Archives: Knowledge Base

Create digital twin templates

FactVerse Designer provides two methods to create digital twin templates to meet different needs:

Customize a preset template

The Virtual Factory DLC includes a range of common templates, such as sources, conveyors, and AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles). Users can select these preset templates and customize them to meet their specific needs, making the creation of digital twin templates both straightforward and efficient.

Customize a preset queue template

In this example, we will use the preset Queue template from the Virtual Factory DLC to create a customized queue template that allows users to modify default attribute values. Follow the steps below:

1. Click the Open Template button below the Digital Twin Template on the left side of the homepage to open the template editor.

2. In the prompt window, choose the “Queue” template and click the Open button to open the “Queue” template in the Template Editor.

3. Click the Save As button  to open the Save As window.

4. In the Save window, choose the storage directory, specify the template name, and then click Confirm to complete the template’s save as process.

5. In the Digital Twin Template pane, select the Width of Goods under the Storage structure. In the Attribute Pane on the right side, change the default value to 0.2.

6. Similarly, change the default values for “Goods Length” and “Goods Height” to 0.2.

7. Click the Save button  to save the template.

Create a brand-new source template

Users can create entirely new templates from scratch, fully customized to meet specific scene requirements.

Example: Create a color-changing cube template

This example demonstrates how to change the color of a cube based on its signal value.

1. Create a cube template:

a) Click on New Template on the homepage to open the template editor.
b) Drag the “Cube” from the Libraries into the scene area and position it appropriately.

c) Click the save button on the toolbar and name the template “Color-Changing Cube.”

2. Add main function structure:

a) In the Digital Twin Template pane, click︙next to Metadata and select Add Structure.

b) Scroll down to find the newly added structure “Part_1,” click on “Part_1,” and rename the structure to “Main Function” in the attributes area.

c) Under the “Main Function” structure, add two attributes: Color (Color) and Signal (Int).

3. Bind the color attribute data:

a) In the scene area, select the cube model.
b) In the right-side attributes panel, click the Add button next to Data Binding, then select the “Color” attribute from the attributes list.

c) In the color attribute binding window, click and choose the “Color” attribute from the Main Function structure.

d) Click Confirm to complete the color data binding.

e) Click the save button on the toolbar to save the template.

4. Create the behavior tree—change color with the signal:

a) In the Digital Twin Template pane, click︙next to the Behavior Tree section and select “Create Behavior Tree.”

b) Save the behavior tree and name it “Change color with the signal.”

5. Edit behavior tree logic:

a) Double-click the “Change color with the signal” behavior tree to open the behavior tree editor.
b) Add a Selector node under the Root node.

c) Add a Sequence node under the Selector node and set condition to “Compare two digital twin attributes” for the Sequence node.

The condition settings for “Compare attributes of two digital twins” are as follows:

• • Source attribute
    • Method to get attributes: Select attribute directly
    • Get location: Attribute of digital twin
    • Attribute of digital twin: Select “Color-changing cube” template -> “Signal”
    • Way of finding digital twin: self
  • Target attribute
    • Method to get attributes: Select attribute directly
    • Get location: Manual entry
    • Manual entry: 1
  • Comparison method: Equal to

d) Add a Set Attributes node under the Sequence node and set the node’s attributes.

The “Set Attributes” node’s attributes are as follows:

• • Target attribute
    • Method to get attributes: Select attribute directly
    • Attribute source: Attribute of digital twin
    • Strategy for setting value: replace the original value
    • Attribute of digital twin: Select “Color-changing cube” template -> “Color” attribute
    • Specify a digital twin
      • Basic method to find digital twins: Self
  • Target attribute value
    • Method to get attributes: Select attribute directly
    • Get location: Manual entry
    • Manual entry: 0,0,1,1

Explanation: The logic of “Sequence Node 1” and “Set Attributes 1” determines that when the cube’s “Signal” attribute value is 1, the cube’s color changes to RGBA(0,0,1,1).

e) Add “Sequence node 2”:

i. Copy and paste “Sequence Node 1,” which will automatically be added below the Selector node.
ii. Rename it to “Sequence Node 2.”
iii. Set the manual entry value in the Target attribute to “2.”

f) Add “Set Attributes 2” node under “Sequence Node 2”:

i. Copy and paste “Set Attributes 1” node, which will automatically be added below “Sequence Node 1.”
ii. Rename it to “Set Attributes 2.”
iii. Delete the line connecting “Sequence Node 1” and “Set Attributes 2” nodes, and reconnect “Sequence Node 2” to “Set Attributes 2” node.
iv. Modify the manual entry value of the Target attribute in “Set Attributes 2” node to “0,1,0,1.”

g) Add “Sequence node 3”:

i. Copy and paste “Sequence Node 1,” which will automatically be added below the Selector node.
ii. Rename it to “Sequence Node 3.”
iii. Set the manual entry value in the Target attribute to “3.”

h) Add “Set Attributes 3” node under “Sequence Node 3”:

i. Copy and paste “Set Attributes 1” node, which will automatically be added below “Sequence Node 1.”
ii. Rename it to “Set Attributes 3.”
iii. Delete the line connecting “Sequence Node 1” and “Set Attributes 3” nodes, and reconnect “Sequence Node 3” to “Set Attributes 3” node.
iv. Modify the manual entry value of the Target attribute in “Set Attributes 3” node to “1,0,0,1.”

i) Add “Sequence node 4”:

i. Copy and paste “Sequence Node 1,” which will automatically be added below the Selector node.
ii. Rename it to “Sequence Node 4.”
iii. Set the manual entry value in the Target attribute to “4.”

j) Add “Set Attributes 4” node under “Sequence Node 4”:

i. Copy and paste “Set Attributes 1” node, which will automatically be added below “Sequence Node 1.”
ii. Rename it to “Set Attributes 4.”
iii. Delete the line connecting “Sequence Node 1” and “Set Attributes 4” nodes, and reconnect “Sequence Node 4” to “Set Attributes 4” node.
iv. Modify the manual entry value of the Target attribute in “Set Attributes 3” node to “0,1,1,1.”

The following diagram shows the complete behavior tree structure:

6. Save behavior tree:

a) Click the save button on the toolbar to save the behavior tree.
b) Click ＜ to exit the behavior tree editor.

7. Save template: Click the save button on the toolbar to save the template.

8. Exit template editor: Click the home button to exit the template editor and complete the template editing.

By following these steps, you can create a digital twin template for a color-changing cube. You can use this template to create cubes, set the cube’s “Signal” attribute value, and observe the color changes of the cube.

Create digital twins

Users can manage digital twins using templates either by creating them individually or in bulk.

Create a single digital twin

Users can create a single digital twin at a time using a digital twin template.

1. Create a new scene or open an existing one.

2. In the scene editor, click the “Add” button in the Digital Twin pane of Resources, fill in the digital twin information, and complete the creation.

Example: Create a Source digital twin

This example demonstrates how to use the Source template from the DLC to create a digital twin named “Source 2” and add it to the scene. The following are the specific steps:

1. Click the Open Scene button on the homepage to open the scene selection window.

2. Browse the scene directory, select the scene you want to open, and click on it to open the Scene Editor.

3. In the Scene Editor, click the button in the Digital Twin tab of Resources to open the new digital twin window.

4. In the new digital twin window, enter the digital twin’s name as “Source 2,” select the digital twin template “Source” from DLC, and set the digital twin’s storage location.

5. Click the Confirm button to complete the creation of Source 2.

6. In the storage directory, find the newly created “Source 2” and drag it into the Scene Area.

By following these steps, you have successfully created a digital twin named “Source 2” using the source template and added it to the scene. Now, you can proceed with other editing operations, such as setting digital twin attributes and running logic, and more, to build a complete digital twin scene.

Create batch digital twins

Users can create batch digital twins by exporting, filling out, and importing a spreadsheet.

1. Open the digital twin template: On the homepage, click the Open Template button to select and open the digital twin template you will use for batch creation.

2. Export spreadsheet:

a) In the template editor menu, click File > Export as .xlsx file.

b) In the pop-up window, enter the desired spreadsheet name and storage path, then click Save.

3. Fill out the digital twin Information: Open the saved Excel spreadsheet and fill in the digital twin information. You can choose whether to include each attribute based on actual needs, and follow the example format in the spreadsheet. After editing, save the spreadsheet.

Note: To modify an existing digital twin, you must fill in the digital twin’s ID in the spreadsheet. If you are creating a new digital twin, the digital twin ID in the spreadsheet can be left blank.

4. Import the spreadsheet:

a) Click the homepage button to return to the homepage.
b) On the homepage, click the Import Excel button.

c) Upload the spreadsheet saved in Step 3 to complete the batch creation of digital twins.

Path planning

Path planning constrains the movement trajectory of the digital twin in a digital twin scene. It forms a directed connected graph of movable range by defining a series of key points and their connectivity. Users can specify the movement path on this graph to ensure that the digital twin moves in the scene according to the prescribed route. Path planning is for the entire scene, and different digital twins can share consistent navigation rules.

The feature includes the following main contents:

• • Key Points: Key points are marked in the scene and serve as vertices in the connected graph.
  • Connectivity: Connectivity defines the relationships between key points, including whether they can be connected and the direction of the connections, forming a directed graph.
  • Path: Paths are specified as a series of consecutive vertices in the connected graph, creating a fixed movement route for digital twins.

Construction mode

In the construction mode, you can create key points by left clicking on any area in the scene and then move the mouse and click again to create the next key point. The two key points will be automatically connected with the default direction.

To improve the efficiency of path construction, you can configure the default construction settings in the upper left corner of the scene, including the point height and path direction. Created points will apply the default settings.

• • Height: In construction mode, you can set the point’s height.
  • Path Direction: In construction mode, you can set the direction that A point connected to the next one. The direction option includes forward, reverse and bidirectional.

As points are constructed in the scene, corresponding entries will appear in the left-side point list pane, following the naming rule “Point+Num” by default.

After creating the key points, you can perform the following operations:

• • Rename or delete points.
  • When a point is selected, you can precisely adjust its position data through the coordinate input box in the right-side properties pane.
  • When the line connecting two key points is selected, clicking the direction arrow options in the right-side attribute pane can switch the connection direction between the two points.

Selection mode

In the selection mode, you can drag the scene to move the entire view and also select key points to modify their positions.

Basic process of creating paths

1. In the scene editing interface, click the path map button  in the toolbar to enter the Path Planning interface.

2. Once in the Path Planning interface, use the construction mode to create points. Points will be created on the plane based on the default construction height (0).

3. The newly created points are connected in the default direction, i.e., forward from the current point to the next one.

4. In selection mode, click on points and lines to modify their positions and connection directions.

Import scene and export scene

The digital twin scene file (.digpkg file) contains digital twins and other digital twin content in the scene, such as metadata, behavior trees, resources, scene paths, etc. of digital twin templates. Users can choose to import and export digital twin scenes on the homepage.

Business data dashboard

The Business data dashboard can be used to display real-time IoT data and simulated data. Users can select data in the attribute pane, and set the background, text color, font size, and data prefix.

The following are the general steps to bind simulated data:

1. Drag the Business data dashboard tool into the scene.

2. Select the business data dashboard, and configure its font size, text color and alignment in the attribute pane.

3. Choose the content to display, such as the attribute names of digital twins.

4. Set the title of the dashboard.

5. Click on +Select Twins.

6. After clicking + Select Twins, a list of digital twins in the scene will appear. You can search for digital twins by name. In the list of selected digital twins, find the digital twin you want to bind and click to select it.

After selecting a digital twin, the original + Select Digital Twin button will display the name of the chosen digital twin. Clicking on this name will bring up the list of digital twins for reselection.

7. After selecting a digital twin, the attributes of the digital twin will be displayed below the digital twin ‘s name. Click to select the attribute data you want to display.

8. Click the play button  in the upper right corner of the page to preview the effect.

Adjust scene perspective

In FactVerse Designer, you can adjust the scene perspective in various ways to better observe and edit the scene. Here are some commonly used methods for adjusting the scene perspective:

• • Rotate View: Hold the right mouse button to drag the entire view. The mouse cursor will change to a magnifying glass, allowing the user to observe the model from all angles.
  • Adjust Baseline Height: Use Shift + Left mouse button to quickly adjust the baseline height.
  • Zoom space: You can zoom in and out by scrolling the mouse wheel. Scrolling up will zoom in, and scrolling down will zoom out.
  • Drag Scene: You can drag the scene by holding down the mouse wheel or clicking the scene area and hold the left mouse button to drag the entire scene. This allows you to move the scene horizontally or vertically for better viewing.

Change scene rendering environment

The rendering environment of a scene refers to the lighting effects set in the virtual scene, simulating the propagation, reflection, and refraction of light in the scene. It can affect the appearance, lighting, and shadow effects of objects, enhancing the realism and authenticity of the scene.

In FactVerse Designer, newly created scenes do not have specific rendering effects by default. You can choose from the system’s provided preset rendering environments or customize the rendering environment for your scene to make the virtual environment more realistic and immersive.

To modify the rendering environment of a scene, you can follow these steps:

1. Click on the Settings menu and select Change rendering environment from the dropdown menu. You can open the Change rendering environment window.

2. You can choose a preset rendering environment. When choosing “None”, the scene will have no specific environmental reflection effects.

You can also create a custom rendering environment to suit the scene’s background and sky effects for different scene requirements and creative purposes.

Steps for custom reflection environment:

1. Prepare six images: These images should correspond to the front, back, left, right, top, and bottom directions of the rendering environment. The images should be in PNG format and follow English naming conventions (Front, Back, Left, Right, Top, Bottom).

2. Compress these images into a zip file and change its extension to .dmcm.

3. Upload this .dmcm file to the resource library on the DataMesh FactVerse platform.

4. In FactVerse Designer, click on the Settings menu and select Change rendering environment from the dropdown menu to open the Change rendering environment window.

5. In the Change rendering environment window, select the Custom tab and click to Select rendering environment.

6. In the window for Select rendering environment, find the uploaded .dmcm file.

7. After selecting the file, click the Confirm button to complete the customization of the scene’s rendering environment.

Play recording

The Scene Recording Playback function allows users to conduct horizontal comparison between scenes by contrasting different parameter configurations, layouts, or elements, or by comparing differences between multiple scenes.

Process for scene recording playback

1. Scene recording:

a) In FactVerse Designer, open the scene to be recorded.
b) Click on the Record button in the toolbar.
c) In the Record window, fill in the recording name, duration, and select storage location, then click Confirm.

d) Wait until the recording progress reaches 100%, then click Confirm to complete the recording. The recording file contains scene content data and runtime data, which is for playback only and cannot be edited.

e) Click the homepage button to go back to the homepage.
f) In the pop-up window, click Save.

2. Play:

a) Click the Play Recording button on the homepage.

b) In the opened window, select the recording file, then click Open.

c) Use the toolbar in the playback interface to play or pause, control playback progress, adjust playback speed, or exit operations.

Behavior tree debugging with breakpoint

You can pause the behavior tree traversal and scene execution by setting breakpoints in the behavior tree. This allows you to view the execution status and condition details of each behavior tree node at that moment, helping you check and debug the behavior tree logic.

1. Enter debug mode

a) Click the breakpoint debugging button on the toolbar.
b) Enter the behavior tree debugging mode. The toolbar will display four playback control buttons:

• • Play one node: Execute each behavior tree node step by step.
  • Resume playing: Continue executing the behavior tree until the next breakpoint or end.
  • Replay: Replay the scene.
  • Exit: Exit debug mode and return to normal mode.

2. Add a behavior tree breakpoint

a) Select a digital twin: Click on the digital twin to select it.
b) Open the behavior tree panel: Click the behavior tree panel button on the toolbar.
c) Add a breakpoint: In the behavior tree panel, select the node you want to debug and click on the top right corner of the node to add a breakpoint (marked with a red dot).

3. Debug the behavior tree

a) When the behavior tree is running, execution will pause at breakpoints. You can click the condition button on the top right corner of the node to open the condition panel for that node and view the current execution status and condition details. Conditions that pass are shown in green, while those that do not pass are shown in red.
b) Use the control buttons on the toolbar for step-by-step execution or to continue playback to check the behavior tree logic and execution.

4. Exit debug mode

a) Click the exit button on the toolbar to leave debug mode and return to the scene editing interface.

5. Modify problematic nodes

a) In the scene editor, select the digital twin, open its behavior tree, find the problematic node, and make modifications.
b) After making the necessary changes, run the debug mode again to ensure the issue is resolved.

This chapter will demonstrate the basic workflow of building a digital twin scene using FactVerse Designer through templates and models from the Virtual Factory DLC. Through the following examples, you will learn about the key steps in creating a digital twin scene.

Basic workflow

Basic steps to set up a digital twin scene:

1. Create digital twin templates: If you use the preset templates available in the Virtual Factory DLC, this step can be skipped. Alternatively, you can create custom digital twin templates by referring to the guidelines in the section on Create digital twin templates.

2. Create digital twins: Generate the required digital twins based on the digital twin templates.

3. Configure scene layout and connection:

a) Arrange the positions and layouts of digital twins, ensuring they collaborate within the scene.

b) Configure connection relationships between digital twins to define the direction of products or logistics.

4. Configure running logic:

a) Configure the attributes of the digital twins to ensure they accurately simulate behaviors in the actual factory.

b) Set up movement paths for the digital twins to ensure they operate and transport along the planned routes.

c) Use the behavior tree editing tool to define the interaction behaviors and actions of the digital twins.

5. Play and review:

a) Run the configured digital twin scene and play it through FactVerse Designer.

b) During playback, check the interaction of digital twins and the layout of the scene to ensure that the simulation meets expectations.

Create digital twins using templates from the Virtual Factory DLC

This section will guide you on how to create the following digital twins using templates from the Virtual Factory DLC:

• • A flat roller conveyor
  • A source
  • An Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)
  • A queue

To create these digital twins using templates from the Virtual Factory DLC, follow these steps:

1. In FactVerse Designer, click on the New Scene button located below the Digital Twin Scene section on the left side of the homepage to open the Scene Editor.

2. Click the Save button   in the toolbar to save the scene. Name the scene as “Simple Scene Demo”.

3. Create a flat roller conveyor:

a). Click in the Digital Twin tab of Resources to open the New Digital Twin window.

b). In the New Digital Twin window, fill in the digital twin information.

• • Digital Twin Name: “Conveyor 1”
  • Digital Twin Template: Choose the flat roller conveyor template from the Virtual Factory DLC, for example: Public Directory/FactVerseDLC/Flat roller conveyor.
  • Storage Location: “Private”

4. Create a source:

a). Click in the Digital Twin tab of the Resources pane to open the New Digital Twin window.

b). In the New Digital Twin window, fill in the following digital twin information:

• • Digital Twin Name: “Source 1”
  • Digital Twin Template: Choose the source template from the Virtual Factory DLC, for example: “Public Directory/FactVerseDLC/Source.”
  • Storage Location: “Private”

5. Create a queue:

a). Click in the Digital Twin tab of the Resources pane to open the New Digital Twin window.

b). In the New Digital Twin window, fill in the following digital twin information:

• • Digital Twin Name: “Queue 1”
  • Digital Twin Template: Choose the queue template from the Virtual Factory DLC, for example: Public Directory/FactVerseDLC/Queue.
  • Storage Location: “Private”.

6. Create an AGV:

a). Click in the Digital Twin tab of the Resources pane to open the New Digital Twin window.

b). In the New Digital Twin window, fill in the following digital twin information:

• • Digital Twin Name: “AGV 1”
  • Digital Twin Template: Choose the AGV template from the Virtual Factory DLC, for example: Public Directory/FactVerseDLC/AGV.
  • Storage Location: “Private”

7. Drag and drop “Source 1,” “Conveyor 1,” “Queue 1,” and “AGV 1” into the scene.

8. Click the Save button  on the Toolbar to save the scene.

Configure scene layout and connections

Adjust the length and height of “Conveyor 1”

You can adjust the length and height of the conveyor belt using the conveyor belt editing tool to suit your requirements. Here are the steps to adjust it:

1. In the Scene Area, select “Conveyor 1” and click on Edit.

2. In the editing mode, you can use the conveyor editing tool to stretch the conveyor, adjusting its length, and also modify the conveyor height.

a). Stretching the conveyor: In editing mode, click on one endpoint of the length adjustment line (red) of the conveyor editing tool, then hold down the left mouse button and drag the mouse to adjust the conveyor length.

b). Adjusting conveyor height: In editing mode, click on the height adjustment line (green) endpoint of the conveyor editing tool, then hold down the left mouse button and move the mouse up or down to adjust the conveyor height.

3. Once you finish adjusting, click the End edit button to exit the conveyor editing mode.

4. Click the save button in the toolbar to save the scene.

Add a new node to “Conveyor 1”

To add a new node to ” Conveyor 1″, follow these steps:

1. Select “Conveyor 1” and click on the Edit button to enter the editing mode.

2. In the Scene Area, double-click the mouse on a blank space to add a new node to the conveyor. If you need to delete a node, click on the Delete node option to remove the end section of the conveyor.

3. Once you finish adding the node, click the End Edit button to exit the editing mode for the conveyor belt.

4. Click the save button in the toolbar to save the scene.

Connect the input and output ports of the digital twins

In the virtual factory scene, to enable the transportation of goods between digital twins on the production line, it is necessary to connect the input and output ports of the digital twins.

This section will connect the following input and output ports:

• • Output port of “Source 1” () and input port of “Conveyor 1” ()
  • Output port of “Conveyor 1” () and input port of “AGV 1” ()
  • Output port of “AGV 1” () and input port of “Queue 1” ()

Note: There is no need to connect the input and output ports of the same digital twin.

Follow the steps below to connect the input and output ports:

1. Click on the output port of “Source 1” () in the scene, then click on Connect.

2. Move the mouse over the input port of “Conveyor 1” () and left click to finish a connection between the output port of “Source 1” () and the input port of “Conveyor 1” ().

3. Repeat the same process to connect the following input and output ports:

• • Output port of “Conveyor 1” () and input port of “AGV 1” ()
  • Output port of “AGV 1” () and input port of “Queue 1” ()

4. Click the save button in the toolbar to save the scene.

Configure running logic

Configure main function of “Source 1”

In this section, we will explain how to set the main function of ” Source 1″ to enable simulation of the production process in your virtual factory scene. Follow these steps to set the main function of ” Source 1″:

1. In the Scene Area, select “Source 1”.

2. In the Attribute Pane, find “Template used to generate digital twins” under the Main Function, and click the select button next to it. In the opened template list, select a product template from the DLC. This way, the source will produce specific items based on this template.

3. In the Attribute Pane, modify the Time interval for generating digital twins for ” Source 1″ (i.e., the time interval for the source to produce items). You can set the time interval to an appropriate value to simulate the production pace in an actual factory.

4. Click the save button  in the toolbar to save the scene.

Modify the speed of “Conveyor 1”

In this section, we will adjust the speed of “Conveyor 1” to “5” meters per second, allowing the conveyor to operate at a faster pace during the simulation.

1. In the Scene Area, click to select “Conveyor 1.”

2. In the Attribute Pane, modify the value of the Conveyor Speed to “5.”

3. Click the save button in the toolbar to save the scene.

Create a travel path for “AGV1”

Creating a travel path for “AGV1” allows it to move according to the defined route. Follow these steps to create a travel path for the AGV:

1. Click on the path map button in the toolbar to open the path planning interface.

2. Click on the build button  in the toolbar to enter build mode.

3. Click on three different positions in the Scene Area to create three path points for the AGV:

• • point0： Pick Up point
  • point1： Delivery point
  • point2： Charge point

4. Click on the select button  in the toolbar to enter select mode.

5. Select the connecting line between point0 and point1 and set the connection direction to bidirectional ↔.

6. Select the connecting line between point1 and point2 and set the connection direction to bidirectional ↔.

7. Click on the < button to exit the path planning interface, return to the Scene Editor interface, and a prompt window to save the path will appear.

8. In the prompt window, click on the YES button to save the path.

9. Click the save button in the toolbar to save the scene.

Set the main function of “AGV 1”

Setting the main function of “AGV1” ensures that it follows the predefined path and parameters to execute tasks.

Follow these steps to set the main function of “AGV 1”:

1. In the Scene Area, select “AGV 1.”

2. Set the moving path of AGV 1.

• • Change PickUp Point to the previously set path point name, e.g., point0.
  • Change Delivery Point to the previously set path point name, e.g., point1.
  • Change Charge Point to the previously set path point name, e.g., point2.

3. Set the AGV speed to “5.”

4. Set the Maximum load to “6” (indicating that it can carry up to 6 items).

5. Loading and Unloading Time to “1” (representing the time taken to load or unload goods, which is 1 second).

6. Click the save button in the toolbar to save the scene.

Configure the attribute of the queue

Configure the attributes of the queue, including the maximum load of goods and the interval settings for goods storage.

Preview the scene

You can preview the scene and adjust the playback settings by following these steps:

1. Click the Play button in the Scene Editor toolbar to start previewing the scene to see how the entire scene.

2. During playback, you can use the playback progress bar to control the playback speed. If you need to pause the playback, you can click the pause button.

3. Click the Exit button to exit playback mode.

This chapter aims to introduce the fundamental concepts of digital twins, system requirements, login methods, and user interface, helping users understand and prepare to use FactVerse Designer.

Concepts

Digital Twin Template

Digital twin templates are used for a category of digital twins, with each template containing metadata, behavior trees, and resources for that category of digital twin. Templates can be used to create same category digital twins.

Metadata

Metadata is structured data abstracted and summarized from real objects, used to describe various aspects and content of the objects. Metadata includes the following components:

• • Structure definition: A set of common attributes that describe a digital twin. This set of attributes typically corresponds to the functions, features, or information of the digital twin. For example, the Pose structure can define properties such as position, rotation, and speed of the twin.
  • Attribute definition: Describes the nature or characteristics of the digital twin. Attributes are defined in the template, but actual attribute values are recorded in the digital twins created from the template. Note: Attributes must belong to a structure.
  • Preset structures: A type of general-purpose preset structures provided to users, such as input port, output port, path, etc. Preset structures help users quickly set basic attributes and behaviors of the digital twin. For example, a path structure can be used to define the transportation path of the digital twin; users only need to set the start and end points, and the system will automatically generate the path planning.

Attributes are a general term for the nature and characteristics of a digital twin, covering various aspects such as production information, appearance attributes, status information, and usage attributes:

• • Production information attributes: Used to describe the production information of the digital twin, such as model, batch, manufacturer, production date, etc.
  • Appearance attributes: Define the visual characteristics of the digital twin, such as color, material, size, position, etc.
  • Status attributes: Express the operational state of the digital twin, such as whether it is running, whether it is malfunctioning, whether it is under maintenance, etc.
  • Usage attributes: Describe the performance and characteristics of the digital twin under specific uses, such as production efficiency, energy consumption, decibel levels, temperature during operation, etc.

Data types of attributes

FactVerse Designer supports the following data types of attributes:

Type	Description	Definable attributes
Int	Integer type, used to describe integer physical quantities, such as 1, 2, 5. Value range: -2147483648 ~ 2147483647Step size: Add a specified value (i.e., step size) in each operation and repeat the operation.Unit: the measurement unit of attribute data, such as meters, centimeters.	Quantity, frequency, speed, etc.
Double	Describes physical quantities in floating-point format, with 8-byte precision, such as 1.2, 2.5, 3.0. It can be used to represent attributes that require precise numerical representation, such as “time”, “percentage”, and “exchange rate”. Value range: -2147483648 ~ 2147483647Step size:  Add a specified value (i.e., step size) in each operation and repeat the operationThe measurement unit of attribute data, in string type. For example, meters, centimeters.	Temperature, humidity, power consumption, balance, mass, area, etc.
String	Also known as a text type, used to input text. Data length: The default set value is 10240 bytes.	ID, model, etc.
Bool	Also known as the Boolean type, it is a judgment type used for logical judgment. The value of a bool type attribute is either true (1) or false (0).	Operational status, check status, execution results, etc.
Vector3	Used to describe physical quantities of three-dimensional space information, such as coordinates, rotation angles, scaling, and other attributes. Application: Position, rotation.Unit: The measurement unit of attribute data, in string type. For example, degrees, cm.Attribute value: In the format of x, y, z.	Placement position, placement angle, path positions, etc.
Color	Color format: The format is R, G, B, A. The first three numbers represent the RGB color values, and the fourth number represents the transparency value. Value range: Each number is an integer between 0 and 255. For example, 255, 87, 51, 128.	Appearance colors, status colors, etc.
Path	0:x,y,z or 1:x,y,z,  where 0 represents a straight line and 1 represents a curve. The coordinates of two points are separated by the “|” symbol. For example, 0:0,1,0|0:5,1,0 represents a straight path between the points (0,1,0) and (5,1,0).	Moving paths, transfer paths, transport paths, etc.
Date	Date format: YYYY-MM-DD, for example, 2024-08-09	Production date, maintenance date, etc.
Time	Time format: HH:MM:SS, for example, 14:30:00	Start time, landing time, stop time, etc.
Enum	Enum type format: A predefined list of values, for example: [01, 02, 03].	Error codes and error types, product codes and product categories, etc.
List	Object array format: Used to store an ordered collection of elements, where each element can be of any type but must be of the same type. For example: [1, 2, 3], [“a”, “b”, “c”].	Suitable for storing ordered collections of elements, such as sensor lists, device lists, path points collection, etc.
Dictionary	Key-value pair collection format: {key: value}, where each element can be of any type but must be of the same type. For example: {“ID”: “123”, “Status”: “Normal”}.	Suitable for storing data in a key-value pair structure, suitable for situations where quick lookup, addition, or modification of values based on unique keys is needed. Examples include usernames and their corresponding passwords, configuration options and their values, etc.

In addition to the attributes of digital twins, there are also tree attributes. These attributes are stored in the behavior tree and can be temporarily stored and accessed.

Behavior tree

The behavior tree is the core mechanism for implementing digital twin content (including digital twins and digital twin scenes). It defines the intrinsic working methods of each digital twin in the digital twin scene, as well as the rules and principles governing the interactions and interrelations of the digital twins under specific environmental conditions.

Resources

Resources refer to the collection of various elements such as 3D models, images, and videos in the digital twin template. These elements are combined to form the 3D appearance of the digital twin template, such as a 3D model representing equipment, or drawings or videos illustrating operating steps. Each digital twin created using this template will inherit the appearance of the template by default, ensuring a consistent visual effect in the scene.

Digital Twin

A digital twin is a digital representation of a physical entity in the information world. Each digital twin is an instance created based on a digital twin template. A digital twin consists of four main parts: appearance, behavior tree, attributes, and data. The appearance defines the visual representation of the digital twin, the behavior tree determines its behavior, attributes define the digital twin’s static or dynamic characteristics, and data contains real-time or historical information related to the digital twin. Users can edit these parts as needed and drive the digital twin’s behavior through the behavior tree or data.

Digital twin scene

A digital twin scenario is a virtual view of a business environment composed of instances of digital twins. It may also include custom business logic and 3D decorative elements. The core of a digital twin scene is its layout, which primarily focuses on organizing digital twins.

The main functions of a digital twin scenario include:

• • Digital twin layout: Users can add or remove digital twins in the scene, adjust each digital twin’s position, size, and other attributes through interactive operations, and also modify the digital twins’ attributes and connect connectable digital twins.
  • Decorative layout: Users can add or remove various 3D models, 2D images, videos, and other resources as decorative elements in the digital twin scene, and adjust the position, size, and other attributes of these decorative elements through interactive operations.
  • Path planning: Design the movement paths of digital twins within the scene to simulate the actions of equipment or personnel.
  • Global operating logic: Define and manage the business logic in the scene to ensure that the interactions between digital twins and the overall behavior of the scene meet expectations.

Preparation

System requirement

System	Minimum Configuration	Recommended Configuration
Windows PC	Software: Window10 or later Direct3D 11.0 or higher Hardware: CPU: Intel®Core™i5-6200U 2.30Ghz RAM: 8GB GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti	Software: Window10 or later Direct3D 11.0 or higher Hardware: CPU: Intel®Core™i7-11700 3.60Ghz RAM: 16GB GPU: NVIDIA GTX 3070 Ti
macOS	Software: Monterey 12.0.1 Hardware: CPU: Intel Core i7 RAM: 8GB GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640	Software: Monterey 14 Hardware: Chip: Apple M1 RAM: 16GB

Download

Before you start using FactVerse Designer, you need to download it first. 

Platform	Download address
Windows PC	https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/factverse-designer/9NJS5D6XZG0F?hl=zh-cn&gl=cn Download short URL:datame.sh/designer
macOS	Apple Store

Acquiring Permissions

To gain access to the FactVerse platform and use FactVerse Designer, you need to contact your company’s administrator and request authorization. The company administrator will assign appropriate permissions based on your role and needs, ensuring you can smoothly access and use FactVerse Designer and related products and services. Once authorized, you can log in to FactVerse Designer and start using it.

Login

Regular login

To access FactVerse Designer, you can use your FactVerse user account and password to log in. Here are the steps to log in: 

1. Open the FactVerse Designer login page. 

2. Configure server:

a) Select public server: If your enterprise is deployed on a public server, choose the server belonging to the enterprise account from the server list.
b) Set up private deployment server: If your enterprise uses a private deployment server, you need to click on the private deployment icon to set the exclusive service code.

3. Enter your Account and Password: In the login dialog, enter your FactVerse user account and password. 

4. Check the box “I have read and agree to the DataMesh ‘Terms of Use’ and ‘Privacy Policy’”, then click the Sign in button.

a) If you belong to only one enterprise account, the homepage will be displayed directly.
b) If you have multiple enterprise accounts, a list of enterprise accounts will be shown. Select the enterprise account you want to use, and then the homepage will be displayed.

Third-party login

FactVerse Designer supports using third-party login by utilizing Microsoft’s identity and access management service, Microsoft Entra ID, to enhance user security when using FactVerse platform. Below are the steps for using third-party login:

1. Open the FactVerse Designer login page. 

2. Configure server:

a) Select public server: If your enterprise is deployed on a public server, choose the server belonging to the enterprise account from the server list.
b) Set up private deployment server: If your enterprise uses a private deployment server, you need to click on the private deployment icon to set the exclusive service code.

3. Check the box “I have read and agree to the DataMesh ‘Terms of Use’ and ‘Privacy Policy’” option.

4. Click the Microsoft icon and then enter your third-party account credentials for login. 

User interface

Homepage

Upon successful login, you will be directed to FactVerse Designer’s homepage. The homepage provides you with access to the editing interface, allowing you to quickly access recently edited digital twin templates and digital twin scenes. 

In the homepage, you can perform the following actions: 

1. New Template: Create brand-new digital twin templates.

2. Open Template: Open existing digital twin templates for editing and customization.  

3. New Scene: Create a new scene where you can perform scene layout and configure runtime logic for the visualization and interactive operation of the digital twin.

4. Open Scene: Open an existing scene for viewing and editing.

5. Import/Export Scene:

• • Import Scene: Allows you to import scenes from the Hands-On Lab, enabling you to use the content from Hands-On Lab. For instructions on using Hands-On Lab, refer to the FactVerse Hands-On Lab.
  • Export Scene: Supports exporting scene files for sharing and backup.

6. Recently edited: On the homepage, you can see a list of recently edited digital twin templates and scenes. This feature enables you to quickly access recently used templates and scenes, improving your workflow efficiency.

7. Play Recording: Click the “Play Recording” button to play back previously recorded scenes.

8. Import Excel: Supports importing Excel spreadsheets to create digital twins in bulk.

Template Editor

In FactVerse Designer, by clicking the New Template button on the homepage or opening any digital twin template, you will enter the Template Editor interface. In the Template Editor, you can define a specific type of digital twin in detail, including metadata, behavior tree, resources, etc.

Menus

The “Menus” in the Template Editor contain commonly used tools and commands for creating digital twin templates. Below are the functions of each menu:

Menu	Function
File	New: Create a new template. If the current template has not been saved yet, it will prompt you to save it. Open: Open an existing template from the cloud. If the current template has not been saved yet, it will prompt you to save it. Save: Save the current template content. Save as: Choose a location in the cloud directory to save the template and save the current template as a different one. Export as .xlsx file: Export a spreadsheet used for batch creation or modification of digital twin. Close: Close the current template and return to the main page. If the current template has not been saved yet, it will prompt you to save it. Quit: Exit DataMesh FactVerse Designer. If the current template has not been saved yet, it will prompt you to save it.
Tools	Dimensional Movement: Used to enable or disable drag navigation, helping users to linearly drag roles in the scene. Performance Statistics: Displays key data such as memory, Draw Calls, Batches, FPS, and other valuable information.
View	Ground grid: Show or hide the grid for planes at a height of 0 in the scene. View cube: Show or hide the view cube, viewpoint reset button, and projection switch button in the scene area.
Settings	Language: Used to switch languages. Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Japanese. Account: User Account: Displays the currently logged-in user account. Logout: Logs out the current user account. Upload Log: Allows you to upload the latest seven logs to the DataMesh FactVerse Services platform. About: View the current application’s version number.

Toolbar

In the Template Editor, the “Toolbar” contains commonly used commands as listed in the table below:

Icon	Description
	Home button: Clicking the home button will navigate to the main page. If there are unsaved modifications to the current template, it will prompt whether to save the current template.
	Save button: Save the newly created or modified template.
	Save as button: Clicking the “Save as” button allows you to save the current template as a new file.
	Undo button: Undo the user’s previous action.
	Redo button: Restores the user’s previously undone action.

Resources

The Resources pane in the Template Editor is in the left pane of the interface. You can resize the Resources pane by dragging the bottom or right edge of the pane. Additionally, clicking the title of the Resources pane allows you to expand or collapse it. 

The Resources pane is divided into two sections: My Resources and Libraries

My Resources 

In the My Resources section, you can access all available 2D and 3D resources. These resources include various elements and components that you can use to design and customize your template. 

Below are the features and interface elements in My Resources: 

• • Search: You can use the search box in My Resources to perform a fuzzy search for resources based on their names. 
  • Filter: By selecting tags, you can filter the resources in My Resources to display only those that have the chosen tags. 
  • Storage Path: Shows the storage path of the resource. Clicking  allows you to return to the upper level in the path. 
  • Refresh: Clicking the refresh button  allows you to update the resource materials. After uploading new resources, click refresh to view them in My Resources. 

Resource Status: 

• • Not Cached: Cloud-based materials have not been cached locally, and the icon appears in gray. 
  • Downloading: When you click on a not cached material, the download process begins, and the download progress is displayed. 
  • Cached: The icon is lit up, indicating that the material has been fully downloaded and can be directly dragged and dropped into the scene for use. 

Libraries 

The Libraries section contains pre-set digital twin content provided by the system, including pre-defined basic elements such as source, conveyors, and AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles). These pre-set basic elements can be used as templates to help users quickly create complex digital twin templates.

In addition, the Libraries section also includes built-in system utilities such as subtitles, components, and shapes. These utilities enable users to add additional functionality and visual effects to the digital twin during the template editing process, enhancing interactivity and visual appeal.

Digital Twin Template

The Digital Twin Template pane is located below the Resources pane and is used to display the metadata, resources, and behavior tree of the current template. It is an essential component of the Template Editor interface, providing comprehensive viewing and management capabilities for the digital twin template content.

Scene Area

The “Scene Area” in the Template Editor is in the central pane of the interface and serves as the primary workspace for editing digital twin templates. Here, you can drag and drop models or tool resources from the Resources pane to start creating your digital twin template. 

The Scene Area includes the following elements:

• • Added Resources: You can add various resources, such as models, to the Scene Area for layout and editing purposes. 
  • View cube : Located in the top right corner of the Scene Area, the 3D Scene Gizmo displays the current viewpoint direction. Clicking the scene gizmo allows you to switch between six views (Front, Back, Left, Right, Top, Bottom).  
  • Viewpoint reset button : Clicking the reset button will bring the viewpoint back to the initial perspective, making it easy for you to readjust the view.  
  • Projection switch button : By default, the perspective projection is used. You can switch to orthographic projection by clicking on the toggle button. 

Attribute Pane

The Attribute Pane of the Template Editor is in the right-side pane of the Template Editor interface. It is used to edit the attribute information of the current template and the attributes of resources in the scene. 

Main functions:

• • Edit template attributes: When you click on a blank area in the scene, the Attribute Area will display the current template’s attribute information. Here, you can modify the template’s name, description, and thumbnail information.
  • Edit resource attributes: When you select a resource in the scene, the Attribute pane will show the selected resource’s attributes. You can adjust and set attributes of the resource here, such as size, position, color, etc.
  • Data binding: The Attribute pane allows you to perform data binding, linking the attributes of resources to other data sources. Through data binding, you can achieve automatic updates and interactive effects for the attributes of digital twins. For example, you can use external data to drive rotations, movements, and other posture changes of the digital twin, enabling more realistic and real-time simulation effects.

Scene Editor

By clicking the New button or the Open button of the Scene section on the homepage, you can enter the Scene Editor interface. In the Scene Editor, you can organize digital twins created from digital twin templates into a digital twin scene, which includes functions such as digital twin layout and connections between the input port and output port. 

Menus

The Menus in the Scene Editor contains common tools and commands that you may use when creating twin scenes. Here are the functionalities of each menu:

Menu	Function
File	New: Create a new scene. If the current scene has not been saved yet, it will prompt you to save it. Open: Open an existing scene from the cloud. If the current scene has not been saved yet, it will prompt you to save it. Save: Save the current scene. Save As: Choose a location in the cloud directory to save the scene and save the current scene as a different one. Export: Export the digital twin scene as a digpkg format file and save it. Close: Close the current scene and return to the main page. If the current scene has not been saved yet, it will prompt you to save it. Output: Exit DataMesh FactVerse Designer. If the current template has not been saved yet, it will prompt you to save it.
Tools	Move Gizmo: Used to enable or disable drag navigation, helping users to linearly drag roles in the scene. Operating Parameter: Displays key data such as memory, Draw Calls, Batches, FPS, and other valuable information.
View	Light: Show or hide lights in the scene. Path: Show or hide paths in the scene. Ground grid: Show or hide the grid for planes at a height of 0 in the scene. View cube: Show or hide the view cube, viewpoint reset button, and projection switch button in the scene area. Port connections: Show or hide ports and port connections in the scene.
Settings	Language: Used to switch languages. Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Japanese. Account: User Account: Displays the currently logged-in user account. Logout: Logs out the current user account. Upload Log: Allows you to upload the latest seven logs to the DataMesh FactVerse platform. Change rendering environment: Modify the rendering environment of the digital twin scene. About: View the current application’s version number.

Toolbar

In the Scene Editor, the “Toolbar” contains the following commonly used commands as shown in the diagram below:

Icon	Description
	Home button: Clicking the home button will navigate to the main page. If there are unsaved modifications to the current scene, it will prompt whether to save the current scene.
	Save button: Save the newly created or modified scene.
	Save as button: Clicking the “Save as” button allows you to save the current template as a new file.
	Undo button: Undo the user’s previous action.
	Redo button: Restores the user’s previously undone action.
	Path map button.
	Record button, record video.
	Breakpoint debugging button,click the breakpoint debugging button to enter the behavior tree debugging runtime mode.
	Play button, preview scene.

Resources

In the Scene Editor, the Resources pane is located on the left side of the interface. You can adjust the size of the Resources pane by dragging the bottom or right edge. Additionally, you can click on the title of the Resources pane to expand or collapse it.

The Resources pane consists of three sections: Digital Twin, My Resources, and Libraries.

• • Digital Twin: In the Digital Twin section of the Resources pane, you can use digital twin templates to create digital twins and use them in your scene.
  • My Resources: This section functions similarly to the “My Resources” in the Template Editor. It contains all the 2D and 3D resources available to you. You can search and filter to find the resources you need.
  • Libraries: The Libraries section includes system-preset digital twin templates and built-in tools such as subtitles, components, and shapes. These tools can help you quickly add additional functionality and effects to enrich your twin scenes.

Digital Twin

In the scene editor, the Digital Twin pane is located below the Resources pane and is used to display all elements in the current scene, including digital twins, models, tools, documents, and lights.

The Digital Twin pane in the Scene Editor provides the following functionalities:

1. Show or hide digital twins:

• • : Currently visible; clicking the show icon will switch to the hidden state. 
  • : Currently hidden; clicking the hide icon will switch to the visible state.

2. Select a digital twin: Clicking the digital twin’s name will select the digital twin for further editing or operations. 

3. Delete digital twin : Clicking the delete icon will remove the digital twin from the scene.

4. Lock digital twin : Locked digital twins cannot have their poses changed and will appear in a locked state in the digital twin list. Locking scene layout models during the construction process helps prevent accidental changes and improves the efficiency of digital twin content creation.

5． Resize the digital twin pane: You can adjust the pane’s size by dragging its right edge.

6． Expand the pane: Click the title of the digital twin pane to expand it.

Scene Area

The “Scene Area” is in the central pane of the Scene Editor interface and serves as the primary workspace for editing digital twin scenes. In this area, you can layout, organize, and edit digital twins, models, and tools to create your desired digital twin scenes. 

The main features of the Scene Area in the Scene Editor include:

• • Resources layout: You can drag and drop digital twins, models, or tools from the Resources pane into the Scene Area, placing them in the desired positions to start building your digital twin scenes. 
  • Editing and organizing: In the Scene Area, you can edit and organize the added digital twins and models, adjusting their positions, sizes, rotation angles, and more to achieve the desired scene effects.
  • Multi-view Display: The scene area supports multi-view display. By clicking on the view cube in the top right corner of the scene area, you can quickly switch between six views (Front View, Back View, Left View, Right View, Top View, Bottom View). This allows you to better observe and edit the scene from different perspectives.
  • Viewpoint reset: Clicking the viewpoint reset button  in the Scene Area allows you to return to the initial view, making it convenient for you to adjust and perform operations during the editing process.
  • Projection switching: You can switch between perspective projection and orthographic projection in the Scene Area to meet different scene requirements.

Attribute Pane

The “Attribute pane” of the Scene Editor is located in the right-side pane of the interface and primarily supports the following functions:

Edit scene attributes and behavior tree: When you click on a blank space in the scene, the Attribute pane displays the scene’s attributes. You can view and edit scene attributes such as name, description, and thumbnail. Additionally, you can switch to the behavior tree tab, which displays the behavior tree for the current scene. By clicking on any behavior tree, you can enter the behavior tree editor interface for corresponding editing and adjustments.

Edit digital twin attributes and behavior tree: When you select a twin body in the scene, under the Attribute tab in the attribute pane, the information about the selected digital twin is displayed, including its position, main functions, ports, etc. This allows you to make precise settings and adjustments. You can switch to the behavior tree tab, which displays the behavior tree for the current scene. By clicking on any behavior tree, you can enter the behavior tree editor interface for corresponding editing and adjustments.

Edit model resource attributes: When you select a model resource in the scene, the attribute pane displays the selected model resource’s attribute information. Here, you can adjust and set the pose attributes of the model resource or its substructures. You can also set the model or its substructure as Backface culling.

When a selected model or its subcomponent is set as “Backface culling,” observing the model or subcomponent from the back will make it disappear. This feature is mainly applied to scene models. For example, if you have a virtual factory model and select “Backface culling” for the external walls, when observing the factory from the outside, the external walls will be hidden, displaying only the internal structure and facilities, improving the visibility of the internal environment.

Edit other tool resource attributes: When you select a tool resource in the scene, the attribute pane displays information about the tool, such as color, position, and associated data for charts. You can make precise settings and adjustments through the attribute pane.

Scene playback interface

Click the play button in the toolbar to enter the scene playback interface.

The playback interface toolbar is as follows:

In the scene playback interface, by using the following debugging windows, the requirements for scene debugging and production line optimization can be achieved:

• • Attributes: The “Attribute Pane” of the digital twin can be used to change the digital twin’s attribute values and observe the scene performance after the numerical changes.

• • Behavior tree preview: It displays the real-time execution status of the selected digital twin’s behavior tree. Nodes that are currently executing are shown in light blue, nodes that have not been executed are shown in dark blue, and green and red colors represent successful and failed return values of these nodes, respectively. This visualization facilitates the traversal of the behavior tree, making error localization more intuitive and simplifying the debugging process.

• • Simulation data debugging: It alters digital twin attributes by sending simulation data messages to digital twins within the scene, enabling scene debugging and optimization.
  • Logs: The log pane is used to print the output of Log nodes in the behavior tree.

Behavior tree editor

FactVerse Designer provides an intuitive visual Behavior Tree Editor, eliminating the need for coding to create complex behavior logic for digital twins.

The Behavior Tree Editor interface consists of the following main components: Toolbar, Node Menu, Behavior Tree Editing Area, and Attribute Pane. Through the combination of the Node Menu, Behavior Tree Editing Area, and Attribute Pane, the Behavior Tree Editor offers a visual and interactive interface, enabling users to easily create, edit, and adjust the structure and behavior logic of behavior trees.

Toolbar

The Behavior Tree Editor’s toolbar contains a series of commonly used functional buttons for operating and managing the editor. Below are explanations of the toolbar buttons and their functions:

1. 1. Back: The “Back” button is used to close the current behavior tree editor and return to the template or scene editor interface. After clicking this button, the behavior tree editor will be closed, and there will be a prompt to save or save as before exiting.
   2. Behavior Tree Attributes: This button is used to open or access the settings for the behavior tree’s attributes.
   3. Save: The Save button is used to save the currently edited behavior tree to the FactVerse platform.
   4. Save As: The Save As button allows users to save the currently edited behavior tree with a different name or path.
   5. Zoom View: The Zoom View button allows users to adjust the zoom level of the behavior tree in the editor interface. By clicking the Zoom View button, users can zoom in or zoom out the view of the Behavior Tree Editor to better observe and edit the details of the behavior tree.
   6. Delete Nodes: The Delete nodes button is used to remove the selected node. When a user selects a node and clicks the Delete nodes button, the node will be removed from the behavior tree.

Node Menu

The “Node Menu” is located on the left side of the Behavior Tree Editor interface. From the Node Menu, you can select the appropriate nodes and then drag them into the Behavior Tree Editing Area to create and edit the structure of the behavior tree.

Behavior tree editing area

The “Behavior tree editing area” is the primary workspace for creating and editing the structure and logic of the behavior tree. Users can drag nodes into the editing area, organize them into a tree-like structure, and define the relationships and order between nodes. Users can adjust the positions of nodes and connect the lines between nodes. By working in the Behavior tree editing area, users can intuitively build and modify the structure of the behavior tree.

Attribute Pane

The Attribute Pane is located on the right side of the Behavior Tree Editor interface and is used to set the attributes and execution conditions of behavior tree nodes. When a user selects a node, the Attribute pane displays the relevant attributes and conditional parameters of that node, which the user can set and adjust. The Attribute Pane also allows users to define the execution conditions of nodes, i.e., under what circumstances the node should be executed or skipped. By setting the execution conditions of nodes, users can control the behavior and execution logic of nodes based on specific conditions.

Additionally, users can edit the name of the behavior tree in the attribute area to better manage and identify different behavior trees.

Virtual Factory DLC

The Virtual Factory DLC is a digital twin content expansion package introduced by DataMesh, primarily targeting discrete manufacturing factories. By leveraging digital twin technology, it aims to improve the efficiency of execution in different business processes, including production planning, operation supervision, and layout planning, while also reducing overall manufacturing operational costs.

The Virtual Factory DLC includes common factory elements such as source, conveyor belts, converters, AGV carts, and operators. Enterprises subscribed to FactVerse Designer can use these preset factory elements directly when creating scenes or customize them based on this DLC to meet specific requirements.

Virtual Factory DLC content

Models

The models in the Virtual Factory DLC serve as background and decorative elements in scenes, enhancing the realism of digital twin scenes. These models can also serve as the foundation for customized digital twin templates, allowing users to create specific types of digital twins, such as equipment and operators.

The Virtual Factory DLC includes several types of models:

• • Background models: These three-dimensional models serve a decorative or background role in scenes or environments, enhancing the realism and visual appeal of the setting without serving as the primary interactive elements. Examples include factory backgrounds, storage boxes, stacks, and operating stations.
  • Product models: Representing different types of products, each color and shape signifies a different product category. Examples include yellow balls, red cubes, and finished plastic boxes.
  • Production equipment models: These models represent various production and transport equipment, including conveyor belts, robot, AGV, etc., used to simulate and display the actual equipment used in factories.
  • Operator models: Used to simulate operators or personnel in a factory environment.

Digital twin templates

The Virtual Factory DLC provides various preset digital twin templates, including product templates and production equipment templates. These templates aim to simplify the process of creating virtual factory scenes for users and provide highly configurable simulation experiences.

• • Product templates: These can be attached to production equipment to simulate the actual production of products in the factory. Examples include templates for yellow ball products, blue cube products, etc.
  • Production equipment templates: These templates include robot, AGV, etc. Users can use these templates to create digital twins for various production equipment, allowing them to simulate the production processes in the factory, including automation, transportation, and material handling.
  • Operator templates: Operator templates cover preset settings for appearance, clothing, and actions, making it easy for users to add and configure operators in their virtual factory scenes.

Digital twin scenes

The Virtual Factory DLC includes four digital twin scenes, allowing users to simulate and learn basic production line operations and management.

• • Primary logistics line: This scene allows users to simulate and learn basic logistics line operations and management, including processes such as raw material generation and transport.
  • Conditional sorting scene: This scene focuses on simulating the conditional sorting process, enabling users to understand and optimize material sorting operations under specific conditions. Users can configure the behavior tree of the sorting equipment through drag-and-drop, understanding the ability to sort based on the coordination of the behavior tree and digital twin attributes.
  • Robot sorting scene: In this scene, users can delve into the operation of robot in the sorting process, including precise grasping and placing of materials. By dragging and dropping the behavior tree mechanism of the robot, users can understand the ability to express actual motion actions of the device through model animations.
  • Transparent factory: A digital twin transparent factory refers to the real-time monitoring, analysis, and visual representation of a factory’s production process, equipment status, product quality, etc., through digital technology. This comprehensive transparency enables the entire factory’s production and operations to be visualized. The foundation of a digital twin transparent factory lies in digital twin technology, which precisely corresponds the physical factory to a digital model, allowing for comprehensive simulation and optimization of the factory’s production.

Use Virtual Factory DLC

The Virtual Factory DLC is stored in the “Public Directory” folder and is visible to all users with FactVerse Designer permissions. Users can use the Virtual Factory DLC in FactVerse Designer for various purposes.

The primary use cases for the Virtual Factory DLC are as follows:

• • Viewing DLC content, including DLC directories and list contents, in the digital twin module of the FactVerse platform.
  • Referencing DLC scenes and digital twins in other functional modules of the FactVerse platform. Currently, the equipment inspection module can reference scenes, and the data fusion module can reference digital twins.
  • Viewing, saving, and editing DLC content in FactVerse Designer. Note: Content that supports saving as a new file includes templates, behavior trees, digital twins, and scenes; models in the DLC cannot be saved.

Edit templates in Virtual Factory DLC

If you need to edit templates in the Virtual Factory DLC and save changes, follow these steps:

1. 1. Click the Open Template button under the Digital Twin Template on the homepage of FactVerse Designer to open the resource window.
   2. In the resource directory, find and select the preset template in the Virtual Factory DLC that you want to edit. Click “Open” to open this preset template in the template editor.
   3. In the template editor’s toolbar, click  to save this preset template to another directory.
   4. Edit the template, such as adding model resources, adjusting the position and rotation angle of model resources, etc.
   5. After completing the editing, click to save your changes.

Edit behavior trees in Virtual Factory DLC

When you need to edit preset behavior trees in the Virtual Factory DLC and save changes, you should open the behavior tree in the template editor or scene editor and then edit it after saving it as a new file.

For editing preset behavior trees in a newly created template, follow these steps:

1. Click the New Template button under Digital Twin Template on the FactVerse Designer homepage to create a new template.

2. In the template editor’s Digital Twin Template pane, click ︙ next to Behavior Tree, then select Add Behavior Tree to open the behavior tree list.

3. In the behavior tree list, select the preset behavior tree in the Virtual Factory DLC that you want to edit. This behavior tree will be added to the template.

4. On the Digital Twin Template pane, double-click the behavior tree’s name to open it in the behavior tree editor.

5.In the behavior tree editor’s toolbar, click  to save this preset behavior tree to another directory.

6. Edit the behavior tree, such as adding or removing behavior tree nodes and modifying node attribute settings.

7. After editing, click to save your changes.

Edit scenes in Virtual Factory DLC

When you wish to edit scenes in the Virtual Factory DLC and save changes, follow these steps:

1. Click the Open Scene button under Scene on the FactVerse Designer homepage to open the resource window.

2. In the resource directory, find the Virtual Factory DLC scene you want to edit, click Open to load it in the scene editor.

3. In the scene editor’s toolbar, click  to open the Save As window.

When saving the scene, you can choose whether to save digital twin data within the scene:

• • Save As (Scene Only): If you only save the scene as a new file, modifying digital twins in the scene will affect the original digital twins in the scene. Note: For DLC scenes, it is only supported to modify content other than digital twins in the scene.
  • Save As (Scene and Digital Twins): If you choose to save both scene and digital twin as a new file, modifying digital twins will not affect the original digital twins in the DLC.

4. In the Save window, choose the storage directory, specify the scene name, and then click Confirm to complete the scene’s save as process.

FactVerse Hands-on Lab

FactVerse Hands-on Lab is a training package created based on the content of the Virtual Factory DLC. It includes training videos and practical digital twin scene content. Through these training materials, you can gain a deep understanding of digital twin scene construction, experience rich materials and critical business instances to enhance your operational capabilities, and quickly optimize workflows.

Import Hands-on Lab scenes

Using the import function of FactVerse Designer, you can import scene files (.digpkg files) from the Hands-On Lab. Note: Each import operation will overwrite the previous Hands-On Lab scene file.

1. Download the Hands-on Lab package to a local folder.

2. On the homepage, click the Import Scene button.

3. In the Open Scene window, select the scene file to import and click Open.

4. After importing successfully, the directory of the imported scene remains consistent with the original scene file’s directory, and all users under the tenant can see this directory and scene.

Edit Hands-on Lab scenes

The specific steps for editing Hands-on Lab scene files are as follows:

1. Open and log in to FactVerse Designer.

2. On the homepage, click the Open Scene button below the Digital Twin Scene to open the resource window.

3. In the resource directory, find the Hands-on Lab scene you want to edit, click Open to load the scene in the scene editor.

4. In the scene editor’s toolbar, click the Save As button  to save the scene separately. Recommendation: Check the option Save As (Scene and Digital twins).

5. Based on the Hands-on Lab video, use models, digital twins, etc. from the DLC to edit the scene, actively building your own production line.

FactVerse Designer is an industrial metaverse designer aimed at providing solutions for industries such as manufacturing, transportation, logistics, and more. It offers a spatial/system/scene simulation tool with the ability to create and edit, allowing users to easily design and simulate systems with complex logic.

Core capabilities

FactVerse Designer possesses the following core capabilities:

1. Visualizing actual scene: FactVerse Designer efficiently standardizes and organizes a company’s 3D data into digital twin scene. This allows you to accurately simulate and visualize real-world environments.

2. Data-driven and operational logic: FactVerse Designer supports data-driven and operational logic features. Users can connect business systems and drive scene operations based on real-world data. Additionally, using the behavior tree tool, users can design, control, and adjust the operational logic of elements within the scene through a drag-and-drop interface.

3. Real-time optimization and adjustment based on scene operation: Driven by digital twin data and behavior trees, users can simulate scene operations along a timeline to view the actual appearance and effects of the scene. Users can adjust and optimize scene layouts based on real-time data feedback, quickly identifying and addressing issues related to layout, business logic, and upstream or downstream connections.

4. Scene editing tools and effect components: FactVerse Designer offers a rich set of scene editing tools and effect components, enabling users to freely create and edit various scenes for more realistic and detailed simulation effects.

Application scenarios

FactVerse Designer will assist enterprises in improving efficiency, optimizing operations, and enhancing industrial and manufacturing processes. Its primary application scenarios are outlined below:

1. Training and guidance: Through the digital twin/3D instructions of equipment and XR guidance, FactVerse Designer can rapidly enhance the operational and facility maintenance skills of frontline workers, thereby increasing productivity.

2. Experience: Leveraging various XR devices, FactVerse Designer provides immersive digital twin scene experiences, allowing visitors and learners to quickly enhance their understanding of unfamiliar objects without disrupting production order.

3. Monitor and control: Based on the digital twins of facilities and equipment, FactVerse Designer supports facility and equipment maintenance, status checks, and operational supervision to ensure the normal operation of facilities and equipment.

4. Simulation: FactVerse Designer, based on the digital twins of facilities and equipment, can simulate and replicate the real operation and operational logic of facilities and equipment. This is particularly useful in scenarios involving extensive planning, training, prediction, and management.