How do I load a picture from the clipboard (either Windows clipboard or Labview clipboard) into image data that can then be processed in Labview?

Question

I want to load a picture from the Windows clipboard (and if not possible, then from the Labview clipboard) into actual numerical image data so that it can be processed in lab view. When I'm at the main screen where I can add controls, I see a section of controls called "Vision" in the tool bar where all the different controls can can be added from. When I go to the control called "Image" and put that on my form, and then look at the flowchart/blockdiagram programing window to see what inputs and outputs it has, I only see one output, and no inputs. And when I right click on it, I see NO way to load an image into the Image control. PLEASE help me.
Message Edited by Ben321 on 11-09-2008 04:32 PM

Answer 1

Hi Ben,
National Instruments has an image processing software called Vision and although I am not completely sure, I think the controls that you found in the control pallet are used in conjunction with the software. Depending on what kind of image processing you want to conduct in LabVIEW, you might want to consider purchasing that product.
If cost is an issue, there are functions in LabVIEW which allows you to take in image files and process them. However, please keep in mind that the capabilities are limited.
Images should be loaded onto LabVIEW not via the clipboard but through loading it from folders or directories. (There might be a way to and so if you find a way please let me know! I would like to know myself =D) If you open the function pallet by right clicking on the block diagram, in the programming folder you should find a directory called "Graphic and Sound". There, you'll find functions in which allows you to process images.
 In the "Graphic Type" directory there should be a function called Read JPEG file.vi. There are also others which allows you to read png and bmp files. Please note that there are functions which write as well. Set a file path on the block diagram and inside the "Grahic and Sound" there is a "Picture Function" directory and inside there, there should be a function called "Draw Flattened Pixmap.vi" That changes the image into a format where you can process on LabVIEW. Inside the "Picture Function" directory there are several functions which allows you to process the specified image. Play around with it and see how it goes. And don't forget to Write the file in the end to save any changes.
I hope this helps
National Instruments Japan
Applications Engineer Taiki Hoshi