Removal prediction of a data reader from a charging base unit

A data reading system for reading encoded data on an item, the data reading system comprising:

• a data reader including a power supply and a first inductive coil;
• a base unit separate and distinct from a wall outlet, and configured to receive the data reader and to wirelessly charge the power supply of the data reader when the data reader is coupled with the base unit, wherein the base unit comprises a second inductive coil that aligns with the first inductive coil when the data reader is received in the base unit to facilitate wireless power transfer from the second inductive coil to the first inductive coil;
• 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 configured to:
• adjust an amount of wireless power transfer from the second inductive coil in the base unit to the first inductive coil in the data reader responsive to the sensor detecting the approach of the user's hand to reduce or eliminate the wireless power transfer before the data reader is removed from the base unit;
• initiate a timeout period for a predetermined amount of time responsive to the detection of the approach of the user's hand;
• after expiration of the timeout period, determine if the data reader was removed from the base unit after adjusting the wireless power transfer;
• and
• increasing the wireless power transfer to charge the data reader in the base unit responsive to determining that the data reader was not removed within the predetermined amount of time for the timeout period.