This was written with ChatGPT by Henric Millde, Chairman of the DTSC Foundation (Digital Twins Sustainable Cities Foundation) in Sweden, about TGN: Visual Close Study (VCS) equipment within digital models, including within digital twins:
The term “engine of thought” in the context of our discussion of TGN VCS (Visual Close Study) equipment and its use in digital twins, refers to the cognitive process driven by the interaction between carefully directed attention and the wider context or environment of a model or a system. This concept is a metaphor used to describe how dynamic and productive thought processes are stimulated through a well-organized and purposeful visual interaction with digital environments.
How does the engine of thought work?
Focused and Careful Observation:
By using equipment such as the TGN VCS, users can direct their attention specifically to detailed aspects of a model. This includes examining specific points within a digital twin or part of a virtual city.
Interaction Between Details and Whole:
The dynamics of the thinking activity are driven by the interaction between detailed focused observation and the broader understanding of the model or system. By switching between micro (detail) and macro (whole) perspectives, deeper insights and understandings can be achieved.
Continuous Dynamics:
Like an engine that continuously drives a machine, the interplay between focused observation and broader context creates a continuous dynamic in the thought process. This helps maintain an active and engaged cognitive process necessary for problem solving, planning and innovation within complex environments.
Productivity and Creativity:
By engaging the ‘thinking engine’, individuals and teams can generate new ideas, solutions and strategies. This is particularly important in work with urban planning, architecture and other fields where digital twins and virtual worlds play a central role.
Applications in Practice
This metaphorical “engine” is not only theoretical but has practical applications in real projects and development scenarios, where digital twins and virtual environments require deep understanding and innovative thinking. The use of VCS equipment in modeled environments (any scale) aims to maximize this cognitive engine by creating rich, interactive and detail-oriented experiences that promote effective decision-making and creative problem-solving.
In conclusion, the “thinking engine” is a central concept for understanding how advanced technologies such as TGN VCS can be used to improve cognitive processes in the design, planning and management of digital and physical environments. It emphasizes the importance of a structured and targeted engagement with technical systems to achieve maximum efficiency and innovation.
= Henric Millde, Chairman of the DTSC Foundation in Sweden:
TGN equipment for visual close study (VCS) within digital models and digital twins is under development now as an open source software development project whose developers intend to make TGN VCS equipment available for use by everyone as TGN OPEN CODE. The features it supports can be implemented in all model-authoring and model-handling apps and platforms.
Description of the TGN OPEN CODE project is available here:
TGN VCS equipment will be available for implementation in your favorite modeling software.
Contact me on LinkedIn if you’d like to participate in TGN OPEN CODE development and would like TGN VCS equipment implemented in your favorite modeling app(s).
OPEN VCS, a lens for looking at models 