Code 16K barcode in Python via Java

About Code 16K Symbology

Code 16K, developed by Ted Williams in 1989, is a stacked symbology based on Code 128. It offers a simple and efficient solution for printing and decoding multiple-row barcodes. Each symbol can contain 2 to 16 rows, with 5 ASCII characters per row, and multiple symbols can be concatenated. Code 16K supports the complete ASCII character set and allows for high data density encoding. With a minimum X-dimension of 0.02 sm, it can be read by modified laser or CCD scanners. Code 16K finds applications where compact symbols are needed, such as in healthcare, accommodating important information within a small space.

Code 16K Features

• High Data Capacity: Code 16K offers a high data capacity with the ability to contain up to 16 rows and 5 ASCII characters per row. Multiple symbols can be concatenated, allowing for the encoding of up to 8,025 ASCII characters or 16,050 numeric digits.
• Simplified Printing and Scanning: Code 16K utilizes a stacked symbology design, allowing for multiple rows of data within a single barcode symbol. This enables a compact representation of information in a structured and efficient manner.

Applications:

• Medical Records: Code 16K can be employed to encode patient information, such as medical records, within a compact barcode. This facilitates efficient and accurate tracking of patient data, simplifying record management and retrieval processes.
• Medication Management: Code 16K can be utilized to label medication containers, enabling the inclusion of important details such as drug name, dosage instructions, expiration dates, and lot numbers. This facilitates streamlined medication management, ensuring accurate administration and efficient inventory control.
• Laboratory and Diagnostic Testing: In laboratory and diagnostic settings, Code 16K can be used to encode test orders, specimen identification, and other relevant information. This allows reducing errors, enhancing traceability, and improving overall workflow efficiency.

Code 16K was designed to provide a compact and efficient solution for encoding multiple rows of data. Owing to its high data capacity and simplified scanning, it was widely applied to healthcare automation tasks, such as medication management, laboratory and diagnostic testing, as well as maintaining medical records. However, its usage in recent years has diminished in favor of more advanced and robust barcode standards.