Interactive building module

Abstract

A modular building structure which can be converted between a variety of usage modes, such as an office, hotel or residential purposes. Each module includes fittings that allow for attachment and detachment of internal components to enable conversion between the usage modes. The modules may be joined in different ways, such as in a checkerboard configuration. Also disclosed are an exchange module to permit the secure exchange of items to or from the building structure to which access is permitted if authorisation information matches an access instruction, and a resource management system to control the use of resources such as electricity and water in which a resource source is chosen that meets rather than exceeds the requirements of the resource demand.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to, co-pending application Ser. No. 09 / 937,278, filed Sep. 24, 2002 as a national stage filing under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT / AU00 / 00240, filed on Mar. 23, 2000, which claims priority to Australian PP 9408, filed Mar. 23, 1999. The Ser. No. 09 / 937,278 application, the PCT / AU00 / 00240 application, and the Australian PP 9408 application are each incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates to interactive building modules and refers particularly, though not exclusively, to interactive building modules capable of flexible multipurpose use and arrangement in various market sectors. [0004] 2. Definitions [0005] Throughout this specification reference to a hotel is to be taken as including a reference to a motel and / or serviced apartment. Furthermore, a reference to an office is to be taken as including a reference to a se...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] The inventive concept, in its various aspects, is inspired by the fundamental realisation that use of existing building structures is associated with high capital costs and low utilisation rates.

[0014] Accordingly, the invention, in various aspects, preferably proposes multiple building structures built of modular components, in which the resulting building structures are fabricated for construction involving reduced capital costs, and multi-purpose usage.

Problems solved by technology

Technological development and subsequent global economic and social change have made employment an important issue.

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