ISO 1831-1980 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 1831:1980 — Printing specifications for optical character recognition. This International Standard gives definitions, measurement requirements, specifications and recommendations for paper and printed media intended for optical character recognition (OCR) applications, addressing optical properties of paper, optical properties and dimensions of ink patterns for OCR characters, and basic positional requirements for OCR characters on the printed sheet.

Abstract

ISO 1831:1980 provides fundamental requirements and test/measurement guidance to ensure that paper and print intended for OCR can be reliably read by optical systems. The standard focuses on three main parameter groups: (1) optical properties of paper (reflectance/whiteness/opacity), (2) optical properties and dimensions of inks and printed OCR characters, and (3) positioning and placement requirements for OCR characters on documents. It also references related standards for character shapes (OCR-A, OCR-B), paper sizes and colorimetric methods.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard, confirmed in systematic review cycles).
• Publication date: October 1980 (Edition 1, 1980-10).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 35.040.50 (Automatic identification and data capture techniques / information coding).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (1980).
• Number of pages: 42 pages.

Key bibliographic and lifecycle details (status, date, edition, page count and committee) are recorded on ISO's standard record for ISO 1831:1980. The record also notes systematic reviews and confirmations (last confirmed review noted in ISO records).

Scope

ISO 1831:1980 applies to paper and printing intended specifically for optical character recognition systems. The scope covers: definitions and terminology relevant to OCR media; measurement and test requirements for optical properties of paper (such as diffuse reflectance/whiteness/opacity); specifications for the optical properties and dimensional tolerances of printed ink patterns used as OCR characters; and minimum/recommended rules for the placement and spacing of OCR characters on documents to support reliable machine reading. The standard is intended as guidance for producing OCR-capable media, and it cross-references character-shape standards and colorimetry references used in determining optical test conditions.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and vocabulary for OCR media and printed characters (terminology to ensure consistent testing and production).
• Measurement procedures and requirements for optical properties of paper (reflectance, whiteness, opacity) used to assess suitability for OCR scanning and recognition.
• Specifications for optical properties and dimensional limits of printed OCR characters (ink optical density, contrast, stroke width and character dimensions linked to OCR-A/B character sets).
• Positioning, spacing and layout recommendations for OCR characters on forms and documents to reduce misreads and support reliable automated processing.
• References to colorimetric and illuminant measurement practice (CIE colorimetry recommendations) for consistent optical testing conditions.

Typical use and users

Primary users include document and form designers, print houses producing OCR-enabled documents, manufacturers of OCR media (specialized paper and inks), quality‑control and testing laboratories, postal and banking organizations (forms, checks, and automated sorting), and organizations implementing automated data-capture workflows. Standards bodies and procurement teams may also use ISO 1831 when specifying OCR-capable paper/print requirements.

Related standards

ISO 1831:1980 references and is commonly used alongside: ISO 1073-1 (OCR-A character shapes and dimensions) and ISO 1073-2 (OCR-B character shapes and dimensions); standards on paper optical measurement such as ISO 2469 (measurement of diffuse reflectance factor) and ISO 2471 (determination of opacity by diffuse reflectance); general paper-size standard ISO 216; and CIE Publication 15 (Colorimetry) for colorimetric/illuminant conventions used in optical measurements. These related documents supply character shape definitions, paper/optical test methods and colorimetry foundations referenced by ISO 1831.

Keywords

ISO 1831, optical character recognition, OCR, OCR-A, OCR-B, OCR media, paper optical properties, opacity, reflectance, whiteness, character dimensions, print specifications, ISO 216, CIE colorimetry.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 1831:1980 is an International Standard titled "Printing specifications for optical character recognition" that defines requirements and measurement guidance for paper and print intended for OCR systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers definitions, measurement procedures for optical properties of paper (reflectance/opacity/whiteness), specifications for optical and dimensional characteristics of printed OCR characters, and guidance on character placement to support reliable machine reading. It also cross-references character-shape standards and colorimetric references.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Document designers, printers, paper and ink suppliers, QC/testing laboratories, postal and banking services, and anyone specifying or producing OCR-capable documents and forms.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO's record shows ISO 1831:1980 was published in October 1980 and has been subject to systematic review cycles; the ISO entry indicates it was last reviewed/confirmed in the ISO lifecycle record (confirmed in periodic reviews). Users who need an up‑to‑date compliance position should verify the current status with their national standards body or ISO sales/support channels.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Not a multi‑part series itself, but ISO 1831 is intended to be used together with related ISO documents that define OCR character shapes (ISO 1073-1 and -2), paper optical test methods (ISO 2469, ISO 2471) and general paper/printing conventions (ISO 216), plus CIE colorimetry references.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: OCR, OCR media, optical properties, paper opacity, reflectance, whiteness, character dimensions, OCR-A, OCR-B, print quality, ISO 1831:1980.