launch outside application

[TerryE]

I am trying to create a button to launch an outside application.

I am trying to run a Flash presentation of my system in operation from my front panel. Whenever the user clicks on the button, I want to execute once and then stop and exit Flash.

I have my Flash presentation finished, but don't have a clue how to do this in LabView.

Thanks for any help.

Terry

[Labviewguru]

There are several options as to how to do this.

I would recommend, as your first choice, to place an ActiveX container on your front panel with a MS Browser embedded in it, and call the Flash object that way.

Another option is to use ActiveX to call MSIE or another browser to run the Flash Object.

Still another option is to use the command line (system exec) call to call IE with the appropriate address. This is easy, but requires correct syntax. I know that I had a very difficult time trying to find command line syntax from Microsoft.

I hope that is helpful.

[TerryE]

I got the active x container in, but can't find ms browser

I see a Macromedia flash object, too, but when I put that in, nothing happens. I made a movie out of my flash file. Can I use a different type of movie player?

I have been playing with calendar, spreadsheet, etc. so am learning a little about what it is doing.

[Dennis_Knutson]

Use this link here to find an example using some ActiveX controls including MS Media Player. I've never used the Flash object but I have used Media Player. I believe that some versions can play Flash but I'm not sure. In any case, the example should give you some of things you need to do to run your movie.

[parenp]

You can put the Macromedia Flash object in the ActiveX control. Then you just need to change one of the properties using a property node to make it point to your movie. I think the property you need to change is URL or something similar.

Some other methods and properties are also available to allow communication between your LabVIEW program and the Flash movie. I don't have an example of this setup right now, but let me know if you're interested.

Pete

[Labviewguru]

Check again for the browser. It should be there as long as you have any version of IE. It should be the last item under "Microsoft..." items.

The media player should be "ActiveMovie2". I don't know if it plays flash objects.

What format did you make your movie in?

[storeyk]

Add an Active X container onto the front panel and insert an Active X object, either Shockwave Flash Object if you have it or Microsoft Web Browser as mentioned before. Then you will need to create method and load movie or navigate.

I hope this helps.

Kim

[TerryE]

Ok, got the browser in. It brings up my movie, but I don't have anyway to stop my movie. In addition, I want the movie to pop up full screen. I found sort of an example in Labview, slideshow.vi but it is for a powerpoint presentation. Now, I need to convert this two examples to get my solution.

[Labviewguru]

There may or may not be a method or property to allow you to stop the movie. Have you tried just using "Stop"?

If not, then try the attached VI. It is a simple VI that uses the Media player to play a movie. You will have to change the properties as this was not very generic, and designed to take up the full screen.

[TerryE]

Well, I exported my flash movie to an animated gif. An avi file had HORRIBLE quality. The gif is not much better, but is barely passable.

I have learned how to use the media player, many of the properties and the methods. Nothing like the good old trial and error method.

Is there anyplace that indicates what each of the methods and properties is requesting? I create a constant and then play with that, but that is cumbersome.

I still can't get my flash movie or shockwave movie to work in the container. They just don't do anything.

Thanks for the help.