ISO 12234-1:2012

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12234-1
Third edition
2012-07-01
Electronic still-picture imaging —
Removable memory —
Part 1:
Basic removable-memory model
Imagerie de prises de vue électroniques — Mémoire amovible —
Partie 1: Modèle de mémoire amovible de base
Reference number
ISO 12234-1:2012(E)
©
ISO 2012

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ISO 12234-1:2012(E)
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ii © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

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ISO 12234-1:2012(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Reference model . 2
4.1 General considerations . 2
4.2 Image storage application profiles (ISAP) . 3
4.3 Image data format . 3
4.4 File system . 3
4.5 Media profiles . 4
5 Required characteristics for image storage application profiles . 4
5.1 General . 4
5.2 Interoperability . 4
5.3 Flexibility . 4
5.4 Extensibility . 4
5.5 Ease of implementation . 4
5.6 Platform independence . 5
5.7 Multiple physical media types . 5
5.8 Elimination of redundancy . 5
6 Image data format specification . 5
6.1 General considerations . 5
6.2 Application layer for image data . 5
6.3 Presentation layer . 5
6.4 Image data formats . 5
6.5 Application layer for sound data .21
6.6 Guidance for persisting metadata .21
7 File system requirements .25
7.1 General considerations .25
7.2 Directory structure and name .25
7.3 Object .26
7.4 Interoperability .26
7.5 Device requirement level .27
Annex A (normative) TIFF/EP image data format .28
Annex B (normative) Exif image data format .29
Annex C (normative) Image data format — JPEG 2000, Part 1 and 2 .30
Annex D (informative) DCF file system .31
Bibliography .33
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ISO 12234-1:2012(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 12234-1 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 42, Photography.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 12234-1:2007), which has been technically revised.
ISO 12234 consists of the following parts, under the general title Electronic still-picture imaging —
Removable memory:
— Part 1: Basic removable-memory model
— Part 2: TIFF/EP image data format
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ISO 12234-1:2012(E)
Introduction
ISO 12234 addresses removable memory requirements for electronic still-picture cameras. Unlike a traditional
photographic system, an electronic photography system divides the imaging chain into discrete components
separately devoted to image acquisition, storage, transmission, processing and display. Since the components
can be made by different manufacturers, there is a need to specify a standard format for data interchange
among the various components of an electronic imaging system.
This part of ISO 12234 describes data interchange using removable storage media. The purpose of removable
storage media is the storage of digitized images on media that is compact, is mechanically rugged, and has
low power requirements. The removable storage media is used to transport the digitized image data to other
components in the imaging chain.
This part of ISO 12234 further specifies the required information content for a removable memory data format.
The information content includes both the image data and data items describing the image. Normative annexes
A, B and C describe various conforming formats. The data features supported by each of these formats are
also described in Clause 6. The information content further includes a description of the file system which
organizes the files containing digitized image data. Informative Annex D describes a conforming file system.
The file system features are described in Clause 7.
An implementation is said to be in compliance if, at a minimum, all mandatory elements are present. Recommended
features are not required, but will substantially enhance interoperability, performance and/or robustness.
In developing this part of ISO 12234, a structured methodology was followed. A reference model describes the
environment as well as the overall architecture in which this part of ISO 12234 is applicable. The architecture
separates the software layers (termed the “image data format” and the “file system”) from the hardware
technology-dependent layer (termed the “media profile”). An image data format is media independent and
contains the image data, image-related data and a means for structuring these data elements. A file system
defines the data organization on the storage media used, but it is independent of the media.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) draws attention to the fact that it is claimed that
compliance with this document may involve the use of patents.
ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity and scope of these patent rights.
The holders of these patent rights have ensured ISO that they are willing to negotiate licences under
reasonable and non-discriminatory terms and conditions with applicants throughout the world. In this respect,
the statements of the holders of these patent rights are registered with ISO. Information may be obtained from:
— Eastman Kodak Company
Attention: Director, Corporate Commercial Affairs
343 State Street
Rochester, New York, USA 14650-0211
— Konica Minolta Technology Center, Inc.
Attention: General Manager, Intellectual Property Center
No.1 Sakura-machi, Hino-shi
Tokyo 191-8511, Japan
— FujiFilm Corporation
Attention: Industrial Standards Office
7-3, Akasaka 9-chome, Minato-Ku
Tokyo 107-0052 Japan
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ISO 12234-1:2012(E)
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent rights
other than those identified above. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
With the permission of Adobe Systems Incorporated, numerous tag names and values used in this part of
ISO 12234 have been copied verbatim from the TIFF 6.0 specification dated June 3, 1992, specification
copyright 1986-1988, 1992 Adobe Systems Incorporated.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12234-1:2012(E)
Electronic still-picture imaging — Removable memory —
Part 1:
Basic removable-memory model
1 Scope
This part of ISO 12234 specifies a basic removable-memory reference model for digital electronic still-picture
cameras. The reference model includes image file formats for storing image data and metadata, file system
requirements for storing and retrieving the image files on the removable memory, and media profiles which are
specific to a given storage technology. The reference model allows the image data and metadata to be interchanged
among the various components of an electronic imaging system by using the removable storage media.
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 12234-2, Electronic still-picture imaging — Removable memory — Part 2: TIFF/EP image data format
ISO 15444-1, Information technology — JPEG 2000 image coding system — Part 1
ISO 15444-2, Information technology — JPEG 2000 image coding system: Extensions — Part 2
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
file system
software structure which specifies how the data is logically organized on a given storage media
3.2
image data format
structure and content which specify image data and the organization of the image related data in a device-
independent manner
3.3
image storage application profile
ISAP
media profile, the file system and the image data format
NOTE The ISAP specifies all the information necessary to completely implement the removable memory.
3.4
media profile
portion of the memory module specification which is specific to a given memory technology, including the form
factor, interconnection and access protocol
3.5
memory card
specific type of memory module using non-volatile solid-state memory and having a flat physical form factor
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ISO 12234-1:2012(E)
3.6
memory module
physical implementation of the removable memory, containing the image data format combined with a specified
physical form factor, interconnect definition and access protocol
3.7
removable memory
storage in a user-removable form factor, which is transportable, intended for the digital storage of image data
in electronic still-picture cameras
NOTE The memory media can be read/write, write once, etc., but have to be non-volatile when removed from the
camera so as to retain the data.
3.8
sound compression
process of altering the sound data coding in order to reduce the size of a sound file in the electronic still-
picture camera
NOTE See also sound recording (3.9).
3.9
sound recording
recording of the sound data relative to an image acquired by the electronic still-picture camera
NOTE 1 The sound recording can be made before, during or after the time of the image acquisition.
NOTE 2 A sound recording attached to an electronic still picture is considered an annotation of the image, as
distinguished from a sound recording which is attached to and synchronized with motion pictures or video pictures.
4 Reference model
4.1 General considerations
Table 1 summarizes the reference model for this part of ISO 12234. The reference model is a layered model.
The implementation of any one layer can be changed without affecting the implementation of any other layer.
The reference model describes the types of elements included in each layer.
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ISO 12234-1:2012(E)
Table 1 — Reference model for removable storage
Layer Intent Examples Implementation
Application Content-image data Image data Image data format
and parameters
Presentation Define structure of image Tags
data and encoding
mechanism
Session Define data organization File system for image File system
on media storage/retrieval
Transport Communication of data Data transmission protocol Media profile
across a channel
Network Conformance layer Compatibility and
interoperability with other
systems
Data link Assures reliable data read/ Card information structure
write
Error correction methods
Storage media-specific
Control for insertion/removal
recording information
Physical Assure basic compatibility Form factor, pin alignment,
in physical form factor size
and electrical signals
Electrical interface
specification
Protocol/command sets
4.2 Image storage application profiles (ISAP)
The ISAP completely specifies all the information necessary to implement a particular type of removable
storage. The image storage application profile consists of three parts:
— the image data format, which describes the structure and content of the image data;
— the file system, which describes how the image files are stored and retrieved;
— the media profile, which describes the media used to store the image files.
4.3 Image data format
The image data format consists of the application and presentation layers. The application layer defines
the content of the image data. The presentation layer defines the encoding of the image data. This part of
ISO 12234 specifies image data formats that are consistent across implementations and independent of the
media used for storage.
The content defined in the application layer includes the image and image-related information, called
metadata, such as the date the image was captured. The encoding defined in the presentation layer includes
the structures which define the image and the image-related information as digital values. For example, the
encoding describes whether the image is stored as strips or tiles, and whether the metadata are stored as
numbers or characters. The detailed elements in three allowed image data formats are described in Clause 6.
The image data formats described in this part of ISO 12234 provide an explicit binding between the content in
the application layer and the encoding method given in the presentation layer.
4.4 File system
The file system definition includes the information required for the session layer. It defines the data organization
on the storage media used.
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ISO 12234-1:2012(E)
4.5 Media profiles
Many different removable memory types are used in digital electronic still-picture cameras. The storage
technologies include various solid state memory cards, magnetic hard drives and optical discs. Each of these
removable memory types can be described by an appropriate media profile.
The media profile definition includes the information required for the transport, network, data link and physical layers.
The transport layer defines the protocol for how these data are transported between the digital electronic still-
picture camera and the removable memory.
The network layer describes the conformance requirements needed to maintain compatibility and interoperability
with other systems.
The data link layer describes the mechanisms for assuring reliable communications, and the specifications for
reading, writing, erasing, removing and inserting specific types of media.
The physical layer ensures the basic compatibility of the physical and electrical interface. It defines the physical
form factor, connector specifications and electrical interface specifications.
5 Required characteristics for image storage application profiles
5.1 General
The characteristics required for suitable image data formats and media profiles are specified in 5.2 to 5.8. These
criteria were used in the development of this part of ISO 12234 and will be used in developing its future editions.
5.2 Interoperability
This part of ISO 12234 fosters interoperability between systems manufactured by different vendors. Here
interoperability permits
a) storage of image data on a removable medium,
b) removal of that media from a digital electronic still-picture camera,
c) insertion of that media into a second system, and
d) transfer of the image data to the second device.
5.3 Flexibility
This reference model permits flexibility across applications requiring different levels of feature sets. Some
image formats allow default values for specific data elements in order to simplify the implementation.
5.4 Extensibility
This reference model allows for various extensions to provide the possibility of incorporating new features.
Some image data formats include the capability for private extensions to meet special needs. In future revisions
of this part of ISO 12234, new features may be added to the present image data formats. In addition, new media
profiles or image data formats may be included.
5.5 Ease of implementation
This reference model allows easy and unambiguous implementation. In particular, many electronic still-
picture cameras have limited processing power and even many of the hosts reading the data may have limited
processing power. Hence, the standard format requires minimal encoding and decoding of the image data.
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ISO 12234-1:2012(E)
5.6 Platform independence
Because it will be necessary to exchange data between different hardware platforms running under different
operating systems, this reference model is platform independent. In particular, the data and data structures
presented to the application are platform independent.
5.7 Multiple physical media types
This reference model supports multiple physical media types. Media based on various different storage
technologies, e.g. solid state EEPROM and rotating magnetic disc storage, are supported for use as removable
storage media in electronic still-picture cameras.
5.8 Elimination of redundancy
Information should appear once and only once within the image data format. This prevents conflicts if the data
are entered in two different places and happen to be inconsistent. If a type of information appears in multiple
places, the data written needs to be consistent, e.g. by assigning equivalent values. This applies both to
explicitly entered data and to data implicitly derived from other fields.
6 Image data format specification
6.1 General considerations
The image data format corresponds to the application and presentation layers of the reference model, and is
independent of the storage media used. The image data formats described in normative Annexes A, B and C
are intended for use as image interchange formats for photographic images within the scope of the reference
model. It is recognized that images from sources other than electronic still-picture cameras may use different
image data formats.
6.2 Application layer for image data
The application layer defines what image data may be present in the information to be exchanged between
systems. The data defined here determines what information is available to a host system about the image, the
picture-taking conditions, the camera system which took the image and any annotations to help describe the
image for the user. Table 2 represents a list of image data features that should be included in an image data format.
6.3 Presentation layer
The presentation layer defines what data may be present in the information to be exchanged between systems.
The data defined here describe the organization of data in the format. It is media independent.
6.4 Image data formats
It is recognized that different applications require different levels of support. Some applications are highly
standardized with many of the data elements assuming default values, while other applications require more
flexibility. To accommodate different applications, three different image formats, TIFF/EP, Exif and JPEG
2000, are allowed. The image data formats differ in their required elements and degree of flexibility. When
used, the TIFF/EP image data format (see Annex A) shall be implemented in accordance with ISO 12234-2.
The Exif image format is described in Annex B. The JPEG 2000 image format is described in Annex C.
When used, the JPEG 2000 image data format (see Annex C) shall be implemented in accordance with
ISO 15444-1 and ISO 15444-2. The DCF file system is described in Annex D. Reference [8] describes the
development and structure of these image formats and this file system.
Table 2 summarizes the image data features supported by the allowed image data formats. Each is supported by
a specific file system. For each image data format, the support for the feature can be mandatory, recommended,
optional or not used. Further information concerning implementation of each format is contained in normative
Annexes A, B, and C.
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ISO 12234-1:2012(E)
Different requirements are imposed on writing, reading and editing devices by the image data format. The
writing device should support all mandatory features, but need not support features listed as recommended
or optional. The reading device should support all mandatory features, and also should support optional or
recommended features at least to the extent of allowing the image to be interpreted without corrupting the
data. Therefore, a reader may ignore recommended or optional features as long as it is done in a safe manner.
If an editor ignores some features, it is required that the ignored features be passed along unchanged as part
of the data file, rather than truncating or eliminating them. This permits the previously ignored features to be
interpreted by a subsequent reader.
Table 2 — Image data feature descriptions and requirements, with field names and codes
a b
Feature name Description Exif TIFF/EP JPEG 2000 Part 1 and
c
2
Tag code, Tag code,
d
applicability applicability JPEG 2000 element,
applicability
Camera information
Camera Manufacturer of the M M M
1
Make camera that captured
271, Make 271, Make /IMAGE_CREATION
the image (ASCII)
/CAMERA_-
CAPTURE
/CAMERA_INFO
/-MANUFACTURER
2 Camera Model number of the M M M
Model camera that captured
272, Model 272, Model /IMAGE_CREATION
the image (ASCII)
/CAMERA_-
CAPTURE
/CAMERA_INFO
/MODEL
3 Camera The serial number NU NU O
Serial of the camera used
/IMAGE_CREATION
Number to capture the image
/CAMERA_-
(ASCII)
CAPTURE
/CAMERA_INFO
/SERIAL
4 Camera The version of the NU NU M
Version camera model used
/IMAGE_CREATION
to capture the image
/CAMERA_-
(ASCII)
CAPTURE
/CAMERA_INFO
/VERSION
5 Lens Make Manufacturer of the NU NU O
lens that captured the
/IMAGE_CREATION
image (ASCII)
/CAMERA_-
CAPTURE
/LENS_INFO
/-MANUFACTURER
6 Lens Model Model number of the NU NU O
lens that captured the
/IMAGE_CREATION
image (ASCII)
/CAMERA_-
CAPTURE
/LENS_INFO
/MODEL
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ISO 12234-1:2012(E)
Table 2 (continued)
a b
Feature name Description Exif TIFF/EP JPEG 2000 Part 1 and
c
2
Tag code, Tag code,
d
applicability applicability JPEG 2000 element,
applicability
7 Lens Serial The serial number NU NU O
Number of the lens used to
/IMAGE_CREATION
capture the image
/CAMERA_-
(ASCII)
CAPTURE
/LENS_INFO
/SERIAL
8 Lens Version The version of the NU NU O
lens model used to
/IMAGE_CREATION
capture the image
/CAMERA_-
(ASCII)
CAPTURE
/LENS_INFO
/VERSION
9 Software Model of the software M M R
Make used to create or
305, Software 305, Software /IMAGE_CREATION
process the image
/CAMERA_-
(ASCII)
CAPTURE
/SOFTWARE_INFO
/MANUFACTURER
10 Software Model of the software M M R
Model used to create or
305, Software 305, Software /IMAGE_CREATION
process the image
/CAMERA_-
(ASCII)
CAPTURE
/SOFTWARE_INFO
/MODEL
11 Software The serial number of NU NU O
Serial the software used to
/IMAGE_CREATION
Number create or process the
/CAMERA_-
image (ASCII)
CAPTURE
/SOFTWARE_INFO
/SERIAL
12 Software Version of software M M R
Version used to create the
305, Software 305, Software /IMAGE_CREATION
image, or firmware
/CAMERA_-
within camera (ASCII)
CAPTURE
/SOFTWARE_INFO
/VERSION
13 Accessory Any accessory used NU NU O
to capture the image
/IMAGE_CREATION
/CAMERA_-
CAPTURE
/ACCESSORY
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ISO 12234-1:2012(E)
Table 2 (continued)
a b
Feature name Description Exif TIFF/EP JPEG 2000 Part 1 and
c
2
Tag code, Tag code,
d
applicability applicability JPEG 2000 element,
applicability
Camera/lens characterization
ISO Speed ISO speed of the O O R
14
camera, as defined in
34855, ISO Speed- 34855, ISO Speed- /IMAGE_CREATION
ISO 12232
Rat
...