A USB HID Component for C#

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Introduction

This article is about a USB HID component which enables you to communicate with HID devices over USB. There is no default component available for USB at this moment, and this component should provide you with a good starting point when writing your own USB HID enabled applications.

This article provides a sample application as well as the component itself.

Background

The component is based on various sources. A good start for USB in C# is this website. Also the book USB COMPLETE (third edition) by Jan Axelson is a must read for anyone wishing to incorporate USB HID into her/his application.

The component is developed during a project at the Avans Hogeschool in 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands.

Using the Code

In the provided sample application, there is a good demonstration on how to include the component. Moreover, the use of the component is very well demonstrated. The only thing that must be done in your own application is implementing the events.

You'll also have to override the following functions in your form, so that your program is USB aware. In the property box, you'll have to provide a vendor and product id of your USB device in order to detect the correct device.

protected override void OnHandleCreated(EventArgs e)
{
base.OnHandleCreated(e);
usb.RegisterHandle(Handle);
}
protected override void WndProc(ref Messagea m)
{
usb.ParseMessages(ref m);
base.WndProc(ref m); // pass message on to base form
}

Points of Interest

A mouse is always in use by Windows, and cannot be captured by your own application. This also applies to HID devices in use by other applications.

History

• 22^nd March, 2007: First version, currently in development

Updates will be posted if there is a need for them.