Overview - IEC 63029:2017 (Raster‑graphics image‑based e‑books)
IEC 63029:2017 specifies a practical scanning scheme for producing raster‑graphics image‑based e‑books from existing printed books. Prepared by IEC TC 100, the standard covers the cutting, scanning, image‑quality parameter setup, post‑processing and encoding steps needed to reliably convert printed sourcebooks (mangas, paperbacks, hardcovers, textbooks, magazines, music scores, newspapers) into fixed‑layout image‑based e‑books. This copy includes the corrigendum of January 2018.
Keywords: IEC 63029, raster‑graphics image‑based e‑books, e‑book scanning standard, digitization, image‑based e‑book.
Key technical topics and requirements
The standard outlines a six‑step workflow and specific quality controls to reduce common scanning defects:
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Six‑step workflow:
- Preparation of sourcebook (clean/repair)
- Cutting the sourcebook
- Scanning the sourcebook
- Setup/adjustment of image‑quality parameters
- Post‑processing / encoding
- Authoring the e‑book
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Cutting requirements:
- Cutting line should be parallel to the edge and ideally on the binding perimeter.
- If exact cutting is not possible, the cutting line shall be ≤ 2 mm from the binding/perimeter.
- Margin variation between pages shall be ≤ 1 mm to avoid image‑area displacement.
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Scanning requirements:
- Minimum: 8 bits per pixel, 256 grey levels unless otherwise specified.
- Image tilt must be adjusted to ≤ 0.5°.
- Scan monochrome originals in monochrome mode; colour originals in colour mode (to avoid greyed or coloured black text).
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Image‑quality parameter topics (covered for setup/adjustment and post‑processing):
- Resolution (to avoid moiré and line discontinuities)
- Elimination of unintended density variation
- Highlight washout point
- Tone curve adjustment / black point setup
- Post‑processing and encoding (file formats and colour management considerations)
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Defect guidance (informative annex): image loss, tilt, show‑through, line discontinuity, moiré, highlight washout, unwanted shadow clipping.
Practical applications
IEC 63029 is directly applicable to:
- Mass digitization and preservation projects (libraries, archives)
- Commercial reprographic and scanning services
- Publishers converting backlists to e‑books (fixed layout/image‑based)
- Digital accessibility and on‑demand print-to-digital workflows
Benefits include consistent quality control, reduced rescans, and fewer artefacts (moiré, show‑through, washout) in image‑based e‑books.
Who should use this standard
- Scanning technicians and production managers
- Digital preservation specialists and librarians
- Publishers and e‑book authors converting printed works
- Quality assurance teams in digitization services
Related standards and formats
- IEC 61966‑2‑1 (sRGB colour management)
- ISO 12639 (TIFF/IT image exchange)
These references support colour handling and file format choices during encoding and authoring.