Instrumented Sports Paraphernalia System

[0010] In order to more fully understand the objects of the invention, the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments should be read in conjunction with the appended figure drawings, wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1A shows a side view of the instrumented football.

[0012] FIG. 1B shows an end view of the instrumented football.

[0013] FIG. 1C shows a B-B section view of FIG. 1A.

[0014] FIG. 1D shows an A-A section view of FIG. 1A.

[0015] FIG. 2A shows a side view section of the instrumented football's instrumentation package assembly.

[0016] FIG. 2B shows a top view section of the instrumented football's instrumentation package assembly.

[0017] FIG. 2C shows a bottom view section of the instrumented football's instrumentation package assembly.

[0018] FIG. 3A shows a front side view section of the instrumented football's instrumentation package assembly.

[0019] FIG. 3B shows a top view section of the instrumented football's instrumentation package assembly.

[0020] FIG. 3C shows a bottom view section of the instrumented football's instrumentation package assembly.

[0021] FIG. 4A shows a front side view section of the instrumented football's instrumentation package assembly.

[0022] FIG. 4B shows a top view section of the instrumented football's instrumentation package assembly.

[0023] FIG. 4C shows a bottom view section of the instrumented football's instrumentation package assembly.

[0024] FIG. 5A shows a front side view section of the instrumented football's instrumentation package assembly.

[0025] FIG. 5B shows a top view section of the instrumented football's instrumentation package assembly.

[0026] FIG. 5C shows a bottom view section of the instrumented football's instrumentation package assembly.

[0027] FIG. 6A shows a top view of an inflated instrumented football's bladder with an inner cylindrical hollow.

[0028] FIG. 6B shows an end view of the inflated instrumented football's bladder with an inner cylindrical hollow.

[0029] FIG. 6AA is a top view of the inflated instrumented football's bladder that is short and flat.

[0030] FIG. 6BB is a side view of the inflated instrumented football's bladder that is short and flat.

[0031] FIG. 7A shows a top view of an inflated instrumented football's bladder that has a radial slot.

[0032] FIG. 7B shows an end view of the inflated instrumented football's bladder that has a radial slot.

[0033] FIG. 7AA is a top view of the inflated instrumented football's bladder that is dimpled.

[0034] FIG. 7BB is an end view of the inflated instrumented football's bladder that is dimpled.

[0035] FIG. 7CC is a side view A-A section of FIG. 7AA.

[0036] FIG. 8A shows a top view of a inflated instrumented football's bladder with identical halves.

[0037] FIG. 8B shows an end view of the inflated instrumented football's bladder with identical halves.

[0038] FIG. 9A is a side view section B-B of the instrumented football in FIG. 9B.

[0039] FIG. 9B is an end view section A-A of the instrumented football in FIG. 9A.

[0040] FIG. 9C is a side view section B-B of the instrumented football in FIG. 9D.

[0041] FIG. 9D is an end view section A-A of the instrumented football in FIG. 9C.

[0042] FIG. 9E is a side view section of the instrumented football.

[0043] FIG. 9F is a side view section of an instrumented football with a modified prior art cover and bladder.

[0044] FIG. 10A is a side view section of the instrumented football.

[0045] FIG. 10B is an end view section of the instrumented football.

[0046] FIG. 11A is a side view section of the instrumented football.

[0047] FIG. 11B is an end view section of the instrumented football.

[0048] FIG. 12A is a side view section of the instrumented football.

[0049] FIG. 12B is an end view section of the instrumented football.

[0050] FIG. 13A is a side view section of the instrumented football.

[0051] FIG. 13B is an end view section of the instrumented football.

[0052] FIG. 14A is a side view section of the instrumented football.

[0053] FIG. 14B is an end view section of the instrumented football.

[0054] FIG. 15A is a side view section of the instrumented football.

[0055] FIG. 15B is an end view section of the instrumented football.

[0056] FIG. 16A is a side view section of the instrumented football.

[0057] FIG. 16B is an end view section of the instrumented football.

[0058] FIG. 17A is a side view section of the instrumented football.

[0059] FIG. 17B is an end view section of the instrumented football.

[0060] FIG. 18A shows the side view of a prior art conventional college league American football.

[0061] FIG. 18B shows the end view of a prior art conventional college league American football.

[0062] FIG. 19A shows the side view of a conventional high school league American football.

[0063] FIG. 19B shows the end view of a conventional high school league American football.

[0064] FIG. 20A is a side view section of the instrumented football.

[0065] FIG. 20B is an end view section of the instrumented football.

[0066] FIG. 21A shows a side view section of the Type I buffer plate and instrumentation package assembly.

[0067] FIG. 21B shows a side view section of just the buffer plate alone.

[0068] FIG. 21C shows a side view section of the Type II buffer plate and instrumentation package assembly.

[0069] FIG. 21D shows a side view section of just the buffer plate alone.

[0070] FIG. 21E shows a side view section of the Type III buffer plate and instrumentation package assembly.

[0071] FIG. 21F shows a side view section of just the buffer plate alone.

[0072] FIG. 21G shows a side view section of the Type IV buffer plate and instrumentation package assembly.

[0073] FIG. 21H shows a side view section of just the buffer plate alone.

[0074] FIG. 21I shows a side view section of the Type V buffer plate assembly and instrumentation package assembly.

[0075] FIG. 21J shows a side view section of just the buffer plate alone.

[0076] FIG. 21II shows a side view section of the Type XV buffer plate and instrumentation package assembly.

[0077] FIG. 21JJ shows a side view section of just the buffer plate alone.

[0078] FIG. 21K shows an end view of just the buffer plate alone.

[0079] FIG. 21L shows a side view section of the Type VI buffer plate and instrumentation package assembly.

[0080] FIG. 21M shows a side view section of just the buffer plate alone.

[0081] FIG. 21LL shows a side view section of the Type XIV buffer plate and instrumentation package assembly.

[0082] FIG. 21MM shows a side view section of just the buffer plate alone.

[0083] FIG. 21N shows a side view section of the Type VII buffer plate and instrumentation package assembly.

[0084] FIG. 21O shows a side view section of just the buffer plate alone.

[0085] FIG. 21P shows an end view of just the buffer plate alone.

[0086] FIG. 21Q shows a side view section of the Type VIII buffer plate and instrumentation package assembly.

[0087] FIG. 21R shows a side view section of just the buffer plate alone.

[0088] FIG. 21S shows an end view of just the buffer plate alone.

[0089] FIG. 21QQ shows a side view section of the Type XIII buffer plate and instrumentation package assembly.

[0090] FIG. 21RR shows a side view section of just the buffer plate alone.

[0091] FIG. 21SS shows an end view of just the buffer plate alone.

[0092] FIG. 21T shows a side view section of the Type IX buffer plate and instrumentation package assembly.

[0093] FIG. 21U shows a side view section of just the buffer plate alone.

[0094] FIG. 21V shows an end view of just the buffer plate alone.

[0095] FIG. 21W shows a side view section of the Type X buffer plate and instrumentation package assembly.

[0096] FIG. 21X shows a side view section of just the buffer plate alone.

[0097] FIG. 21Y shows an end view of just the buffer plate alone.

[0098] FIG. 21ZA shows a side view section of the Type XI buffer plate and instrumentation package assembly.

[0099] FIG. 21ZB shows a side view section of just the buffer plate alone.

[0100] FIG. 21ZC shows an end view of just the buffer plate alone.

[0101] FIG. 21ZZA shows a side view section of the Type XII buffer plate assembly and instrumentation package assembly.

[0102] FIG. 21ZZB shows a side view section of just the buffer plate assembly alone.

[0103] FIG. 21ZZC shows an end view of just the buffer plate assembly alone.

[0104] FIG. 22A shows the side view of a conventional professional league American football.

[0105] FIG. 22B shows the end view of a conventional professional league American football.

[0106] FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the electronic signals and data flows in the instrumentation package assembly.

[0107] FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing the signals and data flows in the power supply and battery charging circuits inside the instrumentation package assembly.

[0108] FIG. 25A is a block diagram showing the signals and data flows inside the remote base station.

[0109] FIG. 25B is a block diagram showing the signals and data flows in the remote base station.

[0110] FIG. 26A is a right side mechanical diagram of the tripod mounted set-up camera system.

[0111] FIG. 26B is a left side mechanical diagram of the tripod mounted set-up camera system.

[0112] FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing the signal and data flows circuits in the tripod mounted set-up camera system shown in FIG. 26.

[0113] FIG. 28A shows a side view a hand-held remote control unit.

[0114] FIG. 28B shows a top view of a hand-held remote control unit.

[0115] FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing the signal and data flow circuits inside the hand-held remote control unit in FIG. 28A and FIG. 28B.

[0116] FIG. 30 is a side view of the hand-held remote control unit and the instrumented football.

[0117] FIG. 31 is an isometric view showing the instrumented football being charged inside the charging station unit.

[0118] FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing the signal and data flow circuits inside the charging station unit shown in FIG. 31.

[0119] FIG. 33A is the top view of the one camera instrumentation package assembly.

[0120] FIG. 33B is a side view of the one camera wireless instrumentation package assembly.

[0121] FIG. 33C is a side view of the one camera wireless, fiber optics and bi-directional high speed copper network communications instrumentation package assembly.

[0122] FIG. 33D is a side view of an instrumentation package assembly element.

[0123] FIG. 33E is an instrumented baseball home plate and ice hockey puck instrumentation package assembly element signal and data electronics block diagram.

[0124] FIG. 33F is an instrumented baseball home plate and ice hockey puck instrumentation package assembly element, power electronics block diagram.

[0125] FIG. 34A is a top view of the two camera wireless, fiber optics and bi-directional high speed copper network communications instrumentation package assembly.

[0126] FIG. 34B is a side view of the two camera wireless instrumentation package assembly.

[0127] FIG. 34C is a side view of the two camera wireless, fiber optics and bi-directional high speed copper network communications instrumentation package assembly.

[0128] FIG. 35A is a top view of the four camera wireless, fiber optics and bi-directional high speed copper network communications instrumentation package assembly.

[0129] FIG. 35B is a side view of the four camera wireless instrumentation package assembly.

[0130] FIG. 35C is a side view of the four camera wireless, fiber optics and bi-directional high speed copper network communications instrumentation package assembly.

[0131] FIG. 36A shows a side view section of the instrumentation package assembly element for instrumented baseball bases.

[0132] FIG. 36B shows a top view section of the instrumentation package assembly element for instrumented baseball bases.

[0133] FIG. 36C shows a bottom view section of the instrumentation package assembly element for instrumented baseball bases.

[0134] FIG. 36D is a block diagram of the instrumented baseball base instrumentation package assembly element electronics circuits.

[0135] FIG. 36E is a block diagram of the power supply and battery charging circuits inside the instrumentation package assembly used inside instrumented baseball bases.

[0136] FIG. 37A is a diagram of the top view of the battery pack charging unit sitting on top of and charging the instrumented baseball home plate.

[0137] FIG. 37B is a diagram of the side view of the battery pack charging unit sitting on top of and charging the instrumented baseball home plate.

[0138] FIG. 37C is a diagram of the front view of the battery pack charging unit sitting on top of and charging the instrumented baseball home plate.

[0139] FIG. 37D is a diagram of the top view of the battery pack charging unit sitting on top of and charging the instrumented baseball base.

[0140] FIG. 37E is a diagram of the side view of the battery pack charging unit sitting on top of and charging the instrumented baseball base.

[0141] FIG. 37F is a diagram of the front view of the battery pack charging unit sitting on top of and charging the instrumented baseball base.

[0142] FIG. 37G is a block diagram showing the electronic circuits inside the charging station unit used to charge the battery pack inside the instrumented baseball bases and instrumented baseball home plate.

[0143] FIG. 38A is a top view of a instrumented baseball base.

[0144] FIG. 38B is a side view of a instrumented baseball base.

[0145] FIG. 39A is the top view of an eight camera instrumented baseball base.

[0146] FIG. 39B is the side view of an eight camera instrumented baseball base.

[0147] FIG. 40A is a top view of a standard conventional baseball base.

[0148] FIG. 40B is a side view of a standard conventional baseball base.

[0149] FIG. 40C is a side view of a standard conventional baseball base.

[0150] FIG. 41A is a top view of a standard conventional major league home plate.

[0151] FIG. 41B is a side view of a standard conventional major league home plate.

[0152] FIG. 41C is a side view of a standard conventional major league home plate.

[0153] FIG. 42A is a top view of a four camera instrumented baseball base.

[0154] FIG. 42B is a side view of a four camera instrumented baseball base.

[0155] FIG. 42C is a top view of a four camera instrumentation package assembly mounted in buffer plate assemblies.

[0156] FIG. 42D is a side view of a four camera instrumentation package assembly mounted in buffer plate assemblies.

[0157] FIG. 42E is a top view of a four camera instrumentation package assembly.

[0158] FIG. 42F is a side view of a four camera instrumentation package assembly.

[0159] FIG. 43A is the top view of an eight camera instrumented baseball base.

[0160] FIG. 43B is the side view of an eight camera instrumented baseball base.

[0161] FIG. 43C is the top view of an instrumentation package assembly for an eight camera instrumented baseball base, mounted in buffer plate assemblies.

[0162] FIG. 43D is the side view of an instrumentation package assembly for an eight camera instrumented baseball base, mounted in buffer plate assemblies.

[0163] FIG. 43E is the top view of an instrumentation package assembly for an eight camera instrumented baseball base.

[0164] FIG. 43F is the side view of an instrumentation package assembly for an eight camera instrumented baseball base.

[0165] FIG. 44A is a top view of a one camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0166] FIG. 44B is a side view of a one camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0167] FIG. 45A is a top view of a two camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0168] FIG. 45B is a side view of a two camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0169] FIG. 46A is a top view of a four tilted camera instrumented baseball base.

[0170] FIG. 46B is a side view of a four tilted camera instrumented baseball base.

[0171] FIG. 47A is a top view of an eight tilted camera instrumented baseball base.

[0172] FIG. 47B is a side view of an eight tilted camera instrumented baseball base.

[0173] FIG. 47C is a top view of an eight tilted camera instrumented baseball base.

[0174] FIG. 47D is a corner view of an eight tilted camera instrumented baseball base.

[0175] FIG. 48A is a top view of a one tilted camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0176] FIG. 48B is a side view of a one tilted camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0177] FIG. 48C is a side view of a one tilted camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0178] FIG. 48D is a side view of a one tilted camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0179] FIG. 49A is a top view of a two tilted camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0180] FIG. 49B is a side view of a two tilted camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0181] FIG. 49C is a side view of a one tilted camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0182] FIG. 49D is a side view of a one tilted camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0183] FIG. 50A is a top view of an eight tilted camera instrumented baseball base.

[0184] FIG. 50B is a side view of an eight tilted camera instrumented baseball base.

[0185] FIG. 51A is the top view of a two tilted camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0186] FIG. 51B is the side view of a two tilted camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0187] FIG. 51C is a side view of a two tilted camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0188] FIG. 51D is a side view of a two tilted camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0189] FIG. 52A is the top view of a two camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0190] FIG. 52B is the side view of a two camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0191] FIG. 53A is the top view of a four camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0192] FIG. 53B is the side view of a four camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0193] FIG. 53C is the side view of a four camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0194] FIG. 54A is the top view of a four tilted camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0195] FIG. 54B is the side view of a four tilted camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0196] FIG. 54C is the side view of a four tilted camera instrumented baseball home plate.

[0197] FIG. 55A is the top view of an upper protective cover plate with two windows.

[0198] FIG. 55B is the front view of an upper protective cover plate with two windows.

[0199] FIG. 55C is the side view of an upper protective cover plate with two windows.

[0200] FIG. 56A is the top view of an upper protective cover plate with one window.

[0201] FIG. 56B is the front view of an upper protective cover plate with one window.

[0202] FIG. 56C is the side view of an upper protective cover plate with one window.

[0203] FIG. 57A is the top view of an upper protective cover plate with two windows.

[0204] FIG. 57B is the front view of an upper protective cover plate with two windows.

[0205] FIG. 57C is the side view of an upper protective cover plate with two windows.

[0206] FIG. 58A is the top view of an upper protective cover plate with four windows.

[0207] FIG. 58B is the front view of an upper protective cover plate with four windows.

[0208] FIG. 58C is the side view of an upper protective cover plate with four windows.

[0209] FIG. 59A is a diagram of the top view of a typical instrumented baseball stadium equipped to wirelessly televise baseball games from instrumented sports paraphernalia on the baseball playing field.

[0210] FIG. 59B is a diagram of the side view of a typical instrumented baseball stadium equipped to wirelessly televise baseball games from instrumented sports paraphernalia on the baseball playing field.

[0211] FIG. 60A is a diagram of the top view of a typical instrumented baseball stadium equipped to televise baseball games via fiber optics cable and/or bi-directional high speed copper network communications cable from instrumented sports paraphernalia on the baseball playing field.

[0212] FIG. 60B is a diagram of the side view of a typical instrumented baseball stadium equipped to televise baseball games via fiber optics cable and bi-directional high speed copper network communications cable from instrumented sports paraphernalia on the baseball playing field.

[0213] FIG. 61A is a diagram of the top view of a typical instrumented baseball stadium equipped to televise baseball games via fiber optics cable and bi-directional high speed copper network communications cable from instrumented sports paraphernalia on the baseball playing field.

[0214] FIG. 61B is a diagram of the side view of a typical instrumented baseball stadium equipped to televise baseball games via fiber optics cable and bi-directional high speed copper network communications cable from instrumented sports paraphernalia on the baseball playing field.

[0215] FIG. 62A is a diagram of a typical instrumented football stadium equipped with a wireless RF bi-directional communications link to televise football games from an instrumented football, which is in play on the football playing field, and a remote base station via the antenna array relay junction.

[0216] FIG. 62B shows a typical instrumented football stadium equipped with a wireless bi-directional RF communications link to televise football games from an instrumented football, which is in play on the football playing field, and a remote base station via the antenna array relay junction.

[0217] FIG. 62C shows a typical instrumented football stadium equipped with a wireless bi-directional RF communications link to televise football games from an instrumented football which is in play on the football playing field, and a remote base station via the antenna array relay junction.

[0218] FIG. 62D shows a typical instrumented football stadium equipped with a wireless bi-directional communications link to televise football games from an instrumented football which is in play on the football playing field, and a remote base station via the antenna array relay junction.

[0219] FIG. 62E shows a typical instrumented football stadium equipped with a wireless bi-directional communications link to televise football games from an instrumented football which is in play on the football playing field, and a remote base station via the antenna array relay junction.

[0220] FIG. 63A is a top view of the circular CCD camera chip showing the scanned letterbox picture frame format superimposed on it at an angular direction of zero degrees.

[0221] FIG. 63B is a top view of a virtual instrumented baseball home plate showing the generalized orientation of the circular CCD camera's sensor chip with the electronically scanned letterbox format superimposed on it at an arbitrary angular direction.

[0222] FIG. 63C is a top view of a virtual instrumented baseball home plate showing the generalized orientation of the circular CCD camera's sensor chip with the electronically scanned letterbox format superimposed on it at an angular direction of minus forty five degrees.

[0223] FIG. 64A is a top view of a typical instrumented sports stadium having been configured for use with both static and dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia, for televising games from the playing field using wireless radio wave communication links.

[0224] FIG. 64B is a top view of a typical instrumented sports stadium having been configured and equipped for use with static instrumented sports paraphernalia, for televising games from the playing field using fiber optics cable and bi-directional high speed copper network cable communication links.

[0225] FIG. 64C is a top view of a typical instrumented sports stadium that has been configured and equipped for use with both static and dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia, for televising games from both on the playing field, and off the playing field, using bi-directional wireless radio wave communication links and/or bi-directional fiber optics cable and bi-directional high speed copper network communications cable links.

[0226] FIG. 65A is a top view of the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber.

[0227] FIG. 65B is a side view of the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber.

[0228] FIG. 65C is an end view of the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber.

[0229] FIG. 66A is a top view of the instrumented hockey puck.

[0230] FIG. 66B is a front view of the instrumented hockey puck.

[0231] FIG. 66C is a side view of the instrumented hockey puck.

[0232] Throughout this description, the preferred embodiments and examples shown should be considered as examples, rather than limitations, of the present invention.

[0233] The following are some of the preferred embodiments and contemplations disclosed in the present invention for the major system components of the “Instrumented Sports Paraphernalia System” discussed in the detailed descriptions of the drawings.

General Instrumented Sports Paraphernalia System
Instrumented Sports Paraphernalia	Instrumentation Package Assemblies
Instrumented Sports Stadiums	Instrumented Football Bladders
Instrumented Playing Fields	Cameras and Optical Windows
Instrumented Bullpens	Buffer Plate Assemblies
Remote Base Stations	3-Dimension Stereo Camera Pairs
Instrumented Footballs	Antenna Array Relay Junctions
Instrumented Baseball Bases	Battery Charging Stations
Instrumented Baseball Home Plates	Hand Held Remotes
Instrumented Baseball Pitcher's	Tripod Mounted Set-up Camera
Rubbers	System
Instrumented Ice Hockey Pucks	Upper Protective Cover Plates

[0234] General “Instrumented Sports Paraphernalia System” Preferred Embodiments and Contemplations

[0235] The present invention contemplates equipping existing prior art sports stadiums with an “Instrumented Sports Paraphernalia System” comprised of instrumented sports paraphernalia, an antenna array relay junction(s), bi-directional communication links and a remote base station, to improve the quality of the sports stadium's TV broadcasts. The present invention contemplates a system for televising professional, college and high school league sports games with cameras and microphones positioned on the playing field amongst the players. The TV cameras and microphones, along with their supporting electronics, are packaged in modules which are housed inside selected sports paraphernalia that are used in the game by the players on the playing field. Sports paraphernalia instrumented in this way will be called “instrumented sports paraphernalia”. The module containing the TV cameras and microphones will be called an “instrumentation package assembly”. Examples of preferred embodiments of instrumented sports paraphernalia disclosed in the present invention are: instrumented footballs, instrumented baseball 1^st, 2^nd and 3rd bases, instrumented baseball home plates, instrumented baseball pitcher's rubbers and instrumented ice hockey pucks. The televised pictures and sound are transmitted as signals from the instrumented sports paraphernalia via wireless radio, and/or fiber optics cable, and/or copper cable to an antenna array relay junction which is positioned beyond the side lines of the playing field. The antenna array relay junction then relays the signals by wireless radio, and/or fiber optics cable and/or copper cable to a remote base station which is in the vicinity of the sports stadium. The remote base station processes the incoming signals and broadcasts the pictures and sounds to a live TV viewing audience. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the remote base station receives signals from a multitude of instrumented sports paraphernalia simultaneously. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the remote base station transmits command and control signals back to the multitude of instrumented sports paraphernalia to control their functions and monitor their status. In alike manner, the present invention contemplates ways and means to televise the pictures and sounds from sports demonstrations, sports promotions, sports commercials, player warm-up sessions, and player training sessions.

[0236] The present invention contemplates televising pictures and sounds of the players from rare exciting vantage points amongst the players on the playing field and in their bullpens in SD, HD and 3-D. The present invention contemplates broadcasting real time pictures to the TV viewing audience, which originate from dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia, and have been processed by the remote base station so that they are free of jitter, shaking and spin. The present invention enables cameras and microphones to be near to and amongst the players themselves during each play of the game. The present invention provides a more close at hand method of televising fast action packed sports events, like football, baseball, and ice hockey by doing it from the sports paraphernalia used by the players within the game itself; thereby conveying a level of excitement and detail of the game heretofore unrealized by the viewing audience. It is contemplated that the instrumented sports paraphernalia will be equipped with 3-D stereo camera pairs to further convey the realism and excitement of the game to the TV viewing audience.

[0237] The present invention contemplates that the TV cameras will see out onto the playing field from a whole selection of vantage points from inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia. For example, TV cameras will see out from all sides of the instrumented baseball 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd bases; TV cameras will see out from the tops of instrumented baseball home plates; TV cameras will see out from the tops of instrumented baseball pitchers rubbers; TV cameras will see out from the tops of instrumented ice hockey pucks; TV cameras will see out from both vertices of instrumented footballs. The present invention contemplates that the instrumented sports paraphernalia will be flexible to contain a whole selection of TV camera configurations. For example, in a preferred embodiment a TV camera will see out from each of the two vertices of the instrumented football; in another preferred embodiment a TV camera will see out from each of the four sides of each of the instrumented baseball 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd bases; in another preferred embodiment a 3-D stereo pair of TV cameras will see out from each of the four sides of each of the instrumented baseball 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd bases; in another preferred embodiment a 3-D stereo pair of TV cameras will see out from each of the four corners of each of the instrumented baseball 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd bases; in another preferred embodiment a single TV camera will see out from the top of the instrumented baseball home plate; in another preferred embodiment a 3-D stereo pair of TV cameras will see out from the top of the instrumented baseball home plate; in another preferred embodiment two 3-D stereo pairs of TV cameras will see out from the top of the instrumented baseball home plate; in another preferred embodiment effectively six 3-D stereo pairs of TV cameras will see out from the top of the instrumented baseball home plate; in another preferred embodiment a single TV camera will see out from the top of the instrumented ice hockey pucks; in another preferred embodiment two 3-D stereo pairs of TV cameras will see out from the top of the instrumented ice hockey pucks; in another preferred embodiment effectively six 3-D stereo pairs of TV cameras will see out from the top of the instrumented ice hockey pucks; in another preferred embodiment two 3-D stereo pairs of TV cameras will see out from the top of the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber; in another preferred embodiment effectively six 3-D stereo pairs of TV cameras will see out from the top of the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber.

[0238] The present invention contemplates that the instrumentation package assembly within the instrumented sports paraphernalia be instrumented with a transceiver and antenna capable of transmitting radio signals encoded with the picture and sound information to a remote base station via an antenna array relay junction. The present invention contemplates that instrumented sports paraphernalia, that are in play on the playing field during professional league games and player training sessions, are instrumented with cameras and microphones enabling them to acquire pictures and sounds of the players from amongst the players on the playing field. Electronics within the instrumentation package assembly televises the pictures and sounds to a remote base station via an antenna array relay junction.

[0239] The present invention contemplates that the instrumented sports paraphernalia can substitute for conventional sports paraphernalia on the playing field amongst the players and be accepted by the leagues. The present invention contemplates the instrumented sports paraphernalia to have substantially the same weight, balance, appearance and playing qualities as conventional professional league sports paraphernalia, so as to be accepted as credible substitutes by the leagues and qualify them to substitute for conventional professional league sports paraphernalia used in the game. The present invention contemplates a system for wirelessly televising professional league football games from footballs that are instrumented with television cameras and microphones that are housed inside the footballs, where TV signals are transmitted from the cameras and microphones from within the footballs to a remote base station; where from the final signals are broadcasted to a TV viewing audience.

[0240] The present invention contemplates a system for wirelessly televising professional league baseball games from baseball 1^st, 2^nd and 3rd bases, baseball pitcher's rubbers, ice hockey pucks and baseball home plates that are instrumented with television cameras and microphones that are housed inside the sports paraphernalia, where TV signals are transmitted from the cameras and microphones within to a remote base station, where from the final signals are broadcasted to an TV viewing audience. The present invention contemplates a system for wirelessly televising professional league baseball games from the pitcher's rubber's that are instrumented with television cameras and microphones that are housed inside the pitcher's rubber's, where TV signals are transmitted from the cameras and microphones from within the pitcher's rubber's to a remote base station, and from where the final signals are broadcasted to an audience. The present invention contemplates a system for wirelessly televising professional league ice hockey games from ice hockey pucks that are instrumented with television cameras and microphones that are housed inside the pucks, where TV signals are transmitted from the cameras and microphones from within the pucks to a remote base station, and from where the final signals are broadcasted to an audience. The present invention contemplates a system for wirelessly televising professional, college and high school games from sports paraphernalia that are instrumented with television cameras and microphones that are housed inside the sports paraphernalia, where TV signals are transmitted from the cameras and microphones from within the sports paraphernalia to a remote base station, and from where the final signals are broadcasted to an audience.

[0241] The present invention contemplates a system for televising professional, college and high school league baseball games from 1^st, 2^nd and 3rd bases, home plates, and pitcher's rubbers that are instrumented with television cameras and microphones that are housed inside the instrumented baseball bases, baseball home plates, and pitcher's rubbers where TV signals are transmitted from the cameras and microphones from within the bases, plates and rubbers to a remote base station via fiber optics cable and/or copper cable that is buried in the ground beneath the playing field, and from where the remote base station broadcasts the final signals to an audience. The present invention contemplates that the instrumentation package assembly within the instrumented sports paraphernalia be instrumented with a transceiver and antenna to transmit radio signals encoded with the picture and sound information to a remote base station via an antenna array relay junction. The present invention contemplates that one or more cameras, and one or more microphones, and supporting electronics are packaged within an instrumentation package assembly that is housed inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia. The instrumented sports paraphernalia is used on the field of play in place of the conventional sports paraphernalia which it replaces during a game. The instrumented sports paraphernalia has the identical outward appearance and playability as the conventional sports paraphernalia it replaces. The instrumented sports paraphernalia possesses one or more optical windows through which its cameras may acquire video as they look out onto the playing field. The instrumentation package assembly possesses sound conduction paths by which the microphones hear the sounds of impacts made directly to the instrumented sports paraphernalia and also sounds made in the vicinity of the instrumented sports paraphernalia. The instrumented sports paraphernalia possesses all the elements within itself, necessary to wirelessly transmit video and sound of the game from within itself, to a remote base station via an antenna array relay junction. The antenna array relay junction and the remote base station are both located in the sports stadium and its vicinity. The instrumented sports paraphernalia is deployed at the traditional location of the conventional sports paraphernalia which it substitutes for on the playing field amongst the players during a game.

[0242] Inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia the TV cameras are deployed at optical windows enabling them to look out from the instrumented sports paraphernalia onto the playing field. The pictures and sounds acquired by the TV cameras and microphones are transmitted from the instrumented sports paraphernalia via a bi-directional closed circuit transmitting and receiving network to a remote base station. The pictures and sounds are processed and formatted at the remote base station, thus preparing them for presentation to a final live TV audience for viewing. An operator at the remote base station commands and controls the electronic and optical functions of the instrumented sports paraphernalia by transmitting command and control signals to the instrumented sports paraphernalia using the bi-directional RF wireless and/or fiber optics cable network. The present invention is contemplated to endure the rigors of the hostile environment on the field. The instrumented sports paraphernalia is both airtight and watertight and is designed to endure shock, vibration and temperature extremes. The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a more close at hand method of televising fast action packed sports events like football and baseball, by doing it from instrumented sports paraphernalia used by the players within the game itself; thereby conveying a level of excitement and detail of the game heretofore unrealized by the viewing audience. The microphones pick up the impacts and shocks to the football when the instrumented football is thrown, hiked, caught, hit, fumbled, kicked, sacked or strikes the goal post netting. The audience can also hear the rush of the air as the football spins on a pass through the air.

[0243] The present invention visually and audibly extends and enhances the audience's pleasure and excitement of the game by acquiring pictures and sounds from the spatial vantage points occupied by instrumented sports paraphernalia on the playing field amongst the players. Such intimate pictures and sounds taken so close and immediate to the players have heretofore been unobtainable during football games, baseball games, and ice hockey games. These pictures and sounds taken from these special vantage points are not possible in the prior art. For example, the microphones pick up and enable the audience to hear in real time the real impacts and shocks to the puck's skin when the ice hockey puck is hit, moving, being blocked or striking the goal post netting when a goal is scored. The audience can also hear the rush and scraping of the flying ice flakes as the puck spins with forward motion on the ice. The present invention visually and audibly extends and enhances the audience's pleasure and excitement of the game by acquiring pictures and sounds from special spatial vantage points that are not possible in the prior art. Such intimate pictures and sounds taken so close and immediate to the players have heretofore been unobtainable. The present invention contemplates ways and means to capture pictures and sounds of the players during popular sports events, demonstrations, promotions, warm-ups and player training sessions from vantage points amongst the players on the playing field.

[0244] This invention enables cameras and microphones to be near to and amongst the players themselves during each play. The present invention contemplates that the instrumentation package assembly within the instrumented sports paraphernalia be instrumented with a transceiver and antenna capable of transmitting radio signals encoded with the picture and sound information to a remote base station. The present invention contemplates instrumented sports paraphernalia that have substantially the same weight, balance, appearance and playing qualities of conventional regulation professional, college and high school league sports paraphernalia, so as to be accepted as credible substitutes by the leagues and qualify them to substitute for sports paraphernalia used in the game. The present invention contemplates instrumenting sports paraphernalia such as footballs, hockey pucks, 1st and 2^nd and 3rd baseball bases, home plates, and baseball pitcher's rubbers. The present invention contemplates that sports paraphernalia that are in play on the playing field during professional league games, player training sessions and warming-up sessions, are instrumented with cameras and microphones thereby enabling them to acquire pictures and sounds of the players on the field. The present invention contemplates ways and means to process and format wirelessly transmitted pictures and sounds from sports paraphernalia, thereby enabling their presentation to a viewing audience. The present invention contemplates ways and means to televise pictures and sounds of sports events, sports demonstrations, sports promotions, sports player warm-up and player training sessions, by instrumenting sports paraphernalia used in the game with TV cameras and microphones. The present invention contemplates that the remote base station be equipped with hardware and software for processing the encoded radio signals it receives from the instrumented sports paraphernalia and preparing the encoded pictures and sounds with a format suitable for presentation to a viewing audience.

[0245] The present invention contemplates a remote base station where the pictures and sounds received from the cameras and microphones within the instrumented sports paraphernalia are processed and formatted, thus preparing them for presentation to a final live TV audience for viewing. The present invention contemplates that the instrumented sports paraphernalia functions are enabled, commanded and controlled in response to signals it receives from the remote base station. The present invention visually and audibly extends and enhances the audience's pleasure and excitement of the game by acquiring pictures and sounds from special spatial vantage points that are not possible in the prior art. Such intimate pictures and sounds taken so close and immediate to the players have heretofore been unobtainable. The present invention achieves this objective by providing a more close at hand method of televising fast action packed sports events, like baseball, by doing it from paraphernalia used by the players within the game itself; thereby conveying a level of excitement and detail of the game heretofore unrealized by the viewing audience. This invention enables cameras and microphones to be near to and amongst the players themselves during each play. Microphones pick up and enable the audience to hear in real time the impacts and shocks when the football is thrown, hiked, caught, hit, fumbled, kicked, sacked or striking the goal post netting. The audience can also hear the rush of the air as the football spins on a pass through the air.

[0246] The present invention contemplates producing instrumented sports paraphernalia that have substantially the same weight, balance, appearance and playing qualities of conventional professional league sports paraphernalia, so as to be accepted as a credible substitute by the leagues and qualify it to substitute for conventional professional league sports paraphernalia used in the game. Besides professional league games, the present invention contemplates a variety of other venues like college and high school sporting events and training sessions where the instrumented sports paraphernalia may be used. The present invention contemplates a system for wirelessly televising professional league baseball games from baseball bases and baseball home plates that are instrumented with television cameras and microphones that are housed inside the instrumented baseball bases and baseball home plate, where TV signals are transmitted from the cameras and microphones within the bases and plates to a remote base station. Inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia the TV cameras are deployed at optical windows enabling them to look out from inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia onto the playing field. The pictures and sounds acquired by the TV cameras and microphones are transmitted from the instrumented sports paraphernalia via a bi-directional closed circuit transmitting and receiving network to a remote base station. The pictures and sounds are processed and formatted at the remote base station, thus preparing them for presentation to a final live TV audience for viewing. An operator at the remote base station commands and controls the electronic and optical functions of the instrumented sports paraphernalia by transmitting command and control signals to the instrumented sports paraphernalia using the bi-directional RF wireless and/or fiber optics cable network. The present invention is contemplated to endure the rigors of the hostile environment on the field. The instrumented sports paraphernalia is both airtight and watertight and is designed to endure shock, vibration and temperature extremes.

[0247] Besides professional league games, the present invention contemplates a variety of venues like college and high school sporting events and training sessions. The cameras can be of different types, yielding picture formats such as still frame photographs, freeze frame, full motion video, real time video, SD/HD real time video, and 3-D SD/HD real time video. The present invention contemplates enhancing the enjoyment of sports events, demonstration games, player training and warm-up sessions by other live audiences besides live TV viewing audiences. Examples of such audiences are those streaming on the internet, those viewing live general displays in stadiums, those reviewing reproductions of all the intimate details of the game that were too numerous to broadcast in real time, and instant replay judges/umpires etc. Readers of newspapers and magazines can also benefit by the high resolution still photos of critical plays that the system produces. The present invention contemplates ways and means to process and format the pictures and sounds from the cameras and microphones to enable their presentation to a viewing audience.

[0248] Instrumented Sports Paraphernalia Preferred Embodiments and Contemplations

[0249] The present invention contemplates that sports paraphernalia, that are in play on the playing field during sports games, are instrumented with TV cameras and microphones enabling them to acquire the pictures and sounds of the players on the field, and televise them to a remote base station via an antenna array relay junction. The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a more close at hand method of televising fast action packed sports events by doing it from the instrumented sports paraphernalia used by the players within the game itself; thereby conveying a level of excitement and detail of the game heretofore unrealized by the viewing audience. The present invention contemplates ways and means to televise the pictures and sounds of professional sports events, college sports events and high school sports events. The present invention contemplates instrumenting sports paraphernalia such as footballs, hockey pucks, baseball's 1^st, 2^nd and 3rd bases, home plates, and baseball pitcher's rubbers, etc.

[0250] The present invention contemplates that TV cameras, lenses, microphones, RF antennas, electronics and a battery pack are housed within the instrumented sports paraphernalia inside a module called the instrumentation package assembly. The present invention contemplates that the instrumentation package assembly possesses all the elements necessary to acquire and transmit the video and sound of the game by fiber optics cable/copper cable and/or wirelessly by RF to the remote base station, while the instrumented sports paraphernalia is on the playing field during a sports game. The present invention contemplates a system for wirelessly televising sports games from sports paraphernalia that are instrumented with television cameras and microphones that are housed inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia inside a module called an instrumented package assembly. The present invention contemplates that sports paraphernalia, that are in play on the playing field during sports games are instrumented with cameras and microphones thereby enabling them to acquire pictures and sounds of the players on the field. The present invention contemplates that the cameras and microphones that are used to instrument the sports paraphernalia can be of different types, yielding picture formats such as still frame photographs, freeze frame, full motion video, real time video, SD/HD real time video, and 3-D SD/HD real time video.

[0251] The present invention contemplates a remote base station where the pictures and sounds received from the cameras and microphones within the instrumented sports paraphernalia are processed and formatted, thus preparing them for presentation to a final live TV audience for viewing. The present invention contemplates achieving its objectives by a more close at hand method of televising fast action packed sports events, like football, by doing it from instrumented sports paraphernalia used by the players within the game itself, enabling cameras and microphones to be near to and amongst the players themselves during each play, thereby conveying a level of excitement and detail to the game heretofore unrealized by the TV viewing audience using prior art methods. The present invention visually and audibly extends and enhances the audience's pleasure and excitement of the game by acquiring pictures and sounds from all the special spatial vantage points that the instrumented sports paraphernalia occupies and sees and feels on the field. Such intimate pictures and sounds taken so close and immediate to the players have heretofore been unobtainable during sports games. For example, the microphones pick up and enable the audience to hear in real time the impacts and shocks when the instrumented sports paraphernalia is thrown, hiked, caught, hit, fumbled, kicked, pitched, sacked or striking the goal post netting. The audience can also hear the rush of the air as the instrumented sports paraphernalia spins on a pass through the air. The present invention contemplates that the instrumented sports paraphernalia be equipped with a battery pack capable of being wirelessly charged by a source external to the instrumented sports paraphernalia.

[0252] The present invention contemplates that instrumented sports paraphernalia be equipped with a battery pack capable of being removed from the instrumented sports paraphernalia and replaced by a substitute battery pack. The present invention contemplates instrumenting both moving and static sports paraphernalia. The present invention contemplates instrumented sports paraphernalia that endures the rigors of the hostile environment on the sports playing field. The present invention contemplates instrumented sports paraphernalia that has substantially the same weight, balance, outward appearance and playing qualities of conventional league sports paraphernalia, so as to be accepted as a credible substitute by the conventional league sports paraphernalia used in the game. The present invention contemplates instrumented sports paraphernalia with optical windows through which the TV cameras within the instrumented sports paraphernalia to look out onto the playing field.

[0253] Instrumented Sports Stadiums/Arenas Preferred Embodiments and Contemplations

[0254] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an instrumented sports stadium/arena is equipped with an antenna array relay junction which serves as a means to receive wirelessly televised video and sound signals from the instrumented sports paraphernalia and relay same to the remote base station. The antenna array relay junction also serves as a means to relay command and control signals wirelessly from the remote base station to the instrumented sports paraphernalia. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an instrumented sports stadium is equipped with an antenna array which serves as a means to receive wirelessly televised video and sound signals from instrumented footballs, instrumented baseball bases, instrumented baseball home plates, instrumented baseball pitcher's rubbers, instrumented hockey pucks, which are examples of static and dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia

[0255] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an instrumented sports stadium is equipped with an antenna array relay junction which serves as a means to receive televised video and sound signals from the instrumented sports paraphernalia by fiber optics cable and relay same to the remote base station by fiber optics cable. The antenna array relay junction also serves as a means to relay command and control signals from the remote base station to the instrumented sports paraphernalia by fiber optics cable. Instrumented baseball bases, instrumented baseball home plates, instrumented baseball pitcher's rubbers, instrumented hockey pucks, are examples of static instrumented sports paraphernalia. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an instrumented sports stadium is equipped with an antenna array relay junction which serves as a means to receive televised video and sound signals from the instrumented sports paraphernalia wirelessly and/or by fiber optics cable and relay same to the remote base station wirelessly and/or by fiber optics cable. The antenna array relay junction also serves as a means to relay command and control signals from the remote base station to the instrumented sports paraphernalia wirelessly and/or by fiber optics cable.

[0256] Instrumented Playing Fields

[0257] In a preferred embodiment, the instrumented playing field is configured with bi-directional fiber optics cable/copper cable communications links buried beneath the ground between the instrumented sports paraphernalia that are positioned at their traditional locations on the playing field and the antenna array relay junction. In a preferred embodiment, an instrumented baseball 1^st base, and instrumented baseball 2^nd base, an instrumented baseball 3^rd base, an instrumented baseball home plate, and an instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber are located on the baseball diamond at their traditional positions. In a preferred embodiment, an instrumented baseball 1^st base, instrumented baseball 2^nd base, instrumented baseball 3^rd base, instrumented baseball home plate, and an instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber are located on the baseball diamond at their traditional positions, and connected to the bi-directional fiber optics cable/copper cable which is extended upward from under the ground into the bottom opening in each of these sports paraphernalia to form the connection.

[0258] Instrumented Baseball Bullpens

[0259] In a preferred embodiment, the instrumented baseball bullpen is configured with bi-directional fiber optics cable/copper cable communications links buried beneath the ground between the instrumented sports paraphernalia that are positioned at their traditional locations in the bullpen and the antenna array relay junction. In a preferred embodiment, an instrumented baseball home plate, and an instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber are located in the baseball bullpen at their traditional positions. In a preferred embodiment, an instrumented baseball home plate, and an instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber are located in the baseball bullpen at their traditional positions, and connected to the bi-directional fiber optics cable/copper cable which is extended upward from under the ground into the bottom opening in each of these sports paraphernalia to form the connection.

[0260] Remote Base Stations Preferred Embodiments and Contemplations

[0261] The present invention contemplates that the remote base station is equipped with hardware and software for processing the encoded video and audio signals received from the instrumented sports paraphernalia, and preparing the pictures and sounds with a format suitable for presentation to a live TV viewing audience. The present invention contemplates that the operating functions of the instrumented sports paraphernalia are enabled, commanded and controlled by signals it receives from the remote base station. The present invention contemplates instrumented sports paraphernalia where TV signals are transmitted from the cameras and microphones within the instrumented sports paraphernalia to a remote base station by fiber optics cable and/or by RF wireless radio means. The present invention contemplates a remote base station with means to process and format pictures and sounds received from a single or a multiplicity of instrumented sports paraphernalia on the playing field. The present invention contemplates that an operator at the remote base station controls all the various electronic and optical functions of the instrumented sports paraphernalia, wirelessly and/or by fiber optics cable, by transmitting command and control signals to the instrumented sports paraphernalia.

[0262] Instrumented Footballs Preferred Embodiments and Contemplations

[0263] In a preferred embodiment, referring to the disclosed instrumented football shown in FIG. 1, the instrumented football has substantially the same size, shape, grip, and color as the conventional professional league American football shown in FIG. 22. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates the instrumented football to be non-intrusive to the game. The curved exterior surface of the buffer plates is calculated to match the vesica piscis wall curvature of the cover/liner. It is made to prop up the ends of the instrumented football. The microphones pick up and enable the audience to hear in real time the impacts and shocks when the football is thrown, hiked, caught, hit, fumbled, kicked, sacked or striking the goal post netting. The audience can also hear the rush of the air as the football spins on a pass through the air.

[0264] The present invention particularly contemplates a system for televising professional league football games. Footballs are instrumented with two television cameras and microphones. Each one of the two TV cameras and microphones are housed inside the instrumented football within an instrumentation package assembly. The present invention contemplates a system for televising professional league football games as well as football games in other venues. Footballs are instrumented with two television cameras and microphones. Footballs instrumented in this manner are referred to in the present invention as instrumented footballs. The two TV cameras and microphones are housed inside the instrumented football within a module referred to in the present invention as an instrumentation package assembly. Compared to the prior art, the present invention provides a more close at hand method of televising fast action packed sports events, like football, by televising games from the football used by the players from within the game itself. Compared to the prior art, the present invention thereby conveys a level of excitement and detail of the game heretofore unrealized by the viewing audience. The present invention enables cameras and microphones to be near to and amongst the players themselves during each play.

[0265] The invention visually and audibly extends and enhances the audience's pleasure and excitement of the game by acquiring pictures and sounds from all the special spatial vantage points that the instrumented football occupies and sees and feels on the field. Such intimate pictures and sounds taken so close and immediate to the players have heretofore been unobtainable during a football game in the prior art. For example, the microphones pick up and enable the audience to hear in real time the impacts and shocks to the skin of the football when the football is thrown, hiked, caught, hit, fumbled, kicked, sacked or striking the goal post netting. The audience can also hear the rush of the air as the football spins on a pass through the air. The present invention is specifically contemplated to endure the rigors of the hostile environment on the field. The instrumentation package assembly is both airtight and watertight and is designed to endure shock, vibration and temperature. Inside the instrumentation package assembly, the TV cameras are deployed at opposite ends of the football. Optical windows enable them to look out from both ends of the football onto the playing field. The pictures and sounds acquired by the TV cameras and microphones are wirelessly transmitted from the instrumented football via a closed circuit transmitting and receiving network, to a remote base station. The pictures and sounds are processed and formatted at the remote base station, thus preparing them for presentation to a final live TV audience for viewing. An operator at the remote base station can control the various electronic and optical functions of the instrumented football by wirelessly transmitting control signals to the football from the remote base station. The present invention contemplates that the instrumented football's functions are enabled, commanded and controlled in response to signals it receives from the remote base station. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates the instrumented football to be equipped with an instrumentation package assembly shown in FIG. 2, that is mounted inside the instrumented football shown in FIG. 1, which is capable of wirelessly televising football games from its cameras and microphones contained therein; and can conveniently be inserted into the football through the conventionally sized lacing gap in the seam at the top of the football.

[0266] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the instrumented football has substantially the same outward appearance as the conventional professional league American football because its size, shape, grip, texture and color are made identical to the conventional professional league American football. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the instrumented football has substantially the same playing and handling qualities as the conventional professional league American football because its weight, center of gravity and moments of inertia are made identical to the conventional professional league American football. The present invention is contemplated to endure the rigors of the hostile environment on the field. The instrumentation package assembly is both airtight and watertight and is designed to endure shock, vibration and temperature. Inside the instrumentation package assembly, the TV cameras are deployed at opposite ends of the football. Small unobtrusive optical windows located at the football's vertices enable them to look out from both ends of the football onto the playing field. The real-time pictures and sounds acquired by the TV cameras and microphones are wirelessly transmitted from the football via a closed circuit bi-directional transmitting and receiving network, to a remote base station. The remote base station is disclosed in FIG. 62A and FIG. 62B and FIG. 62C and FIG. 62D and FIG. 62E and FIG. 64A and FIG. 64C. The pictures and sounds are processed and formatted at the remote base station, thus preparing them for presentation to a final live TV audience for viewing. An operator at the remote base station can command and control the various electronic, mechanical and optical functions of the instrumented football by wirelessly transmitting command and control signals to the instrumented football from the remote base station.

[0267] The present invention contemplates that the instrumented football's electronic and optical functions are enabled, commanded and controlled by the signals that the instrumented football receives from a remote base station. The remote base station is located on or remotely from the sports stadium grounds. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the antenna array which serves as a means to receive wirelessly televised video and sound signals from the instrumented football, also serves to relay the video and sound signals to a remote base station. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention an antenna array relay junction, located off the playing field in the sports stadium, serves as a means to receive and wirelessly relay televised video and sound signals from the instrumented football to the remote base station. In venues where there is no formal sports stadium, but just a playing field, the antenna array and the remote base station are located off of the playing field. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the instrumented football has substantially the same outward appearance as the conventional professional league American football because its size, shape, grip, texture and color are made identical to the conventional professional league American football (this makes the football unobtrusive to the players in the game.

[0268] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the instrumented football has substantially the same handling qualities as the conventional professional league American football because its size, shape, grip, texture, weight, center of gravity and moments of inertia are made substantially the same as the conventional professional league American football. The present invention contemplates an instrumented football having substantially the same appearance, weight, balance, center of gravity, moments of inertia, playing and handling qualities of a conventional professional league football, so as to be accepted by the leagues and qualify it to substitute for conventional professional and non-professional league American footballs in all game venues. In a preferred embodiment, referring to the disclosed instrumented football disclosed in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C for example, the instrumented football's appearance, weight, balance, center of gravity, and moments of inertia are identical to those of the conventional professional league football. The instrumented football's size, weight, balance, center of gravity, and moments of inertia affect the instrumented football's dynamic behavior. The football's dynamic behavior in turn affects the instrumented football's playing and handling qualities.

[0269] In a preferred embodiment, referring to the disclosed instrumented football disclosed in FIG. 1, the instrumented football's balance and dynamic behavior are identical to those of the conventional professional league football. In order to achieve this objective, the present invention contemplates producing an instrumented football having substantially the same weight, balance, appearance and playing qualities of a conventional professional league football, so as to be accepted by the leagues and qualify it to substitute for conventional professional league footballs in the game. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates instrumented footballs like those shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D, and FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, and FIG. 9C and FIG. 9D, and FIG. 9E, and FIG. 9F, and FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, and FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B, and FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, and FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B, and FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B, and FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B.

[0270] In preferred embodiments, the present invention contemplates instrumented footballs to be equipped with any one of the instrumentation package assemblies shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C, and FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C, and FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C, and FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C. For example, the instrumented football shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D, is equipped with the instrumentation package assembly shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C which is capable of wirelessly televising football games from its two cameras and two microphones contained therein; and can conveniently be inserted into the football through the conventionally sized lacing gap in the seam at the top of the football. The instrumented football is made non-obtrusive to the game by making its outward appearance of size, shape, texture and color substantially identical to the conventional professional league American footballs. For example, the instrumented football's cover is propped up to the same vesica piscis shape as the conventional American footballs. In a preferred embodiment, referring to the disclosed instrumented football in FIG. 1, the bladder is made to inflate and to prop up the football's cover 2 to a predetermined shape (the same shape as the conventional football's cover 2 shown in FIG. 22), and to be of substantially lower mass than the prior art bladder used in conventional footballs. This is achieved by minimizing the amount of material used, using light weight materials, and using strong materials. In order to meet our objective to make the bladder weigh less than professional league football bladders, the bladder uses a lighter weight synthetic material having equal resilience and greater strength rather than the rubber used in professional league footballs. It is contemplated in the present invention that the inflated bladders used to prop up the covers of the preferred embodiments of the disclosed instrumented footballs, prop up the instrumented football's covers to the same predetermined vesica piscis shape as the conventional football covers.

[0271] In preferred embodiments, the present invention contemplates the instrumented football to be equipped with any one of the inflated bladders shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, and FIG. 6AA, and FIG. 6BB, and FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, and FIG. 7AA and FIG. 7BB and FIG. 7CC, and FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B. For example, the instrumented football shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D, is equipped with the inflated bladder shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B which props up its cover to the same predetermined vesica piscis shape as the conventional football covers; and also positions, holds, aligns, and cushions the instrumented football's instrumentation package assembly that wirelessly televises football games from its two cameras and two microphones. In order to meet our objective to make the inflated bladder weigh less than the professional league football bladders, the bladder in a preferred embodiment uses a lighter weight synthetic material having equal resilience and greater strength rather than the rubber material used in typical professional league footballs. In the present invention the curved exterior surfaces of the buffer plates in all preferred embodiments is calculated to match the vesica piscis wall curvature of the cover/liner. The buffer plates are made to prop up the ends of the instrumented football to match the vesica piscis shape of the vertices of the typical professional league footballs. In a preferred embodiment, the center of gravity of the instrumented football is at exactly the same location as the center of gravity of the conventional football. The present invention contemplates that the instrumented football be instrumented with a battery pack capable of being wirelessly charged.

[0272] Instrumented Baseball Bases Preferred Embodiments and Contemplations

[0273] The present invention contemplates a system for televising professional league baseball games, college league baseball games and high school league baseball games from unique positions amongst the players on the playing field. The 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd baseball bases are instrumented with TV cameras and microphones. Baseball bases instrumented in this manner in the present invention are referred to as instrumented baseball bases. The cameras and microphones are housed inside each of the instrumented baseball bases in a module called an instrumentation package assembly.

[0274] The present invention contemplates a system for televising professional league baseball games. Baseball bases are instrumented with four TV cameras and microphones. Each one of the four cameras and microphones are housed inside the instrumented baseball base in an instrumentation package assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the present inventions contemplates the instrumentation package assembly to wirelessly and/or by fiber optics, televise baseball games from its cameras and microphones from inside the instrumented baseball bases. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates an instrumented baseball base to be instrumented with an instrumentation package assembly that is mounted inside the baseball base. A baseball base which is instrumented with an instrumentation package assembly shall be referred to as an instrumented baseball base. The present invention details the design and construction of such a baseball base. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates the instrumented baseball base to be equipped with an instrumentation package assembly that is mounted inside the instrumented baseball base which is capable of wirelessly televising baseball games from its cameras and microphones contained therein.

[0275] The pictures and sounds acquired by the TV cameras and microphones inside the instrumented baseball base are wirelessly transmitted from the instrumented baseball base via a closed circuit transmitting and receiving network, to a remote base station. The pictures and sounds are processed and formatted at the remote base station, thus preparing them for presentation to a final live TV audience for viewing. An operator at the remote base station can control various electronic and optical functions of the instrumented baseball base by wirelessly transmitting control signals to the instrumented baseball base. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates an instrumented baseball base, which when stationed on any baseball playing field at any or all of the traditional 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd base locations can wirelessly and autonomously televise baseball games under the command and control of the remote base station. The remote base station is disclosed in FIG. 59A and FIG. 59B and FIG. 60A and FIG. 60B and FIG. 61A and FIG. 61B. The present invention contemplates that the instrumented baseball base's functions are enabled, commanded and controlled by and in response to signals it receives from the remote base station.

[0276] The pictures and sounds acquired by the TV cameras and microphones from inside the instrumented baseball base are transmitted wirelessly and/or by fiber optics from the instrumented baseball base via a bi-directional closed circuit transmitting and receiving network to the remote base station. The pictures and sounds are processed and formatted at the remote base station, thus preparing them for presentation to a final live TV audience for viewing. The remote base station is disclosed in FIG. 59A and FIG. 59B and FIG. 60A and FIG. 60B and FIG. 61A and FIG. 61B. The present invention contemplates that the instrumented baseball base's functions are enabled, commanded, and controlled by signals it receives from the remote base station. An operator at the remote base station controls the various electronic and optical functions of the instrumented baseball base by transmitting command and control signals wirelessly and by fiber optics to the instrumented baseball bases from the remote base station.

[0277] The invention visually and audibly extends and enhances the audience's pleasure and excitement of the game by acquiring pictures and sounds from all the special spatial vantage points that the instrumented baseball bases traditionally occupy and sees and feels on the field. Such intimate pictures and sounds taken so close and immediate to the players have heretofore been unobtainable during a baseball game. For example, the microphones pick up and enable the audience to hear in real time the impacts and shocks when a baseball is hit or thrown close to a base. The audience can also hear the rush of the air as the baseball spins on a throw through the air. In order to achieve this objective, the present invention contemplates producing an instrumented baseball base having substantially the same appearance and playing qualities of a conventional professional league baseball base, so as to be accepted by the leagues and qualify it to substitute for conventional professional league bases in the game. The present invention contemplates that the instrumented baseball bases be unobtrusive to the game and its players. In order to achieve this objective, the present invention contemplates preferred embodiments for the instrumented baseball bases having substantially the same appearance and playing qualities of conventional professional league baseball bases, conventional college league baseball bases and conventional high school baseball bases so as to be accepted by the leagues and qualify the instrumented baseball bases to substitute for conventional league baseball bases in the game.

[0278] In preferred embodiments, the present invention contemplates instrumented baseball bases like those shown in drawings: FIG. 38A and FIG. 38B, and FIG. 39A and FIG. 39B, and FIG. 42A and FIG. 42B, and FIG. 43A and FIG. 43B, and FIG. 46A and FIG. 46B, and FIG. 47A and FIG. 47B, and FIG. 47C and FIG. 47D, and FIG. 50A and FIG. 50B.

[0279] In preferred embodiments, the present invention contemplates instrumentation package assemblies like those shown in drawings: FIG. 42E and FIG. 42F, and FIG. 43E and FIG. 43F. The instrumented baseball base is contemplated to endure the rigors of the hostile environment on the playing field. The instrumented baseball base is airtight and watertight and is designed to endure shock, vibration and temperature extremes. Inside the instrumented baseball base, the TV cameras and microphones are deployed at each of the four sides of the base. Optical windows positioned at each of the four sides of the base enable the cameras to look out from all four sides of the instrumented baseball base onto the playing field. The present invention contemplates that the instrumented baseball base be instrumented with a battery pack which is capable of being wirelessly charged.

[0280] Instrumented Baseball Home Plates preferred embodiments and contemplations

[0281] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates an instrumented home plate, which when stationed on any baseball playing field at its traditional location on the baseball diamond, can wirelessly and/or by fiber optics autonomously televise baseball games under the command and control of the remote base station. The remote base station is disclosed in FIG. 59A and FIG. 59B and FIG. 60A and FIG. 60B and FIG. 61A and FIG. 61B.

[0282] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates instrumented home plates, which when stationed on any baseball playing field at the traditional home plate location can wirelessly and/or by fiber optics autonomously televise baseball games under the command and control of a remote base station. The present invention contemplates a system for televising professional league baseball games, college league baseball games and high school league baseball games from a unique position amongst the players on the playing field. Instrumented home plates are instrumented with TV cameras and microphones. The cameras and microphones are housed inside the instrumented home plates in a module called an instrumentation package assembly. The present invention visually and audibly extends and enhances the audience's pleasure and excitement of the game by acquiring pictures and sounds from the special spatial vantage point that the instrumented home plates occupy and see and feel on the field. Such intimate pictures and sounds taken so close and immediate to the players have heretofore been unobtainable during a baseball game. For example, the microphones pick up and enable the audience to hear in real time the impacts and shock when a baseball is hit or thrown close to an instrumented home plate or when a player slides into the instrumented home plate. The audience can also hear the rush of the air as the baseball spins on a throw through the air.

[0283] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates the instrumented home plate to be equipped with an instrumentation package assembly that is mounted inside the instrumented home plate which is capable of wirelessly televising baseball games from its cameras and microphones contained therein. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates the instrumentation package assembly to wirelessly and by fiber optics televise baseball games from its cameras and microphones from inside the instrumented home plate

[0284] In preferred embodiments, the present invention contemplates instrumented home plates like those shown in drawings: FIG. 44A and FIG. 44B, and FIG. 45A and FIG. 45B, and FIG. 48A and FIG. 48B and FIG. 48C and FIG. 48D, and FIG. 49A and FIG. 49B and FIG. 49C and FIG. 49D, and FIG. 51A and FIG. 51B and FIG. 51C and FIG. 51D, and FIG. 52A and FIG. 52B, and FIG. 53A and FIG. 53B and FIG. 53C, and FIG. 54A and FIG. 54B and FIG. 54C.

[0285] The pictures and sounds acquired by the TV cameras and microphones from inside the instrumented home plates are transmitted wirelessly and/or by fiber optics from the instrumented home plates via a bi-directional closed circuit transmitting and receiving network to the remote base station. The pictures and sounds are processed and formatted at the remote base station, thus preparing them for presentation to a final live TV audience for viewing. The remote base station is disclosed in FIG. 59A and FIG. 59B and FIG. 60A and FIG. 60B and FIG. 61A and FIG. 61B.

[0286] The present invention contemplates that the instrumented home plate's functions are enabled, commanded, and controlled by wireless and/or by fiber optics signals it receives from the remote base station. An operator at the remote base station controls the various electronic and optical functions of the instrumented home plates by transmitting command and control signals wirelessly and/or by fiber optics to the instrumented home plates from the remote base station. The present invention contemplates that the instrumented home plates be unobtrusive to the game. In order to achieve this objective, the present invention contemplates producing preferred embodiments for instrumented home plates having substantially the same appearance and playing qualities of conventional professional league baseball home plates, conventional college league baseball home plates and conventional high school baseball home plates so as to be accepted by the leagues and qualify the instrumented home plates to substitute for conventional league baseball home plates in the game. The present invention contemplates that the instrumented home plates be instrumented with a battery pack which is capable of being wirelessly charged. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates an instrumented baseball home plate, which when stationed at its traditional location in the bullpen, can wirelessly and autonomously televise pitcher's warm-up and practice sessions under the command and control of the remote base station. The remote base station is disclosed in FIG. 59A and FIG. 59B and FIG. 60A and FIG. 60B and FIG. 61A and FIG. 61B.

[0287] Instrumented Pitcher's Rubbers Preferred Embodiments and Contemplations

[0288] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates an instrumented pitcher's rubber, which when stationed on any baseball playing field at its traditional location on the baseball diamond, can wirelessly and/or by fiber optics autonomously televise baseball games under the command and control of the remote base station. The remote base station is disclosed in FIG. 59A and FIG. 59B and FIG. 60A and FIG. 60B and FIG. 61A and FIG. 61B.

[0289] The present invention contemplates a system for televising professional league baseball games, college league baseball games and high school league baseball games from a unique position amongst the players on the playing field. Instrumented pitcher's rubbers are instrumented with TV cameras and microphones. The cameras and microphones are housed inside the instrumented pitcher's rubbers in modules called instrumentation package assemblies. The present invention visually and audibly extends and enhances the audience's pleasure and excitement of the game by acquiring pictures and sounds from the special spatial vantage point that the instrumented pitcher's rubbers occupy and see and feel on the field. Such intimate pictures and sounds taken so close and immediate to the players have heretofore been unobtainable during a baseball game. For example, the microphones pick up and enable the audience to hear in real time the impacts and shock when a baseball is hit or thrown close to an instrumented pitcher's rubber or when the pitcher steps on the instrumented pitcher's rubber during a pitch. The audience can also hear the rush of the air as the baseball spins on a throw through the air.

[0290] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates the instrumented pitcher's rubber to wirelessly and/or by fiber optics televise baseball games from its cameras and microphones from inside the instrumented pitcher's rubber. In preferred embodiments, the present invention contemplates instrumented pitcher's rubbers like those shown in drawings: FIG. 65A and FIG. 65B and FIG. 65C. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates instrumented pitcher's rubbers which when stationed on any baseball playing field at the traditional pitcher's rubber location on the pitcher's mound can wirelessly and/or by fiber optics autonomously televise baseball games under the command and control of a remote base station. The pictures and sounds acquired by the TV cameras and microphones from inside the instrumented pitcher's rubbers are transmitted wirelessly and/or by fiber optics from the instrumented pitcher's rubbers via a bi-directional closed circuit transmitting and receiving network to the remote base station. The pictures and sounds are processed and formatted at the remote base station, thus preparing them for presentation to a final live TV audience for viewing. The remote base station is disclosed in FIG. 59A and FIG. 59B and FIG. 60A and FIG. 60B and FIG. 61A and FIG. 61B.

[0291] The present invention contemplates that the instrumented pitcher's rubber's electronic and optical functions are enabled, commanded, and controlled by wireless and/or fiber optics signals it receives from the remote base station. An operator at the remote base station controls the various electronic and optical functions of the instrumented pitcher's rubbers by transmitting command and control signals wirelessly and/or by fiber optics to the instrumented pitcher's rubbers from the remote base station. The present invention contemplates that the instrumented pitcher's rubbers be unobtrusive to the game. In order to achieve this objective, the present invention contemplates producing preferred embodiments for instrumented pitcher's rubbers having substantially the same appearance and playing qualities of conventional professional league baseball pitcher's rubbers, conventional college league baseball pitcher's rubbers and conventional high school baseball pitcher's rubbers so as to be accepted by the leagues and qualify the instrumented pitcher's rubbers to substitute for conventional league baseball pitcher's rubbers in the game. The present invention contemplates that the instrumented pitcher's rubbers be instrumented with a battery pack capable of being wirelessly charged.

[0292] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates the Instrumented Pitcher's rubber to be equipped with an instrumentation package assembly that is mounted inside the Instrumented Pitcher's rubber which is capable of wirelessly televising baseball games from its cameras and microphones contained therein. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates an instrumented pitcher's rubber, which when stationed at its traditional location on the pitcher's mound in the bullpen, can wirelessly and/or by fiber optics autonomously televise pitcher's warm-up and practice sessions under the command and control of the remote base station. The remote base station is disclosed in FIG. 59A and FIG. 59B and FIG. 60A and FIG. 60B and FIG. 61A and FIG. 61B.

[0293] The present invention contemplates that the instrumented pitcher's rubber functions are enabled, commanded and controlled by, and in response to, signals it receives from the remote base station. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates the Instrumented Pitcher's rubber to be equipped with an instrumentation package assembly that is mounted inside the Instrumented Pitcher's rubber which is capable of wirelessly televising baseball games from its cameras and microphones contained therein. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates an Instrumented Pitcher's rubber, which when stationed on any baseball playing field at its traditional location on the baseball diamond at the pitcher's mound, can wirelessly and autonomously televise baseball games under the command and control of the remote base station. The remote base station is disclosed in FIG. 59A and FIG. 59B and FIG. 60A and FIG. 60B and FIG. 61A and FIG. 61B. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates an Instrumented Pitcher's rubber, which when stationed off the baseball playing field at its traditional location on the pitcher's mound in the bullpen, can wirelessly and autonomously televise pitcher's warm-up and practice sessions under the command and control of the remote base station. The remote base station is disclosed in FIG. 59A and FIG. 59B and FIG. 60A and FIG. 60B and FIG. 61A and FIG. 61B.

[0294] Instrumented Ice Hockey Pucks Preferred Embodiments and Contemplations

[0295] In a preferred embodiment, referring to the disclosed instrumented ice hockey puck shown in FIG. 66A and FIG. 66B and FIG. 66C, the instrumented ice hockey puck has substantially the same size, shape, texture, and color as the conventional regulation professional league ice hockey puck.

[0296] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates the instrumented ice hockey puck to be non-intrusive to the game. The optical windows in the top of the instrumented ice hockey puck are made small and are tinted blue or black to make them less noticeable to the players in comparison to the black color of the puck. The microphones pick up and enable the audience to hear in real time the impacts and shocks to its skin when the instrumented ice hockey puck is hit, sliding, striking or bouncing. The audience can also hear the rush of the ice as the instrumented ice hockey puck spins and moves on a pass on the ice.

[0297] The present invention particularly contemplates a system for televising professional league ice hockey games. Ice hockey puck is instrumented with four television cameras and three microphones. The TV cameras and microphones are packaged inside the instrumented ice hockey puck within an instrumentation package assembly. The present invention contemplates a system for televising professional league ice hockey games as well as ice hockey games in other venues. Ice hockey pucks are instrumented with television cameras and microphones. Ice hockey pucks instrumented in this manner are referred to in the present invention as instrumented ice hockey pucks. The TV cameras and microphones are packaged inside the instrumented ice hockey pucks within a module referred to in the present invention as an instrumentation package assembly.

[0298] Compared to the prior art, the present invention provides a more close at hand method of televising fast action packed sports events, like ice hockey, by televising games from instrumented ice hockey puck used by the players in the game itself. Compared to the prior art, the present invention thereby conveys a level of excitement and detail of the game heretofore unrealized by the viewing audience. The present invention enables cameras and microphones to be near to and amongst the hockey players themselves during each play on the ice rink. The invention visually and audibly extends and enhances the audience's pleasure and excitement of the game by acquiring pictures and sounds from all the special spatial vantage points that the instrumented ice hockey puck occupies and sees and feels on the ice. Such intimate pictures and sounds taken so close and immediate to the hockey players have heretofore been unobtainable during a football game. For example, the microphones pick up and enable the audience to hear in real time the impacts and shocks when the puck is moving or striking the goal post netting. The audience can also hear the whoosh of the ice as the instrumented ice hockey puck spins on a pass on the ice.

[0299] The present invention is specifically contemplated to endure the rigors of the hostile environment on the ice rink. The instrumentation package assembly is both airtight and watertight and is designed to endure shock, vibration and temperature variations. Inside the instrumentation package assembly, the TV cameras are deployed at the top of the instrumented ice hockey puck. Optical windows enable them to look out from the top of the instrumented ice hockey puck onto the ice rink. The pictures and sounds acquired by the TV cameras and microphones are wirelessly transmitted from the instrumented ice hockey puck via a closed circuit transmitting and receiving network, to a remote base station. The pictures and sounds are processed and formatted at the remote base station, thus preparing them for presentation to a final live TV audience for viewing. An operator at the base station can control the various electronic and optical functions of the instrumented ice hockey puck by wirelessly transmitting control signals to the instrumented ice hockey puck from the remote base station. The present invention contemplates that the instrumented ice hockey puck electronic, mechanical and optical functions are enabled, commanded and controlled in response to signals it receives from the remote base station. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates the instrumented ice hockey puck to be equipped with an instrumentation package assembly shown in FIG. 35A and FIG. 35B and FIG. 35C, that is mounted inside the instrumented ice hockey puck shown in FIG. 66A and FIG. 66B and FIG. 66C, which is capable of wirelessly televising ice hockey games from its cameras and microphones contained therein; and can conveniently be encapsulated and molded into the instrumented ice hockey puck. The instrumentation package assembly and the buffer plate assembly and the protective cover plates are encapsulated and molded into the instrumented ice hockey puck to keep them aligned and secure.

[0300] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the instrumented ice hockey puck has substantially the same outward appearance as the conventional professional league ice hockey puck because its size, shape, texture and color are made identical to the conventional professional league ice hockey puck. This makes the instrumented ice hockey puck unobtrusive to the players in the game. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the instrumented ice hockey puck has substantially the same playing and handling qualities as the conventional professional league ice hockey puck because its weight, balance, center of gravity and moments of inertia are made identical to the conventional professional league ice hockey puck. The present invention is contemplated to endure the rigors of the hostile environment on the rink. The instrumentation package assembly is both airtight and watertight and is designed to endure shock, vibration and temperature variations. Inside the instrumentation package assembly, the TV cameras are deployed to look out the top of the instrumented ice hockey puck. Small unobtrusive optical windows located on the top of the instrumented ice hockey puck enable them to look out onto the ice hockey rink through extremely wide angle lenses. Fish eye lenses are one example of the camera lenses that are used. The real-time pictures and sounds acquired by the TV cameras and microphones are wirelessly transmitted from the instrumented ice hockey puck via a closed circuit bi-directional transmitting and receiving network, to a remote base station. The remote base station hardware and software which is used for the instrumented ice hockey puck is the same remote base station hardware and software used for the instrumented footballs. The remote base station used for the instrumented footballs is disclosed in FIG. 62A and FIG. 62B and FIG. 62C and FIG. 62D and FIG. 62E and FIG. 64A and FIG. 64C. Furthermore, the remote base station hardware and software is the same used for the instrumented baseball bases, instrumented baseball home plates, and instrumented baseball pitcher's rubbers; with the exception that the remote base station software doesn't have to deal with gyroscopic data because the bases, plates and rubbers are fixed and motionless i.e. they have no forward velocity or pitch, roll and yaw data because they are static sports paraphernalia. The pictures and sounds are processed and formatted at the remote base station, thus preparing them for presentation to a final live or instant replay TV audience for viewing. An operator at the remote base station can command and control the various electronic, mechanical and optical functions of the instrumented ice hockey puck by wirelessly transmitting command and control signals to the instrumented ice hockey puck from the remote base station. The remote base station is located on, or remotely from, the sports stadium grounds. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the antenna array relay junction which serves as a means to receive wirelessly televised video and sound signals from the instrumented ice hockey puck, also serves to relay the video and sound signals to the remote base station. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the antenna array relay junction, located off the playing field but within the sports stadium, serves as a means to receive and wirelessly relay televised video and sound signals from the instrumented ice hockey puck to the remote base station. In venues where there is no formal sports stadium/arena around the ice rink, the antenna array relay junction and the remote base station are located off of the ice rink, but in the vicinity of the ice rink.

[0301] The instrumented football's size, weight, balance, center of gravity, and moments of inertia affect the instrumented ice hockey puck's dynamic behavior. The instrumented ice hockey puck's dynamic behavior in turn affects the instrumented ice hockey puck's playing and handling qualities.

[0302] In preferred embodiments, the present invention contemplates instrumented ice hockey puck to be equipped with the instrumentation package assemblies shown in FIG. 35A and FIG. 35B and FIG. 35C. The instrumented ice hockey puck equipped with this instrumentation package assembly, wirelessly televises ice hockey games from its four cameras and three microphones packaged therein. The present invention contemplates that the instrumented ice hockey puck be instrumented with a battery pack capable of being inductively wirelessly charged by a battery charging unit similar to the one shown in FIG. 37A and FIG. 37B and FIG. 37C, and FIG. 37D and FIG. 37E and FIG. 37F for charging the battery packs in instrumented baseball bases, instrumented baseball home plates and instrumented baseball pitcher's rubbers.

[0303] Instrumentation Package Assemblies Preferred Embodiments and Contemplations

[0304] The present invention contemplates that TV cameras, microphones, supporting electronics and a battery pack are packaged within a module or instrumentation package assembly that is stationed inside sports paraphernalia. The instrumentation package assembly is contemplated to endure the rigors of the hostile environment on the playing field. The instrumentation package assembly is both airtight and watertight and is designed to endure the shock, vibration and temperature variations encountered by the sports paraphernalia during a game. Optical windows stationed on the outer skin of the sports paraphernalia enable the cameras to look out onto the playing field. The pictures and sounds acquired by the TV cameras and microphones are encoded by the supporting electronics and wirelessly televised from the sports paraphernalia via a closed circuit transmitting and receiving network, to a remote base station. The pictures and sounds are processed and formatted at the remote base station by hardware and software, preparing them for presentation to a final live TV audience for viewing. An operator at the remote base station can control the various electronic and optical functions of the instrumented sports paraphernalia by wirelessly transmitting control signals to the instrumented sports paraphernalia.

[0305] The present invention contemplates that one of six different instrumentation package assembly types each containing two TV cameras, two microphones and supporting electronics are stationed inside an instrumented football used on the playing field; and that the cameras peer out through optical windows at opposite ends of the football. The present invention contemplates that one of six different instrumentation package assembly types each containing as many as eight TV cameras, four microphones and supporting electronics are stationed inside instrumented baseball bases like 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd bases, used on the playing field; and that the cameras peer out through optical windows on the four sides and corners of the instrumented baseball base. The present invention contemplates that one of six different instrumentation package assembly types each containing as many as four TV cameras, three microphones and supporting electronics are stationed inside an instrumented baseball home plate used on the playing field; and that the cameras peer out through optical windows at the top of the instrumented baseball base.

[0306] The present invention contemplates that two identical instrumentation package assembly types each containing as many as two TV cameras, six microphones and supporting electronics are stationed inside an instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber used on the playing field; and that the cameras peer out through optical windows at the top of the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber. The present invention contemplates that an instrumentation package assembly containing four TV cameras, three microphones and supporting electronics is stationed inside an ice hockey puck used on the ice rink; and that the cameras peer out through optical windows at the top of the ice hockey puck. The present invention contemplates that some instrumentation package assembly types possesses all the elements including a transceiver and antenna necessary to acquire and wirelessly transmit by encoded radio signals the video and sound of the game to a remote base station from within the sports paraphernalia during the course of a game. The present invention contemplates that some instrumentation package assembly types possesses all the elements necessary to acquire and transmit by fiber optics cable the video and sound of the game to a remote base station from within the sports paraphernalia during the course of a game.

[0307] The present invention contemplates that some instrumentation package assembly types possesses all the elements necessary to acquire and transmit by copper cable the video and sound of the game to a remote base station from within the sports paraphernalia during the course of a game. The present invention contemplates that the instrumentation package assembly be instrumented with a battery pack capable of being wirelessly charged by magnetic induction. The present invention contemplates a wireless RF radio communications system for televising sports games from instrumented sports paraphernalia that are located on the playing field amongst the players. The instrumented sports paraphernalia transmits an RF carrier signal modulated with the audio and video from its TV cameras and microphones to an antenna array located outside the playing field. The RF carrier signal is received by the antenna array and relayed to a remote base station which decodes and processes the signal for broadcast to the TV viewing audience.

[0308] The present invention contemplates a fiber optics cable communications system for televising sports games from instrumented sports paraphernalia that are located on the playing field amongst the players. The instrumented sports paraphernalia transmits a signal modulated with the audio and video from its TV cameras and microphones via a fiber optics cable buried in the ground beneath it in the playing field. The signal is received by an antenna array relay junction, located outside of the playing field that relays the signal to a remote base station which decodes and processes the signal for broadcast to the TV viewing audience. The present invention contemplates a copper cable communications system for televising sports games from instrumented sports paraphernalia that are located on the playing field amongst the players. The instrumented sports paraphernalia transmits a signal modulated with the audio and video from its TV cameras and microphones via a copper cable buried in the ground beneath it in the playing field. The signal is received by an antenna array relay junction, located outside of the playing field that relays the signal to a remote base station which decodes and processes the signal for broadcast to the TV viewing audience. The present invention contemplates an instrumentation package assembly which is airtight and watertight, and is designed to endure shock, vibration and temperature variations.

[0309] Instrumented Football Bladders Preferred Embodiments and Contemplations

[0310] In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the bladder for the instrumented football uses a lighter weight synthetic material having equal resilience and greater strength than the rubber used in prior art professional league footballs. In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the bladder for the instrumented football uses an inflation gas that is lighter than air.

[0311] Cameras

[0312] It is contemplated that commercial of the shelf TV cameras, state of the art TV cameras, and TV cameras using specialized circular sensor arrayed chips as disclosed in FIG. 63A, FIG. 63B and FIG. 63C will be used in the preferred embodiments.

[0313] Optical Windows

[0314] It is contemplated that each instrumented sports paraphernalia will have at least one, or a multiplicity of optical windows through which the cameras inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia can peer out onto the playing field. It is contemplated that the optical windows will be sealed and will protect the instrumentation package assembly and its cameras and lenses from the weather and damage from the game. It is contemplated that the optical windows will be unobtrusive to the game. It is contemplated that the optical windows will be easily replaceable with substitute windows.

[0315] Buffer Plate Assembly Preferred Embodiments and Contemplations

[0316] It is contemplated that the buffer plates provide a bore for mounting the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is contemplated that the buffer plate assembly has an optical window(s) which is(are) used to protect the instrumentation package assembly and its cameras and lenses, while still allowing the cameras to see out of the instrumented sports paraphernalia onto the playing field. It is contemplated that the buffer plate assembly furnish a threaded sleeve cell into which the optical window is mounted, thereby permitting the optical windows to be easily removed and replaced. It is contemplated that the buffer plates furnish bored holes through which the cameras see out of the instrumented sports paraphernalia onto the playing field. It is contemplated that the curved exterior surface of the buffer plates be shaped to match the interior vesica piscis wall curvature shape of the cover/liner in order to provide for a smooth fit to prop up the ends of the football. It is contemplated that the curved exterior surface of the buffer plates be radially notched to prevent an interference fit with the interior stitching between the football's cover/liner panels. It is contemplated that the buffer plates furnish bored holes with which to mount the instrumentation package assembly inside the sports paraphernalia onto the playing field. It is contemplated that the buffer plates provide a mounting means for the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia.

[0317] 3-Dimension Stereo Camera Pairs

[0318] It is contemplated that certain preferred embodiments of the instrumented sports paraphernalia will carry 3-D stereo camera pairs to be used to provide 3-D imagery to the TV viewing audience. It is contemplated that the 3-D will be of high SD and HD quality.

[0319] Antenna Array Relay Junctions Preferred Embodiments and Contemplations

[0320] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an antenna array relay junction which serves as a means to receive wirelessly televised video and sound signals from the instrumented sports paraphernalia is stationed in the vicinity of the playing field in the sports stadium. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the antenna array relay junction is situated in the stadium to serve as a means to receive wirelessly televised video and sound signals from the instrumented sports paraphernalia. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an antenna array relay junction is situated in the above the ground and outside the side lines of the playing field. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an antenna array relay junction is situated outside and above the side lines of the playing field and is carried aloft in a blimp or balloon. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an antenna array relay junction which serves as a means to receive televised video and sound signals by fiber optics cable from the instrumented sports paraphernalia is situated in the vicinity of the playing field in the sports stadium.

[0321] Battery Charging Stations Preferred Embodiments and Contemplations

[0322] The present invention contemplates a charging station which is compatible with the instrumented sports paraphernalia for wirelessly charging the battery packs of the instrumented sports paraphernalia while they are inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia. The present invention contemplates a battery charging station which is external to the instrumented sports paraphernalia, and which when placed in the close vicinity of the instrumented sports paraphernalia, wirelessly charges the battery packs inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia by magnetic induction coupling. The present invention contemplates a common charging station for the instrumented baseball bases, instrumented baseball home plates, instrumented baseball pitcher's rubbers, and instrumented ice hockey pucks.

[0323] Hand Held Remotes Preferred Embodiments and Contemplations

[0324] The present invention contemplates a hand held remote capable of wirelessly interrogating the status of all the functions inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia. The present invention contemplates a hand held remote capable of wirelessly interrogating the status of all the electrical and optical functions of the instrumented sports paraphernalia both on and off the playing field. The present invention contemplates a hand held remote capable of wirelessly operating all the electrical and optical functions of the instrumented sports paraphernalia both on and off the baseball field.

[0325] Tripod Mounted Set-Up Camera System Preferred Embodiments and Contemplations

[0326] The present invention contemplates a “pre-game set-up camera apparatus” for photographically scanning the sports event venue in order to build an archive of images of the venue taken from the playing field as the instrumented sports paraphernalia cameras would see it, to be used by the remote base station to provide spatial reference images for processing the encoded video pictures received from the instrumented sports paraphernalia on the playing field using image recognition processing techniques to stabilize the pictures by removing spin, jitter and shaking and making them upright.

[0327] Upper Protective Cover Plates

[0328] In a preferred embodiment, the top protective cover plate is made dome shaped so the walls of its bores can surround the optical windows near the very top of the instrumented baseball home plate and shelter them from hits, while still keeping the edge of the protective cover plate far down below the top of the instrumented baseball home plate and well below the surface of the playing field in the ground, so the edge can not be felt by the players if the players impact the top surface of the instrumented baseball home plate.

[0329] The preferred embodiments of the major system components of the “Instrumented Sports Paraphernalia System” disclosed in the present invention meet the objectives below. Besides the objectives given here below, there are further objectives that are discussed and will become apparent in the detailed descriptions of the accompanying drawings.

General Instrumented Sports Paraphernalia System
Instrumented Sports Paraphernalia	Instrumentation Package Assemblies
Instrumented Sports Stadiums	Instrumented Football Bladders
Instrumented Sports Playing Fields	Cameras and Optical Windows
Instrumented Bullpens	Buffer Plate Assemblies
Remote Base Stations	3-Dimension Stereo Camera Pairs
Instrumented Footballs	Antenna Array Relay Junctions
Instrumented Baseball Bases	Battery Charging Stations
Instrumented Baseball Home Plates	Hand Held Remotes
Instrumented Baseball Pitcher's	Tripod Mounted Set-up Camera
Rubbers	System
Instrumented Ice Hockey Pucks	Upper Protective Cover Plates

[0330] General “Instrumented Sports Paraphernalia System” Objectives

[0331] It is an objective of the present invention to equip existing prior art sports stadiums with “instrumented sports paraphernalia systems” comprised of instrumented sports paraphernalia, an antenna array relay junction, bi-directional communication links, and a remote base station to improve the quality of the sports stadium's TV broadcasts. It is an objective of the present invention to provide an improved method for audiences to view sports events and hear its sounds. It is an objective of the present invention to televise and broadcast sports games by an improved method. It is an objective of the present invention to televise sports games from camera angles and microphone vantage points from inside instrumented sports paraphernalia used on the playing field amongst the players. It is an objective of the present invention to provide an improved method of gathering video and audio to be used by judges and referees making instant replay calls. It is an objective of the present invention to improve the enjoyment, excitement and satisfaction of TV viewing audiences watching televised sports events. It is an objective of the present invention to introduce an improved method of employing SD, 3-D and HD to televise and broadcast sports events. It is an objective of the present invention to introduce an improved method of employing extremely wide angle camera lenses to televise and broadcast sports events. It is an objective of the present invention to broadcast real time high quality SD, HD and 3-D pictures to the TV viewing audience, which originate from dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia, and have been processed by the remote base station so that they are free of jitter, shaking and spin. It is an objective of the present invention to introduce an improved method of employing extremely wide angle zoom camera lenses to televise and broadcast sports events. It is an objective of the present invention to introduce an improved method to getting close-up shots and sounds of the players from otherwise untapped spatial vantage points and angles in the game. It is an objective of the present invention to acquire intimate pictures and sounds taken so close and immediate to the sports players from on the playing field that they have heretofore been unobtainable during a game. It is an objective of the present invention to enhance the viewing experience of the viewing audience by capturing pictures and sounds of sports games in HD and 3-D that were not possible before in the prior art. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means for wirelessly televising real time games from cameras and microphones mounted inside the three instrumented baseball bases, instrumented pitcher's rubber, and instrumented baseball home plate on the field of play. It is an objective of the present invention to capture pictures and sounds of sports events from on the field of play amongst the players during the game. It is an objective of the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a means of televising more intimate and exciting shots of sports events from amongst the players on the playing field during a game. It is an objective of the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a means of televising more intimate and exciting shots of sports events from amongst the players off of the playing field during warm-ups and training sessions. It is an objective of the present invention to televise pictures and sounds from off the playing field among the players. It is an objective of the present invention to present suitable pictures and sounds to a viewing audience. It is an objective of the present invention to present pictures and sounds of the game to a viewing audience in a suitable viewing format.

[0332] It is an objective of the present invention to provide an improved method for audiences to see action sports up close; for example, the feet of a player stealing and sliding into 2^nd base; the view from under the batter's chin as he swings at a pitch; the view of the batter as he sees an oncoming pitch; the catcher's face as he positions to catch a pitch; and all in 3-D and HD for added pleasure and excitement. It is an objective of the present invention to enable cameras and microphones to be near to and amongst the players themselves during each play. It is an objective of the present invention to capture pictures and sounds from where the sports paraphernalia was, and where it is going to be. It is an objective of the present invention to present suitable picture and sound quality to a viewing audience. It is an objective of the present invention to capture pictures and sounds on the field from amongst the players in a more unobtrusive and clandestine manner than TV cameras used on the sidelines in plain sight by cameramen in the prior art. It is an objective of the present invention that the system disclosed for televising sports events from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on instrumented playing fields in instrumented sports stadiums, be compatible for use on any playing field in any sports stadium venue. It is an objective of the present invention that the system disclosed for televising sports events from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on instrumented playing fields, be compatible for use on any playing field venue with no sports stadium. It is an objective of the present invention that TV cameras will see out onto the playing fields from a whole selection of vantage points from inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented sports paraphernalia will be flexible to contain a whole selection of TV camera configurations. It is an objective of the present invention to improve the method of training athletes. It is an objective of the present invention to improve the method of training athletes by using audio and video taken from static and dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia of the game and of their training sessions.

[0333] Instrumented Sports Paraphernalia Objectives

[0334] It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented sports paraphernalia provide an improved means to televise sporting events. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented sports paraphernalia's outward appearance looks substantially the same as its conventional counterpart professional league sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the present invention to provide instrumented sports paraphernalia that have the same handling and playability qualities as their conventional counterpart professional league sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the present invention to provide instrumented sports paraphernalia that have the same handling and playability qualities as their conventional counterpart non-professional league sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented sports paraphernalia provide an improved means to televise sporting events in professional league, college league and high school league venues. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented sports paraphernalia to be non-intrusive to the game. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented sports paraphernalia to withstand the rigors of the game. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented sports paraphernalia to withstand the weather conditions on the playing field. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented sports paraphernalia to be used to improve the training of the players.

[0335] It is an objective of the present invention to stabilize the imagery obtained from dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia in an upright condition in the picture frame, regardless of the pitch, roll or yaw of the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia, as viewed by a live TV audience in the HD CCD letterbox picture format by using gyroscopic encoders. It is an objective of the present invention to stabilize the imagery obtained from the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia in an upright condition in the picture frame, regardless of the pitch, roll or yaw of the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia, as viewed by a live TV audience in the HD CCD letterbox picture format by image recognition processing. It is an objective of the present invention to stabilize the imagery obtained from the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia in an upright condition in the picture frame, regardless of the pitch, roll or yaw of the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia, as viewed by a live TV audience in the HD CCD letterbox picture format by using gyroscopic encoders and image recognition processing. It is an objective of the present invention to stabilize the imagery obtained from the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia in an upright condition in the picture frame, regardless of the pitch, roll or yaw of the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia, as viewed by a live TV audience in the HD CCD letterbox picture format by using image recognition processing of the archived data base derived from the tripod mounted set-up camera system. It is an objective of the present invention to stabilize the imagery obtained from the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia in an upright condition in the picture frame, regardless of the pitch, roll or yaw of the football, as viewed by a live TV audience in the HD CCD letterbox picture format by using image recognition processing of the archived data base derived from the tripod mounted set-up camera system in the remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide views of the game not seen before during broadcasts by real time TV audiences. It is an objective of the present invention to provide views of the game from cameras inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the present invention to provide views of the playing field from the air, as seen from the instrumented sports paraphernalia, as the instrumented sports paraphernalia is passed in the air; and as a player is running to catch and receive the instrumented sports paraphernalia; and when the instrumented sports paraphernalia is fumbled; and after the instrumented sports paraphernalia is goal kicked or punted; and when a field goal occurs as the instrumented sports paraphernalia flies between the goal posts. It is an objective of the present invention to provide views of the sports paraphernalia playing field from the clutches of a standing player's grip as seen from the cameras inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia; and as the instrumented sports paraphernalia is being positioned; and as the players pause to throw the instrumented sports paraphernalia, and as a player stands motionless holding the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the present invention to provide views of the playing field as the instrumented sports paraphernalia is held still in the clutches of a player's grip. It is an objective of the present invention to provide views of the playing field as the instrumented sports paraphernalia is held in the clutches of a player's grip as he is running; It is an objective of the present invention to provide views of the playing field as the instrumented sports paraphernalia is held in the clutches of a player's grip as he is being pursued by other players. It is an objective of the present invention to provide views of the playing field from ground level, as for example when the instrumented sports paraphernalia is sliding, rolling free or bouncing at ground level; It is an objective of the present invention to provide views of the playing field as the instrumented sports paraphernalia is held in the clutches of a player's grip as he is being heaped upon. It is an objective of the present invention to provide views of the playing field as the instrumented sports paraphernalia is held in the clutches of a player's grip as the instrumented sports paraphernalia is held and waiting to be punted. It is an objective of the present invention to provide views of the playing field as the instrumented sports paraphernalia is held in the clutches of a player's grip as the instrumented sports paraphernalia is held and waiting to be kicked for a field goal. It is an objective of the present invention to provide views of the playing field as the instrumented sports paraphernalia is held in the clutches of a player's grip as the player touches the instrumented sports paraphernalia to the ground beyond the goal line after a touchdown.

[0336] It is an objective of the present invention to provide sounds of the game not heard before during broadcasts by real time TV audiences. It is an objective of the present invention to provide sounds of the game from dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the present invention to provide sounds heard by the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia while it is in the air; and sounds heard by the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia as the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia is passed; and sounds heard by the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia as a player is running to catch and receive the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia; and sounds heard when the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia is fumbled; and sounds heard during and after the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia is goal kicked or punted; and sounds heard when a field goal occurs as the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia flies between the goal posts and strikes a net. It is an objective of the present invention for the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia to hear sounds as the instrumented sports paraphernalia is being hiked; and hear sounds as the player pauses to throw the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia; or hear sounds as a player holding the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia stands motionless beyond the goal line. It is an objective of the present invention for the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia to hear sounds as the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia being clutched in a running player's grip; to hear sounds as a player is poised to catch the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia; to hear sounds as a player is being pursued by other players; to hear sounds as a player is being tackled or tagged; to hear sounds as a player is making a goal. It is an objective of the present invention to hear sounds on the playing field from ground level; as heard when the instrumented sports paraphernalia is bouncing, rolling free or sliding at ground level; and as a player who is griping the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia is heaped upon; and as the instrumented sports paraphernalia is held and waiting to be kicked; and as the instrumented sports paraphernalia touches the ground beyond the goal line.

[0337] It is an objective of the present invention to provide instrumented sports paraphernalia with provisions for holding the instrumentation package assembly inside itself, and has provisions for isolating the instrumentation package assembly from shocks received by the instrumented sports paraphernalia during the game, and provide means to load and unload the instrumentation package assembly into and out from the instrumented sports paraphernalia host. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a mounting means for the instrumentation package assembly that will reduce the shock and vibration to the instrumentation package assembly during the instrumented sports paraphernalia's use in a sports event. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a permanent position and nesting place for the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the present invention to maintain alignment of the instrumentation package assembly relative to the instrumented sports paraphernalia during usage of the instrumented sports paraphernalia during a game. It is an objective of the current invention to locate and firmly seat the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia, and to provide a portal which is unobtrusive to the players through which the cameras inside the instrumentation package assembly can peer outward through the cover of the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the current invention to preserve the alignment of the instrumentation package assembly with the mechanical axis of the instrumented sports paraphernalia, and to prevent damage and preserve normal operation of the instrumentation package assembly even when the instrumented sports paraphernalia is subjected to shock, vibration, dirt, humidity, moisture, and temperature variations during a game. It is an objective of the present invention to reduce the shock and vibration to the instrumentation package assembly during the instrumented sports paraphernalia's use in a sports event by providing isolation and by providing padding and air mattress-like suspension and cushioning. It is an objective of the present invention to provide an instrumentation package assembly that can be assembled (loaded) into the instrumented sports paraphernalia through a convenient means in the existing cover panels of prior art conventional footballs. It is an objective of the present invention to provide instrumented sports paraphernalia which has provisions for holding the instrumentation package assembly inside itself and for isolating the instrumentation package assembly from shocks received by the instrumented sports paraphernalia during the game. It is an objective of the present invention to provide instrumented sports paraphernalia with provisions for holding the instrumentation package assembly inside itself, and has provisions for isolating the instrumentation package assembly from shocks received by the instrumented sports paraphernalia during the game, and provide means to load and unload the instrumentation package assembly into and out from the instrumented sports paraphernalia host. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a mounting means for the instrumentation package assembly that will reduce the shock and vibration to the instrumentation package assembly during the instrumented sports paraphernalia's use in a sports event. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a permanent position and nesting place for the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the present invention to maintain alignment of the instrumentation package assembly relative to the instrumented sports paraphernalia during usage of the instrumented sports paraphernalia during a game. It is an objective of the current invention to locate and firmly seat the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia, and to provide a portal which is unobtrusive to the players through which the cameras inside the instrumentation package assembly can peer outward through the cover of the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the current invention to preserve the alignment of the instrumentation package assembly with the mechanical axis of the instrumented sports paraphernalia, and to prevent damage and preserve normal operation of the instrumentation package assembly even when the instrumented sports paraphernalia is subjected to shock, vibration, dirt, humidity, moisture, and temperature variations during a game. It is an objective of the present invention to reduce the shock and vibration to the instrumentation package assembly during the instrumented sports paraphernalia's use in a sports event by providing isolation and by providing padding and air mattress-like suspension and cushioning. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly televise sounds from impacts to the instrumented sports paraphernalia used on the field of play during league games, sports events, warm-up sessions, and training sessions. It is an objective of the present invention to televise pictures and sounds from on the playing field from where the instrumented sports paraphernalia was, and where it is going to be. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented sports paraphernalia to be non-intrusive to the game. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly transmit pictures and sounds, from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on and off the field of play during league games, sports events, training sessions, and warm-up sessions. It is an objective of the present invention to provide instrumented college sports paraphernalia which is substantially equivalent to the conventional college sports paraphernalia used in college league games. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a college instrumented sports paraphernalia which is substantially of the same weight, balance, dynamic behavior, handling and general appearance as conventional college sports paraphernalia used in college league games. It is an objective of the present invention to provide college instrumented sports paraphernalia which has the same general outward appearance as conventional college sports paraphernalia used in college league games, training, practice, demonstrations, promotions, film making and parades. It is an objective of the present invention to capture pictures despite the erratic motion of the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the present invention to present pictures to an audience that are suitable for their viewing. It is an objective of the present invention for instrumented sports paraphernalia to wirelessly televise pictures and sounds from where they are positioned on the playing field. It is an objective of the present invention for instrumented sports paraphernalia to televise pictures and sounds using bi-directional fiber optics cable communication links from where they are positioned on the playing field. It is an objective of the present invention to visually and audibly extend and enhance the TV audience's pleasure and excitement of the game by acquiring pictures and sounds from all the special spatial vantage points that the instrumented sports paraphernalia have on the field in close proximity to the players. It is an objective of the present invention to capture pictures and sounds from where the instrumented sports paraphernalia is. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly transmit pictures and sounds, from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on the field of play during league games, sports events and training sessions, to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly transmit pictures and sounds, from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on or off the field of play during sports events, training sessions, warming-up sessions, demonstrations, and promotions to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly televise pictures and sounds from instrumented sports paraphernalia used off the field of play during league games, sports events and training sessions, to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly televise pictures and sounds from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on the field of play during league games, sports events and training sessions, to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to capture pictures and sounds from where the instrumented sports paraphernalia (football) was, and where it is going. It is an objective of the present invention to capture pictures and sounds from moving instrumented sports paraphernalia yielding pictures and sounds showing the locations on the playing field/arena where the instrumented sports paraphernalia was from, and to where it is now moving to. It is an objective of the present invention that the system disclosed for televising sports events from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on instrumented playing fields in instrumented sports stadiums, be compatible for use on any playing field and in any sports stadium venue. It is an objective of the present invention that the system disclosed for televising sports events from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on instrumented playing fields, be compatible for use on any playing field venue with or without the presence of a sports stadium.

[0338] Instrumented Sports Stadium Objectives

[0339] It is an objective of the present invention to equip a sports stadium to wirelessly receive RF televised video and sound signals of football games from TV cameras and microphones inside an instrumented football which is on the playing field, in real time. A sports stadium so equipped will be referred to as an “instrumented sports stadium” in the present invention to differentiate it from an ordinary sports stadium. It is an objective of the present invention to equip the instrumented sports stadium with an antenna array relay junction means to relay the video and sound signals, received from the instrumented football, to a remote base station for processing and final broadcast to a TV viewing audience. It is an objective of the present invention to equip a sports stadium/arena to wirelessly receive RF televised video and sound signals of ice hockey games from TV cameras and microphones inside an instrumented ice hockey puck which is on the playing field/rink, in real time. A sports stadium/arena so equipped will be referred to as an “instrumented sports stadium” in the present invention to differentiate it from an ordinary sports stadium/arena. It is an objective of the present invention to equip the instrumented sports stadium with an antenna array relay junction means to relay the video and sound signals, received from the instrumented ice hockey puck, to a remote base station for processing and final broadcast to a TV viewing audience. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented sports stadium is equipped with an antenna array relay junction, a remote base station, bi-directional communication links between the instrumented sports paraphernalia and the antenna array relay junction, and bi-directional communication links between the antenna array relay junction and the remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to equip a sports stadium to receive televised video and sound signals of baseball games from TV cameras and microphones inside instrumented baseball bases, instrumented baseball home plates, and instrumented pitcher's rubbers which are on the playing field, in real time. A sports stadium so equipped will be referred to as an “instrumented sports stadium” in the present invention to differentiate it from an ordinary sports stadium. It is an objective of the present invention to equip the instrumented sports stadium with an antenna array relay junction means to relay the video and sound signals, received from the instrumented football, to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to equip a sports stadium to televise sports events from both dynamic and static sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a selection of alternative fiber optic cable/copper cable runs and configurations that can be buried beneath the ground of the playing field. It is an objective of the present invention to equip a sports stadium/arena to wirelessly receive RF televised video and sound signals from a multiplicity of instrumented sports paraphernalia simultaneously and transmit the signals to a remote base station via an antenna array relay junction for final processing and broadcast to a TV viewing audience.

[0340] Instrumented Sports Playing Field Objectives

[0341] It is an objective of the present invention to outfit any typical baseball playing field with an instrumented baseball 1^st base, an instrumented baseball 2^nd base, an instrumented baseball 3^rd base, an instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber, and an instrumented baseball home plate, positioned at their traditional locations on the baseball diamond. It is an objective of the present invention to outfit any typical baseball playing field with bi-directional fiber optic cable/copper cable communication links buried beneath the ground. It is an objective of the present invention to establish air ways for transmission of televised RF signals above any typical baseball playing field.

[0342] It is an objective of the present invention to outfit any typical baseball playing field with low voltage power cable buried beneath the ground. It is an objective of the present invention to outfit any typical football playing field with an instrumented football. It is an objective of the present invention to establish air ways for transmission of televised RF signals above any typical football playing field. It is an objective of the present invention to outfit any typical ice hockey rink with an instrumented ice hockey puck. It is an objective of the present invention to establish air ways for transmission of televised RF signals above any typical ice hockey rink. It is an objective of the present invention to establish air ways for transmission of RF signals above any typical baseball stadium playing field between the sports paraphernalia and the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention to outfit any typical baseball stadium playing field with bi-directional fiber optic cable/copper cable communication links buried beneath the ground between the sports paraphernalia and the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention to establish air ways for the transmission of RF signals between any typical football and the antenna array relay junction(s). It is an objective of the present invention to establish air ways for transmission of RF signals between any typical ice hockey puck and the antenna array relay junction(s). It is an objective of the present invention to provide a selection of alternative fiber optic cable/copper cable runs and configurations that can be buried beneath the ground of the playing field. It is an objective of the present invention to equip a playing field to televise sports events from both dynamic and static sports paraphernalia.

[0343] Instrumented Bullpen Objectives

[0344] It is an objective of the present invention to instrument the baseball stadium bullpen with an instrumented baseball home plate and an instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber which are positioned at their traditional locations in the baseball bullpen. It is an objective of the present invention to establish air ways for transmission of televised RF signals above any typical baseball stadium bullpen. It is an objective of the present invention to outfit any typical baseball stadium bullpen with bi-directional fiber optic cable/copper cable communication links buried beneath the ground. It is an objective of the present invention to outfit any typical baseball stadium bullpen with low voltage power cable buried beneath the ground. It is an objective of the present invention to establish air ways for transmission of RF signals above any typical baseball stadium bullpen between the sports paraphernalia and the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention to outfit any typical baseball stadium bullpen with bi-directional fiber optic cable/copper cable communication links buried beneath the ground between the sports paraphernalia and the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention to equip a bullpen to televise sports events from both dynamic and static sports paraphernalia.

[0345] Remote Base Station Objectives

[0346] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly transmit pictures and sounds, from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on the field of play during league games, sports events and training sessions, to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly transmit pictures and sounds, from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on and off the field of play before, during and after sports events, training sessions, demonstrations, and promotions to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly transmit 3-D pictures and sounds from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on the playing field during league games, sports events, and training sessions, to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly transmit 3-D pictures and sounds from instrumented sports paraphernalia used off of the playing field during warm-up sessions, promotions and training sessions, to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the remote base station with means to receive the relayed video and sound signals from the instrumented sports stadium. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the remote base station with a means to wirelessly command and control the electronic, optical and mechanical functions of the instrumentation package assembly. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the remote base station with a means to wirelessly command and control the electronic and mechanical functions of the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the remote base station with a means to process the video and sound signals relayed to it from the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the remote base station with a means to telecast the video and sound signals from the instrumented sports paraphernalia to the TV viewing audience. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly televise pictures and sounds from instrumented sports paraphernalia used off the field of play during league games, sports events and training sessions, to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly televise pictures and sounds from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on the field of play during league games, sports events and training sessions, to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly transmit pictures and sounds from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on the field of play during league games, sports events and training sessions, to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly transmit pictures and sounds, from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on or off the field of play during sports events, training sessions, demonstrations, and promotions to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly televise pictures and sounds from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on the field of play during league games, sports events and training sessions, to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly transmit pictures and sounds, from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on the field of play during league games, sports events and training sessions, to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly transmit pictures and sounds, from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on or off the field of play during sports events, training sessions, demonstrations, and promotions to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly televise pictures and sounds from instrumented sports paraphernalia used off the field of play during league games, sports events and training sessions, to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly televise pictures and sounds from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on the field of play during league games, sports events and training sessions, to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to process pictures televised by the four cameras inside the instrumented baseball base to the remote base station, and makes them appear upright to the viewing audience. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the cameraman in the remote base station to align the 3-D stereo camera picture frames with one another. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the cameraman in the remote base station to align the 3-D stereo camera picture frames with the horizon. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the cameraman in the remote base station to align the 3-D stereo camera picture frames with the outfield horizon. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the cameraman in the remote base station to align the 3-D stereo camera picture frames with the centerline of the baseball diamond between 2^nd base and home plate. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly televise pictures and sounds from instrumented sports paraphernalia used off the field of play during league games, sports events, warm-up sessions, and training sessions, to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly televise pictures and sounds from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on the field of play during league games, sports events, warm-up sessions, and training sessions, to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly televise pictures and sounds from instrumented sports paraphernalia used off the field of play during league games, sports events and training sessions, to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly televise pictures and sounds from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on the field of play during league games, sports events and training sessions, to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly transmit pictures and sounds, from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on or off the field of play during sports events, warm-up sessions, training sessions, demonstrations, and promotions to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly transmit pictures and sounds, from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on the field of play during league games, sports events and training sessions, to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to wirelessly transmit pictures and sounds, from instrumented sports paraphernalia used on or off the field of play during sports events, training sessions, demonstrations, and promotions to a remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention to establish air ways for transmission of RF signals between the remote base station and the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention to outfit any typical sports stadium with bi-directional fiber optic cable/copper cable communication links between the remote base station and the antenna array relay junction.

[0347] Instrumented Football Objectives

[0348] The preferred embodiments disclosed in the instrumented football drawings shown in: FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D, and FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, and FIG. 9C and FIG. 9D, and FIG. 9E, and FIG. 9F, and FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, and FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, and FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, and FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, and FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B, and FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, and FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B, and FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B, and FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B, FIG. 62A, FIG. 62B, FIG. 62C, FIG. 62D, and FIG. 62E meet the following objectives.

[0349] It is an objective of the present invention to instrument a football, which will be in play on the football field during a football game, with a means enabling it to capture video and sounds of the game from its vantage point amongst the players on the playing field in real time. This football will be referred to as an “instrumented football” in the present invention to differentiate it from an ordinary conventional football. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means for wirelessly televising football games from cameras and microphones mounted inside the football in play. It is an objective of the present invention to instrument a football with two CCD (or equivalent) sensor arrayed cameras, and two microphones. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented football to be non-intrusive to the game. It is an objective of the present invention to provide the instrumented football with a means to wirelessly televise the captured video and sounds, from inside the instrumented football, to a remote base station via an antenna array relay junction which is positioned off the playing field within the vicinity of the instrumented sports stadium. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the instrumented football to wirelessly televise the captured video and sounds from the instrumentation inside the instrumented football to a remote base station via an antenna array relay junction located in the vicinity of the playing field and sports stadium in real time. It is an objective of the present invention to provide the instrumented football with a means to wirelessly receive signals from a remote base station via the antenna array relay junction in the instrumented sports stadium to command and control the video and sound capturing functions of the instrumented football, as well as the other electrical, mechanical and optical functions inside the instrumented football. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the instrumented football to wirelessly televise the captured video and sounds independent of the spatial attitude of the instrumented football during the game. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented football's outward appearance looks substantially the same as a conventional professional league American football. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented football's handling qualities be substantially the same as those of a conventional college league American football. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented football's playing and handling qualities be substantially the same as those of a regulation conventional professional league American football.

[0350] It is an objective of the present invention to capture, stabilize, remove the spin and make upright TV pictures taken from the instrumented football and broadcast said pictures to a TV audience, despite the spinning, pitching, yawing and forward motion of the instrumented football. It is an objective of the present invention to capture, stabilize, remove the spin and make upright HD TV pictures taken from the instrumented football, and broadcast said pictures to a TV audience, despite the spinning, pitching, yawing and forward motion of the instrumented football. It is an objective of the present invention to capture, stabilize, remove the spin and make upright 3-D HD TV pictures taken from the instrumented football, and broadcast said pictures to a TV audience, despite the spinning, pitching, yawing and forward motion of the instrumented football. It is an objective of the present invention to stabilize the imagery obtained from the instrumented football in an upright condition in the picture frame, regardless of the pitch, roll or yaw of the football, as viewed by a live TV audience in the HD CCD letterbox picture format. It is an objective of the present invention to stabilize the imagery obtained from the instrumented football in an upright condition in the picture frame, regardless of the pitch, roll or yaw of the football, as viewed by a live TV audience in the HD CCD letterbox picture format by using gyroscopic encoders. It is an objective of the present invention to stabilize the imagery obtained from the instrumented football in an upright condition in the picture frame, regardless of the pitch, roll or yaw of the football, as viewed by a live TV audience in the HD CCD letterbox picture format by image recognition processing. It is an objective of the present invention to stabilize the imagery obtained from the instrumented football in an upright condition in the picture frame, regardless of the pitch, roll or yaw of the football, as viewed by a live TV audience in the HD CCD letterbox picture format by using gyroscopic encoders and image recognition processing. It is an objective of the present invention to stabilize the imagery obtained from the instrumented football in an upright condition in the picture frame, regardless of the pitch, roll or yaw of the football, as viewed by a live TV audience in the HD CCD letterbox picture format by using image recognition processing of the archived data base derived from the tripod mounted set-up camera system. It is an objective of the present invention to stabilize the imagery obtained from the instrumented football in an upright condition in the picture frame, regardless of the pitch, roll or yaw of the football, as viewed by a live TV audience in the HD CCD letterbox picture format by using image recognition processing of the archived data base derived from the tripod mounted set-up camera system in the remote base station.

[0351] It is an objective of the present invention to provide views of the game not seen before during broadcasts by real time TV audiences. It is an objective of the present invention to provide views of the game from the instrumented football. It is an objective of the present invention to provide views of the football playing field from the air, as seen from both vertices of the instrumented football, as the instrumented football is passed, as a player is running to catch and receive the instrumented football, when the instrumented football is fumbled, after the instrumented football is goal kicked or punted, when a field goal occurs as the instrumented football flies between the goal posts. It is an objective of the present invention to provide views of the football playing field from the clutches of a standing player's grip, as seen from both vertices of the instrumented football; as the instrumented football is being hiked to the quarterback; as the quarterback pauses to throw the instrumented football, or as a player stands motionless beyond the goal line after making a touchdown. It is an objective of the present invention to provide views of the instrumented football playing field from the clutches of a running player's grip, as seen from both vertices of the instrumented football; poised to catch the instrumented football, running for the goal line, being pursued by other players, being tackled, or making a touchdown. It is an objective of the present invention to provide views of the football playing field from ground level, as seen from both vertices of the instrumented football; as the instrumented football is rolling free on the ground after being fumbled, as a player griping the instrumented football is heaped upon, as the instrumented football is held and waiting to be punted, as the instrumented football is held and waiting to be kicked for a field goal, or as a player touches the football to the ground beyond the goal line after a touchdown.

[0352] It is an objective of the present invention to provide sounds of the game not heard before during broadcasts by real time TV audiences. It is an objective of the present invention to provide sounds of the game from the instrumented football. It is an objective of the present invention to provide sounds heard by the football from in the air, sounds heard from both vertices of the instrumented football, sounds heard as the instrumented football is passed, sounds heard as a player is running to catch and receive the instrumented football, sounds heard when the instrumented football is fumbled, sounds heard after the instrumented football is goal kicked or punted, sounds heard when a field goal occurs as the instrumented football flies between the goal posts. It is an objective of the present invention to provide sounds heard from the football playing field, sounds heard from the clutches of a standing player's grip, sounds heard from both vertices of the instrumented football; sounds heard as the instrumented football is being hiked to the quarterback; sounds heard as the quarterback pauses to throw the instrumented football, or sounds heard as a player stands motionless beyond the goal line after making a touchdown. It is an objective of the present invention to provide sounds heard from the instrumented football from the clutches of a running player's grip, sounds heard as a player is poised to catch the instrumented football, sounds heard as a player is running for the goal line, sounds heard as a player is being pursued by other players, sounds heard as a player is being tackled, sounds heard as a player is making a touchdown. It is an objective of the present invention to provide sounds heard of the football playing field from ground level, as heard from both vertices of the instrumented football; as the instrumented football is rolling free on the ground after being fumbled, as a player who is griping the instrumented football is heaped upon, as the instrumented football is held and waiting to be punted, as the instrumented football is held and waiting to be kicked for a field goal, or as a player touches the football to the ground beyond the goal line after making a touchdown. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the instrumented football to have two cameras within the instrumented football to see out from both ends of the football's vertices. It is an objective of the present invention to have two cameras within the instrumented football to see out from both ends of the football, where one camera looks at where the football is going and one camera looks at where the football has been. It is also an objective of the present invention to enable the two cameras within the instrumented football to be protected from the hazards on the playing field such as ice, snow, rain, dirt and physical impacts. It is an objective of the present invention to take pictures with extremely wide angle fields of view of the football playing field and the players using the two cameras within the instrumented football. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented football has the same weight, and the same center of gravity location as the conventional football. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented football has the same weight, center of gravity location and moments of inertia as the conventional American football. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means to prop up the instrumented football to the same vesica piscis shape as the conventional regulation professional league American football. It is an objective of the present invention to provide buffer plate clearance for any protuberance in the stitching along the seams between adjacent cover panels in the interior of the instrumented football at its two vertices. It is an objective of the present invention to be able to lace the instrumented football with the conventional laces and lacing stitch hole pattern. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented football to televise RF signals from the instrumented football to the antenna array relay junction using the air ways above any typical football playing field as communication links It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented football to receive RF signals from the remote base station via the antenna array relay junction using the air ways linking the instrumented football to the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented football to receive command and control signals from the remote base station via the antenna array relay junction using the air ways as communication links thereby enabling the cameraman in the remote base station to control the functions and monitor the status of the instrumented football.

[0353] Instrumented Baseball Base Objectives

[0354] The preferred embodiments disclosed in the instrumented baseball base drawings shown in: FIG. 38A and FIG. 38B, and FIG. 39A and FIG. 39B, and FIG. 42A and FIG. 42B, and FIG. 43A and FIG. 43B, and FIG. 46A and FIG. 46B, and FIG. 47A and FIG. 47B, and FIG. 47C and FIG. 47D, and FIG. 50A and FIG. 50B, FIG. 59A and FIG. 59B, FIG. 60A and FIG. 60B, FIG. 61A and FIG. 61B meet the following objectives.

[0355] It is an objective of the present invention that three instrumented baseball bases and one home plate, that are all disposed simultaneously on the baseball playing field, can transmit TV pictures and sound simultaneously by wireless means to a remote base station, and simultaneously receive wireless command signals from the remote base station to control the functions within the instrumented baseball bases and home plate. It is an objective of the present invention to wirelessly capture pictures and sounds from the instrumented baseball bases from where they are positioned on the playing field. It is an objective of the present invention that the three instrumented baseball bases that are all disposed simultaneously on the baseball playing field, can transmit TV pictures and sound simultaneously by wireless means to a remote base station, and simultaneously receive wireless command signals from the remote base station to control the functions within the instrumented baseball bases and instrumented baseball home plate. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented baseball base's outward appearance looks substantially the same as a conventional professional league baseball base shown in FIG. 40. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented baseball base's outward appearance looks substantially the same as a conventional professional league baseball base shown in FIG. 41A and FIG. 41B and FIG. 41C.

[0356] It is an objective of the present invention to outfit a typical baseball playing field with a compliment of three instrumented baseball bases (1^st base, 2^nd base and 3^rd base respectively) and with one instrumented home plate, and with one baseball pitcher's rubber. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball bases to be non-intrusive to the game. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented baseball base's outward appearance looks substantially the same as a typical conventional professional league baseball base shown in FIG. 40A and FIG. 40B and FIG. 40C. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented baseball bases have substantially the same handling qualities by the baseball field maintenance personnel as the conventional professional league baseball bases. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the four cameras within the instrumented baseball base to see out from all four sides of the baseball base. It is an objective of the present invention to instrument a baseball base with four CCD sensor arrayed cameras (or equivalent), and two microphones. It is also an objective of the present invention to enable the four cameras within the instrumented baseball base to be protected from the hazards on the playing field such as ice, snow, rain, dirt and physical impacts. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means for the four cameras inside the instrumented baseball base to look out respectively from each of the base's four sides onto the baseball playing field. It is an objective of the present invention to enable each of the four cameras within the instrumented baseball base to be protected from the hazards on the playing field such as ice, snow, rain, dirt and physical impacts. It is an objective of the present invention to enable each of the four cameras inside the instrumented baseball base to see extremely wide angle fields of view through the optical windows. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the instrumented baseball bases to each have four cameras, and for each camera to see out respectively from each of the four sides of each of the instrumented baseball bases, onto the baseball field of play during a game. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the instrumented baseball bases to each have eight cameras arranged as four 3-D stereo camera pairs, and for each pair to see out respectively from each of the four sides of each of the instrumented baseball bases, onto the baseball field of play during a game. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the instrumented baseball bases to each have eight cameras arranged as four 3-D stereo camera pairs, and for each pair to see out respectively from each of the four corners of each of the instrumented baseball bases, onto the baseball field of play during a game. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means to prevent moisture and dirt from entering the instrumented baseball bases and interfering with the functions of the instrumentation package assembly inside the base. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a stable mounting means for the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented baseball base. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means to prevent damage to the instrumentation package assembly from debris entering the instrumented baseball base. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented baseball base has the same center of gravity location as the conventional baseball base. It is an objective of the present invention that the weight of the instrumented baseball bases is made about the same as the conventional baseball bases. It is an objective of the present invention to connect the instrumented baseball bases to the bi-directional fiber optic cable/copper cable communication links buried beneath the ground of the playing field linking it to the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention to connect the instrumented baseball bases to the low voltage electric power copper cable buried beneath the ground of the playing field. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball bases to televise RF signals from the instrumented baseball bases to the antenna array relay junction using the air ways above any typical baseball playing field as communication links. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball bases to televise signals from the instrumented baseball bases to the antenna array relay junction using the bi-directional fiber optic cable/copper cable communication links buried beneath the ground of the playing field linking it to the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball bases to receive signals from the remote base station via the antenna array relay junction using the bi-directional fiber optic cable/copper cable communication links buried beneath the ground of the playing field linking the instrumented baseball bases to the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball bases to receive RF signals from the remote base station via the antenna array relay junction using the air ways linking the instrumented baseball bases to the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball bases to receive command and control signals from the remote base station via the antenna array relay junction using the bi-directional fiber optic cable/copper cable communication links thereby enabling the cameraman in the remote base station to control the functions of the instrumented baseball bases. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball bases to receive command and control signals from the remote base station via the antenna array relay junction using the air ways as communication links thereby enabling the cameraman in the remote base station to control the functions of the instrumented baseball bases.

[0357] Instrumented Baseball Home Plates Objectives

[0358] The preferred embodiments disclosed in the instrumented baseball home plate drawings shown in: FIG. 44A and FIG. 44B, and FIG. 45A and FIG. 45B, and FIG. 48A and FIG. 48B and FIG. 48C and FIG. 48D, and FIG. 49A and FIG. 49B and FIG. 49C and FIG. 49D, and FIG. 51A and FIG. 51B and FIG. 51C and FIG. 51D, and FIG. 52A and FIG. 52B, and FIG. 53A and FIG. 53B and FIG. 53C, and FIG. 54A and FIG. 54B and FIG. 54C, FIG. 59A and FIG. 59B, FIG. 60A and FIG. 60B, FIG. 61A and FIG. 61B meet the following objectives.

[0359] It is an objective of the present invention to instrument the pitcher's bullpen off the playing field with an instrumented baseball home plate. It is an objective of the present invention to outfit a typical baseball bullpen with an instrumented home plate and an instrumented pitcher's rubber.

[0360] It is an objective of the present invention to outfit a typical baseball playing field with one instrumented home plate. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball home plate to be non-intrusive to the game. It is an objective of the present invention to wirelessly capture pictures and sounds from the instrumented baseball home plate from where it is positioned on the playing field. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means for the camera inside the instrumented baseball home plate to look out from the top of the plate onto the baseball playing field. It is an objective of the present invention to instrument a baseball home plate with a CCD sensor arrayed camera (or equivalent), and two microphones. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the camera inside the instrumented baseball home plate to see extremely wide angle fields of view through the optical windows. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the camera within the instrumented baseball home plate to be protected from the hazards on the playing field such as ice, snow, rain, dirt and physical impacts. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the instrumented baseball home plate to have one camera, and for the camera to see out from the top of the instrumented home plate, onto the baseball field of play during a game. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the instrumented baseball home plate to have two cameras, and for the cameras to see out from the top of the instrumented home plate, onto the baseball field of play during a game, and for the two cameras to constitute a 3-D stereo camera pair. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the instrumented baseball home plate to have two cameras, and for the cameras to see out from the top of the instrumented home plate, onto the baseball bullpen during pitching practice and warm-up sessions, and for the two cameras to constitute a 3-D stereo camera pair. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the instrumented baseball home plate to have four cameras arranged as four 3-D stereo camera pairs, and for each pairs to see out from the top of the instrumented home plate, onto the baseball field of play during a game, and for the two cameras to constitute a 3-D stereo camera pair. It is an objective of the present invention that the weight of the instrumented baseball home plate be made about the same as the conventional baseball home plate. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented baseball home plate has the same center of gravity location as the conventional baseball home plate. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means to prevent moisture and dirt from entering the instrumented baseball home plate and interfering with the functions of the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented baseball home plate. It is an objective of the present invention to connect the instrumented baseball home plates to the bi-directional fiber optic cable/copper cable communication links buried beneath the ground of the playing field linking it to the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention to connect the instrumented baseball home plates to the low voltage electric power copper cable buried beneath the ground of the playing field. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball home plates to televise RF signals from the instrumented baseball home plates to the antenna array relay junction using the air ways above any typical baseball playing field as communication links. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball home plates to televise signals from the instrumented baseball home plates to the antenna array relay junction using the bi-directional fiber optic cable/copper cable communication links buried beneath the ground of the playing field linking it to the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball home plates to receive signals from the remote base station via the antenna array relay junction using the bi-directional fiber optic cable/copper cable communication links buried beneath the ground of the playing field linking the instrumented baseball home plates to the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball home plates to receive RF signals from the remote base station via the antenna array relay junction using the air ways linking the instrumented baseball home plates to the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball home plates to receive command and control signals from the remote base station via the antenna array relay junction using the bi-directional fiber optic cable/copper cable communication links thereby enabling the cameraman in the remote base station to control the functions of the instrumented baseball home plates. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball home plates to receive command and control signals from the remote base station via the antenna array relay junction using the air ways as communication links thereby enabling the cameraman in the remote base station to control the functions of the instrumented baseball home plates.

[0361] Instrumented Baseball Pitcher's Rubber Objectives

[0362] It is an objective of the present invention to locate an instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber on the pitcher's mound at its traditional position on the playing field. It is an objective of the present invention to locate an instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber at the pitcher's mound at its traditional position on the pitcher's mound in the pitcher's bullpen off the playing field. It is an objective of the present invention to equip the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber with four cameras, and for the cameras to see out from the top of the pitchers rubber onto the baseball bullpen during pitching practice and warm-up sessions, and for the four cameras to be split into two pairs, where each pair constitutes a 3-D stereo camera pair; and where a 3-D stereo camera pair is located at either end of the pitcher's rubber. It is an objective of the present invention to connect the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber to the bi-directional fiber optic cable/copper cable communication links buried beneath the ground of the playing field linking it to the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention to connect the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber to the low voltage electric power copper cable buried beneath the ground of the playing field. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber to televise RF signals from the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber to the antenna array relay junction using the air ways above any typical baseball playing field as communication links. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber to televise signals from the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber to the antenna array relay junction using the bi-directional fiber optic cable/copper cable communication links buried beneath the ground of the playing field linking it to the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber to receive signals from the remote base station via the antenna array relay junction using the bi-directional fiber optic cable/copper cable communication links buried beneath the ground of the playing field linking the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber to the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber to receive RF signals from the remote base station via the antenna array relay junction using the air ways linking the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber to the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber to receive command and control signals from the remote base station via the antenna array relay junction using the bi-directional fiber optic cable/copper cable communication links thereby enabling the cameraman in the remote base station to control the functions of the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber to receive command and control signals from the remote base station via the antenna array relay junction using the air ways as communication links thereby enabling the cameraman in the remote base station to control the functions of the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber.

[0363] It is an objective of the present invention to instrument an ice hockey puck, which will be in play on the ice rink in a sports arena, with a means enabling it to capture video and sounds of the game from its vantage point amongst the players on the ice in real time. This ice hockey puck will be referred to as an “instrumented ice hockey puck” in the present invention to differentiate it from an ordinary conventional instrumented ice hockey puck. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means for wirelessly televising ice hockey games from cameras and microphones mounted inside the ice hockey puck in play. It is an objective of the present invention to instrument an ice hockey puck with four CCD (or equivalent) sensor arrayed cameras, and three microphones. It is an objective of the present invention to instrument an ice hockey puck with two 3-D stereo camera pairs and three microphones. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented ice hockey puck to be non-intrusive to the game. It is an objective of the present invention to provide the instrumented ice hockey puck with a means to wirelessly televise the captured video and sounds, from inside the instrumented ice hockey puck, to an antenna array relay junction which is positioned off the ice rink within the vicinity of the instrumented sports stadium/arena. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the instrumented ice hockey puck to wirelessly televise the captured video and sound from the instrumentation inside the instrumented ice hockey puck to an antenna array relay junction in the vicinity of the ice rink in real time. It is an objective of the present invention to provide the instrumented ice hockey puck with a means to wirelessly receive signals from a remote base station via the antenna array relay junction in the instrumented sports stadium/arena to command and control the video and sound capturing functions of the instrumented ice hockey puck, as well as the other electrical, mechanical and optical functions inside the instrumented ice hockey puck. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means for wirelessly televising games from cameras and microphones mounted inside the instrumented ice hockey puck in play. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the instrumented ice hockey puck to wirelessly televise the captured video and sounds independent of the spatial attitude of the instrumented ice hockey puck during the game. It is an objective of the present invention to stabilize the imagery obtained from dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia like ice hockey pucks in an upright condition in the picture frame, regardless of the pitch, roll or yaw of the dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia, as viewed by a live TV audience in the HD CCD letterbox picture format by using gyroscopic encoders. It is an objective of the present invention to stabilize the imagery obtained from the instrumented ice hockey pucks in an upright condition in the picture frame, regardless of the pitch, roll or yaw of the instrumented ice hockey pucks, as viewed by a live TV audience in the HD CCD letterbox picture format by image recognition processing. It is an objective of the present invention to stabilize the imagery obtained from the instrumented ice hockey pucks in an upright condition in the picture frame, regardless of the pitch, roll or yaw of the instrumented ice hockey pucks, as viewed by a live TV audience in the HD CCD letterbox picture format by using gyroscopic encoders and image recognition processing. It is an objective of the present invention to stabilize the imagery obtained from the instrumented ice hockey pucks in an upright condition in the picture frame, regardless of the pitch, roll or yaw of the instrumented ice hockey pucks, as viewed by a live TV audience in the HD CCD letterbox picture format by using image recognition processing of the archived data base derived from the tripod mounted set-up camera system. It is an objective of the present invention to stabilize the imagery obtained from the instrumented ice hockey pucks in an upright condition in the picture frame, regardless of the pitch, roll or yaw of the football, as viewed by a live TV audience in the HD CCD letterbox picture format by using image recognition processing of the archived data base derived from the tripod mounted set-up camera system in the remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented ice hockey puck's outward appearance looks substantially the same as regulation conventional professional league ice hockey pucks. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented ice hockey puck's playing and handling qualities be substantially the same as those of regulation conventional professional league ice hockey pucks. It is an objective of the present invention to capture, stabilize, remove the spin and make upright TV pictures taken from the instrumented ice hockey puck and broadcast said pictures to a TV audience, despite the spinning and forward motion of the instrumented ice hockey puck. It is an objective of the present invention to capture, stabilize, remove the spin and make upright HD TV pictures taken from the instrumented ice hockey puck, and broadcast said pictures to a TV audience, despite the spinning and forward motion of the instrumented ice hockey puck. It is an objective of the present invention to capture, stabilize, remove the spin and make upright 3-D HD TV pictures taken from the instrumented ice hockey puck, and broadcast said pictures to a TV audience, despite the spinning and forward motion of the instrumented ice hockey puck. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the four cameras within the instrumented ice hockey puck to see out from the top of the instrumented ice hockey puck. It is also an objective of the present invention to enable the four cameras within the instrumented ice hockey puck be protected from the hazards on the ice rink such as ice, dirt and physical impacts. It is an objective of the present invention to take pictures with extremely wide angle fields of view of the ice hockey rink and the players using the four cameras within the instrumented ice hockey puck. It is an objective of the present invention to instrument an ice hockey puck with four CCD (or equivalent) sensor arrayed cameras, and three microphones. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented ice hockey puck to televise RF signals from the instrumented ice hockey puck to the antenna array relay junction using the air ways above any typical ice hockey rink as communication links. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented ice hockey puck to receive RF signals from the remote base station via the antenna array relay junction using the air ways linking the instrumented ice hockey puck to the antenna array relay junction. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented ice hockey puck to receive command and control signals from the remote base station via the antenna array relay junction using the air ways as communication links thereby enabling the cameraman in the remote base station to control the functions of the instrumented ice hockey puck.

[0364] Instrumentation Package Assembly Objectives

[0365] It is an objective of the present invention to provide sports paraphernalia with a module with which to instrument them to televise video and audio of the playing field. It is an objective of the present invention to provide sports paraphernalia with a universal module with which to instrument them to televise video and audio, which can be used simultaneously by a variety of different sports paraphernalia on the playing field. It is an objective of the present invention to provide instrumented sports paraphernalia with means for holding the instrumentation package assembly inside itself, and for isolating the instrumentation package assembly from shocks and vibrations received by the instrumented sports paraphernalia during the game. It is an objective of the present invention to provide instrumented sports paraphernalia with means for loading and unloading the instrumentation package assembly into and out from the instrumented sports paraphernalia host. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to firmly mount the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a mounting means for the instrumentation package assembly that will reduce the shock and vibration to the instrumentation package assembly during the instrumented sports paraphernalia's use in a sports event. It is an objective of the present invention to provide an instrumentation package assembly that can be assembled (loaded) into the instrumented sports paraphernalia through a convenient means in the existing cover panels of prior art conventional footballs. It is an objective of the present invention to maintain alignment of the instrumentation package assembly relative to the instrumented sports paraphernalia during usage of the instrumented sports paraphernalia during a game. It is an objective of the current invention to locate and firmly seat the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia, and to provide a portal which is unobtrusive to the players through which the cameras inside the instrumentation package assembly can peer outward through the cover of the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the current invention to provide the instrumentation package assembly with a corrugated bellows means to tilt the line of sight of the cameras inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the current invention to preserve the alignment of the instrumentation package assembly with the mechanical axis of the instrumented sports paraphernalia, and to prevent damage and preserve normal operation of the instrumentation package assembly even when the instrumented sports paraphernalia is subjected to shock, vibration, dirt, humidity, moisture, and temperature variations during a game. It is an objective of the present invention to reduce the shock and vibration to the instrumentation package assembly during the instrumented sports paraphernalia's use in a sports event by providing isolation and by providing padding and air mattress-like suspension and cushioning. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a permanent position and nesting place for the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented sports paraphernalia be designed to withstand shock and vibration encountered during the game. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented sports paraphernalia be designed to withstand dirt and weather conditions. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a mounting means for the instrumentation package assembly that will reduce the shock and vibration to the instrumentation package assembly during the instrumented sports paraphernalia's use in a sports event. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumentation package assembly placed within the instrumented sports paraphernalia is able to include as many electronic capabilities as possible within its confines in order to enhance and benefit the viewing experience of the audience. It is an objective of the present invention to provide an instrumentation package assembly which includes cameras, microphones and wireless equipment that is sized and packaged properly so it can be inserted and removed from within the instrumented sports paraphernalia and given routine maintenance and repairs. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a permanent position and nesting place for the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the present invention to maintain alignment of the instrumentation package assembly relative to the instrumented sports paraphernalia during usage of the instrumented sports paraphernalia during a game. It is an objective of the current invention to locate and firmly seat the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia, and to provide a portal which is unobtrusive to the players through which the cameras inside the instrumentation package assembly can peer outward through the cover of the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the current invention to preserve the alignment of the instrumentation package assembly with the mechanical axis of the instrumented sports paraphernalia, and to prevent damage and preserve normal operation of the instrumentation package assembly even when the instrumented sports paraphernalia is subjected to shock, vibration, dirt, humidity, moisture, and temperature variations during a game. It is an objective of the present invention to reduce the shock and vibration to the instrumentation package assembly during the instrumented sports paraphernalia's use in a sports event by providing isolation and by providing padding and air mattress-like suspension and cushioning. It is an objective of the present invention to provide an instrumentation package assembly which includes cameras, microphones and wireless equipment that is sized and packaged properly so it can be inserted and removed from within the instrumented sports paraphernalia and given routine maintenance and repairs. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumentation package assembly includes electronic capabilities within its confines to enhance and benefit the viewing experience of the audience. It is an objective of the present invention that the packaging design used to mount the electronic components inside the instrumentation package assembly be as light-weight as possible. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumentation package assembly includes all the electronic features and capabilities to enhance and benefit the viewing experience of the TV audience. It is an objective of the present invention that the packaging design used to mount the electronic components inside the instrumentation package assembly be as light-weight as possible and be achieved by minimizing the amount of material used, using light weight materials, and strong materials. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumentation package assembly be designed to withstand shock and vibration encountered during the game. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumentation package assembly be designed to withstand dirt and weather conditions. It is an objective of the present invention that the electronic components, and the packaging used to mount the components inside the instrumentation package assembly, be compact and light-weight. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumentation package assembly placed within the instrumented sports paraphernalia is able to include as many electronic capabilities as possible within its confines in order to enhance and benefit the viewing experience of the audience. It is an objective of the present invention that the packaging design used to mount the electronic components inside the instrumentation package assembly be as durable and robust but be as light-weight as possible. It is an objective of the present invention to provide an instrumentation package assembly which includes cameras, microphones and wireless equipment that is sized and packaged properly so it can be inserted and removed from within the instrumented sports paraphernalia and given routine maintenance and repairs. It is an objective of the present invention to reduce the shock and vibration to the TV camera and electronics in the instrumentation package assembly. It is an objective of the present invention to isolate the instrumentation package assembly from shock and vibration. It is an objective of the present invention for the bladder to provide sufficient space for the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented football so as not to interfere with the functions of the instrumentation package assembly. It is an objective of the present invention that the packaging design used to mount the electronic components inside the instrumentation package assembly be as durable and robust but be as light-weight as possible. It is an objective of the present invention that the packaging design used to mount the electronic components inside the instrumentation package assembly is light-weight. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumentation package assembly includes electronic capabilities within its confines to enhance and benefit the viewing experience of the audience. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumentation package assembly is able to include as many electronic capabilities as possible within its confines to enhance and benefit the viewing experience of the audience. It is an objective of the present invention that the packaging design used to mount the electronic components inside the instrumentation package assembly is light-weight. It is an objective of the present invention to provide an instrumentation package assembly that can be loaded and assembled into the instrumented sports paraphernalia through the lacing gap in the seam between the cover panels of the existing prior art conventional footballs. It is an objective of the present invention to provide an instrumentation package assembly which includes cameras, microphones and wireless equipment that is sized properly so it can be inserted (loaded) and assembled into the instrumented football through the lacing gap in the seam between the cover panels of the instrumented football. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means for the cameras inside the instrumentation package assembly to look out of from both vertices of the instrumented football. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means to prevent moisture and dirt from entering the instrumented football and interfering with the operating game functions of the football and the electronic and optical functions of the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented football. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented football be designed to withstand dirt and weather conditions. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a mounting means for the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented footballs that will reduce the shock and vibration to the instrumentation package assembly during the instrumented football's use in sports events. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a stable means to firmly mount the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented football and retain its alignment during play. It is an objective of the present invention to provide an instrumentation package assembly that can be loaded and assembled into the football through the lacing gap in the seam between the cover panels of the instrumented football. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means to prevent damage to the instrumentation package assembly from debris entering the instrumented football. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means to isolate the instrumentation package assembly from the shock and vibration encountered by the instrumented football. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a permanent position and nesting place for the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented football. It is an objective of the present invention to maintain alignment of the instrumentation package assembly relative to the football during usage of the instrumented football. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means for the four cameras inside the instrumentation package assembly to look out on the baseball field from the four sides of the instrumented baseball base. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a stable mounting means for the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented baseball base. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means to prevent moisture and dirt from entering the instrumented baseball bases and interfering with the operating game functions of the base and the instrumentation package assembly functions inside the base. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means to isolate the instrumentation package assembly from the shock and vibration encountered by the instrumented baseball base. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a permanent position and nesting place for the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented baseball bases. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means to prevent damage to the instrumentation package assembly from debris entering the instrumented baseball bases. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to firmly mount the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented baseball bases. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a mounting means for the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented baseball bases that will reduce the shock and vibration to the instrumentation package assembly during the instrumented baseball bases use in sports events. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means for the four cameras inside the instrumentation package assembly to look out on the baseball field from the four sides of the instrumented baseball base. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented baseball bases be designed to withstand dirt and weather conditions. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a stable mounting means for the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented baseball home plate. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means to prevent moisture and dirt from entering the instrumented baseball home plate and interfering with the operating game functions of the plate and instrumentation package assembly functions inside the plate. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means to prevent damage to the instrumentation package assembly from debris entering the instrumented baseball home plate.

[0366] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to firmly mount the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented baseball home plates. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means to isolate the instrumentation package assembly from the shock and vibration encountered by the instrumented baseball home plate. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented baseball home plates be designed to withstand dirt and weather conditions. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a mounting means for the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented baseball home plates that will reduce the shock and vibration to the instrumentation package assembly during the instrumented baseball home plates use in sports events. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a permanent position and nesting place for the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented baseball home plates. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber be designed to withstand dirt and weather conditions. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to firmly mount the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubbers. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means to prevent moisture and dirt from entering the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber and interfering with the operating game functions of the rubber and the instrumentation package assembly functions inside the rubber. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a mounting means for the instrumentation package assembly inside the baseball pitcher's rubber that will reduce the shock and vibration to the instrumentation package assembly during the baseball pitcher's rubbers use in sports events. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a permanent position and nesting place for the instrumentation package assembly inside the baseball pitcher's rubbers. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a stable mounting means for the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means to prevent moisture and dirt from entering the instrumented baseball home plate and interfering with the functions of the instrumentation package assembly inside the baseball pitcher's rubber. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means to prevent damage to the instrumentation package assembly from debris entering the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means to isolate the instrumentation package assembly from the shock and vibration encountered by the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber. It is an objective of the present invention that the weight of the instrumented football's bladder is made substantially less than the mass of the conventional football's bladder. It is an objective of the present invention to hold the interpupillary distance, of the optical and mechanical axis of each 3-dimension camera pair, to a value suitable for a 3-dimension format needed by a viewing audience. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to firmly mount the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the current invention to preserve the alignment of the instrumentation package assembly with the mechanical axis of the instrumented sports paraphernalia, and to prevent damage and preserve normal operation of the instrumentation package assembly even when the instrumented sports paraphernalia is subjected to shock, vibration, dirt, humidity, moisture, and temperature variations during a game.

[0367] Instrumented Football Bladder Objectives

[0368] It is an objective of the current invention to provide a bladder for the instrumented football, together with buffer plate assemblies, that will prop up the existing American football covers to the same vesica piscis shape as the conventional regulation American footballs. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a selection of bladders for the instrumented footballs, where each one has its own distinct advantages. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a bladder which is distinguished from the conventional professional football bladders by the inclusion of an inner hollow cylindrical wall which forms a symmetrically disposed cylindrical hollow cavity space extending down the full length of the long axis centerline of the bladder. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a bladder which is distinguished from the conventional professional prior art football bladders by its nearly its flattened shaped ends, as compared to the vesica piscis shaped ends of the prior art bladders. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a bladder which is distinguished from the conventional professional football bladders by the inclusion of an open slot that runs radially outward from the central hollow cavity to the outer wall of the bladder along the full length of the bladder from end to end parallel to the axis of the bladder. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a bladder which is distinguished from the conventional professional prior art American football bladders by its dimpled vesica piscis shaped ends as compared to the vesica piscis shaped ends of the prior art bladders vertices, where the dimples are created simply by taking an existing prior art bladder used in regulation conventional footballs and applying pressure to push in both vertices. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a bladder which is distinguished from the conventional professional prior art American football bladders in that it consists of two separate identical halves, where each half has its own gas valve for inflation. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a means to prop up the instrumented football at to the same vesica piscis shape as the conventional regulation American footballs. It is an objective of some of the preferred embodiments of the present invention that the weight of the instrumented football's bladders be less than the weight of the conventional football's bladder. It is an objective of the present invention that the instrumented football's bladder provides cushioning to protect the instrumentation package assembly from shock and vibration damage. It is an objective of the present invention that the inflated bladder cradles the instrumentation package assembly so it will not become misaligned inside the instrumented football when subjected to shock, vibration and crushing forces during the game. It is a further objective of the present invention to enable the inflated bladder to shield the instrumentation package assembly from being damaged during the game. It is a further objective of the present invention to enable the inflated bladder to fit between the buffer plates and apply even pressure to the buffer plates within the instrumented football. It is a further objective of the present invention to enable the inflated bladder to prop up the cover/liner sandwich of the instrumented football to the same vesica piscis shape as with conventional professional league footballs. It is an objective of the present invention to provide the instrumented football with a bladder that has provisions for holding the instrumentation package assembly and for cushioning and isolating the instrumentation package assembly from shocks received by the football during the game. It is an objective of the present invention to provide the instrumented football with a bladder that is of lighter weight compared to the bladder used in a conventional football, in order to help keep the net weight of the entire instrumented football substantially equal to the weight of the conventional professional league American football. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a bladder which enables an instrumentation package assembly to be assembled more quickly into an instrumented football, than with the bladder specified in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a bladder which is less costly to manufacture, than the bladders specified in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, and FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B. It is an objective of the present invention for the bladder to provide sufficient space for the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented football so as not to interfere with its functions. It is a further objective of the present invention to enable the inflated bladder to cradle the instrumentation package assembly so it will not become misaligned inside the instrumented football when subjected to shock and crushing forces during the game. It is a further objective of the present invention to enable the inflated bladder to shield the instrumentation package assembly from being damaged during the game. It is a further objective of the present invention to enable the inflated bladder to fit between the buffer plates and apply even pressure to the buffer plates within the instrumented football. It is a further objective of the present invention to enable the inflated bladder to prop up the cover/liner sandwich of the instrumented football to the same vesica piscis shape as with conventional professional league footballs. It is an objective of the present invention to provide the instrumented football with a bladder that has provisions for holding the instrumentation package assembly and for cushioning and isolating the instrumentation package assembly from shocks received by the football during the game. It is an objective of the present invention to provide the instrumented football with a bladder that is of lighter weight compared to the bladder used in conventional footballs.

[0369] Camera Objectives

[0370] It is an objective of the present invention to enable the two cameras within the instrumented football to see extremely wide angle fields of view from their respective vertices of the football. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the two cameras within the instrumented football to see extremely wide angle fields of view through the instrumented football's windows. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the two cameras within the instrumented football to be protected from the hazards on the playing field such as ice, snow, rain, dirt and physical impacts. It is an objective of the present invention to enable the two cameras within the instrumented football to see extremely wide angle fields of view through the windows. It is an objective of the present invention to use cameras inside of the instrumented sports paraphernalia to produce quality SD, HD and 3-D video. It is an objective of the present invention to use cameras inside of the instrumented sports paraphernalia that use a selection of ordinary commercial off the shelf CCD sensor chips, state of the art sensor chips, and/or the circular CCD sensor chips disclosed if FIG. 63A and FIG. 63B and FIG. 63C. It is an objective of the present invention to easily remove, replace or substitute camera lenses. It is an objective of the present invention to introduce an improved method of employing extremely wide angle camera lenses to televise and broadcast sports events. It is an objective of the present invention to introduce an improved method of employing extremely wide angle zoom camera lenses to televise and broadcast sports events. It is an objective of the present invention to introduce an improved method to getting close-up shots and sounds of the players from otherwise untapped spatial vantage points and angles in the game.

[0371] Optical Window Objectives

[0372] It is an objective of the current invention to provide a straightforward means to permit damaged optical windows to be replaced easily in the instrumented baseball base. It is an objective of the present invention to coat the optical windows with coatings whose colors blend in and are non-obtrusive to the game. It is an objective of the present invention to keep the size of the optical windows as small as possible so that they are unobtrusive to the game while minimizing the effects on the light levels, resolution and fields of view of the camera lenses. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a straightforward means to permit damaged optical windows to be replaced easily in the instrumented baseball home plate. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows suitable for both more or less than extremely wide fields of view for the instrumented baseball bases. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows which do not vignette extremely wide fields of view for the instrumented baseball home plate. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a buffer plate and an optical window which do not vignette extremely wide fields of view for the cameras in the instrumented baseball base. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a buffer plate and an optical window which do not vignette extremely wide fields of view for the camera in the instrumented baseball home plate.

[0373] It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows which do not produce optical aberrations for the extremely wide fields of view of the cameras for the instrumented baseball bases. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows which do not produce optical aberrations for the extremely wide fields of view of the camera for the instrumented baseball home plate. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a straightforward means to enable the interchange of optical windows where the windows have different curvatures ranging from plane flat surfaces to shell-like-domed shaped concentric surfaces, for the instrumented baseball bases. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a straightforward means to enable the interchange of optical windows where the windows have different curvatures ranging from plane flat surfaces to shell-like-domed shaped concentric surfaces, for the instrumented baseball home plates. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows that can be replaced easily. For example, if one is damaged, or if it needs to accommodate a different type camera lens. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows suitable for less than extremely wide fields of view. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a buffer plate and an optical window which do not vignette extremely wide fields of view. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows which do not produce optical aberrations for extremely wide fields of view. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a straightforward means to enable the interchange of optical windows where the windows have different curvatures ranging from plane flat surfaces to shell-like-domed shaped concentric surfaces. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a straightforward means to permit damaged optical windows to be replaced easily. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows suitable for less than extremely wide fields of view. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a buffer plate and an optical window which do not vignette extremely wide fields of view. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a straightforward means to enable the interchange of optical windows where the windows have different curvatures ranging from plane flat surfaces to shell-like-domed shaped concentric surfaces. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows which do not produce optical aberrations for the extremely wide fields of view of the camera for the instrumented football. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a straightforward means to permit damaged optical windows to be replaced easily in the instrumented baseball base. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a straightforward means to permit damaged optical windows to be replaced easily. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a straightforward means to permit damaged optical windows to be replaced easily in the instrumented baseball home plate. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a straightforward means to permit damaged optical windows to be replaced easily in the instrumented baseball pitcher's rubber. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows suitable for extremely wide fields of view for the instrumented baseball bases. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows which do not vignette extremely wide fields of view for the instrumented baseball home plate. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a buffer plate and an optical window which do not vignette extremely wide fields of view for the cameras in the instrumented baseball base. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a buffer plate and an optical window which do not vignette extremely wide fields of view for the camera in the instrumented baseball home plate. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows which do not produce optical aberrations for the extremely wide fields of view of the cameras for the instrumented baseball bases. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows which do not produce optical aberrations for the extremely wide fields of view of the camera for the instrumented baseball home plate. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a straightforward means to enable the interchange of optical windows where the windows have different curvatures ranging from plane flat surfaces to shell-like-domed shaped concentric surfaces, for the instrumented baseball bases. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a straightforward means to enable the interchange of optical windows where the windows have different curvatures ranging from plane flat surfaces to shell-like-domed shaped concentric surfaces, for the instrumented baseball home plates. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a straightforward means to permit damaged optical windows to be replaced easily in the instrumented baseball base. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a straightforward means to permit damaged optical windows to be replaced easily in the instrumented baseball home plate. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows suitable for both more or less than extremely wide fields of view for the instrumented baseball bases. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows which do not vignette extremely wide fields of view for the instrumented baseball home plate. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a buffer plate and an optical window which do not vignette extremely wide fields of view for the cameras in the instrumented baseball base. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a buffer plate and an optical window which do not vignette extremely wide fields of view for the camera in the instrumented baseball home plate. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows which do not produce optical aberrations for the extremely wide fields of view of the cameras for the instrumented baseball bases. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows which do not produce optical aberrations for the extremely wide fields of view of the camera for the instrumented baseball home plate. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a straightforward means to enable the interchange of optical windows where the windows have different curvatures ranging from plane flat surfaces to shell-like-domed shaped concentric surfaces, for the instrumented baseball bases. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a straightforward means to enable the interchange of optical windows where the windows have different curvatures ranging from plane flat surfaces to shell-like-domed shaped concentric surfaces, for the instrumented baseball home plates. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows that can be replaced easily. For example, if one is damaged, or if it needs to accommodate a different type camera lens. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows suitable for less than extremely wide fields of view. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a buffer plate and an optical window which do not vignette extremely wide fields of view. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows which do not produce optical aberrations for extremely wide fields of view. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a straightforward means to enable the interchange of optical windows where the windows have different curvatures ranging from plane flat surfaces to shell-like-domed shaped concentric surfaces. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a straightforward means to permit damaged optical windows to be replaced easily. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows suitable for less than extremely wide fields of view. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a buffer plate and an optical window which do not vignette extremely wide fields of view. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a straightforward means to enable the interchange of optical windows where the windows have different curvatures ranging from plane flat surfaces to shell-like-domed shaped concentric surfaces. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a straightforward means to permit damaged optical windows to be replaced easily. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows suitable for less than extremely wide fields of view. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a buffer plate and an optical window which do not vignette extremely wide fields of view. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a straightforward means to enable the interchange of optical windows where the windows have different curvatures ranging from plane flat surfaces to shell-like-domed shaped concentric surfaces. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a straightforward means to permit damaged optical windows to be replaced easily. It is an objective of the present invention to provide optical windows suitable for less than extremely wide fields of view. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a straightforward means to enable the interchange of optical windows where the windows have different curvatures ranging from plane flat surfaces to shell-like-concentric surfaces.

[0374] Buffer Plate Assembly Objectives

[0375] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a buffer plate assembly with an optical window which does not vignette the extremely wide fields of view of the cameras. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a buffer plate assembly with an unobstructed path through which the cameras see onto the playing field from inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a buffer plate assembly that mounts the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia, and protects it from damage and misalignment. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a buffer plate assembly with an optical window that is easily replaceable. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a buffer plate assembly that acts like a bearing and provides a solid and stable mounting for the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a buffer plate assembly that allows the instrumentation package assembly to be aligned. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to align the cameras of the 3-D stereo camera pairs.

[0376] 3-Dimension Stereo Camera Pair Objectives

[0377] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to hold the interpupillary distance of each 3-dimension stereo camera pair to a value suitable for a 3-dimension HD formats needed by the TV viewing audience. It is an objective of the present invention to use 3-dimension stereo camera pairs in the instrumented baseball bases, instrumented baseball home plates, instrumented baseball pitcher's rubbers, and instrumented ice hockey pucks to produce realistic 3-D effects of the game for the TV viewing audience.

[0378] Antenna Array Relay Junction Objectives

[0379] It is an objective of the present invention that the antenna array relay junction receive televised signals simultaneously from a multiplicity of static instrumented sports paraphernalia that are fixed on the playing field. It is an objective of the present invention that the antenna array relay junction(s) receive televised signals from dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia that may move anywhere on the playing field. It is an objective of the present invention that the antenna array relay junction receives televised signals simultaneously from a multiplicity of static instrumented sports paraphernalia that are on the playing field and relays them simultaneously to the remote base station. It is an objective of the present invention that the antenna array relay junction receives command and control signals from the remote base station and relays them to a dynamic instrumented sports paraphernalia that is on the playing field. It is an objective of the present invention that the antenna array relay junction receives command and control signals from the remote base station and relays them simultaneously to a multiplicity of static instrumented sports paraphernalia that are on the playing field.

[0380] Battery Charging Station Objectives

[0381] It is an objective of the present invention to keep the instrumented sports paraphernalia wirelessly charged with electricity by using battery charging stations. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a charging station unit for charging footballs. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a charging station unit for charging footballs wirelessly. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a football charging station unit which has the ability to simultaneously handle the charging, recharging and/or perform comprehensive software assisted diagnostic testing of instrumented footballs in single and/or multiple quantities. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a charging station unit for charging instrumented baseball bases, instrumented baseball home plates, instrumented baseball pitcher's rubbers, and instrumented ice hockey pucks. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a charging station unit for charging instrumented baseball bases, instrumented baseball home plates, instrumented baseball pitcher's rubbers, and instrumented ice hockey pucks wirelessly. It is an objective of the present invention for the instrumented baseball bases, instrumented baseball home plates, instrumented baseball pitcher's rubbers, and instrumented ice hockey pucks to use the same charging station. It is an objective of the current invention to furnish rechargeable battery packs to each of the sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the current invention to provide a straightforward means to permit worn out battery packs to be replaced easily in the instrumented baseball bases, instrumented baseball home plates, and instrumented baseball pitcher's rubbers. It is an objective of the current invention to wirelessly charge the battery packs while the battery packs are inside of their instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the current invention for the status of the battery packs to be monitored by means external to the instrumented sports paraphernalia. It is an objective of the current invention for the battery pack power to be externally controlled and monitored by the cameraman in the remote base station. It is an objective of the current invention for the battery pack power to be externally wirelessly controlled and monitored by the battery pack charging station. It is an objective of the current invention for the battery pack power to be externally wirelessly controlled and monitored by the hand held remote.

[0382] Hand Held Remote Objectives

[0383] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a hand-held remote control unit to enable and disable the instrumentation package assembly mounted inside the instrumented football. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a hand-held remote control unit to enable and disable the instrumentation package assembly mounted inside the instrumented football wirelessly. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a hand-held remote control unit to enable, disable and interrogate the instrumentation package assembly mounted inside the instrumented football wirelessly. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a hand-held remote control unit to enable and disable the instrumentation package assemblies mounted inside the instrumented baseball bases, instrumented baseball home plates, instrumented baseball pitcher's rubbers, and instrumented ice hockey pucks. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a hand-held remote control unit to enable and disable the instrumentation package assemblies mounted inside the instrumented baseball bases, instrumented baseball home plates, instrumented baseball pitcher's rubbers, and instrumented ice hockey pucks wirelessly. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a hand-held remote control unit to enable, disable and interrogate the instrumentation package assemblies mounted inside the instrumented baseball bases, instrumented baseball home plates, instrumented baseball pitcher's rubbers, and instrumented ice hockey pucks wirelessly.

[0384] Tripod Mounted Set-Up Camera System Objectives

[0385] It is an objective of the present invention to gather sample photographic images to create an image database that is subsequently utilized by the remote base station software to enhance, stabilize and/or make upright the real-time images received from the football's cameras during game time.

[0386] Upper Protective Cover Plate Objectives

[0387] It is an objective of the present invention that the upper protective cover plate be made dome shaped so the walls of its bores can surround the optical windows near the very top of the instrumented baseball home plate and shelter them from hits, while still keeping the edge of the protective cover plate far down below the top of the instrumented baseball home plate and well below the surface of the playing field in the ground, so the edge can not be felt by the players if the players impact the top surface of the instrumented baseball home plate. It is an objective of the present invention that the upper protective cover plate provide a clear unobstructed path for the view of the cameras to be unobstructed. It is an objective of the present invention that the upper protective cover plate provide for mounting the microphone on the top of the instrumented baseball home plate. It is an objective of the present invention that the upper protective cover plate be shaped to shield the instrumentation package assembly inside the instrumented baseball home plate from damage during the game.