Chapter 1
Introduction
©
National Instruments Corporation
1-5
PCI/PXI-1408 and NI-IMAQ for Win95/NT
NI-IMAQ Driver Software
The NI-IMAQ driver software is included at no charge with the
PCI/PXI-1408. NI-IMAQ has an extensive library of functions that you
can call from your application programming environment. These
functions include routines for video configuration, image acquisition
(continuous and single-shot), memory buffer allocation, trigger control,
and board configuration. The NI-IMAQ driver software performs all
functions required for acquiring and saving images. The NI-IMAQ
software does not perform any image analysis. For image analysis
functionality, refer to the National Instruments Application Software
section earlier in this chapter.
NI-IMAQ has both high-level and low-level functions for maximum
flexibility and performance. Examples of high-level functions include
the functions to acquire images in single-shot or continuous mode. An
example of a low-level function is configuring an image sequence since
it requires advanced understanding of the 1408 device and image
acquisition.
NI-IMAQ also internally resolves many of the complex issues between
the computer and the 1408 device, such as programming interrupts and
DMA controllers. NI-IMAQ is the interface path between LabVIEW,
BridgeVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, or a conventional programming
environment and the 1408 device.
Any platform that supports NI-IMAQ also supports NI-DAQ and a
variety of National Instruments DAQ boards, so your 1408 device and
NI-IMAQ development can integrate with National Instruments DAQ
products.
Whether you are using conventional programming languages or
National Instruments software, your application uses the NI-IMAQ
driver software, as illustrated in Figure 1-1.