Digital Twin Control for Flexible Event-Discrete Process Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing real-time process control systems for manufacturing environments lack flexibility and efficiency, particularly in distributed event-discrete systems, where hierarchical tree models are inflexible and require complete recoding for changes, leading to increased complexity and reduced adaptability.
Innovation Solution
The use of a meta model layer, use model layer, and twin layer for modeling distributed event-discrete systems, allowing for dynamic modification and real-time process control by partitioning systems into subsystem clusters with common meta object types, reducing complexity through meta streams and digital twin instances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If hierarchical tree models are used for process control, then system structure is clearly defined, but flexibility and adaptability deteriorate requiring complete recoding for changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into multiple independent layers: process objects, virtual twins, meta models, and use models. Each layer operates independently with defined interfaces, allowing changes in one layer without affecting others. This segmentation enables flexible modification of specific components while maintaining overall system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional structure by adding the meta model layer above traditional hierarchical models. This additional dimension allows simultaneous representation of system structure (through hierarchical organization) and flexibility (through parameterized meta models that can be instantiated multiple times with different configurations).
2Stability of the object's composition
If hierarchical tree models are used for process control, then system organization is established, but device complexity increases due to complete recoding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The meta models are pre-configured with standard parameters, relationships, and behaviors before runtime. This preliminary setup allows rapid instantiation of virtual twins without requiring complex recoding during system operation or modification, thereby reducing overall modeling complexity while maintaining organized system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of recoding entire hierarchical models when changes are needed, the system creates copies (instances) of meta models. Virtual twins are copied from meta models, and multiple instances can be generated with different parameter values, eliminating the need for complex recoding while preserving systematic organization.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional modeling approaches are used, then implementation is straightforward, but efficiency in real-time process control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically instantiates virtual twins from meta models at runtime based on actual process objects. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt its structure and parameters in real-time, improving control efficiency while maintaining ease of implementation through standardized meta model templates that simplify the instantiation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The meta models contain parameterized definitions that can be efficiently instantiated with different values. By changing parameters rather than restructuring entire models, the system achieves high real-time control efficiency while keeping implementation straightforward through reusable parameter templates.
4Measurement precision
If distributed event-discrete systems are modeled in detail, then system accuracy is improved, but complexity increases reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
Different levels of detail are applied locally to different components. Meta models provide high-level abstract representations for common patterns, while specific virtual twins can incorporate detailed local characteristics where needed. This local differentiation maintains accuracy for critical components while keeping overall model complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Meta models serve as universal templates that can represent multiple specific instances with different levels of detail. A single meta model can be instantiated as simple virtual twins for overview purposes or as detailed virtual twins for specific analysis, providing multi-functionality that maintains accuracy when needed while reducing complexity through abstraction when sufficient.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of real time process control using digital twins. In more detail, the present invention relates to the field of modeling distributed event-discrete systems using digital twins and subsequent use of the models for real time control of distributed even-discrete systems. There is provided a virtual twin engine for control of a distributed even-discrete system in real-time. The virtual twin engine has installed at least one executable modeling software kernel which runs subsystem use models in relation to subsystem clusters of the distributed event-discrete system. Also, the virtual twin engine operates the at least one digital twin in a passive manner through real time access to the modeling software kernel modeling the subsystem use model of the at least one digital twin.