Electronic Arts seems to be interested in using artificial intelligence to ease the Herculean task of importing characters into digital worlds. A recently discovered patent filed by EA shows a new technology that could shake up how developers and modders breathe life into virtual worlds. The technology appears to be aimed at bringing more variety into Electronic Arts titles.
Currently, bringing human models into the digital world is a somewhat arduous task requiring skilled artists to create meshes that encompass a human body. That time exponentially increases when one realizes the range of variety of a human species, from large lips to sharp elbows, or sloped noses to elongated ears. These skills tend to remove the ability to create custom meshes, instead relegating players to make do with whatever character configurator a title like Skyrim offers.
An Electronic Arts patent potentially allow a two-dimensional image to be turned into a three-dimensional model. This model can then be dressed as necessary within an engine, and immediately implemented into the game world. Content designers can then work on re-applying clothing and behaviors (such as gait or other quirks), and animate the skeleton as necessary. It takes a lot tedium out of generating meshes, as the system notes the images’ dimensions and extrapolates that onto a custom 3D model.
The patent appears to allude toward Electronic Arts’ longstanding successful franchise The Sims. Other possible uses are for Electronic Arts’ perennial sports franchises like FIFA and Madden NFL. Using the digital catalog of clothing, users could dress up a recently uploaded model and import the newly crafted character into the game. The system will attempt to recognize clothing worn in the 2D image, and propose items within the digital library to match. The patent seems to be poised for ease of use and references both consumer and developer application.
The technology as it’s proposed in the patent clearly defines the mechanics as a means for characters to simply and effectively include themselves, and others, into the digital world. The ability to scan a photo and attempt to match its apparel with a built-in clothing library is a deft touch that could encourage users to flesh out their digital wardrobe. It should be noted, however, that Electronic Arts potentially lowering the bar for creating custom 3D meshes using only a picture of an individual could lead to concerns similar to deep fakes.
Source: USPTO
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