Mobile Haptic Controls for Baseball and Lacrosse Game Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Umpires and officials in baseball and lacrosse games face challenges in efficiently managing game timing and rules compliance due to the complexity of rules and the need for quick decision-making under pressure, lacking effective tools to streamline their duties.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device and access point system with a processor, user interface, haptic feedback, and wireless transceiver for umpires, enabling precise control of game timers and alerts through vibration patterns, synchronized with scoreboard controllers to manage pitch clocks, ball and strike counts, and other game events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If umpires manually manage game timing and rules without automated tools, then they can make real-time decisions based on their judgment, but the complexity of rules and the need for quick decision-making under pressure leads to increased errors and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch clock system operates autonomously, automatically timing pitches and notifying umpires of violations without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically resetting, counting, and enforcing timing rules, reducing the cognitive burden on umpires while maintaining reliable rule compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical timing methods with electronic automated timing systems. The pitch clock uses electronic sensors and processors to accurately measure pitch timing, substituting human judgment and manual timing mechanisms with reliable electronic measurement and automated enforcement.
2Productivity
If umpires use traditional manual methods for tracking balls and strikes, then the system remains simple, but the efficiency and speed of game management decreases under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the automated pitch clock system and the umpire. It receives automated timing data, processes it through the user interface, and presents it in an easily consumable format, bridging the gap between complex automated timing and simple umpire interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of traditional umpire tracking functions. The mobile device replicates and enhances manual ball-strike counting, timing tracking, and violation recording, providing accurate digital records that mirror and improve upon traditional manual methods.
3Measurement precision
If the pitch clock system provides frequent notifications to umpires, then timing accuracy is improved, but the frequency of interruptions and distractions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch clock system uses periodic notifications at predetermined intervals (e.g., warning at 5 seconds, violation at 10 seconds) rather than continuous alerts. This periodic approach maintains precise timing measurement while reducing notification frequency to manageable levels, allowing umpires to stay informed without constant interruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and systems for facilitating a baseball game and a lacrosse game. According to one embodiment, a mobile device is disclosed for facilitating an official of a lacrosse game. The mobile device is configured for receiving a reset shot clock to change of possession selection via a user interface; upon receiving the reset shot clock to change of possession selection via the user interface, transmitting a reset shot clock to change of possession device message via a wireless transceiver to an access point; receiving a reset shot clock to change of possession access point acknowledgment message from the access point; and upon receiving the reset shot clock to change of possession access point acknowledgment message, momentarily activating the haptic feedback device.