Choose the right approach for your synthetic training data. Learn why photorealistic CG is the premium option for demanding machine vision applications that require precision and reliability.
Schedule Consultation →Two approaches to synthetic data generation, each with distinct advantages and limitations
Uses neural networks to create synthetic images by learning from existing datasets. Fast and flexible, but limited by training data quality and prone to hallucinations.
Uses physics-based rendering engines to create mathematically accurate representations of real-world objects and lighting conditions. Precise but computationally intensive.
| Attribute | Generative AI | Photorealistic CG |
|---|---|---|
| Realism | Yes, but artifacts | Yes, physics-accurate |
| Defect control | No | Yes |
| Pixel-perfect annotations | No | Yes |
| Repeatability | No | Yes |
| Rare defect coverage | Partial | Yes |
| CAD & workflow integration | No | Yes |
| Compliance-ready | No | Yes |
| Best for regulated use | No | Yes |
Why photorealistic CG is the premium choice for mission-critical applications
High visual realism, but can introduce artifacts or "hallucinations."
Physically accurate rendering based on CAD and material properties; matches real-world optics.
Limited. Hard to specify exact size, depth, or placement of defects.
Precise control over defect parameters (scratch length, dent depth, particle size, distribution).
Often requires manual labeling; outputs can be inconsistent.
Pixel-perfect ground truth (segmentation, depth, normals, masks) generated automatically.
Randomized results, difficult to reproduce exact scenarios.
Deterministic; the same setup always produces identical results if required.
Can generate variations, but lacks engineering accuracy for edge cases.
Any rare or critical defect can be modeled to spec—even if never seen in real life.
Works well for data augmentation, less suited for precise engineering requirements.
Seamless integration with CAD workflows and existing quality control processes.
Understanding the right tool for your specific needs