Overview
ISO/IEC 23090-6:2021 defines a standardized measurement framework and metrics for immersive media (VR/360). It specifies how immersive media metrics are collected, represented and reported so service providers and analytics systems can monitor and improve immersive media quality and user experience. The document includes a client reference model with five observation points (OP1–OP5), a Metrics Computing and Reporting (MCR) concept, metric definitions (e.g., rendered FOV, display info, rendered viewports, viewport-switching latency) and a measurement process. Annex A provides implementation illustrations.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Client reference model and observation points
- OP1: network access (file/segment requests and reception)
- OP2: media processing (parsing, decoding, metadata extraction)
- OP3: sensors (head/eye tracking, viewport center)
- OP4: media renderer (actual rendered viewport, frame timing)
- OP5: application/config (display resolution, PPI, FOV, device capabilities)
These observation points enable consistent collection of measurable data for immersive metrics.
- Metrics definitions and data types
- ViewportDataType: structured object identifying a viewport (viewpoint_id, centre_azimuth, centre_elevation, centre_tilt, azimuth_range, elevation_range).
- RenderedFOVSet, DisplayInfoSet, Rendered viewports, Comparable quality viewport switching latency - formally specified metrics for logging immersive playback and rendering behavior.
- Measurement framework and process
- Use of DASH metrics syntax (ISO/IEC 23009-1) with additions for viewport data.
- Specification of collection points, timing (presentation timestamps, wall clock), and reporting flow to analytics servers.
- Interoperability and metadata support
- Support for OMAF/omnidirectional metadata (projections, region-wise packing) and integration with DASH MPD information.
Practical applications and users
- Who uses it: VR/immersive platform engineers, streaming service providers, CDN and network operators, device and HMD manufacturers, application developers, QA and analytics teams, and UX researchers.
- How it’s used:
- Collect client-side metrics to analyze end-user QoE and playback issues.
- Drive adaptive streaming decisions (viewport-aware fetching) and rendering optimizations.
- Benchmark device capabilities (display resolution, PPI, frame rate) and viewport responsiveness.
- Feed analytics pipelines to improve content encoding, CDN placement, and UI/interaction design.
Related standards
- ISO/IEC 23090 series (Coded representation of immersive media) - includes Part 2: Omnidirectional media format (OMAF).
- ISO/IEC 23009-1:2019 (DASH) - used for metric syntax and observation point alignment.
ISO/IEC 23090-6 is essential for consistent logging and measurement of immersive media quality, enabling reproducible analytics and improvements across networks, devices, and applications. Keywords: ISO/IEC 23090-6, immersive media metrics, VR metrics, viewport metrics, client reference model, MCR, DASH, OMAF.
Open preview (PDF)Information technology — Coded representation of immersive media — Part 6: Immersive media metrics
