Patent ID: 6563940
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: B60R,E05F,E05Y,F41A,G07C

Abstract:
An unauthorized user prevention apparatus for preventing unauthorized users from operating a particular device, said system comprising:an interlocking means for deactivating the particular device; a plurality of pressure sensors for sensing a user's handgrip on the particular device; comparator means for comparing a pressure signature profile compiled from an output from said pressure sensors with at least one pressure signature profile in storage, said at least one pressure signature comprising: 1) hand position of the user's handgrip on the particular device as indicated by a change in pressure on at least one of the plurality of the pressure sensors; 2) pressure as a function of position on the particular device; and 3) pressure as a function of time; control unit/cpu means for receiving an output from said comparator means indicating that the signature profile compiled by said comparator means matches said at least one pressure signature profile in storage, wherein said control unit/cpu means releases said interlocking means upon receipt from said comparator means that the pressure signature profile of the user's handgrip on the particular device matches said at least one pressure signature profile in storage.