Patent ID: 8427304

Claim:
A proximity system for a portable electronic device comprising: a base unit comprising a first proximity module configured to operate within a predetermined range of said base unit, said first proximity module comprising a transmitter; and a locator unit carried by the portable electronic device and comprising a controller, a motion sensor coupled to said controller for determining if the portable electronic device is being carried by a user indicating that the portable electronic device is in use while in motion, a second proximity module coupled to said controller and configured to cooperate with said first proximity module for determining if the portable electronic device is within the predetermined range of said base unit, said second proximity module comprising a receiver, and a return-to-base indicator coupled to said controller, said controller configured to activate said return-to-base indicator if the portable electronic device is not in motion, and the portable electronic device is not positioned within the predetermined range of said base unit; said base unit being configured to hold the portable electronic device in a substantially vertical position when returned thereto; and said locator unit further comprising an orientation sensor cooperating with said motion sensor for determining if the portable electronic device is in the substantially vertical position or in a substantially horizontal position.