ISO IEC 24790-2017 PDF

Full title and description

ISO/IEC 24790:2017 — Information technology — Office equipment — Measurement of image quality attributes for hardcopy output — Monochrome text and graphic images. This standard specifies device‑independent image quality attributes, measurement methods and analytical procedures to describe the quality of monochrome hardcopy output (text and graphics) from printers and copiers.

Abstract

ISO/IEC 24790:2017 defines a set of measurable image quality attributes and associated measurement procedures for human‑readable monochrome documents produced by hardcopy devices. It provides methods and analytical procedures that rely on measurable properties of printed text and graphic images, and is intended to enable objective, repeatable assessment of monochrome hardcopy image quality; it does not apply to images on visual displays or images intended only for machine reading.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed).
• Publication date: February 2017 (ISO/IEC 24790:2017).
• Publisher: ISO and IEC (ISO/IEC JTC 1, SC 28 — Office equipment).
• ICS / categories: 37.100.10 (Reproduction equipment / Office equipment and supplies).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2017); Amendment 1 published 2022.
• Number of pages: 65 (base publication).

Scope

The standard applies to human‑readable monochrome hardcopy documents produced by printers and copiers and specifies device‑independent image quality attributes, measurement methods and analytical procedures for text and graphic images. It excludes images on media other than hardcopy (for example visual displays) and images intended only for machine reading (for example bar codes). It assumes measurements based on measurable printed image properties and minimal element size/number requirements for valid measurements.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of device‑independent image quality attributes for monochrome text and graphics (e.g., legibility, edge sharpness, tonality where applicable).
• Measurement methods and instrumentation guidance to produce objective, repeatable results.
• Analytical procedures for processing measurement data and reporting results.
• Requirements for test targets and minimal element characteristics (size/number) to ensure valid measurements.
• Limitations and exclusions: not applicable to displays or machine‑readable images; focused on human‑readable hardcopy output.

Typical use and users

Manufacturers of printers, copiers and multifunction devices, independent test laboratories, quality assurance and R&D teams, standards committees, and purchasers/specifiers of office imaging equipment use this standard to measure and compare monochrome hardcopy image quality objectively and reproducibly.

Related standards

ISO/IEC 24790:2017 is maintained under ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 28 (office equipment) and replaces earlier, withdrawn documents in this area. It has a published amendment (ISO/IEC 24790:2017/Amd 1:2022). Related standards for office and imaging equipment and image quality measurement are published within the same technical committee and ICS group.

Keywords

image quality, hardcopy, monochrome, printers, copiers, measurement methods, text quality, graphic reproduction, test procedures, ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 28

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 24790:2017 is an international standard that specifies measurement attributes and methods for assessing the image quality of monochrome (black‑and‑white) hardcopy text and graphics produced by printers and copiers.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers device‑independent image quality attributes, objective measurement methods, and analytical procedures for human‑readable monochrome hardcopy output. It does not cover visual displays or images intended solely for machine reading (e.g., bar codes).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Device manufacturers, testing laboratories, QA/R&D teams, procurement/specification engineers, and standards developers use it to evaluate, compare and specify monochrome hardcopy image quality.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The standard was published in February 2017 (Edition 1) and was reviewed and confirmed; an amendment (Amd 1:2022) was published in 2022. As of the latest publication and confirmation cycle the 2017 edition with its 2022 amendment is the current valid document.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It sits within the body of ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 28 standards on office equipment and hardcopy/image quality; other related ISO/IEC standards cover different aspects of imaging and test methods for office equipment.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Image quality, monochrome, hardcopy, printers, copiers, measurement, test methods, text quality, graphic reproduction.