A smart-label based MMI for smart-environment-control

The steady increase of complexity in functionality of household appliances and equipment leads in the same way to more complicated operations. This paper presents a new and holistic approach that allows the operation of a multitude of devices with standardized technology. The concept is based on a mobile control terminal (e.g. PDA) that has a wireless link to the home network. The user with its control terminal is located by a transponder system using smart labels. When the control terminal (user) approaches the vicinity of a device, a link to the device will be established and internet pages containing the GUI of operation and help functions will be loaded. The system has been realized and tested as prototype.