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VFI Guide Overview#

Guide Objective

Users will gain an understanding of converting CAD data to VFI digital twin workflows through a comprehensive content workflow that covers data conversion, asset validation, scene optimization, and assembly aggregation within the Omniverse framework.

Prerequisites

  • General knowledge of 3D applications and CAD software.

  • Basic understanding of digital twin and virtual facility concepts.

  • Familiarity with USD (Universal Scene Description) fundamentals.

This workflow overview outlines the processes and best practices for creating and optimizing virtual facilities to run in OpenUSD within the NVIDIA Omniverse framework. It covers CAD data conversion, asset validation to ensure quality standards, scene optimization for quality and performance, and aggregating individual components into a larger assembly for efficiency and speed of iteration.

While data is converted from CAD and other source applications, additional components might be added via pointcloud scanning, photogrammetry pipelines or any other means.

In this guide, we will use a small data set of a wheel to illustrate the content workflow cycle. Smaller parts will be aggregated into the component asset. Downstream, these individual assets may also be transformed when aggregated into larger assemblies. Example: 400 bolts might be merged together and decimated when a factory cell is assembled from assets and other assemblies. Bolts may not be needed at all for a use case, and they are therefore deactivated at the assembly stage. Another example might be individual assets that are merged into clusters based on spatial proximity to allow for sections of geometry stream in and out as needed.

VFI Overview

It is important to consider your use case to understand how to structure your CAD and USD data. For example, if you are doing layout planning and optimization, it is important to consider your hierarchy, to allow for movement of prim groups, whose position should not be fixed. This holds true for the factory product(s), equipment and architectural assets.

Each step of the content iteration cycle has a hands-on section to give you a better understanding of the various topics.

Let’s dive into the fundamentals of OpenUSD to establish the foundation needed for creating virtual facilities and digital twins.