Hidden Camera in WPF C#. Do not want to show image to user

Question

How can I implement an WebCam application in WPF/C# without showing the image control on the window. A function would capture the current frame and save it to disk.

Dhruv Chakraborty · Answer

Sultan, It might not be technically possible to capture without the user finding out. Usually, when an application activates the camera (for example using its DirectShow capture driver), other applications will be locked out of it and will not be able to access. Even if you create a hidden application that operates the camera, there's always a possibility the user will try to use it with a different application and will find out it's already being used. This is explained here: http://support.leadtools.com/SupportPortal/CS/forums/44224/ShowPost.aspx

Sultan Zaman · Answer

Thanks for the info Nilesh. However, what I require is to use a webcam and capture function to save it to disk. But I do not want to show the preview image container. In fact I do not want to let the user know that there is a webcam at work. And the application is to be written in C# WPF.

Nilesh Jadav · Answer

Might this link help you: 1) http://stackoverflow.com/questions/21111265/how-to-keep-a-hidden-window-alive-in-background-in-wpf Thank you

Hidden Camera in WPF C#. Do not want to show image to user

Answers (3)