Hello folks,
Is there a way to communicate with USB devices within regular browser (FF, Safari, IE8, etc)? I assume it could be Javascript -> Java bridge or something else.
Please advice
P.S. Does it possible with minimal dependencies? If not, the whole point of browser-based software is useless (in my case)
Why would the point of browser based sofware be useless?
Browser -> USB seems like a huge security flaw.
I don't let the browser talk to my hard drive, why should it talk to my flash drive?
I don't let my browser talk to my built in webcam; why should it take to my usb webcam?
If your CC and barcode scanners work as HID devices (basically, keyboard emulation), yes you can, and I have seen it done. If they're more complicated than that, it depends, the system is going to require drivers for the device and it is then OS dependant. But, for example, there are smartcard readers that will hook the card into the system's certificate framework for authentication.
You're not going to be able to use a chipped credit card with that sort of reader, however, since the protocol for those requires bidirectional communication with the card. I think there may be a way to talk to a proper point of sale CC terminal over USB, but that will most likely require drivers.
With Silverlight 4 (beta) there are ways do things like that, but only for trusted applications and maybe not the way you hope...
It provides a API for COM Automation. That means you need a drive that exposes some COM interop for you or you have to write something to control the USB-Port/Device yourself.
this article seems to be a good sample: