From a simple 3D model to a digital twin : a theory
Getting into today’s topic straight away: The word “Digital twin” is not new to us anymore. However, the term has only a few levels. The term is defined in many forms and in different contexts. The similarities in each definition are summarized as follows:
1. Having a digital form
2. Having a physical form
3. Having the connectivity between digital and physical forms
4. Evolution, prediction and recommendations
The levels of the digital twins can be expressed as follows:
1. Foundation Digital Twin
2. Predictive digital Twin
3. Prescriptive Digital Twin
4. Transformative Digital Twin
5. Cognitive Digital Twin
A mere 3D model of a real-world physical object can be used in the simulations. However, the integration of data from a real-world object or the fabrication of similar data through machine learning models could be more advantageous. However, the question arises whether the conversion is cost effective in real-world scenarios or if it needs the expertise and involvement of greater research facilities.
However, when considering open-source data, it becomes very clear that with a little bit of thinking, we may be able to make a very small model of a digital twin even by ourselves.
To begin by theorizing the conversion of a small 3D object into a digital twin, I will demonstrate the simplest example. Let us take a pet fish from the tank. Let us consider that this fish only needs food and oxygen supplied to the water and the water to be transferred. Now, on a computer, we can create a 3D model of a fish tank.
The module may contain the following components:
Sensors detect the motion of the fish and set the coordinates of the relative coordinates of the fish model in the simulation environment as per the movement coordinate update from the sensor feed.
Setting a food dispensing system in which the inlet can be operated through the 3D model and dispensed food in a specified time interval. The door opening data and amount of food dispensed can be monitored using this procedure.
The water texture was set to change opacity and to change, as predicted by the food intake and waste output of the fish.
Obtaining sensor data for oxygen levels of water.
This 3D model may be useful for monitoring fish even when they are away from home.
This is a simple theory for converting a 3D object into a digital twin.
