Rulers2023: An Annotated Dataset of Synthetic and Real Images for Ruler Detection Using Deep Learning

Abstract

This research investigates the usefulness and efficacy of synthetic ruler images for the development of a deep learning-based ruler detection algorithm. Synthetic images offer a compelling alternative to real-world images as data sources in the development and advancement of computer vision systems. This research aims to answer whether using a synthetic dataset of ruler images is sufficient for training an effective ruler detector and to what extent such a detector could benefit from including synthetic images as a data source. The article presents the procedural method for generating synthetic ruler images, describes the methodology for evaluating the synthetic dataset using trained convolutional neural network (CNN)-based ruler detectors, and shares the compiled synthetic and real ruler image datasets. It was found that the synthetic dataset yielded superior results in training the ruler detectors compared with the real image dataset. The results support the utility of synthetic datasets as a viable and advantageous approach to training deep learning models, especially when real-world data collection presents significant logistical challenges. The evidence presented here strongly supports the idea that when carefully generated and used, synthetic data can effectively replace real images in the development of CNN-based detection systems.