Multi-Layer Bounding Boxes for Complex Object Collision Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collision detection methods are limited to specific types of objects and cannot effectively handle objects with complex shapes and continuous curved surfaces.

Innovation Solution

The method involves constructing multiple layers of bounding boxes around an object, starting with a polyhedron that can accommodate the object, and iteratively cutting this box using support planes to form smaller bounding boxes, allowing for collision detection to be performed layer by layer, thereby approximating complex objects into regular shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If general collision detection methods are used, then they are simple to implement, but they cannot handle objects with complex shapes and continuous curved surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability to complex objectsVSAvoidmethod complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments complex objects with continuous curved surfaces into multiple simple convex geometric bodies through spatial decomposition. This allows standard collision detection algorithms to be applied to each segment individually, thereby extending the applicability of simple methods to complex objects while maintaining computational feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces bounding boxes as intermediary structures to bridge the gap between complex objects and simple collision detection algorithms. By enclosing each convex geometric body within a bounding box, the system enables efficient preliminary collision detection without requiring complex shape analysis, thus maintaining simplicity while handling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If hierarchical bounding box methods are used, then detection speed improves, but detection precision may be compromised for complex curved surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoidcollision detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides complex objects into multiple convex geometric segments, each enclosed by its own bounding box. This segmentation enables the hierarchical detection process to work efficiently at multiple levels: first checking bounding boxes for quick rejection, then verifying actual convex body intersections only when necessary, thereby maintaining both speed and precision for curved surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct complex surface intersection testing with a two-stage process: first using simple axis-aligned bounding box tests (mechanical substitution of complex math with simple geometric tests), then using convex body collision detection only when needed. This substitution maintains detection speed while preserving accuracy for complex curved surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3985616B1Object collision detection methods and devices
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO LTD
  • EP3985616B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3985616B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3985616B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

A multi-layer bounding box determination method, and collision detection and motion control methods and devices. The method for determining a multi-layer bounding box of an object comprises: determining a polyhedron capable of accommodating the object therein, and taking same as a first-layer bounding box (S101); selecting one of a plurality of vertexes of the first-layer bounding box, and taking same as a target vertex (S 102); determining the object's support plane which takes a specific direction corresponding to the target vertex as a normal vector, and is closest to the target vertex (S103), the support plane being a plane which passes through a point on the surface of the object and enables the object to be completely located at one side of the support plane; and at least using the support plane to cut the first-layer bounding box, so as to form a smaller bounding box, and taking same as a second-layer bounding box (S104).