Pitch Tracking System Analyzing Baseball Finger Placement and Seam Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion tracking techniques in sports analytics primarily focus on measuring the results of observed motion once the ball is in flight, without providing insights into how the motion was achieved.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for analyzing finger placement and seam orientation of a pitched baseball by capturing and processing video frames, using thresholding operations to segment the object of interest, and comparing performance across frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image capture and Doppler radar systems are used to measure ball motion results, then measurement precision is improved, but the ability to analyze the mechanics of how motion was achieved is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analysis into two distinct components: (1) measuring the results of ball motion using image capture and Doppler radar, and (2) analyzing the mechanics of how the motion was achieved using separate video frame analysis of the pitcher's motion. This segmentation allows both measurement precision and mechanical insight to be preserved by analyzing different aspects of the pitch through different methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces video frame analysis as an intermediary method that bridges the gap between measuring ball motion results and understanding the mechanics that produced them. By capturing and analyzing video frames of the pitcher's motion, the system recovers the mechanical information that would otherwise be lost, using the video analysis as a mediator between the measurement system and the mechanical insight.
2Productivity
If motion sensors are deployed to track ball properties, then productivity of data collection is improved, but insights into pitching mechanics are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments data collection into two parallel processes: high-productivity automated sensor data collection for ball properties, and separate video frame analysis for mechanical insights. This allows the system to maintain high productivity through automated sensing while simultaneously recovering mechanical information through the segmented video analysis pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the video analysis system multi-functional by using it for both analyzing pitcher mechanics and correlating with sensor data. The same video capture infrastructure serves dual purposes: understanding the mechanical production of pitch and validating/complementing sensor measurements, thereby reducing information loss without sacrificing productivity.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive video analysis of pitching mechanics is performed, then insights into motion mechanics are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential mechanical information needed from video frames rather than performing comprehensive analysis of all motion aspects. By focusing specifically on identifying ball spin, velocity, and trajectory from video data, the system recovers the critical mechanical insights while avoiding the complexity of analyzing all possible pitching parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates simplified digital representations (copies) of the essential mechanical features from video frames, such as ball position, spin axis, and velocity vectors, rather than processing the complete raw video data. This copying approach preserves the mechanical information needed while reducing computational complexity by working with extracted features rather than full video streams.
4Loss of information
If multiple measurement techniques are combined to analyze both results and mechanics, then completeness of analysis is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement techniques (image capture, Doppler radar, and video frame analysis) into a unified analysis system. By combining these techniques, the system achieves complete analysis of both ball motion results and pitching mechanics. The merging is managed through coordinated data processing that integrates sensor measurements with video-derived mechanical parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by designing a unified platform that performs both result measurement and mechanical analysis through its various components. The image capture system serves dual purposes for both ball tracking and mechanical analysis, while the processing system integrates data from multiple sources to provide comprehensive insights, thereby reducing overall system complexity through shared infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for the analysis of moving objects. In one embodiment, a pitch tracking system is disclosed that includes one or more cameras that have been positioned in a desired location and a computing system containing executable software that is configured to receive imaging data from the one or more cameras that captured the desired location and analyze seam placement and/or finger placement as a function of time for the received imaging data. Computer readable media and methodologies are also disclosed herein.