Sony files image reconstruction patent that sounds similar to DLSS 2.0, possibly for use on PS5

Horizon Zero Dawn Combat Thunderjaw
Horizon Zero Dawn Combat Thunderjaw (Image credit: Sony)

What you need to know

  • Sony has filed a new patent on image reconstruction techniques.
  • It's theoretically similar to NVIDIA's DLSS 2.0 system.
  • This could end up being used in PS5 games.

Sony has filed a patent for image reconstruction techniques that sound similar to NVIDIA's DLSS 2.0. This design could be used in PS5 games over the years to come. The patent description notes that it uses multiple images and machine learning to generate new data.

Some existing PlayStation games, such as Horizon Zero Dawn and Death Stranding, use checkerboard rendering to present an overall cleaner image than a resolution lower than 4K could normally provide. A more advanced reconstruction system similar to DLSS 2.0 could provide even higher-quality images.

Now, it's worth noting that this doesn't necessarily mean anything. Companies like Sony file patents on technology on the time and then never follow up on the concepts that have been patented. Still, it's a neat possibility worth paying attention to. For a better understanding of just what DLSS 2.0 is, how it works and why it's a big deal, I recommend watching this video from Digital Foundry:

While it's probably far too soon for upcoming PS5 games like Horizon Forbidden West, it'll be interesting to see if this ends up being used aftert the PS5 has been out for a few years.

Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert is a freelance writer covering gaming news, previews, reviews, interviews and different aspects of the gaming industry, specifically focusing on PlayStation on Android Central. You can find him on Twitter @SamuelTolbert