Lighting Load Color Feedback for Network Diagnostics

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load control systems face challenges in maintaining optimal network communication quality due to device additions and changes in the physical space, making it difficult for users to configure networks effectively.

Innovation Solution

Load control devices, such as lighting control devices, provide diagnostic and configuration feedback through color output adjustments using LEDs, allowing for network diagnostics and configuration by emitting light at different intensities and wavelengths, and using optical filters to interpret this feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices are added to the network, then network coverage and functionality are improved, but network communication quality is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidnetwork communication quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where load control devices transmit diagnostic information back to users through visual indicators (LED lights). The system continuously monitors network communication quality and provides real-time feedback about device status, signal strength, and network health, enabling users to identify and resolve communication issues that arise when devices are added to the network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses color changes in LED indicators to convey different network diagnostic states. Different colors represent different communication quality levels, device statuses, or network conditions, providing an intuitive visual feedback system that helps users quickly assess network health without requiring technical expertise or complex diagnostic tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If devices are added to the network, then network functionality is improved, but configuration difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork functionalityVSAvoidconfiguration difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service configuration by allowing load control devices to automatically provide diagnostic information about their network status. Users can simply observe the visual indicators on devices to understand network configuration issues and perform basic troubleshooting without requiring specialized knowledge or complex configuration procedures. The system serves itself by automatically monitoring and reporting its own health status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The visual feedback system provides immediate information about device status and network configuration, guiding users through the configuration process. The feedback helps users understand whether devices are properly connected, whether communication quality is adequate, and what actions may be needed, thereby simplifying the configuration of expanded network functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If physical space changes are made, then adaptability is improved, but network communication quality is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical space adaptabilityVSAvoidnetwork communication quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides continuous feedback about network communication quality through visual indicators on load control devices. When physical space changes affect wireless signal propagation, the feedback mechanism allows users to immediately observe the impact on communication quality and adjust device placement or configuration accordingly, maintaining reliable network operation despite physical environmental changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables users to identify network issues and optimize communication quality by providing visual feedback, facilitating better network configuration and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a lighting control device may be capable of providing feedback via a corresponding lighting load that indicates network information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

using optical filters to interpret this feedback

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS20260107354A1Network diagnostics using color output of lamps

Publication Date: 2026.04.16 LUTRON TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LLC

AI summary

Devices of a load control system may communicate with each other via a network. The load control system may include different control devices, such as load control devices, input devices, or other devices capable of communicating with each other to perform load control. These control devices may be capable of providing feedback to a user that indicates different network information that may be used for network diagnostics and/or configuration. For example, a lighting control device may be capable of providing feedback via a corresponding lighting load that indicates network information that may be used in network diagnostics and/or configuration.