Open AccessTowards an ontology for holistic building occupant information modelling
Author(s) -
Shide Salimi,
Mazdak Nik-Bakht,
Amin Hammad
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
iop conference series. materials science and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1757-899X
pISSN - 1757-8981
DOI - 10.1088/1757-899x/609/6/062025
Subject(s) - ontology , computer science , process ontology , ontology based data integration , software deployment , upper ontology , semantic integration , function (biology) , domain (mathematical analysis) , building automation , information exchange , semantics (computer science) , ontology alignment , knowledge management , data science , world wide web , semantic web , software engineering , semantic computing , mathematical analysis , telecommunications , philosophy , physics , mathematics , epistemology , evolutionary biology , biology , programming language , thermodynamics
Occupant behaviour (OB) is a critical factor affecting the building performance from aspects such as energy/comfort management, emergency planning, space management, and safety/security. Several ontologies were previously developed to formalize modelling/exchanging occupant-related information for each of these applications. The present study aims to provide a holistic occupant ontology to support integrated building management solutions. Rather than offering a brand new ontology, we integrate the existing models, and create the linkages required for semantic integration among them. Two main dimensions framing our occupant ontology include: building function and occupancy information. We mapped the available ontologies (within and outside the domain of OB), to capture existing gaps for semantic integration across multiple use-cases, within each of these dimensions. The gaps were then translated into competency questions, and from there, we developed meta-classes and relations required for the high-level occupant ontology. Upon the completion and deployment, the proposed occupant ontology can result in better information exchange and integration with building simulation models for various use-cases.