ISO 10197-1993 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 10197:1993 — Micrographics — Reader-printers for transparent microforms — Characteristics. This International Standard specifies essential performance characteristics and minimum print-quality criteria for reader-printers intended to view and produce hard-copy outputs from transparent microforms (35 mm and microfiche/image cards) with magnification up to 50:1.

Abstract

The standard defines the functional and output performance requirements for reader-printers used with transparent microforms (35 mm strips/rolls, open reels, cartridges/cassettes, microfiches, jackets and image cards). It establishes minimum criteria for hard-copy prints based on ISO microtest charts (ISO No. 1 and ISO No. 2) or microforms meeting a specified minimum quality. It does not apply to specialized colour or non-standard enlarger-printers.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed).
• Publication date: 9 December 1993 (Edition 1).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 37.080 — Document imaging applications (micrographics).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (1993); standard reviewed and confirmed in 2021.
• Number of pages: 4 pages.

Scope

Applies to reader-printers for transparent microforms with a maximum film width of 35 mm (strip and roll formats) and to microfiches, jackets and image cards. Covers devices intended to view and make hard-copy prints at magnifications ≤ 50:1. Summarizes relevant reader functions per ISO 6198 and sets minimum print-quality requirements based on ISO microtest charts. Excludes special reader-printers that produce colour or other specialised microforms/prints and does not necessarily apply to enlarger-printers.

Key topics and requirements

• Essential performance characteristics for reader-printer equipment (optical, mechanical and output functions).
• Minimum hard-copy print quality criteria using ISO microtest charts (ISO No. 1 and ISO No. 2).
• Applicability limits: transparent microforms, maximum film width 35 mm, magnification ≤ 50:1.
• Summary of reader functions aligned with ISO 6198 for user convenience.
• Normative references and basic safety/compatibility considerations (references to IEC and ISO micrographics documents where appropriate).

Typical use and users

Used by libraries, archives, records-management departments, government agencies and commercial micrographics service providers to specify, procure, test and verify reader-printer equipment. Manufacturers and test laboratories use the standard to design and validate reader-printer performance and to ensure printed output meets minimum legibility and reproduction criteria.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced alongside ISO 10197:1993 include ISO 6198 (requirements for reader functions), ISO microtest charts (ISO No. 1 and ISO No. 2) and other micrographics and equipment safety standards (for example ISO 1116 and relevant IEC equipment safety or graphical-symbol standards as cited in the normative references).

Keywords

ISO 10197:1993, micrographics, reader-printer, microfilm, microfiche, image card, hard-copy print quality, microtest chart, magnification, document imaging.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 10197:1993 is an ISO International Standard that specifies performance characteristics and minimum hard-copy print criteria for reader-printers used with transparent microforms (35 mm and similar formats).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers essential functions, output-quality requirements (using ISO microtest charts), and applicability limits (transparent microforms up to 35 mm wide and magnification up to 50:1). It excludes specialised colour printers and some enlarger-printer types.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Libraries, archives, records managers, procurement teams, equipment manufacturers and test laboratories use this standard to specify, evaluate and certify reader-printer performance and print quality.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The edition is the original 1993 publication (Edition 1). The standard was reviewed and confirmed in 2021, so the 1993 edition remains current unless a future revision/supersession is published.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 10197 sits within the micrographics/document imaging family of standards overseen by ISO/TC 171 and is used alongside related standards such as ISO 6198 and the ISO microtest chart specifications.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: micrographics; reader-printer; microfilm; microfiche; hard-copy quality; microtest chart; magnification; document imaging.