Wearable PCB Signaling Array for Secure Pitch Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In baseball, pitchers and catchers face challenges in secure and efficient communication of pitch types and locations due to the susceptibility of gesture-based methods to decoding by opposing teams and the limitations of earpieces in noisy environments, which can disrupt the game's pace.
Innovation Solution
A small, wired-based signaling apparatus using a printed circuit board (PCB) with a multidimensional array of light-and-button assemblies, embedded in gloves, that synchronizes alphanumeric displays between pitchers and catchers to encode pitch signals, ensuring privacy and minimizing game disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If gesture-based communication is used between pitcher and catcher, then communication is simple and does not require additional equipment, but the communication is susceptible to being decoded by the opposing team
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wearable display device as an intermediary between the pitcher and catcher. This device receives pitch information from the catcher's electronic device and displays it on the pitcher's wrist, serving as a secure mediator that prevents direct visual exposure of pitch signals to opposing teams while maintaining reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical gesture-based communication system with an electronic communication system. The catcher's device transmits digital pitch signals wirelessly to the pitcher's wearable display, substituting physical hand gestures with electronic data transmission that is harder to decode and intercept.
2Reliability
If earpieces are used for communication, then communication can be private, but they are drowned out by crowds and other ambient noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic communication (earpieces) with visual communication (wearable display). Instead of transmitting audio signals that are vulnerable to ambient noise interference, the system transmits visual pitch information on an electronic display that is immune to acoustic environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable display device uses color-coded visual indicators to convey pitch information. Different colors represent different pitch types or locations, providing clear visual communication that is not affected by ambient noise and can be easily distinguished by the pitcher even in noisy stadium environments.
3Productivity
If traditional communication methods are used, then the game pace is maintained, but communication security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization of the wearable display device with the catcher's electronic device before the game or inning begins. This preliminary pairing establishes a secure wireless connection in advance, allowing pitch information to be transmitted instantly during gameplay without interrupting the game pace or requiring equipment adjustments during play.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces slow, manual communication methods with instant wireless electronic communication. The wearable display receives and displays pitch information in real-time as the catcher selects pitches, eliminating delays associated with traditional methods while maintaining security through encrypted digital transmission.
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 solution enables secure, efficient, and synchronized communication of pitch types and locations between pitchers and catchers, preventing decoding by opposing teams while maintaining the game's pace, through a wired communication system that uses polarized film for privacy and a flexible, wearable design.
Implementation Method 1
two layers of polarized film are applied over the display of the device, each oriented orthogonally to each other with respect to the direction of polarized light they block
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for communication, a system thereof, and methods of manufacture thereof are provided. The apparatus comprises a body and a printed circuit board (PCB) operatively coupled to the body. The PCB comprises a processing unit, a first communication module operatively coupled to the processing unit, and an array of assemblies. The first communication module is configured to communicate with a secondary communication module wirelessly. The array of assemblies comprises at least two rows and at least two columns. Each assembly comprises a switch and a light. The array of assemblies are operatively coupled to the processing unit. Each light is configured to change a state responsive to at least one of a change in state by the switch within the same assembly and a control signal from the first communication module.