How Do I Configure and Use the VI Server?
Primary Software: Utility Software>>Server Explorer
Primary Software Version: 2.4.1
Primary Software Fixed Version: N/A
Secondary Software: LabVIEW Development Systems>>Professional Development System, LabVIEW Development Systems>>Full Development System, LabVIEW Development Systems>>Base Package
Problem: How do I configure the VI Server? How do I control a VI with the VI Server?
Solution: First you need to enable your computer (and any networked computers that you want to communicate with) for VI Server use. Your computer will be the "localhost" and any networked computers will be clients for the server on your local host. Complete the following steps for both the local computer and any networked computers:
- Select Tools»Options and select VI Server: Configuration.
- Make sure TCP/IP is selected under Protocols.
- Select Tools»Options and select VI Server: Machine Access.
- Add the IP Address of each networked computer that you want to be able to access your VI Server. (If you are not using VI Server to communicate between networked machines, do not complete this step.) If you want a number of computers to have access to your machine, you can use standard wildcards like the * character. For example, machine access with only a * will allow any machine to have access to your server.
Use the following functions located on the
Functions»Application Control palette to control a VI:
- Place an Open Application Reference function on the block diagram. This function specifies which LabVIEW application you want to run. The chosen LabVIEW application can be on the local machine or on a networked machine. This function then generates an Application Reference. At this point you can operate on the LabVIEW application using the Property Node and Invoke Node.
- If you want to operate on a specific VI, call the Open VI Reference function. This function uses an Application Reference to specify which LabVIEW to use (the default is the local machine's LabVIEW). You must also specify the path to the VI you want to use. After following these steps you will have a VI Reference generated. At this point you can operate on the VI using the Property Node and Invoke Node.
- After using the Property and Invoke Nodes, you will need to close the reference using the Close LabVIEW Object Reference function. Any references that were not closed will be closed automatically when the calling VI is closed.
LabVIEW includes some VI Server examples, but you can also search the
NI Developer Zone for VI Server examples.
The LabVIEW Internet Connectivity Toolkit expands the functionality of LabVIEW to include native interaction with popular internet protocols. Developers can easily utilize the existing internet infrastructure to remotely interact with VIs, transfer acquired data, and even serve and password protect sensitive information using the included G Web Server and CGI functionality. Low and high-level VIs can be used for varying degrees of control and complexity. For more information,
click here.
The LabVIEW Internet Toolkit is sold separately along with the
LabVIEW Database Connectivity Toolset.
Related Links: KnowledgeBase 2N7E7CEW: Can I Launch a VI Within an Executable Dynamically Using VI Server?KnowledgeBase 26LCQQVW: Invoking Native LabVIEW Functions Using VI ServerKnowledgeBase 18N9B5WV: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the LabVIEW 5.0 VI Server
Attachments:
Report Date: 03/03/1998
Last Updated: 04/04/2008
Document ID: DIRECT-3S8STK
