Collision detection for interactive graphics applications

摘要

Collision detection and response are important for interactivengraphics applications such as vehicle simulators and virtual reality.nUnfortunately, previous collision detection algorithms are too slow forninteractive use. The paper presents a new algorithm for rigid ornarticulated objects that meets performance goals through a form of timencritical computing. The algorithm supports progressive refinement,ndetecting collisions between successively tighter approximations tonobject surfaces as the application allows it more processing time. Thenalgorithm uses simple four dimensional geometry to approximate motion,nand hierarchies of spheres to approximate three dimensional surfaces atnmultiple resolutions. In a sample application, the algorithm allowsninteractive performance that is not possible with a good previousnalgorithm. In particular, the new algorithm provides acceptable accuracynwhile maintaining a steady and high frame rate, which in some casesnimproves on the previous algorithm's rate by more than two orders ofnmagnitude