Sony patents method to compress game graphics using AI
Sony describes a way to compress image data for video games by using a machine learning model to predict the best compression settings. The system analyzes pixel changes to choose how to group data, aiming to keep images clear while using less storage space.
In the filing’s own words
An encoder may select a BC7 partition by computing gradient strengths between adjacent pixels in multiple directions and shortlisting candidate partitions based on strength. Gradient totals may be scaled to normalize different counts of adjacent pixel pairs across directions. A partition may then chosen from the shortlist by evaluating per channel extents within the partition subsets with optional weighting by subset size and reuse of intermediate minimum and maximum bounds. Alpha contributions may be omitted for blocks in which all pixels are fully opaque. The selected partition may be used to process a block for storage or transmission and later decompression at a rendering device, and the approach can be combined with mode selection predicted from features based on per channel ranges.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor assembly configured to: receive at least a first block of pixels of texture data; select a block compression mode for the first block at least in part by: computing at least one feature associated with a per-channel range of pixel values within the first block; inputting the at least one feature to a trained machine learning (ML) model to predict a per-mode compression error; and selecting the block compression mode based on an output of the trained ML model; and process the first block a using the selected block compression mode and a selected partition for storage or transmission thereof for decompression at a rendering device.
Facts
- Company
- Sony (Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC)
- Official title
- OPTIMIZED PARTITION SELECTION FOR BC7 TEXTURE ENCODING
- Publication number
- US20260330690A1
- Application number
- 19728210
- Filed
- Jul 1, 2026
- Published
- Oct 22, 2026
- Inventors
- 1
- Claims
- 15
Classified under
G06T 9/00 Physics & computingH04N 19/176 Electricity & electronicsH04N 19/66 Electricity & electronicsMore 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.