Sony’s patents include the idea of reducing input lag by using artificial intelligence to predict which buttons you’ll press next.
Two new Sony patents have been discovered that will allow players to aim the DualSense like a pistol and use artificial intelligence to predict the player’s actions.
The first, discovered by GameRant, was filed last June and made public earlier this month. The patent concerns a trigger for the DualSense controller, which adds realism to gunplay.
In theory, players will hold the controller sideways with one hand, using the space between the R1 and R2 shoulder buttons as a crosshair.
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The patent also suggests that it could be combined with other equipment or accessories, including a VR headset. Although with the Sense PS VR2 controllers I don’t know why this is needed.
Moreover, the controller arms don’t seem long enough to me to accommodate the player’s hands and trigger system, and the weight of the controller would be uneven to be supported for long periods of time.
The second patent is perhaps more interesting as it could be used to reduce latency in online games by using AI to predict player actions in advance (thanks to tech4gamers).
The patent involves using a camera to observe the player and controller, recording actions and allowing AI to predict which buttons will be pressed next. Another option is to use partial controller actions instead, allowing the AI to guess players’ intentions.
Essentially, this will help reduce latency—the delay between player input and in-game action—which can be a major issue during online gaming.
Other recent patents discovered by tech4gamers include using AI accounts to impersonate players and catch cheaters, as well as providing real-time in-game location information to help frustrated players, and detecting erratic button presses and verbal outbursts.
Of course, these patents don’t mean these ideas will necessarily come to fruition, but it’s always interesting to see what companies might be working on.
Previous Sony patents include features such as predictive artificial intelligence assistance, adaptive difficulty, or the ability for players to replay the game at certain trigger points. Many patents seem to address accessibility issues.