Multi-Level Batting Facility With Automated Ball Delivery And Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bat-and-ball games require large playing fields and many players, limiting their accessibility and opportunities for practice or play, especially for average individuals, and existing adaptations for small spaces lack sophistication and physical activity.
Innovation Solution
A modular, multi-level sports facility with vertical and lateral extension of player hitting bays, using a ground-up soft toss pitching machine and augmented reality, enabling simultaneous play of various sports with enhanced physical activity and technological engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bat-and-ball games are played with standard field dimensions, then the game maintains authentic playing conditions, but the facility requires large space and cannot accommodate multiple games simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-level stacked hitting bays arranged vertically, transforming the horizontal space requirement into a vertical arrangement. Multiple hitting bays are positioned at different heights, allowing simultaneous play of multiple bat-and-ball games in a compact footprint while maintaining authentic field dimensions for each game
Solution Approach 2:
The facility is divided into multiple independent hitting bays, each capable of hosting a separate bat-and-ball game. Each bay contains its own pitching machine, ball collection system, and playing field, enabling simultaneous operation of multiple games without interference
2Adaptability or versatility
If more players are accommodated in the same facility, then participation opportunities increase, but safety risks increase due to potential ball interference between games
Solution Approach 1:
By stacking hitting bays vertically at different elevations, the patent separates ball trajectories in the vertical dimension. Balls from upper and lower bays travel in different vertical planes, eliminating interference between games while maximizing player capacity within the same horizontal footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates protective barriers and netting between stacked hitting bays to prevent ball interference. These intermediary structures block balls from crossing between levels, ensuring safety while maintaining the multi-level configuration
3Productivity
If automated ball delivery systems are implemented, then game operation efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-contained automated ball delivery systems within each hitting bay that operate independently. Each bay's pitching machine automatically feeds balls to the batter without requiring manual intervention, and the ball collection systems automatically retrieve and return balls to the pitching machine, creating a self-sustaining operational cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized automated pitching machines and ball collection systems that can be replicated across multiple hitting bays. These universal components perform multiple functions including ball storage, automated delivery, trajectory control, and ball retrieval, reducing overall system complexity through standardization
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a unique system and method for providing adaptable ball delivery and tracking, including appropriate sensor hardware, interactive gameplay user interfaces and point of sales systems. The system and method of the present invention are especially relevant to baseball and softball as, among other components, the system comprises a vertical, ground-up soft toss ball delivery mechanism, automated player and ball-tracking devices, and ball-collection and transport systems. The ball collection and return components eliminate the need for “fielders” and enable the creation of the first “batting range”. The vertical, ground-up soft-toss pitch machine further enables the first multi-story batting facility with player batting bays that open onto a sports field. Further, certain embodiments of the present invention integrate hitting screens, augmented reality display and simultaneous coordination of gameplay and communication between players, regardless of the players' physical location.