Sony patents game video tricks that swap speed for quality
Sony describes a method for cloud gaming servers that adjusts video compression settings during non-interactive parts of a game, such as cutscenes. By increasing the number of specific video frames, the system uses less internet bandwidth but makes the video slightly slower to load. The system automatically switches back to faster loading when the player starts controlling the character again.
In the filing’s own words
Methods, systems, and code for video games that can exploit opportunities to vary one or more parameters to change a compromise between a first characteristic and a second characteristic to improve overall game performance. In one example, an opportunity to compromise a first characteristic to improve a second characteristic can be detected as the beginning or occurrence of a noninteractive sequence or cutscene. A parameter that can be changed is the number of b-frames in a group of frames of encoded video data. A first characteristic, latency, can be compromised by the increase in b-frames, but latency might not be as important during a cutscene. A second characteristic, bandwidth utilization, can be reduced and thereby improved by the use of the increased number of b-frames.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A computer-implemented method of generating images for a game, the method comprising, with a server: determining an opportunity to compromise a first characteristic to improve a second characteristic; in response to the opportunity, changing a first parameter to compromise the first characteristic and improve the second characteristic; changing the first parameter to improve the first characteristic; and cease compromising the first characteristic.
Facts
- Company
- Sony (Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.)
- Official title
- VIDEO SMOOTHING BY SELECTIVE USE OF B-FRAMES
- Publication number
- US20260295399A1
- Application number
- 19096376
- Filed
- Mar 31, 2025
- Published
- Oct 1, 2026
- Inventors
- 2
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
A63F 13/358 Human necessitiesA63F 2300/534 Human necessitiesMore from Sony in AI & software
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.