TLDR: This whitepaper by the Digital Twin Consortium explores the framework for system interoperability in the context of digital twins. It emphasizes a system-centric approach, where everything is viewed as a system, to simplify and scale interoperability. Key concepts include model-based design, holistic information flow, state-based interactions, federated repositories, actionable information, and scalable mechanisms
Why was this framework created?
- To provide a framework for unifying a nascent ecosystem of high-value, multi-vendor services that can seamlessly “plug into” a multi-dimensional, interoperable system of systems.
- To characterize a dynamic and scalable framework for interoperable and interchangeable systems that empowers the digital twin system-of-systems.
- To align existing interoperability initiatives around a common system-centric framework for scalable interoperability mechanisms.
- To support all cross-domain information sets feeding into a digital thread.
- To support all phases of a product life cycle and maximize the value of a digital twin and the asset it represents.
- To simplify, through abstraction, the required core mechanisms for scaling adoption of the digital and subsequent physical twin, where a physical twin can be a cyber-physical (IoT) system.
- To enable the reduction of costs required to integrate systems, without which implementation remains cost-prohibitive for many use cases.
- To minimize effort in preparing and normalizing data for consumption – processes that can account for the majority of data scientists’ work.
The consortium’s interoperability framework is based on seven key concepts: system-centric design, model-based approach, holistic information flow, state-based interactions, federated repositories, actionable information, and scalable mechanisms.
What are the seven key concepts of a system interoperability framework?
- System-Centric: Everything is viewed and represented as a system, normalizing processes and enabling a common metamodel. For example, a coffee machine is viewed as a system of subsystems, each performing a specific task.
- Model-Based: Conceptual models simplify interoperability by describing system structures and behaviors. An example is a digital model of a building used to simulate and optimize its energy usage.
- Holistic Information Flow: Information exchange originating from multiple domains supports the broader objectives of the digital twin. An example is a digital twin of a city incorporating data from transportation, energy, and public safety systems.
- State-Based Interactions: Systems interact based on their current state and events that trigger state transitions. A smart thermostat adjusts the temperature based on the current room temperature and occupancy.
- Federated Repositories: Information is distributed across multiple systems, agnostic to storage location. An example is a supply chain network, with inventory data stored in different systems across the network.
- Actionable Information: Information is contextual, trusted, secure, and supports effective decision-making. Real-time traffic data, for example, is used to optimize routing and reduce congestion.
- Scalable Mechanisms: Interoperability mechanisms can handle simple to complex use cases. For example, a USB device can dynamically connect and interoperate with a laptop.
These seven concepts provide a framework for designing interoperable systems that can scale to support complex digital twin ecosystems. The white paper aims to provide a framework for unifying a nascent ecosystem of high-value, multi-vendor services that can seamlessly “plug into” a multi-dimensional, interoperable system of systems.
he goal is to simplify and reduce the costs of system integration, enabling the full potential of digital twins and their associated benefits.
Key Sources: The whitepaper draws insights from various sources, including the Industrial Internet of Things Volume G5: Connectivity Framework, Characteristics of IIoT Information Models, A Survey of Top-Level Ontologies, IEEE Standard for Modeling and Simulation (M&S) High Level Architecture (HLA)– Framework and Rules, and International Standard for Digital Twins (IPC-2551).
This article was composed with assistance from Gemini and the Digital Twin White Paper on A System-Centric Design for Digital Twin Interoperability
