Video data - pointer tunnel icon

[Rob_Ward]

Unlike most other data in LabVIEW video data, or Image Array, is passed by reference - that is the pointer is passed rather than the data.  This is so that multiple copies of memory expensive video files are not reproduced unlike most other data types in LabVIEW when a wire branch is created.  However without being aware of this one could unwittingly make a fatal mistake when using videos in LabVIEW.

I propose that tunnels for video files have a little star inside them to let the user know that they are passing a pointer rather than the actual data; this is the convention in C.

Regards,

[Intaris]

While I feel your pain (I've been bitten by this a few times) there is already a convention in LV, an olive green wire.

I would rather change the wire representation to this than make special account for a single data type.

[DFGray]

The DVR data type in LabVIEW, which can handle any type of data, has similar characteristics.  However, it also has a distinctive wire.

[X.]

You learn quickly after a few bug bites. After that, it is hard (even for me) to not remember that modifying an image somwhere will modify it everywhere.

Moreover, most Vision VIs have a "source" and "destination" image input, so it is VERY difficult to ignore.

This being said, I don't have any objections with a different wire style (looks identical to Variant if I am not mistaken).

[Darren]

Any idea that has not received any kudos within a year after posting will be automatically declined.