The BVH tree (Bounding Volume Hierarchy) is a key structure in sculpt mode of Blender, used to accelerate selection processes, collision detection, and mesh manipulation. In previous versions, its implementation was not efficient, leading to high memory consumption and slowing down various operations. With the recent redesign, its architecture has been optimized, improving performance and reducing the system load.
The Role of BVH in Sculpt Mode
The BVH functions as a hierarchical structure that organizes geometric data to optimize tasks such as:
- Selection of affected areas by brushes.
- Efficient calculation of collisions in the mesh.
- Faster processing of deformations and modifications.
Every time a user applies a modification to the mesh, Blender updates this structure to reflect changes in the geometry. In previous versions, this process had multiple bottlenecks.
“Optimizing the BVH structure means greater fluidity in sculpting and a faster response with each stroke.”
Problems with the Previous Implementation
The previous version of the BVH tree stored unnecessary data, which affected the software's performance. Some of the most common problems were:
- Duplicate references to the geometry, increasing memory consumption.
- Redundant visibility information with no real impact on sculpting.
- Costly updates that slowed down the workflow on high-density meshes.
Structure Optimization and Memory Reduction
The new BVH design has simplified its core function, eliminating unnecessary elements and optimizing data storage. Some key improvements include:
- Switch from a triangle-based system to a face-based system.
- Reduction in memory usage for quad models, allowing handling half the data.
- Increased processing speed of up to 2.3x compared to previous versions.
Impact on Sculpt Mode Performance
Thanks to this optimization, BVH reconstruction is now much faster, which translates to:
- Less waiting time when modifying high-density meshes.
- Greater precision in applying brushes without interruptions.
- A smoother workflow for digital artists.
A Key Change for the Future of Digital Sculpting
The BVH tree redesign not only optimizes the current performance of sculpt mode, but also lays the foundation for future improvements in handling large volumes of data in Blender. With a more efficient and modular structure, this advancement facilitates:
- Better integration with rendering and simulation tools.
- A system prepared for upcoming innovations in digital sculpting.
- Greater stability and optimization for latest-generation hardware.
Thanks to these improvements, Blender continues to establish itself as a reference tool in 3D modeling and digital sculpting.