How to Display 3D Models on a LabVIEW Front Panel

Updated Jul 27, 2023

Reported In

Software

  • LabVIEW Full
  • LabVIEW Professional

Issue Details

  • I have a VRML or STL file from a 3D model. Is there a way to display and control the 3D model on the front panel of my VI?
  • How can I display a 3D model from SketchUp on to my front panel?

Solution

Yes, if you have LabVIEW Full or Professional Development System, you can display 3D models on the front panel using the 3D Picture Control VIs. These methods are not available with LabVIEW Base.

Using a while loop will allow the 3D model to be controlled, such as rotation and zooming. 

LabVIEW 8.5 and later example:

Use the Set Drawable method to 
 


LabVIEW 8.4 and earlier example:

Set Geometry is a method that was deprecated after LabVIEW 8.4.


 

 

Additional Information

The 3D Picture Control camera viewpoint will be fixed by default. Follow the steps for Configuring a Camera for a 3D Scene to enable you rotate the model within the 3D Picture Control.

This is an example 3D Picture Control displaying a 3D model as shown on the Front Panel of LabVIEW. 
 
Note: This is not the same feature as the Sensor Mapping Express VI available in LabVIEW 8.6 and later, which maps real-world data onto a 3D model. 

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