VB6 - Show image Metadata (XMP, EXIF, Thumbnail, etc) with WinRT BitmapDecoder Class

[VanGoghGaming]

This project uses the BitmapDecoder WinRT class to enumerate the metadata properties of an image (such as those properties saved by a professional digital camera). A TypeLib with the required WinRT interface definitions is included in the ZIP archive.

The project also showcases some bitmap transforms that can be applied to the image before displaying it, like Scale, Flip and Rotation:



Here is the demo project: MetaDataProperties.zip (test image not included as it was a whooping 5MB, way too much for the forum attachment size limits, so you need to provide your own image or download a fresh one loaded with metadata properties)!

* Later Edit: here's the link for the test image.

[HackerVlad]

What are the system requirements?
I have Windows 8 and it doesn't work...
Not found IBitmapDecoderStatics.

[VanGoghGaming]

I assume you selected the included TypeLib from the ZIP archive in Project -> References, yes? Nevertheless, the requirements for WinRT are usually Windows 10+. Why don't you do yourself a favor and download an ISO image with Windows 10? It's free if you don't mind the watermark but also a key costs something like $15 so why not go legit?

[fafalone]

I'm having trouble running this at all and I'm on Windows 10 RS5 (1809).

Opened VB6 project, added reference, compiled, exe immediately errors with object or ... not set. Same as I get in the IDE if I clear the bInIDE blocker.

tB gives that error when run from the IDE; compiled, the form loads but I can't load any image.

[VanGoghGaming]

"bInIDE" is not a blocker, it just filters some "Debug.Print" statements which only work in the IDE anyway, it should tell you what the error is in the immediate window, does it not?

[fafalone]

There's a Debug.Assert bInIde on startup. Windows.Devices.Printers.IppAttributeValue Class not registered.

But anyway the documentation I find googling has little about supported os but it looks like Win11 only; 21H2/22000. 10/1903 on my tablet is def a no go.

[HackerVlad]

There's a Debug.Assert bInIde on startup. Windows.Devices.Printers.IppAttributeValue Class not registered.

But anyway the documentation I find googling has little about supported os but it looks like Win11 only; 21H2/22000. 10/1903 on my tablet is def a no go.

I have the exact same error that the class is not registered.
I think it's wrong to put a program in ready-made solutions and not specify the system requirements that it will only work for Win11.

[VanGoghGaming]

There's a Debug.Assert bInIde on startup. Windows.Devices.Printers.IppAttributeValue Class not registered.

But anyway the documentation I find googling has little about supported os but it looks like Win11 only; 21H2/22000. 10/1903 on my tablet is def a no go.

This is directly from the horse's mouth (the Windows SDK):

[contract(Windows.Foundation.UniversalApiContract, 13.0)]
            [marshaling_behavior(agile)]
            [static(Windows.Devices.Printers.IIppAttributeValueStatics, Windows.Foundation.UniversalApiContract, 13.0)]
            [threading(both)]
            runtimeclass IppAttributeValue
            {
                [default] interface Windows.Devices.Printers.IIppAttributeValue;
            }

And this is from Copilot:

what version of Windows does UniversalApiContract, 13.0 apply to?

The UniversalApiContract, 13.0 applies to Windows 10, version 2004 (build 19041) and later versions. This means that APIs introduced in UniversalApiContract version 13.0 are available starting from Windows 10, version 2004.

Given that I am using Windows 10 and it works just fine, it appears Copilot is correct in this statement... Why does nobody use an updated version of Windows anymore?

[fafalone]

I had gone by https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/uw...ew=winrt-26100

"WinRT Build 22000, Build 22621, Build 26100 "

Since those match Win11 build numbers

Windows is always adding telemetry, reverting settings to disable it, breaking things, and with later updates trying to trick or force you to downgrade to Win11. So updates get disabled. I'm on an LSTC Enterprise version supported through 2029 so I can sideload individual security updates if needed.

[HackerVlad]

I totally agree! The new version does not mean that it is better. Especially if it's a Microsoft product...