PlayStation has filed a patent (Timed Input/Action Release) that initially looks very similar to Google Stadia’s negative latency technology. However, this is not the case—more on that later. This patent aims to tackle a common issue many gamers face—timing-related input problems that cause delayed or missed actions, also known as latency.
We’ll dive into what this patent is all about, how it works, and how it compares to similar technologies like Stadia’s negative latency. We’ll also explore the potential benefits and what this innovation could mean for the future of PlayStation titles.
What’s the Problem?
In many games, we rely on controller buttons or gestures to trigger actions like jumping, shooting, or interacting with objects. However, there is often a delay between when we press a button and when the game executes that action. This can cause frustration when you press a button too early or too late, resulting in mistakes or missed opportunities.
For example, you might press the jump button in a platformer, but due to input lag, your character jumps too late, falling off the edge. Or, if you expect a delay and press the button too early, your character might jump too soon or miss a timed action.
While this is a common problem, PlayStation’s new patent may have a solution.
The Solution: Timed Input Release
The core idea behind PlayStation’s patent is to predict and adjust the timing of player inputs in real-time. PlayStation’s system uses sensors (like cameras or game controllers) to predict your next action before you’ve fully completed it. The system can then release the action either in advance or delay it until the right time in the game.
For example, if you are about to press a button, the system can predict that action and trigger it in advance, even if you haven’t fully pressed the button yet. Similarly, if you press a button early, the system can delay the command to release it at the right time in the game.
This means you wouldn’t have to worry about pressing a button too early or too late. The game would automatically adjust to ensure your input happens at the perfect time.
How Does It Work?
The system works by using input from various sensors. These can include cameras that track your gestures, or the buttons on a game controller. The sensors send data to a local processor (PS5) that uses machine learning models to predict and time the release of your command based on what’s happening in the game.
In some cases, the system can predict an action like jumping by analyzing the movement of your thumb towards the jump button. Or, it could delay a command until a game action (such as a character approaching an enemy) triggers the correct timing.
Machine learning models can also help improve the system over time by learning from your behaviour, making the timing adjustments even more accurate the more you play.
Comparing PlayStation’s Timed Input Release to Google Stadia’s Negative Latency
PlayStation’s patent introduces a concept similar to Google Stadia’s “negative latency,” though there are some key differences in how each system works. Both systems aim to improve gameplay by reducing the perception of input lag, but they do so in slightly different ways.
Stadia’s negative latency used machine learning to predict the player’s next move and preemptively processed those actions before they were actually completed. The goal was to make the gaming experience feel immediate, even though the physical latency of cloud gaming was still present. While this technology was innovative, it wasn’t always accurate and could face challenges in fast or unpredictable game scenarios.
PlayStation’s system, in contrast, doesn’t just rely on predicting actions in advance. It also allows for adjusting the timing of actions either before or after they are completed, depending on the context. For example, if a player presses a button too early, the system can delay the input until the right moment in the game. This could make the system more versatile and potentially more accurate in real-time gameplay, addressing a wider variety of scenarios.
While Stadia focused on predicting actions ahead of time, PlayStation’s approach combines prediction with real-time adaptation to the game’s events. This gives you more control over when and how your actions are processed, offering a more personalized and adaptive experience.
Why Does This Matter?
This patent could drastically improve the responsiveness of games, especially in fast-paced or precise action scenarios. For instance, in games where timing is crucial—like rhythm games, platformers, or competitive shooters—being able to time actions perfectly can make the game feel more responsive and enjoyable.
It can also eliminate frustration for those who frequently experience lag. If the system can accurately predict and adjust for input timing, you’ll feel more in control, which could lead to better performance and satisfaction.
Additionally, this technology could have significant implications for cloud gaming. As cloud-based services rely on streaming games from remote servers, input lag becomes a major concern. By predicting and adjusting inputs in real-time, PlayStation’s system could help reduce the latency often associated with cloud gaming. This could be a game-changer for those using cloud gaming services, as it would improve responsiveness without relying on faster internet speeds or more powerful hardware.
Customization and Flexibility
The best part of this system is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For those worried that this new patent would essentially have “the game play itself”, PlayStation’s patent also includes options to customize the feature.
For example, you could choose to turn off predictive input entirely, or use it selectively based on your preferences. This would allow everyone from casual players to hardcore gamers to enjoy a more tailored experience.
The Future of Gaming: PlayStation’s Patent and What It Means for Gamers
PlayStation’s new patent aims to improve gameplay by predicting and adjusting input timing for smoother, more responsive action. If successfully implemented, this technology could make games feel more intuitive, reducing input lag and allowing players to focus on what matters most: enjoying the game.
It’s exciting to think about how this kind of technology could improve future PlayStation games and cloud gaming. As gaming continues to evolve, PlayStation is clearly looking for new ways to make gameplay as seamless as possible for everyone. Keep an eye out for updates on how this technology is integrated into upcoming PlayStation games and how it could shape the future of gaming.
What do you think about this new patent? Share your thoughts on how this could change the way we play games in the comments below!
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Sounds like very interesting tech!