Automated Video Game Localization System with Phrase Reuse

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional video game localization process is expensive and complicated, requiring manual translation and recompilation of source code, leading to lengthy delays due to geographical differences between developers and translators.

Innovation Solution

An automated system for video game localization workflow management that includes a method and apparatus for translating and substituting phrases in video games across multiple languages, using a processor to detect changes in game code, generate localization alerts, and reuse existing translations, allowing translators and reviewers to work independently without recompiling the source code.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual translation and recompilation of source code is performed, then translation accuracy can be ensured, but development time and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetranslation accuracyVSAvoiddevelopment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting code changes, extracting translation strings, and notifying translators before formal translation processes begin. This advance preparation eliminates waiting periods and enables parallel processing of translation tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The localization system serves itself by automatically detecting code modifications, extracting translation requirements, and managing the translation workflow without requiring developer intervention for recompilation. Translators can independently verify translations by running the game with dictionary files.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If translators are given privileges to compile source code, then they can immediately verify translations, but system security and code integrity are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetranslation verification speedVSAvoidsystem security

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates translation verification from source code compilation by using independent dictionary files that contain translation data. Translators can load and test these dictionary files without needing compiler privileges, thus maintaining security while enabling verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Dictionary files serve as an intermediary between translators and the game executable. Translators work with these intermediate files to verify translations without direct access to source code or compilation processes, maintaining system security while enabling independent verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If developers and translators are in different time zones, then global collaboration is enabled, but communication delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglobal collaboration capabilityVSAvoidcommunication delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where translators receive immediate notifications when code changes require new translations, and developers receive notifications when translations are complete. This automated feedback loop eliminates the need for continuous communication across time zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting code changes and preparing translation tasks before translators need to review them. This advance preparation ensures that translators always have up-to-date translation requirements without needing real-time communication with developers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Stability of the object's composition

If exact phrase matching is used for translation reuse, then translation consistency is improved, but flexibility in handling variations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetranslation consistencyVSAvoidhandling of phrase variations

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different matching strategies at different levels: exact matching for complete phrases to ensure consistency, and more flexible matching for individual words or partial phrases to handle variations. This localized quality approach maintains consistency where needed while providing flexibility where appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9910850B2System and method of localizing assets using text substitutions

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 ADEIA MEDIA HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

A system and method for translating a phrase for video game development for games to be made available in a plurality of natural languages is disclosed. The method includes determining that code for a video game being developed has been created or modified. The method further includes inspecting the code to determine whether a phrase to be displayed or to be spoken during game play is present therein, wherein the phrase comprises a plurality of words. The method further includes comparing the entire phrase to a collection of phrases for which one or more translations to another natural language are already available, and if an exact match is determined, then reusing the one or more available translations for one or more corresponding languages.