"Patrol patterns" refers to the particular routes or paths followed by patrolling individuals or groups, such as police officers, security guards, or military personnel, in order to protect an area or maintain security. Full definition
But when you're not in a scripted action sequence you'll spend the rest of the game slowly stealth walking and watching patrol patterns. (gamesrevisited.com)
He also said this influences guard patrol patterns, thus increasing replayability for the game. (metalgearinformer.com)
Most guards have simple patrol patterns where they walk back and forth along a single hall, and they don't change that behavior even if they see a fellow guard take a bullet to the head. (gameinformer.com)