Overview
ISO/IEC 15775:2022 - Information technology - Office equipment - Method of specifying image reproduction of colour copying machines and multifunction devices with copying modes by printed test charts - defines a standardized method to specify and assess image reproduction quality of colour copying machines and multifunction devices (MFDs) using printed test charts. The second edition (2022) replaces the 1999 edition and its amendment, updates the title and scope, provides electronic versions of test charts, and updates the default viewing illuminant.
This standard applies to devices that produce colour on opaque substrates and is intended to characterize performance, reveal limitations, and enable objective comparison between machines.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test charts: Four standardized test charts (two achromatic, two chromatic) are defined. Tests use at least two charts (one achromatic and one chromatic), available in both halftone and continuous tone productions.
- Chart construction and layout: Charts are defined in A4 format with a defined picture area and a surrounding frame. Layout files are provided as PS/PDF/EPS (or equivalent) and reduced preview figures are included in the standard.
- Materials: Examples of substrate materials for halftone and continuous-tone charts are given (photographic papers and fine art papers with specified weights and finishes).
- Production and identification: Requirements for producing ISO-test charts, intended printing colours versus produced colours, and ISO-identification/image-file versioning are specified.
- Visual and instrument tests: Procedures include visual tests (Landolt-ring recognition frequency, viewing conditions per referenced standards) and colourimetric specifications (measurement instruments, calculation methods, measurements and evaluation).
- Reporting: The standard provides normative forms (Annexes A–F) for recording visual and frame-area test results and informative annexes for colourimetric data, intended/produced colours, production guidelines, raster data, colour names and material properties.
- Normative references: Key referenced standards include ISO 3664 (viewing conditions) and ISO 13655 (spectral measurement and colorimetric computation).
Practical applications and users
ISO/IEC 15775:2022 is practical for:
- Printer and MFD manufacturers - to validate and document reproduction performance.
- Test laboratories and QA teams - to run standardized visual and colourimetric evaluations.
- Procurement and specification writers - to compare devices objectively and specify minimum reproduction performance.
- R&D and product managers - to benchmark improvements and identify reproduction limits for achromatic and chromatic content.
Typical uses include device comparison, pre‑release quality checks, and vendor claims verification.
Related standards
- ISO 3664 - Graphic technology and photography - Viewing conditions
- ISO 13655 - Graphic technology - Spectral measurement and colorimetric computation for graphic arts images
Keywords: ISO/IEC 15775:2022, colour copying machines, multifunction devices, test charts, image reproduction, halftone, continuous tone, colourimetric specification, visual test, A4 layout.