ISO 11962:2002

Micrographics - Image mark (blip) used with 16 mm and 35 mm roll microfilm

This International Standard specifies the location, size, and density of single-size image marks and small, medium, and large image marks recorded on 16 mm and 35 mm microfilm for use in image-mark retrieval systems. It applies to 16 mm and 35 mm microfilm used in a retrieval system, regardless of the method and equipment used to generate the original or duplicate microfilm.

Micrographie — Repère d'image (pavé optique) utilisé avec des microfilms en rouleau de 16 mm et 35 mm

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 17-Jul-2002
• ICS: 37.080 - Document imaging applications
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 171 - Document management applications
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 171 - Document management applications
• Current Stage: 9093 - International Standard confirmed
• Start Date: 13-Sep-2022
• Completion Date: 13-Dec-2025

Relations

• Consolidated By: ISO 20433:2012 - Leather - Tests for colour fastness - Colour fastness to crocking
• Effective Date: 06-Jun-2022

Overview

ISO 11962:2002 is an international standard that defines specifications for image marks, commonly known as blips, used on 16 mm and 35 mm roll microfilm. These image marks serve a critical function in microfilm retrieval systems by enabling precise navigation and indexing of stored document images. The standard covers the location, size, density, and positioning of various image mark types-single-size as well as small, medium, and large marks-ensuring uniformity and interoperability in micrographic processes regardless of the equipment or methods used to generate the microfilm.

Key Topics

• Image Mark Channel Location
  Image marks must be placed within designated channels along the edge(s) of the microfilm-either along the bottom edge alone or both top and bottom edges-to keep these spaces free from document images and extraneous markings.

• Dimensions and Positioning
  The standard clearly specifies the length, height, and spacing of image marks:

  • Length varies by mark size (e.g., small marks from 0.6 mm to 1.3 mm)
  • Height between 1.14 mm and 2.16 mm within the reserved channel width
  • Uniform spacing between marks with a minimum of 0.69 mm

• Density Requirements
  Transmission densities for the opaque and clear areas of image marks are defined relative to the microfilm type (silver halide, diazo, thermally processed, vesicular), assuring consistent image contrast for machine readability.

• Microfilm Control Codes
  The standard defines machine-readable microfilm control codes, which include start, stop, and data codes composed of image marks to identify rolls and control retrieval equipment. These codes adhere to the same density and size guidelines as image marks.

• Splice Handling and Symbol Use
  Splices on microfilm must not obscure image marks. If symbols are embedded, they should occupy frames before the start code and must not intrude into the image mark channels.

Applications

ISO 11962:2002 is vital for organizations and industries relying on microfilm archival systems, such as:

• Libraries and Archives – Ensuring efficient retrieval of microfilm-based records.
• Government Records Management – Maintaining integrity and consistency for legal and historical documents.
• Financial Institutions – Improving access to archived transaction and account records.
• Healthcare Providers – Managing patient records stored on microfilm with accurate indexing.
• Microfilm Equipment Manufacturers – Designing and calibrating micrographic readers and scanners to be compatible with standardized image mark placement and density.

The standard benefits users by improving the reliability and precision of automatic or semi-automatic microfilm retrieval systems, reducing errors during document search, and supporting longevity and interoperability of archival microfilm.

Related Standards

• ISO 5-2:2001 – Photography density measurements focusing on geometric conditions for transmission density, essential for assessing image mark density compliance.
• ISO 5-3:1995 – Photography spectral conditions for density measurements, relevant for ensuring consistent image contrast.
• ISO 6196 – Micrographics vocabulary standard, providing terminology used within ISO 11962 and related micrographic documentation.
• ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3 – Governing drafting and approval of International Standards relevant to document imaging and micrographics.

By adhering to ISO 11962:2002, organizations ensure optimized microfilm indexing and retrieval across varying formats and technologies, boosting operational efficiency and data preservation reliability.

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Keywords: ISO 11962:2002, micrographics standard, image mark, blip, 16 mm microfilm, 35 mm microfilm, microfilm retrieval, microfilm indexing, microfilm control code, archival microfilm, microfilm specifications, microfilm density standards, microfilm channels, microfilm splices, microfilm image marks.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 11962
First edition
2002-08-01
Micrographics — Image mark (blip) used
with 16 mm and 35 mm roll microfilm
Micrographie — Repère d'image (pavé optique) utilisé avec des microfilms
en rouleau de 16 mm et 35 mm
Reference number
©
ISO 2002
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ii ISO 2002 – All rights reserved

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 3.
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 International Standard may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard ISO11962 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC171, Document imaging
applications, Subcommittee SC 2, Application issues.
©
ISO 2002 – All rights reserved iii

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 11962:2002(E)
Micrographics — Image mark (blip) used with 16 mm and 35 mm
roll microfilm
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies the location, size, and density of single-size image marks and small, medium,
and large image marks recorded on and microfilm for use in image-mark retrieval systems. It applies
16 mm 35 mm
to 16 mm and 35 mm microfilm used in a retrieval system, regardless of the method and equipment used to generate
the original or duplicate microfilm.
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
maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.
ISO 5-2:2001, Photography — Density measurements — Part 2: Geometric conditions for transmission density
ISO 5-3:1995, Photography — Density measurements — Part 3: Spectral conditions
ISO 6196 (all parts), Micrographics — Vocabulary
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this International Standard, the terms and definitions given in ISO 6196 apply.
4 Location of image marks
4.1 Image mark channel
Image marks shall be arranged in eit
...