Abstract: Updating a spatial partitioning data structure during run-time in an efficient manner includes several pre-processing steps. Pre-processing includes generating a first spatial partitioning data structure for a model at a first resolution, generating a second spatial partitioning data structure for the model at a second resolution, analyzing the first and second spatial partitioning data structures to identify differences between spatial partitioning of the model at the first and second resolutions, and storing the differences in a spatial partitioning update data structure. This pre-processing may be repeated for one or more pairs of successive resolutions of the model. Subsequently, during run-time, the model's resolution may be changed from the first resolution to the second resolution. In response, a spatial partitioning data structure corresponding to the first resolution may be updated using the spatial partitioning update data structure to reflect the change in resolution of the model.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for expediting detection of collision between any of N objects are disclosed. When a determination is made that a plurality of the N objects are one of (a) located in a plane and (b) collinear along a line parallel to an axis of a first coordinate system; one example method selects a second coordinate system wherein less than the plurality of the N objects lie in any plane of the second coordinate system; and performs a sweep and prune process on the N objects using the second coordinate system. Another example method responds to the determination by performing a sweep and prune process on the N objects while ignoring any set of objects having more than a predetermined number of members.

Abstract: Updating a spatial partitioning data structure during run-time in an efficient manner includes several pre-processing steps. Pre-processing includes generating a first spatial partitioning data structure for a model at a first resolution, generating a second spatial partitioning data structure for the model at a second resolution, analyzing the first and second spatial partitioning data structures to identify differences between spatial partitioning of the model at the first and second resolutions, and storing the differences in a spatial partitioning update data structure. This pre-processing may be repeated for one or more pairs of successive resolutions of the model. Subsequently, during run-time, the model's resolution may be changed from the first resolution to the second resolution. In response, a spatial partitioning data structure corresponding to the first resolution may be updated using the spatial partitioning update data structure to reflect the change in resolution of the model.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for expediting detection of collision between any of N objects are disclosed. When a determination is made that a plurality of the N objects are one of (a) located in a plane and (b) collinear along a line parallel to an axis of a first coordinate system; one example method selects a second coordinate system wherein less than the plurality of the N objects lie in any plane of the second coordinate system; and performs a sweep and prune process on the N objects using the second coordinate system. Another example method responds to the determination by performing a sweep and prune process on the N objects while ignoring any set of objects having more than a predetermined number of members.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for inputting and rendering haptic data. Wherein, a haptel generates a signal in response to subjecting the haptel to a stimulus.