Patent ID: 8172675

Claim:
A method for identifying a user based on how the user grips a device with at least one of their hands, comprising: receiving output signals from selective pressure sensors on a pressure-sensitive body of a device, the body having a plurality of pressure sensors distributed over the pressure-sensitive body, each pressure sensor is operative to provide an output signal proportional to a pressure applied by the user's hands to the pressure-sensitive body at the area at which the pressure sensor is located; determining that the user is attempting to use the device based on whether a number of pressure sensors detecting pressure exerted on the device exceeds a minimum number and whether the output signals have been received for at least a minimum time period; comparing the output signals received from the selective pressure sensors against stored pressure profile signatures responsive to said determination; and determining the identity of the user based on a favorable comparison of the received output signals with a stored pressure profile signature associated with the user.