Vision Training System Using Motion Sensor Triggered Infrared Goggles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Baseball and softball batters face challenges in identifying pitch types (fastball, curveball, slider, changeup) and locations (strike or non-strike zone) within a short time frame, leading to inefficiencies in hitting accuracy, and existing training devices are impractical for repeated use on a baseball field.
Innovation Solution
A portable system with infrared blackout goggles and a motion sensor that adjusts the timing of lens opacity to help batters recognize pitch types and locations more accurately, using a tripod-mounted motion sensor to trigger the IR emitter, which darkens the goggles' lens, simulating the pitcher's release timing and placing artificial limitations on viewing time or distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If batters are given more time to identify pitch types and locations, then hitting accuracy improves, but the natural speed of play is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by blocking the batter's vision at a predetermined time before the pitch arrives, forcing the batter to make identification decisions based on limited visual information. This simulates the actual constraint of having less than one second to identify pitch type and location, thereby training the batter to process information more efficiently under time pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves the batter's training needs by automatically controlling the vision block timing based on the pitch delivery. The motion sensor detects the pitch and triggers the vision block at the appropriate moment, allowing the batter to practice independently without requiring manual intervention or complex external equipment setup.
2Measurement precision
If complex training devices are used to improve batter identification skills, then training effectiveness increases, but device setup complexity and portability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the essential function of vision blocking from complex training devices and implements it using simple, readily available components. Instead of using elaborate mechanical or electronic vision obstruction mechanisms, the invention uses basic elements that can be easily assembled and deployed, thereby reducing setup complexity while maintaining training effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified copy of the essential training function rather than replicating complex existing devices. By capturing the core concept of timed vision blocking and implementing it with minimal components, the system achieves the same training outcome with significantly reduced complexity and improved portability.
3Ease of operation
If existing training devices with cumbersome components are used, then training functionality is provided, but ease of repeated use and field portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the training device into separate, modular components that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This allows the device to be easily set up and taken down on the field, and enables repeated use across different locations and with different batters without requiring complex reconfiguration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances batters' ability to identify pitch types and locations quickly, improving hitting accuracy by conditioning them to focus on relevant motions and desensitize to distractions, allowing for more precise swing timing and increased accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
using a tripod-mounted motion sensor to trigger the IR emitter, which darkens the goggles' lens
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for training baseball and softball batters, to identify types of pitched balls (fast ball, curve ball, slider and changeup) and locations (strike or non-strike zone) of pitched balls in order to increase hitting accuracy. A motion sensor can be triggered by the leading foot of a pitcher. The motion sensor can face upward to detect the passage of a pitched ball from the pitcher. When the motion sensor is triggered, a signal can be sent to a black out lens that blocks the vision of a hitter being trained to identify the types and locations of the pitched balls. The training includes changing the lens from transparent to opaque at selected distances between the hitter and the pitcher.