BS ISO 17972-3-2017 PDF

Full title and description

STB BS ISO 17972-3:2017 — Graphic technology. Colour data exchange format (CxF/X). Part 3: Output target data (CxF/X-3). This entry refers to the British adoption (BS) of ISO 17972-3:2017 and the underlying International Standard that defines a machine-readable exchange format for output-target colour and process-control data for printers and associated metadata.

Abstract

ISO 17972-3 defines an exchange format for target input values, colour and process-control data relating to output targets for printers of all types, together with the associated metadata needed for correct interpretation. It specifies the use of a CustomResource element within the CXF framework to define a minimal data set for exchange and to identify data referencing the ISO 12642 series; the framework also allows extension for other defined targets.

General information

• Status: Published / Confirmed (International Standard; national adoption as BS published).
• Publication date: ISO edition published September 2017 (ISO record shows 2017-09); British adoption (BS ISO) published 13 October 2017.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO); national publication distributed by British Standards Institution (BSI) for the BS adoption.
• ICS / categories: 35.240.30, 37.100.99 (graphic technology / colour data exchange).
• Edition / version: Edition 1, 2017 (ISO 17972-3:2017).
• Number of pages: ISO edition: 12 pages; BS national publication: 22 pages (BS versions often include national foreword/annex material).

Scope

This part of ISO 17972 describes a machine-readable exchange format (within the CxF/X framework) for output-target related data: target input values, colour and process-control data and the metadata necessary for interpretation. It covers the structure and minimum data elements (including CustomResource usage) required to represent output-target information and provides informative annexes with mappings and example files. The format is intended to support interoperability between suppliers, print service providers and colour-management systems.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of an electronic exchange format for output-target data (target input values, colour and process-control data).
• Use of a CustomResource element within the CxF/X framework to carry the minimal required dataset.
• Identification and linkage to ISO 12642-related data where applicable (mapping and identification rules).
• Informative annexes: mapping notes, CxF3 format references and example files to illustrate implementation.
• Requirements intended to enable consistent interpretation across systems and to support automated exchange between colour-data producers and consumers.

Typical use and users

Typical users include colour specialists, print-service providers, prepress and RIP vendors, colour-management system developers, and organisations exchanging output-target specifications (e.g., print buyers and brand owners). The standard is used to encode and exchange target data for process control, quality assurance, and device profiling workflows.

Related standards

ISO 17972 is a multi-part series; closely related parts and documents include ISO 17972-1 (relationship to CxF3), ISO 17972-2 (scanner target data), ISO 17972-4 (spot-colour characterisation data), and other colour-management standards such as the ISO 12642 series. These related standards provide complementary formats and mappings for other target/data types used in graphic technology.

Keywords

CxF, CxF/X, colour data exchange, output target, CustomResource, graphic technology, colour management, printer target data, ISO 17972-3:2017, BS ISO 17972-3:2017.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 17972-3:2017 specifies a structured, machine-readable exchange format within the CxF/X framework for output-target colour and process-control data; the BS prefix denotes the British Standards adoption of the same ISO text.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the data model, required elements (including the CustomResource mechanism), metadata and example mappings for representing output-target information needed by printers and colour-management workflows. Informative annexes provide mappings and examples to aid implementation.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Colour scientists, print-service providers, prepress vendors, software developers in colour management, brand/packaging specifiers and anyone exchanging or ingesting printer output-target data for quality control, profiling, or production control.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 17972-3:2017 is the first edition (2017) and is listed as published/confirmed in ISO records; national BS publication occurred in October 2017. ISO records indicate the standard was reviewed in the normal 5‑year cycle (confirmation status shown). Users should check national catalogues or ISO for any amendments or newer editions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 17972 is a multipart series (e.g., Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4) covering different kinds of colour-data exchange (relationship to CxF3, scanner target data, output targets, spot-colour characterisation, etc.).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: CxF, CxF/X, output target, colour exchange, CustomResource, colour management, ISO 17972-3, BS ISO.