Unified AI Virtual Backgrounds Across Conference Streams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional video conferencing software lacks a convenient way for participants to change their virtual backgrounds during an ongoing conference, requiring users to navigate complex user interface menus, disrupting the conference experience and limiting the ability to select relevant background images.

Innovation Solution

Implementing generative artificial intelligence software to dynamically generate virtual background images based on inputs such as text prompts, real-time transcriptions, or previously generated media, allowing for the creation of contextually relevant backgrounds during a video conference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional video conferencing software uses pre-set virtual background options, then users can select from available backgrounds, but users cannot dynamically change backgrounds during ongoing conferences without disrupting the conference experience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to change virtual backgrounds during conferenceVSAvoidconference disruption when changing backgrounds

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically generates virtual background images using AI based on conference content, eliminating the need for manual selection and application switching. The background changes occur seamlessly without requiring user intervention or conference disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-generates multiple candidate background images based on conference transcriptions and context before they are needed, then automatically selects and applies the most relevant background when appropriate, avoiding last-minute manual changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If users manually navigate interface menus to select virtual backgrounds, then users can choose from pre-set options, but the process is complex and disrupts the conference flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirtual background selection capabilityVSAvoiduser interface complexity for background selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The AI system automatically analyzes conference content and generates appropriate virtual backgrounds without requiring users to navigate menus or make selections. The system serves itself by autonomously completing the background selection task based on conference context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of navigating menus and selecting backgrounds is replaced with an automated AI system that generates and applies backgrounds programmatically based on conference transcriptions and contextual analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional systems use pre-generated virtual background images, then users have background options available, but the backgrounds lack contextual relevance to the conference discussion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontextual relevance of background imagesVSAvoidbackground image generation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The static process of pre-generating generic background images is replaced with a dynamic AI system that analyzes conference transcriptions in real-time and generates contextually relevant backgrounds that adapt to the discussion topics and environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The background generation process transitions from static pre-generated images to dynamic real-time generation based on conference content. The backgrounds adapt dynamically to reflect the current discussion context, making them relevant to ongoing conversations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple participants use different individual virtual backgrounds, then each participant has personalization options, but there is no unified background experience for the group

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual background customizationVSAvoidcoordination of multiple backgrounds

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges individual background selections into a unified group background experience. By analyzing the collective conference context and generating a single background that reflects the overall discussion theme, all participants share a cohesive visual environment that enhances group identity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The background generation system serves multiple functions: it can generate individual backgrounds when appropriate and unified group backgrounds when beneficial. The system adaptively determines whether participants should share a common background based on conference context and participant preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250324019A1Generating A Unified Virtual Background Image For Multiple Video Conference Participants

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 ZOOM COMMUNICATIONS INC

AI summary

A unified virtual background image is generated for multiple participants of a video conference to create an immersive conference experience based on its use within video streams of those multiple participants. Generative artificial intelligence software associated with a conferencing system obtains input associated with a video conference. The generative artificial intelligence software generates a virtual background image based on the input. The virtual background image is then for use within multiple participant video streams during the video conference