Saving and Reading Complex Image to AIPD File in LabVIEW

AIPD is an uncompressed format used internally by LabVIEW to store images of any type, along with calibration information and other specifics that define the image characteristics completely. The file extension is .apd. This article will explain the method to save and read AIPD files in LabVIEW.

The option to save AIPD file is not available in IMAQ Write File 2 VI which is use in the recent LabVIEW version. In order to save AIPD file, you need to use the older IMAQ WriteFile.vi where you can find in the below Files1.llb file depending on your LabVIEW version.

• For LabVIEW 2024Q1 and later: C:\Program Files\NI\LVAddons\nivisioncommon\1\vi.lib\vision\Files1.llb
• Older LabVIEW 32-bit version: C:\Program Files\National Instruments\LabVIEW <version>\vi.lib\vision\Files1.llb
• Older LabVIEW 64-bit version: C:\Program Files (x86)\National Instruments\LabVIEW <version>\vi.lib\vision\Files1.llb

Steps Using IMAQ WriteFile.vi to Save Complex Image as AIPD file in LabVIEW

1. Navigate to Files1.llb file and copy it to other location.
2. Extract IMAQ WriteFile.vi from Files1.llb file by referring to this guide.
3. Place the IMAQ WriteFile.vi in your main VI and connect the Image, File Type and File Path input terminal.
   
   
    
4. Set the File Type input to AIPD as below snippet.
   
   Note: This image is a LabVIEW snippet, which includes LabVIEW code that you can reuse in your project. To use a snippet, right-click the image, save it to your computer, and drag the file onto your LabVIEW diagram.
   
   
5. Confirm that AIPD file is generated in your chosen directory.

Steps to Read AIPD File in LabVIEW.

1. Find the IMAQ ReadFile VI in function palleted and place it in the block diagram.
2. Connect the Image and File Path input terminal. The File Path is the saved AIPD file path. Refer to the below snippet.
   
   Note: This image is a LabVIEW snippet, which includes LabVIEW code that you can reuse in your project. To use a snippet, right-click the image, save it to your computer, and drag the file onto your LabVIEW diagram. 

You can save the complex image as AIPD file and read it again in LabVIEW.