Adaptive AI Characters for Single-Player Multiplayer Environments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Single-player video games lack the interactive and adaptive elements provided by human players, as computer-controlled characters are limited in their ability to adapt and assist during gameplay, failing to replicate the cooperative and competitive experiences of multi-player environments.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows a single user to play a multi-player game by selecting and downloading customized AI characters based on real human players, which can be chosen from themed packs and interact within the game environment in various modes, such as active, passive, or tutorial modes, ensuring realistic gameplay and adaptive assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If computer-controlled characters are used in single-player games, then the game can be played alone, but the characters lack intelligence and adaptability to provide meaningful assistance or interaction

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAI character adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates AI characters by copying and analyzing actual human player behavior patterns, game strategies, and interaction styles. The system records and processes real player data to generate realistic AI personalities that can adapt their behavior during gameplay, providing intelligent assistance without requiring complex manual programming of each scenario

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where AI characters continuously monitor gameplay conditions, player needs, and environmental factors to dynamically adjust their behavior. This allows the AI to learn from gameplay outcomes and modify their assistance strategies in real-time, enhancing adaptability while managing complexity through automated learning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If tutorials are included to guide players, then users can learn game mechanics, but it reduces the challenge and satisfaction of playing on their own

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame guidanceVSAvoidgame challenge
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements localized, context-sensitive guidance where AI characters provide help only in specific situations and locations within the game world. Rather than comprehensive tutorials, the system delivers targeted assistance based on the player's current needs, maintaining challenge while providing necessary guidance in a natural, non-intrusive manner

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The AI character serves as an intermediary between the game system and the player, translating complex game mechanics into natural, context-appropriate guidance. The mediator provides information and assistance organically through gameplay interactions rather than explicit tutorial instructions, preserving game immersion and challenge

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multi-player mode is implemented, then users can interact and learn from other players, but it requires multiple users and complex networking infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractive gameplayVSAvoidnetworking complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system captures and replicates human player behaviors, communication patterns, and strategic approaches by creating AI characters based on recorded player data. This allows single-player experiences to incorporate the interactive and learning elements of multi-player games without requiring actual multiple players or complex networking infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The AI character platform serves multiple functions: it can act as a cooperative partner, competitive opponent, tutorial guide, or social companion depending on configuration. This universal character system replicates the versatility of multi-player interactions within a single-player framework, eliminating the need for separate multi-player networking systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10092839B2Multi-player video game environment for single-player use
Publication Date: 2018.10.09 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • US10092839B2 patent drawing
  • US10092839B2 patent drawing
  • US10092839B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multi-player game environment is created for single-player use. A user may select a single-player game or a multi-player game. When the user chooses a multi-player game, the user is prompted to select one or more customized AI characters. The AI characters may be available individually or in themed “packs.” The selected AI character or pack may be downloaded, stored, or otherwise made accessible to an electronic entertainment system. The user may select a mode or skill level for each AI character. The user may begin playing the game in a multi-player mode with the game environment populated with an avatar effectuating behaviors of the selected AI character or characters.