Codeofchina.com is in charge of this English translation. In case of any doubt about the English translation, the Chinese original shall be considered authoritative.
This standard is developed in accordance with the rules given in GB/T 1.1-2009.
This standard replaces GB/T 15565.1-2008 Graphical symbols－Terms－Part 1: General and GB/T 15565.2-2008 Graphical symbols - Terms - Part 2: Signs and guidance system. The following main technical changes have been made with respect to GB/T 15565.1-2008 and GB/T 15565.2-2008:
——41 terms are added, i.e., graph, image, title, meaning, identifiability, graph template, human figure template, basic size, sivual element, target audience, familiarity training, symbol referent association test, contrast colour, safe observation distance, signal word, colour region, object colour, maintained safety sign, non-maintained safety sign, phosphorescent sign, retroreflective sign, supplementary text, series of location plans, information index sign, notice, water safety sign, beach safety flag, plate, face panel, backing panel, route map, safety information identification system, emergency shelter, influence zone, differentiation, memorability, conciseness, integration, uniformity, coordination and systematicness;
——The definitions of 29 terms are modified and improved, i.e., basic symbol, simplified symbol, icon, corner marking, graphical symbols for use on sign, symbol element, comprehensibility, legibility, sign, graphical sign, letter sign, safety sign, enclosure, border, conspicuity, apparent size, dissuading sign, road and traffic sign, safety condition sign, intersection, dead end corridor, public facility, service facility, viewing distance, low location, intermediate location, high location, public information guidance system and emergency guidance system;
——23 terms are deleted, i.e., registered symbol original, image content, variant, field of application, format of application, comprehensibility judgement test, positive contrast, negative contrast, safety shape, shape code, safety symbol, function list, location map, information board, emergency guidance line, general layout plan, escape route sign, ordinary material, retroreflecting material, detection, photoluminescence, phosphorescence and visibility.
This standard was proposed by and is under the jurisdiction of SAC/TC 59 National Technical Committee on Graphical Symbol of Standardization Administration of China.
The previous editions of this standard are as follows:
——GB/T 15565-1995;
——GB/T 15565.1-2008 and GB/T 15565.2-2008.
Graphical symbols - Terms
1 Scope
This standard specifies the terms and definitions of graphical symbols, signs, public information guidance systems, safety information identification systems and guidance system in the aspects of design and setting, and establishes a conceptual system in the field of graphical symbols (see Annex A for the conceptual system diagram).
This standard is applicable to the fields related to graphical symbol, guidance system, etc.
2 Graphical symbols
2.1 Symbols
2.1.1
symbol
visual image with simplified characteristics that expresses certain object or concept
2.1.2
graphical symbol
symbol (2.1.1) mainly characterized by graph (2.2.1) and transferring information without depending on language
2.1.3
letter symbol
letter code
symbol (2.1.1) formed by letters, numbers, Chinese characters, etc. or combinations thereof
2.2 General concepts
2.2.1
graph
visible shape built with points, lines and planes in two-dimensional space
2.2.2
image
visual picture that depicts or presents an object as it is in two-dimensional space
2.2.3
character
single letter, number, punctuation mark or other specific symbol (2.1.1)
2.2.4
title
proper noun or phrase used to identify and refer to a graphical symbol (2.1.2)
Note: a title provides an unique name for a graphical symbol only and does not describe the application.
2.2.5
meaning
information intended to be transfered by a graphical symbol (2.1.2)
2.2.6
description
text explaining the function (2.2.7) and field of application of a graphic symbol (2.1.2)
2.2.7
function
use or effect of the referent (2.6.2) to be represented by a graphical symbol (2.1.2)
2.2.7.1
excluded function
function possessed by such a referent (2.6.2) or a related referent (2.6.2.1) as is not represented by a graphical symbol (2.1.2) in question
2.2.8
negation
method of expressing the opposite of an affirmation or of denying the existence of a particular thing
2.2.9
symbol family
a set of graphical symbols (2.1.2) to represent a common concept using a graphical feature with a specific meaning (2.2.5)
Note: using the graphs "scalpels and forceps" to indicate a group of graphical symbols containing the concept of "surgery” forms a symbol family.
2.3 Classification
2.3.1
common symbol
graphical symbol (2.1.2) applicable to multiple domains and specialties or universally used
2.3.2
special symbol
graphical symbol (2.1.2) applicable to certain field or specialty or used for specific needs only
2.3.3
detailed symbol
graphical symbol (2.1.2) indicating details of a referent (2.6.2) such as function (2.2.7), type and/or external characteristics
2.3.4
block symbol
graphical symbol (2.1.2) in the shape of a rectangle to indicate combinations of elements, equipment, etc. and their functions (2.2.7) without giving details of the elements, equipment, etc. and without considering all connections
2.3.5
simplified symbol
graphic symbol (2.1.2) with partial omission of symbol details (2.5.4.3)
2.3.6
basic symbol
general symbol
relatively concise graphic symbol (2.1.2) representing a class of things or their characteristics, or serving as the composition basis of the individual graphical symbols (2.1.2) in a symbol family (2.2.9).
2.3.7
specified symbol
graphic symbol (2.1.2) defined by attaching a determinant (2.5.4.2) or other symbol element (2.5.4.1) to a basic symbol to create a meaning (2.2.5)
2.4 Field of application
2.4.1
graphical symbols for use in technical product documentation
tpd symbols
graphical symbol (2.1.2) used in technical product documentation to indicate referent (2.6.2) and/or function (2.2.7) or to indicate specific instructions for production, inspection and installation
2.4.1.1
symbols for diagram
graphical symbols for use in technical product documentation (2.4.1) used in a diagram showing the interrelationship between components of a system or equipment
2.4.1.2
symbols for indicating
graphical symbols for use in technical product documentation (2.4.1) indicating geometric characteristics (e.g. size, distance, angle, shape, position, orientation, etc.) and manufacturing processes involved in the design, manufacture, measurement and quality assurance of products
2.4.2
graphical symbols for use on equipment
graphical symbols (2.1.2) used on various types of equipment as operating instructions or to indicate the function and operating status
2.4.2.1
display symbol
graphical symbol for use on equipment (2.4.2) to indicate the function and operating status of equipment
2.4.2.2
control symbol
graphical symbol for use on equipment (2.4.2) serving as operating instructions
2.4.2.3
icon
graphical symbol for use on interactive equipment (2.4.2) appearing on the screen representing computer system objects and/or application functions
Note: icons may be classified into static icons, interactive icons that change based on user input, and dynamic icons that change based on equipment status.
2.4.3
graphical symbols for use on sign
graphic symbols designed on the basic models (2.5.2.3) and used on signs (2.1.2),
Note: they are used to represent public, safety, traffic, packaging, storage and transport information.
2.4.3.1
public information graphical symbol
graphical symbols for use on sign (2.4.3) conveying information to the public that can be understood without specialized training
2.5 Design
2.5.1 Design principles
2.5.1.1
legibility
characteristics by which the characters (2.2.3) or symbol details (2.5.4.3) can be distinguished
Note: this term is also applicable to “guidance element design principles” in the guidance system design and setting (see 6.1).
2.5.1.2
differentiation
characteristics of the graphical symbols (2.1.2) that are distinctly different in composition and can be easily distinguished from one another
2.5.1.3
comprehensibility
characteristics of the graphic symbols (2.1.2) as capable of being understood as the meanings (2.2.5) they are intended to convey
2.5.1.4
memorability
characteristics of the graphic symbols (2.1.2) by which the referent (2.6.2) they represent and/or the meaning (2.2.5) they convey can be remembered
2.5.1.5
uniformity
characteristics of that the mutual locations of the symbol elements (2.5.4.1) indicating the same meaning (2.2.5) and those with the same semantic relation in different graphical symbols (2.1.2) are the same
2.5.2 Design template
2.5.2.1
basic grid
coordinate grid for the design of graphical symbols for use in technical product documentation (2.4.1)
Note: the basic grid is spaced at a certain modulus M (see Figure 1), and auxiliary gridlines dividing the distance between the gridlines into 10 equal parts may be made. If the basic grid is replaced by a dot matrix diagram, it is called fundamental lattice.
Foreword i
1 Scope
2 Graphical symbols
2.1 Symbols
2.2 General concepts
2.3 Classification
2.4 Field of application
2.5 Design
2.5.1 Design principles
2.5.2 Design template
2.5.3 Design datum
2.5.4 Symbol elements and details
2.6 Test
3 Sign
3.1 Basic concepts
3.2 Classification
3.3 Carriers
3.4 Visual elements
4 Public information guidance system
4.1 Basic concepts
4.2 Guidance elements
4.3 Guidance objectives
5 Safety information identification system
5.1 Basic concepts
5.2 Safety sign system
5.3 Emergency guidance system
6 Design and setting of guidance system
6.1 Design principles of guidance element
6.2 Setting principle of guidance system
6.3 Target audience
6.4 Influencing factors
Annex A (informative) Conceptual system of terms
Codeofchina.com is in charge of this English translation. In case of any doubt about the English translation, the Chinese original shall be considered authoritative.
This standard is developed in accordance with the rules given in GB/T 1.1-2009.
This standard replaces GB/T 15565.1-2008 Graphical symbols－Terms－Part 1: General and GB/T 15565.2-2008 Graphical symbols - Terms - Part 2: Signs and guidance system. The following main technical changes have been made with respect to GB/T 15565.1-2008 and GB/T 15565.2-2008:
——41 terms are added, i.e., graph, image, title, meaning, identifiability, graph template, human figure template, basic size, sivual element, target audience, familiarity training, symbol referent association test, contrast colour, safe observation distance, signal word, colour region, object colour, maintained safety sign, non-maintained safety sign, phosphorescent sign, retroreflective sign, supplementary text, series of location plans, information index sign, notice, water safety sign, beach safety flag, plate, face panel, backing panel, route map, safety information identification system, emergency shelter, influence zone, differentiation, memorability, conciseness, integration, uniformity, coordination and systematicness;
——The definitions of 29 terms are modified and improved, i.e., basic symbol, simplified symbol, icon, corner marking, graphical symbols for use on sign, symbol element, comprehensibility, legibility, sign, graphical sign, letter sign, safety sign, enclosure, border, conspicuity, apparent size, dissuading sign, road and traffic sign, safety condition sign, intersection, dead end corridor, public facility, service facility, viewing distance, low location, intermediate location, high location, public information guidance system and emergency guidance system;
——23 terms are deleted, i.e., registered symbol original, image content, variant, field of application, format of application, comprehensibility judgement test, positive contrast, negative contrast, safety shape, shape code, safety symbol, function list, location map, information board, emergency guidance line, general layout plan, escape route sign, ordinary material, retroreflecting material, detection, photoluminescence, phosphorescence and visibility.
This standard was proposed by and is under the jurisdiction of SAC/TC 59 National Technical Committee on Graphical Symbol of Standardization Administration of China.
The previous editions of this standard are as follows:
——GB/T 15565-1995;
——GB/T 15565.1-2008 and GB/T 15565.2-2008.
Graphical symbols - Terms
1 Scope
This standard specifies the terms and definitions of graphical symbols, signs, public information guidance systems, safety information identification systems and guidance system in the aspects of design and setting, and establishes a conceptual system in the field of graphical symbols (see Annex A for the conceptual system diagram).
This standard is applicable to the fields related to graphical symbol, guidance system, etc.
2 Graphical symbols
2.1 Symbols
2.1.1
symbol
visual image with simplified characteristics that expresses certain object or concept
2.1.2
graphical symbol
symbol (2.1.1) mainly characterized by graph (2.2.1) and transferring information without depending on language
2.1.3
letter symbol
letter code
symbol (2.1.1) formed by letters, numbers, Chinese characters, etc. or combinations thereof
2.2 General concepts
2.2.1
graph
visible shape built with points, lines and planes in two-dimensional space
2.2.2
image
visual picture that depicts or presents an object as it is in two-dimensional space
2.2.3
character
single letter, number, punctuation mark or other specific symbol (2.1.1)
2.2.4
title
proper noun or phrase used to identify and refer to a graphical symbol (2.1.2)
Note: a title provides an unique name for a graphical symbol only and does not describe the application.
2.2.5
meaning
information intended to be transfered by a graphical symbol (2.1.2)
2.2.6
description
text explaining the function (2.2.7) and field of application of a graphic symbol (2.1.2)
2.2.7
function
use or effect of the referent (2.6.2) to be represented by a graphical symbol (2.1.2)
2.2.7.1
excluded function
function possessed by such a referent (2.6.2) or a related referent (2.6.2.1) as is not represented by a graphical symbol (2.1.2) in question
2.2.8
negation
method of expressing the opposite of an affirmation or of denying the existence of a particular thing
2.2.9
symbol family
a set of graphical symbols (2.1.2) to represent a common concept using a graphical feature with a specific meaning (2.2.5)
Note: using the graphs "scalpels and forceps" to indicate a group of graphical symbols containing the concept of "surgery” forms a symbol family.
2.3 Classification
2.3.1
common symbol
graphical symbol (2.1.2) applicable to multiple domains and specialties or universally used
2.3.2
special symbol
graphical symbol (2.1.2) applicable to certain field or specialty or used for specific needs only
2.3.3
detailed symbol
graphical symbol (2.1.2) indicating details of a referent (2.6.2) such as function (2.2.7), type and/or external characteristics
2.3.4
block symbol
graphical symbol (2.1.2) in the shape of a rectangle to indicate combinations of elements, equipment, etc. and their functions (2.2.7) without giving details of the elements, equipment, etc. and without considering all connections
2.3.5
simplified symbol
graphic symbol (2.1.2) with partial omission of symbol details (2.5.4.3)
2.3.6
basic symbol
general symbol
relatively concise graphic symbol (2.1.2) representing a class of things or their characteristics, or serving as the composition basis of the individual graphical symbols (2.1.2) in a symbol family (2.2.9).
2.3.7
specified symbol
graphic symbol (2.1.2) defined by attaching a determinant (2.5.4.2) or other symbol element (2.5.4.1) to a basic symbol to create a meaning (2.2.5)
2.4 Field of application
2.4.1
graphical symbols for use in technical product documentation
tpd symbols
graphical symbol (2.1.2) used in technical product documentation to indicate referent (2.6.2) and/or function (2.2.7) or to indicate specific instructions for production, inspection and installation
2.4.1.1
symbols for diagram
graphical symbols for use in technical product documentation (2.4.1) used in a diagram showing the interrelationship between components of a system or equipment
2.4.1.2
symbols for indicating
graphical symbols for use in technical product documentation (2.4.1) indicating geometric characteristics (e.g. size, distance, angle, shape, position, orientation, etc.) and manufacturing processes involved in the design, manufacture, measurement and quality assurance of products
2.4.2
graphical symbols for use on equipment
graphical symbols (2.1.2) used on various types of equipment as operating instructions or to indicate the function and operating status
2.4.2.1
display symbol
graphical symbol for use on equipment (2.4.2) to indicate the function and operating status of equipment
2.4.2.2
control symbol
graphical symbol for use on equipment (2.4.2) serving as operating instructions
2.4.2.3
icon
graphical symbol for use on interactive equipment (2.4.2) appearing on the screen representing computer system objects and/or application functions
Note: icons may be classified into static icons, interactive icons that change based on user input, and dynamic icons that change based on equipment status.
2.4.3
graphical symbols for use on sign
graphic symbols designed on the basic models (2.5.2.3) and used on signs (2.1.2),
Note: they are used to represent public, safety, traffic, packaging, storage and transport information.
2.4.3.1
public information graphical symbol
graphical symbols for use on sign (2.4.3) conveying information to the public that can be understood without specialized training
2.5 Design
2.5.1 Design principles
2.5.1.1
legibility
characteristics by which the characters (2.2.3) or symbol details (2.5.4.3) can be distinguished
Note: this term is also applicable to “guidance element design principles” in the guidance system design and setting (see 6.1).
2.5.1.2
differentiation
characteristics of the graphical symbols (2.1.2) that are distinctly different in composition and can be easily distinguished from one another
2.5.1.3
comprehensibility
characteristics of the graphic symbols (2.1.2) as capable of being understood as the meanings (2.2.5) they are intended to convey
2.5.1.4
memorability
characteristics of the graphic symbols (2.1.2) by which the referent (2.6.2) they represent and/or the meaning (2.2.5) they convey can be remembered
2.5.1.5
uniformity
characteristics of that the mutual locations of the symbol elements (2.5.4.1) indicating the same meaning (2.2.5) and those with the same semantic relation in different graphical symbols (2.1.2) are the same
2.5.2 Design template
2.5.2.1
basic grid
coordinate grid for the design of graphical symbols for use in technical product documentation (2.4.1)
Note: the basic grid is spaced at a certain modulus M (see Figure 1), and auxiliary gridlines dividing the distance between the gridlines into 10 equal parts may be made. If the basic grid is replaced by a dot matrix diagram, it is called fundamental lattice.
Contents of GB/T 15565-2020
Foreword i
1 Scope
2 Graphical symbols
2.1 Symbols
2.2 General concepts
2.3 Classification
2.4 Field of application
2.5 Design
2.5.1 Design principles
2.5.2 Design template
2.5.3 Design datum
2.5.4 Symbol elements and details
2.6 Test
3 Sign
3.1 Basic concepts
3.2 Classification
3.3 Carriers
3.4 Visual elements
4 Public information guidance system
4.1 Basic concepts
4.2 Guidance elements
4.3 Guidance objectives
5 Safety information identification system
5.1 Basic concepts
5.2 Safety sign system
5.3 Emergency guidance system
6 Design and setting of guidance system
6.1 Design principles of guidance element
6.2 Setting principle of guidance system
6.3 Target audience
6.4 Influencing factors
Annex A (informative) Conceptual system of terms
