GB2530713A

GB2530713A - Multi-dimensional input mechanism

Info

Publication number: GB2530713A
Application number: GB1414507.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harry Arjun Hassard; Faisal Chaudry; Ian David Gallagher; Christopher Matthias Henkel
Original assignee: MYRIADA SYSTEMS Ltd
Current assignee: MYRIADA SYSTEMS Ltd
Priority date: 2014-08-15
Filing date: 2014-08-15
Publication date: 2016-04-06
Also published as: GB201414507D0

Abstract

The present application proposes a method of using a touch screen user interface to specify a range 503 within a scale 502 without the need of a virtual keyboard. Gestures are proposed to define the span of a range and its position upon a given scale. The method comprises, displaying a scale along a first axis comprising a plurality of measurements; displaying a range within the scale and a lower measurement corresponding to the scale; detecting a first touch event comprising user movement along the first axis; in response to the touch event, moving the range within the scale in the direction of the user movement; detecting a second touch event comprising user movement along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and in response to the second touch event, increasing or decreasing the range depending upon the direction of the user movement; wherein the range and/or scale are displayed to reflect changes to the range. A device is also described along with a method using a generic input.

Description

Multi-dimensional Input Mechanism

Field of Invention

S The present invention is in the field of user interfaces. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a multi-dimensional input mechanism.

Background

User devices generally include input hardware to receive input from the user and display hardware to display information, such as the consequences of the input, back to the user.

At present, for user devices such as computers, smart-phones, and tablets, input hardware includes keyboards, mice, track-pads, touch-screens, and near-touch panels and screens.

User interfaces have been developed to manage user interaction with the input hardware and display hardware.

These user interfaces are often provided to application developers via user interface APIs for user interface libraries. The libraries may be dynamically linked libraries existing within the operating system architecture of the user device or libraries which are linked during compilation of the application software.

At present one problem with existing user interfaces is providing the ability to efficiently receive controlled granular input from the user. Such a problem is particularly important in receiving a measurement range from a user within a scale.

One method of receiving a range from a user would be to utilise a numeric entry user interface component such as a textbox. However, such an interface requires either a real or virtual keyboard, requires two textboxes -one for the top of the range and the other for the bottom, and is inefficient in the time taken by the user to enter the ranges. Another method for receiving a range from a user is to utilise a drop-down box. Although this method avoids the requirement of a real or virtual keyboard, it suffers the other problems of the first method and, if the scale is large, it may take longer for the user to scroll through the available inputs.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-dimensional input mechanism which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provides a useful alternative.

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a computer-implemented method for receiving multi-dimensional user input, comprising: at a device with a touch screen display: displaying a scale along a first axis comprising a plurality of measurements; displaying a range within the scale comprising an upper measurement and a lower measurement corresponding to the scale; detecting a first touch event at the touch screen display comprising user movement along the first axis; in response to the touch event, moving the range within the scale in the direction of the user movement; detecting a second touch event at the touch screen display comprising user movement along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and in response to the second touch event, increasing the range when the user movement is in one direction along the second axis and decreasing the range when the user movement is the opposite direction along the second axis; wherein the range and/or scale are displayed to reflect changes to the range.

The first and second touch event may comprise a touch and drag event.

The first and second touch event may be the same event. For example, a diagonal touch movement across a touch-screen decomposing into a horizontal movement and a vertical movement.

The range may be moved within the scale by displaying the scale moving in the opposite direction.

Only a portion of the scale may be first displayed. In response to the range being increased, more of the scale may be displayed. In response to the range being decreased, less of the scale may be displayed.

The method may further include detecting a third touch event near the upper measurement and, in response to the third touch event, increasing/decreasing the upper measurement of the range in relation to movement along the first axis.

The method may further include detecting a fourth touch event near the lower measurement and, in response to the fourth touch event, increasing/decreasing the lower measurement of the range in relation to movement along the first axis.

The method may further include detecting a fifth touch event and, in response to the fifth touch event, increasing/decreasing the range. The fifth touch event may be a pinch.

The range may relate to a prediction. The prediction may be combined with a plurality of predictions to generate a collective forecast. One or more previous predictions may be displayed within the scale. A point within the range may specify a predicted value and the extent of the range may define the confidence range for the predicted value. The extent of the range may define a range which is predicted not to include a value of a future event.

A point in the centre of the range may be moved within the range in response S to user input.

A plurality of points within the range may be defined in response to user input, and wherein at least one of the plurality of points within the range may be moved within the range in response to user input.

A visual representation of the distribution of the range may be displayed.

One or more reference points representing historical values may be displayed within the scale.

The method may further include the steps of: Receiving input via a first input mechanism; Upon a determination module concluding that the input is satisfactory, receiving a second input via the range; and Upon a determination module concluding that the second input is satisfactory, receiving a third input via another input mechanism.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a computer readable storage medium having stored therein instructions, which when executed by a processor of a device with a touch screen display cause the device to perform the method of the above aspect.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a device, including: a touch screen display; one or more processors; and a computer readable storage medium according to the above aspect.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a computer-implemented method for receiving multi-dimensional user input, comprising: at a device with a display and input: displaying a scale along a first axis comprising a plurality of measurements; displaying a range within the scale comprising an upper measurement and a lower measurement corresponding to the scale; detecting a first input event comprising user movement along the first axis; in response to the input event, moving the range within the scale in the direction of the user movement; detecting a second input event comprising user movement along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and in response to the second input event, increasing the range when the user movement is in one direction along the second axis and decreasing the range when the user movement is the opposite direction along the second axis; wherein the range and/or scale are displayed to reflect changes to the range.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a computer readable storage medium having stored therein instructions, which when executed by a processor of a device with a display and input cause the device to perform the method of the above aspect.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a device, including: A display; An input; One or more processors; and A computer readable storage medium according to the above aspect.

Other aspects of the invention are described within the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

S

Figure 1: shows a block diagram illustrating a device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2: shows a block diagram illustrating an architecture of a device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3: shows a flow diagram illustrating a method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 4: shows a diagram illustrating a user interface in use on a device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5: shows a diagram illustrating a user interface in use on a device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6: shows a flow diagram illustrating a method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 7: shows a diagram illustrating a user interface in use on a device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 8: shows a diagram illustrating a user interface in use on a device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The present invention provides a multi-dimensional user input mechanism.

S In Figure 1, a device 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown.

The device 100 includes a processor 101, a display 102, an input 103, and a memory 104.

The device 100 may be a computing apparatus such as a mobile smart-phone or tablet, a laptop, or desktop computer.

The display 102 and input 103 may be unified in a combined input/display apparatus 105 such as a touch-screen.

The memory 104 may be configured to store software applications 106, libraries 107, an operating system 108, and device drivers 109.

The processor 101 is configured to execute the software applications 106, libraries 107, operating system 108, and device drivers 109.

Referring to Figure 2, the various layers of the architecture 200 of the device will be described.

Application software 201 is provided at a top layer. Below this layer are user interface APIs 202 which provide access for the application software 201 to user interface libraries. Below this layer are operating system APIs 203 which provide access for the application software 201 and user interface libraries to the core operating system 204. Below the core operating system 204 are the device drivers 205 which provide access to the input and display hardware.

Referring to Figure 3, a method 300 for providing a multi-dimensional user input mechanism on the device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention will be described.

In step 301, on the display, a scale is displayed along a first axis comprising a plurality of measurements and a range is displayed within the scale comprising an upper measurement and a lower measurement corresponding to the scale. In one embodiment, only a portion of the scale is displayed.

In step 302, a first input event is detected comprising user movement along the first axis. The first input event may be touch event received at a combined input/display mechanism such as a touch-screen. The input event may be click-and-drag or touch-and-drag gesture.

In step 303, in response to this input event, the range is moved within the scale in the direction of the user movement.

In step 304, a second input event is detected comprising user movement along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The second input event may be a touch event. The input event may be click-and-drag or touch-and-drag gesture.

In step 305, in response to the second input event, when the user movement is in one direction along the second axis, the range is increased, and, when the user movement is the opposite direction along the second axis, the range is decreased.

Step 301 may be repeated to display the new range extent or location in relation to the scale.

In one embodiment, an increase in range extent is displayed by reducing the scale, such that the same displayed size of the range covers a greater proportion of the scale. And a decrease in range extent is displayed by enlarging the scale, such that same displayed size of the range covers a small proportion of the scale.

S Range movement relative to the scale may be displayed by movement of the scale in the opposite direction. In one embodiment, movement of the scale in the opposite direction occurs when the range moves outside of the displayed scale.

It will be appreciated that the first and second inputs events may be combined such that user movement from a click-and-drag or touch-and-drag along the first axis and second axis (i.e. a diagonal swipe) may trigger both range movement and range increases/decreases.

Further input events may be detected by the user interface to generate changes to the range. One input event, such as a click or touch proximate to the top or bottom of the range combined with a movement action (such as a drag), may increase or decrease the maximum or minimum value, respective to the top and bottom, of the range corresponding to the movement action.

The maximum and minimum value of the range may also be modified in response to a pinch touch event. Another input event includes a click, touch or double-click or -touch to the top or bottom of the range which displays an input box to permit manual entry of a numeric value to define the upper or lower bound of the range.

The method described above may be provided within a library for use by application developers. The library may be dynamically linked at runtime or linked during compilation of software applications.

In Figure 4, a display 400 of a device 401 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown.

A scale is displayed on the display at 402. A range from 403 to 404 is displayed at 405.

A user providing an input event, such as a click-and-drag or touch-and-drag, S which consists of up and down movement will move the range 405 along the scale 402. When the range 405 moves above the displayed scale 402 or below the displayed scale 402 the scale moves down and above respectively to ensure that the range 405 falls within the displayed scale 402.

The user providing an input event, such as a click-and-drag or touch-and-drag, which consists of left or right movement will expand and contract the scale 402, respectively, such that the range 405 covers more and less, respectively, of the scale 402.

The user providing an input event proximate to the top of the range 403 or bottom of the range 404, such as a touch event or click event, can adjust the top 403 or bottom 404 of the range, respectively.

In one embodiment, values or ranges previously defined by the user may be displayed as reference points or ranges in relation to the scale. In yet another embodiment, a heat-bar based upon values or ranges previously defined by a plurality of users may be displayed for reference in relation to scale.

In Figure 5, a display 500 of a device 501 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention is shown.

A scale 502 along an axis is displayed on the display 500. A range 503 is displayed within the display.

A user providing an input event, such as a click-and-drag or touch-and-drag, which consists of movement along the axis will move the range 503 along the scale. When the range 503 moves beyond the displayed scale, the scale 502 moves in the opposite direction to ensure that the range 503 falls within the displayed portion of the scale 502.

The range 503 may be displayed to indicate a "peak" 504 at the centre point 505 of the range 503; that is, the range 503 may be displayed as a graph 506 showing a maxima 504 at the centre and minima 507 at the ends of the ranges.

The user may provide a further input event to move this "centre point" 505 of the range 503 to skew the distribution of the range 503. This skew may be visually displayed to the user in the form of the graph 506.

The user may provide a further input event to indicate one or more further points within the range 503. These points may also be moveable within the range 503 in response to user input.

With reference to Figure 6, a method 600 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention will be described.

In this method, the user may be transitioned from one form of input to another form. This process may assist the training of a user in providing useful input.

For example, it may assist in obtaining refined prediction values for future events.

In step 601, a first input mechanism is provided to the user to provide an input for a first requirement (such as a prediction for a first future event). The first input mechanism may be of a simple form of input, such as single number forecasts or up/down predictions relative to previous data.

Step 601 may be repeated until it is determined by a determination module that the user has "mastered" this mechanism, perhaps by comparing the input to other predictions, the actual result, or by testing the input against optimal prediction parameters.

In step 602, a second, more complex input mechanism is provided to the user.

S The second mechanism may be the input mechanism as described in relation to Figures 3 and 4, and the user may provide the input (e.g. a prediction) as a range which can be determined to be a value with a confidence interval corresponding to the extent of the range.

As for the first input mechanism, step 602 is repeated until the determination module concludes that the user has mastered this second mechanism.

In step 603, a third, yet more complex input mechanism is provided to the user. The third input mechanism may be the input mechanism described in relation to Figure 5.

In other embodiments of this invention, further and yet more complex input mechanisms are provided following, in sequence, the third input mechanism.

One potential advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that, in relation to use for prediction input, the user in the method may be trained in uncertainty.

In Figure 7, a display 700 of a device 701 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention is shown.

A scale 702 along an axis is displayed on the display 700. A range is displayed within the display.

A user providing an input event, such as a click-and-drag or touch-and-drag, which consists of movement along the axis will move the range along the scale. When the range moves beyond the displayed scale, the scale moves in the opposite direction to ensure that the range tails within the displayed portion of the scale. The user may provide a second input event, such as a click-and-drag or touch-and-drag, which consists of movement along the perpendicular axis to modity the extent of the range.

S

In response to a user input, the range may be split into two ranges 503 and 504. Therefore, two values may be provided along with ranges 503 and 504 surrounding each value. For example, when the input mechanism is used to provide prediction values, a user can, therefore, provide input to define their prediction for the Bitcoin/USD exchange rate to be either between $600 and $800, or between $0 and $300.

In an alternative embodiment, and when used in relation to the provision of prediction values by a user, the range can be defined to indicate that the prediction value will not fall within. Therefore, a user using the input mechanism to define a range of $300 and $600 is indicating that their prediction value for the Bitcoin/USD exchange rate will not fall within that range.

In Figure 8, a display 800 of a device 801 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown.

A scale 802 is displayed on the display 800. A range 803 is also displayed within the display 800 in relation to the scale 802.

A user providing an input event, such as a click-and-drag or touch-and-drag, which consists of up and down movement will move the range 803 along the scale 802. When the range 803 moves above the displayed scale 802 or below the displayed scale 802 the scale moves down and above respectively to ensure that the range 803 falls within the displayed scale 802.

The user providing an input event, such as a click-and-drag or touch-and-drag, which consists of left or right movement will expand and contract the scale 802, respectively, such that the range 803 covers more and less, respectively, of the scale 802.

S

Historical values or ranges may be displayed as reference points 804, 805, and 806 or ranges in relation to the scale 802. For example, where a user is required to provide a range for second quarter sales figures for iPhones in 2014, historical values for second quarter sales in 2012 and 2013, and first quarter sales in 2014 may be displayed to the user as reference points 804, 805, and 806 respectively within the scale 802.

The use of historical information may be useful in training users, over time, to provide useful confidence ranges for their predictions, for example.

The user interface mechanism described in the embodiments above can be used in many applications where efficiently controlled granular input from a user to provide a range within a scale is required. For example, one application requires a user to provide a prediction range. This application will now be described in more detail below: This particular application of the invention provides an ability to obtain a prediction from a user for a value within a scale and their corresponding confidence in that prediction in a single touch and drag motion. As the user is providing a range of values into which they believe the future outcome will fall, the prediction itself provides a confidence interval.

The input mechanism provides a way for a user to provide two values: the upper and lower bounds of a range. The input mechanism provides this ability by relating the 20 space of the screen to values which can be altered by, for example, a user touching and dragging their finger across the screen.

This embodiment of the input mechanism can use the entire display, for example, an entire mobile touch-screen, to receive input by, for example, providing for input within a X-Y axis.

The Y axis may correspond to the values of the range (e.g. Revenue', Units', %). The position of the range may be altered by touching the middle of the range and then dragging vertically on the screen.

The X axis may correspond to the width of the range. In some embodiments, the X axis may not be visually identified within the display. The range width, which is equal to the inverse of the user's confidence in their estimation, in the presently described application of the invention, may be altered by a user touching and dragging horizontally on the touch-screen. The touch-screen may update in real time to show the effects of the user input.

User inputs resulting in dragging towards the top and bottom edges will scroll the range up and down through Y axis values, while inputs resulting in dragging towards the left and right edges zooms out and in the Y axis to reflect the increasing and decreasing size of the range (i.e. confidence interval).

In some implementations, the input screen may also display historical or relevant values for additional context. For example, when predicting corporate EFS (Earnings Fer Share) 03 (3rd Quarter) FY14 (Fiscal Year 2014), lines showing the equivalent for 02 FY14, 03 FY13, and 03 FY12, etc., can be displayed to aid with the user's prediction.

Where the input mechanism is utilised by a plurality of users, for example, across a plurality of devices to provide a "prediction range", these predictions can be combined to generate a collective prediction for a value.

Where the input mechanism is used to provide predictions for combination, a number of advantages may be provided: 1) By relating values to a visualized range, the user's prediction is displayed to the user in a clear and intelligible way as opposed to numeric display which is less intuitive to interpret and, thus, modify. Therefore, the input mechanism has the effect of reducing the user's cognitive load which may permit the user, for example, to focus on the task of providing the prediction value.

2) This embodiment of the input mechanism may also facilitate superior (or idiosyncratic) predictions from users. This may occurs because users are encouraged by the nature of input mechanism to physically explore the realm of possible values for their predicted range by dragging the range around.

Therefore, relative to a simple numerical typed input, users explore more potentialities. Typed input, especially with little visual context, can produce safe', known' or rounded-up predictions rather than a true personal forecast (e.g. a round number of $100 for the price of oil). This is in contrast to the idiosyncratic predictions encouraged by the input mechanism which are consequently more diverse and when used in combination with other user's predictions provide superior collective forecasts.

3) The visual input mechanism may be rapid, engaging and pleasing to the user. In some embodiments, the mechanism may require a single and fluid motion to receive a fairly complex, multi-dimensional (estimation + confidence) input from the user, which can be adjusted by the user easily after initial input.

4) By providing a simple interface, the input mechanism may provide for a representative capture of the user's views quickly and easily in relation to numerically measurable future events. The mechanism provides for the frictionless conversion of an opinion of a user, and the confidence in that opinion, into a quantitative answer which can be benchmarked, examined and compared to other answers.

In a preferred embodiment, the input mechanism is provided on a device that has a capacitive touch display. Alternatively, the input mechanism may be receive input via a track pad's (or similar devices such as Apple's magic mouse') capacitive touch input from the user. In a further alternative, input may be received via the click-and-drag functionality of a mouse.

In one embodiment, when the user is manipulating the range, the system may display context or guidance information to the user. For example, when the user's selected range approaches a previous actual or predicated value, the previous value may be displayed within the scale -in one embodiment, discreetly. This may assist the user to make a smarter prediction without over-influencing them.

The display centre of the range may include a till (i.e. a block of colour) to provide a clearer and a more visibly tactile area to manipulate the range with.

This may also be a handle-style image to convey interactivity and physical movement potential.

To orientate users in relation to the functions ot the system, without being intrusive, the input mechanism may detect when and where a user is struggling or hesitating and provide hints and focus on elements of the UI that would aid them in completing their desired goal.

A potential advantage of some embodiments of the present invention is that by providing multi-dimensional input, the user interface enables receipt of efficient, fine-grained, and controlled user input to define a range within a scale. Furthermore, the flexibility of the input mechanism may encourage idiosyncratic inputs from the user which may be useful when garnering predictions for future events, particularly, when combined with other users' predictions.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional S advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art.

Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

Claims 1. A computer-implemented method for receiving multi-dimensional user input, comprising: S at a device with a touch screen display: displaying a scale along a first axis comprising a plurality of measurements; displaying a range within the scale comprising an upper measurement and a lower measurement corresponding to the scale; detecting a first touch event at the touch screen display comprising user movement along the first axis; in response to the touch event, moving the range within the scale in the direction of the user movement; detecting a second touch event at the touch screen display comprising user movement along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and in response to the second touch event, increasing the range when the user movement is in one direction along the second axis and decreasing the range when the user movement is the opposite direction along the second axis; wherein the range and/or scale are displayed to reflect changes to the range.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein first and second touch event comprises a touch and drag event.
3. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second touch event are the same event.
4. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the range is moved within the scale by displaying the scale moving in the opposite direction.
5. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein only a portion of the scale is displayed.
6. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein, in response to the range being increased, more of the scale is displayed.
7. A method as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein, in response to the range being decreased, less of the scale is displayed.
8. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including: detecting a third touch event near the upper measurement; in response to the third touch event, increasing/decreasing the upper measurement of the range in relation to movement along the first axis.
9. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including: detecting a fourth touch event near the lower measurement; and in response to the fourth touch event, increasing/decreasing the lower measurement of the range in relation to movement along the first axis.
10. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including: detecting a fifth touch event; and in response to the fifth touch event, increasing/decreasing the range.
11. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the fifth touch event is a pinch.
12. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the range relates to a prediction.
13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the prediction is combined with a plurality of predictions to generate a collective forecast.
14. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein one or more previous predictions are displayed within the scale.
15. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein a point within the range specifies a predicted value and the extent of the range defines the confidence range for the predicted value.
16. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the extent of the range defines a range which is predicted not to include a value of a future event.
17. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a point in the centre of the range is moved within the range in response to user input.
18. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of points within the range are defined in response to user input, and wherein at least one of the plurality of points within the range are moved within the range in response to user input.
19. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a visual representation of the distribution of the range is displayed.
20. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more reference points representing historical values are displayed within the scale.
21. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including: Receiving input via a first input mechanism; Upon a determination module concluding that the input is satisfactory, receiving a second input via the range; and Upon a determination module concluding that the second input is satisfactory, receiving a third input via another input mechanism.
22. A computer readable storage medium having stored therein instructions, which when executed by a processor of a device with a touch screen display cause the device to: perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 21.
23. A device, including: a touch screen display; one or more processors; and a computer readable storage medium according to claim 22.
24. A computer-implemented method for receiving multi-dimensional user input, comprising: at a device with a display and input: displaying a scale along a first axis comprising a plurality of measurements; displaying a range within the scale comprising an upper measurement and a lower measurement corresponding to the scale; detecting a first input event comprising user movement along the first axis; in response to the input event, moving the range within the scale in the direction of the user movement; S detecting a second input event comprising user movement along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and in response to the second input event, increasing the range when the user movement is in one direction along the second axis and decreasing the range when the user movement is the opposite direction along the second axis; wherein the range and/or scale are displayed to reflect changes to the range.
25. A computer readable storage medium having stored therein instructions, which when executed by a processor of a device with a display and input cause the device to: perform the method of claim 24.
26. A device, including: A display; An input; One or more processors; and A computer readable storage medium according to claim 25.
27. A method and apparatus for receiving multi-dimensional user input as herein described with reference to the Figures.