Overview
ISO/TR 24464:2020 - Automation systems and integration - Industrial data - Visualization elements of digital twins analyses the visualization elements that form the interface between a physical asset and its avatar (the digital replica). The technical report adopts a three‑component digital twin model (physical asset, avatar, realtime interface), discusses fidelity of the interface, and surveys visualization technologies, data flows and lifecycle considerations relevant to industrial digital twins.
Key technical topics and recommended elements
- Three‑component model: physical asset, avatar (digital replica), and realtime interface that enables synchronization and data exchange.
- Core technologies: sensors, data (streaming/big data), analytics (including AI), actuators and systems integration - all of which feed visualization and interaction.
- Visualization elements:
- Geometric and visual properties: shape, color, texture and material data.
- Animation and motion: kinematics, motion capture and motion texture to represent dynamic behaviour.
- Operational overlays: real‑time sensor data visualizations (temperatures, RPM, pressure, status) to reflect live asset state.
- Model types: CAD/mesh models, point clouds (3D scanning), reconstructed/handover models and vendor detailed models.
- Level of Detail (LoD): classification of models by detail/fidelity across lifecycle stages (from simple symbol models to vendor detailed internal geometry). LoD affects rendering, data exchange and fidelity expectations.
- Lifecycle dependency: required visualization elements vary across plan, design, manufacturing, operation & maintenance, and decommission phases.
- Fidelity & synchronization: measures and considerations for how closely the avatar reproduces the physical asset and how realtime constraints affect visualization accuracy (Annex B addresses fidelity).
- Use case examples: wind‑power systems and remote ocean plants illustrate needs for large, near‑realtime integrated visual models.
Practical applications
- Real‑time monitoring dashboards and 3D operator interfaces that overlay live sensor data on asset models.
- Virtual commissioning and simulation using avatars prior to physical manufacturing.
- Remote operations and maintenance where high‑fidelity visualization supports decision making (e.g., offshore/ocean plants, wind farms).
- Augmented reality / mixed reality guidance where avatars and physical assets must be synchronized for O&M workflows.
- Model handover and as‑built verification using scanned point clouds merged with CAD data.
Who should use this document
- Industrial automation architects and system integrators
- Digital twin developers and software vendors (VR/AR/CAD/PLM)
- Plant owners/operators and OEMs (equipment vendors)
- Standards practitioners and technical managers defining visualization/specification requirements
Related standards and references
- ISO 10303 (STEP) product/data models are noted as avatar/model sources.
- The report also compares digital twin visualization with AR, MR, VR and CPS concepts and includes an annexed analysis of international standards and a fidelity measure.
Keywords: ISO TR 24464:2020, digital twin visualization, industrial data, avatar, physical asset, fidelity, level of detail, point cloud, CAD, sensors, analytics, actuators, integration.