ISO/IEC 15419:2001
(Main)Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Bar code digital imaging and printing performance testing
Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Bar code digital imaging and printing performance testing
Technologies de l'information — Techniques automatiques d'identification et de capture des données — Test de performance de la numérisation digitale et l'impression des codes à barres
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Standards Content (Sample)
INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 15419
First edition
2001-03-15
Information technology — Automatic
identification and data capture
techniques — Bar code digital imaging and
printing performance testing
Technologies de l'information — Techniques d'identification automatique et
de capture des données — Test de performance de la numérisation
digitale et l'impression des codes à barres
Reference number
ISO/IEC 15419:2001(E)
©
ISO/IEC 2001
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ISO/IEC 15419:2001(E)
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ii © ISO/IEC 2001 – All rights reserved
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ISO/IEC 15419:2001(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. vi
Introduction. vii
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references. 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Bar code design software . 3
4.1 General requirements . 3
4.1.1 Data Input . 3
4.1.2 Quiet zones. 4
4.2 Considerations by software and imaging device categories . 4
4.2.1 Direct bar code imaging devices. 4
4.2.2 Indirect bar code imaging devices . 6
4.3 Test requirements . 8
4.3.1 System configuration. 8
4.3.2 Test procedure . 8
4.4 Conformance. 9
4.5 Test report . 9
4.6 Certification.10
4.7 Software specification .10
5 Dedicated bar code printers .10
5.1 Data input requirements .11
5.2 Test requirements .11
5.2.1 Selection of equipment for testing .11
5.2.2 Test conditions.11
5.2.3 Test procedure .12
5.2.4 Conformance.13
5.2.5 Test report .13
5.3 Certification and labeling.14
5.4 Equipment specification .14
Annex A (normative) Sample test layout.15
Annex B General constructional and operational requirements.17
B.1 Installation, operation, and maintenance - general.17
B.1.1 Power supply.17
B.1.2 Temperature .17
B.1.3 Humidity .17
Annex C Maintenance and supplies .18
C.1 Thermal printers.18
C.2 General-purpose office printers .19
Annex D Classification of software categories .20
D.1 Bar code fonts.20
D.2 General purpose label design software .20
D.3 Printer drivers.20
D.4 General purpose software (e.g. word processing, database).20
© ISO/IEC 2001 – All rights reserved iii
(informative)
(informative)
(normative)
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ISO/IEC 15419:2001(E)
D.5 Bar code controller. 20
D.6 Bar code origination software . 21
Annex E Classification of imaging device categories. 22
Annex F Programmer's examples. 24
F.1 Programmer’s example for general-purpose printers . 24
F.2 Programmer’s example for indirect bar code imaging devices. 26
F.3 Programmer’s example for symbols distorted for plate roll circumference. 28
Annex G Functions of bar code production software. 29
iv © ISO/IEC 2001 – All rights reserved
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(informative)
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ISO/IEC 15419:2001(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical Commission)
form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of ISO or IEC
participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees established by the
respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical activity. ISO and IEC technical committees
collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in
liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the work.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
In the field of information technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
Draft International Standards adopted by the joint technical committee are circulated to national bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the national bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard ISO/IEC 15419 was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information
technology, Subcommittee SC 31, Automatic identification and data capture techniques.
Annexes A and B form a normative part of this International Standard. Annexes C to G are for information only.
© ISO/IEC 2001 – All rights reserved v
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ISO/IEC 15419:2001(E)
Introduction
The technology of bar coding is based on the recognition of patterns encoded in bars and spaces of defined
dimensions according to rules defining the translation of characters into such patterns, known as the symbology
Bar code digital imaging systems must be capable of reliably converting the information to be encoded into a bar
code symbol meeting the symbology specification and application requirements, if the technology is to fulfil its basic
objective. Such systems comprise two major components, namely the hardware device which produces the physical
image of the bar code symbol on paper, photographic film, printing plate, or other substrate, and the associated
software which converts the input data into digital instructions used to drive the hardware device. Each component
Manufacturers of bar code equipment, the producers of bar code symbols and the users of bar code technology
therefore require publicly available standard test specifications for bar code digital imaging systems, to ensure the
accuracy and consistency of performance of these systems. This International Standard is intended to lay down
general principles governing the bar code image generation function in each component, supplemented by more
vi © ISO/IEC 2001 – All rights reserved
specific details applicable to certain major categories of software and hardware.
can take many forms and perform differing functions.
specification.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 15419:2001(E)
Information technology — Automatic identification and data
capture techniques — Bar code digital imaging and printing
performance testing
1 Scope
This International Standard describes the characteristics of, and defines categories of, bar code digital imaging
systems, identifies the attributes of each system which are required to be controlled, and specifies minimum
requirements for those attributes. It defines test methods for assessing the conformance of those attributes with this
International Standard. This standard is intended to be used in conjunction with International Standards which detail
the methodology for assessing the quality of a bar code symbol such as ISO/IEC 15416. This International Standard
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of
this International Standard. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these
publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this International Standard are encouraged to
investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. For
undated references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of ISO and IEC
ISO/IEC 15416, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Bar code print
quality test specification — Linear symbols.
ISO/IEC 15417, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Bar code
symbology specification — Code 128.
ISO/IEC 15420, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Bar code
symbology specification — EAN/UPC.
,1- Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Bar code verifier
conformance specification — Part 1: Linear symbols.
ISO 2859-1, Sampling procedures for inspection by attributes — Part 1: Sampling schemes indexed by acceptable
quality level (AQL) for lot-by-lot inspection.
EN 1556, Bar coding — Terminology.
3 Terms and definitions
© ISO/IEC 2001 – All rights reserved 1
For the purposes of this International Standard, the terms and definitions given in EN1556 and the following apply.
ISO/IEC 15426
maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.
does not apply to Bar Code Masters that are covered by ISO/IEC 15421.
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ISO/IEC 15419:2001(E)
3.1
addressable imaging resolution
The maximum number of image positions per unit length (e.g. dots per millimeter) along a straight line that can be
addressed by the bar code designer. This resolution would exclude further resolution enhancing techniques
3.2
adjusted BWC
3.3
bar width compensation (BWC)
The extent by which the width of the bars on a machine-readable symbol, Bar Code Master, or digital bar code file is
3.4
bar width increase (BWI)
The extent by which the width of the bars on a machine-readable symbol, Bar Code Master, or digital bar code file is
3.5
bar width reduction (BWR)
The extent by which the width of the bars on a machine-readable symbol, Bar Code Master, or digital bar code file is
3.6
bit map
3.7
consumables
Print media , s that need to be supplied by the user on a regular basis, e.g. ribbons, labels or printing
, ink.
3.8
dedicated bar code printer
3.9
digital bar code file
3.10
digital bar code imaging system
3.11
distortion
The process by which the height to width ratio of a piece of artwork is modified to compensate for the dimensional
change which is introduced to an image, when a flexible, relief printing plate is wrapped around the print cylinder of a
3.12
disproportioning
2 © ISO/IEC 2001 – All rights reserved
See Distortion.
rotary printing press.
A system which comprises the necessary software and hardware components to produce a bar code image.
A bar code which is designed and stored in a digitized format.
A printing device with the resident intelligence capable of converting data into bar code symbols.
toner and substrates
material i.e.
An electronic representation of the individual pixels making up the image to be output by the imaging device.
reduced in order to correct for expected print or imaging gain.
increased in order to correct for expected print or imaging loss.
reduced/increased in order to correct for expected print or imaging gain/loss.
The value of BWC after adjustment to match addressable imaging resolution.
performed by the imaging device or software, which are beyond the control of the designer.
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ISO/IEC 15419:2001(E)
3.13
general purpose printer
A printing device without the resident processing ability to convert data sequences into valid bar code symbol, (e.g.
3.14
imagesetter
A device used to output a computer image at an addressable resolution onto a photographic film, paper, or printing
plate.
3.15
imaging tool
3.16
rounding errors
4 Bar code design software
The testing procedures in this section are intended to report the conditions under which software, in conjunction with
a printing device, is capable of producing quality symbols. The tests performed under the reported conditions will
typically be performed in a controlled setting. Ongoing verification of symbols produced in an operational setting
should be performed using the methodology contained in ISO/IEC 15416. In addition, visual checks should be
performed to confirm the correct formatting of the symbol in accordance with the symbology and other applicable
.
4.1 General requirements
4.1.1 Data Input
The human-readable text and symbol characters for all symbols should, wherever possible, be generated from the
same key entry input. The software should apply appropriate formatting algorithms to meet relevant application
The input process should also allow for the input of relevant symbol parameters such as target X dimension or
magnification factor, wide:narrow ratio, and bar height, where these are user-definable according to the symbology
; such input shall be subject to the capabilities of the imaging or printing system, in particular the
prompts for the entry of only twelve digits for an EAN-13 symbol, the software shall automatically calculate the check
character. Alternatively, the software might prompt for the entry of thirteen digits and indicate an error if the check
It is desirable for the input data to be displayed when the label or layout is designed, subject to the limitations of the
display device, to enable the operator to validate it. Optionally, the software may also display the symbol characters
© ISO/IEC 2001 – All rights reserved 3
encoded.
character input is incorrect. The latter approach assures that valid data has been entered.
Check characters for encoded data shall either be calculated or verified by the software. For example, if the software
adjustment of target element dimensions as described in the subclauses of 4.2.
specification
standards.
found in Annex C. is Further guidance on equipment maintenance and supplies specifications
based on the user’s target dimensions fail to be composed of a consistent number of dots).
An allocation of imaging device dots to bar or space modules in an inconsistent manner, (i.e. where all of the modules
A mechanism that transfers an image directly or indirectly to a printed substrate.
an office printer).
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ISO/IEC 15419:2001(E)
4.1.2 Quiet zones
The software should indicate, either graphically or in text, the appropriate area surrounding the symbol required for
In order to ensure that the minimum quiet zones are respected when printing or positioning the symbol , if
, adjustment of the position of any graphical mark on the digital
4.2 Considerations by software and imaging device categories
4.2.1 Direct bar code imaging devices
This section provides software design requirements for imaging devices that create the final bar code symbol on the
substrate. This category is divided into the two sub-categories, dedicated bar code printer software and general-
4.2.1.1 Dedicated bar code printers
This section provides software requirements for dedicated bar code printers. Dedicated bar code printers contain all
of the low-level software required to generate bar code symbols. This means that various symbol formats are stored
in the printer to create the symbol. These commands typically relate to data characters, element sizes (typically
4.2.1.1.1 Adjustment of target element dimensions
This procedure is intended to produce symbols with a revision in the target module width of the symbol to eliminate
rounding errors. The software must be able to make adjustments to symbol character element widths based on the
output resolution specified. This means the overall symbol width will be adjusted to produce an integer number of
addressable dots consistently across all element widths. For symbols with a fixed aspect ratio, a proportional
These adjustments should be made by rounding down to the closest integer value, provided the value falls within the
range of widths prescribed by the symbology specification or application standard. Rounding down is preferred
because rounding up could cause reduction or interference in the area allocated to the quiet zone. Quiet zone
reduction could result from selecting a label width that is very close to the target symbol width. Quiet zone
interference could result from adjacent graphic layout images remaining constant as the symbol width expands.
When symbol module widths are rounded up, the software should clearly indicate the required quiet zone area to the
4.2.1.1.2 Record of design attributes
Digital bar code files for dedicated bar code printers are generally created for a specific printer make and model at a
the symbol output. When this is not possible and the digital bar code file is transferred between two parties, certain
design attributes should be communicated. The following design attributes should be communicated for dedicated
4 © ISO/IEC 2001 – All rights reserved
bar code printers to ensure symbol quality in the output stage:
specific resolution. It is wise for the party printing the symbol to create the bar code at the production stage closest to
Refer to Annex F for a programmer’s example for an illustration of this procedure.
designer.
of
adjustment should be applied to the module height (Y-dimension).
expressed as a multiple of addressable dots), symbol orientation, and symbol placement.
in the firmware specific to the printer. The bar code design software simply sends commands to address the firmware
purpose printer software.
Refer to Annex D for a review of software categories and Annex E for a review of imaging device categories.
on which, it is to be printed, may be required.
image adjacent to the quiet zone boundary, or of the position of the symbol relative to the edges of the area in which, or substrate
print growth or variations in print to substrate register are expected
for example NOTE
quiet zones.
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ISO/IEC 15419:2001(E)
)
4.2.1.2 General purpose printers
This section provides software requirements for general-purpose printers. General-purpose printers do not contain
4.2.1.2.1 Adjustment of target element dimensions
This procedure is intended to produce symbols with a revision in the target module width of the symbol to eliminate
rounding errors. The software must be able to make adjustments to symbol character element widths based on the
output resolution specified. This means the overall symbol width will be adjusted to produce an integer number of
addressable dots consistently across all element widths. For symbols with a fixed aspect ratio, a proportional
These adjustments should be made by rounding down to the closest integer value, provided the value falls within the
range of widths prescribed by the symbology specification or application standard. Rounding down is preferred
because rounding up could cause reduction or interference in the area allocated to the quiet zone. Quiet zone
reduction could result from selecting a label width that is very close to the target symbol width. Quiet zone
interference could result from adjacent graphic layout images remaining constant as the symbol width expands.
When symbol module widths are rounded up, the software should clearly indicate the required quiet zone area to the
4.2.1.2.2 Adjusted BWC
The printed dot width for general-purpose printers is typically larger than the measurement between the centers of
Figure 1 — General purpose printer dot / pixel comparison
This enlarged dot size causes the bars to be printed wider and the spaces narrower than nominal, unless the
software driving the printer corrects for this condition. BWC is a procedure that is commonly performed during bar
© ISO/IEC 2001 – All rights reserved 5
code design, which compensates for the bar width gain or loss experienced in the printing process.
Dot width equal to pixel width (left) and dot width oversize compared to pixel width (right)
two adjacent dots (pixel dimension) as shown on the right grid in Figure 1.
Refer to Annex F for a programmer’s example for an illustration of this procedure.
designer.
adjustment should be applied to the module height (Y-dimension).
low-level software for generating bar code symbols.
4.2.1.1.1 The adjusted symbol module dimensions based on the specified output resolution (see
The output resolution specified for symbol output
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ISO/IEC 15419:2001(E)
Adjusted BWC is the result of a procedure, which has been introduced to make BWC result in a consistent, integer
number of addressable imaging device dots based on the specified output resolution. The two types of BWC are
BWR and BWI. When print gain is anticipated, BWR is used. Adjustments to BWR should be made by rounding up
to the closest integer value. Rounding up is preferred because slightly narrower bars are preferred to slightly
narrower spaces. When print loss is anticipated, BWI is used. Adjustments to BWI should be made by rounding
4.2.1.2.3 Record of design attributes
If the printer supplies are appropriate and the printer’s operating condition is maintained, the printer should provide
quality symbols when the output conditions match the specified design attributes and the symbol has not been
distorted by importing it into a secondary illustration or page layout software package. It is wise for the party printing
the digital bar code file is transferred between two parties, certain design attributes should be communicated. The
following design attributes should be communicated for general-purpose printers to ensure symbol quality in the
4.2.2 Indirect bar code imaging devices
traditional printing presses. Imagesetters may be used to produce bar code symbols directly where high-resolution
4.2.2.1 Adjustment of target element dimensions
This procedure is intended to produce symbols with a revision in the target module width of the symbol to eliminate
rounding errors. The software must be able to make adjustments to symbol character element widths based on the
output resolution specified. This means the overall symbol width will be adjusted to produce an integer number of
addressable dots consistently across all element widths. For symbols with a fixed aspect ratio, a proportional
These adjustments should be made by rounding down to the closest integer value, provided the value falls within the
range of widths prescribed by the symbology specification or application standard. Rounding down is preferred
because rounding up could cause reduction or interference in the area allocated to the quiet zone. Quiet zone
reduction could result from selecting a label width that is very close to the target symbol width. Quiet zone
interference could result from adjacent graphic layout images remaining constant as the symbol width expands.
When symbol module widths are rounded up, the software should clearly indicate the required quiet zone area to the
6 © ISO/IEC 2001 – All rights reserved
Refer to Annex F for a programmer’s example for an illustration of this procedure.
designer.
adjustment should be applied to the module height (Y-dimension).
symbols are required. Imagesetters can also be used to produce printing plates directly (e.g. direct-to-plate imaging).
process and produce photographic film or paper, which is then used to produce imaging tools (e.g. printing plates) for
This section provides software requirements for indirect imaging devices (e.g. imagesetters). Imagesetters commonly
The adjus
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