Remote Baseball Simulation via Networked Event Outcome Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional baseball simulation games are limited by their requirement for players to be in the same location and equipped with specialized consoles, failing to capture the intellectual aspects of managing a team and relying heavily on player skill rather than real-life statistics.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system allowing remote managers to play a simulated baseball game through a network, where each manager can use their own device to input decisions and receive outcomes, incorporating historical player statistics and strategic options like intentional walks and stolen bases, with an event outcome server determining the game's progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional baseball simulation games use specialized consoles and require players to be in the same location, then the game can be played with basic hardware requirements, but the accessibility and remote play capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling baseball simulation gameplay across multiple device types (consoles, personal computers, mobile devices) through a standardized network-based architecture. The game system can function on any device with network connectivity and basic processing capabilities, eliminating the need for specialized hardware while maintaining full game functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network as an intermediary between players and the game system, allowing remote management of simulated baseball teams. Managers can control their teams from any location through digital transmissions, with the network mediating all communications between opposing managers and between client devices and game servers.
2Reliability
If traditional baseball simulation games rely on player skill and experience, then the gameplay can be simple to implement, but the accuracy of simulating real managerial decisions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating real-life baseball statistics (batting averages, pitching ERA, fielding percentages) as input parameters that dynamically influence game outcomes. These statistical parameters replace simple skill-based mechanics, allowing the simulation to accurately reflect real managerial decision-making while maintaining computational tractability through standardized statistical models.
3Adaptability or versatility
If baseball simulation games use real-life statistics and strategic options, then the intellectual aspect of management is captured, but the game becomes less dependent on player skill and more on statistical probability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing statistical probabilities for various baseball events (hits, strikeouts, walks, fielding outcomes) based on historical data. During gameplay, the system retrieves these pre-computed probabilities and applies them to determine outcomes, allowing managers to make strategic decisions based on statistical likelihoods rather than requiring deep knowledge of game mechanics or player skills.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for simulating a game of baseball via a computer network is playable by opposing managers running game application logic at remote computers communicating with an event outcome server. The server executes steps for receiving selected pitcher data and a pitcher control value from a first remote computer, and receiving, for an engagement with the selected pitcher data, selected batter data from a second remote computer. The server optionally modifies the pitcher control value according to the batter data, and generates a first random number for comparison to the pitcher control value. Based on the comparison, the server selects a set of probabilities representing possible outcomes of the engagement, where one selectable set favors the pitcher and another selectable set favors the batter. The server generates a second random number, determines an outcome of the engagement by comparing the second random number to the selected set of probabilities, and transmits instructions to the remote computers for updating status of the game on a visual display according to the outcome of the engagement. Pitcher data, control value, batter data, and probabilities are derived from historical statistics resulting from human performance in major league baseball.