Virtual Background Partitioning for Conference Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conferencing software lacks the technical capabilities to enable sharing of virtual backgrounds between conference participants, limiting the ability to set or synchronize virtual backgrounds across multiple participants in a virtual conference.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that allows for the sharing and synchronization of virtual backgrounds between conference participants, where the virtual background of one participant can be set based on another participant's background, using a server-based or edge-based approach to process and transmit video feeds, enabling seamless integration and display of shared backgrounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional conferencing software is used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but it lacks the capability to share virtual backgrounds between participants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a background manager component that acts as an intermediary between participants and the conferencing system. This background manager receives virtual background selections from participants, retrieves appropriate backgrounds, and distributes them to the video conferencing system, enabling background sharing without fundamentally redesigning the entire conferencing platform
Solution Approach 2:
The system copies virtual background images or video feeds from one participant's device to another participant's display. Instead of requiring complex real-time synchronization or shared rendering, the solution creates and distributes copies of background media assets across the network to achieve visual consistency
2Stability of the object's composition
If virtual backgrounds are shared and synchronized across multiple participants, then visual consistency is improved, but processing and transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and caching virtual background media assets before they are needed during the conference. Background images and video feeds are retrieved, validated, and prepared in advance, reducing the processing burden during real-time conferencing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the virtual background functionality into separate modular components: background selection interface, background retrieval service, background processing engine, and background distribution system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces overall system complexity
3Ease of operation
If virtual backgrounds are shared in real-time, then user experience is enhanced, but network bandwidth and processing power are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of streaming live video feeds from background cameras, the system uses static background images or pre-recorded video loops that are copied and distributed to participants. This approach dramatically reduces network bandwidth consumption while maintaining the visual effect of shared backgrounds
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic or intermittent updates rather than continuous real-time streaming. Background images are updated only when a participant explicitly selects a new background or when predefined conditions are met, rather than continuously transmitting background data across the network
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual background (VBG) spreading request that includes a replacement VBG is received. The replacement VBG is partitioned into a number of portions matching a number of conference participants. A first portion of the portions is assigned to a conference participant. Images of the conference participant are received. Foreground segments of the images of the conference participant are overlayed onto the first portion to obtain output images. The output images are transmitted for display or are displayed.