Object location in three dimensional space using led lights

Abstract

A method for performing an action at a device is disclosed. A first signal is sent into a first zone from a first light source, wherein the first signal identifies the first zone. The first signal is received at the device when the device is in the zone. The device determines from the received first signal that the device is in the first zone and performs the action at the device based on the device being in the first zone. A second variable light source may send a second signal into a second zone, wherein the second signal identifies the second zone. Triangulation may be performed to determine a location of the device using the first signal and the second signal. Alternately, a parameter of motion of the device may be determined using the received messages.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of using a device, comprising:
 sending a first signal into a first zone, wherein the first signal identifies the first zone;   receiving the first signal at the device when the device is in the first zone;   determining from the received first signal that the device is in the first zone; and   performing an action at the device based on the device being in the first zone.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising determining a speed of the first zone relative to an earth reference frame and a location of the device relative to the first zone to select an action to perform at the device. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising demarcating the first zone by shrouding light from the variable light source. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising orienting the variable light source to select a location of the first zone. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein performing the action includes at least one of:
 deactivating the device; activating the device; determining a location of the device;   transferring an operation of the device to a secondary device; sending an emergency signal; recording a location at which the device is used; transmitting a location at which the device is used; determining a parameter of motion of the device; and sending an alarm signal based on determined speed of the device.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the light source is one of a light-emitting diode and light-emitting diode selected from a plurality of light-emitting diodes within a light-emitting diode bulb. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising sending a second signal into a second zone that intersects at least a part of the first zone, wherein the second signal identifies the second zone and determining a position of the device to be within an intersection of the first zone and the second zone from reception of the first signal and the second signal.