ISO 8514-2:2000

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 8514-2
Second edition
2000-05-01
Micrographics — Alphanumeric computer
output microforms — Quality control
Part 2:
Method
Micrographie — Microformes COM alphanumériques — Contrôle de
la qualité —
Partie 2: Méthode
Reference number
©
ISO 2000
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ii © ISO 2000 – 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 part of ISO 8514 may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard ISO 8514-2 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 171, Document imaging
applications, Subcommittee SC 1, Quality.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 8514-2:1992) which has been technically revised.
ISO 8514 consists of the following parts, under the general title Micrographics — Alphanumeric computer output
microforms — Quality control:
� Part 1: Characteristics of the test slide and test data
� Part 2: Method
Annex A of this part of ISO 8514 is for information only.
Introduction
The use of alphanumeric computer output microforms (alphanumeric COM) for the storage of information requires
valid, reliable methods by which the quality of the images can be measured. This is necessary to achieve
consistent usable output. Of primary importance in the production of microforms containing alphanumeric
information is the legibility of the information presented to the user. This is true whether the microform used is the
original (first generation) or a duplicate.
ISO 8514 specifies a method for measuring the quality of computer output microforms (COM) and specifies a test
form slide and test data to be used for applying this method. It applies to microforms containing variable data
produced using a cathode-ray tube, light-emitting diodes or a laser, and fixed data such as that contained on a form
slide, with effective reduction ratios of 1:24 through 1:48, in accordance with ISO 9923. This International Standard
applies only to COM recorders that use a physical form slide.
This International Standard describes various systems and equipment to establish test guidelines whereby the user
can establish and maintain a given level of performance using the minimum of sophisticated equipment.
The method requires a test form slide and test data generated from the COM image generator.
Part 1 of this International Standard specifies the characteristics of the test slide and of the test data used for
applying this method.
iv © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 8514-2:2000(E)
Micrographics — Alphanumeric computer output microforms —
Quality control —
Part 2:
Method
1 Scope
This part of ISO 8514 describes a method for measuring the output quality of alphanumeric COM recorders that
use a physical form slide. It also provides a means for establishing the optimum intensity (exposure) settings of the
image generator.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of
this part of ISO 8514. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications
do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this part of ISO 8514 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 5-2:1991, Photography — Density measurements — Part 2: Geometric conditions for transmission density.
ISO 5-3:1995, Photography — Density measurements — Part 3: Spectral conditions.
ISO 446:1991, Micrographics — ISO character and ISO test chart No. 1 — Description and use.
ISO 3334:1989, Micrographics — ISO resolution test chart No. 2 — Description and use.
ISO 6196-7:1992, Micrographics — Vocabulary — Part 7: Computer micrographics.
ISO 8514-1:2000, Micrographics — Alphanumeric computer output microforms — Quality control — Part 1:
Characteristics of test slide and test data.
ISO 9923:1994, Micrographics — Transparent A6 microfiche — Image arrangements.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this part of ISO 8514, the terms and definitions given in ISO 6196-7 and the following apply.
3.1
test slide
form slide designed for use in measuring the quality of output from a COM system.
4 Outline of the method
The method described is used initially to set up the COM system to yield satisfactory images and later as a means
to maintain consistent performance on a day-to-day basis. If several COM recorders are in use, it also provides the
means to ensure that equivalent performance is being obtained from each COM recorder.
The method first uses the test slide specified in ISO 8514-1 to determine if optimum focus of the image of the test
slide is being achieved. This is carried out using the ISO No. 1 or No. 2 test chart.
The E-H patterns and density balancing areas (see Figure 1) are then used to establish the proper exposure. The
data from the character generator is used to adjust and determine the registration accuracy of the data with the test
slide. This is accomplished using the alignment grid. The “E” and “H” characters are used to set up the exposure
from the image generator. In general, this exposure level is established by the user in relation to his own needs.
The typical set of COM characters and the characters of similar appearance (see Figure 1) are used to establish that
the data from the image generator are legible.
5 Test procedure
5.1 General
The following procedure consists of obtaining first the best image of the test slide (see 5.2) and then of establishing
the best image from the image generator (see 5.3).
5.2 Optimizing the test slide image
5.2.1 COM reduction ratio
The reduction ratio shall be in accordance with ISO 9923.
The actual reduction ratio of the COM recorder shall be checked by taking the ratio of a dimension of any element
of the artwork and the actual dimension on the same element on the microimage.
1)
To do this accurately the use of a travelling microscope may be required, although such devices may not be
readily available. An alternative method is to use a fixed microscope, with a measuring graticule, of sufficient
magnification to measure the size of the image of the test slide. It is also essential that the proper reduction has
been used during preparation of the test slide. In most COM systems utilizing physical form slides, and using a
particular lens, the reduction ratio is fixed, hence this test is useful only in determining if the specifications of this
part of ISO 8514 have been met.
5.2.2 Optical focus of the test slide
Since, in most cases, the form slide imaging system is prefocused by the manufacturer, this test is used to confirm
that the minimum resolution specified in 5.2.4 is being achieved. If not, the necessary adjustment shall be made
before any other operation is initiated.
For this purpose the microimage shall be checked. The value obtained is dependent not only on the COM recorder
lens focus but also on the exposure conditions, film type and processing.
The maximum resolving power shall be determined through several tests carried out at various exposure settings
ranging from underexposure, through normal exposure to overexposure. To measure the resolution, use either the
ISO test chart No. 1 or the ISO resolution test chart No. 2 in accordance with ISO 446 and ISO 3334 respectively.
1)
A travelling microscope is one designed to measure distances. Typically it has a graduated moveable stage upon which the
microform is affixed, and an eyepiece with cross-hairs.
2 © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved

Figure 1 — Sample layout of image frame combining test slide and the generated test data
For information regarding resolving power on duplicates, see Annex A.
NOTE Maximum resolution is rarely achieved when practical exposure conditions are used.
5.2.3 Test slide exposure — Test “A”
Fill a microfiche or a suitable
...