Tactile sensory flooring module

The tactile sensory flooring module integrates speakers, tactile transducers, and lighting to provide synchronized acoustic, vibrational, and visual feedback, addressing the lack of immersive experiences in existing systems and ensuring uniform and safe user interaction.

WO2025238329A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-11-20BEAT BLOCKS LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/GB2025/050054
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-05-13
Filing Date
2025-01-14
Publication Date
2025-11-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing tactile sound systems fail to provide a fully immersive experience that integrates tactile, audio, and visual feedback in real time, and lack the ability to adapt these experiences based on audio input signals.

Method used

A tactile sensory flooring module with integrated speakers, tactile transducers, and lighting systems, controlled by a processor to provide synchronized acoustic, vibrational, and lighting feedback in response to audio input signals, ensuring uniform experience across users.

Benefits of technology

Enables a fully immersive sensory experience with synchronized tactile, audio, and visual feedback, adapting in real time to audio input, ensuring safe listening levels and uniform experience regardless of user position.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a tactile sensory flooring module comprising at least one plate having a planar upper surface and an opposed lower surface; and at least one frame, the or each frame being configured in use to support the plate thereon to define a cavity between the lower surface of the plate and an underlying contact surface. The module further comprises a sound system comprising a speaker configured in use to provide audio input signal within an upper region of audible bandwidth; and at least one tactile transducer, the or each tactile transducer being mounted on the lower surface of the plate and configured in use to provide vibrational movement to the lower surface of the plate, in which the vibrational movement is within a lower region of an audible bandwidth and correlates to the audio input signal emitted by the speaker. The module further comprises a light system comprising at least one light source located at or adjacent the or each plate; a controller in communication the light system, in which the controller is configured in use to control one or more of: light colour, light intensity, light pulses, duration of operation, or any combination thereof of the light source(s) in response to audio input signal received from the speaker; and a power source operable to provide power to the sound system, the light system and the controller.
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Description

[0001] TACTILE SENSORY FLOORING MODULE

[0002] The present invention relates to a tactile sensory flooring module, and to a method for manufacturing a tactile sensory flooring module.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0004] Tactile sound systems exist which enable users to perceive sound through vibration when in contact with the surface. The tactile sound systems include tactile transducers which generate frequencies which can be felt by the user in addition to being heard.

[0005] There is a need for a system which provides for a fully immersive experience enabling users to feel, see and hear sound. There is also a need for a system which is able to control the experience of a user by adapting the tactile, audio and visual experience as required.

[0006] STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tactile sensory flooring module comprising: at least one plate having a planar upper surface and an opposed lower surface; at least one frame, the or each frame being configured in use to support the plate thereon to define a cavity between the lower surface of the plate and an underlying contact surface; a sound system comprising: a speaker configured in use to provide an acoustic sound in response to an audio input signal within an upper region of audible bandwidth; and at least one tactile transducer, the or each tactile transducer being mounted on the lower surface of the plate and configured in use to provide vibrational movement to the lower surface of the plate, in which the vibrational movement is in response to an audio input signal within a lower region of an audible bandwidth; and a power source operable to provide power to the sound system. The sound system may be configured to provide the audio input system. The audio input signal may be provided by a source, for example mixing desk.

[0008] The module may further comprise: a light system comprising at least one light source located at or adjacent the or each plate; and a controller configured in use to receive the audio input signal, and in which the controller is in communication with the light system such that the controller is configured in use to control one or more of: light colour, light intensity, light pulses, duration of operation, or any combination thereof of the light source(s) in response to the received audio input signal.

[0009] The power source is preferably configured in use to provide power to the light system and controller.

[0010] The upper region of the audible bandwidth may for example be at least 900 Hz.

[0011] The lower region of the audible bandwidth may for example be below 900 Hz.

[0012] The speaker is preferably provided at or adjacent the upper surface of the or each plate. The speaker may be located towards the periphery of the plate.

[0013] The tactile sensory flooring module preferably further comprises a receiver configured in use to receive the audio input signal; and a processor in communication with the receiver, in which the processor is configured in use to analyse the received audio input signal.

[0014] The controller is preferably configured in use to control the light system (for example one or more of the light sources) dependent on signals received from the processor.

[0015] The processor is preferably configured in use to identify one or more features of the received audio input signal. For example, the one or more features of the received audio input signal are selected from: pitch, range, instruments, tempo, melody, volume, intensity, timing, or any combination thereof. The processor is preferably configured to separate the audio input signal into an audio input signal within a higher region of an audible bandwidth for communication to the speaker; and an audio input signal within a lower region of an audible bandwidth for communication to the tactile transducer.

[0016] The module preferably comprises one or more amplifiers. Each amplifier is preferably configured in use to receive an audio input signal. For example, the module may comprise a first amplifier configured in use to receive an audio input signal within an upper region of audible bandwidth and to transmit an amplified audio input signal within an upper region of audible bandwidth to the speaker. The module may comprise a second amplifier configured in use to receive an audio input signal within a lower region of audible bandwidth and to transmit an amplified audio input signal within a lower region of audible bandwidth to the tactile transducer.

[0017] The processer may for example be configured in use to track the one or more of features of the received audio input signal over a period of time.

[0018] The processor is preferably configured in use to compare the identified one or more features of the received audio input signal to predetermined values of the one or more features, and provides signals to the controller based on this comparison.

[0019] The predetermined values of the one or more features may include one or more of a maximum value, a minimum value, and / or a range of values.

[0020] The predetermined values may include identify of one or more instruments.

[0021] The processor may be configured to identify the musical notes present within the audio input signal.

[0022] The processor is preferably configured in use to analyse the received audio input signal in real time.

[0023] The module may comprise a first processor configured to separate the audio input signal from the source into an audio input signal within a higher region of an audible bandwidth for communication to the speaker; and an audio input signal within a lower region of an audible bandwidth for communication to the tactile transducer; and a second processor configured in use to receive the audio input signal from the source.

[0024] The controller is preferably configured in use to control the light system, for example the intensity of the light source(s), in response to the one or more features tracked by the processor. For example, the controller is preferably in communication with the second processor.

[0025] The controller is preferably configured in use to control one or more light sources in real time.

[0026] The controller may be configured in use to control the intensity of the one or more light sources in response to the volume of the audio input signal.

[0027] The controller may be configured in use to control the colour of the light sources operated in response to the musical notes identified by the processor within the audio input signal.

[0028] The module provides for a fully immersive sensory experience in which tactile, audio and optionally lighting feedback may be provided and adapted / adjusted in real time to a user in contact with the plate(s). The module is preferably configured to be responsive to the audio input signal, for example to the rhythm, volume and / or frequency. The module is configured to provide for at least two, preferably three types of sensory transmission: a) acoustic effect provided by the sound system; b) a haptic effect provided by the tactile transducer providing for vibrational movement in response to the audio input signal from the sound system; and optionally c) a lighting effect provided by the light system in response to the audio input signal.

[0029] The acoustic sound (variations in air pressure) is produced by the sound system (speaker) and the tactile transducer providing for vibrational movement of a haptic surface of the plate (the surface produces a combination of mechanical vibration and acoustic sound) in response to the audio input signal within the frequency bandwidth. The module provides for a uniform user experience regardless of where the user is positioned within a room. The sound (for example sound intensity), vibrational movement and optionally lighting can be controlled by the controller in a uniform manner across the module.

[0030] The module preferably replaces vertical speakers and enables the sound to be distributed evenly, in for example an upwards direction from the module. Each user will experience the sound, vibration, and optionally light at the same time. Each user is positioned at the same distance from the source of the sound, vibration, and optionally light.

[0031] The module enables users to experience sound whilst ensuring each user is within safe listening levels.

[0032] The tactile (vibrational) feedback and optionally lighting feedback may be provided in real time in relation to the audio input signal provided by the sound system. The tactile (vibrational) and optionally lighting feedback may be adapted responsively and in real time to the audio input signal provided by the sound system. The tactile (vibrational) and lighting feedback provided by one or more plates (preferably by each plate) may be independently adapted responsively and in real time by the controller.

[0033] The tactile sensory flooring module preferably comprises a plurality of plates. The plurality of plates may be mounted on a single frame. In one embodiment, the module comprises a plurality of frames, in which each frame supports at least one plate. Preferably, each plate is supported on a separate frame.

[0034] In one embodiment, the tactile sensory flooring module comprises a plurality of plates, a plurality of light systems and a plurality of tactile transducers. A tactile transducer is preferably mounted on each plate. A light system is preferably located at or adjacent each plate. The controller is preferably configured in use to control one or more light systems corresponding to one or more plates independently. The controller is preferably configured in use to control each light system independently.

[0035] The or each plate has a peripheral edge. The light system is preferably mounted at or adjacent the peripheral edge of the plate. In one embodiment, the or each plate preferably comprises at least one transparent or translucent portion or opening or recess, or any combination thereof, at or adjacent the peripheral edge thereof. The light system is mounted to provide light through the transparent or translucent portion(s) or through or from the opening(s) or from the recess(es).

[0036] The at least one transparent or translucent portion or opening or recess preferably extends around, at or adjacent, the entire peripheral edge of the or each plate.

[0037] The light system preferably extends around, at or adjacent, at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the corresponding plate. In one embodiment, the light system extends substantially around, at or adjacent, the entire peripheral edge of the or each plate.

[0038] The light source preferably comprises LEDs.

[0039] In one embodiment, the light source comprises a plurality of different coloured LEDs.

[0040] The module may further comprise a lighting processor configured in use to receive and process the audio input signal. The module may further comprise a lighting controller in communication with the lighting processor and the light source. The lighting controller is preferably configured in use to control the light source in dependence on the signals received from the lighting processor.

[0041] The or each plate is preferably hexagonal, square, triangular, circular, truncated (for example truncated hexagon), trapezoidal, or rectangular in shape. The module may comprise a plurality of plates. One or more of the plates may have a different shape to one or more other plates. For example, the module may comprise a first set of plates having a hexagonal shape and a second set of plates having a triangular shape. The second set of plates may be shaped to fit within gaps formed between adjacent plates of the first set of plates to provide for a substantially continuous surface extending across the upper surfaces of the plurality of shapes.

[0042] Preferably the tactile sensory flooring module comprises a plurality of plates provided in an arrangement. Each plate within the arrangement is preferably configured in use to be positioned adjacent one or more further plates. The arrangement preferably comprises a plurality of plates with spacings provided between adjacent plates. Each plate is preferably positioned adjacent and spaced apart from an adjacent plate such that vibrational movement of one plate does not interfere with vibrational movement of an adjacent plate. Preferably, the peripheral edge of a plate is positioned within no more than 5 mm (preferably less than 3 mm, preferably about 1 mm) of the peripheral edge of an adjacent plate. In one embodiment, the module comprises a plurality of frames, each frame supporting a separate plate. The frame supporting a first plate may abut a frame supporting an adjacent plate. The frame may be configured to ensure that within the arrangement a spacing is provided between adjacent plates.

[0043] Within the arrangement, the upper surfaces of the plurality of plates provide a substantially continuous surface. The term "substantially continuous" is used herein to refer to an arrangement in which a spacing of no more than 5 mm is provided between adjacent plates.

[0044] In one embodiment, the light system may be provided within the spacing defined between adjacent plates.

[0045] In one embodiment, the tactile sensory flooring module comprises a plurality of plates arranged in an arrangement, in which the light system is located at or adjacent joins formed between adjacent plates.

[0046] The module may further comprise connector portions configured in use to engage (preferably releasably engage) the or each plate or frame to an adjacent plate or frame. A plate or frame may comprise one or more connector portions configured in use to engage (preferably releasably engage) a further plate or frame. Preferably, the connector portions are provided by the frame. The connector portions may comprise one or more complementary male and female connectors.

[0047] The module preferably comprises a plurality of plates arranged in an arrangement. Preferably, the module further comprises one or more edge portions configured in use to engage or abut a peripheral edge of one or more plates and / or frames. The or each edge portion preferably provides an upper surface configured in use to provide a continuous surface extending from the upper surface of an adjacent plate to the underlying contact surface on which the module is positioned. The or each edge portion may have a first free end and an opposed second end configured in use to engage or abut a peripheral edge of one or more plates and / or frames. The edge portion preferably tapers inwardly from the second end towards the first free end thereof.

[0048] The or each edge portion preferably comprises one or more connector portions configured in use to engage (preferably releasably engage) an adjacent portion of a plate or frame. The plate or frame may further comprise connector portions for engaging (for example releasably engaging) one or more connector portions of the edge portion. The connector portions may comprise one or more complementary male and female connectors.

[0049] The edge portion provides for a smooth transition path of a user onto and off the module. The edge portion therefore reduces the risk of fall or tripping of a user as they move onto or off the module.

[0050] The controller is preferably configured in use to control the sound system. In one embodiment, the controller is configured in use to control the tactile transducer(s).

[0051] The module preferably comprises a plurality of sound systems and a plurality of plates, and in which a tactile transducer is mounted on each plate, and in which the controller is configured in use to control one or more (preferably each) tactile transducers independently.

[0052] The controller may be configured to independently control one or more of the tactile transducers, the sound system and / or light system to provide corresponding vibrational movement, acoustic sound and / or light at predetermined locations at predetermined time points or periods, across the module. For example, the controller may control one or more of the tactile transducers, the sound system and / or light system to move vibrational movement, and / or acoustic sound and / or light across the module in a predetermined pattern (for example around the room) at predetermined time points or periods.

[0053] The module may further comprise a user interface configured in use to enable the user to operate the controller.

[0054] The user interface may comprise a floor plan of the plates and enable the user to select and control each plate individually (or one or more plates independently) within the module. The contact surface may be any suitable surface for mounting the module. The contact surface is preferably a floor. The upper surface of the plate(s) is preferably configured to support a user, for example to support the weight of a user. The upper surface of the plate(s) is preferably configured in use to be stood or sat on by a user.

[0055] The module may further comprise a weight or movement activated switch configured in use to activate the sound system (and optional light system) on detection of weight or movement received on the or each plate.

[0056] The weight or movement activate switch is preferably configured in use to selectively activate the sound system in relation to individual plates or combination of plates on detection of weight or movement received on individual plates or combination of plates.

[0057] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a tactile sensory flooring module as herein described, the method comprising: obtaining at least one plate having a planar upper surface and an opposed lower surface; mounting the or each plate on at least one frame; obtaining a sound system comprising: a speaker configured in use to provide acoustic sound in response to an audio input signal within an upper region of audible bandwidth; and at least one tactile transducer configured in use to provide vibrational movement in response to an audio input signal within a lower region of an audible bandwidth; mounting the or each tactile transducer on the lower surface of the plate; and connecting a power source to the sound system. The method may further comprise obtaining a light system comprising at least one light source; mounting the light system at or adjacent the or each plate; obtaining a controller configured in use to be in communication with the light source, in which the controller is configured in use to provide for adaptive change of one or more of: light colour, light intensity, light pulses, or any combination thereof of the light source in response to (features of) the received audio input signal.

[0058] The method may further comprise connecting the power source to the light system and controller.

[0059] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying Figures:

[0060] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0061] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above of a tactile sensory flooring module according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a view from below of the tactile sensory flooring module of Figure 1;

[0063] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration a side view of the tactile sensory flooring module of Figure 1;

[0064] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view from below of the frame and light system of the tactile sensory flooring module of Figure 1;

[0065] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view from below of the frame of the tactile sensory flooring module of Figure 1; and

[0066] Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the tactile sensory flooring module of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] With reference to the Figures, the tactile sensory flooring module 1 comprises a plate 2 having a substantially hexagonal shape. It is to be understood that the plate 2 may have any suitable shape and is not limited to being hexagonal.

[0068] The plate 2 comprises a planar upper surface 4 and an opposed lower surface 6. The plate 2 is mounted on a frame 8. The frame 8 is substantially hexagonal in shape. It is to be understood that the frame 8 may have any suitable shape and / or dimensions in order to be capable of supporting the plate 2 thereon and to define a cavity between the lower surface 6 of the plate 2 and an underlying contact surface (not shown), such as for example a floor.

[0069] The module 1 further comprises a sound system 10 comprising a speaker 12. The sound system 10 further comprises a source configured in use to provide audio input signal within an upper region of audible bandwidth to the speaker 12.

[0070] The sound system 10 further comprises a tactile transducer 14. The tactile transducer 14 is mounted on the lower surface 6 of the plate 2 in a substantially central location. It is to be understood that the tactile transducer 14 may be mounted in any suitable location with respect to the plate 2. The tactile transducer 14 is configured in use to provide vibrational movement to the lower surface 6 of the plate 2, in which the vibrational movement is within a lower region of an audible bandwidth and correlates to the audio input signal emitted by the speaker 12.

[0071] The module 1 further comprises a light system 16 comprising a light source 18 located adjacent the lower surface 6 of the plate 2. The light source 18 is located adjacent the periphery of the plate 2. The periphery of the plate 2 comprises a translucent portion to enable the light source 18 to be visible therethrough. The module 1 further comprises a controller 20 in communication the light system 16, in which the controller 20 is configured in use to control one or more of: light colour, light intensity, light pulses, duration of operation, or any combination thereof of the light source(s) in response to audio input signal received from the speaker 12. The module 1 further comprises a power source (not shown) operable to provide power to the sound system, the light system and the controller.

[0072] The tactile sensory flooring module 1 further comprises a receiver configured in use to receive audio input signal from the speaker 12; and a processor in communication with the receiver, in which the processor is configured in use to analyse the received audio input signal. The controller 20 is configured in use to control the light system (for example one or more of the light sources) dependent on signals received from the processor.

[0073] In one embodiment, the module 1 comprises a first processor, for example an audio processor, configured in use to receive an audio input signal, and to separate the received audio input signal into an audio input signal within an upper region of audible bandwidth to be transmitted to the speaker; and an an audio input signal within a lower region of audible bandwidth to be transmitted to the tactile transducer.

[0074] The module 1 preferably comprises one or more amplifiers. Each amplifier is preferably configured in use to receive an audio input signal. For example, the module may comprise a first amplifier configured in use to receive an audio input signal within an upper region of audible bandwidth and to transmit an amplified audio input signal within an upper region of audible bandwidth to the speaker. The module may comprise a second amplifier configured in use to receive an audio input signal within a lower region of audible bandwidth and to transmit an amplified audio input signal within a lower region of audible bandwidth to the tactile transducer.

[0075] The module further comprises a second processor configured in use to identify one or more features of the received audio input signal from the source. For example, the one or more features of the received audio input signal are selected from: pitch, range, instruments, tempo, melody, volume, intensity, timing, or any combination thereof. The processor may be configured in use to track one or more of features over a period of time, preferably over the duration of the acoustic sound. The controller 20 is configured in use to control one or more light sources in real time in response to the signals received from the second processor in dependence on the received audio input signal.

[0076] The module provides for a fully immersive sensory experience in which tactile, audio and lighting feedback may be provided and adapted / adjusted in real time to a user in contact with the plate(s). The module is preferably configured to be responsive to the audio input signal, for example to the rhythm, and frequency. The module is configured to provide for three types of sensory transmission: a) acoustic effect provided by the sound system; b) a haptic effect provided by the tactile transducer providing for vibrational movement in response to the acoustic sound of the sound system; and c) a lighting effect provided by the light system in response to the acoustic sound of the sound system.

[0077] The module provides for a uniform user experience regardless of where the user is positioned within a room as the sound (for example sound intensity), vibrational movement and lighting can be controlled by the controller to be provided in a uniform manner across the module.

[0078] The module preferably replaces vertical speakers and enables the sound to be distributed evenly, in for example an upwards direction from the module. Each user will experience the sound, light and vibration at the same time. Each user is positioned at the same distance from the source of the sound, light, and vibration.

[0079] The module enables users to experience sound whilst ensuring each user is within safe listening levels.

[0080] The tactile (vibrational) feedback and lighting feedback may be provided in real time in relation to the audio input signals provided by the sound system. The tactile (vibrational) and lighting feedback may be adapted responsively and in real time to the audio input signals provided by the sound system. The tactile (vibrational) and lighting feedback provided by one or more plates (preferably by each plate) may be independently adapted responsively and in real time by the controller.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A tactile sensory flooring module comprising: at least one plate having a planar upper surface and an opposed lower surface; at least one frame, the or each frame being configured in use to support the plate thereon to define a cavity between the lower surface of the plate and an underlying contact surface; a sound system comprising: a speaker configured in use to provide an acoustic sound in response to an audio input signal within an upper region of audible bandwidth; and at least one tactile transducer, the or each tactile transducer being mounted on the lower surface of the plate and configured in use to provide vibrational movement to the lower surface of the plate, in which the vibrational movement is in response to an audio input signal within a lower region of an audible bandwidth; and a power source operable to provide power to the sound system.

2. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: at least one processor configured in use to receive and analyse an audio input signal.

3. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in claim 2, in which the processor is configured in use to identify one or more features of the received audio input signal, in which the one or more features are selected from: pitch, range, instruments, tempo, melody, volume, or any combination thereof.

4. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in claim 3, in which the processor is configured in use to compare the identified one or more features of the received audioinput signal to predetermined values of the one or more features, and provides signals to the controller based on this comparison.

5. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the processor is configured in use to analyse the received audio input signal in real time.

6. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, in which the module comprises a first processor configured in use to separate the received audio input signal into an audio input signal within an upper region of audible bandwidth to be transmitted to the speaker; and an audio input signal within a lower region of audible bandwidth to be transmitted to the tactile transducer.

7. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising: a light system comprising at least one light source located at or adjacent the or each plate; and a controller in communication the light system, in which the controller is configured in use to control one or more of: light colour, light intensity, light pulses, duration of operation, or any combination thereof of the light source(s) in response to the audio input signal.

8. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in claim 7, in which the or each plate has a peripheral edge, and in which the light system is mounted at or adjacent the peripheral edge.

9. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in claim 8, in which the or each plate comprises at least one transparent or translucent portion or opening at or adjacent the peripheral edge thereof, and in which the light system is mounted to provide light through the transparent or translucent portion(s) or opening(s).

10. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in claim 9, in which a transparent or translucent portion or opening extends around, at or adjacent, the entire peripheral edge of the or each plate.

11. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, in which the light system extends around, at or adjacent, at least a portion of the peripheral edge.

12. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in claim 11, in which the light system extends substantially around, at or adjacent, the entire peripheral edge of the or each plate.

13. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 12, in which the light source comprises LEDs.

14. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 13, in which the light source comprises a plurality of different coloured LEDs.

15. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in any one claims 7 to 14, further comprising a second processor configured in use to receive and analyse an audio input signal, and in which the processor is in communication with the controller.

16. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 15, in which the controller is configured in use to control one or more light sources in real time.

17. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in claim 7 to 16, in which the controller is configured in use to control each light system independently.

18. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 17, comprising a plurality of plates, a plurality of light systems and a plurality of tactile transducers, in which a tactile transducer is mounted on each plate, and in which a light system is located at or adjacent each plate, and in which the controller is configured in use to control one or more light systems corresponding to one or more plates independently.

19. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 18, comprising a plurality of plates arranged in an arrangement, in which the light system is located at or adjacent joins formed between adjacent plates.

20. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the or each plate is hexagonal, square, triangular, circular, rectangular, trapezoidal, or truncated in shape.

21. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of plates arranged in an arrangement, in which each plate is configured in use to be positioned adjacent further plates to provide a substantially continuous surface across the upper surfaces thereof.

22. A tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in claim 21, in which the module comprises a plurality of sound systems and a plurality of plates, and in which a tactile transducer is mounted on each plate, and in which the controller is configured in use to control one or more tactile transducers independently.

23. A method for manufacturing a tactile sensory flooring module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, the method comprising: obtaining at least one plate having a planar upper surface and an opposed lower surface; mounting the or each plate on at least one frame; obtaining a sound system comprising: a speaker configured in use to provide acoustic sound in response to an audio input signal within an upper region of audible bandwidth; and at least one tactile transducer configured in use to provide vibrational movement in response to an audio input signal within a lower region of an audible bandwidth; mounting the or each tactile transducer on the lower surface of the plate and emitted by the speaker to the lower surface of the plate; and connecting a power source to the sound system;optionally further comprising: obtaining a light system comprising at least one light source; mounting the light system at or adjacent the or each plate; obtaining a controller configured in use to be in communication with the light source, in which the controller is configured in use to provide for adaptive change of one or more of: light colour, light intensity, light pulses, or any combination thereof of the light source in response to (features of) audio input signal received from the speaker; and connecting a power source to the light system and controller.

Citation Information

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