ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31/WG 1 - Data carrier

This document defines the requirements for the symbology known as Data Matrix. It specifies the Data Matrix symbology characteristics, data character encodation, symbol formats, dimensions and print quality requirements, error correction rules, decoding algorithm, and user-selectable application parameters. It applies to all Data Matrix symbols produced by any printing or marking technology.

This document specifies the requirements for the bar code symbology known as Code 39. This document specifies Code 39 symbology characteristics, data character encodation, dimensions, tolerances, decoding algorithms and parameters to be defined by applications. This document specifies the symbology identifier prefix strings for Code 39 symbols.

This document defines the requirements for the symbology known as rMQR. It specifies the rMQR symbology characteristics, data character encoding methods, symbol formats, dimensional characteristics, error correction rules, reference decoding algorithm, printing quality requirements and user-selectable application parameters.

This document explains the changes incorporated in ISO/IEC 15416:2016 compared to ISO/IEC 15416:2000 and highlights the impact of these changes for the users' benefit.

This document specifies the performance evaluation specifications of thermal transfer type printers (hereinafter referred to as bar code printers), consumables, and bar code readers (regardless of the reading method) used in bar code systems. The rank of performance is also defined by the evaluation items. This document can be applied to the following evaluation tests by combining ISO/IEC 15416 and ISO/IEC 15415, which define the print qualities of bar code symbols. NOTE This document is not prevented from being cited in the evaluation of thermal printers using thermal paper and printers using “plain or exclusive paper” (commercial printing, ink jet printers, electrophotographic printers, etc.). a) Print performance of bar code printers (including consumables) b) Brightness and smoothness of “reception paper or label”, and adhesion of the label c) Strength of reception paper or label on which the bar code is printed d) Reading performance of bar code readers e) Electrical, mechanical and environmental characteristics of bar code printers and bar code readers

This document defines the requirements for the symbology known as JAB Code. It specifies the JAB Code symbology characteristics, symbol structure, symbol dimensions, symbol cascading rules, data character encodation, error correction rules, user-selectable application parameters, print quality requirements and a reference decode algorithm.

This document defines the requirements for the symbology known as Han Xin Code. It specifies the Han Xin Code symbology characteristics, data encoding process, symbol structure, dimensions and print quality requirements, error correction rules, reference decoding algorithm, and user-selectable application parameters.

This document is an engineering document intended for verifier manufacturers and application specification developers. This document describes modifications to the symbol quality methodology defined in ISO/IEC 15415 and a symbology specification. It defines alternative illumination conditions, some new terms and parameters, modifications to the measurement and subsequent grading of certain parameters and the reporting of the grading results. This document was developed to assess the symbol quality of direct marked parts, where the mark is applied directly to the surface of the item and the reading device is a two-dimensional imager. When application specifications allow, this method is also potentially applicable to symbols produced by other methods. This is appropriate when direct part marked (DPM) symbols and non-DPM symbols are being scanned in the same scanning environment. The symbol grade is reported as a DPM grade rather than as an ISO/IEC 15415 grade.

This document defines the requirements for the symbology known as extended rectangular data matrix (DMRE). It specifies the DMRE code symbology characteristics, data character encodation, symbol formats, dimensions and print quality requirements, error correction rules, decoding algorithm, and user-selectable application parameters. It applies to all DMRE code symbols produced by any printing or marking technology. Original data matrix code sizes are not covered by this document but defined in ISO/IEC 16022 using the same matrix placement, decoding and error correction algorithm.

ISO/IEC 15416:2016: - specifies the methodology for the measurement of specific attributes of bar code symbols; - defines a method for evaluating these measurements and deriving an overall assessment of symbol quality; and - provides information on possible causes of deviation from optimum grades to assist users in taking appropriate corrective action. ISO/IEC 15416:2016 applies to those symbologies for which a reference decode algorithm has been defined, and which are intended to be read using linear scanning methods, but its methodology can be applied partially or wholly to other symbologies.

ISO/IEC 30116:2016 - specifies the methodology for the measurement of specific attributes of OCR-B character strings, - defines a method for evaluating these measurements and deriving an overall assessment of character string quality, - defines a reference decode algorithm for OCR-B, and - gives information on possible causes of deviation from optimum grades to assist users in taking appropriate corrective action. ISO/IEC 30116:2016 applies to OCR-B as defined in ISO 1073‑2, but its methodology can be applied partially or wholly to other OCR fonts.

ISO/IEC 15438:2015 specifies the requirements for the bar code symbology known as PDF417. It specifies PDF417 symbology characteristics, data character encodation, symbol formats, dimensions, error correction rules, reference decoding algorithm, and a number of application parameters.

ISO/IEC 16480:2015 specifies a method to assess the symbol quality rendered on electronic displays (i.e. the symbol produces its own light) when the reading device is a two-dimensional bar code imager. In addition, this international standard specifies a method to assess the quality of symbols that are intended to be read with general-purpose cameras in ambient lighting conditions. Further, this international standard describes modifications, which are to be considered in conjunction with the symbol quality methodology when applied to a particular symbology specification as defined in ISO/IEC 15415 and ISO/IEC 15416. It defines alternative illumination conditions, display pixel conditions and the reporting of the grading results. This document also describes appropriate ranges of symbol X-dimensions.

ISO/IEC 18004:2015 defines the requirements for the symbology known as QR Code. It specifies the QR Code symbology characteristics, data character encoding methods, symbol formats, dimensional characteristics, error correction rules, reference decoding algorithm, production quality requirements, and user-selectable application parameters.

ISO/IEC 15415:2011 specifies two methodologies for the measurement of specific attributes of two-dimensional bar code symbols, one of these being applicable to multi-row bar code symbologies and the other to two-dimensional matrix symbologies; defines methods for evaluating and grading these measurements and deriving an overall assessment of symbol quality; gives information on possible causes of deviation from optimum grades to assist users in taking appropriate corrective action. ISO/IEC 15415:2011 applies to those two-dimensional symbologies for which a reference decode algorithm has been defined, but its methodologies can be applied partially or wholly to other similar symbologies. While ISO/IEC 15415:2011 can be applied to direct part marks, it is possible that better correlation between measurement results and scanning performance will be obtained with ISO/IEC TR 29158 in combination with ISO/IEC 15415:2011.

The GS1 DataBar family contains three types of linear symbologies to be used with the GS1 system. The first type has four variations (GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional, GS1 DataBar Truncated, GS1 DataBar Stacked and GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional). The stacked variations are two-row symbols. The second type comprises only one variation, namely GS1 DataBar Limited. The third type has two variations, a single row variation (GS1 DataBar Expanded) and a multi-row stacked variation (GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked). The use of GS1 DataBar is intended to comply with the GS1 application guidelines as defined in the GS1 General Specifications. GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional and GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional encode a 14-digit GS1 item identification (often referred to as a Global Trade Item Number, or GTIN) in a linear symbol that can be scanned omnidirectionally by suitably programmed point-of-sale scanners. GS1 DataBar Truncated and GS1 DataBar Stacked encode a 14-digit GS1 item identification in a linear symbol and are not suitable for omnidirectional scanning. GS1 DataBar Limited encodes a 14-digit GS1 item identification with a leading digit of zero or one in a linear symbol for use on small items that will not be scanned at the point-of-sale. GS1 DataBar Expanded encodes GS1 item identification plus supplementary application identifier element strings such as weight and "best before" date in a linear symbol that can be scanned omnidirectionally by suitably programmed point-of-sale scanners. Any member of the GS1 DataBar family can be printed as a stand-alone linear symbol or as part of a GS1 Composite symbol with an accompanying two-dimensional (2D) component printed above the GS1 DataBar linear component. GS1 DataBar symbols are intended for encoding identification numbers and data supplementary to the identification. The administration of the numbering system by GS1 ensures that identification codes assigned to particular items are unique worldwide and that they and the associated supplementary data are defined in a consistent way. The major benefit for the users of the GS1 system is the availability of uniquely defined identification codes and supplementary data formats for use in their trading transactions. ISO/IEC 24724:2011 defines the requirements for the GS1 DataBar symbology family. It specifies the characteristics of the GS1 DataBar symbology family, data character encodation, symbol formats, dimensions, print quality requirements, error detection, and decoding algorithms. For GS1 Composite symbols, ISO/IEC 24723 defines the 2D component. GS1 DataBar was formerly known as "Reduced Space Symbology (RSS)" and is renamed to align with the name of the GS1 organization.

Composite symbologies are a class of bar code symbology, the principal distinguishing feature of which is that they comprise two, or more, components, each of which is a distinct symbol, but which contain a set of related data. Typically one component is a linear symbol containing primary data, which can be read on its own in some areas of the application. The other component(s) is a two-dimensional symbol containing supplementary data which qualifies the primary message, and requiring all components to be read to extract the complete message. The GS1 Composite symbology is one such symbology. The use of the symbology is intended to comply with the GS1 General Specifications. A GS1 Composite symbol consists of a linear component (encoding the item's primary identification) associated with an adjacent 2D component (encoding supplementary data, such as a batch number or expiration date). The GS1 Composite symbol always includes a linear component so that the primary identification is readable by all scanning technologies, and so that 2D imagers can use the linear component as a finder pattern for the adjacent 2D component. The GS1 Composite symbol always includes a multi-row 2D component, for compatibility with linear and 2D imagers, and with linear and rastering laser scanners. GS1 Composite symbols are intended for encoding identification numbers and data supplementary to the identification in accordance with the GS1 General Specifications. The administration of the numbering system by GS1 ensures that identification codes assigned to particular items are unique world-wide and that they and the associated supplementary data are defined in a consistent way. ISO/IEC 24723:2010 defines the requirements for the GS1 Composite symbology. It specifies the GS1 Composite symbology characteristics, data character encodation, symbol formats, dimensions and print quality requirements, error correction rules, and reference decoding algorithms. For those linear and 2D components of GS1 Composite symbols with published symbology specifications, those published specifications apply, except as specifically noted in ISO/IEC 24723:2010.

ISO/IEC 15421:2010 specifies the requirements and test methods for physical and related attributes of a bar code master. It covers all forms of bar code master, irrespective of the mode of origination of the initial image, intended for reproduction by conventional printing processes. ISO/IEC 15421:2010 does not cover processes in which there is no master, such as computer to plate (CTP).

ISO/IEC 29133:2010 specifies methodologies to be used for the conformance of rewritable hybrid media data carriers, which combine radio frequency identification (RFID) tag technology with linear and/or two-dimensional bar code symbologies that are written to an erasable substrate. Three main product configuration types are addressed within ISO/IEC 29133:2010: Rewritable Media, which supports the rewriting of linear or two-dimensional symbols; Rewritable Hybrid Media, which integrates the Rewritable Media with an RFID tag; Rewritable Media combined with RFID technology that are physically separate data carriers but still require their data encoding processes to be integrated as part of a Rewritable Hybrid Media system. In particular, ISO/IEC 29133:2010 defines the base requirements for Rewritable Media and Rewritable Media devices, defines additional methods for process control of the Rewritable Media over multiple erasure and rewrite cycles, defines reference standards for evaluating the RFID tag component, defines additional methods for process control of the RFID component over multiple erasure and rewrite cycles, provides information to ensure that the data encoded in the bar code symbology and RFID data carrier are synchronous, i.e. are derived from the same source data set. Note that depending on the application, the encoded data can be identical or different (e.g. one data carrier could provide additional data).

Manufacturers of bar code equipment and users of bar code technology require publicly available standard symbology specifications to which they can refer when developing equipment and software. ISO/IEC 15420:2009 specifies the requirements for the bar code symbology known as EAN/UPC. It specifies EAN/UPC symbology characteristics, data character encodation, dimensions, tolerances, decoding algorithms and parameters to be defined by applications. It specifies the Symbology Identifier prefix strings for EAN/UPC symbols. Data content and the rules governing the use of this symbology are outside the scope of ISO/IEC 15420:2009; they are defined in the GS1 General Specifications.

ISO/IEC 15423:2009 defines the test equipment and procedures to be used to determine the performance of bar code scanning and decoding equipment. It deals with bar code scanning and decoding equipment both as integrated reading systems and as discrete units. It defines performance of the equipment in a particular configuration (e.g. a specific model) irrespective of the individual components used. It also defines in a normative annex operational parameters for the test equipment, and describes, in an informative annex, a means of classifying scanners.

ISO/IEC 15419:2009 describes the characteristics 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 ISO/IEC 15419:2009. It 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. ISO/IEC 15419:2009 does not apply to Bar Code Masters, which are covered by ISO/IEC 15421.

The need exists to identify the data carrier a reader detects in autodiscrimination environments. The Symbology Identifier concept provides a standardized way for a device receiving data from a reader to differentiate between the data carriers. ISO/IEC 15424:2008 deals mostly with bar code symbologies; the terms Symbology Identifier, symbology, and bar code are therefore used throughout ISO/IEC 15424:2008 although they are intended to apply to other data carriers as well. This identification is achieved by the addition of an optional feature to readers enabling the reader to prefix a standard string of characters to data messages. This preamble contains information about the decoded symbol (or other data carrier) and any processing the reader has done. The information is not encoded or otherwise explicitly or implicitly represented in the symbol, except that the presence of some optional features may be detected by the reading equipment, whereas others require the reader to be expressly configured to implement them. ISO/IEC 15424:2008 should be read in conjunction with the relevant symbology specifications. ISO/IEC 15424:2008 applies to automatic identification device communication conventions and standardizes the reporting of data carriers from bar code readers and other automatic identification equipment. It specifies a preamble message generated by the reader and interpretable by the receiving system, which indicates the bar code symbology or other origin of transmitted data, together with details of certain specified optional processing features associated with the data message.

ISO/IEC TR 24720:2008 describes several methods for applying permanent machine-readable symbols to items - including components, parts and products - using the direct part marking (DPM) methods outlined herein. ISO/IEC TR 24720:2008 describes marking methods, marking surface preparation, marking location, protective coatings and other parameters that contribute to the production of quality symbols, but does not specify the information to be encoded.

ISO/IEC 16390:2007 specifies the requirements for the bar code symbology known as Interleaved 2 of 5; it specifies Interleaved 2 of 5 symbology characteristics, data character encodation, dimensions, tolerances, decoding algorithms and parameters to be defined by applications. It specifies the Symbology Identifier prefix strings for Interleaved 2 of 5 symbols.

The technology of bar coding is based on the recognition of patterns encoded in bars and spaces of defined dimensions. There are numerous methods of encoding information in bar code form, known as symbologies. Code 128 is one such symbology. The rules defining the translation of characters into bar and space patterns, and other essential features of each symbology, are known as the symbology specification. In the past, symbology specifications were developed and published by a number of organizations, resulting in certain instances in conflicting requirements for certain symbologies. Manufacturers of bar code equipment and users of bar code technology require publicly available standard symbology specifications to which they can refer when developing equipment and software. ISO/IEC 15417:2007 specifies the requirements for the bar code symbology known as Code 128. It specifies Code 128 symbology characteristics, data character encodation, dimensions, decoding algorithms and the parameters to be defined by applications. It specifies the symbology identifier prefix strings for Code 128 symbols.

The technology of bar coding is based on the recognition of patterns encoded in dark and light elements of defined dimensions according to rules defining the translation of characters into such patterns, known as the symbology specification. The bar code 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 this methodology, to ensure the accuracy and consistency of performance of this equipment. ISO/IEC 15426-1:2006 defines test methods and minimum accuracy criteria for verifiers using the methodology of ISO/IEC 15416 for linear bar code symbols, and specifies reference calibration standards against which these should be tested. ISO/IEC 15426-1:2006 provides for testing of representative samples of the equipment.

Users of bar code systems have experienced problems with poor read rates. These read rate problems can sometimes be attributed to spectral gloss from either the substrate or the image or both. In many bar code applications, the position and orientation of the scanner relative to the bar code symbol can be directly controlled by the operator. In these applications, the presentation of the bar code symbol to the reader will usually be manipulated by the operator to achieve optimal performance. However, in bar code applications using fixed position automated reading systems, the ability to control bar code symbol presentation to the reader and achieve optimised performance is diminished. Due to the very high volume of bar code marked items in today's supply chain, even a small reduction in read rate can represent significant logistics problems. Traditional gloss measurements are made at the angle that maximises specular reflection and do not provide results that can be used to predict performance at other angles. Moreover, many laser scanners use a retro-collective optical system that would correspond to a gloss meter using a zero degree angle of incidence, which is not commonly available. Present international bar code quality standards, such as ISO/IEC 15416, do not factor the impact of gloss from either the bar code image or substrate into quality grade ratings. Thus a Grade '4' label may be high gloss or low gloss. Low gloss labels and images tend to work well in all scanning systems, while high gloss labels and images may not. In the absence of industry specifications, users have no convenient reference to use when requesting suppliers to provide labels that will work well in their systems. ISO/IEC TR 19782:2006 provides a method for the measurement of gloss that will permit users to judge if the bar code symbol and substrate are suitably matched for the reading system used in their application. Low opacity of the substrate can degrade system performance because it may reduce the apparent contrast of the bar code symbol. ISO/IEC TR 19782:2006 therefore provides means for measuring the substrate opacity. The test method described in ISO/IEC TR 19782:2006 provides a means for the production of reproducible measurements. In specific applications, it may be necessary to correlate these measurements to practical performance. For example, a substrate backed by dark liquid may exhibit lower opacity than when measured dry. ISO/IEC TR 19782:2006 gives guidelines to deal with the effects of substrate gloss and/or low opacity on the performance of bar code symbols when scanned by reading and verification systems. It defines methods of measurement for gloss and opacity; it identifies conditions and values that present a risk of reading problems and provides recommendations to users on the specification of substrates and the set-up of scanning systems to minimize these problems. It also addresses the relationship between verification results and read performance when either or both of the factors are present. ISO/IEC TR 19782:2006 is intended for those who specify or implement labelling systems and those involved in the reading of bar code symbols on packages, components and other carriers of bar code symbols.

ISO/IEC 24728:2006 specifies the requirements for the bar code symbology known as MicroPDF417. It specifies the MicroPDF417 symbology characteristics, data character encodation, symbol formats, dimensions, error correction rules, decoding algorithm, and a number of application parameters. MicroPDF417 is a multi-row symbology, derived from and closely based on PDF417. MicroPDF417 is designed for applications with a need for improved area efficiency but without the requirement for PDF417's maximum data capacity. A limited set of symbol sizes is available, together with a fixed level of error correction for each symbol size. Module dimensions are user-specified to enable symbol production and reading by a wide variety of techniques. Since MicroPDF417's data character encodation, its error correction method, and many of its other symbol characteristics are, and are intended to remain, identical to those of PDF417, descriptions of these characteristics are quoted verbatim from the PDF417 symbology specification (ISO/IEC 15438) wherever appropriate, or with the appropriate modifications. For ease of cross-reference, ISO/IEC 24728:2006 follows a similar document structure, with minor differences in clause/subclause numbering, to the PDF417 symbology specification.

This specification defines the requirements for the symbology known as MaxiCode. MaxiCode is a fixed-size matrix symbology which is made up of offset rows of hexagonal modules arranged around a unique finder pattern. This specification specifies the MaxiCode symbology characteristics, data character encodation, symbol formats, dimensions and print quality requirements, error correction rules, decoding algorithm, and user-selectable application parameters. MaxiCode includes special encodation modes for use in destination sortation symbols by carriers in the transport industry.

Includes basic definitions, measurement requirements, specifications and recommendations for OCR paper and print, and deals with three main parameters for OCR media: optical properties of paper; optical properties and dimensions of ink patterns used as OCR characters; basic requirements for positions od OCR characters on paper. References: ISO 216; 1073/1; 1073/2; 2469; 2471; CIE Publication 15 (E 1.3.1) 1971.

Indicates the forms of printed images and the sizes of alphanumeric characters as well as the sings and graphical symbols (OCR-B-character set) intended for optical character reading according to ISO 646-1973.

Describes the forms of printed images and the sizes of alphanumeric characters as well as the signs and graphical symbols (OCR-A) intended for optical character reading according to ISO 646-1973.

ISO/IEC 15426-2:2015 defines test methods and minimum accuracy criteria applicable to verifiers using the methodologies of ISO/IEC 15415 for multi-row bar code symbols and two-dimensional matrix symbologies, and specifies reference calibration standards against which these should be tested. It provides for testing of representative samples of the equipment. NOTE ISO/IEC 15426‑1 applies to verifiers for linear bar code symbols.

ISO/IEC TR 29158:2011 is an engineering document intended for verifier manufacturers and application specification developers. It describes modifications which are to be considered in conjunction with the symbol quality methodology defined in ISO/IEC 15415 and a symbology specification. It defines alternative illumination conditions, some new terms and parameters, modifications to the measurement and grading of certain parameters, and the reporting of the grading results. ISO/IEC TR 29158:2011 was developed to assess the symbol quality of direct marked parts, where the mark is applied directly to the surface of the item and the reading device is a two-dimensional imager. When application specifications allow, this method may also be applied to symbols produced by other methods. This is appropriate when direct part marked (DPM) symbols and non-DPM symbols are being scanned in the same scanning environment. The symbol grade is reported as a DPM grade rather than as an ISO/IEC 15415 grade.

Aztec Code is a two-dimensional matrix symbology whose symbols are nominally square, made up of square modules on a square grid, with a square bullseye pattern at their centre. Aztec Code symbols can encode from small to large amounts of data with user-selected percentages of error correction. Manufacturers of bar code equipment and users of the technology require publicly available standard symbology specifications to which they can refer when developing equipment and application standards. The publication of standardized symbology specifications is designed to achieve this. ISO/IEC 24778:2008 defines the requirements for the Aztec Code symbology. It specifies the Aztec Code symbology characteristics including data character encodation, rules for error control encoding, the graphical symbol structure, symbol dimensions and print quality requirements, a reference decoding algorithm, and user-selectable application parameters.

The technology of bar coding is based on the recognition of patterns encoded in bars and spaces of defined dimensions. There are numerous methods of encoding information in bar code form, known as symbologies. Code 39 is one such symbology. The rules defining the translation of characters into bar and space patterns and other essential features are known as the symbology specification. In the past, symbology specifications were developed and published by a number of organizations, resulting in certain instances in conflicting requirements for certain symbologies. Manufacturers of bar code equipment and users of bar code technology require publicly available standard symbology specifications to which they can refer when developing equipment and application standards. ISO/IEC 16388:2007 specifies the requirements for the bar code symbology known as Code 39; it specifies Code 39 symbology characteristics, data character encodation, dimensions, tolerances, decoding algorithms and parameters to be defined by applications. It specifies the Symbology Identifier prefix strings for Code 39 symbols.

The GS1 Reduced Space Symbology (RSS) family contains three linear symbologies (RSS-14, RSS Limited and RSS Expanded) to be used with the GS1 system. The use of the symbology is intended to comply with the GS1 application guidelines as defined in the GS1 General Specifications. RSS-14 encodes the full 14-digit GS1 item identification in a linear symbol that can be scanned omnidirectionally by suitably programmed point-of-sale scanners. RSS Limited encodes a 14-digit GS1 item ?identification with Indicator digits of zero or one in a linear symbol for use on small items that will not be scanned at the point-of-sale. RSS Expanded encodes GS1 item identification plus supplementary AI element strings such as weight and 'best before' date in a linear symbol that can be scanned omnidirectionally by suitably programmed point-of-sale scanners. RSS-14 Stacked is a variation of the RSS-14 symbology that is stacked in two rows and is used when the normal symbol would be too wide for the application. It comes in two versions, a truncated version used for small item marking applications and a taller omnidirectional version which is designed to be read by omnidirectional scanners. RSS Expanded can also be printed in multiple rows as a stacked symbol. Any member of the RSS family can be printed as a stand-alone linear symbol or as part of an EAN.UCC Composite symbol with an accompanying two-dimensional component printed above the RSS linear component. GS1 RSS bar code symbols are intended for encoding identification numbers and data supplementary to the identification. The administration of the numbering system by EAN and UCC ensures that identification codes assigned to particular items are unique worldwide and that they and the associated supplementary data are defined in a consistent way. The major benefit for the users of the GS1 system is the availability of uniquely defined identification codes and supplementary data formats for use in their trading transactions. ISO/IEC 24724:2006 defines the requirements for the RSS symbology family. It specifies the characteristics of the RSS symbology family, data character encodation, symbol formats, dimensions, print quality requirements, error detection, and decoding algorithms. For EAN.UCC Composite symbols, ISO/IEC 24723 defines the two-dimensional component.

ISO/IEC 16022:2006 defines the requirements for the symbology known as Data Matrix. It specifies the Data Matrix symbology characteristics, data character encodation, symbol formats, dimensions and print quality requirements, error correction rules, decoding algorithm, and user-selectable application parameters. It applies to all Data Matrix symbols produced by any printing or marking technology. Data Matrix is a two-dimensional matrix symbology which is made up of nominally square modules arranged within a perimeter finder pattern. Though primarily shown and described in ISO/IEC 16022:2006 as a dark symbol on light background, Data Matrix symbols can also be printed to appear as light on dark. Manufacturers of bar code equipment and users of the technology require publicly available standard symbology specifications to which they can refer when developing equipment and application standards. The publication of standardized symbology specifications is designed to achieve this.

ISO/IEC 18004:2006 defines the requirements for the symbology known as QR Code 2005. It specifies the QR Code 2005 symbology characteristics, data character encoding methods, symbol formats, dimensional characteristics, error correction rules, reference decoding algorithm, production quality requirements, and user-selectable application parameters, and lists in an informative annex the features of QR Code Model 1 symbols which differ from QR Code 2005.

The technology of bar coding is based on the recognition of patterns of bars and spaces of defined dimensions. There are various methods of encoding information in bar code form, known as symbologies, and the rules defining the translation of characters into bars and space patterns and other essential features are known as the symbology specification. ISO/IEC 15438:2006 specifies the requirements for the bar code symbology known as PDF417. It specifies PDF417 symbology characteristics, data character encodation, symbol formats, dimensions, error correction rules, reference decoding algorithm, and a number of application parameters.

Composite symbologies are a class of bar code symbology, the principal distinguishing feature of which is that they comprise two or more components, each of which is a distinct symbol, but which contain a set of related data. Typically one component is a linear symbol containing primary data, which may be read on its own in some areas of the application, and the other component(s) is a two-dimensional symbol containing supplementary data which qualifies the primary message, and requiring all components to be read to extract the complete message. The EAN.UCC Composite symbology, which is one such symbology. The use of the symbology is intended to comply with the GS1 General Specifications. An EAN.UCC Composite symbol consists of a linear component (encoding the item's primary identification) associated with an adjacent two-dimensional component (encoding supplementary data, such as a batch number or expiration date). The EAN.UCC Composite symbol always includes a linear component so that the primary identification is readable by all scanning technologies, and so that two-dimensional imagers can use the linear component as a finder pattern for the adjacent two-dimensional component. The EAN.UCC Composite symbol always includes a multi-row two-dimensional component, for compatibility with linear and two-dimensional imagers, and with linear and rastering laser scanners. EAN.UCC Composite symbols are intended for encoding identification numbers and data supplementary to the identification in accordance with GS1 General Specifications. The administration of the numbering system by EAN and UCC ensures that identification codes assigned to particular items are unique world-wide and that they and the associated supplementary data are defined in a consistent way. ISO/IEC 24723:2006 specifies the requirements for the EAN.UCC Composite symbology. It specifies the EAN.UCC Composite symbology characteristics; data character encodation, symbol formats, dimensions and print quality requirements, error correction rules, and reference decoding algorithms. For those linear and two-dimensional components of EAN.UCC Composite symbols with published symbology specifications, those published specifications apply, except as specifically noted in ISO/IEC 24723:2006.

ISO/IEC 15426-2:2005 defines test methods and minimum accuracy criteria applicable to verifiers using the methodologies of ISO/IEC 15415 for multi-row bar code symbols and two-dimensional matrix symbologies, and specifies reference calibration standards against which these should be tested. It provides for testing of representative samples of the equipment. ISO/IEC 15426-2:2005 is intended to be similar in technical content (mutatis mutandis) to the linear bar code verifier conformance standard, ISO/IEC 15426-1, on which it has been based. It is to 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.

ISO/IEC 15415:2004(E) specifies two methodologies for the measurement of specific attributes of two-dimensional bar code symbols, one of these being applicable to multi-row bar code symbologies and the other to two-dimensional matrix symbologies; defines methods for evaluating and grading these measurements and deriving an overall assessment of symbol quality; and gives information on possible causes of deviation from optimum grades to assist users in taking appropriate corrective action. ISO/IEC 15415:2004(E) applies to those two-dimensional symbologies for which a reference decode algorithm has been defined, but its methodologies can be applied partially or wholly to other similar symbologies.

ICO/IEC 15423:2004 defines the test equipment and procedures to be used to determine the performance of bar code scanning and decoding equipment. It deals with bar code scanning and decoding equipment both as integrated reading systems and as discrete units. It defines performance of the equipment in a particular configuration (e.g. a specific model) irrespective of the individual components used. It also defines in a normative annex operational parameters for the test equipment, and describes, in an informative annex, a means of classifying scanners.