Virtual Whiteboard Background Customization Using Presentation Metadata

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional whiteboards in virtual presentations are not engaging for users accustomed to a digital world, leading to quick loss of interest.

Innovation Solution

A network system uses contextual metadata to automatically generate customized whiteboard backgrounds by blending pattern and logo images with compatible background colors, reducing the need for manual search and selection processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a whiteboard marker is used to write on the whiteboard, then writing functionality is achieved, but residue is left on the whiteboard surface requiring cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewriting functionalityVSAvoidresidue on whiteboard surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the harmful residue-producing component (traditional marker tip) and replaces it with a laser source that writes without physical contact, thereby eliminating residue generation while preserving writing functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical marker tip system with an optical laser system that uses light to write on the whiteboard surface, eliminating the mechanical contact that causes residue deposition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a whiteboard eraser is used to clean residue, then cleaning is achieved, but the eraser head becomes dirty requiring maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidue removalVSAvoideraser head maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the eraser component entirely by using laser writing that produces no residue, thereby removing the maintenance burden associated with eraser head cleaning and replacement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser writing system is self-cleaning by nature, as it produces no residue that requires removal, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms or maintenance of cleaning components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a projector is used to project images onto the whiteboard, then image display is achieved, but the projected image appears dim when viewed from certain angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage projection capabilityVSAvoidprojected image brightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the optical projection system with a direct laser writing system that creates images by burning or etching patterns directly onto the whiteboard surface, eliminating angle-dependent brightness issues inherent in projection systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser system creates permanent or semi-permanent markings on the whiteboard surface that maintain consistent visual appearance from all viewing angles, unlike projected images that suffer from viewing angle limitations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP4454220B1Whiteboard background customization system
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP4454220B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4454220B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4454220B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods are directed to automatically creating customized whiteboard backgrounds. A network system accesses metadata associated with a virtual presentation (e.g., title, topic, tenant identifier). First image data is identified based on first data of the metadata and second image data is identified based on second data of the metadata. Using the first image data and the second image data, the network system generates a plurality of whiteboard backgrounds by combining a first object obtained from the first image data with a second object obtained from the second image data to form each whiteboard background. The network system then causes presentation of a representation of each of the plurality of whiteboard backgrounds on a user interface of a host, who can select one of the representations. In response to receiving a selection, a whiteboard background corresponding to the selected representation is displayed as background on a whiteboard canvas.