System and method for charging portable electronic devices within a vehicle

A method of charging a portable electronic device, the method comprising:

• detecting a wireless signal from at least one transmitter using a plurality of detectors that are configured to be supported on a vehicle, the at least one transmitter being configured to be associated with a portable electronic device;
• determining a location of the at least one transmitter relative to a plurality of device chargers based on the detected wireless signal, the plurality of device chargers being configured to charge a power source of a portable electronic device in a charging mode, the plurality of device chargers having respective predetermined locations;
• controlling at least a selected one of the device chargers to operate in the charging mode based on a proximity between the determined location of the at least one transmitter and the predetermined location of the selected one of the device chargers;
• determining an approximate remaining time of a current trip based on information from a vehicle navigation system;
• determining a rate at which a portable electronic device is being charged;
• determining whether the rate is sufficient to provide a complete charge to the portable electronic device during the remaining time;
• and
• providing an indication to change a position of the portable electronic device relative to the selected device charger if changing the position will increase a likelihood of achieving a complete charge within the remaining time.

A system for charging a portable electronic device within a vehicle, comprising:

• a plurality of device chargers configured to charge a power source of a portable electronic device in a charging mode, the plurality of device chargers having respective predetermined locations;
• at least one transmitter configured to be associated with a portable electronic device, the transmitter emitting at least one type of wireless signal;
• a plurality of detectors that are configured to be supported on a vehicle, the plurality of detectors detecting the wireless signal from the at least one transmitter;
• and
• a controller that utilizes information from the detectors regarding a detected wireless signal from the at least one transmitter and determines a location of the at least one transmitter relative to the plurality of device chargers, the controller controls at least a selected one of the device chargers to operate in the charging mode based on a proximity between the determined location of the at least one transmitter and the predetermined location of the selected one of the device chargers;
• wherein the controller is configured to
• determine that a particular portable electronic device is likely to be used for a task during a trip based on schedule information obtained by the controller;
• determine a charge level of the particular portable electronic device;
• and
• provide an indication to move the particular portable electronic device into a position near the selected charging device if the determined charge level appears inadequate to facilitate performing the task.