What is a bounding volume hierarchy?

What is a bounding volume hierarchy?

A bounding volume hierarchy (BVH) is a tree structure used in computer graphics to organize geometric objects. It helps in efficient rendering and collision detection by enclosing objects in bounding volumes.

How does BVH improve rendering performance?

BVH improves rendering performance by reducing the number of intersection tests needed. Instead of checking every object, the algorithm can quickly eliminate large groups of objects that are not visible.

What types of bounding volumes are commonly used?

Common types of bounding volumes include axis-aligned bounding boxes (AABBs), oriented bounding boxes (OBBs), and spheres. Each has its advantages depending on the application.

Can you explain how to build a BVH?

To build a BVH, you typically start by grouping objects into bounding volumes, then recursively subdivide these groups into smaller volumes until you reach a desired level of granularity.

What are the limitations of using BVH?

Limitations of BVH include the overhead of building the hierarchy and potential inefficiencies in dynamic scenes where objects frequently move.