Barcodes System Early Identify Began Stores Upc Appearing

The earliest barcode was invented in 1948 and "patented" (officially registered for protection) in 1952, but the idea did not "take off" (become popular and common) until years later. One of the first "applications" (uses) was in the railway system, where companies tries to use early barcodes to identify the owner and "contents" (what's held inside) of railroad cars. Unfortunately, dirt and "wear" (reduced quality or poor condition caused by use and age) weakened the system. Then a "toll bridge" (a bridge that requires drivers to pay if they want to cross it) in New Jersey began using barcodes to identify which cars had purchased a "monthly pass" (permission to do something for an entire month). And then the post office began using an early barcode system, too.

But barcodes really "found their niche" (discovered where they were needed and what they were capable of) in grocery stores. The first "UPC" (universal product code) was used on a package of "chewing gum" (a substance placed in the mouth and chewed for a long period of time, but never swallowed) in 1974. Today, UPC barcodes are "ubiquitous" (found everywhere and on everything) in stores.

Barcodes are also found on patients' identification "bracelets" (objects worn around the "wrist" (the body part between the hand and the arm)), rental cars, factory equipment, luggage, "certified mail" (mail that is tracked for delivery confirmation), and more.

In recent years, "QR codes" (quick response codes; a set of black squares on a white background) have begun appearing as a replacement for UPC barcodes, because they can present more information in less space. QR codes were originally used in the automotive industry, but now that "smart phones" can scan them, they are appearing on materials for consumers, too.