This month's AI & Machine Learning category includes 9 granted patents from Sony (3), Adeia (1), Beijing Zitiao Network Technology (1), EA (1), Koei Tecmo Games (1), Activision Blizzard (1), and Tencent (1).
The patents cover systems that use neural networks and machine learning to create more adaptive gameplay experiences, including Activision's AI-powered NPCs that learn from real player behavior and Sony's real-time ghost player guides. Several companies address NPC intelligence and coordination, with Tencent optimizing behavior tree switching based on player proximity, Koei Tecmo maintaining battle formations through position algorithms, and Beijing Zitiao enabling AI agents to communicate battle intentions to human teammates. Other applications include EA's motion capture gap-filling technology, Sony's crowd-sourced bot training through viewer feedback, Sony's kernel function based player preference detection, and Adeia's performance metric driven VOD recommendation system.
Sony received 3 patents this month. The first describes an AI ghost player that appears on-screen during gameplay, analyzing the current state of the game in real-time and demonstrating how to overcome specific challenges through visible actions rather than static hints. A second patent covers a preference detection system that uses kernel functions to monitor behavioral signals like time spent in-game and control inputs, automatically adjusting audio, video, and gameplay parameters without requiring players to fill out surveys. The third patent enables spectators or other players to train game bots by approving or disapproving AI decisions while watching gameplay streams, applying reinforcement learning through crowd-sourced human feedback instead of predefined reward functions.
Activision Blizzard received 1 patent for a system that generates AI-controlled characters based on neural network analysis of real player behavior. The technology continuously collects telemetry data from human players and trains models that can replicate specific individuals, creating bots that mirror the skill levels, tactics, and playstyles of friends or professional players across different game types and platforms.
EA received 1 patent for motion capture processing technology that uses machine learning to predict missing marker data during animation capture sessions. The system analyzes surrounding frames to fill gaps automatically, replacing the manual frame-by-frame correction work that animators would otherwise need to perform.
Tencent received 1 patent for managing NPC behavior in open-world games by switching between multiple behavior trees based on distance from the player. Characters near the player run complex AI routines while distant NPCs use simpler calculations, reducing server load while maintaining the appearance of detailed animation for nearby characters.
Koei Tecmo Games received 1 patent addressing the problem of troops mingling unnaturally during diagonal battlefield clashes. The system automatically repositions attacked characters back toward their original formation areas after combat interactions, maintaining organized battle lines even when units collide at oblique angles.
Beijing Zitiao Network Technology received 1 patent for an AI communication system that allows game agents to send messages expressing their tactical intentions to human teammates. The model processes game state and existing chat context to generate appropriate in-game communications from AI players, enabling cooperative coordination between human and artificial participants.
Adeia received 1 patent for recommending gaming video content based on performance metrics across multiple game phases. The system filters VOD suggestions by checking whether pre-game expectations align with actual in-game performance and post-game statistics, focusing on gameplay consistency rather than popularity or viewing history alone.
All data sourced from USPTO patent filings. Google Patents may take several weeks to index recent publications. If a link is unavailable, search for the patent number at USPTO Patent Public Search.