EDA
instance, modelled test data or real-time data collected from IoT sensors can then be applied to check out the performance of a particular product function.
And it is happening already: A digital twin replica of Wuyi Square Station in China was created using Unreal and connected to real-world sensors, making the connection between passenger flow, equipment, and management more intelligent. The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) is investing in a digital twin of the city’s metro region, using Unity to inform decisions on infrastructure, utilities, and business development with real-time data.
Terris, a pioneer of 3D Earth
observation, is integrating Unreal into its 3D visualisation platform.
One of the most powerful benefits of using game software is that it can simulate a wide variety of situations, such as how a medical device might interact with other systems in different humidity or temperature levels. It could also more efficiently simulate how aerospace landing components perform on different terrains. A digital twin of a pump could be created, and by adhering to real-world
physics, simulations can be carried out with associated appliances, such as dishwashers, showers, and sinks, to see how the pump performs in different, demanding scenarios. An avatar could even be introduced, with someone going through a location switching on water sources at a fraction of the cost and effort compared to a real-world environment.
Components of a game-centric digital twin
Apart from a game engine — plus, of course, connectivity to IoT sensors — CAD and 3D modelling tools are also a component of these next-generation digital twins, as well as AR headsets. All these elements are combined in a software development pipeline to ensure a seamless process. For instance, if changes are made to one software element, such as a CAD design, the pipeline will ensure it is reflected in the digital twin.
Version control software, often also referred to as source control, is another integral part of the pipeline and has been used in the electronics industries for decades to create a single source of truth
across different assets and collaborators. A version control tool provides visibility of all changes made, when and where they were made, how, and by who. This single source of truth records both real-time and historical data, so that teams can roll back to a previous version of the software if there is an issue. Compliance processes are also supported through the easy accessibility of this data.
Getting it right
Building a digital twin based on a game engine is a signifi cant leap for many teams, so it is essential to be aware of a few pitfalls to avoid and best practices to consider. For instance, as is often the case, it is best to start small rather than try to build complex digital twins overnight. Adding team members with game engine experience as well as digital artists/designers will be important. Having a properly organised system and internal processes for storing, versioning and collaborating on data is non- negotiable. Otherwise, the foundation of the whole digital twin is undermined, especially with data coming from so many sources, including the IoT.
Supporting efficient collaboration across teams must also be a priority while allowing them to maintain their own workspaces. For instance, technology- agnostic version control systems let contributors stay in their own technology stack (and access only the files they need from a security perspective), while still having a centralised view of the overall development pipeline. In addition, it is vital to have version control designed to work well with game engine software, with the ability to handle multiple types of binary assets, such as video and audio. Finally, it helps to take advantage of the increasingly rich set of available resources, such as tutorials and webinars from Unreal and Unity, and of course, the Digital Twin Consortium. Getting up to speed with digital twins requires focus, work, and investment of the right resources. However, the advantages — costs and time saved, improved performance, greater scope for innovation and, arguably, the fun of working with games software — are worth the effort.
www.perforce.com
The Experts for industrial HMI solutions
As a leading expert in the field of industrial display, touch and embedded technologies, we offer our customers individual solutions for the communication between man and machine.
› Conception from prototype to series production › Customised complete solutions for hardware and software › Multi-touch, water and glove operation as well as EMC tuning
› PCAP extensions e.g. gesture control, haptic feeback and force sensing
For more information please visit
www.data-modul.com
LEADING DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY PARTNER
IN-HOUSE OPTICAL BONDING
IN-HOUSE EMBEDDED DEVELOPMENT
IN-HOUSE DESIGN & MANUFACTURING
DATA MODUL Ltd. | Gallan Park, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 0XG | Phone: +44 1922 45 73 58 |
uk@data-modul.com |
www.data-modul.com
www.cieonline.co.uk. Components in Electronics September 2023 23
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80
