Norman Woodland

Key Event:

 In 1942, Norman Woodland worked in the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, on the Manhattan project. He assisted with producing one of the first nuclear weapons.

Key Event:

 In 1947, Norman Woodland went back to school at Drexel Institute of Technology in Philadelphia. Where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Key Event:

 The barcode was invented in 1949 when Norman was at the beach he put Morse code in the sand and then he swiped down. That is how the idea of the barcode came too be.

 His partner was Bernard Silver who told Norman that a store wanted something to keep track of products better.

Key Event:

 In 1951, Norman started working for IBM, he hoped that they would develop his idea. They didn't.

Struggle:

 The barcode scanner light was so bright it could blind you and also was very expensive.  

Struggle:

 The mini computer software they needed was scarce and they couldn't get enough for the barcode scanner.

Key Event:

 The barcode was originally used for industrial purposes sponsored by the Association of American Railroads.

Struggle:

 The circular barcode was difficult to build and print.

Key Event:

 They went with the rectangular shape we all see today because it was easier to scan and it was a lot cheaper to print.

Key Event:

 In 1952, Norman sold the barcode patent to Philco for $15,000.