Participant-Aware Virtual Background Rules for Video Conferences

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional conferencing software lacks the capability to dynamically set virtual backgrounds that reflect the current characteristics or conditions of conference participants, leading to a lack of engagement and interest.

Innovation Solution

Implementing dynamic, participant-aware virtual backgrounds (VBGs) using VBG rules that allow conferencing software to change backgrounds based on participant characteristics during an ongoing conference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If static virtual backgrounds are used in conferencing software, then the system complexity is low and ease of operation is maintained, but participant engagement and interest deteriorate due to lack of dynamism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability of virtual backgroundsVSAvoidcomplexity of conferencing software

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic virtual backgrounds that automatically change based on participant characteristics such as location, time of day, and environmental conditions. The system transitions from static to dynamic background rendering by continuously monitoring participant data and updating background images in real-time, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through automated processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs self-service mechanisms where the conferencing software automatically selects and applies appropriate virtual backgrounds without requiring manual user intervention. The software monitors participant characteristics and autonomously updates backgrounds based on pre-configured rules, reducing operational complexity while enhancing adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic virtual backgrounds are implemented, then participant engagement and interest are enhanced, but the complexity of the conferencing software increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic background capabilityVSAvoidease of using conferencing software

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically monitors participant characteristics and applies appropriate virtual backgrounds without requiring users to manually select or configure background options. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation by eliminating complex user interactions while delivering dynamic background functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where participant characteristics (location, time, environmental data) are continuously monitored and fed back to the background selection logic. This automated feedback loop enables dynamic background adaptation while keeping the user interface simple and easy to operate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12477080B1Dynamic virtual backgrounds

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 ZOOM COMMUNICATIONS INC

AI summary

A virtual-background (VBG) rule for setting a first target VBG of a first conference participant of at least two conference participants of a video conference is identified. The at least two conference participants include the first conference participant and a second conference participant. The VBG rule identifies a VBG source. The first target VBG for the first conference participant set using the VBG rule is different from a second target VBG for the second conference participant set using the VBG rule. A VBG datum is obtained from the VBG source. The first target VBG is set using the VBG datum to obtain a target output image. The target output image is transmitted for display or is displayed.