Hyvve -- A Modular and Flexible Light System

Abstract

In this paper we present Hyvve as a flexible, distributed, modular lighting system. Our experiences with designing various intelligent lighting environments taught us that the available equipment is often cumbersome and puzzling to install. Moreover software applications to control lighting equipment often do not provide the freedom the designer requires. Hyvve provides an infrastructure that combines both hard- and software. It consists of hexagonal-shaped ceiling tiles that comprise of a wireless node and three warm white, three cool white LEDs and two LED drivers. Sensors can be connected to the tile by means of various sensor boxes. JAVA based software packages facilitate easy set up and control of the Hyvve system. These packages allow for programming new applications and behaviors into the system. To exemplify the versatility of the system we present three different applications. The showcases corroborate the flexible, modular, and aesthetic qualities of Hyvve as a versatile tool for designing lighting environments.