ISO 12656:2001

Overview

ISO 12656:2001 is an international standard that specifies the use of machine-readable codes-such as bar codes, OCR characters, and Hollerith codes-on aperture cards used for storing technical drawings and documentation. The standard outlines the exact type, dimensions, and positions of coding on aperture cards compliant with ISO 3272-3. This ensures uniformity and compatibility in automated reading systems for aperture cards across industries.

By defining these specifications, ISO 12656:2001 facilitates smooth integration of micrographic data into digital workflows, improves accuracy in data retrieval, and supports the efficient handling of technical documents stored on aperture cards.

Key Topics

• Applicability: Applies to OCR characters (OCR-A and OCR-B), bar codes (Code 39, Industrial 2 of 5, Interleaved 2 of 5, and Code 128), Hollerith, and printed Hollerith codes. Compressed bar codes are excluded.
• Coding Area: Codes must be placed within designated areas on the aperture card, avoiding the aperture and build-up zones.
• OCR Specifications:
  • Character font as per ISO 1073-1 (OCR-A) or ISO 1073-2 (OCR-B).
  • Character height and pitch are set at 2.54 mm.
  • Code lines must be parallel to the longer edge of the card.
• Bar Code Requirements:
  • The preferred symbology is Code 39.
  • Bar code width ranges between 0.19 mm and 0.29 mm per unit.
  • Positioning options for the main bar code message ensure both machine and hand-guided reading compatibility.
• Hollerith Codes:
  • Relate to punched and printed codes controlled by ISO 6586 and ISO 1682.
  • Printed Hollerith code appears on the card’s back with a maximum of 57 characters.
• Machine Readability: Ensures codes can be automatically scanned with suitable equipment to streamline indexing and retrieval processes.
• Positioning and Separation: Rules for distances from card edges and between codes prevent overlap and enhance code legibility.

Applications

ISO 12656:2001 is critical in industries where aperture cards remain a preferred medium for archival and distribution of technical drawings and associated data. Typical use cases include:

• Engineering and Manufacturing: For storing and retrieving large volumes of design documentation with high accuracy.
• Document Archiving: Facilitates the automatic cataloging and indexing of micrographic archives.
• Automated Data Processing: Enables integration of micrographic records into digital systems through reliable machine-readable coding.
• Quality Control: Ensures uniformity of coding placement and dimensions, improving automated scanning speed and reducing errors.
• Manufacture and Distribution of Aperture Cards: Provides manufacturers clear guidelines to ensure compliance and interoperability with micrographic equipment.

By adopting these standards, organizations can reduce manual intervention, speed up document handling, and improve overall data integrity.

Related Standards

ISO 12656:2001 references and complements several other international standards critical to micrographics and optical character recognition:

• ISO 3272-3: Microcopying of technical drawings on unitized 35 mm microfilm carriers.
• ISO 1073-1 & ISO 1073-2: OCR character sets (OCR-A and OCR-B) specifying shapes and dimensions.
• ISO 6586: Implementation of coded character sets on punched cards.
• ISO 1682: Dimensions and location of punched holes on paper cards.
• EN 799, EN 800, EN 801: European specifications for Bar code symbologies Code 128, Code 39, and Interleaved 2 of 5 respectively.
• ISO 10549: Specifications for A6 size aperture cards.

Understanding these related standards helps in maintaining comprehensive compliance and leveraging the full benefits of standardized aperture card coding.

Keywords: ISO 12656, aperture cards, micrographics standards, bar codes on aperture cards, OCR codes, Hollerith codes, machine-readable codes, technical drawings storage, ISO 3272-3 compliance, automated document processing.