Wireless Apparel Signaling System for Secure Sports Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current signaling methods in professional sports, particularly in baseball, are inefficient and prone to sign stealing, leading to delays and advantages for opposing teams due to the complexity of hand signals, voice command technology limitations, and visibility issues with light technology.
Innovation Solution
A wireless signaling system using indicators and actuators integrated into apparel, which convert haptic data from buttons into signal data for encrypted wireless transmission, providing haptic feedback to players through vibrations, allowing secure and efficient communication without revealing signals to opponents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If hand signals are used for communication between players, then the signals can be protected from view, but the signaling becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical hand signals with electronic wireless communication devices. Players wear electronic devices that transmit pitch information wirelessly, eliminating the need for complex hand signal systems while maintaining security against sign stealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameter from visual hand signals to electronic wireless data transmission. This parameter change allows for simpler signaling methods while maintaining or improving security, as electronic transmissions can be encrypted and are not visible to opponents.
2Device complexity
If voice command technology is used for communication, then the signaling can be simplified, but the batter can hear the signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic voice commands with electronic wireless communication. This substitution maintains the simplicity of voice-based communication while eliminating the security vulnerability, as electronic transmissions can be encrypted and directed specifically to the intended receiver without being overheard by the batter.
3Loss of information
If light technology is used for signaling, then the communication can be secure, but the signals may be visible to TV cameras and opponents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical light-based signaling with radio frequency wireless communication. This substitution maintains the security benefits of electronic communication while eliminating the visibility problem, as RF signals are not detectable by TV cameras or visible to the human eye.
4Reliability
If encrypted RF signaling is used, then sign stealing is prevented, but the system requires wireless transmission infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements wireless communication devices that serve multiple functions: they transmit pitch information securely, provide haptic feedback to confirm signal reception, and can be integrated into existing player apparel. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment while maintaining game integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses wireless communication as an intermediary between the pitcher and catcher, replacing direct visual communication methods. This intermediary enables secure encrypted transmission of pitch information while allowing for additional features like signal confirmation through haptic feedback, thereby enhancing reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 enables secure, efficient, and simple communication between players, reducing delays and preventing sign stealing by using encrypted RF signaling technology, allowing all players to receive signals simultaneously within a mesh network, thus maintaining game integrity and reducing the need for elaborate signaling.
Implementation Method 1
converted the signal data into indicator data for electrical communication with the signaler; The transmitter may be configured to transmit the signal data using mesh network technology
Implementation Method 2
The indicator can include one or more signalers configured to generate haptic feedback corresponding to the indicator data
Data Source
AI summary
A signaling system for wirelessly transmitting private signals between participants of an event is provided. The signaling system includes an indicator positioned in the apparel of a first participant, and an actuator positioned in the apparel of a second participant. The indicator including a signaler, an indicator processor, and a wireless receiver. The actuator including a button, an actuator processor, and a wireless transmitter. The actuator processor is configured to produce signal data for wireless transmission. The indicator processor is configured to electronically communicate with the signaler based on the signal data received by the wireless receiver.