Why is the google logo a UPC barcode? October 7 2009

ByAsa Hawks

google barcodeIf you’ve searched google today you’ve noticed that the usual colorful lettering is gone and has been replaced with a black and white bar code. Did you freak out? I know I did?

So what’s the deal? The latest google doodle is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the barcode patent back on October 7, 1959! I looked it up on Wikipedia and they claim the date was actually October 7, 1952. Hmmm… I suppose google is a little more reliable than wikipedia!

Anyway, if you want to find out more about the fascinating story of the barcode, read all about it HERE!

My favorite part is that the initial inspiration came from Morse code, with the dots and dashes extended down in a line. Actually, the original barcode was round! Here are the illustrations from the original form for patent 2,612,994, just click to see larger photos:

Illustration from the original barcode patent number 2,612,994

Illustration from the original UPC barcode patent number 2,612,994

Illustration from the original barcode patent number 2,612,994

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