Display sequence of images using matplotlib

Question

I have this simple python script using OpenCV to load images from a folder and display them in a loop. I want to reproduce this effect using matplotlib.

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Answer 1

I like the following way of doing this which is really straight-forward and allows the whole figure to be updated, including title, labels etc. rather than just the image.

import numpy as np
from matplotlib import pyplot as plt

for j in range(0,3):
    img = np.random.normal(size=(100,150))
    plt.figure(1); plt.clf()
    plt.imshow(img)
    plt.title('Number ' + str(j))
    plt.pause(3)

A random image is formed.

plt.figure creates the figure the first time round if it does not already exist, and thereafter just makes figure 1 the current figure.

plt.clf clears the figure so subsequent updates don't overlay each other. The image is then displayed with a title.

The plt.pause statement is the key, since this causes the display to be updated - including title, labels etc.

Answer 2

img = None
for f in files:
    im=pl.imread(f)
    if img is None:
        img = pl.imshow(im)
    else:
        img.set_data(im)
    pl.pause(.1)
    pl.draw()

Answer 3

I have implemented a handy script based on matplotlib that just suits your need and much more. Check it here

In your case, the following snippet should work:

import os
from scipy.misc import imread

img_files = [for f in os.listdir('.') if f[-3:] == 'png']

# redraw_fn draw frame f in a image sequence
def redraw_fn(f, axes):
    img_file = img_files[f]
    img = imread(img_file)
    if not redraw_fn.initialized:
        redraw_fn.im = axes.imshow(img, animated=True)
        redraw_fn.initialized = True
    else:
        redraw_fn.im.set_array(img)
redraw_fn.initialized = False

videofig(len(img_files), redraw_fn, play_fps=30)