web application, need to determine if a USB device is connected to the client computer

Question

I have a intranet web application that uses a signature pad to save the signatures of users. I would like to display the signature control only when the sign pad is connected to the computer.

I have tried query against Win32_SystemDriver and Win32_USBController using ManagementObjectCollection but this will bring the server information.

I declare the control dynamically based on values in a parameter table. So the control is added to the form only if the parameter is needed. Now, if the parameter (signature) is required but the user does not have the signature pad, then I don't want the control to be added in the form.

There are ways to query against the device using the control, but I will have the control displayed in my form... I don't what to display it if not connected.

Answer 1

Perhaps with Flash you could try to get a hold of the USB connection... I don't really think you'll succeed, but it's worth a try.

Otherwise, probably not doable.