New features in Kynapse 2012 include:

• Faster and Smaller: Kynapse 2012 uses less memory than previous versions and performs better. This new release gives developers control over the trade-off between CPU and memory consumption versus the precision of the AI solution. On the Sony PLAYSTATION® 3 platform, navigation mesh algorithms can now execute on a SPU (Synergistic Processing Unit).
• Easier to Develop and Integrate: Improvements have been made so that developers can better integrate Kynapse and use advanced features. "Path objects", items in a game level, such as doors, elevators and ladders that a non-playing character might interact with are now much easier to use.
• Dynamic 3D Pathfinding for Complex Terrains: Non-player characters (NPCs) move intelligently, even in complex, destructible environments. Kynapse path-finding technology supports:
  
  
  • Multiple entity types, including bipeds
  • Both large and complex 3D topology
  • Dynamic objects management, including doors and ladders
  • Dynamic avoidance
  • Destructible terrain management
  • Constrained path finding (shortest path, stealthiest path, dangerous zone avoidance, custom constraints support)
  • Terrain type tagging
  • Path finding constrained on a specific terrain type
• Dynamic 3D Perception: If 3D pathfinding tells characters how to go from A to B, dynamic 3D perception tells them why B is an interesting location. As such, 3D perception is a key to creating sophisticated, engaging characters. Kynapse 3D perception technology has:
  
  
  • Automatic AI data generation
  • Optimized topological tests
  • Dynamic 3D topology analysis (run-time identification of key topological zones, including hiding places, surrounding spots, and opposite flank assault access ways)
• Large-Scale AI: The intelligent, high-performance Kynapse AI engine was designed to handle large crowds in wide, complex, destructible environments. Kynapse provides automated hierarchical AI data generation, AI data streaming, automated AI data stitching, and background perception updates for large number of NPCs.
• Decision-Making (Thinking Logic): Kynapse comes with a framework for implementing user-specific decision making.
• Automated Data Generation: Automated generation and stitching of navigation and perception data save users a significant amount of time and effort. The data generation can be customized to include gameplay data with no input terrain format or geometry constraints. Kynapse data generation has:
  
  
  • Automated generation of AI graphs and meshes
  • Automated AI graph and AI mesh stitching
• Performance: Kynapse helps maximize runtime performance through:
  
  
  • Time-slicing mechanisms
  • Customizable memory management
  • Multiple algorithmic modes
  • Optimized data
  • Platform specific optimizations (synergistic processing unit (SPU), multi-threading, multi-core)
  • Data streaming
• High-Performance Architecture: The Kynapse libraries are relatively easy to customize and integrate into many game engines through the library's modular API. The architecture offers a clear and structured programming approach, with an obvious separation between code and data. Kynapse code is reusable and independent of the game engine.
• Extensive Gaming Platform Support: Kynapse middleware is available as a set of libraries that can be integrated into many game engines. It is, in fact, already integrated with some of the most frequently licensed game engines, including the Unreal^® Engine 3. The middleware is available for: PLAYTSTATION^® 3, Xbox 360^®, Nintendo^® Wii^™ video game and entertainment consoles, and PCs (Linux and Windows, 32 and 64 bit).

Learn more at www.autodesk.com/kynapse.