I want to design a webform that user should fill some fields. The value of one field should be read from Serial port (COM1) of client computer which a special hardware is connected to it and the user presses the Send to PC key of the hardware when filling the form.
How i can listen to COM1 port in my webpage and get the value of COM1 and place it in the web form automatically?
I heard that ActiveX controls can do this but it is compatible only with IE (right?). The other option is Java applets.
I want a simple solution which be compatible with (at least) IE/Firefox/Opera.
I the server-side i can have ASP or PHP but i am appreciate if you give a solution for each.
UPDATE:
We can tell clients to change their security settings to accept our ActiveX/applet.
It is also possible for us to tell clients to install a custom program which runs as a service and reads from Serial port.
The problem is the read data should be entered to the webform automatically and immediately.
The java applet is a good idea, but the client have to install JRE which is large in size.
Is there any other option?
With a Java Applet you can read from the serial port but you need to sign the applet for security reasons. To firm unofficially (no sun’s firm) you have to create a certificate. Here is an example.