Discreet Solution to Signal Stealing and Reducing Game Duration

Abstract

A system for covert communication including a transmitter set at least one receiver set comprising an antenna, a battery and battery case, a signal receiving device, a signal conditioning device, a vibration disc and a housing wherein the antenna, the battery and battery case, the signal receiving device and signal conditioning device are contained within the housing.

Claims

1. A covert communication system comprising: at least one transmitter set comprising: at least one button; and at least one internal battery pack; at least one receiver set comprising: an antenna; a battery and battery case; a signal receiving device; a signal conditioning device; a vibration disc; and a housing; wherein the antenna, the battery and battery case, the signal receiving device and the vibration disc are contained within the housing.

2. The covert communication system of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises an article selected from the group consisting of a compression wrist cuff, wrist bands or tension bands.

3. The covert communication system of claim 1 wherein the at least one receiver comprises: a COTS PCB; a 2×CR2032 battery; a signal conditioner; a vibration motor; and a waterproof housing.

4. The covert communication system of claim 1 wherein the transmitter produces a set of covert non-visual and non-audio feedback to the pitcher's receiver, which is exhibited to the pitcher as a single vibration if an initiator pushes the button once.

5. The covert communication system of claim 4 wherein the at least one receiver receives haptic feedback upon every push of the button.

6. The covert communication system of claim 4 wherein at least one transmitter utilizes rolling code technology by generating a new security code every time a user's input device is used.

7. The covert communication system of claim 4 wherein at least one transmitter utilizes a momentary switch that provides power to a transmitter IC chip with a RF/Bluetooth output antenna to provide robust signals.

8. The covert communication system of claim 7 wherein concurrent to use of the momentary switch, the at least one receiver utilizes a battery driven power source with a corresponding RF/Bluetooth receiver IC chip that activates a piezo electric motor to vibrate.

9. The covert communication system of claim 4 wherein at least one transmitter utilizes the at least one receiver set and the at least one transmitter are integrated into a user's apparel, wherein the receiver may rest on shoulders or collar bone such that the covert communication system utilizes bone conduction technology to receive a signal and convert into sound only audible to the user.

10. The covert communication system of claim 1 wherein the at least one receiver set and the at least one transmitter set are integrated into a set of apparel selected from the group consisting of gloves, mitts, wrist bands, waistbands, or socks.

11. The covert communication system according to claim 1 wherein the system utilizes three pitch types: dot, dot dot, and dash to differentiate different types of signals.

12. The covert communication system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one transmitter set utilizes a durable and sweatproof silicone rubber wristband, wherein the wristband comprises a battery capable of operation in a range between ten and twelve hours.

13. The covert communication system according to claim 1 wherein the battery is selected from the group consisting of a common CR2032—3 volt, a lithium coin battery (button battery) or a rechargeable lithium ion that could be charged either wirelessly or through wired charging apparatus.

14. The covert communication system of claim 1 further comprising a vibrating receiver wherein the vibrating receiver can be worn on a forearm/wrist, ankle, lower leg, lower/center back, hip (belt line), collar bone, and neck.

15. The covert communication system of claim 14 wherein the vibrating receiver emits a vibration strong enough to be detected by the sensory system of the wearer, and wherein the covert communication system does not emit an audibly discernable signal.

16. The covert communication system of claim 15 wherein the vibrating receiver is disposed of a water and heat resistant material.

17. The covert communication system of claim 1 wherein the vibrating receiver comprises an on/off switch in order to prevent transmission of improper signals.

18. A method of transmitting signals using the covert communication system according claim 1 comprising the steps of: providing at least one user-wearable transmitter device and at least one user-wearable receiver device; and transmitting at least one non-audible and non-visual communication signal from a user-wearable transmitter device to at least one user-wearable receiver device.

19. The method of transmitting signals of claim 18 further comprising the step of synchronizing at least one transmitter with at least one receiver to enable a secured and reliable communication network.

20. The method of transmitting signals of claim 18 further comprising the step of encrypting the at least one non-audible and non-visual communication signal.

21. The method of transmitting signals of claim 18 wherein the at least one non-audible and non-visual communication signal is transmitted up to and including a distance of 400 feet.

22. The method of transmitting signals according to claim 18 uses cellular, WIFI, and RF to improve signal strength.

23. The method of transmitting signals according to claim 18 uses Frequency-hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) to rapidly change the frequency among many distinct frequencies occupying a large spectral band in order to avoid interference, to prevent eavesdropping, and to enable code-division multiple access (CDMA) communications.

24. A covert communication system comprising: at least one transmitter set comprising: at least one button; and at least one internal battery pack; at least one receiver set comprising: an antenna; a battery and battery case; a bone conductive signal receiving device; a signal conditioning device; a vibration disc; and a housing; wherein the antenna, the battery and battery case, the signal receiving device and the vibration disc are contained within the housing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0103] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrates the assembled components of one embodiment of the communication system including a vibration disc, a transmitter and a compression wrist cuff which can suffice as a transmitter or receiver in accordance with the present invention.

[0104] FIG. 1B illustrates the disassembled components of one embodiment of the communication system including a vibration disc, an antenna, a battery case, a transmitter and a compression wrist cuff which can suffice as a transmitter or receiver in accordance with the present invention.

[0105] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram depicting the internal structures of one embodiment of the transmitter and the receiver of the present apparatus.

[0106] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrates various components including a receiver, a transmitter, and a vibration motor in accordance with the present invention.

[0107] FIG. 4 illustrates the disassembled components of one embodiment of the communication system including a transmitter, a compression wrist cuff and a vibration disc in accordance with the present invention.

[0108] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of the system in the form of a functional block circuit diagram.

[0109] FIG. 6 illustrates block descriptive diagrams of numerous embodiments of systems to be utilized. A radio frequency (RF) system refers to a wireless electromagnetic signal used as a form of communications.

[0110] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a wearable electronic device illustrates some possible placement alternatives for transmitting and receiving apparatuses 30 in accordance with the invention.

[0111] Some placement alternatives include shoulders 31, wrists 32, hips 33, knees and ankles.

[0112] FIG. 8 illustrates some possible placement alternatives for transmitting and receiving apparatuses and particularly illustrates a transmitting or receiving apparatus, which may be a remote signal button, located within a baseball/softball glove of player.

[0113] FIGS. 9A-9D illustrates some possible usage alternatives for the transmitting and receiving apparatuses.

[0114] FIG. 10 is a diagram of one embodiment of a bone conduction device and sound to vibration transfer into a human skull, and to the brain to transmit sound waves.

[0115] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the vibration of air as emanated by a normal sound for processing by the human ear, without a bone conduction device installed.

[0116] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the vibration through a bone conduction device processing through the human ear and this means of transfer of communication is highly secure and cannot be detected in any manner by state of the art listen devices and the vibration is now internal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS

[0117] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the system and does not represent the only forms in which the instant system may be construed and/or utilized. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments and are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the system.

[0118] As discussed at length herein, theft of communications, be it in athletics or other endeavors has proven to be a major issue. Plainly, some form of covert or discreet communication, that cannot readily be recognized or heard qualifies as the best and most sensible solution to eliminating theft, for example baseball “sign stealing” between a pitcher and catcher. Thus, the instant system provides a covert, effective communication system that actively eliminates the ability for onlookers to gain knowledge of the communication between catchers and pitchers in baseball/softball and thus will revolutionize several aspects of these athletic activities, as well many others.

[0119] That said, the optimal solution in eliminating such “sign stealing” because of the impossibility of gathering the current unfair advantage that has been an ongoing issue, especially in Major League Baseball, collegiate baseball/softball and even in high school baseball/softball. If the opposing team cannot see, nor hear the communications between the catcher or coach, as the initiator, to the pitcher, there is no way that they can “steal signs.” The possibility for the opponent to visually see and steal signs, creates an unfair advantage that has been an ongoing issue, especially in Major League Baseball, collegiate baseball/softball and even in high school baseball/softball.

[0120] The instant concept comprises a covert/discreet system in which a mini-input device, such as a switch, sends information wirelessly from an individual including but not limited to a baseball/softball catcher, to the pitcher's receiving mini device, which may be wearable and may be located in the inside of the pitcher's wristband, waistband, glove or any other portion of the body from which a user can easily ascertain the contents of the signal.

[0121] The non-audio input device or transmitter can be worn by the catcher or coach and is small enough to fit on a user's finger, much like a bandage or a piece of athletic tape, as one example. Such input device/transmitter can be placed anywhere on the back of the hand, finger or wrist of a catcher, coach or a field position player.

[0122] Additionally, the non-audio input device or transmitter may be located on inside of the catcher's mitt in an area wherein no other individual(s), nor technology such as cameras, may ascertain the catcher's hand movements as he/she is utilizing the mini device to provide information to the pitcher. The non-audio input device or transmitter may also be located anywhere on the body of a catcher, coach or a field position player body, but should be covered by a mitt or glover when the mini-input device/transmitter is being actively utilized to provide data or information. This allows the complete shielding of movement from the catcher's finger or hand movement while inputting a pitch type/location signal(s).

[0123] This input/transmitter information may produce a covert, secure, non-visual and non-audio feedback to the pitcher's receiving mini device/sensor, which is exhibited to the pitcher as a single vibration/pulse if the catcher or coach applies pressure/pushes the button once, indicating that pitch #1 is being suggested.

[0124] Alternatively, if the catcher or coach inputs two pushes signifying pitch #2, then the pitcher will receive two haptic, in one embodiment, pulses or vibrations via the user wearable, in one embodiment tactic, receiver. There a variety of ways, places and types of feedback sensors that the pitcher may use (inside of their wristband, waistline, sock etc. The communication is a strong, secure and wireless signal that is not impeded through apparel such as baseball/softball gloves and mitts, wrist bands, waistbands, socks, etc., whichever device is used. The catcher simply applies pressure to his/her interior, hidden from view input/transmitter device/sensor, using a very simplistic system—a sequential order, 1,2,3,4, 5 or any number of pushes or touches.

[0125] This discreet, secure and non-audio input is relayed to the pitcher as a single vibration/pulse for 1 push, 2 vibrations/pulses for 2 button pushes etc. Such replicated feedback is felt by the pitcher by means of his/her discreet, possibly wearable feedback sensor/device replicating the number of “pushes or touches” from the catcher. Once the pitcher agrees with the desired pitch type, the catcher can then send a second input to express pitch location (such as 1 vibration/pulse felt by the pitcher for inside to the batter, or 2 vibrations/pulses for the pitch to be away from the batter).

[0126] Furthermore, this covert/discreet/secure communication method does not give the batter any indication of both the pitch selected, nor the location. There are several current mini technologies currently available and inexpensive, that exist that may be used, such as a variety of sensors (haptic, tactile, button etc.) which can be wearable, adhered or in contact with the skin, sustain extreme temperatures and are water and sweat proof. The system can utilize a variety of already available technologies, as transmitters, receivers and as importantly for a secure communication in which a team “set” is synched solely by the set's transmitters and receivers, unable to be hacked into by anyone or any technology used by any team or individual.

[0127] Examples of such existing technologies, that may be integrated with this intellectual property, including but not limited to a system resembling an input of a doorbell, and thus one push is displayed as one feedback pulse or vibration. In an additional embodiment, a system reminiscent of communication between the updated versions of garage doors, featuring rolling or hopping code rolling code technology, protects against intruders by generating a new security code every time the catcher's or coach's input device/transmitter is used.

[0128] When this input device activates the intended individual(s)—the pitcher's feedback mechanism, a unique algorithm “rolls” the input device's code to one of more than 100 billion possible codes. The previously used code will be discarded, and the intended feedback devise/apparatus will know only to respond to the new code the next time input apparatus is used. The same code will never be used more than once. Therefore, stolen previously used codes are useless to intruders.

[0129] The signaling/communication may work by generating constantly changing codes given off by the catcher's input apparatus and received and “synced” only by the intended recipient(s) feedback device (pitchers, team manager, team pitching coach etc.) As mentioned, this is only one type of the users' options for a secure communication method. Any secure, encrypted wireless network, Bluetooth, etc. may be used. The secure communication (s) in which this intellectual property may be developed in the future and evolve as technology and cyber security evolves.

[0130] This intellectual property allows the users to have flexibility in deciding which communication method(s) they choose to utilize. Such a signal from a touch-based or button user interface device, in real time is received by uniquely synced receiver device(s) and may transmit such feedback as pulses or vibrations to the pitcher etc. The signal may include independent touches to the touch or push input device, for example a numerical sequence.

[0131] One “push or touch” would be replicated as one vibration or pulse to the pitcher, indicating that it is pitch #1, if the players had designated pitch #1 as being a fastball, the pitcher can shake his/her head no and the catcher will then send feedback for a different offered pitch the pitcher, for instance, nods yes once he/she wants that pitch suggested by the catcher or coach. The second input by the catcher may be used in order to give the pitcher location feedback.

[0132] Additionally, in kind, once the type of pitch is established, the system can be utilized to designate the pitch location and thus, one “touch or push” resulting as feedback to the catcher as a single pulse or vibration may indicate the location—“outside.” Two pushes or touches by transmitter apparatus which is felt as 2 pulses or vibrations etc. via the pitcher's receiver apparatus.

[0133] FIG. 1A illustrates the fully assembled components of one embodiment of the communication system 20 including a vibration disc 21, and a compression wrist cuff 25 which can suffice as a transmitter or receiver. Not seen are the antenna, the battery case and the transmitter. Also, the vibration disk will be normally unseen during usage.

[0134] FIG. 1B illustrates the disassembled components of one embodiment of the communication system 20 including a vibration disc 21, an antenna 22, a battery case 23 wherein the battery is housed, a transmitter device 24 and a compression wrist cuff 25 which can suffice as a transmitter or receiver house the entirety of a transmitter or a receiver. In proper operation the signal receiving device and a signal conditioning device.

[0135] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram depicting the internal structures of one embodiment of the transmitter and the receiver-based communication system 10 of the present apparatus. The constituent parts are illustrated including a keychain type transmitting apparatus 11, a fingernail-sized printed circuit board receiver set 12, which in one embodiment may comprise an antenna 16, a 2×CR2032 (dime-shaped) button battery 13, a vibratory motor 14 which receives an internally conditioned signal from the receiver signal conditioner component 15 in order to yield a user recognizable output vibration. In one embodiment, the transmitter apparatus 11 to be utilized may be a commercial off the shelf (COTS) product repurposed for this prototype.

[0136] FIG. 3 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 2 in a unitary form with the single-buttoned keychain-sized transmitter or a pressure sensitive actuator, a receiver integrated with several components, including a fingernail-sized COTS PCB, two CR2032 battery, a vibration motor and a waterproof housing unit.

[0137] FIG. 4 illustrates the disassembled components of one embodiment of the communication system 80 including a transmitter 81, a compression wrist cuff 82 and a vibration disc 81, The compression wrist cuff which can suffice as a transmitter or receiver housing, but in the instant embodiment, the compression wrist cuff is being used a receiver system housing.

[0138] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of the system in the form of a functional block circuit diagram 60. The components of transmitter receiver circuit in one embodiment of the system and their interaction include a transmitter output stage 61, which receives a transmission signal at the input end, is connected at the output end via a transmission band-transmitting filter 62 to a feedpoint 63a of a combined transmission/reception antenna 63. A reception band-transmitting filter 64 is connected between the feedpoint 63a of the antenna 63 and the input of a reception pre-amplifier 65, at whose output a pre-amplified reception signal is made available. The transmission curves of the transmission band-transmitting filter 62 and of the reception band-transmitting filter 64 have a frequency spacing from one another which is predetermined by the standard of the mobile phone system.

[0139] According to the GSM standard (which, however, also provides for time-division duplex between the reception and transmission mode), this spacing is, for example, 45 MHz. The two transmitting filters 62, 64 form together a duplex filter, of which, however, less is demanded in terms of the edge steepness of the filter characteristic curves with the proposed solution than is demanded with a conventional mobile phone duplex filter, and which can therefore be implemented using integrated silicon technology.

[0140] FIG. 6 illustrates block descriptive diagrams of numerous embodiments of systems to be utilized. A radio frequency (RF) system 70 refers to a wireless electromagnetic signal used as a form of communications.

[0141] FIG. 7 illustrates some possible placement alternatives for transmitting and receiving apparatuses 30. Some placement alternatives include shoulders 31, wrists 32, hips 33, knees 34 and ankles 35.

[0142] FIG. 8 illustrates some possible placement alternatives for transmitting and receiving apparatuses and particularly illustrates a transmitting or receiving apparatus, which may be a remote signal button 40, located within a baseball/softball glove 41 of player.

[0143] FIGS. 9A-9D illustrates some possible usage alternatives for the transmitting and receiving apparatuses. In usage one embodiment, communication from catcher to pitcher 51 is illustrated. In an additional second embodiment, communication from dugout to catcher and pitcher 52 is illustrated. Also, in another embodiment communication from catcher to pitcher and infielders 53 is illustrated. Furthermore, in still another embodiment communication from dugout to catcher, pitcher, and infielders 54 is shown.

[0144] FIG. 10 is a diagram 105 displaying the human ear with an embodiment of a bone conduction device installed. The temporal bone 110 of the skull with a bone conduction device 112 attached to it. The bone conduction device 112, receives a signal from the transmitting system and allows sound waves 114, to bypass the outer ear 116, pinna 118, ear canal 120, and ear drum 122 through bone conduction. Instead, sound is transferred directly to the cochlea 124 which send stimulation to the bones, muscles, and nerves within inner ear 126 and then to the brain 128, thus getting the signal to the receiving entity a soundless and undetectable manner.

[0145] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the vibration of air 130 as emanated by a normal sound for processing by the human ear, without a bone conduction device installed. Obviously, this means of transfer of communication is not secure in any manner as state-of-the-art listening devices afford the capabilities of collecting and processing of the distant and minute sounds.

[0146] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the vibration 140 through a bone conduction device 135 processing through the human ear and this means of transfer of communication is highly secure and cannot be detected in any manner by state-of-the-art listen devices and the vibration is now internal.

[0147] In one embodiment, a covert communication system comprising, at least one transmitter set comprising at least one actuation button; and at least one internal battery pack; at least one receiver set comprising an antenna; a battery and battery case; a signal receiving device; a signal conditioning device; a vibration disc; and a housing; wherein the antenna, the battery and battery case, the signal receiving device and the vibration disc are contained within the housing.

[0148] In one embodiment, a covert communication system is illustrated comprising a housing to retain a receiver mechanism, and the housing may be chosen from including but not limited to compression wrist cuffs, wrist bands or tension bands. In one embodiment, he covert communication system of claim 1 wherein the at least one receiver may comprise, a COTS PCB, a 2×CR2032 battery, a signal conditioner, a vibration motor and a waterproof housing.

[0149] The transmitter of the covert communication system may produce a set of covert non-visual and non-audio feedback to the pitcher's receiver, which is revealed to the pitcher as a vibratory output, disposed to correspond to an impulse from an initiator sending a signal by, in one embodiment pushing a button.

[0150] In one embodiment of the covert communication system, the one or more receiver may receive a haptic feedback upon actuation of the button, or other such actuation mechanism and wherein the at least one transmitter may utilize numerous technologies, including rolling code technology and thus may generate a new security code every time a user's input device is actuated or utilized.

[0151] The covert communication system may also embody a system wherein one or more transmitter utilizes a momentary switch that provides power to a transmitter IC chip with a RF/Bluetooth output antenna to provide robust signals and wherein concurrent to use of the momentary switch, one or more receiver device may utilize a battery driven power source with a corresponding RF/Bluetooth receiver IC chip that activates a piezo electric motor to vibrate.

[0152] Further, the one or more transmitter device may utilize the at least one receiver set and the at least one transmitter are integrated into a user's apparel, wherein the receiver may rest on shoulders or collar bone such that the covert communication system utilizes bone conduction technology to receive a signal and convert into sound only audible to the user. Additionally, in the covert communication system, the one or more receiver set and the one or more transmitter set may be integrated into a set of apparel selected from the group consisting of gloves, mitts, wrist bands, waistbands, or socks.

[0153] In one embodiment, the covert communication system may utilize three pitch types: dot, dot dot, and dash to differentiate different types of signals. Also the transmitter set may utilize a durable and sweatproof silicone rubber wristband, wherein the wristband includes a battery capable of operation in a range between ten and twelve hours, and the battery may be chosen from numerous systems, including but not limited to a common CR2032×3 volt, a lithium coin battery (button battery) or a rechargeable lithium ion that could be charged either wirelessly or through wired charging apparatus.

[0154] In differ versions of the covert communication system a vibrating receiver may be worn on a forearm/wrist, ankle, lower leg, lower/center back, hip (belt line), collar bone, and neck and the vibrating receiver may emit a vibration strong enough to be detected by the sensory system of the wearer, and wherein the covert communication system does not emit an audibly discernable signal. The vibrating receiver may be composed of a water and heat resistant material and include an on/off switch in order to prevent transmission of improper signals and preserve battery power when not in use.

[0155] The covert communication system may include a method of transmitting signals utilizing the steps of providing at least one user-wearable transmitter device and at least one user-wearable receiver device; and transmitting a non-audible and non-visual communication signal from a user-wearable transmitter device to at least one user-wearable receiver device

[0156] The method of transmitting signals may also include the step of synchronizing the at least one transmitter and the at least one receiver with an encryption system disposed to create secured communication network and the step of defining a range specified for the particular communication usage. For usage case under these methods of transmitting signals, the system may utilize a communication medium chosen from, but not limited to, cellular, WIFI, and Remote Frequency Identification (“RFID”).

[0157] The method of transmitting signals according to claim 18 uses Frequency-hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) to rapidly change the frequency among many distinct frequencies occupying a large spectral band in order to avoid interference, to prevent eavesdropping, and to enable code-division multiple access (CDMA) communications.