Products: Technology

Approach

To generate virtual character behaviors, Kynogon has developed a generic approach that follows the below sequence

Step 1 : Perception. Perception is based on a specific modeling of the world relevant for behavior generation: the PathData. They are the equivalent of polygons for rendering or collision meshes for physics. They are generated automatically and constitute the basis for 3D navigation and 3D perception.

Step 2 : Decision making. Based on perception inputs and decision principles (script or autonomous brain), a character makes a decision and selects which behavior to activate.

Step 3 : Action . Decision is then translated into actions. Complex 3D pathfinding is one of the main functionnality of the action step.

Design

Core technology is split into 4 layers fully open for customization or extension. Each layer offers production tools that significantly accelerate production process and simplify behavior tuning.

	Description	Tool
Core	Architecture has been designed to ensure: - easy integration - extension and customization - high performances	Architecture configuration and parameters tuning
Services	Service functionalities like 3D pathfinding are shared by several behavioral Agents	Automatic data generation and edition
Agents	An Agent is a behavior (e.g. attack, flee, hide, overtake, explore, etc)
Brain	Relevant Agents are activated by a brain. The decision making process can be scripted according to a scenario or completely autonomous	Decision design tools

Features

Below is a brief list of functionalities that can be provided by Kynogon's technology.

3D Perceptions
Automatic A.I. data generation
Ergonomic A.I. data editing
Optimized topological tests
Management of sensual perception (sight, smell, sound)
3D topology dynamic analysis (Access Ways, Key
Topological Points, etc.)

3D Pathfinding
All entity types support (bipeds, vehicles, rotary wings, etc.)
Large & complex 3D topology support
Dynamic objects management (doors, elevators, ladders, ...)
Dynamic avoidance
Constrained path finding (Shortest path, Stealthiest path,
Dangerous zone avoidance, Custom constraints support)
Multiple path following modes
Multiple Heuristics modes

Large Scale A.I.
Automatic hierarchical A.I. data generation
Hierarchical A.I. data streaming
Hierarchical 3D path finding for large terrains
Background perception update for large number of NPCs

Team
Dynamic team composition
Team-mates communication

Decision (thinking logic)
C brains support
C++ brains support
LUA script brains support

Agents (high level actions)
Movement (Goto, Follow, Flee, Wander, Follow path, Hide)
Fighting (Contact, Shoot, Hide & Shoot)
Cooperation
Custom Agent support

Production Tools
Architecture configuration
Automatic A.I. data generation
A.I. data editing
Automatic hierarchical A.I. data generation

Data
A.I. graphs
A.I. mesches

Performances
Time-slicing mechanisms
Customizable memory management
Multiple algorithmic modes
Optimized data

Architecture
Extendable APIs
Available as librairies or as a remote server
Clear separation between code & data
Structured development via a "lego" approach
Code reusable throughout projects

Documentation
650 pages documentation
Tutorials & examples with full source code

Advantages

Expertise : Middleware reduces internal expertise development risks.

Off-the-shelf solutions : Ready-to-use solutions accelerate production.

Profitability: Middleware is a good alternative to reduce development cost and improve revenues :
Better time-to-market (faster production)
R&D costs become flexible
Final product quality is higher (better tuning, innovation, etc.)

Best in class technology : Kynogon technology offers innovative and highly performing solutions with no equivalent on the market.

Concept test: AI concepts are usually difficult to test. With Kynogon products, it is easy to develop prototypes in order to test concepts.

Tuning: Tuning is key for behaviors and takes place at the end of production. With Kynogon products, development teams can spend more time on tuning.

Publisher Management: Prototypes are often missing behaviors. With Kynogon products, AI is included early in production and game publishers feel secure as they start interacting very early.