Abstract
In the design and operation scenarios driven by Digital Twins, large computer-aided design (CAD) models of production line equipment can limit the real-time performance and fidelity of the interaction between digital and physical entities. Digital CAD models often consist of combined parts with characteristics of discrete folded corner planes. CAD models simplified to a lower resolution by current mainstream mesh simplification algorithms might suffer from significant feature loss and mesh breakage, and the interfaces between the different parts cannot be well identified and simplified. A lightweight approach for common CAD assembly models of Digital Twins is proposed. Based on quadric error metrics, constraints of discrete folded corner plane characteristics of Digital Twin CAD models are added. The triangular regularity in the neighborhood of the contraction target vertices is used as the penalty function, and edge contraction is performed based on the cost. Finally, a segmentation algorithm is employed to identify and remove the interfaces between the two CAD assembly models. The proposed approach is verified through common stereoscopic warehouse, robot base, and shelf models. In addition, a scenario of a smart phone production line is applied. The experimental results indicate that the geometric error of the simplified mesh is reduced, the frame rate is improved, and the integrity of the geometric features and triangular facets is effectively preserved.
Highlights
Computer-aided design (CAD) models driven by a Digital Twin are no longer simple time-independent three-dimensional (3D) objects hanging in empty space, but dynamic, precise, and complex representations [6] which form the basis for the Digital Twin capabilities
There are often many interfaces between parts of computer-aided design (CAD) assembly models. These interfaces often exist in the gaps of the CAD model parts, which cannot be observed by users during the operation of Digital Twins
The real-time data synchronization between the on-site physical equipment and the digital simulation CAD model is achieved by embedding the objects controlled by the Digital Twin process into online databases, industrial Ethernet protocols, and built-in application programming interfaces
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Computer-aided design (CAD) models driven by a Digital Twin are no longer simple time-independent three-dimensional (3D) objects hanging in empty space, but dynamic, precise, and complex representations [6] which form the basis for the Digital Twin capabilities. Over recent decades, advancements in computer technology have enabled the development of increasingly sophisticated virtual CAD models of physical artifacts [9] These large-scale CAD models, which include processing equipment, storage, and transportation devices, as well as varying auxiliary devices, are generally involved in a Digital Twin-driven production line.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
