Holistic Digital Twin Graph Integration for Industrial Assets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial facility management systems lack a holistic representation that integrates hardware and software components, leading to fragmented information and inefficiencies in operation, design, and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that converts asset-related data from various tools and sources into a common graph representation, using unique asset identifiers and graph matching algorithms to create a unified digital twin, which includes both hardware and software components, and is stored in a central database for predictive analysis and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different software tools are used for planning, operating and maintaining an industrial facility, then each tool can perform its specific function effectively, but the information related to the facility becomes fragmented and there is no holistic representation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data from multiple specialized software tools (CAD, PLC programming, factory layout, etc.) into a single holistic digital twin model. This is achieved by collecting asset-related data from different tools in their respective data formats, converting them to a common graph representation, and merging the converted data into one unified model that represents the entire industrial facility comprehensively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal data model structure that can accommodate and integrate data from various specialized tools. The common graph representation and unified data model serve as a universal framework that can represent different asset types (hardware and software components) and their relationships, enabling the system to handle multiple data sources with a single approach.
2Loss of information
If data from different tools with individual data structures and modelling principles are integrated, then a comprehensive view of the facility can be achieved, but the complexity of data conversion and matching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming data from various tools into a standardized common graph representation. This involves converting different data formats and modelling principles into a unified structure with consistent parameters (nodes representing assets, edges representing relationships), thereby reducing the complexity of integrating heterogeneous data sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of a common graph representation that acts as a mediator between diverse tool-specific data formats and the final holistic digital twin. This intermediary structure with standardized nodes and edges simplifies the integration process by providing a neutral, universal format that all tool data can be converted to before merging.
3Reliability
If a holistic digital twin integrates both hardware and software components, then predictive analytical functions can be improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring relationships between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex facility into discrete assets represented as nodes in the graph model. Each hardware and software component is identified as a separate asset with unique properties, making it easier to detect and measure individual components and their relationships. This segmentation allows for systematic analysis of component interactions while maintaining the holistic view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the graph structure with nodes and edges as an intermediary representation that simplifies the detection of relationships between hardware and software components. The edges in the graph explicitly represent relationships and interactions between assets, making it easier to analyze and measure component relationships compared to working with raw data from multiple tools.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method used for generation of a holistic digital twin of an industrial facility which comprises a plurality of assets, said system comprising conversion units adapted to convert asset related data collected from different tools used for planning and/or operation of said industrial facility in a tool specific data format and asset related data provided by data sources of the industrial facility in a data source specific data format into a common graph representation; a matching unit adapted to match the graph representations of the converted asset related data to provide a mapping between the assets of said industrial facility; and a merging unit adapted to merge the mapped assets of said industrial facility into a unified graph to provide the holistic digital twin of said industrial facility.