sphinx open visualizes the Smart Electronic Factory

in-GmbH has made the technology platform available for online visualization of the Smart Electronic Factory. This smart factory is a unique Industry 4.0 evaluation environment that was put together by EMS service provider Limtronik GmbH.

The project was initiated by MES specialist iTAC Software AG. The objective of the Smart Electronic Factory is for machines to learn from their own mistakes, optimize themselves and produce autonomously. sphinx open online has made realistic visualization possible for the Smart Electronic Factory on the basis of 3D models.

sphinx open provides a visualization platform for the Internet of Things.Siegfried Wagner

Industry 4.0 scenarios need to be moved from model factories to real production sites at the correct time if they are to succeed. The Smart Electronic Factory therefore goes far beyond demonstration and research platforms. To enable implementation in a real factory, Industry 4.0-compatible MES software components and smart devices from iTAC Software AG were integrated into Limtronik’s production sites in order to connect various system modules. In the future, this should not only allow the manufacturing systems to be controlled and monitored, but also enable them to optimize themselves using intelligent control circuits.

sphinx open 3D supplies the online visualization required for this. “Among other things, Limtronik provided us with the building layout, as well as the 3D models of the connected production systems and information on their target and actual values, statuses and performance characteristics. This information is then used to develop a complete 3D model that visualizes the Smart Electronic Factory,” explains Siegfried Wagner, CEO at in-GmbH. “We also implement all of this with geo referencing, which means that moving objects can also be integrated into the smart factory via position detection,” adds Wagner.

Efficient switching and control: Industry 4.0 visualization

We also implement all of this with geo referencing, which means that moving objects can also be integrated into the smart factory via position detection.

sphinx open  3D Composer enables existing 3D models to be structured and enhanced, as well as real data to be integrated. Statuses and positions of sensors, actuators and moving objects can be displayed in the 3D model and, if necessary, also controlled. This represents the basis for the effective management of systems. Virtual tours and spatial orientation enable those responsible to grasp situations quickly and make decisions.

The sphinx open 3D Viewer is used to visualize the 3D model, which can be operated with data control and via user interactions (perspective, pan, zoom, show/hide, highlight, camera tracking, etc.). Changes in values of the connected data sources lead to effects in the model such as color highlighting (red/green traffic light), movement (door open/closed), display (warning message displayed/hidden), object view (location perspective) and much more. The models can be created efficiently by importing CAD data in standard formats, while existing data sources, detectors and sensors are integrated via adapter interfaces. In addition to this, interactions in the model can be used to display detailed information on the corresponding object.

The geo referencing functionality of the models, which can be used as and when necessary, allows positions to be displayed and also facilitates location-based services. As such, the solution can also be used to show moving objects in the model. The ability to move in any direction to any location in virtual buildings and systems provides an optimum overview and allows efficient monitoring of genuine Industry 4.0 scenarios such as the Smart Electronic Factory.

“sphinx open provides a visualization platform for the Internet of Things. With our back-end platform, we are not only capable of supporting 3D, but also cloud-based visualization on mobile devices. Various applications can then, for example, be depicted without any issues in line with Industry 4.0 requirements,” explains Siegfried Wagner.