CEN/TS 14826:2004

Foreword
Introduction
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Symbols and abbreviations
5 Requirements
6 Basic measurement methodology
7 Verification requirements for Digital Postage Marks
   7.1 Verification equipment
   7.2 Optical geometry
   7.3 Light source
   7.4 Measuring aperture
       7.4.1 Measuring aperture for two-dimensional
             multi-row symbologies
       7.4.2 Measuring aperture for two-dimensional matrix
             symbologies
   7.5 Mail format
8 Grading implications for individual symbol attributes
9 Additional grading parameters - Quiet zone
10 Qualification of printing systems for Digital Postage
   Marks
Annex A (normative) Test procedure for printing systems
        for Digital Postage Marks
      A.1 Environmental conditions for test
      A.2 Test materials
      A.3 Test procedure
Annex B (informative) Light sources and spectral response
        characteristics for verification of Digital Postage
        Marks
      B.1 Narrow-band illumination
      B.2 Broad-band illumination (white light)
          B.2.1 General
          B.2.2 Halogen lamps
          B.2.3 Light emitting diode
          B.2.4 Gas discharge lamp
          B.2.5 Fluorescent lamps
Annex C (informative) Symbol parameters measured in
        accordance with ISO/IEC 15415
      C.1 Parameters for two-dimensional multi-row symbols
      C.2 Parameters for two-dimensional matrix symbologies
Annex D (informative) Characteristics of Digital Postage
        Mark printing and reading environments that affect
        print quality
      D.1 Printing of Digital Postage Marks
          D.1.1 Ink-jet printing
          D.1.2 Laser printing
          D.1.3 Thermal transfer printing
          D.1.4 Direct thermal printing
          D.1.5 Matching X dimension to printer resolution
      D.2 Reading environment
Annex E (informative) Possible causes of low parameter
        grades in the Digital Postage Mark environment
      E.1 Multi-row symbologies
          E.1.1 Symbol Contrast
          E.1.2 Minimum reflectance
          E.1.3 Minimum edge contrast
          E.1.4 Modulation
          E.1.5 Decode
          E.1.6 Defects
          E.1.7 Decodability
          E.1.8 Codeword yield
          E.1.9 Unused error correction (UEC)
          E.1.10 Quiet zone
          E.1.11 Print growth
          E.1.12 Codeword quality
      E.2 Matrix symbologies
          E.2.1 Symbol Contrast
          E.2.2 Fixed pattern damage
          E.2.3 Modulation
          E.2.4 Axial non-uniformity
          E.2.5 Grid non-uniformity
          E.2.6 Unused error correction
          E.2.7 Quiet zone
          E.2.8 Print growth
Bibliography

This document:- specifies a methodology for the measurement of defined print quality attributes of Digital Postage Marks in the form of two-dimensional bar code symbols on mail-pieces, - defines methods for grading the results of these measurements and deriving an overall symbol quality grade as a guide to estimating the readability of the Digital Postage Marks,- provides guidelines for printing and gives information on possible causes of deviation from high grades to assist users in taking appropriate corrective action,- defines a test procedure for the assessment of printing systems for the production of Digital Postage Marks.These provisions apply to the Digital Postage Mark blocks as they appear on fully produced mail items when remitted to postal operators, including the characteristics resulting from operations other than printing per se that affect their appearance to a mail processing system (covering, inserts into transparent window envelopes, affixed Digital Postage Mark labels).This document does not define the qualification tests or sampling requirements necessary to determine the practical feasibility of any specific read rate.