ISO 8514-1:2000

Overview

ISO 8514-1:2000 - Micrographics - Alphanumeric computer output microforms - Quality control - Part 1 defines the characteristics of the test slide and test data used to measure the output quality of alphanumeric computer output microform (COM) recorders that use a physical form slide. It establishes artwork layout, optical and geometric tolerances, density targets and the test elements (alignment grid, density areas, legibility charts and character sets) needed for consistent quality control of COM systems.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability: Applies to alphanumeric COM recorded from CRT, LED or laser image generators using a physical form slide with effective reduction ratios from 1:24 to 1:48 (per ISO 9923).
• Original artwork and alignment grid: Artwork layout includes an alignment grid sized 270.9 mm × 335.3 mm with elements 2.540 mm × 4.233 mm positioned to within ±0.02 mm. Element boundary line width is 0.12–0.17 mm (±0.01 mm).
• Density measuring areas: Two circular areas (minimum diameter 95 mm) - one 50% halftone and one solid black - with a required visual reflection density difference of at least 2.00 (measured per ISO 5-3 and ISO 5-4).
• Character legibility and test charts: COM character legibility areas include repeated test patterns (characters “E” and “H”) in sizes and line widths specified in the standard (character heights and line widths defined in tables). The test chart also includes ISO characters and ISO No. 2 resolution patterns (per ISO 446 and ISO 3334).
• Slide characteristics: Test slide polarity is negative-appearing (clear lines on dark background); clear-area density ≤ 0.20 and background density ≥ 2.00; allowable defects in the image area are limited so that enlarged defects do not exceed 0.05 mm.
• Resolution and conformance: Test slides must resolve at least ISO test chart character 80 or ISO No. 2 pattern 5.0, with a ±10% tolerance on nominal line widths. Manufacturers must supply a certificate of compliance with ISO 8514-1.

Applications and users

• Quality control and acceptance testing of COM recorders in micrographics labs
• Manufacturers of form slides and microfilm/fiche recording equipment
• Records managers, archivists and legal/financial organizations using microforms for long-term storage
• Service providers performing routine maintenance, calibration and performance verification of COM systems

Related standards

• ISO 8514-2 (Method - complements Part 1)
• ISO 9923 (Transparent A6 microfiche image arrangements)
• ISO 446, ISO 3334 (ISO test charts)
• ISO 5-2, ISO 5-3, ISO 5-4 (density measurement methods)

Keywords: ISO 8514-1:2000, micrographics, COM, computer output microforms, test slide, test data, quality control, legibility, densitometer, reduction ratio.