Overview
ISO/IEC 23090-5:2026 is an international standard developed by ISO and IEC, focusing on the coded representation of immersive media, specifically visual volumetric video-based coding (V3C) and video-based point cloud compression (V-PCC). This standard defines the syntax, semantics, decoding processes, and necessary reconstruction procedures for efficiently representing, compressing, and reconstructing volumetric visual data using video-based methods.
With the increasing demand for advanced 3D content in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR/AR/MR), the ability to efficiently code and transmit visual volumetric media is essential. Uncompressed volumetric video can require enormous data storage and bandwidth, so ISO/IEC 23090-5:2026 addresses the need for high-efficiency compression and practical interoperability between immersive applications and devices.
Key Topics
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V3C (Visual Volumetric Video-Based Coding):
- Mechanism for encoding 3D volumetric data by representing it as a sequence of 2D images and associated metadata.
- Enables usage of existing video coding standards for improved efficiency.
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V-PCC (Video-Based Point Cloud Compression):
- Application of V3C tailored for point cloud sequences, where each frame contains points with 3D positions and attributes (e.g., color, reflectance).
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Syntax and Semantics:
- Detailed definition of bitstream structure, including logical and mathematical operators, variable naming, and syntax tabular forms.
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Decoding, Reconstruction, and Adaptation:
- Specification of decoding operations required to reconstruct 3D volumetric scenes from coded bitstreams.
- Processes for post-decoding, pre-reconstruction, adaptation, and other auxiliary actions.
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Extensibility:
- Designed to support future applications, including mesh representations and immersive video with depth, and is extensible with other related ISO standards such as video-based dynamic mesh coding.
Applications
ISO/IEC 23090-5:2026 has broad relevance across sectors adopting 3D media and immersive content, including:
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Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality (VR/AR/MR):
- Efficient streaming, storage, and rendering of immersive scenes in real time.
- Enablement of interactive 3D experiences on a variety of hardware and platforms.
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Telepresence and Communication:
- Support for volumetric video conferencing and remote collaboration tools, rendering participants as 3D point clouds.
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Digital Twins and Industry 4.0:
- High-quality capture, compression, and display of real-world objects and environments for simulation, monitoring, and maintenance.
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Media Production and Broadcasting:
- Delivery of high-fidelity immersive video for entertainment, sports, and live events where 3D capture enhances viewer experience.
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Research and Development:
- Foundation for further innovation in volumetric media compression, interactive 3D graphics, and immersive technology research.
Related Standards
ISO/IEC 23090-5:2026 is part of the broader ISO/IEC 23090 series on immersive media and references several foundational documents, including:
These related standards ensure interoperability, future-proofing, and alignment with global multimedia coding requirements.
Practical Value
ISO/IEC 23090-5:2026 establishes a robust framework for compressing, transmitting, and reconstructing volumetric visual content. By building on proven video coding technologies and introducing efficient methods for point cloud and volumetric data compression, this standard empowers developers, manufacturers, and service providers to scale immersive solutions while maintaining high fidelity and manageable resource usage.
Adoption of this standard supports the rapid growth of immersive media applications and ensures compatibility with current and next-generation video, imaging, and 3D representation technologies.