| Virtual batting range -> Monitor Keywords |
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Virtual batting rangeRelated Patent Categories: Games Using Tangible Projectile, Playing Field Or Court Game; Game Element Or Accessory Therefor Other Than Projector Or Projectile, Per Se, Practice Or Training DeviceVirtual batting range description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060287137, Virtual batting range. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This Application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/683,275 filed May 20, 2005 entitled VIRTUAL BATTING CAGE, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and claims any and all benefits to which it is entitled therefrom. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to a virtual sport practice facility, and more specifically to an interactive reactive target system that allows practice of sport activity that involves hitting, batting, throwing and/or kicking of a ball. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Many sport activities involve batting (baseball, tennis), kicking (soccer) and/or throwing (football) an object, such as a ball, to specific targets. Targets can be a region or goal structure (football, soccer), a teammate (football) or combinations of various subjects. In order to improve one's skills, repetitions in the form of practice are frequently employed. [0004] The present invention provides an interactive and virtual environment for users to practice their batting, kicking and/or throwing skills. Users can control target difficulties, format feedback for their preferences, and engage in types of activities which cater to their practice objectives. [0005] The standard baseball/softball batting range only offers one pitch speed per cage. Pitching machines in the present invention of virtual batting range will be able to change between three or more different speeds as well as a random speed option and pitch height adjustment. The present invention consists of the selection console behind the batter's back stop whereas users can select their choices of speed, patterns, activities, varieties of responses etc. A standard batting range usually is only equipped with a basic token box and a "start" button in each cage with only one ball speed. [0006] The present invention also consists of an "LED ball counter" near the LED image to allow the users to see how many pitches remain in the round. As the present invention offers more options from each cage, the design proves to be more efficient in space and equally more effective for training and amusement. [0007] The present invention also combines the batting game and the pitching game that offers more options to users. ADVANTAGES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] An object and advantage of the present invention is to provide a virtual, controlled environment for practice. Users can set their own practice goal and cater for their own skills. [0009] Another object and advantage of the present invention is to allow individual practice. Users can use the facilities anytime without scheduling with others. [0010] Another object and advantage of the present invention is to allow actual indoor practice for outdoor sports like baseball, golf etc. through use of a virtual sporting environment. [0011] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a virtual sporting experience for users with instantaneous feedback to users and other participants. [0012] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide versatility in types of sports practice. [0013] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide varieties in speed, angle, spin and pitching sequence of the incoming balls. [0014] Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide easy control of various parameters of practice through an individual multi-functional selection console. As the virtual batting range offers more options from each cage, it's design proves to be more efficient in space and equally more effective for training and amusement. [0015] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be come apparent through the following descriptions, and will be included and incorporated herein. [0016] In an embodiment, a target reactive system responds when the target is hit by a baseball or other projectile, different target zones having different reactions depending on the location of impact. For example, in a four target zone, if the top zone is hit with the projectile, then a voice such as that provided by a real announcer would play or sound something like "HOME RUN!" shouted at high volume and utilizing a sportscaster's or announcer's virtual tone, pitch and camber. In an embodiment, strobes would go off, and the sounds of crowds cheering would be heard. If a second target zone was hit, a voice might say "It's a triple!" and a few strobes would go off and some emulated or virtual crowd approval could be heard. A third zone would say something like "It's a double! " with a couple of virtual crowd claps or applause. A fourth zone might correspond with an in-field single. Behind the batter there may also be a zone with a sensor such that when the ball struck the zone behind the batter a voice says "Ball 1" or "Ball 2", etc., if the batter didn't swing. If the batter did swing and misses the ball, a voice may project a loud "Strike 1", "Strike 2", "Strike 3" or "You're Out!", etc. [0017] The design of the overall virtual batting cage 100 of the present invention can be made to re-create or emulate, copy or appear similar to famous football or baseball fields anywhere in the world, including SBC/Pac Bell Park in San Francisco, Wrigley Field in Chicago, etc. Such virtual batting cage 100 would appear similar in design and general appearance to the actual stadium or ballpark. Thus, any sort of field could be emulated, including baseball and football stadiums, soccer and cricket fields, golf courses, frisbee or other sporting events. [0018] It will be understood that emulated voices of famous sporting event announcers, including John Madden, Howard Cosell, etc., could also be utilized, so as to give the virtual batting cage invention an air of reality. In addition to sounds of fans, announcers, scoring, etc., it is also possible to provide virtual scents and odors such as identified with or created by steaming hot dogs, fresh popcorn, frothing beer, sweating players, etc. [0019] In a more comprehensive and another embodiment, a virtual batting range 100' for engaging in sport activities, the virtual batting range comprises one or more individual batting areas for user to hit, bat, throw or kick balls, a reactive system with sensors linked to a feedback system which generates various corresponding audio and visual effects, a display unit portions to generate audio and visual effects for an overall ambiance and a ball dispensing device to eject balls to users. In an embodiment, the reactive of the virtual batting range 100' can be positioned in specific locations for different sport skills. [0020] The virtual batting range 100' for use in training or recreation, in an embodiment, the virtual batting cage comprises a batter's box area, the batter's box area comprising a home plate and a control panel, an automatic pitching mechanism located at a pitcher's position for delivering or pitching balls into the batter's box area essentially across the home plate and a target zone reactive to impact by a ball, such that depending on the location of impact, a unique sound or light response is produced identifying the general area of impact in the target zone. In an embodiment, the target zone of the virtual batting range 100' comprises a sensor. In an embodiment, the target zone of the virtual batting range 100' comprises a plurality of sensors. The virtual batting range 100', in an embodiment, the plurality of sensors provide unique sounds and/or lights upon impact by a projectile. In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors of the virtual batting range 100' provide unique sounds and/or lights as a function of the location of the sensor impacted by the projectile. In an embodiment, the target zone of the virtual batting range 100' comprises a sensor array and further comprises a display zone. In an embodiment, the display zone of the virtual batting range 100' indicates a virtual score. Continue reading about Virtual batting range... Full patent description for Virtual batting range Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Virtual batting range patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Virtual batting range or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Method and package for marketing golf tees Next Patent Application: Basketball return device Industry Class: Games using tangible projectile ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Virtual batting range patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.04483 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Computers: Graphics , I/O , Processors , Dyn. Storage , Static Storage , Printers 174 |
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