read data from file for implementation

peace ! requesting some help with my vhdl code!

I'm writing code for image processing, what I nead is read

data(integer) from file (txt,xml or dat) to implemente the code in the board, the file is generated from matlab

Q1- what type of file should I use

Q2- does the txt file solve the problem( for simulation it's ok but the question is for the implementation)

Q3- could you advice me for some books or links

Any help would be greatly appreciated and thanks for your time!....peace