Swedish video tech pioneers Phyron are taking a collaborative approach to selling cars by using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the customer experience. The company has developed a cutting-edge feature that allows car dealers to generate depth from still images, creating an immersive experience for potential customers during online shopping.
One of the main challenges faced by Phyron was the limited availability of multiple images of a single vehicle. In some cases, they only had access to a single still image, making it difficult to create accurate 3D representations. To overcome this hurdle, the team leveraged advanced deep learning techniques and trained a model to extract the necessary information from a solitary image.
The result is the ability to provide customers with exterior film clips with depth, even with limited imagery. This significantly enhances the online shopping experience and improves customer engagement. Potential buyers can now have a better understanding of the car’s appearance and features before making a purchasing decision.
Jens-Peter Sjöberg, Lord of the Rings CGI artist and co-founder of Phyron, is a strong advocate for the collaboration between humans and machines. As a creative and filmmaker, Sjöberg has always been fascinated by the intersection of technology and art. He recently decided to explore the possibilities of generative AI models, such as ChatGPT and Midjourney, by producing a music video using the available free AI tools.
Despite limitations in lip-syncing due to not having access to GEN-2 beta, Sjöberg was satisfied with the outcome of the music video after just 12 hours of work. This project demonstrated the potential of AI and human collaboration in the creative process, showcasing the new era of creativity where machines can assist content creators to produce something magical.
Phyron’s approach to collaboration extends beyond the realm of art and into the business of selling cars. By incorporating AI software into the automotive industry, the company can present human innovation in a way that sells cars three to five days faster. The collaboration between human expertise and AI technology enables car dealers to efficiently showcase their vehicles and attract potential customers.
The development of the feature that generates depth from still images is a prime example of Phyron’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with AI and video. They utilized advanced deep learning techniques and carefully trained models to extract information from single images. This advancement significantly improves the online shopping experience for customers, allowing them to explore the exterior of the car through film clips.
Phyron’s success in combining AI and human collaboration highlights the potential of AI in various industries. While AI can make content production more efficient and perform tasks traditionally done by humans, the human element, the artistic spark, remains essential and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future. The balance between AI technology and human expertise is crucial in enabling innovation and creating impactful experiences for customers.
As Phyron continues to push the boundaries of AI and video, they strive to create art through the collaboration of humans and machines. Their journey represents the exciting possibilities that emerge when technology and creativity intersect, promising a future where AI enhances and complements human capabilities, ultimately leading to new forms of artistic expression and improved customer experiences.