Cognex Deep Learning provides an effective inspection solution that combines the human ability to identify subtle variations with the reliability, consistency, and speed of an automated system. Engineers can use the Cognex Deep Learning software's defect detection tool in supervised mode to train the deep learning-based software on a set of representative "good" and "bad" compression ring images. Technicians can add annotations to "bad" images where there are long scratches, and to "good" images with normal variations and allowable defects such as rust and small cracks. Based on these images, Cognex Deep Learning can learn the natural shape and surface characteristics of pistons, as well as the typical appearance of scratches.