Wireless Baseball Pitch Tagging for Accurate Flight Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pitch tagging systems in baseball are manual and prone to errors, leading to inaccurate association of pitch types with measured ball flight parameters, which can have significant financial and competitive consequences.
Innovation Solution
A pitch tagging system that wirelessly transmits intended pitch types to a pitcher's receiver, correlates this data with measured ball flight parameters, and records the association for accurate tagging, using a transmitter, receiver, and recording unit to ensure precise matching of pitch types with flight data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual pitch tagging is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated pitch recognition system that acts as an intermediary between the ball flight measuring system and the pitch tagging process. This system uses machine learning algorithms to automatically identify and tag pitch types based on measured ball flight parameters, eliminating human error while maintaining system integration through standardized data interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of pitch tagging with an automated computational system. Machine learning models process ball flight parameters (velocity, spin rate, spin axis, launch angle) to automatically determine pitch types, substituting human judgment with algorithmic analysis that provides consistent, error-free tagging
2Measurement precision
If automated pitch tagging system is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the automated pitch tagging system to perform multiple functions: it processes various ball flight parameters (velocity, spin, trajectory), identifies different pitch types (fastball, curveball, slider, etc.), and outputs standardized tags compatible with existing baseball analytics platforms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems for each pitch type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses machine learning models that are trained on extensive datasets of labeled pitch data. These models create virtual representations of pitch patterns and characteristics, allowing the system to accurately identify pitch types by comparing new measurements against learned patterns without requiring complex physical analysis for each pitch
3Reliability
If manual pitch tagging is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to errors in associating pitch types with ball flight parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the automated pitch recognition system continuously refines its tagging accuracy by comparing its predictions with actual pitch outcomes and measured parameters. The system learns from discrepancies and adjusts its classification algorithms, ensuring reliable and consistent association between pitch types and ball flight data over time
Data Source
AI summary
A ball flight management system includes a receiver configured to receive a wireless signal comprising an indication of an intended pitch type selected from among a plurality of intended pitch types, one or more sensors configured to measure one or more ball flight parameters of a pitched ball and output one or more measured ball flight parameters, and a recording unit in communication with the one or more sensors and the receiver, the recording unit receiving and storing the one or more measured ball flight parameters output by the one or more sensors and the indication of the intended pitch type received by the receiver, the recording unit associating the intended pitch type with the at least one measured ball flight parameter to generate a record for the pitched ball that includes the at least one measured ball flight parameter and the intended pitch type, and storing the record.