ISO IEC 19794-5-2011 PDF

Full title and description

ISO/IEC 19794-5:2011 — Information technology — Biometric data interchange formats — Part 5: Face image data. This international standard defines a record format and associated requirements for storing, recording and transmitting one or more facial images (including short video streams) and associated metadata to support automated face recognition, human visual inspection and interchange between systems and organisations.

Abstract

Specifies a standardized record format for facial images and short face-video sequences; defines scene constraints (pose, expression, occlusion), photographic properties (lighting, background, resolution), digital image attributes (compression, colour space, metadata) and provides best-practice guidance for capture and interchange. The edition was published in 2011 and has subsequent amendments addressing conformance testing and XML encoding.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; edition confirmed on review).
• Publication date: 2011 (Edition 2, published November 2011 / valid from December 2011 in some national catalogues).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in cooperation with IEC / JTC 1/SC 37 (Biometrics).
• ICS / categories: 35.240.15 (Identification cards. Chip cards. Biometrics).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2011).
• Number of pages: 111 (main edition).

Scope

Defines requirements and a data record structure for exchanging face image data to support automated and manual recognition across systems and jurisdictions. It covers acceptable scene geometry and capture constraints, photographic quality and composition, digital image formats and attributes, metadata fields, and recommended capture best practices for use cases such as identity documents, border control and large-scale biometric systems. The 2011 edition superseded the 2005 edition and has received amendments for conformance testing and XML encoding.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized record format for one or more face images and short video streams; fields for metadata and descriptive attributes.
• Scene constraints: pose limits, facial expression, occlusion rules (glasses, hair, hands), eye visibility and gaze.
• Photographic requirements: background, illumination, resolution, framing, and photographic best-practices for capture.
• Digital image attributes: permitted compression formats, colour space, bit-depth, image sizing and image quality metrics.
• Conformance and testing guidance introduced by Amendment 1 (conformance testing methodology and clarification of defects).
• XML encoding options and clarifications provided by Amendment 2 (XML encoding and defect clarifications).
• Interoperability considerations for use with travel documents and identity systems (commonly referenced by passport and ID-issuance authorities).

Typical use and users

Used by national identity and passport authorities, border control and immigration agencies, biometric system integrators, software and hardware vendors (camera manufacturers, capture software), law enforcement, and organisations deploying automated face recognition for authentication or identification. Vendors implement the format to ensure cross-system interchange and to meet requirements for travel-document photo compliance.

Related standards

Part of the multi‑part ISO/IEC 19794 series on biometric data interchange formats (other parts include the framework and data formats for fingerprints, iris, voice, signatures, etc.). It is referenced by or aligned with ICAO Doc 9303 requirements for passport/MLA facial images and by national ID and e-passport photo specifications. The 2011 edition replaces the 2005 edition and has published amendments.

Keywords

Face image data, biometric interchange format, facial recognition, image quality, photographic requirements, metadata, conformance testing, ISO/IEC 19794, passport photo, identity documents.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: An ISO/IEC international standard (Part 5 of ISO/IEC 19794) that specifies a data record format and requirements for face images and short face video streams used for biometric identification and verification.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers scene and photographic constraints (pose, expression, occlusion, lighting, background), digital image attributes (compression, colour space, resolution), metadata fields and best-practice guidance for capture, plus conformance/testing and XML encoding through later amendments.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Passport and national ID authorities, border-control agencies, law enforcement, biometric system developers and vendors, and organisations that need interoperable face-image interchange for authentication or identification systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2011 edition (Edition 2) superseded the 2005 edition. The 2011 edition has been maintained with amendments (2014 and 2015) and the record shows the edition was reviewed and confirmed (remains current as reviewed). Check national catalogues or ISO for the most recent review status before procurement.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 5 of the multi-part ISO/IEC 19794 series that defines biometric-data interchange formats for multiple biometric modalities and the framework for interoperability.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Face image data, biometric interchange, ISO/IEC 19794-5, image quality, passport photo, conformance testing, XML encoding, scene constraints, photographic requirements.