NPC Sound Perception for Detection Beyond Visual Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
In virtual game scenes, non-player characters (NPCs) cannot accurately perform behavioral operations due to reliance on visual perception, failing to interact with players when they are hidden behind obstacles, leading to blind spots in vision.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize sound propagation to control NPCs by determining the sound level and propagation distance of a player's sound, allowing NPCs to perform behavioral operations when the sound level is greater than or equal to a threshold, even if the player is out of sight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NPC relies on visual perception to detect player, then NPC can identify player when in sight, but NPC cannot detect player when hidden behind obstacles or in blind spots
Solution Approach 1:
The NPC is equipped with multiple perception capabilities including both visual perception and sound perception. The visual perception module detects players within line of sight, while the sound perception module detects players through audio signals. This multi-functional approach ensures the NPC can detect players regardless of whether they are in visual range, thereby improving detection reliability and adaptability across different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
Sound serves as an intermediary medium to bridge the gap between the NPC and the player when visual detection fails. The sound perception system captures audio signals from the player's movements and transmits them to the NPC's detection system, enabling the NPC to locate and respond to players hidden behind obstacles or in blind spots.
2Device complexity
If NPC uses only visual perception based on distance and angle, then the system is simple, but the NPC cannot accurately detect player when obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The perception system integrates multiple detection functions: visual detection based on distance and angle, and sound detection based on audio signal analysis. This multi-functional system maintains relative simplicity while significantly improving detection accuracy by providing alternative detection pathways when visual detection is blocked.
3Ease of operation
If NPC interaction is limited to visual line of sight, then the interaction model is simple, but player engagement decreases when hidden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical visual line-of-sight interaction model with an acoustic field-based detection system. Sound waves propagate through the environment and can reach the NPC even when the player is visually obscured. This substitution maintains operational simplicity while dramatically improving player engagement by allowing continuous interaction regardless of visual obstructions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables NPCs to accurately perform behavioral operations by considering sound perception, improving interaction accuracy and player engagement by allowing interactions even when the player is not visually detectable.
Implementation Method 1
A method and apparatus that utilize sound propagation to control NPCs by determining the sound level and propagation distance of a player's sound
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an NPC includes obtaining a first sound level and a first propagation distance of a first sound made by a first player character at a first position in a virtual scene. The method further includes, when a distance between an NPC and the first player character is less than the first propagation distance and less than a preset hearing radius of the NPC, determining a sound level of the first sound heard by the NPC in the virtual scene according to the first sound level and the distance between the NPC and the first player character. The method further includes controlling, by a server, the NPC to perform a behavioral operation corresponding to the first sound when the sound level of the first sound heard by the NPC is greater than or equal to a first sound level threshold.