Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a building automation system, and, more particularly, to an Internet-centric, open, extensible software and hardware framework supporting all aspects of control and monitoring of a smart building ecosphere. The present invention further relates to an “intelligent,” real-time control system capable of both autonomous process control and interaction with system users and system administrators, which is configured to accommodate functional extensions and a broad array of sensors and control devices. The system allows individuals to communicate, monitor and adjust their personal environmental preferences (temperature, light, humidity, white noise, etc.) much like they would in an automobile, via the Internet. The system is equipped with an occupancy sensor that recognizes the presence and identity of the individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a building automation system, and, more particularly, to an Internet-centric, open, extensible software and hardware framework supporting all aspects of control and monitoring of a smart building ecosphere. The present invention further relates to an “intelligent,” real-time control system capable of both autonomous process control and interaction with system users and system administrators, which is configured to accommodate functional extensions and a broad array of sensors and control devices. The system allows individuals to communicate, monitor and adjust their personal environmental preferences (temperature, light, humidity, white noise, etc.) much like they would in an automobile, via the Internet. The system is equipped with an occupancy sensor that recognizes the presence and identity of the individual.

Abstract: Platform-independent collaboration backbone and framework for forming virtual communities having virtual rooms with collaborative sessions. Demon logic is embedded in a room page as downloadable platform-independent instructions. The demon, when downloaded, is caused to be in communication with control logic and an application, which, for example, may itself be downloadable. The downloaded demon is also in communication with a server. The server is in communication with similarly-arranged, though not necessarily identical, clients, which for example may have the downloaded demon but a different arrangement of applications. The application at a first and second client node may collaborate by causing their respective demons to send messages from a predefined protocol to the server, which in turn will forward them to other relevant demons. Some of the messages are control messages which facilitate certain collaborative actions, such as joining a session or entering a room.