System and method for selectively deactivating a software input panel

摘要

A mobile device selectively deactivates and reactivates software input panel (SIP) auto-deploy functionality. A software input panel is automatically displayed if a user needs to enter data. The present invention allows the mobile device to utilize space on the display more effectively if a physical keyboard is coupled to the mobile device. If a physical keyboard is coupled to the mobile device and a key is pressed on the physical keyboard, the present invention hides the software input panel, and deactivates the software input panel auto-deploy functionality. Software input panel auto-deploy is reactivated if the user manually launches the software input panel.