Co-Inventor Norman Woodland, who died in 2012, is considered the pioneer of the barcode idea, which he initially based on Morse code. Woodland patented the concept in 1952 but was unable to develop it - years before low-cost laser and computing technology.
Two decades later, Laurer developed a scanner that could read codes digitally using barcode scanners used in hand-held barcode scanners as well as in mobile computers.
Barcode are in use in all walks of life today but the first barcode scanned was a pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit chewing gum, which is now on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington DC, USA.