雅思学术题组阅读练习题56

The answer is vi. Section A discusses the origins and early notion of an automated checkout system, mentioning Wallace Flint’s idea and advocacy, which directly addresses the need for an effective way to create an automated scanning system. The paragraph states that Flint 'claimed that it might be feasible to create an automated retail checkout system' and goes on to describe his lifelong support for this idea.

Associated Text:
The idea of barcodes, on the other hand, is not quite as recent. In 1932, Wallace Flint claimed that it might be feasible to create an automated retail checkout system. Even though his idea was ruled out as a possibility in his time, Flint maintained his support for the creation of automated checkouts throughout his working life.

The answer is i. Section B describes different forms of barcodes (such as the Bullseye barcode and lineal barcode), focusing on their varying designs and how they could be scanned, which matches the heading 'Barcodes take various forms.' It mentions concentric circles, linear barcodes, and the evolution of the design.

Associated Text:
the first barcode symbology wasn’t referred to as a barcode when it was first invented. At that time, it resembled a bull’s eye target consisting of a set of concentric circles. ... But rather than use dots and dashes, he lengthened them into a series of both wide and thin lines, thus creating the first lineal barcode. Developing this further, the vertical pattern of lines were then arranged into a circle.

The answer is xi. Section C discusses the patenting of the Bull’s-Eye code and linear version, as well as the start of a new era in automatic identification and electronics, indicating that 'barcode technology becomes more widespread.' It goes beyond initial concepts to commercial and technical developments that marked spread of barcode use.

Associated Text:
Finally in 1952, the Bull’s-Eye code and linear version were patented, along with the mechanical and electrical scanner systems to read them. ... This event marked the beginning of a new era in automatic identification and electronics as a whole.

The answer is x. Section D describes the challenges and limitations of the RCA Bullseye in the grocery industry, such as the large size needed and limited data encoding, matching the heading 'The challenges of RCA's Bullseye in the grocery industry.'

Associated Text:
However, even though the Bullseye didn’t need as much scanner orientation, the code used large quantities of space, and the round design restricted amounts of encoded data. The Bullseye never caught on, as it seems technology at that particular moment in time could not do variable printing, and scanners were still being improved through development.

The answer is viii. Section E explains how barcodes and auto-identification technologies became focused on the railroad system to efficiently track freight trains, which aligns with the heading 'Technological Advancements for efficient tracking of freight trains.'

Associated Text:
At the same time that developers were learning more to increase capabilities of scanning equipment and computer technology, technological progress in auto-identification became focused on the railroad system supporting the retail and manufacturing industries. ... Therefore, tracking the freight trains as they move about is extremely challenging.

The answer is iii. Section F discusses the implementation of barcodes in the American railroad system (the KarTrak system) to help companies keep track of rolling stock. This matches the heading 'Barcodes help companies keep track of rolling stock.'

Associated Text:
Initially, barcodes were applied as part of the American railroad system in the late 1960’s. It was at this time when the Association of American Railroads (AAR) put system called KarTrak in place, which was designed by a railroad employee and MIT graduate named David Collins. ... With 13 horizontal labels on every plate, they very much resembled barcodes. ... When railcars passed the rail yard scanners, they would be able to identify them by scanning that information.

The answer is v. Section G discusses that after about 10 years, the KarTrak program fell into disuse but was brought back into use in other fields, such as industrial settings. This matches the heading 'The barcode is brought back into use.'

Associated Text:
Yet around 10 years later, the very same program fell into disuse after an economic downturn, as well as the system being called unreliable and error prone due contamination with dirt. ... Collins still saw different potential uses for barcodes, especially in industrial settings. He went on to found a company that he named Computer Identics Corporation.