Neural Network Audio Generation for Immersive NPC Reactions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gaming environments struggle to generate Non-Player Characters (NPCs) that simulate human-like voice reactions effectively, disrupting the immersive experience due to limitations in simulating real-world human player reactions during gameplay.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a neural network to process voice data and gameplay events, correlating player reactions with specific game criteria, and generating audio outputs for NPCs, which includes a database for storing and filtering voice data, and using a large language model for reinforcement learning based on player profiles and engagement metrics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional game logic and artificial intelligence are used to control NPCs, then basic gameplay functions are achieved, but the ability to simulate realistic human player reactions is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNPC reaction realismVSAvoidreaction simulation system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent captures actual human player voice reactions and gameplay data from real players, then uses machine learning models to copy and replicate these human responses in NPCs. The system records genuine player reactions to various game events and trains neural networks to reproduce these patterns, thereby achieving realistic NPC reactions without manually programming each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional rule-based AI and scripted response systems with machine learning and neural network models. Instead of using predetermined if-then logic trees for NPC reactions, the system employs trained neural networks that can generalize from training data to generate appropriate human-like responses to novel gameplay situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If machine learning models are trained on player data to generate realistic NPC reactions, then reaction authenticity is improved, but data processing complexity and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice reaction authenticityVSAvoidneural network processing system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs data collection, cleaning, and model training in advance during an offline phase. Player voice reactions and gameplay data are captured and processed beforehand to train the neural network models. This preliminary preparation allows the runtime system to simply query the trained models for predictions, significantly reducing computational complexity during actual gameplay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer between raw player data and NPC responses. Trained machine learning models serve as intermediaries that have already processed and learned from large datasets of player reactions. These pre-trained models translate complex patterns in player behavior into predictable response patterns that can be efficiently applied to NPC control without requiring real-time complex computations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive player data is collected and processed in real-time, then personalized NPC responses are achieved, but processing time and system latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalized NPC responseVSAvoidreaction generation delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs extensive data processing, model training, and pattern recognition in advance during offline preparation phases. Player behavior patterns are analyzed and encoded into trained neural network models beforehand. During runtime, the system only needs to query these pre-trained models with current game state inputs, which produces personalized NPC responses rapidly without requiring real-time complex analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the NPC response generation process into separate modular components: data collection module, training data preparation module, model training module, and inference module. Each component handles specific tasks independently, allowing parallel processing and optimization. This segmentation enables the system to process comprehensive player data for personalization while maintaining low latency through efficient modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240216810A1Methods and Systems for Applying Machine Learning to Generate Gameplay Audio
Publication Date: 2024.07.04 ACTIVISION PUBLISHING INC
  • US20240216810A1 patent drawing
  • US20240216810A1 patent drawing
  • US20240216810A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method generate audio reactions for a virtual game character that closely resembles reactions of a human player in a multiplayer video game environment. The method includes capturing reactions of human players and correlating the captured reactions with one or more coinciding game events that have triggered those reactions. The correlated information is used to train a neural network that subsequently aids in generating audio reactions for non-player characters during a similar game event.