ISO 12231-1:2025

Overview

ISO 12231-1:2025 - Digital imaging - Vocabulary - Part 1: Fundamental terms is an ISO/TC 42 vocabulary standard that defines and clarifies core terms used across digital imaging. This second edition updates and extends the list of commonly used fundamental terms, removes obsolete entries, and provides a consistent, English‑based word order for terminology. The document contains no normative references and includes an informative Annex A that maps related working groups and ISO deliverables in digital imaging.

Key topics

The standard provides clear definitions for foundational digital‑imaging concepts, for example:

• Aliasing - output image artefacts from insufficient sampling (moiré, jagged edges).
• Digital still camera (DSC) - device with an image sensor producing a digital signal for still pictures.
• Image sensor - electronic device converting incident electromagnetic radiation to an electronic signal.
• Nyquist limit - spatial frequency tied to sampling period; frequencies above this limit will alias.
• Pixel aspect ratio and image aspect ratio - geometrical relationships important for image display and processing.
• Resolution and image quality - definitions that reference measurable metrics (SFR, MTF) and observer‑based perception.
• Flare and photography - optical and scope definitions bridging traditional and electronic imaging.

Definitions cite related ISO standards (e.g., ISO 12233, ISO 12232, ISO 20462‑1) when appropriate, helping readers link vocabulary to measurement and test methods.

Applications

ISO 12231-1:2025 is a reference for anyone who needs consistent terminology in digital imaging:

• Product specifications and datasheets for camera manufacturers, sensor designers and lens suppliers.
• Test labs and conformance bodies writing measurement procedures (resolution, noise, flare, low‑light).
• Software developers and standards writers implementing image‑processing, storage, metadata and encoding workflows.
• Educators, authors and technical communicators ensuring consistent use of terms in training and documentation.
• Procurement and quality assurance teams needing unambiguous vocabulary for contracts and test criteria.

Who should use it

• ISO/TC 42 working groups and standards developers
• Imaging equipment manufacturers and OEMs
• Imaging R&D engineers, system integrators and image‑quality analysts
• Certification bodies, test laboratories and academic researchers

Related standards

Annex A lists WGs and related ISO deliverables (examples: ISO 12233, ISO 12232, ISO 20462‑1, ISO 22028 series). Those documents provide measurement methods, test procedures and encodings that complement the vocabulary in ISO 12231‑1:2025.

Keywords: ISO 12231-1:2025, digital imaging vocabulary, fundamental terms, image sensor, aliasing, Nyquist limit, pixel aspect ratio, image quality, resolution, ISO standard.