Archived:3D Sensor Mapping Express VI Causes LabVIEW to Hang

Updated Jan 26, 2021

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Reported In

Software

  • LabVIEW

Issue Details

When I load a model file in the 3D Sensor Mapping Express VI, the viewer remains black and LabVIEW hangs. What is causing this?

Solution

LabVIEW is only capable of loading VRML and STL files saved in ASCII format. If they are saved as binary files, LabVIEW will hang when trying to load the file. To solve this issue, use the appropriate CAD software to save the model in ASCII format. 

For example, in SOLIDWORKS®, we can save in both formats, but only the .stl format has an option to save in ASCII format. This is done by clicking Optionswhen in the Save As prompt, as shown below. 

When the Options Screen comes up, select the Output As: ASCII radio button, as shown below. 
Your file will be saved as .stl in ASCII format, and will now be readable by the LabVIEW Sensor Mapping VI.

Additional Information

LabVIEW provides the ability to load 3D model files created from Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. Specifically, it can load Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) or Stereolithography (STL) files. These are saved as .wrl and .stl files, respectively, in either ASCII or binary format. It is important to note that LabVIEW can only load .stl and .wrl files in ASCII format.

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