DRAFT FOR DEVELOPMENT DD ENV

13065:1998

Bar coding —
Test specifications for
bar code masters

ICS 35. 040

DD ENV 13065:1998

National foreword
This Draft for Development is the English language version of
ENV 1 3065: 1 998.
This publication is not to be regarded as a British Standard.
It is being issued in the Draft for Development series of publications and is of
a provisional nature because the subj ect matter is still under development
requiring wider exposure. It should be applied on this provisional basis, so that
information and experience of its practical application may be obtained.
Comments rising from the use of this Draft for Development are requested so
that UK experience can be reported to the European organization responsible
for its conversion into a European Standard. A review of this publication will
be initiated 2 years after its publication by the European organization so that
a decision can be taken on its status at the end of its three-year life. The
commencement of the review period will be notified by an announcement in
Update Standards.
According to the replies received by the end of the review period, the
responsible BSI Committee will decide whether to support the conversion into
a European Standard, to extend the life of the prestandard or to withdraw it.
Comments should be sent in writing to the Secretary of BSI Technical
Committee IST/34, Bar coding, at 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL,
giving the document reference and clause number and proposing, where
possible, an appropriate revision of the text.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its secretary.
Cross-references
The British Standards which implement international or European
publications referred to in this document may be found in the BSI Standards
Catalogue under the section entitled “International Standards Correspondence
Index”, or by using the “Find” facility of the BSI Standards Electronic
Catalogue.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
the ENV title page, pages 2 to 8, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.

Amendments issued since publication

This Draft for Development,
Amd. No. Date Comments
having been prepared under
the direction of the DISC Board,
was published under the
authority of the Standards
Board and comes into effect on
1 5 June 1 998

© BSI 04- 1 999

ISBN 0 580 29916 3

 DD ENV 13065:1998

Contents
Page
National foreword Inside front cover
Foreword 2
Text of ENV 1 3065 3

© BSI 04- 1 999 i

ii blank
EUROPEAN PRESTANDARD ENV 1 3065
PRÉNORME EUROPÉENNE
April 1 998
EUROPÄISCHE VORNORM

ICS 35. 040

Descriptors: Data processing, character recognition, optical recognition, bar codes

English version

Bar coding — Test Specifications for Bar Code Masters

This European Prestandard (ENV) was approved by CEN on 27 March 1 998 as

a prospective standard for provisional application.
The period of validity of this ENV is limited initially to three years. After two
years the members of CEN will be requested to submit their comments,
particularly on the question whether the ENV can be converted into a
European Standard.
CEN members are required to announce the existence of this ENV in the same
way as for an EN and to make the ENV available promptly at national level in
an appropriate form. It is permissible to keep conflicting national standards in
force (in parallel to the ENV) until the final decision about the possible
conversion of the ENV into an EN is reached.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and United Kingdom.

CEN
European Committee for Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation
Europäisches Komitee für Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 36, B-1050 Brussels

© 1 998 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national
Members.
Ref. No. ENV 1 3065: 1 998 E
ENV 13065:1998

Foreword Page
4. 1 0. 2 Maximum Density (D max) 5
This European Prestandard has been prepared by
4. 1 1 Orientation 5
Technical Committee CEN/TC 225 “Bar coding”, the
secretariat of which is held by NNI. 4. 1 2 Polarity 5

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal 4. 1 3 Encodation 5

Regulations, the national standards organizations 4. 1 4 Human Readable Interpretation 5
of the following countries are bound to announce 5 Test Methods 6
this European Prestandard: Austria, Belgium,
5. 1 Bar and Space Width Measurement 6
Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, 5. 1 . 1 Conditions for Dimensional
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Measurements 6
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the 5. 1 . 2 Calculations of the Achieved Bar Width
United Kingdom. Adj ustment 6
Organisations contributing to the development of 5. 2 Test Report and Traceability 6
the standard include:
Annex A (informative) Optical density profiles 7
* EAN International
Annex B (informative) Bar code
* AIM Europe. masters, Storage Inside back cover

Contents Figure A. 1 — Minimum and Maximum

Values of Density 7

Page Figure A. 2 — Measurement of Slope,

Slope = a/b 7
Foreword 2
Figure A. 3 — Threshold point for the Bar Edge
Introduction 3
Determination 7
1 Scope 3
Figure A. 4 — Ratio Based Symbologies 8
2 Normative References 3
Figure A. 5 — (n,k) Symbologies 8
3 Definitions 3
Figure A. 6 — All Symbologies 8
4 Physical Requirements 4
Table 1 — Reference Density Values 5
4. 1 Material 4
4. 2 Dimensional Stability 4
4. 3 Archival Properties 4
4. 4 Physical Requirements Controlled
by the Manufacturing Process 4
4. 4. 1 Target Bar Width 4
4. 4. 2 Bar Width Adj ustment 4
4. 5 Tolerances 4
4. 5. 1 Bar Width Tolerance 4
4. 5. 2 Tolerance A — All Symbologies 4
4. 5. 3 Tolerance B — Ratio Based
Symbologies 4
4. 5. 4 Tolerance C — (n,k) Symbologies 5
4. 5. 5 Tolerance D — All Symbologies 5
4. 6 Bar Edge Characteristics 5
4. 6. 1 Bar Edge Conformance 5
4. 6. 2 Bar Edge Gradient 5
4. 7 Defects 5
4. 8 Quiet Zones and Light Margins 5
4. 9 Corner Marks 5
4. 1 0 Optical Densities 5
4. 1 0. 1 Minimum Density (D min) 5

© BSI 04- 1 999

2
 ENV 13065:1998

Introduction 3.1
The technology of bar coding is based on the
achieved bar width difference
recognition of patterns encoded in bars and spaces of the average difference in width between specified
specified dimensions. A wide variety of methods and actual dimensions, for all bars within the
exists by which these bar and space patterns can be symbol
reproduced as a physical image. Conventional 3.2
printing processes such as offset lithography, bar edge
photogravure, letterpress, screen process, hot foil
the j unction between a bar and space in a bar code
stamping and flexography, require one or more
symbol
intermediate image carriers for example, artwork,
photographic film, printing plates or cylinders, 3.3
screens or dies. bar edge conformance
The term bar code master refers to the first physical the accuracy with which a bar edge or part of a bar
image of the complete bar code symbol from which edge is located, relative to its specified location
the other image carriers can be produced. In order to 3.4
make allowances for variability of the production bar Edge contour
processes, and to ensure the correct encoding of the
the line j oining all bar/space transitions at all points
data to be represented, certain procedures must be
along the height of a bar
performed during the preparation of the bar code
master. 3.5
This pre-standard does not define the procedures bar edge gradient
but states the requirements for a bar code master. the rate of change in optical density at a bar edge

1 Scope
per unit distance, measured from the Optical
Density Profile

This European Pre-Standard defines the physical 3.6

and related attributes of a bar code master, the bar width adjustment
quality criteria by which its conformity with this the amount of decrease (bar width reduction) or
standard is to be assessed and contains guidelines to increase (bar width increase) by which the bars of a
assist in its use. The pre-standard covers all forms bar code master are adj usted, to compensate for
of bar code master, irrespective of the mode of gain or loss of bar widths during reprographic and
origination of the initial image, intended for printing processes
reproduction by conventional printing processes.
3.7
2 Normative references bar width increase
see bar width adj ustment
This European Standard incorporates by dated or
undated reference provisions from other 3.8
publications. These normative references are cited bar width reduction
at the appropriate places in the text and the see bar width adj ustment
publications are listed below. For dated references,
3.9
subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of
these publications apply to this European
bar width tolerance
Prestandard only when incorporated in it by the maximum permitted variation between the
amendment or revision. For undated references the target dimensions and the achieved dimensions of a
latest edition of the publication referred to applies. bar

EN 1 556, Bar Coding — Terminology. 3.10

ISO 5-3, Photography — Density measurements — base density
Part 3: Spectral conditions. the lowest optical density of the bar code master
ISO 5466, Photography — Processed safety material
photographic films — Storage practices. 3.11
defects
3 Definitions areas of unwanted image, usually referred to as
For the purposes of this standard the definitions in spots or voids
prEN 1 556 apply, together with the following.

© BSI 04- 1 999 3

ENV 13065:1998
3.12
emulsion up
descriptive of masters where the image bearing side
of a photographic film or similar material is facing
towards the observer when the image is correct to
read
3.13
emulsion down
descriptive of masters where the image bearing side
of a photographic film or similar material is facing
away from the observer when the image is correct to
read
3.14
encoding
conversion of data into the form of a code
3.15
negative image
an image where the bars are of low optical density
and the spaces are of high optical density
3.16
nominal bar width
(EAN/UPC Symbols). The reference bar width
defined by the symbology specification at
magnification = 1 , 0, with which other bar widths
included in the symbology specification are
compared or related
3.17
optical density profile
a continuous plot of the density of the image of a bar
code master, constructed from measurements of
density made at micrometric intervals of distance,
along a line which passes at a right angle through
all of the bars of the symbol. (Reference Annex A)
3.18
positive image
an image where the bars are of high optical density
and the spaces are of low optical density
3.19
ratio based symbology
a bar code symbology employing two element
widths, which are related to one another by a ratio
3.20
specified bar width
(EAN/UPC Symbols). Equal to the nominal bar
width, modified by magnification factor and bar
width adj ustment, if applicable i. e. NOMINAL
multiplied by MAGNIFICATION ± B. W. A.
4
4 Physical requirements
4.1 Material
A bar code master shall be produced on material
which conforms to the following physical
requirements.
4.2 Dimensional stability
The finished bar code master shall be such that
dimensional variations due to changes in ambient
conditions do not exceed:
— 0, 01 per cent per 1 % change in relative
humidity (RH)
— 0, 01 per cent per 1 °C change in temperature.
— Dimensional stability requirements shall be
satisfied within the temperature range of 0 °C
to 60 °C and the humidity range of 1 0 % to 70 %.
— Samples shall be measured as specified in
5.1.1 .
section
4.3 Archival properties
The life of a bar code master shall be 5 years or
more. (See Annex B).
4.4 Physical requirements controlled by the
manufacturing process
4.4.1 Target bar width
The target bar width shall be the calculated
dimension for a bar including bar width adj ustment.
4.4.2 Bar width adjustment
Bar width adj ustment shall be applied uniformly
and symetrically to every bar throughout the
symbol.
4.5 Tolerances
4.5.1 Bar width tolerance
The achieved bar widths measured according to the
methods of Section 5, will be compared with the
achieved bar width requirements of the symbology,
allowing for any modifications, e. g. bar width
adj ustment, magnification factor.
4.5.2 Tolerance A — All symbologies
The achieved bar width difference of a symbol must
be # ± 0,008 mm.
The achieved bar width difference of the symbol
shall be determined by the method specified in
section5.1.2 .
4.5.3 Tolerance B — Ratio based symbologies
The specified width of individual bars and spaces in
a symbol, shall be subj ect to Tolerance B.
Tolerance B equals the X-dimension of the symbol
multiplied by 0, 01 3, subj ect to a minimum value
of 0, 005 mm.
© BSI 04- 1 999
 ENV 13065:1998

Tolerance B = ± X-dimension × 0, 013 4.9 Corner marks

$ 0,005 mm When the bar code master is supplied as a discrete
(Values rounded to nearest 0,001 mm) component, corner marks shall be applied to
Reference Figure A. 4. indicate the minimum area required for the bar

4.5.4 Tolerance C — (n,k) Symbologies code. This area must not be encroached by other
design detail.
The dimensions of individual bars and spaces in a
symbol or any consecutive combination of bars and
4.10 Optical densities
spaces within a character shall be subj ect to 4.10.1 Minimum density (D min)
tolerance C. The low density areas shall not exceed that density
Tolerance C # ± 0, 005 mm value given in Table 1 (v).

Reference Figure A. 5. 4.10.2 Maximum density (D max)

4.5.5 Tolerance D — All symbologies The high density areas shall not be less than that
density value given in Table 1 (vi).
The overall dimension of a character shall be subj ect
to tolerance D. 4.11 Orientation
Tolerance D # ± 0,013 mm The orientation of a bar code master shall be defined
Reference Figure A. 6. “emulsion up” or “emulsion down”.

4.6 Bar edge characteristics 4.12 Polarity

4.6.1 Bar edge conformance The polarity of a bar code master shall be defined as
positive or negative.
The bar edge contour shall conform to the specified
edge ± 0,002 mm. 4.13 Encodation
4.6.2 Bar edge gradient For a bar code master, the image shall be composed
by a method which ensures that the logical rules of
The slope of the line j oining intersections on the
the symbology specification are followed.
density profile plot, see Figure 2 at the specified
densities of Table 1 (ii) (iii), shall be not less than Where an application specification requires that the
that specified in Table 1 (iv). data be modified before encodation in the bar code
master, an appropriate set of logical rules shall be
Reference Figure A. 2.
implemented for this procedure.
4.7 Defects 4.14 Human readable interpretation
There shall be no spots in low density areas or voids
The human readable interpretation of the data
in high density areas which, regardless of shape,
encoded in the bar code master shall conform to the
would include a circle of 0, 010 mm diameter.
requirements of the symbology or application
4.8 Quiet zones and light margins specification to which it is manufactured.
The quiet zones for symbols must be at least the
minimum specified by the symbology specification.
If an application specification requires an increased
quiet zone, then that requirement shall be
applicable.
Table 1 — Reference density values
Optical Densities
Parameter
Transmission Reflection
i Density threshold level at which bar edge 0,50 0,40
position is determined. (1 )
ii MIN 0,1 0 0,1 0
Density levels for defining bar edge
gradient (1 )
iii MAX 2, 90 1 , 65
iv Minimum edge gradient 0, 50D per micron 0,29D per micron
v Maximum value of D min (2) 0,1 0 0,1 5
vi Minimum value of D max (2) 3,00 1 , 80
NOTE 1 These density values are above base density.
NOTE 2 These density values include base density.

© BSI 04- 1 999 5

ENV 13065:1998
5 Test methods
5.1 Bar and space width measurement
Bar and space widths will be determined by
measurement of an optical density profile plot at the
density threshold level defined in Table 1 (i).
Any system used for the purpose of measuring bar
code masters shall conform to the following
requirements.
1 ) It shall be capable of determining the relative
positions of bar space transitions to an accuracy
of ± 0,0025 mm.
2) For bar code masters which are measured by
transmission densitometry, the spectral
conditions shall be those set out in ISO 5-3,
Printing Density.
3) For bar code masters which are measured by
reflection densitometry, the spectral conditions
shall be those set out in ISO 5-3, Narrow Band
Densities.
5.1.1 Conditions for dimensional
measurements
The conditions for measurement shall be:
Relative Humidity (RH) = 50 % ± 10 %
Temperature = 20 °C ± 5 °C
Samples shall be conditioned for a minimum period
of 2 hours in free air circulation, at the specified
humidity and temperature.
6
The dimensions determined by measurement of the
samples, under the specified test conditions, shall be
compared with the target dimensions defined in
accordance with the symbology specifications and
application specifications.
5.1.2 Calculation of the achieved bar width
adjustment
The average difference between the target bar
widths excluding bar width adj ustment and the
measured bar widths shall be determined as follows.
— Measure individual bar widths
— Find the difference between the target bar
width excluding bar width adj ustment and the
measured bar width for each bar
— Sum the differences
— Calculate the average by dividing the sum by
the number of bars
5.2 Test report and traceability
The descriptive information and record of test
measurements which is applied to or accompanies a
bar code master shall include the minimum
information specified here:
— A unique identification, wherever possible,
this shall appear on the bar code master.
— The name of the manufacturer or distributor.
— Magnification factor or X dimension and ratio,
according to the symbology specification.
— Symbology.
— Bar Width Adj ustment.
— Orientation.
— Polarity.
— Encoded data including symbology check
digits.
© BSI 04- 1 999
 ENV 13065:1998

Annex A (informative)
Optical density profiles

Figure A.1 — Minimum and maximum values of density

Figure A.2 — Measurement of slope, slope = a/b

Figure A.3 — Threshold point for the bar edge determination

© BSI 04- 1 999 7

ENV 13065:1998

Figure A.4 — Ratio based symbologies

Figure A.5 — (n,k) symbologies

Figure A.6 — All symbologies

© BSI 04- 1 999

8
 ENV 13065:1998

Annex B (informative)
Bar code masters, storage
For optimum life, a bar code master needs to be processed, stored and used in controlled conditions.
Should users of bar code masters produced on photographic film require long life from them, ISO 5466
provides guidance on the handling and storage of processed photographic film.

© BSI 04- 1 999

DD ENV
13065:1998
BSI — British Standards Institution
BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing
British Standards. It presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the
international level. It is incorporated by Royal Charter.

Revisions
British Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of
British Standards should make sure that they possess the latest amendments or
editions.

It is the constant aim of BSI to improve the quality of our products and services.
We would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using
this British Standard would inform the Secretary of the technical committee
responsible, the identity of which can be found on the inside front cover.
Tel: 020 8996 9000. Fax: 020 8996 7400.

BSI offers members an individual updating service called PLUS which ensures
that subscribers automatically receive the latest editions of standards.

Buying standards
Orders for all BSI, international and foreign standards publications should be
addressed to Customer Services. Tel: 020 8996 9001. Fax: 020 8996 7001.

In response to orders for international standards, it is BSI policy to supply the

BSI implementation of those that have been published as British Standards,
unless otherwise requested.

Information on standards
BSI provides a wide range of information on national, European and
international standards through its Library and its Technical Help to Exporters
Service. Various BSI electronic information services are also available which give
details on all its products and services. Contact the Information Centre.
Tel: 020 8996 71 1 1 . Fax: 020 8996 7048.

Subscribing members of BSI are kept up to date with standards developments

and receive substantial discounts on the purchase price of standards. For details
of these and other benefits contact Membership Administration.
Tel: 020 8996 7002. Fax: 020 8996 7001.

Copyright
Copyright subsists in all BSI publications. BSI also holds the copyright, in the
UK, of the publications of the internationalstandardization bodies. Except as
permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1 988 no extract may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any
means – electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without prior written
permission from BSI.

This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the standard,
of necessary details such as symbols, and size, type or grade designations. If these
details are to be used for any other purpose than implementation then the prior
written permission of BSI must be obtained.

If permission is granted, the terms may include royalty payments or a licensing

agreement. Details and advice can be obtained from the Copyright Manager.
BSI Tel: 020 8996 7070.
389 Chiswick High Road
London
W4 4AL