Patents by Inventor Nicholas Mueller

Nicholas Mueller has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20250150549
    Abstract: A computer identifies, using software-based image processing applied to camera-generated visual data from a client device, foreground imagery representing a participant and background imagery representing content of the camera-generated visual data other than the foreground imagery. The computer determines, using a neural network, an identity of an extraneous item comprising a portion of the background imagery. The computer determines, using the neural network based on the identity of the extraneous item, to replace the extraneous item in the camera-generated visual data. The computer predicts, using replacement imagery prediction software, replacement imagery to replace the extraneous item. The computer generates a composite image comprising the foreground imagery of the camera-generated visual data and the background imagery with the extraneous item replaced by the replacement imagery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2025
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Inventors: Shihwei Chang, Robert Aaron Klegon, Cynthia Eshiuan Lee, Nicholas Mueller, Shane Paul Springer
  • Patent number: 12231803
    Abstract: A computer stores a reference image representing a physical background within a field of view of a camera of a client device. The computer receives, via the camera and during a video conference to which the client device is connected, camera-generated visual data for output to at least one remote device connected to the video conference. The computer identifies, based on facial recognition applied to the camera-generated visual data, foreground imagery representing at least one person and background imagery representing content of the camera-generated visual data other than the foreground imagery. The computer identifies a difference between the background imagery and the reference image. The computer generates a composite image by replacing, within the background imagery of the camera-generated visual data, an item represented within the background imagery and within the identified difference with a co-located part of the reference image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: Zoom Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Shihwei Chang, Robert Aaron Klegon, Cynthia Eshiuan Lee, Nicholas Mueller, Shane Paul Springer
  • Publication number: 20240040073
    Abstract: A computer stores a reference image representing a physical background within a field of view of a camera of a client device. The computer receives, via the camera and during a video conference to which the client device is connected, camera-generated visual data for output to at least one remote device connected to the video conference. The computer identifies, based on facial recognition applied to the camera-generated visual data, foreground imagery representing at least one person and background imagery representing content of the camera-generated visual data other than the foreground imagery. The computer identifies a difference between the background imagery and the reference image. The computer generates a composite image by replacing, within the background imagery of the camera-generated visual data, an item represented within the background imagery and within the identified difference with a co-located part of the reference image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Shihwei Chang, Robert Aaron Klegon, Cynthia Eshiuan Lee, Nicholas Mueller, Shane Paul Springer
  • Patent number: 11671561
    Abstract: A computer stores a reference image representing a physical background within a field of view of a camera of a client device. The computer receives, via the camera and during a video conference to which the client device is connected, camera-generated visual data for output to at least one remote device connected to the video conference. The computer identifies, based on facial recognition applied to the camera-generated visual data, foreground imagery representing at least one person and background imagery representing content of the camera-generated visual data other than the foreground imagery. The computer identifies a difference between the background imagery and the reference image. The computer generates a composite image by replacing, within the background imagery of the camera-generated visual data, an item represented within the background imagery and within the identified difference with a co-located part of the reference image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Zoom Video Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Shihwei Chang, Robert Aaron Klegon, Cynthia Eshiuan Lee, Nicholas Mueller, Shane Paul Springer