Internet Framework for Cooperative Buildings

In this paper we describe our concepts for an Internet based framework for cooperative buildings (FCB). This framework supports the engineering of applications to manage future cooperative buildings that are equipped with electronically manageable devices. The term ‘cooperative’ is meant to indicate that we are striving for buildings in which all electronically controllable devices can cooperate and communicate with one another and users rather than buildings in which a central unit is autonomously controlling all devices. The framework architecture is based on a combination of web and object-oriented technologies. It allows systems to access devices independently of their location and manufacturer-dependent differences. We demonstrate our concepts in a system that allows users to monitor and control devices on an EIB control bus manually or by the use of user defined ‘scenes’ via Internet using a web browser.