ISO 446:2004
(Main)Micrographics — ISO character and ISO test chart No. 1 — Description and use
Micrographics — ISO character and ISO test chart No. 1 — Description and use
ISO 446:2004 specifies the characteristics of the black and white ISO character and of the ISO test chart No. 1, as well as their use. It applies to the quality control of the microimages produced with a given micrographic system and the assessment of the potential legibility of the documents recorded using that system.
Micrographie — Caractère ISO et mire ISO no. 1 — Description et utilisation
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 446
Third edition
2004-03-15
Micrographics — ISO character and ISO
test chart No. 1 — Description and use
Micrographie — Caractére ISO et mire ISO Nº 1 — Description et
utliisation
Reference number
ISO 446:2004(E)
©
ISO 2004
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ISO 446:2004(E)
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ii © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved
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ISO 446:2004(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references. 1
3 Terms and definitions. 1
4 Description and use of the ISO character . 2
4.1 Description. 2
4.2 Use. 2
5 Production of ISO test chart No. 1 . 2
5.1 Base. 2
5.2 Test chart lay-out . 4
5.3 Density-measuring areas. 6
5.4 Identification. 6
5.5 Certification of ISO No. 1 test charts . 7
6 Procedure for using ISO test chart No. 1. 7
6.1 Method. 7
6.2 Density of the film . 7
6.3 Legibility control. 7
© ISO 2004 – All rights reserved iii
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ISO 446:2004(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 446 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 171, Document management applications,
Subcommittee SC 1, Quality.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 446:1991), which has been technically revised.
iv © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved
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ISO 446:2004(E)
Introduction
Most processes produce images of lower quality; among others diffusion transfer, if it still exists, is capable of
enhancing quality. This degradation may go so far as to make the information illegible. Poor legibility may also
cause visual fatigue after prolonged viewing.
The legibility of an image can be assessed by measuring the limit of resolution, i.e. the ability to distinguish
lines in different directions. However, the limit of resolution corresponds to a quality level insufficient to permit
easy reading, and to prolong it without visual fatigue.
A criterion which better simulates actual working conditions was sought. The ISO character, which is a
conventional character similar to typefaces used in the printing industry, the outline and details of which
should be distinguished without difficulty, meets these requirements.
The main practical applications of the ISO character are based on the following experimental properties.
a) If a particular reproduction process gives an identifiable image from a group of ISO characters of a certain
height, it can be assumed that the same process will produce, from a printed text of comparable typeface
size, a satisfactory image and, in particular, one that is sharp enough to be read, without undue visual
fatigue for the viewer.
b) In general, the identification of the same limiting group of ISO characters by different observers gives
substantially identical results.
Care should be taken when referencing this International Standard in other standards. Some countries do not
use this standard or use alternative standards (such as ISO 3334:1989, Micrographics — ISO resolution test
chart No. 2 — Description and use).
© ISO 2004 – All rights reserved v
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 446:2004(E)
Micrographics — ISO character and ISO test chart No. 1 —
Description and use
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies the characteristics of the black and white ISO character and of the ISO
test chart No. 1, as well as their use.
It applies to the quality control of the microimages produced with a given micrographic system and the
assessment of the potential legibility of the documents recorded using that system.
2 Normative re
...
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