14A–14E are representative functional diagrams of a system and method for training a trainee to improve coordination, visual training, and / or tracking abilities through segmented training 118. Generally, for segmented training, the trainee 8 may be positioned close to a target zone 50 from which a delivery device 20 can project an object 30 along a predetermined trajectory 40. A barrier 220 may be positioned between the delivery device 20 and the trainee 8 so that the trainee 8 cannot see (at least directly) the delivery device 20 projecting the object 30. The barrier 220 prevents the trainee 8 from seeing the object 30 as it travels along the beginning of the trajectory 40 after it has left the delivery device 20. After a certain distance along the trajectory 40, the barrier 220 no longer obstructs the trainee 8's field of view, and the trainee 8 can begin to locate and track the object 30 once it has completed its travel along the rest of the trajectory 40.

[0152] As trainee 8 improves at tracking object 30 along the reduced distance of trajectory 40, the barrier 220 can be moved closer to trainee 8, limiting the distance at which trainee 8 can see object 30 along trajectory 40. This reduced distance requires trainee 8 to further improve their eye recognition skills to consistently recognize and track object 30 along the reduced distance of trajectory 40. If trainee 8 is able to do this, the barrier can be moved again closer to trainee 8, further limiting the portion of trajectory 40 that trainee 8 can see. This process can be repeated until trainee 8 successfully recognizes and tracks object 30 along the smallest portion of trajectory 40. Figures 14A–14E demonstrate various configurations using a launching device 20 for projecting an object toward a target zone and a barrier positioned to limit the distance along trajectory 40 at which the object is visible to trainee 8.

[0153] In a non-limiting embodiment, Figure 14A shows a training system 10 for segmented training 118 using a barrier 220 which may include one or more openings within the barrier, and a delivery device 20 may be configured to project an object through it along a predetermined trajectory (e.g., trajectory 40). The holes may be positioned so that the trainee 8 cannot see the object 30 as it exits the delivery device 20. As the object 30 travels along the trajectory 40, the object 30 may travel through one of the openings, and the object may be visible to the trainee 8 before passing through the opening, but the barrier 220 can still restrict the trainee 8's field of view.

[0154] In non-limiting embodiments, portions of the barrier 220 may include a plurality of longitudinal slits extending parallel to each other. The orientation of the slits can be vertical, horizontal, or tilted between vertical and horizontal. When an object 30 collides with a slit, the slit is deviated from the path of the object 30 as the object 30 passes through the slit, and then the slit can return to its original position before being displaced by the object 30.

[0155] In another, non-limiting embodiment, the openings within the barrier 220 may comprise one or more openings that can be selectively opened and closed in synchronization with the delivery device 20. When an object 30 is delivered along a predetermined trajectory 40, including passing through one of the openings, each opening may be opened just before the object reaches the opening and then closed after the object has passed through the opening.

[0156] In this example, the barrier 220 is positioned at a distance L8 from the target zone 50. The launching device 20 can begin to project objects 30 continuously along one or more trajectories 40 (some of which may differ from others). The target zone 50 may include sensors 51 that can detect where and when an object reaches the target zone 50. This information can be transmitted to controllers 28, 29 to determine the performance score of the trainee 8.

[0157] The segmented training method 118 may include a case where the trainee 8 attempts to recognize and track an object along a visible portion of the trajectory 40, and the imaging system (e.g., imaging sensor 32 and controllers 28, 29) can track the trainee 8's eye movements. The controllers 28, 29 can then correlate the detected eye movements with the trajectory 40 and score the trainee's ability to recognize and track an object 30 along at least a portion of the trajectory 40.

[0158] The segmented training method 118 may, as an alternative or in addition, include impact devices as described above with reference to Figures 2A and 3A-3E, in which the trainee 8 attempts to recognize and track an object along a visible portion of the trajectory 40 and strike the impact device 52 with a prescribed sports equipment 12. Controllers 28, 29 collect data from sensors 51, 58 and can score the trainee 8 for their ability to accurately strike the impact zone 56 of the impact device 52 at the appropriate time and position, compared with the time and position of the object 30 to reach the target zone 50. As the trainee 8's score improves, they can successively take on more challenges, resulting in the barrier 220 being moved closer (e.g., barrier position 220') or even closer (e.g., barrier position 220'') (arrow 97). If the score is not at the level required to progress to moving the barrier closer, the barrier 220 may remain in its current position or be moved further away from the target zone 50. Furthermore, if trainee 8 has an acceptable score with a barrier 220 at position 220' but is unable to proceed further, the barrier 220 can be moved back to its original position, and segmented training can be restarted.

[0159] Figure 14B shows a training system 10 used in segmented training 118 similar to the configuration shown in Figure 14A, except that the light source 230 is positioned on the trainee 8 side of the barrier 220 so that the object 30 is illuminated only along the portion of the trajectory 40 desired for segmented training 118. If the light source 230 is of a type that may be harmful to the trainee's eyes (such as UV light), the light source 230 can be shielded from the trainee's eyes so that direct light is not emitted to the trainee's eyes. However, the light source 230 can still illuminate the object 30 along at least a portion of the trajectory 40. The light source 230 can be moved to other positions 230' and 230'' along the barrier 220 (arrow 97). However, the light source 230 can also remain in a position while the barrier 220 is moved. It is not a requirement that the light source 230 moves with the barrier 220.

[0160] Figure 14B shows a trainee 8 having a human-machine interface (HMI) device that can be used by the trainee 8 to provide user input about when the trainee 8 expects object 30 to reach the target zone 50. The trainee 8 can also use the HMI device 170 to recognize object 30 along the trajectory 40, and to indicate when it is received in the target zone 50. The HMI device 170 can be communicably coupled to controllers 28, 29 via network 34. The accuracy of receiving user input from the HMI device 170 at the appropriate time to indicate the arrival of object 30 can be scored by controllers 28, 29 (or coach 4, or another individual). The trainee 8 may use the HMI device instead of sports equipment for any of the training systems described herein. For example, a trainee 8 with an HMI device 170 can be used to perform strike zone training, in which the trainee 8 uses the HMI device 170 to indicate when the object 30 should be received in either the inside or outside target zone 50. In addition, a trainee 8 with an HMI device 170 can be used to perform impact device training, in which the trainee 8 uses the HMI device 170 to indicate when the object 30 should be received in the target zone, instead of striking the impact device 52 with a sports tool 12.

[0161] Figures 14C and 14D show training systems 10 for segmented training 118 using a barrier 220 that can be smaller than the barrier 220 shown in Figures 14A and 14B, respectively. The barrier 220 can be small enough that the delivery device 20 can be configured to project objects 30 around the barrier 220 to the left, right, up, or down as it travels along a predetermined trajectory to the target zone 50. The barrier 220 still obstructs the view of objects 30 from the trainee 8 for at least a portion of the trajectory (40, 42). As described above, the barrier 220 can be moved closer to or further away from the trainee 8 (arrow 97) to facilitate the segmented training 118. The barrier 220 can also be moved left or right as needed (arrow 98). In Figure 14C, object 30 can follow a trajectory 40 that moves object 30 above the barrier 220 at position 30', or a trajectory 42 that moves object 30 below the barrier 220 at position 30'', on its way to the target zone 50. In Figure 14D, object 30 can follow a trajectory 40 that moves object 30 to the left side of the barrier 220 (as seen from the sending device 20) at position 30', or a trajectory 42 that moves object 30 to the right side of the barrier 220 (as seen from the sending device 20) at position 30'', on its way to the target zone 50.

[0162] Figure 14E shows a training system 10 for segmented training 118 using a barrier 220, which may be a plurality of screens S1, S2 positioned close to each other to allow space between which an object 30 can be projected. This may differ from the barrier 220 shown in Figures 14A and 14B, such that the screens S1, S2 are positioned to form space through which the object 30 can travel without forming an opening in the screens. It should be understood that three or more screens can be used for the barrier 220. In Figure 14D, the object 30 can follow a trajectory 40 that moves the object 30 between screens S1, S2 when the screens S1, S2 are positioned to the left (viewed from the delivery device 20), such as position 30', or the object 30 can follow a trajectory 42 that moves the object 30 between screens S1, S2 when the screens S1, S2 are positioned to the right (viewed from the delivery device 20), such as position 30''. If the barrier 220 is moved to a position other than 220 and 220', a similar trajectory can be created to orient the object 30 through the space between screens S1 and S2.

[0163] Figure 14F shows a training system 10 for segmented training 118 using a barrier 220 which may be one or more screens S1. This segmented training 118 can be used to train a trainee 8 to improve the trainee 8's defensive capabilities. In this example of segmented training 118, a delivery device 20 can project an object 30 directly to the trainee 8, or at least toward the trainee 8. The trainee 8 may be equipped with sports equipment 12 such as gloves, mitts, padded clothing, bats, rackets, etc., to make contact with the object 30 and deflect its trajectory away from the target zone 50, or to catch the object 30. The trainee 8 may also not have sports equipment and simply use body movement to deflect the object 30 or completely avoid the object 30. Sensors or imaging sensors 32 in the sports equipment 12 can detect when the trainee 8 is able to deflect or catch the object 30, or avoid the object, whatever is desired for training. Controllers 28 and 29 can determine the trainee's performance score to indicate the trainee's ability to perform a desired training activity. When trainee 8 improves to a desired level (e.g., a score above the desired level), the barrier 220 can be moved toward trainee 8 to increase the difficulty of the exercise. If trainee 8 does not improve to a desired level (e.g., the score remains below the desired level), the barrier 220 can be moved away from trainee 8 (or removed) to decrease the difficulty of the exercise.

[0164] Using the configuration of the segmentation training 118 in Figure 14F, a segmentation game similar to that described above with respect to Figure 14F can also be played. Using the delivery device 20, a predetermined number of objects 30 can be projected towards the trainee 8 in front of the target zone 50 along a predetermined set of trajectories, without first positioning the screen S1 between the trainee 8 and the delivery device 20. Controllers 28 and 29 can determine the score of the trainee 8 interacting with the objects 30. The next trainee 8 can then raise their feet in front of the target zone 50 and interact with another set of objects 30 projected to the next trainee 8 along a predetermined set of trajectories. Controllers 28 and 29 can determine the score of the next trainee 8's interaction with the objects 30.

[0165] This process can be repeated for all trainees 8 participating in the game. Using the aggregated score for each trainee 8, screen S1 can be moved to position 220''. Each trainee 8 can then interact alternately with another set of objects projected along a different predetermined set of trajectories that can travel above, below, to the side of, or through screen S1. Each trainee 8's score can be determined by controllers 28, 29 using screen S1 at a distance L8 from the trainee 8. For the next round, screen S1 can be moved to a position 220'' closer to the trainee 8. Each trainee 8 can then interact alternately with another set of objects projected along a different predetermined set of trajectories that can travel above, below, to the side of, or through screen S1. Each trainee 8's score can be determined by controllers 28, 29 using screen S1 at a distance L8 from the trainee 8. It should be understood that many more positions of screen S1 can be used to create additional rounds of the game.

[0166] The game may also include deducting points from the trainee's score if an object passes the trainee 8 and collides with the target zone 50. In addition, the target zone may include wickets 212 that inflict more damage to the trainee's score if one or more objects 30 collide with the wickets 212. While many versions of this game are conceivable, the main activities can remain: continuously changing the distance at which the trainee 8 must recognize an object 30 as it moves toward the trainee 8 or the target zone 50, and attempting to deflect the object 30 away from the target zone 50, or to capture the object 30 by preventing a collision with the target zone 50.

[0167] In any of the segmented training methods 118, screens 220, S1, S2 can be various colors to provide various complexities when recognizing the object 30 against the background of screens 220, S1, S2. In non-limiting embodiments, screens 220, S1, S2 can be black, brown, various shades of brown, white, various shades of white, a mixture of colors (e.g., camouflage), blue, various shades of blue, red, various shades of red, yellow, various shades of yellow, green, and various shades of green.

[0168] Figure 15 is a typical partial cross-sectional view of the trainee's eye 240 and an imaging sensor 32 capable of capturing the movement of the eye 240. The imaging sensor 32 can collect images of the eye and transmit the images to controllers 28 and 29, which can analyze the images to determine the movement of the eye 240 and track the trainee's central line of sight 250 (or foveal vision) or detect other eye movement characteristics (e.g., movement of the lens, iris, or pupil while the eye is in focus). The central line of sight 250 is represented as a line drawn from the fovea 260 of the eye 240 through the center of the pupil 244 and extending outward. As the eye 240 moves within the orbit (not shown here for clarity), the central line of sight 250 moves accordingly (arrows 252 and 254).

[0169] The retina 262 detects light received through the lens 242, pupil 244, cornea 246, and iris 248. The received light is captured by the retina 262 and can be transmitted to the brain (not shown) via the optic nerve 268. The trainee's brain can interpret the images from the surrounding eyes 240 that the trainee 8 is looking at. The fovea 260 can provide the sharpest image collected by the eyes 240. The rest of the retina 262 264, 266 can provide peripheral vision, which may not be as sharp as the foveal vision (or central line of sight). Therefore, by tracking the trainee 8's central line of sight 250 during a training session and correlating it with the object 30 as the object 30 moves along its trajectory (e.g., trajectory 40), the most accurate representation of the trainee 8's performance in accurately tracking the object 30 along its trajectory can be provided.

[0170] Figure 16 is a representative functional diagram of a system and method for tracking the movement of a trainee's eye 240 (or both eyes) and comparing it to the trajectory 40 of an object 30. An imaging sensor 32 can be used to collect images of the object 30 as it moves along the trajectory 40, and to track the ocular characteristics of the trainee's eye 240 and the time over which they occur. Ocular characteristics may include the direction of the trainee's eye 240's central line of sight (or foveal visual acuity or central visual acuity), the movement of the eye 240 within the orbit, the movement of the iris 248 of the eye 240, the size of the pupil 244 of the eye 240, and combinations thereof.

[0171] For example, when an object 30 is projected along a trajectory 40, the trainee 8 can attempt to track the object 30 with their eyes. As the object 30 continues to move along the trajectory 40, the trainee 8 can continue to move their eyes 240 to track the object 30. An image sensor 32 can be used to capture an image that includes the object's trajectory 40, the movement of the eyes (or both eyes) 240, and a timestamp of the movement. The image can be transmitted to controllers 28 and 29, which can be configured to analyze the trajectory 40 and determine parameters of the trajectory 40, such as the 3D position of the object 30 in space along the trajectory 40 and the velocity vector of the object 30 as it moves along the trajectory 40 (e.g., 176).

[0172] Controllers 28 and 29 can also be configured to analyze recorded eye movements of the trainee's eye 240 to determine the direction of the central line of sight 250 of the eye 240 from the eye 240. At any position along the trajectory 40 (e.g., position 30'), controllers 28 and 29 can correlate the object position along the trajectory 40 with the eye movement, based on synchronizing the time of the object's position along the trajectory 40 (e.g., position 30') with the time of the trainee's eye movement. Once the central line of sight 250 is correlated with the object position (e.g., 30'), controllers 28 and 29 can calculate the deviation L9 between the object 30 and the central line of sight 250. Calculating the deviation L9 for multiple positions along the trajectory 40 can be used to score the trainee's ability to track the object 30 along the trajectory 40. A larger deviation L9 results in a lower score. The deviation L9 can be plotted against time and displayed to the user (e.g., trainee 8, coach 4, another individual) to understand the areas of strength or weakness of trainee 8 in tracking object 30 along trajectory 40.

[0173] A method for tracking the movement of a trainee's eyes 240 (or both eyes) and correlating the eye movements with the position of an object 30 along a trajectory (e.g., 40) can be used with any of the training systems 10 described herein. For example, during segmented training 118, the correlation between the trajectory 40 and the eye movements can be used to score the trainee's ability to track an object 30 through the end portion of the trajectory 40, the trajectory 40 can be decreased as the score improves (e.g., by moving a barrier 220 and optionally a light source 230 to their respective positions 220', 230'), or increased as the score does not change or worsens (e.g., by moving the barrier 220 and optionally a light source 230 to their original positions).

[0174] It should also be understood that Coach 4 or another individual can score the trainee 8's ability to track object 30 along its trajectory 40 by visually observing the trainee 8 as it attempts to track object 30. This can be considered somewhat less precise than using controllers 28, 29 to correlate eye movements with the object's position along its trajectory 40. However, this manual correlation can also be used to improve the trainee's ability to track object 30 along its trajectory 40.

[0175] The training system 10 shown in Figure 16, as well as various other training systems 10 described herein, can be used to conduct strike zone training 119. Strike zone training 119 can be used to improve the trainee's ability to recognize an object 30 thrown into a target zone 50 (which may be referred to as the strike zone in baseball and softball sports). By using training with small objects 30 as described herein, the trainee 8 can improve their skills in distinguishing between strikes and non-strikes.

[0176] Strike zone training 119 can be performed when the transmission device 20 continuously projects an object 30 along a predetermined trajectory (e.g., trajectory 40), and the trainee 8 provides user input to controllers 28, 29 via HMI device 170 to indicate when they believe the object 30 has reached the target zone 50. The target zone 50 may include sensors 51, as previously described. These sensors 51 can detect the position within the target zone to which the object 30 will reach. The trainee 8 can activate or interact with the HMI device 170 to indicate whether they believe the object 30 has reached the target zone 50, and the HMI device can transmit this indication to controllers 28, 29, which can compare the indication to the actual position where the object 30 has reached. Controllers 28 and 29 can also determine whether the object 30 did not reach the target zone 50 due to the lack of an indication from sensor 51 that the object 30 had reached the target zone 50, or, in some cases, due to a sensor (not shown) positioned outside the target zone 50.

[0177] A high score may occur if an instruction is received from the HMI device 170 and the object 30 reaches the target zone 50, or if the object 30 does not reach the target zone 50 and no instruction is received from the HMI device 170. A low score may occur if no instruction is received from the HMI device 170 and the object 30 reaches the target zone 50, or if the object 30 does not reach the target zone 50 and an instruction is received from the HMI device 170.

[0178] Controllers 28, 29 can average individual scores over a period of time or across multiple objects 30 sent toward the target zone 50. This average score (as well as the individual scores) can be used to provide feedback to the trainee 8 (or coach 4, another individual, or controllers 28, 29) to improve the trainee's performance in recognizing objects 30 that reach the target zone 50 and objects 30 that do not reach the target zone 50. Training with small objects 30 may enable the trainee 8 to recognize the prescribed game object 130 more easily during a real event, thereby enabling them to recognize the ball and strike more easily in a real event. This training 119 may be well suited to baseball, softball, cricket, or any sport with a strike zone such as a target area for receiving the game object 130. However, the strike zone training 119 can also be used in other less suitable sports or tactical situations to improve the trainee 8's hand-eye coordination.

[0179] Strike training 119 can also be used to improve the trainee's ability to recognize when object 30 has reached the target zone 50. Thus, when trainee 8 believes that object 30 has reached the target zone 50, they can send instructions to controllers 28, 29 via HMI device 170. Controllers 28, 29 can determine a score based on a comparison with sensor data received from sensor 51, comparing the time it took for object 30 to reach the target zone 50 with when instructions were initiated by trainee 8 in HMI device 170.

[0180] Instructions from HMI device 170 are: ●Movement of the body of trainee 8, ● Eye movements of trainee 8, ● Hand movements of trainee 8, ● Leg movement of trainee 8, ● Arm movement of trainee 8, ● Movement of the trainee's head, ●Audible sound signal from trainee 8, ●Transportation of 12 sports equipment items, ● Operation of keys on the keyboard, ● Switch operation, ● Interaction between trainee 8 and HMI device 170, or ●The combinations of those It can be started by [this method].

[0181] In addition, good performance by the trainee 8 with respect to object 30 may occur when the actual arrival position is inside the target zone and instructions are received from the HMI device 170 within a predetermined time before the actual arrival time, or when the actual arrival position is outside the target zone and instructions are not received from the HMI device within a predetermined time before the actual arrival time. Poor performance by the trainee 8 with respect to object 30 may occur when the actual arrival position is outside the target zone and instructions are received from the HMI device 170, or when the actual arrival position is inside the target zone and instructions are not received from the HMI device 170, or when the actual arrival position is inside the target zone and instructions are received from the HMI device 170 beyond a predetermined amount of time before the actual arrival time.

[0182] During the various training methods described herein, the trainee 8 (or coach 4) may use gestures to initiate the projection of the next object 30 along a predetermined trajectory (e.g., trajectory 40). For example, one particular type of gesture is the stride step in baseball. A stride step may be taken when a baseball, softball, or possibly cricket batter steps toward a game object 130 as the game object is moving toward a target zone 50.

[0183] As shown in Figure 17, the trainee 8 can walk toward the projecting device 20 to initiate the projection of the next object 30. As the trainee 8 moves its forefeet toward the projecting device 20, the trainee 8 can activate the stride sensor 180, which can then send an activation signal to the controllers 28, 29, initiating the projection of the next object 30 along a predetermined trajectory (e.g., trajectory 40). In this way, the trainee 8 can control the timing of when the next object 30 is projected toward the target zone 50. It should be understood that other gestures can be used to send the activation signal to the controllers 28, 29. Other possible gestures may include movement of the trainee 8's body, movement of the trainee 8's eyes, movement of the trainee 8's hands, movement of the trainee 8's legs, movement of the trainee 8's arms, movement of the trainee 8's head, audible signals from the trainee 8, movement of sports equipment 12, activation of keys on a keyboard, activation of switches, interaction with the trainee's HMI device 170, or a combination thereof.

[0184] Figure 18 is a typical functional diagram of a system and method for activating the stride sensor 180. The foot position of a right-handed trainee 8 is shown, but it should be understood that this explanation is equally applicable to the foot position of a left-handed trainee 8. The trainee 8 can position their feet at positions 15, 16 of the home plate 2 before beginning to project the next object 30. When the trainee 8 wants to begin projecting the next object 30, the trainee 8 can move their front foot from position 16 to position 16'. This movement (arrow 99) can activate the stride sensor 180 on the foot or other part of the trainee's leg. For example, the stride sensor 180 could be a pressure plate 188 that the stride foot can contact or press at position 16', which can send an activation signal to controllers 28, 29. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the stride sensor 180 could be a light source 182 that transmits an optical signal 184 to an optical receiver 186. The stride foot can interrupt the optical signal 184 when it moves from position 16 to position 16', thereby sending an activation signal to controllers 28 and 29. Alternatively, or in addition, it can detect the movement of one or more body parts (including the stride foot) of the trainee 8 and transmit an image to controllers 28 and 29, which can determine the trainee 8's gesture and, based on the detection, initiate the projection of the next object 30.

[0185] Figure 19 is a typical functional diagram of a system and method for activating sensor 180. The trainee 8 can position their feet at positions 15, 16 behind sensor 180 (relative to the sending device 20) before starting projection of the next object 30. When the trainee 8 wants to start projection of the next object 30, the trainee 8 can move their left foot from position 16 to position 16'. This movement (arrow 99) can activate sensor 180 on the left foot or other part of the trainee's leg. For example, sensor 180 may be a pressure plate 188 that the left foot can contact or press at position 16', which can send an activation signal to controllers 28, 29. Alternatively, or in addition, sensor 180 may be a light source 182 that transmits an optical signal 184 to an optical receiver 186. The left foot can interrupt the optical signal 184 when moving from position 16 to position 16', thereby sending an activation signal to controllers 28, 29. Alternatively, the right foot can interrupt the optical signal 184 when moving from position 15 to position 15', thereby sending an activation signal to controllers 28 and 29. Alternatively, or in addition, the imaging sensor 32 can detect the movement of one or more body parts (including either foot) of the trainee 8 and transmit images to controllers 28 and 29, which can determine the trainee 8's gesture and, based on the detection, initiate the projection of the next object 30.

[0186] Various embodiments Embodiment 1. A method, To provide an object having a size smaller than the size of a known defined object, A method comprising projecting an object toward a trainee via a transmission device, and training the trainee to follow the object.

[0187] Embodiment 2. The method according to Embodiment 1, further comprising projecting a plurality of objects sequentially in time along a predetermined trajectory, and scoring the trainee's ability to track each of the plurality of objects along at least a portion of the predetermined trajectory.

[0188] Embodiment 3. The method according to Embodiment 2, further comprising scoring the correlation between the eye movements of a trainee and the movement of each of a plurality of objects along at least a portion of a predetermined trajectory.

[0189] Embodiment 4. Capturing an image using one or more imaging sensors, Analyzing images and, The method according to Embodiment 2, further comprising scoring the correlation between the movement of a trainee's eye movements and the movement of each of a plurality of objects along at least a portion of a predetermined trajectory.

[0190] Embodiment 5. The method according to Embodiment 4, wherein the projection of an object is adjusted to improve the accuracy of the projection in order to project the object along a predetermined trajectory.

[0191] Embodiment 6. The method according to Embodiment 4, wherein the trainee's performance is adjusted based on scoring, thereby improving the trainee's ability to track each of multiple objects along at least a portion of a given trajectory.

[0192] Embodiment 7. The method according to Embodiment 6, wherein a portion of a predetermined track is at least 10 feet, or at least 15 feet, or at least 20 feet, or at least 25 feet, or at least 30 feet, or at least 35 feet, or at least 40 feet, or at least 45 feet, or at least 50 feet, or at least 55 feet.

[0193] Embodiment 8. The method according to Embodiment 6, wherein the predetermined trajectory is directed toward a position close to the person being trained.

[0194] Embodiment 9. The method according to Embodiment 1, further comprising tracking the eye moment of a trainee as the trainee visually observes an object moving along a predetermined trajectory from a transmission device to a target zone, scoring the tracking, and communicating the scoring to the trainee, a coach, or a computer memory device.

[0195] Embodiment 10. Scoring is, This involves measuring the eye movements of the trainee and comparing the measured values ​​to the expected eye movements when tracking an object. This involves measuring the head movement of the trainee and comparing the measured values ​​to the expected head movement when tracking an object. The method according to any one of embodiments 3 to 9, comprising measuring the movement of another part of the trainee and comparing the measurement to the expected movement of the part when tracking an object.

[0196] Embodiment 11. The method according to Embodiment 10, wherein the projection of a subsequent object is adapted based on scoring.

[0197] Embodiment 12. The method according to Embodiment 11, wherein the properties of a subsequent object are determined based on scoring, and the properties include one of the following: trajectory, size, color, shape, surface features, weight, and combinations thereof.

[0198] Embodiment 13. The method according to Embodiment 10, further comprising rating the trainee's performance based on scoring.

[0199] Embodiment 14. The method according to Embodiment 10, further comprising adapting the training based on scoring.

[0200] Embodiment 15. The method according to Embodiment 10, wherein the trainee's performance is improved by sharing the scoring with the trainee.

[0201] Embodiment 16. The method according to Embodiment 10, further comprising selecting the projection of a subsequent object based on scoring.

[0202] Embodiment 17. The method according to Embodiment 10, further comprising recording the measured values, wherein scoring is based on the records.

[0203] Embodiment 18. The method according to Embodiment 1, wherein projecting an object toward a trainee is performed to train the trainee to follow the object along a predetermined trajectory.

[0204] Embodiment 19. The method according to Embodiment 18, wherein training includes scoring the trainee's ability to follow an object along a predetermined trajectory.

[0205] Embodiment 20. Projecting an object further includes projecting an object along an actual trajectory, and the method is: Comparing the actual trajectory with the predicted trajectory, Based on comparison, the actual trajectory is scored, The method according to Embodiment 1, further comprising adjusting the transmission device based on scoring to project the next object substantially along a predicted trajectory.

[0206] Embodiment 21. The method according to Embodiment 1, wherein projecting includes projecting an object toward an impact device, and training includes striking the impact device in response to the trainee projecting an object toward the impact device.

[0207] Embodiment 22. The method according to Embodiment 21, further comprising colliding an object with a target zone on one side of the collision device.

[0208] Embodiment 23. The method of Embodiment 22, wherein the target zone is divided into target segments and projection is performed to deliver an object to one of the desired target segments.

[0209] Embodiment 24. The method according to Embodiment 23, wherein projection involves projecting an object along a predetermined trajectory from a sending device to one of a predetermined target segments.

[0210] Embodiment 25. The method according to Embodiment 22, further comprising the trainee applying impact to the impact zone opposite the impact device with a sports tool.

[0211] Embodiment 26. The first time an object collides with the target zone is detected via sensors within the target zone, The system detects a second time when sports equipment collides with the collision zone via sensors within the collision zone, Comparing the first time period with the second time period, The method according to Embodiment 25, further comprising scoring the trainee's performance based on comparison.

[0212] Embodiment 27. The system detects segments within the target zone that capture objects when they collide, via sensors within the target zone. Sensors within the impact zone detect the location of impact when sports equipment collides with the impact zone, Comparing the segments spatially with the impact location of sports equipment, The method according to Embodiment 25, further comprising scoring the performance of a trainee based on spatial comparison.

[0213] Embodiment 28. The system detects segments within the target zone that capture objects when they collide, via sensors within the target zone. The method according to embodiment 25, further comprising adapting the delivery device to project another object toward a target zone.

[0214] Embodiment 29. Projection further includes projecting a plurality of objects sequentially in time along a predetermined trajectory, wherein the predetermined trajectory is A series of pitches in baseball, or A series of pitches in softball, or A series of goal shots in hockey, or A series of volleys in tennis, or A series of throws in lacrosse, or A series of throws in cricket, or A series of ball kicks in soccer, or A method according to Embodiment 1 for emulating a series of serves in table tennis.

[0215] Embodiment 30. The method according to Embodiment 1, wherein the object is spherical, and the difference in the size of the object compared to the size of a specified object is at least 0.001, or at least 0.002, or at least 0.004, or at least 0.006, or at least 0.008, or at least 0.01, or at least 0.02, or at least 0.03, or at least 0.05, or at least 0.07, or at least 0.1, or at least 0.15, or at least 0.2, or at least 0.25, or at least 0.3.

[0216] Embodiment 31. The method according to Embodiment 1, wherein the difference in size of the object compared to a specified object is at least 0.001, and the size of the object is measured by the longest dimension of the object compared to the longest dimension of the specified object.

[0217] Embodiment 32. The method according to Embodiment 31, wherein the specified object includes one of the following: a specified baseball, a specified softball, a specified hockey puck, a specified tennis ball, a specified lacrosse ball, a specified cricket ball, a specified football, and a specified soccer ball.

[0218] Embodiment 33. A system, A device configured to project an object onto a target or trainee, wherein the object is smaller in size than a corresponding specified object, and the device... A computer storage device that is communicatively coupled to the device and configured to receive data and adapt the transmission of an object or a subsequent object, Warning functions on or near the device, or on or near the trainee, are configured to alert the trainee to the timing of object projection from the device. An impact device configured to receive and capture an object, A sensor configured to record and / or score the trainee's interaction with an object, For at least 10 consecutive objects following the same predetermined trajectory over a distance of at least 20 feet, with a spread diameter of 12 inches or less, A spread accuracy ratio (SD / Dd) of 0.9 inches / foot or less (wherein SD is the spread diameter (inches) which is the maximum distance between any two objects from 10 consecutive objects projected over a transmission distance (Dd) of 20 feet), Or any combination of two or more elements from a), b), c), d), e), and f), A system including at least one of the following.

[0219] Embodiment 34. The device is the system according to Embodiment 33, configured to be used by any method embodiment disclosed or described herein.

[0220] Embodiment 35. The system according to Embodiment 33, further comprising one or more controllers capable of controlling various aspects of the process of projecting an object so that the projection occurs along a predetermined trajectory.

[0221] Embodiment 36. The system according to Embodiment 35, wherein the controller is configured to actuate one or more actuators configured to control the position of a device and adapt the delivery of an object according to a predetermined trajectory.

[0222] Embodiment 37. The system according to Embodiment 33, wherein the device includes any of the features embodied or described in the embodiments herein.

[0223] Embodiment 38. The system according to Embodiment 33, comprising, or being communicably coupled to (wired or wirelessly) one or more computing devices, the device being communicably coupled to one or more controllers configured to control one or more transmission variables associated with sending an object along a predetermined trajectory.

[0224] Embodiment 39. The system according to Embodiment 38, wherein the output variables are selected from the group consisting of the device's position in 3D space (position in space in the X, Y, and Z planes), the angle of the device relative to the intended target or trainee, the distance from the target or trainee, the intended velocity of an object at any position along a predetermined trajectory between the device and the target or trainee, the spin of an object at any position along a predetermined trajectory between the device and the target or trainee, the weight of an object, the surface characteristics of an object, and others.

[0225] Embodiment 40. The system according to Embodiment 33, wherein the device includes a guide configured to interact with an object and impart spin to the object in order to propel the object along a predetermined trajectory.

[0226] Embodiment 41. The system according to Embodiment 40, wherein the system is configured to deliver at least 10 consecutive objects over a distance of at least 20 feet along the same predetermined trajectory, with a diffusion diameter of 11 inches or less, or 10 inches or less, or 9 inches or less, or 8 inches or less, or 7 inches or less, or 6 inches or less, or 5 inches or less, or 4 inches or less, or 3 inches or less, or 2 inches or less, or 1.5 inches or less, or 1 inch or less.

[0227] Embodiment 42. The system has a spread accuracy ratio (SD / Dd) of 0.9 inches / foot or less, where SD is the spread diameter (inches) which is the maximum distance between any two objects from 10 consecutive objects projected over a projection distance (Dd) of 20 feet, and the spread accuracy ratio (SD / Dd) is 0.8 inches / foot or less, or 0.75 inches / foot or less, or 0.70 inches / foot or less, or 0.65 inches / foot or less, or 0.60 inches / foot or less, or 0.55 inches / foot or less, or The system according to Embodiment 40, wherein the width is 0.5 inches / foot or less, or 0.45 inches / foot or less, or 0.40 inches / foot or less, or 0.35 inches / foot or less, or 0.3 inches / foot or less, or 0.25 inches / foot or less, or 0.2 inches / foot or less, or 0.15 inches / foot or less, or 0.1 inches / foot or less, or 0.05 inches / foot or less, or 0.03 inches / foot or less, or 0.02 inches / foot or less, or 0.01 inches / foot or less.

[0228] Embodiment 43. The system according to Embodiment 42, wherein the spread accuracy ratio (SD / Dd) is at least 0.0001 inches / foot, or at least 0.0005 inches / foot, or at least 0.001 inches / foot, or at least 0.005 inches / foot, or at least 0.01 inches / foot.

[0229] Embodiment 44. A method for sports training, In real-time sports events, the game parameters of the game trajectory of a sports object projected along the game trajectory are determined, The method includes adapting a delivery device to deliver a training object along a training trajectory that mimics at least a portion of the game trajectory, based on game parameters, wherein the training object is smaller than the sports object.

[0230] Embodiment 45. The training trajectory mimics the distal end portion of the game trajectory close to the target, and the length of the distal end portion is shorter than the total distance along the game trajectory. The method according to Embodiment 44.

[0231] Embodiment 46. The length of the distal end portion is less than 50% of the total distance along the game trajectory. The method according to Embodiment 45.

[0232] Embodiment 47. The length of the distal end portion is less than 40%, or less than 30%, or less than 25%, or less than 20%, or less than 15%, or less than 10% of the total distance along the game trajectory. The method according to Embodiment 45.

[0233] Embodiment 48. Converting the game parameters of the game trajectory into transmission device parameters, Receiving the transmission device parameters in the controller, Adapting the transmission device to send the training object along the training trajectory based on the transmission device parameters, Projecting the training object along the training trajectory. The method according to Embodiment 45 further includes the above steps.

[0234] Embodiment 49. Repeatedly sending the training object along the training trajectory via the transmission device, Repeatedly sending the training object within a grouping with a diameter less than 2 inches, or less than 1 inch, or less than 0.5 inch, or less than 0.1 inch at the target. The method according to Embodiment 48 further includes the above steps.

[0235] Embodiment 50. Determining the game parameters Determining the game parameters from a statistical database including statistics of real-time sports events, Determining the game parameters from past video clips of real-time sports events, This involves tracking the game trajectory during a real-time sports event, determining the game parameters of the game trajectory, and sending those game parameters to the controller. During a real-time sports event, track the game trajectory, determine the game parameters of the trajectory, and transmit those game parameters to the controller in real time. During a real-time sports event, the game trajectory is tracked via a tracking device, the game parameters of the game trajectory are determined, the game parameters are stored in non-temporary memory, and the game parameters are retrieved from the tracking device via a controller. During a real-time sports event, track the game trajectory via a tracking device, determine the game parameters of the game trajectory, and retrieve the game parameters from the tracking device via the controller. During a real-time sports event, the game trajectory is tracked via a tracking device, the game parameters of the game trajectory are determined, and the game parameters are retrieved in real time from the tracking device via the controller. Collecting game parameters from one or more data sources and sending those game parameters to the controller, Retrieving game parameters from a database via the controller, The method according to Embodiment 48, which includes a combination of those and one of them.

[0236] Embodiment 51. The method according to Embodiment 50, wherein the tracking device is an imaging system that captures images of the game trajectory, determines game parameters from the analysis of the images, and transmits the game parameters to a transmission device in response to a transmission request received by the imaging system.

[0237] Embodiment 52. The transmission device parameters are: Through a barrel with a central axis, the air pressure supplied to the training object propels the training object, The volume of air supplied to the training object, The barrel's angle and, The barrel's azimuthal orientation and Barrel length and Barrel selection and, A friction device comprising an inclined portion and a surface material on the inclined portion, The azimuthal orientation of the friction device around the central axis of the barrel, The azimuthal orientation of the friction device around the longitudinal axis of the friction device, The length of the friction device, Surface material of friction device, The object launch position from the sending device, where the object launch position is a position in 3D space in the XYZ coordinate system, and Object selection and, The height of the transmission device and The tilt of the transmission device, The azimuth orientation of the transmitting device, The distance to the target zone, The method according to Embodiment 48, comprising one or more of the height of the target zone and the method according to Embodiment 48.

[0238] Embodiment 53. The game parameters are: The spinning of sports objects, The velocity of a sports object and, The weight of sports equipment, The size of the sports object, Surface texture of sports objects, The trajectory of a sports object passing through 3D space in the XYZ coordinate system, The method according to Embodiment 44, which includes one or more of those combinations.

[0239] Embodiment 54. The game trajectory includes a plurality of game trajectories. Determining includes determining game parameters for each of the game trajectories to create a plurality of game parameters. Adapting includes adapting the sending device to send each of a plurality of training objects along one of a plurality of training trajectories based on the plurality of game parameters. Each of the plurality of training trajectories mimics at least a portion of one of the plurality of game trajectories, the method according to Embodiment 44.

[0240] Embodiment 55. The real-time sports event is a baseball game. The plurality of training trajectories mimic a set of a series of pitches thrown by a pitcher during a baseball game, the method according to Embodiment 54.

[0241] Embodiment 56. The real-time sports event is a baseball practice. The plurality of training trajectories mimic a set of a series of pitches thrown by a pitcher during a baseball practice, the method according to Embodiment 54.

[0242] Embodiment 57. The real-time sports event is a hockey game. The plurality of training trajectories mimic a set of a series of shots on the goal of a hockey player heading towards the goal during a hockey game, the method according to Embodiment 54.

[0243] Embodiment 58. The real-time sports event is a tennis match. The plurality of training trajectories mimic a set of a series of volley hits from a first player to a second player during a tennis match, the method according to Embodiment 54.

[0244] Embodiment 59. The real-time sports event is a softball game. The plurality of training trajectories mimic a set of a series of pitches thrown by a pitcher during a softball game, the method according to Embodiment 54.

[0245] Embodiment 60. The real-time sports event is any one of the defined sports described herein, the method according to Embodiment 44.

[0246] Embodiment 61. A system for training a person to be trained when playing sports, wherein the system is A launching device that projects an object along a trajectory toward a target, A sensor configured to detect the ocular characteristics of a trainee, wherein the trainee is configured to track an object, A system comprising: a computing system configured to determine a trainee's score based on detected ocular characteristics.

[0247] Embodiment 62. The system according to Embodiment 61, wherein the sensor is an imaging system that captures an image of the person being trained, analyzes the image, and determines the eye characteristics of the person being trained.

[0248] Embodiment 63. The imaging system is the same as in Embodiment 62, but includes a person other than the trainee.

[0249] Embodiment 64. The imaging system is the system described in Embodiment 62, comprising a controller and an imaging sensor.

[0250] Embodiment 65. The imaging sensor is, camera, 2D camera, 3D camera, Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor, or The system according to embodiment 64, comprising such combinations.

[0251] Embodiment 66. The eye characteristics are, The direction of the trainee's gaze and, The direction of the orbital visual field and The direction of central vision of the eye, Movement of the eye in the orbit, Movement of the iris of the eye, The movement of the pupil of the eye, The size of the pupil of the eye, The system according to embodiment 61, including a combination thereof.

[0252] Embodiment 67. The system according to Embodiment 61, wherein the ocular characteristics include the direction of the trainee's central vision, and the computing system is configured to compare the trajectory of an object with the direction of the trainee's central vision when the trainee tracks the object along at least a portion of the trajectory.

[0253] Embodiment 68. The system according to Embodiment 67, wherein the score is based on a comparison between the trajectory and the direction of the central visual acuity of the eye.

[0254] Embodiment 69. The computing system controls various aspects of a transmission device to project an object along a trajectory in order to improve the performance of a trainee in sports, wherein the object is smaller in size than a corresponding prescribed object for sports, as described in Embodiment 68.

[0255] Embodiment 70. The system according to Embodiment 61, wherein the computing system is configured to detect the XYZ position of an object in three-dimensional (3D) space of an XYZ coordinate system as the object moves along a trajectory.

[0256] Embodiment 71. The system according to Embodiment 70, wherein the computing system captures the ocular characteristics of the trainee's eyes as the trainee tracks an object along a trajectory, and the computing system determines a score of the trainee's ability to track an object along at least a portion of the trajectory based on the ocular characteristics.

[0257] Embodiment 72. The system according to Embodiment 61, further comprising a light source for illuminating an object over at least a portion of the orbit.

[0258] Embodiment 73. The system according to Embodiment 72, wherein the light source is an ultraviolet light source and the object is made of a light-emitting material.

[0259] Embodiment 74. A method for sports training, Projecting an object towards a target along its actual trajectory via a launching device, Tracking an object along at least a portion of its actual trajectory, This involves comparing a portion of the actual orbit with the corresponding portion of the desired orbit, A method including adjusting one or more parameters of a transmitting device based on comparison.

[0260] Embodiment 75. The method according to Embodiment 74, further comprising: projecting by propelling an object through a barrel by applying an air volume to the object with a given air pressure at one end of the barrel; and propelling the object through the barrel beyond a second end of the barrel in response to applying an air volume to the object, thereby projecting the object along an actual trajectory.

[0261] Embodiment 76. The method according to Embodiment 75, wherein projection further comprises an object striking a friction device after it has exited a second end of the barrel, the friction device comprising an inclined portion having a surface material, the friction device being tiltable with respect to the central axis of the barrel and rotatable about the central axis of the barrel.

[0262] Embodiment 77. The method of Embodiment 76, further comprising tilting the friction device to an inclined position with respect to the central axis, rotating the friction device to an azimuthal orientation about the central axis, and imparting spin and deflection to an object when the object collides with the friction device, thereby projecting the object along an actual trajectory.

[0263] Embodiment 78. The method according to Embodiment 74, further comprising scoring the performance of a delivery device for delivering an object along a desired trajectory.

[0264] Embodiment 79. The method according to Embodiment 78, further comprising adjusting one or more parameters of the transmission device when the score falls below a predetermined value, thereby improving the score to exceed a predetermined value for subsequent objects projected toward a target.

[0265] Embodiment 80.1 One or more parameters are, Through a barrel having a central axis, the air pressure supplied to the object propels the object, The volume of air supplied to an object, The barrel's angle and, The barrel's azimuthal orientation and Barrel length and A friction device comprising an inclined portion and a surface material on the inclined portion, The azimuthal orientation of the friction device around the central axis of the barrel, The azimuthal orientation of the friction device around the longitudinal axis of the friction device, The length of the friction device, Surface material of friction device, The object launch position from the sending device, where the object launch position is a position in 3D space in the XYZ coordinate system, and Object selection and, The distance to the target and The method according to Embodiment 74, comprising one or more of the target height and the method according to Embodiment 74.

[0266] Embodiment 81. The method according to Embodiment 74, wherein the adjustment is performed manually or automatically.

[0267] Embodiment 82. The method according to Embodiment 81, wherein the automatic adjustment of parameters includes determining a deviation of the actual trajectory compared to a desired trajectory, and via the controller determining a change to one or more of the parameters that at least reduces the deviation of the subsequent object projected toward the target.

[0268] Embodiment 83. The method according to Embodiment 82, wherein the parameters are automatically adjusted to increase the score of the projecting device to a value above a predetermined value, and the score of the projecting device indicates the performance of the projecting device in projecting an object along a desired trajectory.

[0269] Embodiment 84. A method for sports training, Projecting an object along a trajectory toward a target via a launching device, Tracking an object, at least along the distal portion of its orbit, wherein the distal portion of the orbit includes the object reaching the target. Scoring the trainee's performance score for tracking an object along the distal portion of the trajectory, A method comprising increasing or decreasing the distance of the distal portion of the trajectory in which a trainee is configured to track an object, based on scoring, before the object reaches a target.

[0270] Embodiment 85. The method according to Embodiment 84, wherein increasing the distance allows the trainee to have more time to track the object.

[0271] Embodiment 86. The method according to Embodiment 84, wherein reducing the distance allows the trainee to have less time to track the object.

[0272] Embodiment 87. The method of Embodiment 84, further comprising positioning a screen along a trajectory between a delivery device and a target, wherein the distance between the screen and the target defines the distance of the distal portion of the trajectory.

[0273] Embodiment 88. The method according to Embodiment 87, wherein the screen includes an opening onto which an object is projected.

[0274] Embodiment 89. The method according to Embodiment 88, wherein the screen obstructs the view of the proximal portion of the trajectory from the perspective of the person being trained.

[0275] Embodiment 90. The method according to Embodiment 84, further comprising positioning a light source along a trajectory between a transmitting device and a target, wherein the distance between the light source and the target defines the distance of the distal portion of the trajectory.

[0276] Embodiment 91. Illuminating the object with a first light source as it moves along the proximal portion of its orbit, The method according to Embodiment 90, further comprising illuminating the object with a second light as the object moves along the distal portion of the trajectory, wherein the first light is reduced compared to the second light.

[0277] Embodiment 92. The method according to Embodiment 91, wherein the light source is an ultraviolet light source.

[0278] Embodiment 93. A method for sports training, comprising any one of the segmented training methods described herein.

[0279] Embodiment 94. A method for sports training, Projecting an object along a trajectory toward an impact device via a launching device, Receiving an object in the target zone of an impact device, The trainee strikes an impact device in an impact zone using sports equipment, A method comprising scoring a trainee's performance score for delivering an impact to an impact zone at an appropriate time compared to the time it takes for an object to reach a target zone.

[0280] Embodiment 95. The method according to Embodiment 94, further comprising scoring a trainee's performance score for delivering an impact to the impact zone at an appropriate position, compared to the arrival position of an object within the target zone.

[0281] Embodiment 96. The method according to Embodiment 94, wherein the target zone is located on the opposite side of the impact device from the impact zone.

[0282] Embodiment 97. The impact device is A support structure having a target zone on one side and an impact zone on the opposite side. Padded panel, Padded bag, A suspended ball, Balls that are fixed in place within the structure, A hanging bag, Bags that are fixed in place structurally, A hanging pack, Packs that are retained in their structure, Resistance band under tension, A rope under tension, or The method according to Embodiment 94, which is one of the nets under tension.

[0283] Embodiment 98. The method according to Embodiment 94, further comprising detecting, via a sensor, when an object reaches a target zone.

[0284] Embodiment 99. The method according to Embodiment 98, further comprising detecting the arrival position of an object within a target zone via a sensor.

[0285] Embodiment 100. The method according to Embodiment 99, further comprising transmitting sensor data from the sensor to a computer system, wherein the computer system is configured to determine a trainee's performance score based on the sensor data.

[0286] Embodiment 101. The computer system communicates performance scores to trainees, Adjusting the transmission device in response to the performance score, Projecting a subsequent object toward the impact device along a different trajectory, The method according to Embodiment 100, further comprising determining, via a computer system, a trainee's performance score for delivering an impact to the impact zone at an appropriate time compared to the arrival time of a subsequent object in the target zone.

[0287] Embodiment 102. The method according to Embodiment 98, wherein the sensor comprises one or more imaging sensors.

[0288] Embodiment 103. Capturing an image via an imaging sensor, The method according to embodiment 102, further comprising transmitting an image to a computer system.

[0289] Embodiment 104. Analyzing images via a computer system, The method according to embodiment 103, further comprising determining the time it takes for an object to reach a target zone.

[0290] Embodiment 105. Analyzing images via a computer system, Determining the impact time when a trainee is struck in the impact zone with sports equipment, Comparing the impact time with the arrival time, The method according to Embodiment 104, further comprising determining a performance score based on comparing the impact time with the arrival time via a computer system.

[0291] Embodiment 106. Analyzing images via a computer system, Determining the object's arrival position within the target zone, Determining the impact point of sports equipment within the impact zone, Comparing the impact location with the arrival location, The method according to Embodiment 103, further comprising determining a performance score based on comparing the impact location with the arrival location via a computer system.

[0292] Embodiment 107. A method for sports training, Projecting an object along a trajectory toward a target via a transmission device, wherein the target includes a target zone. Receiving an object at its actual arrival location within the target, where the actual arrival location is either inside or outside the target zone, and the trainee is configured to send instructions via a human-machine interface (HMI) device when the trainee anticipates the object arriving inside the target zone. A method comprising comparing instructions with actual destinations and determining a performance score based on the comparison.

[0293] Embodiment 108. The method according to Embodiment 107, wherein the trainee's good performance with respect to the projected object is when the actual reach is inside the target zone and instructions are received from the HMI device, or when the actual reach is outside the target zone and instructions are not received from the HMI device.

[0294] Embodiment 109. The method according to Embodiment 108, wherein poor performance by the trainee with respect to the projected object occurs when the actual reach is outside the target zone and instructions are received from the HMI device, or when the actual reach is inside the target zone and instructions are not received from the HMI device.

[0295] Embodiment 110. Projecting multiple objects towards a target along multiple trajectories via a transmission device, The computing system determines whether the trainee's performance with respect to each of multiple objects is good or bad. Compiling both good and bad performance versions via a computing system, The method according to embodiment 109, further comprising determining a performance score based on compilation.

[0296] Embodiment 111. The HMI device is button, Sensor readings, Image sensor, Handheld computer system interface, Handheld motion sensor, Motion sensor, Light pointer, switch, Touchscreen input, Audible signals, trigger, Keystroke input, Mouse click, or The method according to embodiment 107, comprising those combinations.

[0297] Embodiment 112. Instructions are, The movement of the trainee's body, Eye movements of the trainee, Movement of the trainee's hands, Leg movement of the trainee, Movement of the trainee's arm, Movement of the trainee's head, Audible sound signals from the trainee, Transport of sports equipment, The operation of keys on the keyboard, Switch operation, Interaction of the trainee with the HMI device, or The method according to embodiment 107, which is created through a combination thereof.

[0298] Embodiment 113. Receiving the object at the actual time of arrival at the target, Comparing the instructions with the actual arrival time, The method according to embodiment 107, further comprising adjusting the performance score based on comparing the instruction with the actual arrival time.

[0299] Embodiment 114. The method according to Embodiment 113, wherein good performance of the trainee with respect to an object is achieved when the actual arrival position is inside the target zone and instructions are received from the HMI device within a predetermined time before the actual arrival time, or when the actual arrival position is outside the target zone and instructions are not received from the HMI device within a predetermined time before the actual arrival time.

[0300] Embodiment 115. The method according to Embodiment 114, wherein poor performance of the trainee with respect to an object occurs when the actual reach is outside the target zone and instructions are received from the HMI device, or when the actual reach is inside the target zone and instructions are not received from the HMI device, or when the actual reach is inside the target zone and instructions are received from the HMI device more than a predetermined amount of time prior to the actual reach.

[0301] Embodiment 116. Projecting multiple objects along a trajectory toward a target via a transmission device, The computing system determines whether the trainee's performance with respect to each of multiple objects is good or bad. Compiling both good and bad performance versions via a computing system, The method according to embodiment 115, further comprising determining a performance score based on compilation.

[0302] Embodiment 117. A method for sports training, Projecting a first object toward a target via a transmission device, Colliding a first object with the friction device of the sending device, In response to a collision with a friction device, a first spin and a first deflection are imparted to the first object, thereby projecting the first object onto a target along a first trajectory. The controller automatically adjusts one or more parameters of the transmission device, Projecting a second object toward a target via a transmission device, A method comprising: colliding a second object with a friction device; and imparting a second spin and a second deflection to the second object, thereby projecting the second object onto a target along a second trajectory.

[0303] Embodiment 118. The method according to Embodiment 117, wherein the first spin is different from the second spin, and the first deflection is different from the second deflection.

[0304] Embodiment 119. One or more parameters are: Through a barrel having a central axis, the air pressure supplied to the first object propels the first object, The volume of air supplied to the first object, The barrel's angle and, The barrel's azimuthal orientation and Barrel length and A friction device comprising an inclined portion and a surface material on the inclined portion, The azimuthal orientation of the friction device around the central axis of the barrel, The azimuthal orientation of the friction device around the longitudinal axis of the friction device, The distance from the barrel to the friction device, Surface material of friction device, The object launch position from the sending device, where the object launch position is a position in 3D space in the XYZ coordinate system, and Object selection and, The distance to the target and The method according to Embodiment 117, comprising one or more of the target height and the method according to Embodiment 117.

[0305] Embodiment 120. The propulsion device of the delivery device comprises a barrel that directs a first or second object toward a target, the barrel having a central axis, and the friction device comprises an inclined portion positioned close to the exit end of the barrel, and one or more parameters can be adjusted. Automatically adjust the distance from the barrel exit end and friction device. Automatically adjusts the azimuth angle position of the inclined part around the central axis. Automatically adjusts the inclination of the inclined part relative to the central axis. Automatically adjust the azimuth angle orientation of the inclined part around the longitudinal axis of the inclined part. Automatically adjusting the speed at which an object collides with a friction device, or The method according to Embodiment 117, including combinations thereof.

[0306] Embodiment 121. A system for sports training, The system includes a launching device that projects a first object toward a target along a first trajectory and a second object toward a target along a second trajectory, and the launching device is A propulsion device that propels a first object or a second object from a sending device, A system comprising: a friction device that imparts spin and deflection to the first or second object as each of the first or second object is propelled toward a target, wherein the friction device is automatically controlled to alter the second trajectory of the second object compared to the first trajectory of the first object.

[0307] Embodiment 122. The system according to Embodiment 121, wherein the propulsion device comprises a barrel that directs a first or second object toward a target, the barrel having a central axis, and the friction device comprises an inclined portion positioned close to the exit end of the barrel.

[0308] Embodiment 123. The system according to Embodiment 122, wherein the inclined portion is configured to extend or contract along the central axis.

[0309] Embodiment 124. The system according to Embodiment 123, wherein the inclined portion is configured to be inclined toward or away from the central axis.

[0310] Embodiment 125. The system according to Embodiment 124, wherein the inclined portion is configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the inclined portion.

[0311] Embodiment 126. The system according to Embodiment 121, wherein the characteristics of either the first or second trajectory are controlled by setting one or more parameters of the delivery device.

[0312] Embodiment 127. One or more parameters are: Air pressure supplied to the first or second object to propel each of the first or second objects through a barrel having a central axis, The volume of air supplied to the first object or the second object, The barrel's angle and, The barrel's azimuthal orientation and Barrel length and A friction device comprising an inclined portion and a surface material on the inclined portion, The azimuthal orientation of the friction device around the central axis of the barrel, The azimuthal orientation of the friction device around the longitudinal axis of the friction device, The distance from the barrel to the friction device, Surface material of friction device, The object launch position from the sending device, where the object launch position is a position in 3D space in the XYZ coordinate system, and Object selection and, The distance to the target and The system according to embodiment 126, comprising one or more of the target height and

[0313] Embodiment 128. The system according to Embodiment 126, wherein the setting of one or more parameters for the first orbit is different from the setting of one or more parameters for the second orbit.

[0314] Embodiment 129. The system according to Embodiment 126, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the settings of one or more parameters to project a second object along a second trajectory.

[0315] This disclosure may be subject to various modifications and alternative forms, but specific embodiments are shown as examples in the drawings and tables and are described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the embodiments are not intended to be limited to any particular form disclosed. Rather, this disclosure encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternative forms that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims below. Furthermore, while embodiments of trainees are considered herein, this disclosure is intended to cover all combinations of these embodiments.

Claims

1. A method for sports training, In a real-time sports event, the game parameters of the game trajectory are determined by measuring the behavior of a sports object projected along the game trajectory towards the target, Converting the game parameters of the game trajectory into transmission device parameters, In the controller, receiving the transmission device parameters, This includes adapting the delivery device to deliver a training object along a training trajectory that overlaps with at least a portion of the game trajectory, based on the delivery device parameters, wherein the training object is smaller than the sports object, the training trajectory mimics the distal end portion of the game trajectory that is close to the target, the length of the distal end portion is less than or equal to the total distance along the game trajectory, and the length of the distal end portion is less than 95% of the total distance along the game trajectory. The dispensing device is adapted according to the length of the distal end portion, and the length of the distal end portion varies depending on the installation conditions of the dispensing device. method.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the length of the distal end portion is less than 75% of the total distance along the game trajectory.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising projecting the training object along the training trajectory.

4. Determining the aforementioned game parameters means Determining the game parameters from a statistical database including statistics of the aforementioned real-time sports event, Determining the game parameters from past video clips of the aforementioned real-time sports event, The following are performed: tracking the game trajectory during the real-time sports event, determining the game parameters of the game trajectory, and transmitting the game parameters to the controller. The system tracks the game trajectory during the real-time sports event, determines the game parameters of the game trajectory, and transmits the game parameters to the controller in real time. During the real-time sports event, the game trajectory is tracked via a tracking device, the game parameters of the game trajectory are determined, the game parameters are stored in non-temporary memory, and the game parameters are retrieved from the tracking device via the controller. During the real-time sports event, the game trajectory is tracked via a tracking device, the game parameters of the game trajectory are determined, and the game parameters are retrieved from the tracking device via the controller. During the aforementioned real-time sports event, the game trajectory is tracked via a tracking device, the game parameters of the game trajectory are determined, and the game parameters are retrieved in real time from the tracking device via the controller. Collecting the game parameters from one or more data sources and transmitting the game parameters to the controller, The game parameters are retrieved from the database via the aforementioned controller, The method according to claim 3, comprising a combination thereof and one of the following.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the tracking device is an imaging system, the imaging system captures an image of the game trajectory, determines the game parameters from an analysis of the image, and transmits the game parameters to the transmission device in response to a transmission request received by the imaging system.

6. The aforementioned transmission device parameters are: Through a barrel having a central axis, the air pressure supplied to the training object propels the training object, The volume of air supplied to the training object, The inclination of the barrel and, The azimuth orientation of the barrel, The length of the barrel and, Barrel selection and, A friction device comprising an inclined portion and a surface material on the inclined portion, The azimuthal orientation of the friction device around the central axis of the barrel, The azimuthal orientation of the friction device about the longitudinal axis of the friction device, The length of the friction device and The surface material of the friction device, The object launch position from the aforementioned transmission device, wherein the object launch position is a position in 3D space in the X-Y-Z coordinate system, Object selection and, The height of the aforementioned transmission device and The tilt of the aforementioned sending device, The azimuth orientation of the aforementioned transmission device, The distance to the target zone, The method according to claim 3, comprising one or more of the height of the target zone.

7. The aforementioned game parameters are: The spin of the aforementioned sports object, The velocity of the aforementioned sports object and The weight of the aforementioned sports object and The size of the aforementioned sports object and, The surface texture of the aforementioned sports object, The trajectory of the sports object passing through the 3D space of the X-Y-Z coordinate system, The method according to claim 1, comprising one or more of those combinations.

Images