Using an image with transparent background in Labview 8

[RazorV3]

Hello all,

I am aware of the fact that with LabView 8 you can use imported images as points on a graph or chart but in the older versions you cannot.  My main question is that is it possible to use images (either .png, .jpg, .gif, etc) as points on a graph or chart that have transparent backgrounds?   This is important for my application because I don't want a whole "block" showing up but instead just have the actual image show but with its background transparent.  I hope that make sense.  Thanks in advance everyone!

[RazorV3]

anyone please?

[JeffBoettcher]

Yes, in terms of simply importing images for static display on the front panel (or block diagram), both total and partial transparency are supported.  Once you start talking about dealing with image data programmatically in a LabVIEW VI, transparency becomes much more of a problem.

You might find this document (which I wrote a few years ago) helpful.

[link removed]

P.S.  I caught myself in time to edit...  Bob's response might be more applicable, I missed the detail that you specifically wanted to use the transparent images as plot points on the graph.  If that's the case, the KB link above still may help with the attached Create Mask By Alpha.vi, though I also have not tried doing this with graph plot points.

Message Edited by Jeff B on 05-01-2006 11:31 AM

[Bob_Y.]

I haven't done this but I might be able to help.  First off, how do you import the images for use as plot points?  I have been unable to figure this out.  Most of the time, when you import an image, the transparency is automatic.  Since it is not, what color is it picking for transparent?  Is the problem that it is making the image transparent to the wrong plane?  In other words, instead of the plot area background, is it the gray control background?


Just some thoughts to get you started.
Bob Young

[RazorV3]

thanks for the responses so far.  i honestly have no idea how to import images as plots on a graph because we only have labview 7 here at work.  I think my boss will order labview 8 soon but I was just looking to see if anyone had experience using this new feature in LV 8 (I only read about this feature).  All responses are welcome, thanks in advance!