Baseball Simulation Game

Abstract

This present invention relates to a baseball simulation game. The baseball simulation game comprises one or more bays, a microchipped baseball, and a field into which the baseball is hit by a user positioned in the bay. A plurality of targets and catchers, each comprising a sensor for detecting the baseball, are also positioned in the field in spaced apart fashion. The game assigns points to the player, wherein the amount of points assigned depends on what target or catcher is struck by the baseball. The baseball simulation game is capable of being enjoyed by multiple players simultaneously and can be enjoyed at any time of day and is not dependent on the weather.

Claims

1. A simulation game comprising: a field comprised of a first zone, a second zone, a third zone, and a fourth zone; at least one target positioned in each of the first, second, third and fourth zones, wherein each of the at least one targets is comprised of a sensor; at least one outfielder positioned in each of the first, second, third and fourth zones, wherein each of the at least one outfielders is comprised of a reader; a ball having an integrated microchip that is capable of being detected by both the sensor and the reader; and a display.

2. The simulation game as recited in claim 1, wherein the number of at least one fielders is proportional to the zone in which the at least one outfielder is positioned in.

3. The simulation game as recited in claim 1, wherein the integrated microchip is one of a passive microchip or an active microchip.

4. The simulation game as recited in claim 1, wherein a number of points are assigned when the ball strikes the at least one target, and the number of points assigned varies across the first, second, third and fourth zones.

5. The simulation game as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the at least one target has a read range and the read range corresponds to a point range.

6. The simulation game as recited in claim 1, wherein the simulation game awards a fewer number of points if the ball lands in the first zone than in each of the second, third and fourth zones.

7. The simulation game as recited in claim 1 further comprising an additional zone having a maximum point award.

8. The simulation game as recited in claim 1, an out is recorded is the ball strikes any of the at least one outfielders.

9. The simulation game as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the first zone, the second zone, the third zone, and the fourth zone have a different point value assigned to them.

10. The simulation game as recited in claim 5, wherein the read range is from about 1 to about 10 meters from the at least one target.

11. The simulation game as recited in claim 3, wherein the active microchip comprises an internal power source.

12. The simulation game as recited in claim 3, wherein the passive microchip is powered by the sensor in the at least one target.

13. A baseball simulation game comprising: a hitting area; a plurality of base zones; a baseball comprised of a microchip; at least one target positioned in each of the plurality of base zones; and at least one catcher positioned in each of the plurality of base zones.

14. The baseball simulation game of claim 13, wherein each of the at least one targets is comprised of a reader for reading the microchip.

15. The baseball simulation game of claim 13, wherein each of the at least one catchers is comprised of a sensor for sensing the microchip.

16. The baseball simulation game of claim 13, wherein a number of points are assigned to a player if the at least one target is struck by the baseball.

17. The baseball simulation game of claim 13, wherein no points are assigned to a player if the at least one catcher is struck by the baseball.

18. A baseball simulation game comprising; a first zone having a first point range, a second zone having a second point range, a third zone having a third point range, a fourth zone having a fourth point range, and an additional zone having a bonus point value, wherein the bonus point value is larger than each of the first, second, third and fourth point ranges; at least one catcher positioned in each of the first, second, third and fourth zones; at least one target positioned in each of the first, second, third and fourth zones; a baseball comprising a microchip; a server in communication with each of the at least targets and at least one catchers; and a display in communication with the server.

19. The baseball simulation game as recited in claim 18, wherein the microchip is capable of being detected by each of the at least one target and the at least one catcher.

20. The baseball simulation game as recited in claim 18, wherein a point value is associated with each of the at least one targets.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of one possible embodiment of the baseball simulation game of the present invention and its various components in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a graphical representation of one potential embodiment of the field and various bays of the baseball simulation game of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of one potential embodiment of the method of playing the baseball simulation game of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0023] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a baseball simulation game that is easily accessible to users or all ages and background, and that provides entertainment to said users. There is also a long felt need in the art for an affordable baseball simulation game that features automatic scoring, and a unique scoring system. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a baseball simulation game which allows users to actually participate in the game, and gives the user the experience of playing real baseball. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a baseball simulation game that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and that is safe and easy to use.

[0024] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of one possible embodiment of the baseball simulation game 100 of the present invention and its various components in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the baseball simulation game 100 is a computer implemented or supported system, wherein a central server 114 is in contact with various modules used in the baseball simulation game 100. The central server gathers, processes and stores the various data and other information received from the modules, and provides instructions thereto to efficiently run the baseball simulation gaming system 100. For information, the data collected by the central server 114 may include, but is not limited to, information relating to the individual players, subscription information, skill sets, prior scores, and any other details that may enhance the play of the individual of the system 100.

[0025] The server 114 coordinates with an authorization module 108, which authorizes a player to enter a bay area for hitting the baseballs 112. More specifically, a payment module 116 receives the payment details of the player and sends the information to the server 114. The payment module 116 may receive the player's payment in both online and offline modes, and may process credit card information or take cash or coins as payment for the session. Prior to authorizing the player to participate in the game, the authorization module 108 verifies the membership and payment details of the player and, if appropriate, transmits the authorization code to the authorization module 108 to allow the player to partake in the simulation game.

[0026] A score calculation module 106 is also included, and is programmed to score the game based on the target 102 which has registered a hit from an authorized player. More specifically, the target 102 has sensors that read the microchip present in the baseball 112 to transmit the hit information to the score calculation module 106 through the server 114. The server 114 also associates particular baseballs 112 with particular players if multiple players are competing at the same time, and contacting targets simultaneously from the different bays. Catching stands or receiving mitts 104 that may be supported by posts or studs and act as outfielders may also transmit scoring information to the score calculation module 106 through the server 114 when the baseball 112 is received/detected by the catching stands or receiving mitts 104.

[0027] A customer screen 110 may also be present in the bay area or in a customer viewing area. The customer screen 110 may display the details of the game including, without limitation, live scores, winning status, player name, player statistics, etc. In a further embodiment, a voice signal generator (not shown) may also be present to emit audio and/or spoken words such as, but not limited to, Out, Foul Ball, Hit, Two-base hit, Three-base hit, Home run, or any other user specified sounds or words. The voice signals may be emitted from a loud speaker connected to the voice signal generator to inform the players and spectators about the various results.

[0028] In the field, the sensors on the targets 102 read the microchip(s) in the baseball 112 and, together with the score calculation module 106, calculate the score of each player (even if multiple players are participating at the same time from different bays) and display the score on the customer screen 110. The targets 102 may further comprise digital signage and/or different color LED lights that are turned on automatically at night, or manually at any time that a game is being played. The targets 102 and catchers 104 are pre-programmed for a specific scoring style, but may be re-programmed using the server 114, for example, to modify the game to suit user need and/or preference (e.g., different modes of play).

[0029] As explained more fully below, the field representative of the baseball simulation game 100 has targets 102 and gloves or mitts supported by metal supports 104 at a plurality of different spaced apart locations on the field, which is comprised of a plurality of different base zones. The plurality of different base zones enable different scores to be achieved depending on what target in what base zone the player hits with the chip embedded baseball 112. Notwithstanding, it should be appreciated that any other additional component, whether it be hardware and/or software, can also be utilized to increase the functionality, security and efficiency of the baseball simulation gaming system 100 of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a graphical representation of one potential embodiment of the field 200 and various bays 2020, 2022, etc. of the baseball simulation game 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the field 200 is preferably housed within a building 202 so that the baseball simulation game 100 can be enjoyed year round, day or night, and in all weather conditions. The field 200 is preferably comprised of four separate base zones or areas, namely a first base zone 204, a second base zone 206, a third base zone 208, and a fourth base zone 210, and an out of the park area 212. During the baseball simulation game, one or more players hit the microchipped baseballs 112 into the various base zones 204, 206, 208, 210, or the out of the park area 212 to achieve a score.

[0031] The first base zone 204 is positioned nearest and adjacent to the plurality of bays 2020, 2022, etc., and is further comprised of a plurality of different first base zone targets 2040 that are part of a larger target, as best shown in FIG. 2, and a plurality of spaced apart catchers 104. When hit with the baseball 112, the first base zone targets 2040 award a player with a point value of between 5 and 10 points. Conversely, when a player hits one of the catchers 104 positioned in the first base zone 204 with the baseball 112, it is considered an out, and no points are awarded. Essentially, the plurality of catcher stands 104 act as outfielders and are comprised of electric sensors in relatively large gloves or mitts to receive the struck baseball 212.

[0032] The second base zone 206 is positioned immediately beyond and adjacent to the first base zone 204, and is further comprised of a plurality of different second base zone targets 2060 that are part of a pair of larger targets, as best shown in FIG. 2, and a plurality of spaced apart catchers 104. When hit with the baseball 112, the second base zone targets 2060 award a player with a point value of between 15 and 30 points, wherein the points awarded increase the further into the second base zone 206 that the hit baseball 112 travels from the bays 2020, 2022, etc.. Conversely, when a player hits one of the catchers 104 positioned in the second base zone 206 with the baseball 112, it is considered an out, and no points are awarded.

[0033] The third base zone 208 is positioned immediately beyond and adjacent to the second base zone 206, and is further comprised of a plurality of different third base zone targets 2080 that are part of a set of larger targets, preferably three targets as best shown in FIG. 2, and a plurality of spaced apart catchers 104. When hit with the baseball 112, the third base zone targets 2080 award a player with a point value of between 40 and 60 points, wherein the points awarded increase the further into the third base zone 208 that the hit baseball 112 travels from the bays 2020, 2022, etc.. Conversely, when a player hits one of the catchers 104 positioned in the third base zone 208 with the baseball 112, it is considered an out, and no points are awarded.

[0034] The fourth base zone 210 is positioned immediately beyond and adjacent to the third base zone 208, and is further comprised of a plurality of different fourth base zone targets 2100 that are part of a set of larger targets, preferably four targets as best shown in FIG. 2, and a plurality of spaced apart catchers 104. When hit with the baseball 112, the fourth base zone targets 2100 award a player with a point value of between 70 and 80 points, wherein the points awarded increase the further into the fourth base zone 208 that the hit baseball 112 travels from the bays 2020, 2022, etc.. Conversely, when a player hits one of the catchers 104 positioned in the fourth base zone 210 with the baseball 112, it is considered an out, and no points are awarded. The section of the field immediately behind the fourth base zone 210 is the out of the park zone 212 which, if hit by the baseball 112 awards the player the maximum of 100 points.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment of the baseball simulation game 100, when hit by the baseball 112: (a) the first base zone targets 2040 may award the player with a score in the range of 2-15 points; (b) the second base zone targets 2060 may award the player with a score in the range of 15-25 points; (c) the third base zone targets 2080 may award the player with a score in the range of 25-50 points; and (d) the fourth base zone targets 2100 may award the player with a score in the range of 50-80 points. Further, the number of targets may be proportional to the zone into which the baseballs 112 are hit. That is, the closer the zone, the fewer the number of targets, and the further away the zone, the higher number of targets. Notwithstanding, it should be appreciated that any other combination of scores and the number of base zones are possible under the scope of the invention. Further, the scores can be programmed using the server 114, wherein the score calculation can be different for striking different targets. In addition, the point totals of various targets may also be enhanced on a random basis to increase the excitement of the game, and give the players the opportunity to be rewarded for hitting a particular target that has been optimized, such as is shown in FIG. 3.

[0036] All the targets and catchers or outfielders 104 present in the field 200 have sensors to read the microchip of the baseball 112 hit by the player. The sensors can also detect the speed, spin rate and distance of the hit made by the player. The sensors transmit the information from the baseball 112 back to the server 114 and score calculation module 106. The microchip can store data or other information pertaining to the game of the player with which the baseball 112 is associated. In one embodiment, a child mode of the baseball simulation game 100 is also available that will always award a child participant with points regardless of where the baseball 112 lands and/or what target it strikes.

[0037] As best shown in FIG. 2, the various bays 2020, 2022, etc. for the players are laterally spaced and immediately adjacent to the first base zone 204. In this manner, multiple players can simultaneously play the baseball simulation game 100 of the present invention from the different bays 2020, 2022 and using the same field 200. Alternatively, multiple players (e.g., a family or a group of friends) can play the baseball simulation game 100 from the same bay 2020 using the same field zone 200.

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of one potential embodiment of the method 300 of playing the baseball simulation game 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the method begins at step 301 wherein the player authorization is performed by the server 114 in coordination with the authorization module 108. If authorization is denied, the player is not provided with access to the bay area 2020, 2022, and the method terminates at step 308. If on the other hand authorization is granted, the player will be provided with access to a select bay area 2020, 2022 to participate in the simulation game 100.

[0039] At step 302, the authorized player takes his or her position in the bay area 2020, 2022 and a baseball 112 having a microchip therein is programmed to be associated with that particular player at step 303. In this manner, multiple players can hit their associated baseball 112 into the field 200 at the same time, and each player's score and other related statistics will be tracked by the baseball simulation system 100 of the present invention. More specifically, the associated baseball 112 is thrown in the direction of the player by a pitching machine and may be hit by the player at step 304. Then, once the baseball 112 enters the field, it is registered by the sensor(s) embedded in the target struck by the baseball 112, and an appropriate score is assigned to the player that struck the ball at step 305.

[0040] More specifically, the sensor or reader in the target 102 may have a read range of between 1 and 10 meters depending on the points to be awarded by the target. For example, a target that awards fewer points would preferably have a larger read range versus a target with a greater point allocation which would have a shorter read range. In this manner, the player is challenged to hit the baseball 112 closer to those targets with a higher point total than those of a smaller point total. Additionally, microchip embedded in the baseball 112 can be either active or passive. In an active system, the baseball 112 would include a power supply, such as a battery, so that the chip could regularly emit a signal to be picked up by the target. In a passive system, the chip is energized by the energy from the target itself, and then transmits a signal back to the target that the baseball/chip 112 is close to the target to score the points. In one embodiment of the present invention, anti-collision RFID technology may be used to identify baseballs 112. Under this arrangement, multiple baseballs 112 can be read simultaneously.

[0041] At step 306, the player's score is calculated by the score calculation module 106, and may be displayed on the player's screen 110 at step 307. The score calculations may also be stored with a player ID for the player's future reference and/or transmitted and displayed in the player's smartphone or other device. Enhanced point targets can also be provided at step 311, wherein the target point totals may be randomized to increase the excitement of the game and award the player for hitting different targets during a game session.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the field 200 may be roughly the same dimensions of an actual baseball field. Alternatively, the field 200 may be approximately 80% of the size of an actual baseball field, or any other acceptable percentage. Further, the targets 102 and catchers 104 may be removably installed on the field 200 so that they can be repositioned to make the simulated game more challenging when repeat customers return to the facility 202. The various base zones, 204, 206, 208, 210 may also be color coded or of different colors for differentiation purposes. For example, in one embodiment, the first base zone 204 and the targets 2040 and catchers 104 positioned therein may be painted or illuminated with the color red (or any other suitable color), wherein the second base zone 206 and the targets 2060 and catchers 104 positioned therein may be painted or illuminated with a second color and so on and so forth. Any other combination of colors falls within the scope of the invention.

[0043] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein baseball simulation game system, baseball game, and recreational baseball game, are interchangeable and refer to the baseball simulation game system 100 of the present invention.

[0044] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the baseball simulation game system 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, and configuration of any of the components, field zone 200, targets 102, catchers 104, etc., as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and configurations of the baseball simulation game system 100 and its various components are well within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0046] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.