ISO/IEC 15415:2004

INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 15415
First edition
2004-06-15


Information technology — Automatic
identification and data capture
techniques — Bar code print quality test
specification — Two-dimensional
symbols
Technologies de l'information — Techniques automatiques
d'identification et de capture des données — Spécification de test de
qualité d'impression des symboles de code à barres — Symboles
bi-dimensionnels




Reference number
ISO/IEC 15415:2004(E)
©
ISO/IEC 2004

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ISO/IEC 15415:2004(E)
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ISO/IEC 15415:2004(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 2
4 Symbols (and abbreviated terms) . 3
5 Quality grading. 3
5.1 General. 3
5.2 Expression of quality grades. 3
5.3 Overall Symbol Grade. 4
5.4 Reporting of symbol grade . 4
6 Measurement methodology for two-dimensional multi-row bar code symbols. 5
6.1 General. 5
6.2 Symbologies with cross-row scanning ability. 5
6.3 Symbologies requiring row-by-row scanning. 10
7 Measurement methodology for two-dimensional matrix symbols . 10
7.1 Overview of methodology . 10
7.2 Obtaining the test images . 11
7.3 Reference reflectivity measurements . 12
7.4 Number of scans . 15
7.5 Basis of scan grading. 15
7.6 Grading procedure. 15
7.7 Additional reflectance check over extended area . 16
7.8 Image assessment parameters and grading. 16
7.9 Scan grading . 21
7.10 Overall Symbol Grade. 21
7.11 Print growth . 22
8 Measurement methodologies for composite symbologies . 22
9 Substrate characteristics . 22
Annex A (normative) Symbology-specific parameters and values for symbol grading . 23
Annex B (informative) Symbol grading flowchart for two-dimensional matrix symbols . 38
Annex C (informative) Interpreting the scan and symbol grades. 39
Annex D (informative) Guidance on selection of grading parameters in application specifications . 41
Annex E (informative) Substrate characteristics. 46
Annex F (informative) Parameter grade overlay applied to two-dimensional symbologies. 48
Bibliography . 49

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ISO/IEC 15415:2004(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. In the field of information
technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of the joint technical committee is to prepare International Standards. 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 document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO/IEC 15415 was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology,
Subcommittee SC 31, Automatic identification and data capture techniques.
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ISO/IEC 15415:2004(E)
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 may be categorized into those for
linear symbols, on the one hand, and two-dimensional symbols on the other; the latter may in turn be sub-
divided into «multi-row bar code symbols» sometimes referred to as «stacked bar code symbols», and «two-
dimensional matrix symbols». In addition there is a hybrid group of symbologies known as «composite
symbologies»; these symbols consist of two components carrying a single message or related data, one of
which is usually a linear symbol and the other a two-dimensional symbol positioned in a defined relationship
with the linear symbol.
Multi-row bar code symbols 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 symbol character has the characteristics of a linear bar
code symbol character and each row has those of a linear bar code symbol; each row, therefore, may be read
by linear symbol scanning techniques, but the data from all the rows in the symbol must be read before the
message can be transferred to the application software.
Two-dimensional matrix symbols are normally square or rectangular arrangements of dark and light modules,
the centres of which are 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. Dot codes are a subset of matrix codes in which the
individual modules do not directly touch their neighbours but are separated from them by a clear space.
Unless the context requires otherwise, the term “symbol” in this International Standard may refer to either type
of symbology.
The bar code symbol 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 as a machine-readable data carrier.
Manufacturers of bar code equipment and the producers and users of bar code symbols therefore require
publicly available standard test specifications for the objective assessment of the quality of bar code symbols
(a process known as verification), to which they can refer when developing equipment and application
standards or determining the quality of the symbols. Such test specifications form the basis for the
development of measuring equipment for process control and quality assurance purposes during symbol
production as well as afterwards.
The performance of measuring equipment for the verification of symbols (verifiers) is the subject of a separate
International Standard (ISO/IEC 15426, Parts 1 and 2).
This International Standard is intended to achieve comparable results to the linear bar code symbol quality
standard ISO/IEC 15416, the general principles of which it has followed. It 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. Two-dimensional multi-row bar code symbols are verified
according to the ISO/IEC 15416 methodology, with the modifications described in Clause 6; different
parameters and methodologies are applicable to two-dimensional matrix symbols.
There are currently many methods of assessing bar code quality at different stages of symbol production. The
methodologies described in this specification are not intended as a replacement for any current process
control methods. They provide symbol producers and their trading partners with universally standardized
means for communicating about the quality of multi-row bar code and two-dimensional matrix symbols after
they have been printed. The procedures described in this International Standard must necessarily be
augmented by the reference decode algorithm and other measurement details within the applicable
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ISO/IEC 15415:2004(E)
symbology specification, and they may also be altered or overridden as appropriate by governing symbology
or application specifications.
Alternative methods of quality assessment may be agreed between parties or as part of an application
specification.

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 15415:2004(E)

Information technology — Automatic identification and data
capture techniques — Bar code print quality test
specification — Two-dimensional symbols
1 Scope
This part of ISO/IEC 15415
 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.
This International Standard 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.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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 2859-1, Sampling procedures for inspection by attributes — Part 1: Sampling schemes indexed by
acceptance quality limit (AQL) for lot-by-lot inspection
ISO 3951, Sampling procedures and charts for inspection by variables for percent nonconforming
ISO 7724-2, Paints and varnishes — Colorimetry — Part 2: Colour measurement
ISO/IEC 15416, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Bar code
print quality test specification — Linear symbols
EN 1556, Bar Coding — Terminology
NOTE The Bibliography lists official and industry standards containing specifications of symbologies to which (inter
alia) this International Standard is applicable.
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ISO/IEC 15415:2004(E)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 1556 and ISO/IEC 15416 and the
following apply.
3.1
binarized image
binary (black/white) image created by applying the Global Threshold to the pixel values in the reference grey-
scale image
3.2
effective resolution
resolution obtained on the surface of the symbol under test, normally expressed in pixels per mm or pixels per
inch, and calculated as the resolution of the image capture element multiplied by the magnification of the
optical elements of the measuring device
3.3
error correction capacity
number of codewords in a symbol (or error control block) assigned for erasure and error correction, minus the
number of codewords reserved for error detection
3.4
inspection area
rectangular area which contains the entire symbol to be tested inclusive of its quiet zones
3.5
grade threshold
boundary value separating two grade levels, the value itself being taken as the lower limit of the upper grade
3.6
module error
module of which the apparent dark or light state in the binarised image is inverted from its intended state
3.7
pixel
individual light-sensitive element in an array [e.g. CCD (charge coupled device) or CMOS (complementary
metal oxide semiconductor) device]
3.8
raw image
plot of the reflectance values in x and y coordinates across a two-dimensional image, representing the
discrete reflectance values from each pixel of the light-sensitive array
3.9
reference grey-scale image
plot of the reflectance values in x and y coordinates across a two-dimensional image, derived from the
discrete reflectance values of each pixel of the light-sensitive array by convolving the raw image with a
synthesised circular aperture
3.10
sample area
area of an image contained within a circle 0,8X in diameter, X being the average module width determined by
the application of the reference decode algorithm for the symbology in question or, where the application
permits a range of X dimensions, the minimum module width permitted by the application specification
3.11
scan grade
result of the assessment of a single scan of a matrix symbol, derived by taking the lowest grade achieved for
any measured parameter of the reference grey-scale and binarised images
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ISO/IEC 15415:2004(E)
4 Symbols (and abbreviated terms)
AN = Axial Nonuniformity
E = error correction capacity of the symbol
cap
e = number of erasures
FPD = Fixed Pattern Damage
GN = Grid Nonuniformity
GT = Global Threshold
MOD = Modulation
R = highest reflectance in any element or quiet zone in a scan reflectance profile, or the highest reflectance
max
of any sample area in a two-dimensional matrix symbol
R = lowest reflectance in any element in a scan reflectance profile, or the lowest reflectance of any sample
min
area in a two-dimensional matrix symbol
SC = Symbol Contrast (equal to R - R )
max min
t = number of errors
UEC = Unused Error Correction
5 Quality grading
5.1 General
The measurement of two-dimensional bar code symbols is designed to yield a quality grade indicating the
overall quality of the symbol which can be used by producers and users of the symbol for diagnostic and
process control purposes, and which is broadly predictive of the read performance to be expected of the
symbol in various environments. The process requires the measurement and grading of defined parameters,
from which a grade for an individual scan (scan reflectance profile grade or scan grade) is derived; the grades
of multiple scans of the symbol are averaged to provide the overall symbol grade.
As a consequence of the use of different types of reading equipment under differing conditions in actual
applications, the levels of quality required of two-dimensional bar code symbols to ensure an acceptable level
of performance will differ. Application specifications should therefore define the required performance in terms
of overall symbol grade in accordance with this standard, following the guidelines in Annex D.4.
The sampling method should be based on a statistically valid sample size within the lot or batch being tested.
A minimum overall symbol grade for acceptability shall be established prior to quality control inspection. In the
absence of a sampling plan defined in formal quality assurance procedures or by bilateral agreement, a
suitable plan may be based on the recommendations in ISO 2859 or ISO 3951.
5.2 Expression of quality grades
Although this International Standard specifies a numeric basis for expressing quality grades on a descending
scale from 4 to 0, with 4 representing the highest quality, individual parameter grades and individual scan
grades may also be expressed on an equivalent alphabetic scale from A to D, with a failing grade of F, in
application standards with a historical link to ANSI X3.182.
Table 1 maps the alphabetic and numeric grades to each other.
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ISO/IEC 15415:2004(E)
Table 1 — Equivalence of numeric and alphabetic quality grades
Numeric grade Alphabetic Grade
4 A
3 B
2 C
1 D
0 F

5.3 Overall Symbol Grade
The overall symbol grade shall be calculated as defined in 6.2.6 or 7.10. Overall symbol grades shall be
expressed to one decimal place on a numeric scale ranging in descending order of quality from 4,0 to 0,0.
Where a specification defines overall symbol grades in alphabetic terms the relative mapping of the alphabetic
and numeric grades is as illustrated in Figure 1 below. For example, the range of 1,5 to immediately below 2,5
corresponds to grade C.

Figure 1 — Mapping of alphabetic and numeric overall symbol grades
5.4 Reporting of symbol grade
A symbol grade is only meaningful if it is reported in conjunction with the illumination and aperture used. It
should be shown in the format grade/aperture/light/angle, where:
• "grade" is the overall symbol grade as defined in 6.2.6 or 7.10, i.e. the arithmetic mean to one decimal
place of the scan reflectance profile or scan grades,
• "aperture" is the aperture reference number [from ISO/IEC 15416 for linear scanning techniques, or the
diameter in thousandths of an inch (to the nearest thousandth) of the synthetic aperture defined in 7.3.3],
• "light" defines the illumination: a numeric value indicates the peak light wavelength in nanometres (for
narrow band illumination); the alphabetic character W indicates that the symbol has been measured with
broadband illumination ("white light") the spectral response characteristics of which must imperatively be
defined or have their source specification clearly referenced,
• "angle" is an additional parameter defining the angle of incidence (relative to the plane of the symbol) of
the illumination. It shall be included in the reporting of the overall symbol grade when the angle of
incidence is other than 45°. Its absence indicates that the angle of incidence is 45°.
NOTE This International Standard provides for 30° and 90° illumination in addition to the default 45°.
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ISO/IEC 15415:2004(E)
An asterisk following the value for "grade", in the case of a two-dimensional matrix symbol, indicates that the
surroundings of the symbol contain extremes of reflectance that may interfere with reading - see 7.6.
EXAMPLES
2,8/05/660 would indicate that the average of the grades of the scan reflectance profiles, or of the scan grades, was 2,8
when these were obtained with the use of a 0,125 mm aperture (ref. no. 05) and a 660 nm light source, incident at 45°.
2,8/10/W/30 would indicate the grade of a symbol intended to be read in broadband light, measured with light incident at
30° and using a 0,250 mm aperture (ref. no. 10), but would need to be accompanied either by a reference to the
application specification defining the reference spectral characteristics used for measurement or a definition of the spectral
characteristics themselves.
2,8*/10/670 would indicate the grade of a symbol measured using a 0,250 mm aperture (ref. no. 10), and a 670 nm light
source, and indicates the presence of a potentially interfering extreme reflectance value in the surroundings of the symbol.
6 Measurement methodology for two-dimensional multi-row bar code symbols
6.1 General
The evaluation of two-dimensional multi-row bar code symbols shall be based on the application of the
methodology of ISO/IEC 15416, modified as described in 6.2.2 or 6.3, and if appropriate for the symbology, on
the application of the additional provisions described in 6.2.3, 6.2.4 and 6.2.5, to derive an overall symbol
grade. Ambient light levels shall be controlled in order not to have any influence on the measurement results.
The symbol shall be scanned using the light wavelength(s) and effective aperture size specified in the
appropriate application standard. When performing a measurement, the scan lines should be made
perpendicular to the height of the bars in the start and stop characters and should as far as possible pass
through the centres of rows in order to minimize the effect of cross-talk from adjacent rows. In the case of area
imaging techniques, a number of scan lines, perpendicular to the height of the bars and sufficient to cover all
rows of the symbol, shall be synthesized by convolving the raw image with the appropriate synthetic aperture.
6.2 Symbologies with cross-row scanning ability
6.2.1 Basis of grading
The distinguishing feature of these symbologies is their ability to be read with scan lines that cross row
boundaries. Symbologies of this type, at the date of publication of this International Standard, also share the
feature that the start and stop patterns (or equivalent features of the symbol, e.g. the Row Address Patterns of
MicroPDF417) are constant from row to row, or the position of only one edge in these patterns varies by no
more than 1X in adjacent rows of the symbol. These symbologies shall be graded in respect of:
 Analysis of the scan reflectance profile (based on ISO/IEC 15416) (see 6.2.2)
 Codeword Yield (see 6.2.3)
 Unused Error Correction (see 6.2.4)
 Codeword print quality (see 6.2.5)
6.2.2 Grade based on analysis of scan reflectance profile
The start and stop or equivalent (e.g. Row Address) patterns of the symbol shall be evaluated according to
ISO/IEC 15416. Regions with data content will be evaluated separately as described in 6.1.2, 6.1.3 and 6.1.4.
Test scans of the Start and Stop patterns shall be graded using all parameters specified in
ISO/IEC 15416.The effective aperture size is specified in the appropriate application standard or is the default
aperture size appropriate for the symbol X dimension given in ISO/IEC 15416.
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ISO/IEC 15415:2004(E)
For the analysis of the scan reflectance profiles, the number of scans should be ten, or the height of the
symbol divided by the measuring aperture. If this quotient is less than ten scans should be approximately
evenly spaced over the height of the symbol. For example, in a twenty-row symbol the ten scans might be
performed in alternate rows. In a two-row symbol, up to five scans might be performed in each row, at different
positions in the height of the bars. The symbology specification may give more specific guidance on the
selection of the scans to be used.
To identify bars and spaces, a Global Threshold for each scan has to be determined. Global Threshold shall
be equal in reflectance to (R + R ) / 2, where the values R and R are respectively the highest and
max min max min
the lowest reflectances in the scan. All regions above the Global Threshold shall be considered spaces (or
quiet zones) and all regions below shall be considered bars.
Edge locations shall be determined as the points where the reflectance value is midway between the highest
reflectance in the adjoining space and the lowest reflectance in the adjoining bar, in accordance with
ISO/IEC 15416.
For the evaluation of the parameters ’decode’ and ’decodability’ the reference decode algorithm for the
symbology shall be applied.
Each scan shall be graded as the lowest grade for any individual parameter in that scan. The grade based on
scan reflectance profiles shall be the arithmetic mean of the grades for the individual scans.
The measurement of bar width gain or loss may be used for process control purposes. Note that this method
will not be sensitive to printing variations parallel to the height of the start and stop characters. If a full analysis
of the printing process is desired, symbols should be printed and tested in both orientations.
6.2.3 Grade based on Codeword Yield
This parameter measures the efficiency with which linear scans can recover data from a two-dimensional
multi-row symbol. The Codeword Yield is the number of validly decoded codewords expressed as a
percentage of the maximum number of codewords that could have been decoded (after adjusting for tilt). A
poor Codeword Yield, for a symbol whose other measurements are good, may indicate a Y-axis print quality
problem (such as those shown in Table C.1).
Obtain a matrix of the correct symbol character values, such as would result from successful completion of the
UEC calculations (see 6.2.4). This matrix is used as the "final decode of the symbol" used in subsequent
steps to determine validly decoded codewords.
An individual scan qualifies for inclusion in the Codeword Yield calculation if it meets either of two conditions:
1) The scan did not include recognised portions of either the top or the bottom row of the symbol. At
least one of the Start or Stop (or Row Address) patterns shall have been successfully decoded from
that scan, together with at least one additional codeword or the corresponding second Start or Stop
...