Data structure optimisation for visual simulation loops

摘要

A method for handling data structures for visual simulation loops to facilitate graphics rendering in a virtual scene includes the steps of building a data structure for a first phase/stage of the loop, performing a 1stphase computation using said data structure, adapting (414) the data structure for a second phase of the loop and performing (413) a 2ndphase computation using the adapted data structure. The method enables a common data structure to be shared (410) for all phases/stages of a visual simulation loop wherein the data structure may be adapted/optimized as required for a particular computational phase. The data structure may comprise akd-tree, a bounding volume hierarchy (BVH) or a bounding interval hierarchy (BIH). By using and selectively adapting a common data structure, the total computational time required for the visual simulation loop may be reduced.