A seemingly random collection of black-and-white blocks will become an increasingly common sight when we buy soda out of a vending machine, bet on a horse race or purchase items at a store.

Described as the next-generation bar code, capable of storing more data and with greater versatility, these new symbols are finding their way into a growing number of business operations.

While a conventional bar code can contain information equivalent to about 20 characters, the new symbol can store up to 100 times that.