Virtual Background Selection for Videoconferencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
During videoconferencing, participants located in non-traditional settings often have distracting or undesirable backgrounds that can project an unfavorable image to others, and existing solutions like camera placement or image blurring are inadequate for maintaining a professional appearance.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that allows selection of virtual backgrounds based on participant and conference attributes, using static images, live video feeds, recorded feeds, and web pages, to isolate and replace actual backgrounds, ensuring a professional and consistent image during videoconferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a participant uses a real background in a non-traditional work location, then the setting reflects the actual work environment, but the background becomes distracting and projects an undesirable image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the background instead of using the actual physical background. A virtual background is generated and displayed in place of the real background, allowing participants to maintain professional appearance while working from non-traditional locations. The virtual background serves as a representation that conveys the desired professional image without the distractions of the actual environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual background acts as an intermediary between the participant and the actual background. Instead of directly displaying the real background, the system inserts a virtual background as a mediator that replaces the actual visual environment. This intermediary element allows the participant to maintain their physical location flexibility while presenting a controlled, professional appearance to viewers.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If image processing is used to blur the background, then the professional appearance is improved, but the detail and quality of the background representation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of blurring the actual background, the system creates a complete virtual copy of an appropriate background image. This virtual background is then displayed in place of the real background, maintaining full image quality and detail while achieving the professional appearance. The virtual background is generated as a high-quality representation rather than a degraded version of the real background.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple virtual backgrounds are stored and selected based on participant attributes, then the professional image is optimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-stores multiple virtual backgrounds in advance, ready for selection during videoconferences. Instead of generating backgrounds on-demand, the system has prepared a library of pre-created virtual backgrounds that can be quickly selected and applied. This preliminary preparation reduces the computational complexity during actual use while maintaining the ability to optimize professional appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects from pre-stored virtual backgrounds based on participant attributes and conference context. Rather than using a fixed background, the system can adaptively choose different virtual backgrounds from the stored library based on real-time conditions, providing dynamic optimization without requiring complex real-time generation algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A solution for managing a videoconference is provided. Multiple virtual backgrounds can be stored, and a virtual background can be selected to be used for a first participant when he/she is conducting a videoconference with a second participant. The virtual background can be selected based on one or more attributes of the first and/or second participant, one or more attributes of the videoconference, and/or the like. The virtual backgrounds can be utilized, for example, to provide a desired perception, message, and/or the like, of a business entity to individuals outside of the business entity that are interacting with its personnel via videoconferencing. The virtual background can include static image data, a live video feed, a recorded video feed, a static web page of a business entity, and a non-static web page of the business entity.