This disclosure relates to a relatively compact smart ball launching system and associated methods for using the same. In various embodiments, the disclosed ball launching system may comprise a collapsible ball hopper that can store a larger number of balls while maintaining a relatively compact size. In certain embodiments, brushless motors may be used to improve power efficiency while allowing for accurate launch speeds and/or spins. In some embodiments, a pre-launch chamber may be included in a ball dispensing mechanism that may facilitate on-demand shots and/or power savings by shutting the ball launching system down when the ball hopper is empty. In further embodiments, the ball launching system may be controlled, at least in part, via a mobile device. In some implementations, the ball launching system may include and/or otherwise interface with a camera system to facilitate improved calibration and/or record user actions.

This disclosure relates to a relatively compact smart ball launching system and associated methods for using the same. In various embodiments, the disclosed ball launching system may comprise a collapsible ball hopper that can store a larger number of balls while maintaining a relatively compact size. In certain embodiments, brushless motors may be used to improve power efficiency while allowing for accurate launch speeds and/or spins. In some embodiments, a pre-launch chamber may be included in a ball dispensing mechanism that may facilitate on-demand shots and/or power savings by shutting the ball launching system down when the ball hopper is empty. In further embodiments, the ball launching system may be controlled, at least in part, via a mobile device. In some implementations, the ball launching system may include and/or otherwise interface with a camera system to facilitate improved calibration and/or record user actions.

A ball sports training system has a processor(s) and a memory storing program instructions that, when executed by the processor(s), causes the one or more processors to: cause a ball passing system to move between a first position and a second position different from the first position; (b) determine when the ball passing system is in the second position; and (c) responsive to the determining, cause the ball collection station to release the at least one of the first plurality of sports balls, whereby the at least one of the first plurality of sports balls is moved on a delivery travel path. The second position is selected to position the second receiving portion in the delivery travel path of the at least one of the first plurality of sports balls, whereby the second receiving portion is configured to receive the at least one of the first plurality of sports balls.

A ball sports training system has a processor(s) and a memory storing program instructions that, when executed by the processor(s), causes the one or more processors to: cause a ball passing system to move between a first position and a second position different from the first position; (b) determine when the ball passing system is in the second position; and (c) responsive to the determining, cause the ball collection station to release the at least one of the first plurality of sports balls, whereby the at least one of the first plurality of sports balls is moved on a delivery travel path. The second position is selected to position the second receiving portion in the delivery travel path of the at least one of the first plurality of sports balls, whereby the second receiving portion is configured to receive the at least one of the first plurality of sports balls.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices, systems, and methods for implementing drills and providing coaching instructions to users. Embodiments may load a drill, measure values obtained from one or more sensors installed on a player's tennis racket and/or worn on the player's body, and use those values to detect various parameters, such as the physical impact of a ball at the player's racket. Embodiments may then output a coaching instruction to the user. Embodiments may also include adding customized coaching instructions to a drill.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices, systems, and methods for implementing drills and providing coaching instructions to users. Embodiments may load a drill, measure values obtained from one or more sensors installed on a player's tennis racket and/or worn on the player's body, and use those values to detect various parameters, such as the physical impact of a ball at the player's racket. Embodiments may then output a coaching instruction to the user. Embodiments may also include adding customized coaching instructions to a drill.

Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems, apparatuses, and methods for exercising and entertaining a pet. In one implementation, a pet exercise and entertainment device includes a launch funnel for launching projectiles for a pet to retrieve. The launch funnel has a feeder and a chute. The feeder is configured to receive a projectile and transport the projectile to an intake end of the chute. A sensor is configured to sense the projectile in the intake end of the chute and to command one or more motors to power up in response to sensing the projectile. An actuator is configured to release the projectile from the intake end of the chute into the launch end of the chute after a pre-determined time has elapsed. One or more wheels, rotated by the one or more motors, are configured to launch the projectile from the launch end of the chute.

The ball-projecting batting tee comprises a support base, a support column, and a remote control. The ball-projecting batting tee may be a batting practice aid that may be placed on top of home plate and may pneumatically project a ball upwards from the top of the support column to simulate a pitch. The ball-projecting batting tee may be adapted to project the ball upwards under the control of a coach using the remote control. As non-limiting examples, the ball may be a baseball or a whiffle ball. A directional cover located at the top of the support column may pivot to direct the ball towards first base or towards third base to simulate outside and inside pitches.

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for autonomous tennis assistant systems having autonomous ball machines such as an autonomous and interactive tennis ball ejection robot. Example methods include determining, by a device, the position of a first player on a tennis court, determining a first target location for a first tennis ball to be ejected toward the first player, generating a trajectory for the first tennis ball to reach the first target location, and causing ejection of the first tennis ball from the tennis ball ejection robot along the generated trajectory toward the first target location. A base station may be used to provide image data for use by the tennis ball ejection robot from one or more additional vantage points.

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for autonomous tennis assistant systems having autonomous ball machines such as an autonomous and interactive tennis ball ejection robot. Example methods include determining, by a device, the position of a first player on a tennis court, determining a first target location for a first tennis ball to be ejected toward the first player, generating a trajectory for the first tennis ball to reach the first target location, and causing ejection of the first tennis ball from the tennis ball ejection robot along the generated trajectory toward the first target location. A base station may be used to provide image data for use by the tennis ball ejection robot from one or more additional vantage points.