VolumeFlies: Illustrative Volume Visualization using Particles

Non-photorealistic (NPR) techniques are usually applied to produce stylistic renderings. However, they can also be useful to visualize scientific datasets. NPR techniques are often able to simplify data, producing clearer images than traditional photorealistic methods. We propose a framework for visualizing volume datasets using non-photorealistic techniques. Our framework is based on particle systems, with user-selectable rules affecting properties of the particles such as position and appearance. The techniques presented do not require the generation of explicit intermediary surfaces. Furthermore, the framework is versatile enough to produce a variety of illustrative techniques within the same framework.