Prediction of removal of data reader from charging base unit

Abstract

A data reading system (100) is provided for predicting removal of a data reader (200) from a charging base unit (300) based on the proximity of a user's hand (10). The data reading system includes a data reader having a power source (222), a base unit configured to receive the data reader and charge the power source of the data reader in response to the data reader being coupled to the base unit, a sensor (400) configured to detect the proximity of the user's hand, and a processor in operable communication with the sensor and the data reader or the base unit. The processor is configured to apply an appropriate action, such as adjusting the amount of current used to charge the power source of the data reader in the base unit, in response to the sensor detecting the proximity of the user's hand.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The field of the present disclosure generally relates to portable handheld data readers, such as scanners, optical code reading devices, electronic tag readers, and other mobile electronic devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for charging a portable handheld data reader and predicting removal of the data reader from a charging base unit before the data reader is removed from the charging base unit.

[0002] Understanding that the drawings depict only certain embodiments and are not, therefore, to be considered restrictive in nature, these embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Figure 1 A perspective view of a data reading system for charging a data reader is illustrated according to one embodiment.

[0004] Figure 2 Illustrated Figure 1 A top view of the data reading system.

[0005] Figure 3A Illustrated Figure 1 Rear view of the data reader.

[0006] Figure 3B Illustrated Figure 1 Side view of a data reader.

[0007] Figure 4A Illustrated according to one embodiment Figure 1 Base unit for the data reading system.

[0008] Figure 4B Illustrated Figure 4A Detailed view of a base unit depicting an exemplary arrangement of multiple capacitive sensors.

[0009] Figure 5 A flowchart of proximity detection is illustrated.

[0010] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating internal components of a circuit for a capacitive sensor.

[0011] Figure 7 It is a detection logic circuit for capacitive sensors. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] With reference to the accompanying drawings, this section describes specific embodiments and their detailed construction and operation. The embodiments described herein are set forth by way of illustration only and not limitation. In one or more embodiments, the described features, structures, characteristics, and operating methods may be combined in any suitable manner. In view of the disclosure herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments may be practiced without one or more specific details or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other cases, well-known structures, materials, or operating methods are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring the more relevant aspects of the embodiments.

[0013] In the following description of the figures and any exemplary embodiments, some embodiments may describe the use of a charging base unit for charging portable handheld data readers (e.g., scanners, optical code reading devices, electronic tag readers, and other mobile electronic devices). It should be understood that these examples are merely example uses of the described system and should not be considered limiting.

[0014] An arc is a phenomenon that occurs when a switch in an electrical circuit opens and closes. It consists of an electrical discharge with light emission between two electrodes immersed in a gas, with a voltage maintained between them. If the dielectric is air, the arc is called an air arc.

[0015] The described arcing phenomenon can also occur between the power contacts between the portable handheld data reader and the charging base unit. The occurrence of arcing can cause the power contacts to overheat / overload, thereby reducing contact efficiency. This can affect the electrical contact between the portable handheld reader and its corresponding charging base unit. This phenomenon can be affected by the amount of current flowing between the contacts, the dielectric material between the contacts, and the speed of separation between the corresponding contacts of the portable handheld data reader and the charging base unit. Environmental conditions (humidity, regular cleaning of the contacts, environmental dirt / dust) can also exacerbate the effects of arcing.

[0016] When a portable handheld data reader is removed from its corresponding base unit, arcing is difficult to prevent by changing the dielectric material from air to another material. Since the separation speed of the electrical contacts is related to user behavior, it is also difficult to change the contact separation speed. Therefore, arcing can be reduced by reducing the charging current before removing the portable handheld data reader from the charging base unit.

[0017] Thus, the present disclosure contemplates and describes various apparatus and methods for predicting (e.g., anticipating, foreseeing, etc.) the removal of a data reader from a charging base station and taking specified actions in response. For example, when a data reader is placed in a charging base station, the base station can reduce or eliminate the current used to charge the data reader before removing the data reader to avoid / mitigate arcing. Additional actions will be described later in this specification. The data reading system can anticipate the removal of the data reader from the charging base station by detecting the proximity of the user's hand to the data reader with sufficient time to reduce or eliminate the charging current. The present disclosure also contemplates and describes apparatus and methods for the charging base station to charge the data reader via wireless charging (e.g., inductive coupling). Predicting the removal of the data reader from the charging base station and reducing the charging current by the charging base station can reduce or eliminate overvoltage / overcurrent conditions or other related problems.

[0018] By reducing or eliminating the charging current before removing the data reader from the charging base unit, various benefits can be achieved. For example, if the charging current is reduced or eliminated before removing the data reader from the base unit, a higher charging current can be used to charge the data reader. The higher charging current helps to charge the power supply of the portable handheld data reader more quickly and reduces charging time. As a result, the data reader can be improved with increased operating time, increased battery capacity, and / or reduced charging time. Furthermore, when the charging current is reduced or eliminated before removing the data reader from the base unit, arcing is reduced and damage to the electrical contacts between the data reader and the base unit is reduced.

[0019] Figure 1 and 2 A data reading system 100 is illustrated. In particular, Figure 1 The data reading system 100 is illustrated in perspective view, and Figure 2The data reading system 100 is illustrated in a top view. The data reading system 100 may include a data reader 200 and a base unit 300 (e.g., a cradle). The base unit 300 is configured to receive the data reader 200 in a longitudinal direction relative to the base unit 300. The base unit 300 is configured to charge a power source 222 disposed on the data reader 200 when the data reader 200 is coupled to the base unit 300. The base unit 300 may recharge the power source 222 of the data reader 200 in a variety of different ways (e.g., inductive charging or conductive charging). The data reader 200 and the base unit 300 may be configured to communicate with each other via radio frequency (RF), WiFi, near field communication (NFC), or other wireless communication methods. In some embodiments, the data reader 200 and the base unit 300 may be configured to transmit data to each other by modulation of a charging field. In some embodiments, a wired data communication connection may be used to communicate information regarding the predicted removal of the data reader 200 between the data reader 200 and the base unit 300 .

[0020] The data reader 200 can be a handheld portable device for scanning and reading barcodes, such as a scanner, an optical code reading device, or an electronic tag reader (e.g., "radio frequency identification" (RFID)). The data reader can read (e.g., scan, image, etc.) barcodes, QR codes, symbols, object identification, electronic tags, etc.

[0021] The data reader 200 may include a housing 210 having a central handle portion 212, an upper head portion 214, and a lower foot portion 216. The data reader 200 may further include an imaging system 218 (see FIG. Figure 3B ), for example, the imaging system 218 may be a point scanner, a charge coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), or other suitable system. The housing 210 may include a trigger 220 on the front side of the housing 210 to activate the imaging system 218 in response to a user operating the trigger with one of their fingers.

[0022] The data reader 200 may also include a power source 222. Examples of the power source 222 may include a lithium battery, a supercapacitor, and the like. The power source 222 is configured to provide power to components of the data reader 200, such as the circuitry and the imaging system 218. The power source 222 may be a rechargeable battery that can be recharged by any suitable charging method, such as inductive charging or conductive charging, in response to the data reader 200 being placed on or within the base unit 300.

[0023] The data reader 200 is shown as having a generally gun-shaped or pistol-shaped housing 210, with a trigger finger-actuated trigger 220 positioned in an appropriate forward position. Alternatively, the housing 210 may be of other configurations, such as a box-shaped configuration with one or more windows, or other configurations, such as the data reader described in U.S. Patent No. 7,243,850, entitled "Data Reader for Multi-Mode Operation," issued July 17, 2007 (the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), preferably with a suitable actuator button.

[0024] The base unit 300 can be used as a platform to support the data reader 200 on a flat surface such as a countertop (typically horizontal) or a wall (typically vertical). The base unit 300 can include a head receiving portion 310 and a foot receiving portion 320. The head receiving portion 310 is configured to receive (e.g., hold) the upper head portion 214 of the data reader 200 and the foot receiving portion 320 is configured to receive the lower foot portion 216 of the data reader 200. In this manner, the central handle portion 212 is open and has space for the fingers of the user's hand 10 to grasp the central handle portion 212 to remove (e.g., extract) the data reader 200.

[0025] As previously described, the base unit 300 can be configured to recharge the power source 222 of the data reader 200 in response to the data reader 200 being placed on or within the base unit 300. In some embodiments, the data reader 200 can be recharged by conductive charging. Conductive charging requires a physical connection (metal to metal) between the power source 222 of the data reader 200 and the power source of the base unit 300. The power source of the base unit 300 can be alternating current (AC) from a wall outlet. The base unit 300 can include metal contacts 322 to contact the metal contacts 224 of the data reader 200. In some embodiments, the base unit can be a docking station (e.g., a cradle) that receives the data reader 200. The cradle can be configured to align the metal contacts 322 with the power source 222 to allow current to flow.

[0026] In some embodiments, the data reader 200 can be recharged via wireless power transfer ("wireless charging"), such as inductive charging. Inductive charging uses an induction coil to generate an electromagnetic field to transfer energy between the data reader 200 and the base unit 300. The energy is transmitted to the data reader 200 via inductive coupling to charge the power source 222. The base unit 300 may include an induction coil (not shown) to generate an alternating electromagnetic field within the base unit 300, and the data reader 200 may have a second induction coil (not shown) that transfers power from the electromagnetic field and converts it into an electric current to charge the power source 222 of the data reader 200. An exemplary embodiment of a base unit that provides inductive or wireless charging can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 885,637, filed on January 31, 2018, entitled "Wireless Charging and Docking System for Mobile Electronic Devices," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the base unit 300 may be a charging pad on which multiple data readers 200 may be placed for charging. Such a charging pad may include one or more transmitter coils.In some embodiments, the base unit 300 may be configured to adjust the charging current based on the number of data readers 200 placed on the base unit 300 for charging.

[0027] In some embodiments, the base unit 300 may include a plurality of apertures 330 for securing or temporarily mounting the base unit 300 to a countertop or wall via fasteners. Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment illustrates only a single aperture 330 disposed on one side of the base unit 300 because Figure 1 is a perspective view of the data reading system 100. A second aperture 330 may be provided in a similar position on the opposite side of the base unit 300. In some embodiments, the base unit 300 may not include the aperture 330, for example Figure 2 The embodiment shown in .

[0028] The data reading system 100 may include a sensor (eg, Figure 3A and 3B) in anticipation of the removal of the data reader 200 from the base unit 300. The ability to anticipate (e.g., foresee, anticipate, etc.) the removal or removal of the data reader 200 from the base unit 300 can activate appropriate actions based on a specified situation based on system logic (discussed in more detail below) found within the data reader 200 or base unit 300. For example, if removal of the data reader 200 is anticipated, the data reading system 100 can be further configured to reduce or stop the current used to charge the power supply 222 of the data reader 200 before the user removes the data reader from the base unit 300. This can be beneficial when charging the data reader 200 using a high charging current because it helps avoid arcing in conductive charging. As previously discussed, arcing can damage the metal contacts 224 and 322, thereby reducing charging efficiency. In wireless charging, reducing the charging current helps prevent overvoltage caused by the increased distance between the coils during removal.

[0029] The sensor may include an infrared sensor, a light sensor, a capacitive sensor, or other suitable sensor capable of detecting the position of a user's hand relative to the sensor. The proximity sensor is configured to detect a threshold change indicating the proximity of the user's hand 10. In response to detecting the threshold change, the data reading system 100 may take a variety of different actions, such as reducing or stopping the flow of current to charge the data reader 200, activating the data reader 200 from an idle state, activating a locking mechanism, terminating communications (e.g., data transfer, data download, software update, etc.) between the data reader 200 and the base unit 300, etc. These actions are described in more detail below.

[0030] exist Figure 3A and 3B In the illustrated embodiment, a capacitive sensor 400 is disposed within the central handle portion 212 of the data reader 200. The capacitive sensor 400 is configured to detect the proximity of a user's hand 10. The capacitive sensor 400 is configured to detect and measure anything that is conductive or has dielectric properties different from those of air, such as the user's hand 10. For example, the capacitive sensor 400 is configured to detect a change in capacitance in response to the user gripping the central handle portion 212 of the data reader 200. The capacitive sensor is sensitive enough to detect changes in capacitance even when the user's hand 10 is gloved or wet. The detection range of the capacitive sensor 400 depends on the size of the capacitive sensor 400. A larger capacitive sensor 400, i.e., a larger armature of the capacitive sensor 400, results in a greater detection distance. In some embodiments, the detection distance range of the capacitive sensor 400 can be from approximately 0 cm to 5 cm.

[0031] Figure 3A and 3BThe capacitive sensor 400 shown in FIG. 4 may be shielded from any other electronic components of the data reader 200 within the central handle portion 212 of the data reader 200 to avoid any unintentional interference from other electronic circuitry of the data reader 200 .

[0032] exist Figure 4A and 4B In the illustrated embodiment, the base unit 300 may include a plurality of capacitive sensors. Figure 4A A top view of the base unit 300 with the data reader 200 taken out is illustrated. Figure 4B A detailed view of a plurality of capacitive sensors 410, 420, and 430 (eg, capacitive touch panels) is illustrated. Figure 4A and 4B Three capacitive sensors are illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The base unit 300 may have more or fewer than three capacitive sensors. Capacitive sensors 410, 420, and 430 are disposed below the top cover 340 of the base unit 300 and are configured to detect the proximity of the user's hand 10. Capacitive sensors 410, 420, and 430 may be aligned in the lateral direction of the base unit 300 and disposed between the head receiving portion 310 and the foot receiving portion 320. Since capacitive sensors 410, 420, and 430 are disposed between the head receiving portion 310 and the foot receiving portion 320, the capacitive sensors 410, 420, and 430 are configured to sense changes in capacitance in response to the user gripping the central handle portion 212 of the data reader 200. Specifically, capacitive sensors 410 , 420 , and 430 may be configured to detect changes in capacitance in response to a finger of a user's hand 10 entering the space between top cover 340 of base unit 300 and central handle portion 212 of data reader 200 .

[0033] In some embodiments, the capacitive sensors 410, 420, and 430 can be aligned in the longitudinal direction of the base unit 300 between the head receiving portion 310 and the foot receiving portion 320. However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for the capacitive sensors 410, 420, and 430 to have different geographic arrangements to detect the proximity of the user's hand 10 and predict the removal of the data reader 200 from the base unit 300.

[0034] In embodiments including more than one capacitive sensor, for example, Figure 4A and 4B , the data reading system 100 may be able to more accurately predict the probability of the data reader 200 being removed from the base unit 300. For example, Figure 4A and 4BThe three capacitive sensors 410, 420, and 430 are aligned in the lateral direction of the base unit 300. Each capacitive sensor 410, 420, 430 can be configured to detect a threshold change in capacitance at a different time. For example, if a right-handed person removes the data reader 200 from the base unit 300 with their right hand, the right capacitive sensor 430 may detect a threshold change in capacitance before the left capacitive sensor 410. The opposite would be true for a left-handed person removing the data reader 200 from the base unit 300 with their left hand; the left capacitive sensor 410 would detect a threshold change in capacitance before the right capacitive sensor 430. This helps the data reading system 100 accurately predict the removal of the data reader 200 from the base unit because the user's hand is not only close to the data reader 200, but also within the gap between the data reader 200 and the base unit 300. In some cases, the data reading system 100 can be configured not to adjust the charging current until a predetermined number (e.g., a majority) of the capacitive sensors 410, 420, 430 have detected a threshold change in capacitance. For example, in the example of three capacitive sensors, the charging current can be adjusted only after a majority (i.e., two of the three) have detected a threshold change in capacitance.

[0035] Figure 4A and 4B The electronics in the capacitive sensors 410 , 420 , and 430 shown in FIG. 4 may be shielded within the base unit 300 from any other electronic components of the base unit 300 to avoid any inadvertent interference from other electronic circuitry of the data reader 200 .

[0036] In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 490 may be disposed on a side of the base unit 300, such as Figure 1 The proximity sensor 490 can be activated by a designated gesture of the user to reduce the light intensity of the base unit 300 during the charging process. An exemplary gesture can include swiping a finger on the side of the base unit 300 at the proximity sensor 440.

[0037] Figure 5 A flow chart illustrating a method of recharging a data reader 200 using proximity detection of a user's hand 10 to predict removal of the data reader 200 from the base unit 300. The data reader 200 and the base unit 300 each have a device configured to perform Figure 5In step S500, the data reader 200 is placed on or within the base unit 300. In response to the data reader 200 being placed on or within the base unit 300, the base unit 300 charges the power supply 222 of the data reader 200. Generally, current and voltage determine how quickly the data reader 200 is recharged. A high current enables the data reader 200 to charge faster. In one embodiment, the charging current may be approximately 15 amperes. While a high charging current enables faster recharging, it may also generate a larger arc if the data reader 200 is removed from the base unit 300 while the high current is being applied.

[0038] In step S510, the data reading system 100 initiates a proximity detection mode when the data reader 200 is coupled to the base unit 300. Proximity detection can utilize any of the proximity sensors discussed previously, such as the capacitive sensor 400 disposed in the handle of the data reader 200, the capacitive sensors 410, 420, and 430 disposed in the base unit 300, or the proximity sensor 440 disposed on a side of the base unit 300. Various other configurations of sensors are also contemplated and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0039] In step S520, the proximity of the user's hand 10 is detected in response to the proximity sensor detecting a threshold change in the appropriate sensor corresponding to the proximity of the user's hand 10. For example, a capacitive sensor can detect a threshold change in capacitance that would indicate that the user's hand 10 is approaching to remove the data reader 200 from the base unit 300. The threshold change is a predetermined change that predicts the removal of the data reader 200 from the base unit 300. If a change in the appropriate sensor is detected, but the detected change in capacitance does not exceed the predetermined threshold, the data reading system 100 proceeds to step S530. During step S530, the data reading system 100 continues to measure changes in capacitance to detect potential proximity.

[0040] In step S540, if proximity is detected, such as exceeding a threshold change, the data reading system 100 performs an "appropriate action." The "appropriate action" may refer to any appropriate action based on the application. For example, it may refer to adjusting the charging current used to charge the power supply 222 of the data reader 200, or issuing a warning when the scanner cannot be removed at a specific moment, etc. Upon detecting proximity, the data reader 200 may communicate with the base reader (e.g., via RF, modulated charging field, or other communication methods) to notify the base unit 300. In some embodiments, when the "appropriate action" is performed, the charging current is stopped. In some embodiments, the amount of charging current is reduced to a lower charging current to reduce arcing. The reduced charging current may be approximately 1-3 amps. In other embodiments, the charging current may be reduced to less than 0.5 amps, which helps reduce arcing and protect the metal contacts 322.

[0041] In step S550, the data reading system 100 executes a timeout period. The timeout period is a predetermined amount of time for the data reading system 100. After the predetermined amount of time expires in S560, the data reading system 100 determines whether the data reader 200 is still within the base unit 300 in step S570. If the data reader 200 has been removed from the base unit 300, the data reading system 100 stops detecting potential proximity in S580. If the base unit 300 is conductive charging, the charging switch opens when the data reader is disconnected from the metal contacts 322. If the base unit 300 is inductive (e.g., a wireless charging system), the base unit 300 detects the removal of the data reader based on the coupling coefficient between the coils falling below a predetermined threshold.

[0042] In some cases, after a threshold change has been detected, the data reader 200 may still be on or within the base unit 300. In this case, the user may go to remove the data reader 200 but decide not to. Therefore, the data reading system 100 returns to step S520 to determine whether proximity has been detected. If not, the "appropriate action" is terminated and a high current (e.g., 15 amps) may be applied to recharge the power supply 222 of the data reader 200.

[0043] In a similar situation, the proximity sensor can determine whether the user has removed his hand from the data reader 200. If the user has removed his hand from the data reader 200 and the data reader 200 is on or within the base unit 300, the data reading system 100 can charge the power supply 222 of the data reader 200 with a high current.

[0044] In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold variation can be changed over time. As the data reading system 100 is used over a period of time, the processor of the data reading system 100 can adjust the threshold based on repeated instances (e.g., repeated removal of the data reader 200 from the base unit 300). Removal dynamic data, such as speed, direction, etc., can be captured by the data reading system 100 to adjust the predetermined threshold. Such instances can include instances when the threshold is exceeded but the data reader 200 is not removed from the base unit 300, or instances when the threshold is not exceeded but the data reader 200 is removed from the base unit 300. Based on the collected data, the threshold is changed to better predict the probability of the data reader 200 being removed from the base unit 300.

[0045] In some embodiments, in response to the proximity sensor detecting a threshold change, the data reading system 100 may perform a different action besides changing the charging current. In another embodiment, the data reading system 100 may change the power used to charge the power supply 222 of the data reader 200. In some cases, the power may be reduced or stopped entirely.

[0046] Typically, when the data reader 200 is placed on or within the base unit 300, the data reading system 100 places the data reader 200 in an idle state (i.e., "sleep mode") to conserve power in the power supply 222. In some embodiments, in response to detecting a threshold change, the data reading system 100 can activate the data reader 200 from the idle state to the active state. In this manner, the data reader 200 will be activated earlier than usual, allowing the user to begin using the data reader 200 more quickly than usual.

[0047] In some embodiments, a proximity sensor can be used to activate a locking mechanism. For example, after a user places the data reader 200 on the base unit 300, the data reading system 100 detects when the user removes their hand 10 from the data reader 200, and the data reading system 100 can activate the locking mechanism to secure the data reader 200 to the base unit 300. The locking mechanism can be a plastic or metal rod that extends from the base unit 300 into a rod receiving portion of the data reader 200. When the rod extends into the rod receiving portion, the data reader 200 is secured (e.g., locked) to the base unit. Other types of locking mechanisms are also contemplated and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] In some embodiments, in response to detecting a threshold change in capacitance and the data reading system 100 predicting that the user is about to remove the data reader 200 from the base unit 300, the data reading system 100 can deactivate the locking mechanism and unlock the data reader 200 from the base unit 300. For example, the rod can be retracted from the rod receiving portion of the data reader 200, enabling the user to remove the data reader 200 from the base unit 300.

[0049] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating the internal components of the circuit for the capacitive sensor 400. The capacitive sensor 400 (e.g., a pad) includes an upper plastic substrate 440, a metal plate 442, and a lower insulator 444. The metal plate 442 can be a thin copper plate. The data reading system 100 further includes detection logic 450 for determining whether a threshold change has been exceeded. As previously described, the threshold value can be changeable over time depending on whether the data reader 200 is removed from the base unit 300. The data reading system 100 further includes system control logic 460. The system control logic 460 is similar to Figure 5 The control logic also includes the logic described in

[0045] , and the control logic also has the ability to change the threshold change of capacitance as the data reader 200 is repeatedly removed from the base unit 300 to change the threshold. The data reading system 100 may further include a power manager 470 that manages the charging current and voltage when the threshold change is exceeded. The battery charger 480 is configured to charge the power supply 222 of the data reader 200 when the data reader 200 is on or within the base unit 300.

[0050] Figure 7 Exemplary embodiments of detection logic circuits are illustrated. Figure 7 The integrated circuit U1 shown in FIG. 1 may be an AT42QT1011 integrated circuit manufactured by Microchip Technology. Figure 7 Such detection logic as shown in enables the data reading system 100 to predict removal of the data reader 200 from the base unit 300 250 ms in advance.

[0051] The subject matter disclosed herein is intended to be combined with the subject matter of one or more of the other sections herein, provided that such combinations are not mutually exclusive or inoperable. In addition, many variations, enhancements, and modifications of the imager-based optical code reader concepts described herein are possible.

[0052] The terms and descriptions used above are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant to be limiting. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many changes may be made to the details of the above embodiments without departing from the basic principles of the present invention.

Claims

1. A data reading system for reading coded data on an article, the data reading system comprising: a data reader including a power supply and power contacts; a base unit configured to receive the data reader and to charge a power source of the data reader when the data reader is coupled to the base unit, wherein the base unit further comprises power contacts that align with power contacts of the data reader when the data reader is received in the base unit; a sensor configured to detect an approach of a user's hand; and a processor in operable communication with the sensor and the base unit, the processor being configured to: In response to the sensor detecting the proximity of a user's hand, adjusting the amount of current flowing between power contacts of the data reader and power contacts in the base unit to reduce or eliminate arcing between the power contacts of the data reader and the power contacts of the base unit when the data reader is removed from the base unit, and It is determined whether the data reader is removed from the base unit after adjusting the amount of current, and after a predetermined amount of time if the data reader is not removed, the amount of current charging the data reader in the base unit is increased. 2 . The data reading system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises at least one of an infrared sensor, a light sensor, or a capacitive sensor.

3. The data reading system of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to reduce an amount of current used to charge a power supply of the data reader in the base unit in response to the sensor detecting the proximity of a user's hand.

4. The data reading system of claim 3, wherein the processor is configured to stop the flow of current used to charge the power supply of the data reader in the base unit in response to the sensor detecting the proximity of the user's hand.

5. The data reading system of claim 1, wherein the data reader includes a handle for gripping the data reader, and wherein the sensor is a capacitive sensor disposed within the handle of the data reader.

6. The data reading system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a capacitive sensor disposed within the base unit. 7 . The data reading system according to claim 6 , wherein the capacitive sensor comprises at least three pads arranged in a lateral direction of the base unit.

8. The data reading system of claim 6, wherein the capacitive sensor detects a threshold change in capacitance in response to a specified gesture by a user.

9. The data reading system of claim 1, wherein the base unit is configured to charge the power supply of the data reader by conductive charging.

10. The data reading system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a capacitive sensor and the capacitive sensor is configured to predict the proximity of a user's hand based at least in part on a threshold change in capacitance.

11. The data reading system of claim 10, wherein the threshold change in capacitance is varied over time to better predict removal of the data reader from the base unit.

12. The data reading system of claim 10, further comprising a locking mechanism that is triggered in response to the capacitive sensor detecting a threshold change in capacitance due to a user removing their hand from the data reader or a user's hand approaching the data reader.

13. The data reading system of claim 1, wherein the processor reduces the current flowing between the power contacts of the data reader and the power contacts of the base unit to between 1 amp and 3 amps.

14. A method of charging a data reader in a base unit, comprising: applying a current to charge a power source of the data reader in response to the data reader being coupled to the base unit; detecting an approach of a user's hand for the purpose of removing the data reader from the base unit; In response to the sensor detecting the proximity of a user's hand, adjusting the amount of current applied to charge the power supply of the data reader to reduce or eliminate arcing between power contacts on the data reader and power contacts on the base unit, and It is determined whether the data reader is removed from the base unit after adjusting the amount of current, and after a predetermined amount of time if the data reader is not removed, the amount of current charging the data reader in the base unit is increased.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein in response to the sensor detecting the proximity of the user's hand, the amount of current charging the power supply of the data reader in the base unit is reduced.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein in response to the sensor detecting the proximity of the user's hand, the current charging the power supply of the data reader in the base unit is stopped.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the sensor is a capacitive sensor and the capacitive sensor predicts the approach of a user's hand based on a threshold change in capacitance, the method further comprising: The threshold change in capacitance is varied with repeated removal of the data reader from the base unit to better predict removal of the data reader from the base unit.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising activating a data reader in response to the sensor detecting the proximity of a user's hand.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the base unit includes a plurality of capacitive sensors and the amount of current applied to charge the data reader does not change until at least a predetermined number of the capacitive sensors detect a threshold change in capacitance.

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