Is there a way to communicate with USB devices from browser?

Question

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)

Answer 1

Google chrome offers a javascript USB device interface but this is chrome specific.

https://developer.chrome.com/apps/usb

Not sure what you would do on other browsers.

Answer 2

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.