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What is a barcode? -

A barcode is a code that is readable by a machine and consists of numbers and a pattern of parallel lines. The lines can be varying widths and are printed on objects to help identify them.

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How to read a barcode -

Barcodes can be read with a scanner that can first read the symbols and then convert them into useful information such as price, type of product, or even origin.

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More information on reading barcodes -

At either end of the bar code are "guide bars" that tell a scanner which direction is correct for reading the code. This means that even if it's upside down, it will still work.

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What do the digits mean? -

The first six to 10 digits correspond to the company or brand owner. Then, the next section is the item number and the last is a check digit formulated based on the previous 11 numbers.

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What's next? -

Once the scanner has read the number, the computer system looks it up in a product database that contains more information such as its current pricing.

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The first barcode -

In 1949, Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver submitted a patent for the first barcode. It described a basic structure of the barcode and is still used in barcode technology over 70 years later.

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What wasn’t included in the patent? -

Today's universally recognizable barcode design wasn't included in the patent. Instead, there were a series of concentric circles that looked like a bull's-eye.

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Theodore H. Maiman -

In 1960, engineer and physicist, Theodore H. Maiman built the first working laser. With this available, it was possible to decode a barcode's line patterns.

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KarTrak barcodes -

In 1967, the railroad industry implemented KarTrak barcodes that identified rail cars as they moved past a scanner. It was technically the first barcode adopted by an industry.

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The grocery industry committee -

In the late 1960's, grocery stores started piloting barcode projects with various types and shapes of barcodes. In 1971, the grocery industry formed a committee tasked with defining an industry standard for the barcode that all stores would adopt.

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Seven finalists -

There were seven finalists including the bulls'-eye and a late-comer to the competition, the IBM symbol developed in the early 1970s by George Laurier.

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The final decision on the universal product code -

Between 1971 and 1973, the committee tested the finalists and heard from their founders about a path forward. In the final meeting, the committee chose the IBM symbol which became the industry standard.

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Barcodes in daily use -

According to GS1, which is the organization that oversees UPC and QR code standards, it's estimated that 10 billion barcodes are scanned every day globally.

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Controversies and social impact of barcodes -

In the beginning, people were worried that these barcodes would be nothing but trouble. There were concerns that the barcode would take away supermarket jobs and no longer allow customers to bargain hunt.

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QR codes and their negative uses -

Scanning a QR code can lead your device to trouble. For example, it might direct you to a malicious website or download software to hack your information.

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Cultural and religious controversies -

To some people with interesting imaginations, the barcode was considered evil. In fact, in 2023, Jordan Frith, a professor of communication at Clemson University in South Carolina, published a book about barcodes and claimed they could be the "mark of the beast."

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Unusual and specialized uses of barcodes -

Barcodes today can be found in so many unique places including in the mail. At major postal service providers such as FedEx and UPS, barcodes are used to help ensure the correct recipient receives the package or post intended for them.

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Laboratories and fertility clinics -

Many scientific laboratories use barcodes to ensure they are matching each patient with their correct tests or eggs in the case of the fertility clinics.

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Gravestones -

Some gravestones will even have a small barcode or QR code on them. When scanned, usually it will have information about the person and the life they lived.

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Tracking honeybees -

There are companies out there today that produce barcode labels that will work in almost any environment including when it's cold or if splashed with something. This versatility makes it great for tracking honey bees and their movements.

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US military applications -

Barcodes are sometimes used in the US military to help track the attendance and training of personnel.

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Space exploration -

Barcodes have even made their debut in space! Astronauts on the International Space Station use barcode scanners to identify equipment and mechanical parts. However, today, RFID tags are more commonly used.

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Hospitals -

Barcodes can help make sure that hospital staff administer the right drugs to the right patients. They are also used to track blood samples and medical devices.

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Gaming industry -

Barcodes can be used in games and the experiences surrounding them. In some games, you might be required to scan a random barcode to earn points.

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The future of barcode technology -

The barcode as we know it is rapidly evolving with the integration of RFID and NFC, which is a short-range wireless technology that enables communication between devices when they are very close together.

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Smart packaging and dynamic barcodes -

Barcodes and QR codes can enhance the available real-time information. Dynamic bar codes can change data for instances when a promotion or change in price occurs.

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Sustainability and environmental considerations in barcode printing -

Barcodes are very sustainable and environmentally friendly. They can help reduce waste by providing real-time accuracy to help eliminate over-production and excess inventory.

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Barcodes and artificial intelligence -

AI can greatly enhance barcode technology by analyzing scanned data for patterns and helping to optimize inventory management.

Sources: (CNN Style) (BBC) (Wasp Barcode Technologies) (Barcode Test)

See also: How technology is changing friendship

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