Wearable Pitch Sign Encryption Device for Baseball Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for encrypting baseball pitch signals are inadequate, as they do not provide a high level of security throughout a game and are vulnerable to sign stealing using technology, which is illegal in Major League Baseball.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device, either mechanical or electronic, that uses symmetric key encryption to securely communicate pitch types and locations through hand signals, ensuring that the encryption scheme remains secure for the duration of a game without relying on electronic technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If constant encoding is used to encrypt pitch signs, then the system is simple to operate, but it provides no security after the first use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic encoding where the mapping between hand signs and pitch types changes over time during the game. The encoder maintains a sequence of pitch types and assigns different hand signs to different positions in the sequence, creating a time-varying encryption scheme that prevents sign stealing while maintaining operational simplicity for the catcher and pitcher.
2Reliability
If electronic devices are used to communicate pitch signs, then communication security can be improved, but it violates Major League Baseball guidelines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic communication systems with a mechanical hand signaling system enhanced by an encoding device. The encoder is a manual device that the catcher operates with their hand to generate encrypted signs, which are then communicated to the pitcher through traditional hand signals. This mechanical approach maintains compliance with baseball rules while providing cryptographic security against sign stealing.
3Reliability
If pitch signs are changed frequently to prevent sign stealing, then security is improved, but it increases the complexity of the signaling system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pitch information into multiple components: the actual pitch type and its position in the sequence. The encoder divides the pitch sequence into manageable segments and assigns hand signs based on both the pitch type and its temporal position. This segmentation allows frequent effective changes in sign meaning without requiring the entire signaling system to become overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder serves multiple functions: it manages the sequence of pitches, determines the appropriate hand sign for each pitch based on its position, and provides a reference for the pitcher to decode the signs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and minimizes overall complexity while achieving security through frequent effective sign changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A secure system for encrypting sports signals that provides a high level of security, effectively rendering sign stealing efforts useless. Two embodiments for baseball pitch-signaling are disclosed that both adhere to major league baseball guidelines. In one embodiment, a wearable mechanical wrist-mounted device akin to a watch is disclosed with conventional wristband and lug, with dual ratcheted bezels or crowns. During the game both the pitcher and catcher wear identical devices. The catcher uses the device to encrypt each pitch type and pitch location and then signals the pitcher with the encrypted hand signs. The pitcher decrypts the desired pitch and location through the hand signals by reference to the device. Another embodiment is disclosed in the form of an electronic smartwatch. Both embodiments allow players to securely and efficiently communicate pitch type and pitch location via hand signs.