GB2395669A

GB2395669A - Musical play mat

Info

Publication number: GB2395669A
Application number: GB0225798A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jessica Albarn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-11-05
Filing date: 2002-11-05
Publication date: 2004-06-02
Anticipated expiration: 2022-11-05
Also published as: GB2395669B; GB0225798D0

Abstract

An interactive apparatus for children has a mat-like body (1) which consists of sectors (2) secured together, preferably to form a truncated cone, on which children can play. A plurality of switches (13, 50) are disposed on the mat-like body 1 for selectively switching a sampler. A sampler samples information representing predetermined sounds(s) stored on a memory medium in response to the switches being selectively switched and generates an output signal representing the sampled information. The signal is amplified and drives loudspeakers contained in seats which are spaced from and surround the mat-like body (1). Predetermined sound(s) can therefore be generated by the apparatus according to which switches are selectively switched by the children playing on the mat-like body (1). The apparatus may also carry light sources that may be switched on and off by the users. Additionally the apparatus may have ball in socket type rotary system for selectively switching the sampler according to the rotation of the ball. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus in shaped in the form of a cone.

Description

INTERACTIVE APPARATUS

The present invention relates to an interactive apparatus and, more particularly, to an interactive apparatus which children can interact with 5 through play to increase their learning and communication skills.

Public spaces, such as hospitals, museums, galleries and airports often lack adequate facilities for stimulating and encouraging children to play in a positive manner. In such circumstances, it can be difficult to motivate children to play either individually or in a group.

10 It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for children which is suitable for use in public spaces and which can encourage children to learn and develop through play.

Accordingly, the present invention consists in an interactive apparatus for children comprising a mat like body for playing on, a memory medium 15 which stores information representing predetermined sounds, a sampler for sampling the information stored on the memory medium and generating an output signal representing the sampled information, a plurality of switches disposed in or on the mat-like body for selectively switching the sampler to sample information, whereby, in use, the sampler samples information 20 representing the predetermined sound(s) and a signal representing such sound(s) is thereby generated according to which switch is activated by a user. With the invention, by sampling stored information representing predetermined sound(s) according to which switch is activated, one or more 25 children playing on the mat like body can select a sound, or can select a sequence of sounds, by activating the switches in a desired order.

The Information stored on the memory medium may represent a recognizable sound or sequence of sounds, such as vocal sounds made by

children saying key words or phrases, and the sampler may be configured to sample information representing the recognizable sound or sequence of sounds according to which switch is activated by the or each child. With the invention, the or each child is therefore able to generate a series of 5 recognizable sounds, such as the sound of a child speaking key words or phrases, by activating the plurality of switches in a chosen sequence.

Advantageously, many children may play on the mat-like body and select their own series of sounds which children on the mat-like body can respond to by selecting their own desired sounds. The children can 10 therefore work together to generate a series of recognizable sounds by each selecting a sound in turn to create a series of sounds. The interactive apparatus can therefore stimulate and encourage children to interact with each other to form recognizable sounds and learn and develop from each other. 15 The apparatus may include one or more light sources and switching means connected to the light source(s) for switching on the light source(s) for a predetermined time period. Preferably, the or each light source is mounted inside the mat-like body in which case the mat-like body includes a transparent or translucent window to allow the or each child to view light 20 emitting from the light source(s).

Alternatively, the light source(s) may be surface mounted on the mat-

like body.

Preferably, the switching means for switching on the light source(s) may comprise some or all of the plurality of switches disposed on or in the 25 mat-like body for selectively switching the sampler.

Desirably, each light source or a set of light sources is of a different colour and is connected to a respective switch or a respective set of switches so that a light source of a particular colour is activated according

to which switch is activated. Accordingly, with this feature of the invention, when the or each child playing on the mat-like body chooses a sound or sequence of sounds by activating the switch(s), the coloured light source(s) associated with the switch(s) activated are also activated so that a light or 5 sequence of lights illuminate as the sound or sequence of sounds is generated. Preferably, the plurality of switches comprises at least one keyboard mounted on the mat-like body. Additionally, a plurality of switches may include at least one ball in socket type rotary system comprising a plurality 10 of rotary switches for selectively switching the sampler according to the rotation of the ball.

Preferably, the ball of the rotary system is transparent and includes images printed on or within the ball and positioned so that one or more of the printed images rotates into the field of view of the child as a switch of

15 the rotary system is activated through rotation of the ball. With this feature of the invention, by rotating the ball to activate the switches and rotate the corresponding printed images, the or each child can selectively generate sounds which correspond to the printed images as these images are made visible to the user.

20 The apparatus may include an amplifier for amplifying the sampler output signals, and if necessary, a converter for converting the output signals into a audio signal prior to amplifying the signals, and a loudspeaker system for playing the amplified audio signals.

Preferably, the apparatus includes at least one seat which is spaced 25 from the mat-like body and In which is contained the loudspeaker(s).

Advantageously, persons other than the children playing on the mat-like body can be seated while they observe the children and the sound from the loudspeaker of the seat enables both the observers and the children using

the mat-like body to hear the sounds selected thereby encouraging the observers and children to interact with each other.

Desirably, the sampler includes microprocessing means which has access to the memory medium and which operates in response to the 5 switches being activated by the or each child so as to selectively sample the information stored on the memory medium and transmit the sampled information to the audio converter which converts it into signals for audio amplifying. At least part of an upper surface of the mat-like body may taper 10 downwardly and ribs may be disposed on the body to allow children to easily grip the upper surface of the mat-like body. The apparatus may include one or more cushions attached to the lower end of the tapered part of the body to provide comfort.

Preferably, the mat-like body is generally shaped in the form of a 1 5 cone.

The mat-like body may comprise modules, which are secured together by securing means so as to form the mat-like body. For example, the modules may be in the form of truncated sectors which attach together to form a conical mat-like body. Alternatively, the truncated sectors may be 20 secured together to form a body of a different shape such as a semiconical body or a wave like body by securing the truncated sectors back to front as desired. An artificial grass-like surface, such as astroturf, may surround the mat-like body for providing a defined playing zone for both the children and observers of the children to walk and play on.

25 Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of the conical mat-like body of the interactive apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2 is a plan view of one of the truncated sectors of the mat-like body shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the truncated sector taken along line AA of Figure 2, 5 Figure 4 is a crosssectional view of the truncated sector shown in Figure 2, showing ribs disposed on the upper surface of the outer part of the truncated sector, Figure 5 is a plan view of the outer part of the truncated sector shown in figure 4, 10 Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of one of the truncated sectors shown in Figure 1 showing the ribs and lockable strap fastener for fastening the strap together around the truncated sectors, Figure 7 is a plan view of the patterned surface of part of a rib shown in Figure 5, 15 Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a keyboard mounted on the middle part of the truncated sector of Figure 3, Figures 9 and 10 are plan views of the middle part of the truncated sector shown in Figure 7 illustrating alternative patterns of the keys of the keyboard, 20 Figure 11 is a fragmentary cross-section of part of the keyboard shown in Figure 8 showing a number of keys arranged in the pattern shown in Figure 9, Figure 12 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the truncated sector showing the ball in socket type rotary system, 25 Figure 13 is a plan view of part of the truncated sector shown in Figure 12 showing a face plate for supporting the rotary system, Figure 14 shows a plan view of the centre hemisphere shown in Figure 1 supported by an outer frame,

Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the hemisphere and frame shown in Figure 14, Figure 16 shows a front view of a seat and loud speakers recessed therein, 5 Figure 17 is a back view of the seat shown in Figure 16, Figure 18 is a plan view of the seat shown in Figure 17, Figure 19 is a plan view of the mat-like body surrounded by an artificial grass-like surface according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, 10 Figure 20 is a plan view of the conical mat-like body of the interactive apparatus according to another embodiment, Figure 21 is a plan view of a semi-conical mat-like body of the interactive apparatus according to yet another embodiment, and Figure 22 is a plan view of a mat-like body of the interactive 15 apparatus according to yet another embodiment in which truncated sectors are arranged to form a wave like body.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings, one embodiment of the interactive apparatus has a conical mat-like body 1 which is suitable for children to play on and which is constructed from six 20 truncated sectors 2 which are attachable together to form the body. As best seen from the plan and cross-sectional views of one of the truncated sectors 2 shown in Figures 2 and 3, each truncated sector 2 has a planar base 4, two opposing planar side walls 19a,19b and two opposing arcuate walls 3, 6. Both side walls 19a,19b and arcuate walls 3, 6 extend vertically 25 upwards from the base 4. The arcuate wall 3 at the tip of the truncated sector extends higher than the opposite arcuate wall 6. An upper surface 5 generally tapers downwardly and radially outwardly from the top of the arcuate wall 3 until it meets the top of the arcuate wall 6. When the

truncated sectors 2 are attached together, they form a truncated cone and their arcuate walls 3 form a cylindrical wall which extends perpendicular to the base through the centre of the truncated cone. The truncated sectors 2 are made from glass reinforced plastic (polyester).

5 Mounted on top of and concentric with the centre cylindrical wall is an annular frame 8 in which sits a vacuum metalized acrylic hemisphere 7 (see Figures 14 and 15) which acts as a mirror.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, each truncated sector comprises inner, middle and outer arcuate parts 10, 20, 30. The upper surfaces of the parts 10 10, 20, 30 extend radially outwardly and taper downwardly, with the exception of part of the upper surface 5a of the middle part 20 which extends horizontally and which is recessed between the inner and outer parts 10, 30 for reasons explained below. The upper surface of the middle part 20 is preferably made from a translucent material such as opal acrylic.

15 As shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5, disposed on the outer part 30 of each truncated sector 2 are five spaced apart arctuate ribs 11, made from an elastic material, such as expanded natural rubber or polyurethane. The ribs span the outer part 30 so that, when the truncated sectors 2 are attached together, the ribs 11 form rings which provide grip for a child 20 playing on the mat-like body 1.

The surface of each rib 11 is patterned with spaced apart concave and convened dots 1 1 a. The convened dots are arranged to represent letters according to the brail system (see Figure 7).

As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the six truncated sectors 2 are 25 attachable together by means of a rubber strap 9 which is fastened around the truncated sectors' arcuate walls 6 under shoulders 6a which are formed at the top ends of the arcuate walls 6. The opposite ends of the strap 9 are fixed together by means of a lockable fastener 12.

As shown in Figure 1, a pair of silicon keyboards 13 are mounted on the middle parts 20 of diametrically opposite truncated sectors 2. A cross-

sectional view of a truncated sector 2 showing one of the silicon keyboards 13 mounted on the recessed surface 5a of the middle part 20 is shown in 5 Figure 8. The upper surface 5 is sufficiently recessed so that the upper surface of the silicon keyboard 13 generally bridges the upper surfaces 5 of the inner and outer parts 10, 30.

Each keyboard has 606 keys which are a variety of different sizes and colours and are arranged in a particular pattern. An example of one such 10 pattern is shown in Figure 9 which shows a plan view of a keyboard 13 mounted on the middle part 20 of a truncated sector 2. The keys 14 are arranged to form concentric square like shapes. Each square like shape is formed from a set of keys which are the same size and colour (each different tone of shading of the keys shown in Figure 9 represents a 15 different colour). Each set of keys 14 is a different colour and the keys become progressively smaller in size as the square-like shapes they form become progressively larger in size. The largest key of the pattern is placed at the centre of the pattern. Alternatively, the keys 14 in each set become progressively larger in size as the square-like shapes they form become 20 progressively larger in size and the smallest key is placed at the centre, as shown in figure 10.

Turning to the silicon keyboard 13 in more detail, Figure 1 1 shows a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the keyboard which comprises a keyboard frame 40 within which is disposed a one piece multi-coloured 25 silicon keyboard layer 41. An acetate frame 42 which is disposed above a conductive sheet 43 supports the keyboard layer 41. The conductive sheet forms circuit connections between contacts of a printed circuit board (PCB) contact array 44 which is disposed below the conduct sheet 43. When a

key 14 is pressed down on the conductive sheet, a connection is formed between contacts of the PCB board arrays associated with the depressed key. An interfacing means 45 is connected between the PCB board and a sampler unit (not shown) so as to interface signals, which are generated by 5 forming the connections, to the sampler.

In addition to the keyboards 13, the plurality of switches mounted on the mat-like body 1 comprise rotary switch systems 50 mounted on the inner parts 10 of the truncated sectors 2 (see Figure 1). As shown in Figure 12, which is a cross-sectional view of a rotary switch system 50 mounted 10 to the inner part 10 of a truncated sector 2, each rotary switch system 50 comprises a ball 51, a micro switch and an adjustable mount 54 for rotatably mounting the ball within a cut out in the upper surface 5 of the truncated sector.

Rotatably mounted to the adjustable mount 54 is a shaft 52 which 15 extends in a horizontal plane perpendicularly to the longitudinal central axis of the truncated sector 2. The ball 51 is fixed to the shaft and is rotatable about its central axis with the shaft to allow the ball to be freely rotatable forwardly towards the arcuate wall 3 of the truncated sector 2 and backwardly towards the middle part 20.

20 In order to allow the height of the ball 51 above the upper surface 5 to be adjusted, the adjustable mount 54 has a pair of blocks 56 which are slidably mounted either side of the ball 51 on pairs of pins 57 which extend perpendicularly downwardly from a circular face plate 58 which is mounted flush with the upper surface 5 of the inner part 10. The opposite ends of the 25 horizontal shaft 52 are mounted in bearings 53 which are housed in the blocks 56 and the position of the blocks on the pins 57 is accordingly fixed so that part of the upper halve of the ball 51 projects out of a circular cut out in the face plate 58. A three-point cam (not shown) is mounted on the

shaft 52 and is arranged to switch a micro switch for each 120 of rotation of the ball 51.

The ball 51 is made of a substantially transparent material and images associated with a desired theme are printed inside the ball so as to be 5 viewable as the ball is rotated.

In the preferred embodiment, the printed images in each ball comprise two pictures of a feature of the human body, e.g. eyes, ear, nose, mouth, and a word naming the feature pictured.

Each of the individual switches of the rotary system 50 is connected 10 to the sampler (not shown) via the interfacing means 45 which is, for example, a midi-merge unit 45 which is mounted within the cylindrical wall of the assembled mat-like body. The midi-merger unit 45 connects all the keyboards 13 and rotary switch systems 50 to the sampler unit.

The sampler, such as a digital sequencer, comprises a micro 15 processing means, such as a computer, and a memory medium, such as an integrated circuit, which is connected to the computer. Information representing predetermined sound(s) is stored on the integrated circuit and is selectively retrievable therefrom by the computer in a known manner in response to signals transmitted between the midi merger unit 45 or micro 20 switches and the computer.

The Information stored on the integrated circuit may represent a sound or sequence of recognizable sounds, such as vocal sounds made by children saying keywords or phrases associated with a desired theme.

For example, in the preferred embodiment, the stored information 25 includes information representing children's voices naming the features of the body, i.e. cheek, nose, ear, mouth, eye and so on.

In other embodiments, the stored information may represent voices speaking or singing a number, voices speaking in different languages, typical

1 1 sounds associated with different parts of the world, e.g. sounds of a market place located in Deli and London, international music, or sounds associated with different kinds of the environment, e.g. the home, school, public transport, roads, circus etc. 5 The computer and integrated circuit are programmed such that the information representing the recognizable sound(s) is selectively retrieved by the computer according to which signals are transmitted between the computer and the midi merger unit 45 and therefore according to which one of the keys 14 on the silicon keyboards 13 is depressed or which one of the 10 micro switches on the rotary switch systems 50 is activated by rotation of the ball 51.

In the preferred embodiment, the computer and integrated circuit are programmed so that information representing the sound of a child saying the name of the feature displayed on a particular ball, is selectively retrieved in 15 response to the micro switch of the ball 51 being activated.

The sampler includes a signal converter (not shown) which is connected to the computer and which is suitable for converting the information representing the sound(s) retrieved from the integrated circuit Into an audio signal representing the sampled information. For example, the 20 signal converter may comprise a digital to analogue converter. Alternatively, the signal converter may be suitable for converting information sampled by the sampler into an optical signal or any other kind of signal which can be easily processed into an audio signal in a known manner.

Mounted inside the body 1 beneath the upper surface 5 of the middle 25 parts 20 of the truncated sectors 2 are light sources 60, such as 12 volt dichroic halogen light bulbs (see Figs 8 and 9). The colours of the sets of bulbs correspond to the colours of the sets of keys of the keyboard. In the preferred embodiment the keyboard 13 has six different coloured sets of

1 2 keys, as indicated in Figures 8 and 9, and so there will be six different coloured sets of bulbs. The upper surface 5 above the bulbs 60 is formed of a transparent acrylic to diffuse light emitted from the bulbs. Power is switched to each set of bulbs by means of a respective electrical switch 5 comprising a relay (not shown) which is activated by forming connections between the contacts of the PCB array of the keyboard keys 14 which are the same colour as the set of bulbs to which power is to be switched. The relay includes a delay mechanism which is arranged such that power is supplied to the bulbs for a prescribed period, say 2 seconds, whereupon the 10 relay automatically switches off the supply of power to the set of bulbs.

Spaced apart around the mat-like body 1 are three seats 70 for seating observers of the children using the mat-like body 1. Referring to Figures 16 to 19, each seat 70 has a concave front wall 73, a flat back wall 74 and two side walls 73 which taper inwardly towards each other from the 15 back wall to the front wall. A vinyl cushion seat 77 is disposed on top of the seat 70 and has a profile matching the profile of the seat.

Each seat contains a loud speaker 71 which is recessed in the front of the seat 70. A panel 72 for gaining access to the interior of the seat is removabley mounted in the back of the seat (see Figure 17). One of the 20 seats hereinafter referred to as the main unit includes 12 volt power transformers for powering the bulbs and a connection means for connecting the transformers and the sampler to a 240 volts 13 amp power supply. The sampler is electrically connected to the connection means and the bulbs relays and other components are electrically connected to the 12 volt 25 transformers using a multi core connection.

In the preferred embodiment, an audio amplifier for amplifying audio signals which represent sampled information and which have been generated by the sampler is connected using a multi core connection between sampler

and the three loud speakers 70. The main unit can function independently whereas the other seats function as slave units when connected to the main unit. As shown in Figure 19, a ring of artificial grass-like material 80 5 surrounds the body 1. The material defines a playing zone for both the users and the observers. The seats 70 are spaced apart around the body 1 on the artificial grass-like material 80 with the front of the seats 70 facing towards the centre of the body 1 (not shown).

In order to provide more comfort to the users of the mat-like body 1, 10 twelve vinyl arcuate cushions 81 are attached around the body 1 so as to form an outer cushion ring as shown in Figure 19.

The interactive apparatus operates as follows. When a user, such as a child, playing on the mat-like body pushes a key 14 on one of the keyboards 13, a circuit connection is made between corresponding contacts 15 on the PCB board array 44 which generates a signal. The midi-interface 45 interfaces the generated signal to the computer and, in response, the computer selectively retrieves, from the integrated circuit, information representing a recognizable sound corresponding to which key 14 has been depressed. The computer subsequently transmits the retrieved information 20 to the signal converter which converts the information into an audio signal for amplifying. The amplifier then amplifies the signal and drives the loud speakers 71 so as to generate the recognizable sound. An observer sitting on the seat 70 and the child playing on the mat-like body 1 hear and recognise the generated sound.

25 Advantageously, the seats 70 allow the cater of the child to be seated while they observe the child and the sounds selected by the child are heard by both the caret and the child thereby encouraging the cater and child to interact with each other.

Also, upon pressing a key 14, a respective electrical switch is activated to switch power to the set of bulbs which are the same colour as the depressed key 14 thereby lighting up the middle part 20, on which the keyboard 14 is mounted, in the same colour as the depressed key.

5 When another key 14 of the keyboard 13 is pressed by the child, another recognizable sound is generated by the loud speaker which can be heard by the user and child, and light of the same colour as the subsequent depressed key 14 is generated and can be seen by the child and user.

By activating a plurality of the keys 14 in a chosen sequence, the 10 child is able to generate a series of recognizable sounds, such as a sound of a child speaking key words or phrases, in conjunction with bursts of light of the same colour as the selected keys 14. For example, in the preferred embodiment, the integrated circuit and computer are programmed so that the child can create a series of sounds which correspond to children 15 speaking in a sentence by selectively pushing the appropriate keys 14 on the keyboard. As the child rotates the rotatable transparent ball 51 which is disposed on the inner part 10 of a truncated sector 2, printed images inside the ball are brought into the field of view of the child. In the preferred

20 embodiment, the printer images comprise a word naming one part of a child's body, i.e. a mouth, ear, eye, or nose etc and two pictures of the body part. As the ball rotates through 120 , a micro switch of the rotary system is activated and a signal is generated which is interfaced to the computer. In response, information representing the voice of a child saying 25 the word displayed on the ball, e.g. the word 'mouth', is selectively retrieved by the computer as previously explained. An audio signal representing the information is amplified and the loud speaker generates the sound of the voice of the child saying the word "mouth" which is displayed

on the ball 51. With this feature of the invention, by rotating the ball to activate the micro switch and rotate the printed images, the child can generate sounds which correspond to the printed images as these images are made visible to the child.

5 Advantageously, many children may play on the mat-like body 1 and select their own series of sounds which all the children on the mat-like body can hear and respond to by selecting their own desired sounds. The children can therefore work together to generate a series of recognizable sounds by each selecting a sound in turn to create a sequence of sounds. The 10 interactive apparatus can therefore stimulate and encourage the children to interact with each other to form recognizable sounds and learn and develop from each other. Furthermore, the caters while seated on the seats 70 can observe the children and are able to here the sounds generated and can therefore engage in the learning and developing process by communicating 15 with the children etc. According to another embodiment, a silicon keyboard 13 is disposed on the middle part 20 of every truncated sector 2, as shown in Figure 20.

The keys 14 of the keyboards 13 which are disposed on alternate truncated sectors 2 are arranged in alternate patterns, for example, as according to the 20 aforementioned patterns shown in Figures 9 and 10.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the interactive apparatus has a generally semi-conical mat-like body 100 which is constructed from three mat-like truncated sectors 2 which are attachable together to form the body 100. Figure 21 shows a plan view of the 25 truncated sectors 2 attached together and silicon keyboards 13 disposed on the middle parts 20 of each truncated sector.

According to yet another embodiment, a mat-like body 120 of the interactive apparatus has a generally wave like shape and is constructed

from six mat-like truncated sectors 2 which are attached together back to front so as to form the body. As shown in Figure 22, which is a plan view of the wave configured mat-like body 120, silicon keyboards 13 are disposed on the middle parts 20 of the truncated sectors 2. The keys 14 of 5 the keyboards 13 which are disposed on alternate truncated sectors are arranged in alternate patterns. Whilst particular embodiments have been described, it will be understood

that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the interactive apparatus is also 10 suitable for use by adults alone, babies or persons with disabilities.

Furthermore, the shape of the mat-like body is not limited to the shapes described herein and may be any shape which is suitable for children to play on. Similarly, the plurality of switches are not limited to rotary switch systems or keyboards and other types of electro mechanical switching are 15 envisaged as is other configurations of the switches on the mat-like body.

Claims

1. An interactive apparatus for children comprising a mat like body for playing on, a memory medium for storing information representing 5 predetermined sounds, a sampler connectable to said memory medium for sampling information stored on the memory medium and generating an output signal representing the sampled information, and a plurality of switches connectable to said sampler and disposed in or on the mat-like body for selectively switching the sampler to sample information, whereby, 10 in use, the sampler selectively samples information representing predetermined sound(s) stored on said memory medium in response to said switch(es) being selectively switched by at least one user and thereby generates a signal representing predetermined sound(s) according to the switch(es) selectively switched.

2. An interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the information stored on the memory medium represents a predetermined sequence of recognizable sounds, such as vocal sounds of children speaking key words or phrases, whereby a signal representing said sequence of 20 recognizable sounds can be generated in response to said switches being selectively switched in a predetermined sequence.

3. An interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus may include one or more light sources or sets of light sources.

4. An interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein at least one light source is mounted inside the mat-like body and the matlike

body includes a substantially transparent or translucent window to allow the user(s) to view light emitted from the light source(s).

5. An interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein at least 5 one light source is surface mounted on the mat-like body.

6. An interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 3, 4 or 5, including switching means for switching electrical power to the light source(s).

10

7. An interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said switching means includes one or more of said plurality of switches disposed on or in the mat-like body and wherein said switching means is arranged to enable one or more light sources or sets of light sources to be switched on or off, or on or off for a predetermined time period, in response to switching said 15 one or more plurality of switches.

8. An interactive apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of switches comprises at least one keyboard mounted on the mat-like body.

9. An interactive apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of switches comprises at least one ball in socket type rotary system comprising a plurality of rotary switches for selectively switching the sampler according to the rotation of a ball.

10. An interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the ball of the rotary system is transparent and includes images printed on or within the ball and positioned so that one or more of the printed images rotates into

the field of view of the user as a switch of the rotary system is activated

through rotation of the ball.

11. An interactive apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding 5 claims, including an amplifier for amplifying the sampler output signal(s) and at least one loud speaker connectable to said amplifier, the amplifier being configured to drive said loud speaker(s) with said amplified audio signals.

12. An interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 11, including a converter 10 for converting the output signals into an audio signal prior to amplifying the signals.

13. An interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or 12, including at least one seat which is spaced from the mat- like body and in which is 15 contained one or more of said loudspeaker(s).

14. An interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein the sampler includes microprocessing means which has access to the memory medium and which is operable in response to the or each switch 20 being activated to selectively sample the information stored on the memory medium and to transmit the sampled information to said converter or to transmit the information as an audio signal directly to said amplifier.

15. An interactive apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding 25 claims, wherein at least part of an upper surface of the mat-like body tapers downwardly.

16. An interactive apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein ribs are disposed on the body to enable the user(s) to grip said body.

5

17. An interactive apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including one or more cushions adjacent or surrounding the periphery of the body.

18. An interactive apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding 10 claims, wherein the mat-like body is generally shaped in the form of a cone.

19. An interactive apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mat-like body comprises modules, said modules being securable together by securing means so as to form the mat-like body.

20. An interactive apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the modules are in the form of truncated sectors which are attachable together to form a conical mat-like body, a semi-conical body, a wave like body or other desired shaped body.

21. An interactive apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including an artificial grass-like surface adjacent or surrounding the mat-like body for providing a defined playing zone for children and/or observers.