Automatic display and voice command activation with hand edge sensing

Abstract

Systems and methodologies for adapting input/output operation of an electronic device for in-hand and out-of-hand scenarios are provided herein. As described herein, sensors (e.g., capacitive, resistive, touch-sensitive, etc.) are applied to respective outer edges of a device to determine whether the device is in a user's hand. Subsequently, the determination can be utilized to automatically select an input/output mode for the device and to selectively activate one or more input/output mechanisms associated with the device. For example, if a device is determined to be in-hand, mechanical input/output mechanisms, such as a touch-screen or keypad, can be enabled. Alternatively, if a device is determined to be out-of-hand, a touch-screen at the device can be disabled to conserve power and alternative input/output mode, such as voice input/output, can be enabled. As further described herein, in- and/or out-of-hand behavior for a device can be specified on a per-application or per-application type basis.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.