Milestone-Proposal:Birthplace of the Bar Code, 1948: Difference between revisions

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{{ProposalEdit|a1=Birthplace of the Bar Code, 1948|a2a=Drexel University, Philadelphia PA USA|a2b=Philadelphia|a3=1948-1949|a4=The bar code required simultaneous efforts in the areas of data representation, coding, automatic scanning, error correction, data storage, data security, and database design and management.  It required a step improvement in optical machine readable representation of data. The social and economic impacts were widely felt - they changed the way logistics of merchandise and inventories were organized and managed, and provided reliable and economic tracking and transfer of goods with significant savings in accounting and storage.  Applications ranged from goods billing in supermarket checkout stations to barcode based management of inventories of factories, hospitals, municipalities, transportation fleets, manufacturers, and law enforcement and army units.
{{Proposal|a1=Birthplace of the Bar Code, 1948|a2a=Drexel University, Philadelphia PA USA|a2b=Philadelphia|a3=1948-1949|a4=The bar code required simultaneous efforts in the areas of data representation, coding, automatic scanning, error correction, data storage, data security, and database design and management.  It required a step improvement in optical machine readable representation of data. The social and economic impacts were widely felt - they changed the way logistics of merchandise and inventories were organized and managed, and provided reliable and economic tracking and transfer of goods with significant savings in accounting and storage.  Applications ranged from goods billing in supermarket checkout stations to barcode based management of inventories of factories, hospitals, municipalities, transportation fleets, manufacturers, and law enforcement and army units.
 
Selected References:
Selected References:
1. US Patent 2,612,994 Issued 7 october 1952 Classified Apparatus and Method, available on-line: http://www.adams1.com/patents/2612994.pdf
1. US Patent 2,612,994 Issued 7 october 1952 Classified Apparatus and Method, available on-line: http://www.adams1.com/patents/2612994.pdf
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4. Article in "Wonders of Modern Technology" (available on line at http://www.barcoding.com/information/barcode_history.shtml)|a5=Prior to the invention of barcodes, automated registration of components and goods was largely unavailable.  Earlier proposed designs used punch cards and were too complicated and expensive.  The common pre-barcode alternative involved tedious manual processes based on tags that were read and recorded by humans.|a6=In 1948 there was no mechanism to code data in a way that would make it machine readable and no technology (such as optical devices) that would scan images on-the-move to extract useful information from them.  There was no computing infrastructure that would support the data storage and processing requirements.  These components needed to be invented or adapted from existing technology for the first time for barcodes to work.|a7=The plaque will be affixed to a permanent wall on the ground floor in the Edmund D. Bossone Research Enterprise Center, Drexel University, 3140 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA (39.95554342883535, -75.18626689910889).  The Bossone Center is placed in the general area where in 1948 the first discussions on barcodes took place between Silver, Woodland and others.  This is a public area, well lit, and accessible without restriction Monday to Friday from 7AM to 11PM local time.  No appointment requirements nor security barriers limit access at those times.|a8=No|a9=The site is protected by Drexel University staff and security. This is a public area, well lit, accessible to the public without restriction Monday to Friday from 7AM to 11PM local time.  No appointment requirements nor security barriers limit access at those times.  There are often events, open houses, and parties organized nearby, and there is a lot of visitor and student traffic there.|a10=Drexel University|a11=Yes|a12=The IEEE Philadelphia Section:
4. Article in "Wonders of Modern Technology" (available on line at http://www.barcoding.com/information/barcode_history.shtml)|a5=Prior to the invention of barcodes, automated registration of components and goods was largely unavailable.  Earlier proposed designs used punch cards and were too complicated and expensive.  The common pre-barcode alternative involved tedious manual processes based on tags that were read and recorded by humans.|a6=In 1948 there was no mechanism to code data in a way that would make it machine readable and no technology (such as optical devices) that would scan images on-the-move to extract useful information from them.  There was no computing infrastructure that would support the data storage and processing requirements.  These components needed to be invented or adapted from existing technology for the first time for barcodes to work.|a7=The plaque will be affixed to a permanent wall on the ground floor in the Edmund D. Bossone Research Enterprise Center, Drexel University, 3140 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA (39.95554342883535, -75.18626689910889).  The Bossone Center is placed in the general area where in 1948 the first discussions on barcodes took place between Silver, Woodland and others.  This is a public area, well lit, and accessible without restriction Monday to Friday from 7AM to 11PM local time.  No appointment requirements nor security barriers limit access at those times.|a8=No|a9=The site is protected by Drexel University staff and security. This is a public area, well lit, accessible to the public without restriction Monday to Friday from 7AM to 11PM local time.  No appointment requirements nor security barriers limit access at those times.  There are often events, open houses, and parties organized nearby, and there is a lot of visitor and student traffic there.|a10=Drexel University|a11=Yes|a12=The IEEE Philadelphia Section:
Jack Nachamkin, 2009 Chair  610.455.3897 jackn1@verizon.net
Jack Nachamkin, 2009 Chair  610.455.3897 jackn1@verizon.net
Robert C Lawson 2009 Vice Chair  856.866.6208 robert.c.lawson@lmco.com
Robert C Lawson 2009 Vice Chair  856.866.6208 robert.c.lawson@lmco.com


The Philadelphia Section Executive Committee voted to endorse this application and be the sponsoring organizational unit on 8 September 2009.   |a13name=Jack Nachamkin|a13section=Philadelphia Section|a13position=2009 Chair|a13email=jackn1@verizon.net|a14name=Robert C Lawson|a14ou=Philadelphia Section|a14position=2009 Vice Chair|a14email=robert.c.lawson@lmco.com|a15Aname=Moshe Kam|a15Aemail=m.kam@ieee.org|a15Aname2=Bruce Eisenstein|a15Aemail2=eisenstein@cbis.ece.drexel.edu|a15Bname=Moshe Kam|a15Bemail=m.kam@ieee.org|a15Bname2=Leonid Hrebien|a15Bemail2=lhrebien@coe.drexel.edu|a15Cname=Moshe Kam|a15Ctitle=Department Head and Robert Quinn Professor|a15Corg=ECE Department, Drexel University|a15Caddress=3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia PA 19104|a15Cphone=+1 215 895 6920|a15Cemail=m.kam@ieee.org}}
The Philadelphia Section Executive Committee voted to endorse this application and be the sponsoring organizational unit on 8 September 2009.|a13name=Jack Nachamkin|a13section=Philadelphia Section|a13position=2009 Chair|a13email=jackn1@verizon.net|a14name=Robert C Lawson|a14ou=Philadelphia Section|a14position=2009 Vice Chair|a14email=robert.c.lawson@lmco.com|a15Aname=Moshe Kam|a15Aemail=m.kam@ieee.org|a15Aname2=Bruce Eisenstein|a15Aemail2=eisenstein@cbis.ece.drexel.edu|a15Bname=Moshe Kam|a15Bemail=m.kam@ieee.org|a15Bname2=Leonid Hrebien|a15Bemail2=lhrebien@coe.drexel.edu|a15Cname=Moshe Kam|a15Ctitle=Department Head and Robert Quinn Professor|a15Corg=ECE Department, Drexel University|a15Caddress=3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia PA 19104|a15Cphone=+1 215 895 6920|a15Cemail=m.kam@ieee.org}}

Revision as of 15:21, 10 September 2009


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Docket #:

This is a draft proposal, that has not yet been submitted. To submit this proposal, click on the edit button in toolbar above, indicated by an icon displaying a pencil on paper. At the bottom of the form, check the box that says "Submit this proposal to the IEEE History Committee for review. Only check this when the proposal is finished" and save the page.


To the proposer’s knowledge, is this achievement subject to litigation?


Is the achievement you are proposing more than 25 years old?


Is the achievement you are proposing within IEEE’s designated fields as defined by IEEE Bylaw I-104.11, namely: Engineering, Computer Sciences and Information Technology, Physical Sciences, Biological and Medical Sciences, Mathematics, Technical Communications, Education, Management, and Law and Policy.


Did the achievement provide a meaningful benefit for humanity?


Was it of at least regional importance?


Has an IEEE Organizational Unit agreed to pay for the milestone plaque(s)?


Has an IEEE Organizational Unit agreed to arrange the dedication ceremony?


Has the IEEE Section in which the milestone is located agreed to take responsibility for the plaque after it is dedicated?


Has the owner of the site agreed to have it designated as an IEEE Milestone? Yes


Year or range of years in which the achievement occurred:

1948-1949

Title of the proposed milestone:

Birthplace of the Bar Code, 1948

Plaque citation summarizing the achievement and its significance:


200-250 word abstract describing the significance of the technical achievement being proposed, the person(s) involved, historical context, humanitarian and social impact, as well as any possible controversies the advocate might need to review.


IEEE technical societies and technical councils within whose fields of interest the Milestone proposal resides.


In what IEEE section(s) does it reside?

Philadelphia

IEEE Organizational Unit(s) which have agreed to sponsor the Milestone:

IEEE Organizational Unit(s) paying for milestone plaque(s):


IEEE Organizational Unit(s) arranging the dedication ceremony:


IEEE section(s) monitoring the plaque(s):


Milestone proposer(s):


Please note: your email address and contact information will be masked on the website for privacy reasons. Only IEEE History Center Staff will be able to view the email address.

Street address(es) and GPS coordinates in decimal form of the intended milestone plaque site(s):

Drexel University, Philadelphia PA USA

Describe briefly the intended site(s) of the milestone plaque(s). The intended site(s) must have a direct connection with the achievement (e.g. where developed, invented, tested, demonstrated, installed, or operated, etc.). A museum where a device or example of the technology is displayed, or the university where the inventor studied, are not, in themselves, sufficient connection for a milestone plaque.

Please give the address(es) of the plaque site(s) (GPS coordinates if you have them). Also please give the details of the mounting, i.e. on the outside of the building, in the ground floor entrance hall, on a plinth on the grounds, etc. If visitors to the plaque site will need to go through security, or make an appointment, please give the contact information visitors will need. The plaque will be affixed to a permanent wall on the ground floor in the Edmund D. Bossone Research Enterprise Center, Drexel University, 3140 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA (39.95554342883535, -75.18626689910889). The Bossone Center is placed in the general area where in 1948 the first discussions on barcodes took place between Silver, Woodland and others. This is a public area, well lit, and accessible without restriction Monday to Friday from 7AM to 11PM local time. No appointment requirements nor security barriers limit access at those times.

Are the original buildings extant?

No

Details of the plaque mounting:


How is the site protected/secured, and in what ways is it accessible to the public?

The site is protected by Drexel University staff and security. This is a public area, well lit, accessible to the public without restriction Monday to Friday from 7AM to 11PM local time. No appointment requirements nor security barriers limit access at those times. There are often events, open houses, and parties organized nearby, and there is a lot of visitor and student traffic there.

Who is the present owner of the site(s)?

Drexel University

What is the historical significance of the work (its technological, scientific, or social importance)? If personal names are included in citation, include justification here. (see section 6 of Milestone Guidelines)

The bar code required simultaneous efforts in the areas of data representation, coding, automatic scanning, error correction, data storage, data security, and database design and management. It required a step improvement in optical machine readable representation of data. The social and economic impacts were widely felt - they changed the way logistics of merchandise and inventories were organized and managed, and provided reliable and economic tracking and transfer of goods with significant savings in accounting and storage. Applications ranged from goods billing in supermarket checkout stations to barcode based management of inventories of factories, hospitals, municipalities, transportation fleets, manufacturers, and law enforcement and army units. Selected References: 1. US Patent 2,612,994 Issued 7 october 1952 Classified Apparatus and Method, available on-line: http://www.adams1.com/patents/2612994.pdf 2. Alan G. Robinson, Sam Stern: Corporate creativity: how innovation and improvement actually happen, Berrett-Koehler Publishers (January 1, 1997) ISBN: 9781576750094, chapter entitled "Self Initiated Activity," pp. 126-135. 3. Milton Clayton Shaw: Engineering problem solving: a classical perspective, William Andrew Publishing(January 14, 2002), ISBN: 9780815514473, p. 437 ("The Bar Code Story")

4. Article in "Wonders of Modern Technology" (available on line at http://www.barcoding.com/information/barcode_history.shtml)

What obstacles (technical, political, geographic) needed to be overcome?

In 1948 there was no mechanism to code data in a way that would make it machine readable and no technology (such as optical devices) that would scan images on-the-move to extract useful information from them. There was no computing infrastructure that would support the data storage and processing requirements. These components needed to be invented or adapted from existing technology for the first time for barcodes to work.

What features set this work apart from similar achievements?

Prior to the invention of barcodes, automated registration of components and goods was largely unavailable. Earlier proposed designs used punch cards and were too complicated and expensive. The common pre-barcode alternative involved tedious manual processes based on tags that were read and recorded by humans.

Supporting texts and citations to establish the dates, location, and importance of the achievement: Minimum of five (5), but as many as needed to support the milestone, such as patents, contemporary newspaper articles, journal articles, or chapters in scholarly books. 'Scholarly' is defined as peer-reviewed, with references, and published. You must supply the texts or excerpts themselves, not just the references. At least one of the references must be from a scholarly book or journal article. All supporting materials must be in English, or accompanied by an English translation.


Supporting materials (supported formats: GIF, JPEG, PNG, PDF, DOC): All supporting materials must be in English, or if not in English, accompanied by an English translation. You must supply the texts or excerpts themselves, not just the references. For documents that are copyright-encumbered, or which you do not have rights to post, email the documents themselves to ieee-history@ieee.org. Please see the Milestone Program Guidelines for more information.


Please email a jpeg or PDF a letter in English, or with English translation, from the site owner(s) giving permission to place IEEE milestone plaque on the property, and a letter (or forwarded email) from the appropriate Section Chair supporting the Milestone application to ieee-history@ieee.org with the subject line "Attention: Milestone Administrator." Note that there are multiple texts of the letter depending on whether an IEEE organizational unit other than the section will be paying for the plaque(s).

Please recommend reviewers by emailing their names and email addresses to ieee-history@ieee.org. Please include the docket number and brief title of your proposal in the subject line of all emails.