ISO 12641-2:2019

Overview

ISO 12641-2:2019 - Graphic technology - Prepress digital data exchange - Part 2: Advanced colour targets for input scanner calibration defines a framework for creating, measuring and reporting reflective and transmissive advanced targets used to calibrate and characterize image-capturing devices. It complements ISO 12641-1 by addressing modern requirements for higher colour fidelity (especially darker, saturated and pastel patches) and mandates modern data-exchange formats (CxF/X-2) for target metadata and measurements.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Framework for advanced target layouts and colorimetric values for scanners, digital cameras and other input devices (self-emissive targets not covered unless simulated).
• Colorimetry basis: Measurements referenced to D50 illuminant and the CIE 1931 2° Standard Observer; colorimetric computation in accordance with ISO 13655.
• Target design & layout:
  • Main body (sampled colour area) + identification section; rectangular planar shapes for x–y scanners.
  • Minimum patch count: greater than 288 patches.
  • Minimum patch size: 2 mm × 2 mm.
  • Non-patch areas must be neutral (max CIELAB C = 3.5*, lightness ~50, with ∆E* < 3).
  • Substrate code and production metadata required on identification section.
• Tolerances:
  • Batch targets: 95% of patches within ΔE00 ≤ 7 of aim values; batch deviation reporting requires 99% within ΔE00 ≤ 3.5.
  • Calibrated targets (individual): specified measured values per patch; average colour difference ΔE00 ≤ 3 (recommended ≤ 2).
• Measurement & reporting: Spectral and tristimulus measurements per ISO 13655; reported X,Y,Z (two decimals) or spectral (0–100 %) values.
• Data format: Digital exchange via CxF/X-2 (ISO 17972-2) or ISO 28178; Annex C maps keywords and example files.
• Usable life: Manufacturer must provide monitoring procedures and storage/exposure guidance.

Applications and who uses it

ISO 12641-2:2019 is intended for:

• Scanner and digital camera manufacturers - to design and validate input-device color characterisation.
• Color-management labs and service providers - for profiling, calibration and QA of capture systems.
• Archives, museums, libraries and cultural heritage institutions - where accurate archival reproduction of dark, saturated and pastel tones is critical.
• ID-document, scientific imaging and forensic imaging - applications demanding strict traceable color accuracy. Practical uses include scanner characterization, profiling for image workflows, quality assurance of digitization campaigns, and standardized exchange of target measurement data.

Related standards

• ISO 12641-1 (legacy target formats)
• ISO 13655 (spectral measurement & colorimetric computation)
• ISO 17972-2 / ISO 17972-3 (CxF/X colour exchange formats)
• ISO 28178 (exchange format using XML/ASCII)
• ISO 12637-1 (vocabulary)

Keywords: ISO 12641-2:2019, advanced colour targets, input scanner calibration, CxF/X-2, reflective transmissive targets, colorimetric measurement, D50, ISO 13655, CIELAB, prepress digital data exchange.