Smart Buildings Systems for Architects, Owners and Builders

components of an AV system may have direct network connections, such as
projectors, many other components do not. Projectors, cameras, VHS/DVD
players, motorized projection screens, lighting, and window shades or curtains
are AV devices that can typically be controlled in an IP network.
Some of these components may connect to an “Ethernet interface” or bridge
device which interfaces the various inputs and outputs from multiple components
onto a standard Ethernet IP network. These systems add a network “on top” of an
audio visual system to compensate for some component shortcomings in connect-
ing to the network directly. In the following, example components are listed.

n Projectors

n Monitors

n Camera

n VCR

n DVD

n Lighting

n Screens

n Room access

n Curtains, drapes

n Volume

n Alarms

n HVAC

Room scheduling software can send out an invitation to the meeting and
the program would schedule the meeting to the nearest location that can
accommodate the invitees. The software can trigger the control system to turn
on the AV components and to adjust the room temperature and lighting. Pho-
toelectric light sensors would sense the amount of natural light and properly
adjust the window shades.
The capability to administer an audio visual system through a standard
smart building technology allows functionality previously not available. This
includes remote control of the system over the network, enterprise-wide asset
management, preventive maintenance, content delivery, component software
upgrades, and more.
Remote monitoring allows a service technician to use a web browser to
access and monitor all components of an audio visual system. The technician
can turn a projector or other component on or off, run diagnostics on the
equipment, centrally control all displays and the like. Remote communication

176 Smart Building Systems for Architects, Owners, and Builders