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Client
GreenBee is a Japanese company that creates software for consumer electronics. It has a very impressive reputation, which is why their client list includes multiple Fortune 500 companies. Always being on the lookout for latest technology developments, GreenBee seized on the opportunity to adapt their software to Neural Processing Units (NPUs) – a new class of hardware designed to boost everything AI- and neural network-related. To do so, they reached out to their long-term partner with the right know-how – Banuba.
Challenge
One of GreenBee’s products is a video conferencing tool that is preinstalled on laptops. Banuba’s Face AR SDK is its integral part, providing a number of important features:
- Virtual backgrounds
- Beauty & Makeup API
- Face editing
- Studio lighting
All of those features are based on neural networks. This means adapting to NPUs will increase their performance, as well as decrease energy consumption – a very important factor for laptops. As virtual backgrounds were the most demanding in this aspect, they were to be the first.
However, the networks themselves should be modified to make use of the latest hardware. This is where Banuba comes in – an R&D department staffed with Ph.D. level computer scientists with over 100 years of experience between them is perfectly suited for such a task.
Why Banuba
GreenBee and Banuba have been enjoying a fruitful partnership for several years. There are three main reasons for it:
- Reliable technology. Banuba is a leading AR provider, whose face-related software has been tested by millions of users. It offers high quality and reliability.
- Regular updates. The software that Banuba offers keeps getting better with time.
- Responsive support. Quick reaction and personal attention helps GreenBee keep all elements of their software working together.
Solution
Banuba developed and introduced several custom features for GreenBee:
- NPU support for virtual backgrounds
- 3D lighting for virtual makeup and touch-up with NPU support for Virtual Background
The 3D lighting feature is worth a separate mention. Banuba’s technology recognizes faces three-dimensionally and applies skin texture correction, complexion adjustment, and natural virtual makeup. With the addition of virtual light sources, the effects look completely lifelike, bringing user experience to the next level.
Results
Banuba quickly reacted to GreenBee’s request, and soon the virtual background neural networks were adapted to be compatible with NPUs. As a result, the company's software became much more energy-efficient. The speed and quality of custom development that Banuba provided will ensure productive cooperation for a long time to come.
