Voice-controlled configuration of an automation system

An apparatus, comprising:

• means for detecting an appliance in communication via a computer network;
• means for receiving information indicating capabilities of the appliance;
• means for receiving audio input from a user converted by an electroacoustic transducer into an audio signal;
• and
• means for determining control settings controlling the capabilities of the appliance, based on the audio signal.

A computer program product, comprising:

• a computer-readable medium comprising code for causing a computer to:
• detect an appliance in communication via a computer network;
• receive information indicating capabilities of the appliance;
• receive audio input from a user converted by an electroacoustic transducer into an audio signal;
• and
• determining control settings controlling the capabilities of the appliance, based on the audio signal.

A method comprising:

• advertising an appliance to a controller of an automation system via a computer network;
• transmitting a signal to the controller indicating capabilities of the appliance;
• converting audio input from a user into an audio signal, using an electroacoustic transducer;
• and
• transmitting control settings for the appliance encoded in the audio signal to the controller.

A computer program product, comprising:

• a computer-readable medium comprising code for causing a computer to:
• advertise an appliance to a controller of an automation system via a computer network;
• transmit a signal to the controller indicating capabilities of the appliance;
• convert audio input from a user into an audio signal, using an electroacoustic transducer;
• and
• transmit control settings for the appliance encoded in the audio signal to the controller.

An apparatus for installing at least one appliance with a home automation system comprising a controller, the apparatus comprising:

• means for advertising an appliance to a controller of an automation system via a computer network;
• means for transmitting a signal to the controller indicating capabilities of the appliance
• means for converting audio input from a user into an audio signal, using an electroacoustic transducer;
• and
• means for transmitting control settings for the appliance encoded in the audio signal to the controller.