Q: Vote for one of Fast Company's best-of-the-best innovations, or nominate your own:
A: The bar code || The signature file || The lab mouse || The catalytic converter
What: The bar code and scanning device
When: Invented in 1949; patented in 1952; first used commercially in 1974
Where: South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida
Who: Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver
The format for the bar code came to Joe Woodland while he was at the beach in 1949. Woodland, who is now 80, had spent World War II working on the Manhattan Project. After the war, he returned to Drexel University to teach mechanical engineering. While there, a colleague of Woodland's, Bernard Silver, overheard the president of the Food Fair grocery stores appealing to a Drexel dean for help automating the process of grocery checkout. Silver and Woodland started brainstorming ideas.
Several months later, Woodland was vacationing on Miami's South Beach, pondering the problem and considering how Morse code might be used to solve it. Woodland idly stuck his fingers in the sand and pulled them toward him, raking a set of parallel lines that represented a kind of "long form" of dots and dashes. Those lines were the inspiration for the bar-code design that he and Silver ultimately patented.
The bar code is one of the killer apps of the digital economy. More than a million companies worldwide use the familiar UPC (Universal Product Code) symbols to identify consumer products. But the UPC symbol is just a subset of a much wider world of bar codes that are used for all kinds of identification and inventory control. FedEx, UPS, and the U.S. Postal Service use proprietary bar codes to move mail and parcels. NASA uses bar codes on the back of the heat-resistant tiles of its space shuttles to make sure the right tiles get in the right places. Researchers use tiny bar codes to track bees in and out of hives.
The Uniform Code Council, which issues the UPC product codes, estimates that UPC codes alone get scanned 5 billion times a day -- and UPC codes account for perhaps only half of the bar-code universe.
The equipment and software that is used to print, scan, and program bar codes is a $16-billion-a-year business. Even Woodland is amazed at how widespread the bar code has become. "Fifty years ago, we didn't even imagine all of the ways that it would be used in the grocery store."
-- Charles Fishman
What: The Honda Insight
When: December 19, 1999
Where: Tochigi, Japan
Who: A special Tochigi-based team drawn from electric-vehicle project teams and sports-car development teams
Honda vehicle developers delivered a mighty message to the car culture when they introduced the Insight: You can be energy efficient and techno-savvy, and you can look cool while you do it.
Of course, Honda has a long history of innovation. But with the two-seater Insight, it has surpassed even its own extensive track record. The Insight uses its own braking motion to create power and recharge the battery, eliminating the need to plug it into any outside power source. At stoplights, the car's engine automatically shuts off, conserving energy; engaging the clutch automatically restarts the engine. All of this, combined with an aerodynamic design that's sleek and futuristic but not outlandish, means that the Insight offers a smooth, powerful, and surprisingly quiet ride -- all for the bargain price of $18,980.
Honda has long been known for its reliable vehicles and for their high gas mileage, even on nonelectric models. The Insight was meant to take that success one step further. "We wanted to change people's perceptions that 'environmentally friendly' means 'compromise,' " says Robert Bienenfeld, a senior manager of automobile product planning. "We wanted to deliver a technological tour de force -- a statement of where we think advanced technology needs to go in the next century." To do that, Honda did not rely on just one team of experts, but drew heavily from electric-vehicle researchers and sports-car developers -- which sends the message that cross-leveraging seemingly divergent corporate specialties often yields the most creative result.
Of course, few cutting-edge efforts of this scale are perfect the first time around. If the success of the Insight lies in its superior performance, both economically and environmentally, then its failure lies in its tiny two-seat capacity and miniscule trunk (too small even for a Rollerboard suitcase). So keep your eyes peeled for Honda's next innovation: a five-seat, full-size Civic -- equipped with a hybrid electric-and- gasoline engine.
-- Alison Overholt
Email
Digg
StumbleUpon
Facebook
Buzz Up!
LinkedIn
Recent Comments | 8 Total
November 10, 2009 at 3:47am by hqconverter hqconverter
DVD Video Copier (DVD Copier) is the best DVD to DVD copier tool, that can copy DVD to DVD, such as copy DVD 5 to DVD 5, copy DVD 9 to DVD 9, shrink DVD 9 to DVD 5, and copy DVD to ISO image file or DVD folder to be stored on computer, it also helps burn DVD folder or ISO files to DVD disk.
November 13, 2009 at 2:42am by hqconverter hqconverter
M4R Converter Mac, a smart iPhone ringtone maker and uploader, provides an all-in-one iPhone Ringtone solution for Apple Mac users. With this Mac M4R Converter, you can create your own M4R iPhone ringtones from all mainstream audio files such as purchased songs, itunes music and MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, OGG, M4A, RA, RAM, AC3, MP2. It can also extract m4r ringtone from all video files including AVI, MPEG, WMV, DivX, MP4, H.264/AVC, AVCHD, MKV, RM, MOV, XviD, 3GP.
m4r converter is also a M4R maker software, which is designed to convert video and audio files of any format to M4R file which can be directly set as iPhone ringtone. For example, it helps convert MP3 to M4R, AAC to M4R, M4A to M4R. If you are looking for a free MP3 to M4R converter for iPhone ringtones, please have a try with this one.
MP3 to M4R Converter is a perfect mp3 to m4r converter for iphone ringtones. It is easy and direct to convert mp3 ringtones to m4r and upload to iPhone directly. Delete iPhone Ringtone feature is added.
M4R to MP3 Converter is an excellent m4r to mp3 converter. It will assist iPhone users to convert M4R to MP3 format. The M4R can be iTunes iPhone ringtone music which are protected M4R, and also can be unprotected M4R created from some iPhone Ringtone Maker programs.
With the development of digital products, convert m4a to m4r for iPhone Ringtone is very popolar in iPhone users. M4A to M4R Converter is the best assistant to make ringtone for your iPhone, iPhone (3G) from your own video and audio sources.
AAC to M4R Converter is a strong and effortless aac to m4r converting tool. With AAC to M4R Converter, you can convert aac to m4r with super high speed and excellent output quality.
iPhone Ringtone Manager is a pefect iphone ringtone manager tool. It has all the features of M4R Converter, iPhone Ringtone Maker, Creator, Converter, iPhone Ringtone Transfer and could do more editing job than them.
iPhone Ringtone Maker, a smart iPhone ringtone tool, provides all-in-one iPhone Ringtone solution. With the iPhone ringtone maker, you can create your own ringtones from all popular videos and audios, transfer them to iPhone directly. Furthermore, the iPhone ringtone maker can also trim video/audio to get the segment and make it your ringtone.
November 18, 2009 at 4:04am by bodom bodom
QuickTime Converter for Mac, known as Mac quicktime converter, has powerful function of converting between all conventional video and audio formats, such as MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, Divx, MPEG-1/2, 3GP, 3G2, VOB etc. What's more, the Mac quicktime mov converter can also convert video to audio formats, such as MP3, AAC, AC3 and so on.
Have you ever dreamed of making movies by yourself? If you want to realize the beautiful dream, let me show you the wonderful tool---QuickTime Movie Converter for Mac. The quicktime converter for Mac can convert all different formats of movie, such as MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, Divx, MPEG-1/2, 3GP, 3G2, VOB etc. Furthermore, with the help of quicktime media converter os x, you could edit the video files according to your own need.
QuickTime File Converter for Mac, is the multifunctional file converter quicktime for mac, which can perfectly convert all popular video and audio files between AVI, MP4, MOV, MKV, WMV, DivX, XviD, MPEG-1/2, 3GP, 3G2, VOB Video, MP3, AAC, and AC3 Audio etc. Not only can it convert QuickTime files, but edit perfectly the files for you.
Convert QuickTime to MP3 for Mac, as the literal meaning, can convert QuickTime to MP3 for Mac. In fact, its functions are far more than this. The file converter quicktime to MP3, can also convert between almost all video and audio files on Mac, such as AVI, MP4, MOV, MKV, WMV, DivX, XviD, MPEG-1/2, 3GP, 3G2, VOB Video, MP3, AAC, and AC3 Audio etc. So it's really very easy for the software to convert QuickTime to MP3.
Convert QuickTime to MPEG for Mac, also known as Mac QuickTime to MPEG converter, is professionally designed for Mac users. It can convert QuickTime to MPEG for Mac quickly with high quality.
Convert QuickTime to AVI for Mac, is an excellent software which could convert QuickTime to AVI for Mac. The Mac QuickTime to AVI converter offers the most robust and progressive function not only to convert QuickTime to AVI for Mac, but to convert almost all video and audio files on Mac, such as MP4, MOV, MKV, WMV, DivX, XviD, MPEG-1/2, 3GP, 3G2, VOB and HD Video (TS, MTS, M2TS), MP3, AAC, and AC3 Audio etc.
Convert QuickTime to WMV for Mac is a all-in-one Mac QuickTime to WMV converter, which has abundant functions. The most basic one is to convert QuickTime to WMV, with fast conversion speed and amazing output quality.
Convert QuickTime to MP4 for Mac, which is an ideal, simple-to-use and popular video converter for Mac users, can easily and quickly convert QuickTime to MP4 for mac with high output quality.
November 20, 2009 at 2:26am by bodom bodom
iPhone 3G Ringtone Maker, the best ringtone maker expert, enables you to make whatever ringtone you like. The powerful 3G iPhone ringtone maker, can convert a variety of video and audio formats like AVI, MPEG, WMV, MP4, FLV, MKV, H.264/MPEG-4, DivX, XviD, MOV, RM, RMVB, MP3, WMA, AAC to iPhone Ringtone M4R and transfer to iPhone directly without iTunes.
The iPhone 3G Ringtone Maker for Mac, professionally designed for Mac users, can create all kinds of ringtone for iPhone owners. If you are one of the owners, the iphone 3g ringtone maker for mac is the best choice for you to make dulcet and unique ringtone by yourself.
With the iPhone Ringtone Converter 3G, you are allowed to clip any segment of the video or audio files and convert it to iPhone. It's a good idea to clip the most wonderful part and convert it to iphone 3g ringtone. Using the software, you are free to edit the added iPhone ringtone by removing it or renaming it directly. Besides, it is very easy to operate. All you need to do is just a few clicks to convert iphone 3g ringtones.
With 3G iPhone Ringtone Creator, you will be able to select any video and audio files, including AVI, MPEG, WMV, MP4, FLV, MKV, H.264/MPEG-4, DivX, XviD, MOV, RM, RMVB, MP3, WMA, AAC and transform it into 3G iPhone Ringtone. What's more, you can also choose any part of the song you want.
iPhone 3G M4R Converter, also known as M4R converter for iPhone 3G, is an excellent software to convert almost all video and audio formats to M4R formats. The powerful input video and audio formats are beyond your imagination, such as, AVI, MPEG, WMV, MP4, FLV, MKV, H.264/MPEG-4, DivX, XviD, MOV, RM, RMVB, MP3, WMA, AAC etc.
Convert MP3 to iPhone 3G Ringtone is professionally designed for iPhone 3G users. It can not only convert mp3 formats to iphone 3g ringtone with ease but can convert a wide range of video and audio files, including AVI, MPEG, WMV, MP4, FLV, MKV, H.264/MPEG-4, DivX, XviD, MOV, RM, RMVB, WMA, AAC to M4R files that could be used as the ringtone.
M4A to iPhone 3G Ringtone Converter is designed specially to convert M4A to iPhone ringtone. Besides, it can also convert the other audio formats, such as MP3, WMA, AAC etc. to M4R as the ringtone for iPhone 3G. So you can use it not only to convert M4A to iPhone 3G ringtone, but also can easily convert your favorite MP3 or WMA songs to M4r as your ringtone.
Most people get their favorite ringtone by paying on the Internet every month. But now, we have an excellent creator which could free provide you any ringtone you want. The creator is MP4 to iPhone 3G Ringtone Converter.
November 20, 2009 at 2:31am by bodom bodom
MKV Converter is the best mkv video converter software that created to help you convert mkv video files to MP4/MKV/WMV/AVI and other popular formats such as: MP4, H.264, AVI, MP3, WMV, WMA, FLV, MKV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, 3GP, 3GPP, VOB, DivX, Mov, RM, RMVB, M4A, AAC, WAV, etc with high speed and excellent sound/image quality.
MKV Converter is powerful and useful MKV Converter that make you Convert MKV File a enjoy thing, it is produced to help you convert MKV file to MP4, H.264, AVI, MP3, WMV, WMA, FLV, MKV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, 3GP, 3GPP, VOB, DivX, Mov, RM, RMVB, M4A, AAC, WAV, etc with high speed and excellent sound/image quality.
With MKV Converter, you can conveniently Convert Video to MKV as well as crop the play region or cut any part of the video into MKV(Matroska Video) video clips by setting up the start and end time after preview. While the image quality is high, the conversion speed is very fast.
MKV Converter for Mac is a excellent Mac MKV Converter. This versatile MKV Converter Mac can convert between MKV and all popular video, HD video and audio formats with super fast conversion speed and satisfied output quality. In addition, the MKV converter for Mac can also extract audio from video file and convert video to MP3, AC3, and AAC… as you want.
MKV Video Converter is the Best Video Converter software that invented to help you convert MKV to AVC H264 with high speed and excellent sound/image quality.
MKV to HD Video is designed to convert .bdmv and m2ts file, it can convert the BDMV files to MKV format. BDMV folder and .bdmv files are mostly seen in the Blu-ray disc (BD) content and AVCHD video folder. There usually is a index.bdmv file in the root directory, while BDMV folder contains video, audio, menu, subtitles, playlist and other stream.
MKV to Portable Devices is the protable player video converter software that created to help you convert MKV to all the popular iPod formats such as: iPod Video, iPod Touch MPEG-4, iPod Touch, iPod Touch for TV, iPod Nano, iPod Classic, etc. with high speed and excellent sound/image quality.
MKV Editing Software is the Best Video Joiner software that created to help you join MKV files and and then convert them to other popular formats such as: MP4, H.264, AVI, MP3, WMV, WMA, FLV, MKV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, 3GP, 3GPP, VOB, DivX, Mov, RM, RMVB, M4A, AAC, WAV, etc with high speed and excellent sound/image quality.
November 23, 2009 at 8:58pm by bodom bodom
TOD Converter Mac is a professional TOD converter to convert high definition video files captured by JVC TOD Camcorders, ie: GZ-HD7, GZ-HD3, GZ-HD5, GZ-HD6, GZ-HD30, GZ-HD40 etc. These HD files can be converted into MPG, AVI, MP4, MOV, 3GP, RM, FLV, SWF and more, which delights many JVC TOD Camcorders.
TOD File Converter Mac supports trimming, cropping and you also can add effect and special effects in synchronization with conversion. Those functions of TOD File Converter Mac could better adjust converted files to portable mediaplayers you have and make it more satisfying to your needs.
To solve the inconvinience of .TOD files, I strongly recommend you TOD Editor Mac which is all-round, multiprofile-supporting, free trial, virus-free, easy-to-use. So it is easy to understand why TOD Editor Mac is popular in JVC camcorder users.
We introduce you a powerfull Convert TOD To AVI Mac Converter, which can trim, crop tod files, add effect or special effect to tod, take snapshots from tod movie...Smoothly converting, easy-to-use, mutual-convert-supported, Convert TOD To AVI Mac can fullfill your needs.
Convert TOD To MPEG Mac enables you convert .TOD to other common formats like avi,mpg,mp4,mov that denefinitly supported by iMovie and FCP. The Converter (TOD To MPEG) uses least time and give out highoutput video quality. You can also extract audio from .Tod and take snapshots at will.
Convert TOD To MOV Mac will convert high definition video files captured by JVC TOD Camcorders, ie: GZ-HD7, GZ-HD3, GZ-HD5, GZ-HD6, GZ-HD30, GZ-HD40 etc. TOD file formats cannot usually be edited with consumer video editing programs such as Windows Movie Maker, Apple Movie or Sony Vegas but iOrgsoft TOD Converter can.
Convert TOD To MP4 Mac utility, which is powerfull TOD converter, could convert TOD to MP4 on Mac freely on your will. You can also take snapshots and store them in different image formats: jpg, bmp, png. Convert TOD To MP4 for Mac has professional editing functions like trimming, adding effects, adjusting aspect ratio, croping,etc.
Convert TOD To FLV Mac program can convert between many formats like MPG, AVI, MP4, MOV, 3GP, RM, FLV, SWF and more. Being accepted by iPod, iPhone, Apple TV, Blackberry, Gphone, PSP, Zune, Creative Zen, iRiver and any other MP4 players, Convert TOD To FLV Mac can output files with unpreceded compatibility.
November 23, 2009 at 9:01pm by bodom bodom
MP3 Converter Mac is an excellent Mac MP3 converter tool that can convert video files and audio files to MP3 on Mac OS. If you are looking for MP3 file converter for Mac users, it is the ideal one.
MP3 Editor Mac is designed to help you edit MP3 files on Mac OS. It is the best Mac MP3 editor tool, that can function as Mac OS X MP3 splitter and MP3 joiner Mac.
If you want to convert WMA into MP3 on Mac OS, this WMA to MP3 Converter for Mac will be your best tool. With professional codecs integrated, it can finish all conversions with fast speed and excellent sound quality.
If you want to convert WMA into MP3 on Mac OS, this WAV to MP3 Converter for Mac will be your best tool. With professional codecs integrated, it can finish all conversions with fast speed and excellent sound quality.
Is there a Mac CDA to MP3 converter to convert CDA to MP3 files on Mac OS? Surely yes, this CDA to MP3 Converter for Mac is exactly this kind of tool. Free download CDA to MP3 converter Mac and have a try.
AAC to MP3 Converter for Mac can help you convert AAC to MP3 files on Mac OS, so that you can enjoy AAC music on your portable MP3 players. It is the most powerful and easy to use Mac AAC to MP3 converter.
As the best Mac M4P to MP3 converter, M4P to MP3 Converter for Mac can help you convert M4P files to MP3 on Mac OS with fast speed and high sound quality. It can accomplish all M4P to MP3 conversion tasks on Mac.
FLAC is the more and more popular lossless audio format, which is typically reduced to 50–60% of it original size while 100% keeping the source audio quality. While lots of devices and media players don't support the playback of FLAC files. To enjoy FLAC files more freely on Mac, you need this FLAC to MP3 Converter for Mac tool to convert FLAC to MP3 with customized encoding settings. You are also allowed to edit FLAC files as you like.
December 7, 2009 at 4:30am by wonengxing131207 li
MOV Converter Mac,