ISO/IEC 15426-2:2023

Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Bar code verifier conformance specification - Part 2: Two-dimensional symbols

This document specifies the test methods for representative samples of the equipment and the minimum accuracy criteria applicable to verifiers using the methodologies of ISO/IEC 15415 for multi-row bar code symbols and two-dimensional matrix symbologies. This document also specifies reference calibration standards for verifier conformance. NOTE ISO/IEC 15426-1 applies to verifiers for linear bar code symbols.

Technologies de l'information — Techniques automatiques d'identification et de capture des données — Spécifications de conformité des vérificateurs de codes à barres — Partie 2: Symboles bi-dimensionnels

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 12-Dec-2023
• ICS: 35.040.50 - Automatic identification and data capture techniques
• Technical Committee: ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 - Automatic identification and data capture techniques
• Drafting Committee: ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 - Automatic identification and data capture techniques
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 13-Dec-2023
• Due Date: 22-Jan-2024
• Completion Date: 13-Dec-2023

Relations

• Revises: ISO/IEC 15426-2:2015 - Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Bar code verifier conformance specification - Part 2: Two-dimensional symbols
• Effective Date: 06-Jun-2022

Overview

ISO/IEC 15426-2:2023 is the international conformance specification for bar code verifiers that assess two-dimensional symbols (including multi-row/stacked bar codes and matrix symbologies). It defines the test methods, minimum accuracy criteria, and reference calibration standards for verifiers that apply the ISO/IEC 15415 print-quality methodology. The standard ensures verifier measurements are accurate, repeatable and traceable to primary reference test symbols.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose: Applies to verifiers for multi-row and two‑dimensional matrix symbols; ISO/IEC 15426-1 covers linear symbols.
• Test methods and sampling: Specifies how to select representative equipment samples and perform measurements (Clause 8). Arithmetic means of measurements (10 for multi-row, 5 for matrix) must meet tolerances.
• Accuracy tolerances: Examples of required tolerances include R and Rmax/Rmin reflectance (±5% and ±3% respectively), and symbol-specific parameter tolerances (e.g., decodability, defects, codeword yield, grid/axial nonuniformity). Fixed-pattern damage for Aztec code is addressed.
• Reflectance calibration: Verifiers must support calibration against reference reflectance materials (two calibration points near high and low reflectance), traceable to the ISO/IEC 15415 reference.
• Mandatory functions:
  • For multi-row bar codes: collect multi-scan reflectance profiles, analyse profiles, report profile and overall grades, report codeword yield, unused error correction and decoded data.
  • For matrix symbols: capture framed grey-scale area including quiet zones, produce reference grey-scale and binarized images, and compute matrix-specific metrics.
• Construction/operational requirements: Installation, power, temperature/humidity ranges, ambient light immunity and maintenance expectations are specified.
• Reference test symbols and reporting: Primary reference test symbols and verification requirements are normative; test reports and labelling/declaration rules are mandated.

Applications and who uses it

• Verifier manufacturers: design and validate conformance of hardware and software verifiers.
• Barcode printers and label producers: ensure printed two‑dimensional symbols meet quality criteria for downstream scanning.
• Quality assurance and production: define acceptance testing and process control for symbol production.
• System integrators and purchasers: evaluate and procure compliant verifier equipment for logistics, retail, healthcare, manufacturing and supply-chain systems.
• Regulatory and certification bodies: establish objective measurement baselines and traceability for interoperability.

Related standards

• ISO/IEC 15415 - Bar code symbol print quality test specification (Two‑dimensional).
• ISO/IEC 15426-1 - Verifier conformance for linear symbols.
• ISO/IEC 15416 - Linear symbol print quality.
• ISO/IEC 19762 - Harmonized AIDC vocabulary.

Keywords: ISO/IEC 15426-2:2023, bar code verifier conformance, two-dimensional symbols, ISO/IEC 15415, barcode verifier calibration, primary reference test symbols, matrix symbologies, multi-row bar code.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 15426-2
Third edition
2023-12
Information technology — Automatic
identification and data capture
techniques — Bar code verifier
conformance specification —
Part 2:
Two-dimensional symbols
Technologies de l'information — Techniques automatiques
d'identification et de capture des données — Spécifications de
conformité des vérificateurs de codes à barres —
Partie 2: Symboles bi-dimensionnels
Reference number
© ISO/IEC 2023
© ISO/IEC 2023
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
© ISO/IEC 2023 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Symbols . 2
5 Conformance . 2
6 Functional requirements . 2
6.1 General requirements . 2
6.2 Reflectance calibration . 2
6.3 Mandatory functions . 3
6.3.1 Verifiers for multi-row bar code symbols . 3
6.3.2 Verifiers for two-dimensional matrix symbols . 3
6.4 Optional functions . 3
7 General constructional and operational requirements . 4
7.1 Installation, operation and maintenance . 4
7.2 Power supply . 4
7.3 Temperature . 4
7.3.1 Operating temperature range . 4
7.3.2 Storage temperature range . 4
7.4 Humidity . 4
7.5 Ambient light immunity . 4
8 Test requirements . 5
8.1 Test methods . 5
8.1.1 General . 5
8.1.2 Selection of equipment for testing . 5
8.1.3 Scanning parameters . 5
8.1.4 Test measurements . 5
8.2 Test environment . 5
8.3 Primary reference test symbols. 5
8.4 Test report . 6
9 Declaration and labelling . 6
10 Equipment specification .7
Annex A (normative) Primary reference test symbols . 8
Annex B (normative) Verification requirements for primary reference test symbols .13
Bibliography .14
iii
© ISO/IEC 2023 – All rights reserved

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.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance
are described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria
needed for the different types of document should be noted. This document was drafted in
accordance with the editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives or
www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs).
ISO and IEC draw attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the
use of (a) patent(s). ISO and IEC take no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of
any claimed patent rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO and IEC
had not received notice of (a) patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However,
implementers are cautioned that this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained
from the patent database available at www.iso.org/patents and https://patents.iec.ch. ISO and IEC shall
not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html. In the IEC, see www.iec.ch/understanding-standards.
This document was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology,
Subcommittee SC 31, Automatic identification and data capture techniques.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO/IEC 15426-2:2015), which has been
technically revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— tolerances for certain parameters have been clarified;
— fixed pattern damage test symbol for Aztec code has been added.
A list of all parts in the ISO/IEC 15426 series can be found on the ISO and IEC websites.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards
body. A complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html and
www.iec.ch/national-committees.
iv
© ISO/IEC 2023 – All rights reserved

Introduction
The technology of bar coding is based on the recognition of patterns encoded, in bars and spaces or in
a matrix of modules of defined dimensions, according to rules defining the translation of characters
into such patterns, known as the symbology specification. Symbology specifications can be categorised
into linear symbols, on the one hand, and two-dimensional symbols on the other; the latter can in turn
be subdivided into «multi-row bar codes» sometimes referred to as “stacked bar codes”, and “two-
dimensional matrix codes”.
Multi-row bar codes are constructed graphically as a series of rows of symbol characters,
representing data and overhead components, placed in a defined vertical arrangement to form a
(normally) rectangular symbol, which contains a single data message. Each row of the symbol has the
characteristics of a linear bar code symbol and can be read by linear symbol scanning techniques.
Two-dimensional matrix symbols are usually rectangular arrangements of modules placed at the
intersections of a grid of two (sometimes more) axes; the coordinates of each module need to be known
in order to determine its significance, and the symbol must therefore be analysed two-dimensionally
before it can be decoded.
Unless the context requires otherwise, the term “symbol” in this document can refer to either type of
symbology.
The symbol, as a machine-readable data carrier, must be produced in such a way as to be reliably decoded
at the point of use, if it is to fulfil its basic objective. Standard methodologies have been developed for
measuring and assessing the quality of symbols for process control and quality assurance purposes
during symbol production as well as afterwards.
Manufacturers of bar code equipment, the producers of bar code symbols and the users of bar code
technology require publicly available standard conformance specifications for measuring equipment
applying these methodologies, to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the performance of this
equipment.
This document is intended to be similar in technical content (mutatis mutandis) to the linear bar
code verifier conformance standard, ISO/IEC 15426-1, on which this document has been based. This
document should be read in conjunction with the symbology specification applicable to the bar code
symbol being tested, which provides symbology-specific detail necessary for its application.
v
© ISO/IEC 2023 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 15426-2:2023(E)
Information technology — Automatic identification and
data capture techniques — Bar code verifier conformance
specification —
Part 2:
Two-dimensional symbols
1 Scope
This document specifies the test methods for representative samples of the equipment and the
minimum accuracy criteria applicable to verifiers using the methodologies of ISO/IEC 15415 for
multi-row bar code symbols and two-dimensional matrix symbologies. This document also specifies
reference calibration standards for verifier conformance.
NOTE ISO/IEC 15426-1 applies to verifiers for linear bar code symbols.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/IEC 15415, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Bar
code symbol print quality test specification — Two-dimensional symbols
ISO/IEC 15416, Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Bar code print quality test
specification — Linear symbols
ISO/IEC 19762, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) techniques —
Harmonized vocabulary
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC 15415, ISO/IEC 19762
and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
primary reference test symbol
bar code symbol intended for the testing of the accuracy of bar code verifiers and manufactured to
close tolerances, much higher than bar code verifiers to be tested, by methods traceable to national
standards
© ISO/IEC 2023 – All rights reserved

4 Symbols
R Bar reflectance, as defined in ISO/IEC 15416
b
R Maximum reflectance, as defined in ISO/IEC 15416
max
R Minimum reflectance, as defined in ISO/IEC 15416
min
R Space reflectance, as defined in ISO/IEC 15416
s
5 Conformance
The instrument shall be considered to conform with this document if it performs the functions defined
in 6.3 and if the results of measurements of primary reference test symbols carried out in accordance
with Clause 8 demonstrate that the arithmetic means of the ten measurements (for multi-row bar
code symbols) or five measurements (for two-dimensional matrix symbols) of individual reported
parameters are within the tolerances shown in Table 1.
Table 1 — Tolerances for measured parameter values
Parameter Symbology type Tolerance
R and/or R Both ±5 % reflectance
max s
R and/or R Both ±3 % reflectance
min b
Unused error correction (UEC) Both ±0 (see A.3.3)
Decodability Multi-row ±0,08
Defects Multi-row ±0,08
Codeword yield Multi-row ±0,08
Grid nonuniformity Matrix ±0,06
Axial nonuniformity Matrix ±0,02
Contrast uniformity ±0,08 for the contrast uniformity value
Matrix
(modulation) described in A.3.2
Fixed pattern damage Matrix Within calibrated grade boundaries
NOTE The tolerances are additional to any tolerances stated by the supplier of the primary reference test symbols.
6 Functional requirements
6.1 General requirements
The general requirement of a two-dimensional symbol verifier is that it shall provide assessments of
the quality of a bar code symbol which are accurate and consistent, both in relation to measurements of
a specific symbol made with the same instrument over a period of time and in relation to measurements
of a specific symbol made by different instruments. Such consistency is essential to enable valid
comparisons to be made of assessments of a symbol verified at two different times or on two different
instruments.
6.2 Reflectance calibration
Verifiers shall have means of calibration and adjustment where necessary of reflectance values against
reference reflectance calibration samples. Two calibration points should be used, one as near the high
reflectance end of the range and the other as near the low reflectance end of the range as possible.
ISO/IEC 15415 defines the reference reflectance material against which these samples shall be
calibrated.
© ISO/IEC 2023 – All rights reserved

6.3 Mandatory functions
6.3.1 Verifiers for multi-row bar code symbols
A verifier for multi-row bar code symbols applying the methodology defined in ISO/IEC 15415 shall be
capable of:
— collecting reflectance measurements from points along multiple scan paths across a bar code
symbol;
— establishing scan reflectance profiles from these measurements;
— analysing the scan reflectance profiles;
— reporting individual scan reflectance profile parameter grades and profile grades;
— reporting the codeword yield value and grade;
— reporting the unused error correction value and grade;
— determining and reporting an overall symbol grade;
— reporting the decoded data.
6.3.2 Verifiers for two-dimensional matrix symbols
A verifier for two-dimensional matrix symbols applying the methodology defined in ISO/IEC 15415
shall be capable of:
— collecting reflectance measurements from a sample area framing the test symbol and its quiet zones,
extending for certain symbol sizes 20X (where X is the specified width of the narrow elements in a
bar code symbol or the specified width of a single element in a two-dimensional symbol) beyond the
quiet zones (see Clause 10);
— establishing a reference grey-scale image and a binarized image as described in ISO/IEC 15415;
— decoding these images in accordance with the applicable reference decode algorithm;
— reporting individual values and grades for each of the parameters listed in ISO/IEC 15415;
— determining and reporting an overall symbol grade;
— reporting the decoded data.
The method of reporting is not specified but may be by means of, for example, a display screen in the
instrument, a printed report or an electronic communication with another device such as a computer.
6.4 Optional functions
Users of verifiers have differing requirements for the amount of the details reported by the instrument,
and a verifier may therefore perform additional functions, for example:
— reporting of number of scan reflectance profiles or images on which the overall symbol grade is
based;
— reporting of symbology verified;
— reporting all decoded symbol characters or codewords;
— print-out or display of all or, at the user’s option, selected scan reflectance profiles or images.
© ISO/IEC 2023 – All rights reserved

7 General constructional and operational requirements
7.1 Installation, operation and maintenance
The manufacturer shall specify in documentation provided for or available to the installer, user
and maintainer of the equipment the conditions for installation, operation and maintenance of the
equipment. These documents shall indicate the recommended extent and frequency of maintenance,
if any. When equipment which is the subject of this document is installed, operated and maintained in
accordance with the above conditions, it shall be capable of operating as specified.
7.2 Power supply
The manufacturer shall indicate the minimum and maximum parameters of the power supply at
which the device is able to operate in accordance with its specifications. The accuracy of the bar code
verifier shall not be adversely affected by fluctuations in supply voltage and frequency within the range
specified by the manufacturer.
In the case of battery-powered equipment, the instrument shall either give a warning signal to the
operator or shall cease to operate when approaching the battery power limit at which the reliable
performance of the instrument can no longer b
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