Language Interface Pack Library for Dynamic Video Game Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video game development requires reworking game code for new language support, increasing costs and reducing the likelihood of supporting multiple languages, as existing language pack technologies are not effectively adapted for the video game industry, particularly on console platforms like XBOX 360.
Innovation Solution
A Language Interface Pack (LIP) library is integrated into video games to dynamically detect and load localized resources based on user preferences, allowing for efficient language support with a fallback system to ensure game functionality even without preferred language resources, reducing development time and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If language support is hard-coded into game code, then language resources can be reliably loaded, but adding new languages requires reworking code which increases costs and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments language resources from game code by using separate language pack files that can be independently created, updated, and loaded. This allows language support to be added without reworking the core game code, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts language resources into separate external files (language packs) that are independent from the game executable. This extraction enables language support to be modified without affecting game code, allowing rapid addition of new languages without increasing development costs.
2Ease of operation
If MUI technology is used on console platforms, then language resources can be managed efficiently, but console operating systems lack built-in MUI-type technology for fast and memory efficient resource retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a language pack manager as an intermediary component that handles language resource retrieval on console platforms. This mediator implements efficient resource loading and fallback logic without requiring the entire MUI system, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining platform compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The language pack technology is designed to be universal across different platforms including consoles and PCs. The same language pack format and loading mechanism work on XBOX 360 and Windows systems, achieving multi-functionality that resolves the platform compatibility issue.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive language localization is implemented, then sales potential increases, but development costs and time requirements increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by creating a standardized language pack structure and automatic detection mechanism during game development. This preparation enables rapid addition of new languages later without requiring extensive rework, thus reducing the time loss associated with comprehensive localization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by allowing language packs to be replicated and distributed independently. Once a language pack infrastructure is established, new language support can be added by copying the pack structure and filling in translated content, significantly reducing the time required for comprehensive localization.
Data Source
AI summary
A code library, or “language interface pack” library, is provided that can be integrated into a video game to detect new localizations of the video game dynamically, and to locate and load the most appropriate localized resources depending on user preferences and available localized game content. If no localized content is available in the preferred language, a fallback system ensures that the game always receives the location of existing game content in another language.