473,785 Members | 2,557 Online
Bytes | Software Development & Data Engineering Community
+ Post

Home Posts Topics Members FAQ

C# DLL marshal a struct with strings

Mo
I am having problem with marshaling struct in C#.

//the original C++ struct
typedef struct _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG
{
DWORD dwStructSize; // Size of decode
structure.
TCHAR pchMessage[ MAX_MESAGE_LENG TH ]; // decoded message data
TCHAR chCodeID; // AIM Id of symbology
TCHAR chSymLetter; // HHP Id of symbology
TCHAR chSymModifier; // Modifier characters.
DWORD nLength; // length of the decoded
message
};

//the same in C# is

public const int MAX_MESAGE_LENG TH =4096;
public const int MAX_LEN=100;

[StructLayout(La youtKind.Sequen tial, CharSet=CharSet .Ansi)]
public struct _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG
{
public UInt32 dwStructSize; // Size of decode structure.

//[MarshalAs(Unman agedType.ByValT Str, SizeConst=MAX_M ESAGE_LENGTH)]
[MarshalAs(Unman agedType.LPStr, SizeConst=MAX_M ESAGE_LENGTH)]
public string/*StringBuilder*/ pchMessage;
//MAX_MESAGE_LENG TH, decoded message data

[MarshalAs(Unman agedType.LPStr, SizeConst=MAX_L EN)]
public string /*StringBuilder*/ chCodeID; // AIM Id of symbology

[MarshalAs(Unman agedType.LPStr, SizeConst=MAX_L EN)]
public string /*StringBuilder*/ chSymLetter; // HHP Id of symbology

[MarshalAs(Unman agedType.LPStr, SizeConst=MAX_L EN)]
public string /*StringBuilder*/ chSymModifier; // Modifier
characters.

public UInt32 nLength; // length of the decoded message

//this constructor is used with StringBuilder case
//public _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG(int x)
//{
//x is some unimportant value
// pchMessage=new StringBuilder(M AX_MESAGE_LENGT H);
// chCodeID=new StringBuilder(M AX_LEN);
// chSymLetter=new StringBuilder(M AX_LEN);
// chSymModifier=n ew StringBuilder(M AX_LEN);
// nLength=(UInt32 )1;
// dwStructSize=(U Int32)1;
//}
};

the C++ DLL function is defined as

int hhpCaptureBarco de( _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG pDecodeMsg)
where
pDecodeMsg: Pointer to an _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG structure

the C# version of this function is
[DllImport("hhpI mgrSdk.dll", CharSet=CharSet .Ansi)]
public static extern int hhpCaptureBarco de( ref _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG
pDecodeMsg)

> now to my problem: i know that the strings (such as pchMessage) will be written inside hhpCaptureBarco de, i.e they should ne defined
as StringBuilder, i.e i should provide a non default struct for my
struct (as u can tell, its all commented out)

the problem is, when i do that i get tow errors.

1) first error: in my app, i do
_tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG decodeInfo=new _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG();

//this line gives me an error when i use StringBuilder instead of
string for
//my variables in the struct
decodeInfo.dwSt ructSize =
(UInt32)System. Runtime.Interop Services.Marsha l.SizeOf(decode Info);

The error message is
"An unhandled exception of type 'System.Argumen tException' occurred
in barcode.exe Additional information: Type _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG can not
be marshaled as an unmanaged structure; no meaningful size or offset
can be computed."

However, This doesnt happen if i use String
2) if i ignore the previous line (comment it out), and i use
StringBuilder, i get the following error message on this line

int nResult;
if ( (nResult = hhpCaptureBarco de( ref decodeInfo) == 1 ) //1 is
success

i get the following error msg

"An unhandled exception of type 'System.TypeLoa dException' occurred
in barcode.exe Additional information: Marshaler restriction:
StringBuilders can not be used in structure fields.
The same effect can usually be achieved by using a String field and
preinitializing it to a string with length matching the length of the
appropriate buffer."

However, i dont get the same error when i use string, but the result
returned by hhpCaptureBarCo de is 0 (nResult=0 -which indicated there
was a problem reading the barcode, i verified that the barcode works
with the demo program provided by the Vendor)
I hope i made a point


I Apprciate any help.
Thanks
Mo

ma******@hotmai l.com
Nov 16 '05 #1
7 5965
"Mo" <ma******@hotma il.com> wrote in message
news:78******** *************** ***@posting.goo gle.com...
int hhpCaptureBarco de( _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG pDecodeMsg)
where
pDecodeMsg: Pointer to an _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG structure

the C# version of this function is
[DllImport("hhpI mgrSdk.dll", CharSet=CharSet .Ansi)]
public static extern int hhpCaptureBarco de( ref _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG
pDecodeMsg)


Still working my way through your code, but this jumped out at me almost
immediately. Try declaring your DllImport like this:

[DllImport("hhpI mgrSdk.dll", CharSet=CharSer .Ansi)]
public static extern int hhpCaptureBarCo de(ref IntPtr pDecodeMsg);

In your code you would Marshal the data from the pointer and then cast it
back to your structure, like this:

_tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG hhp_decode_msg = new _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG();
IntPtr ptr = new IntPtr();
....
hhp_decode_msg = (_tagHHP_DECODE _MSG)Marshal.Pt rToStructure(pt r,
typeof(_tagHHP_ DECODE_MSG));

Hope that helps.

Michael C.


Nov 16 '05 #2
Hi,
inline

"Mo" <ma******@hotma il.com> wrote in message
news:78******** *************** ***@posting.goo gle.com...
I am having problem with marshaling struct in C#.

//the original C++ struct
typedef struct _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG
{
DWORD dwStructSize; // Size of decode
structure.
TCHAR pchMessage[ MAX_MESAGE_LENG TH ]; // decoded message data
TCHAR chCodeID; // AIM Id of symbology
TCHAR chSymLetter; // HHP Id of symbology
TCHAR chSymModifier; // Modifier characters.
DWORD nLength; // length of the decoded
message
};
chCodeID, chSymLetter and chSymModifier are in c++ declared as TCHAR's
(*single chars*) while in c# you're making them *strings*, so what's up with
that ?
If they are infact characters use char in c#.
If they are pointers use a string with [MarshalAs(Unman agedType.LPTStr )]
attribute.

For pchMessage you must use a string with
[MarshalAs(Marsh alAs.ByValTStr, SizeConst=...)] attribute;
[DllImport("hhpI mgrSdk.dll", CharSet=CharSet .Ansi)]
public static extern int hhpCaptureBarco de( ref _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG
pDecodeMsg) Drop the charset on the function signature, there are no strings in the
sign.
[StructLayout(La youtKind.Sequen tial, CharSet=CharSet .Ansi)] You need this and you might want to try CharSet.Unicode if it doesn't work
with Charset.Ansi.
HTH,
Greetings


//the same in C# is

public const int MAX_MESAGE_LENG TH =4096;
public const int MAX_LEN=100;

[StructLayout(La youtKind.Sequen tial, CharSet=CharSet .Ansi)]
public struct _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG
{
public UInt32 dwStructSize; // Size of decode structure.

//[MarshalAs(Unman agedType.ByValT Str, SizeConst=MAX_M ESAGE_LENGTH)]
[MarshalAs(Unman agedType.LPStr, SizeConst=MAX_M ESAGE_LENGTH)]
public string/*StringBuilder*/ pchMessage;
//MAX_MESAGE_LENG TH, decoded message data

[MarshalAs(Unman agedType.LPStr, SizeConst=MAX_L EN)]
public string /*StringBuilder*/ chCodeID; // AIM Id of symbology

[MarshalAs(Unman agedType.LPStr, SizeConst=MAX_L EN)]
public string /*StringBuilder*/ chSymLetter; // HHP Id of symbology

[MarshalAs(Unman agedType.LPStr, SizeConst=MAX_L EN)]
public string /*StringBuilder*/ chSymModifier; // Modifier
characters.

public UInt32 nLength; // length of the decoded message

//this constructor is used with StringBuilder case
//public _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG(int x)
//{
//x is some unimportant value
// pchMessage=new StringBuilder(M AX_MESAGE_LENGT H);
// chCodeID=new StringBuilder(M AX_LEN);
// chSymLetter=new StringBuilder(M AX_LEN);
// chSymModifier=n ew StringBuilder(M AX_LEN);
// nLength=(UInt32 )1;
// dwStructSize=(U Int32)1;
//}
};

the C++ DLL function is defined as

int hhpCaptureBarco de( _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG pDecodeMsg)
where
pDecodeMsg: Pointer to an _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG structure

the C# version of this function is
[DllImport("hhpI mgrSdk.dll", CharSet=CharSet .Ansi)]
public static extern int hhpCaptureBarco de( ref _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG
pDecodeMsg)

>> now to my problem: i know that the strings (such as pchMessage) will be written inside hhpCaptureBarco de, i.e they should ne defined
as StringBuilder, i.e i should provide a non default struct for my
struct (as u can tell, its all commented out)

the problem is, when i do that i get tow errors.

1) first error: in my app, i do
_tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG decodeInfo=new _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG();

//this line gives me an error when i use StringBuilder instead of
string for
//my variables in the struct
decodeInfo.dwSt ructSize =
(UInt32)System. Runtime.Interop Services.Marsha l.SizeOf(decode Info);

The error message is
"An unhandled exception of type 'System.Argumen tException' occurred
in barcode.exe Additional information: Type _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG can not
be marshaled as an unmanaged structure; no meaningful size or offset
can be computed."

However, This doesnt happen if i use String
2) if i ignore the previous line (comment it out), and i use
StringBuilder, i get the following error message on this line

int nResult;
if ( (nResult = hhpCaptureBarco de( ref decodeInfo) == 1 ) //1 is
success

i get the following error msg

"An unhandled exception of type 'System.TypeLoa dException' occurred
in barcode.exe Additional information: Marshaler restriction:
StringBuilders can not be used in structure fields.
The same effect can usually be achieved by using a String field and
preinitializing it to a string with length matching the length of the
appropriate buffer."

However, i dont get the same error when i use string, but the result
returned by hhpCaptureBarCo de is 0 (nResult=0 -which indicated there
was a problem reading the barcode, i verified that the barcode works
with the demo program provided by the Vendor)
I hope i made a point


I Apprciate any help.
Thanks
Mo

ma******@hotmai l.com

Nov 16 '05 #3

Hi ,
thanks for taking the time to help me..
i did the changes that you and others specified, i got an error
(unhandled exception)
"
An unhandled exception of type 'System.NullRef erenceException ' occurred
in barcode.exe

Additional information: Object reference not set to an instance of an
object.
"
this is what i did,

[DllImport("hhpI mgrSdk.dll",Cha rSet=CharSet.An si)]

public static extern int hhpCaptureBarco de(ref IntPtr pDecodeMsg);

i changed my structure to

[StructLayout(La youtKind.Sequen tial, CharSet=CharSet .Ansi)]

public struct _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG
{

public UInt32 dwStructSize; // Size of decode structure.

[MarshalAs(Unman agedType.LPTStr )]
public String pchMessage;

public char chCodeID; // AIM Id of symbology
public char chSymLetter; // HHP Id of symbology
public char chSymModifier; // Modifier characters.
public UInt32 nLength;// length of the decoded message
};
in my code i do the following:


if ( (nResult = hhpImgrSdk.hhpI mgrSdk.hhpCaptu reBarcode(ref ptr) == 1)
{
//success

//i get the exception at this line
decodeInfo =
(HhpImgrCfg.Hhp ImgrCfg._tagHHP _DECODE_MSG)Mar shal.PtrToStruc ture(ptr,typ
eof(HhpImgrCfg. HhpImgrCfg._tag HHP_DECODE_MSG) );

}

i tried marshaling with CharSet. Unicode, .Auto,.Ansi
all gave me the same results

Any idea?

thanks
Mo

*** Sent via Devdex http://www.devdex.com ***
Don't just participate in USENET...get rewarded for it!
Nov 16 '05 #4

Hi Michael,
thanks for taking the time to help me..
i did the changes that you specified, i got an error
(unhandled exception)
"
An unhandled exception of type 'System.NullRef erenceException ' occurred
in barcode.exe

Additional information: Object reference not set to an instance of an
object.
"
this is what i did,

[DllImport("hhpI mgrSdk.dll",Cha rSet=CharSet.An si)]

public static extern int hhpCaptureBarco de(ref IntPtr pDecodeMsg);

i changed my structure to

[StructLayout(La youtKind.Sequen tial, CharSet=CharSet .Ansi)]

public struct _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG
{

public UInt32 dwStructSize; // Size of decode structure.

[MarshalAs(Unman agedType.LPTStr )]
public String pchMessage;

public char chCodeID; // AIM Id of symbology
public char chSymLetter; // HHP Id of symbology
public char chSymModifier; // Modifier characters.
public UInt32 nLength;// length of the decoded message
};
in my code i do the following:


if ( (nResult = hhpImgrSdk.hhpI mgrSdk.hhpCaptu reBarcode(ref ptr) == 1)
{
//success

//i get the exception at this line
decodeInfo =
(HhpImgrCfg.Hhp ImgrCfg._tagHHP _DECODE_MSG)Mar shal.PtrToStruc ture(ptr,typ
eof(HhpImgrCfg. HhpImgrCfg._tag HHP_DECODE_MSG) );

}

i tried marshaling with CharSet. Unicode, .Auto,.Ansi
all gave me the same results

Any idea?

thanks
Mo

*** Sent via Devdex http://www.devdex.com ***
Don't just participate in USENET...get rewarded for it!
Nov 16 '05 #5

Hi,
<inline>

"mo A" <ma******@hotma il.com> wrote in message
news:Of******** ******@TK2MSFTN GP10.phx.gbl...

Hi ,
thanks for taking the time to help me..
i did the changes that you and others specified, i got an error
(unhandled exception)
"
An unhandled exception of type 'System.NullRef erenceException ' occurred
in barcode.exe

Additional information: Object reference not set to an instance of an
object.
"
this is what i did,

[DllImport("hhpI mgrSdk.dll",Cha rSet=CharSet.An si)]

public static extern int hhpCaptureBarco de(ref IntPtr pDecodeMsg);
You only need to use a IntPtr if you also want to pass null some time.
Otherwise use "ref _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG", like you first did.
If you do use an IntPtr then use it without ref (for this case).

i changed my structure to

[StructLayout(La youtKind.Sequen tial, CharSet=CharSet .Ansi)]

public struct _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG
{

public UInt32 dwStructSize; // Size of decode structure.

[MarshalAs(Unman agedType.LPTStr )]
public String pchMessage;
I said you should use [MarshalAs(Unman agedType.ByValT Str,SizeConst=. ...)]
for pchMessage.
HTH
Greetings


public char chCodeID; // AIM Id of symbology
public char chSymLetter; // HHP Id of symbology
public char chSymModifier; // Modifier characters.
public UInt32 nLength;// length of the decoded message
};
in my code i do the following:


if ( (nResult = hhpImgrSdk.hhpI mgrSdk.hhpCaptu reBarcode(ref ptr) == 1)
{
//success

//i get the exception at this line
decodeInfo =
(HhpImgrCfg.Hhp ImgrCfg._tagHHP _DECODE_MSG)Mar shal.PtrToStruc ture(ptr,typ
eof(HhpImgrCfg. HhpImgrCfg._tag HHP_DECODE_MSG) );

}

i tried marshaling with CharSet. Unicode, .Auto,.Ansi
all gave me the same results

Any idea?

thanks
Mo

*** Sent via Devdex http://www.devdex.com ***
Don't just participate in USENET...get rewarded for it!

Nov 16 '05 #6
What's the value of ptr at that point? Try putting a breakpoint at the line
you got the exception at, and then see what the value of ptr is at that
point. ptr may be null.

Michael C.

"mo A" <ma******@hotma il.com> wrote in message
news:%2******** ********@TK2MSF TNGP10.phx.gbl. ..

Hi Michael,
thanks for taking the time to help me..
i did the changes that you specified, i got an error
(unhandled exception)
"
An unhandled exception of type 'System.NullRef erenceException ' occurred
in barcode.exe

Additional information: Object reference not set to an instance of an
object.
"
this is what i did,

[DllImport("hhpI mgrSdk.dll",Cha rSet=CharSet.An si)]

public static extern int hhpCaptureBarco de(ref IntPtr pDecodeMsg);

i changed my structure to

[StructLayout(La youtKind.Sequen tial, CharSet=CharSet .Ansi)]

public struct _tagHHP_DECODE_ MSG
{

public UInt32 dwStructSize; // Size of decode structure.

[MarshalAs(Unman agedType.LPTStr )]
public String pchMessage;

public char chCodeID; // AIM Id of symbology
public char chSymLetter; // HHP Id of symbology
public char chSymModifier; // Modifier characters.
public UInt32 nLength;// length of the decoded message
};
in my code i do the following:


if ( (nResult = hhpImgrSdk.hhpI mgrSdk.hhpCaptu reBarcode(ref ptr) == 1)
{
//success

//i get the exception at this line
decodeInfo =
(HhpImgrCfg.Hhp ImgrCfg._tagHHP _DECODE_MSG)Mar shal.PtrToStruc ture(ptr,typ
eof(HhpImgrCfg. HhpImgrCfg._tag HHP_DECODE_MSG) );

}

i tried marshaling with CharSet. Unicode, .Auto,.Ansi
all gave me the same results

Any idea?

thanks
Mo

*** Sent via Devdex http://www.devdex.com ***
Don't just participate in USENET...get rewarded for it!

Nov 16 '05 #7
Hi BMermuys,
Thanks man.. i got it all to work
really appreciate it

Regards
*** Sent via Devdex http://www.devdex.com ***
Don't just participate in USENET...get rewarded for it!
Nov 16 '05 #8

This thread has been closed and replies have been disabled. Please start a new discussion.

Similar topics

2
9889
by: Mo | last post by:
Hi, i am trying to call unmanaged C++ DLL in my C# application i converted all the structures to be .net compatible (e.g TCHAR to string (including Marshal As) one of the functions i try to call is defined in the DLL bool hhpConnect(Connection_tag* ptag, PTCHAR msg); where Connection_tag is defined as typedef Connection_tag
0
8773
by: Mo | last post by:
I am having problem with marshaling struct in C#. //the original C++ struct typedef struct _tagHHP_DECODE_MSG { DWORD dwStructSize; // Size of decode structure. TCHAR pchMessage; // decoded message data TCHAR chCodeID; // AIM Id of symbology TCHAR chSymLetter; // HHP Id of symbology
5
4319
by: Daniel Brown | last post by:
I am coding a managed C# wrapper for an unmanaged C DLL and I am unable to marshal a structure that contains an array of structures. When executed, the following code throws an ArgumentException with a description “Type ErrorInjectionBuffer can not be marshaled as an unmanaged structure; no meaningful size or offset can be computed.” I have also included snippets from the .H file. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. ...
1
5529
by: Tajmiester | last post by:
Hi, And thanks for any help. I am having trouble declaring a struct containing strings that can be Serialized using the following functions. It works, but the strings wont store the right number of characters, they store one less with a null at the end! Whats the point in a marshalling as fixed length if it wastes space with a null! How can i make it marshall the strings as "proper" fixed length strings, where the full 8 (or 3)...
2
7491
by: Cyril | last post by:
Hello, I have a problem to marshal a structure that contains an array of an others struct. This array is an array size fixed (MyStruct myStructs and not MyStruct *myStructs). For example : C declaration : struct Point {
4
2199
by: taskswap | last post by:
I'm converting an application that relies heavily on a binary network protocol. Within this protocol are a lot of byte arrays of character data, like: public unsafe struct MsgAddEntry { public byte MsgType; public uint Tag; public fixed byte ID; public fixed byte Val1;
1
4779
by: jurot | last post by:
Hi. I have struct in C++: struct MY_STRUCT { int x; int y; char** arrNames; //array of strings }
6
10332
by: vladislavf | last post by:
Hi All, I need to pass array of strings from C++/CLI to unmanaged C++ function. (The unmanaged API signatire is : int Combine(int NumOfInputFiles, wchar_t **names) and I want to call it from C++/CLI code by using C++ Interop ) But unfortunately I have only one day experience in C++/CLI so all my attempts are failing.
0
1060
by: yrd | last post by:
I need to use a 'C' Dll with the following function: int DoSomthing(char * p_intput, MYSTRUCT** p_output) My C# defining is: private static unsafe extern int DoSomthing (IntPtr p_intput, IntPtr p_outpout); How can I marshal a "MYSTRUCT**"?
0
9647
marktang
by: marktang | last post by:
ONU (Optical Network Unit) is one of the key components for providing high-speed Internet services. Its primary function is to act as an endpoint device located at the user's premises. However, people are often confused as to whether an ONU can Work As a Router. In this blog post, well explore What is ONU, What Is Router, ONU & Routers main usage, and What is the difference between ONU and Router. Lets take a closer look ! Part I. Meaning of...
0
9485
by: Hystou | last post by:
Most computers default to English, but sometimes we require a different language, especially when relocating. Forgot to request a specific language before your computer shipped? No problem! You can effortlessly switch the default language on Windows 10 without reinstalling. I'll walk you through it. First, let's disable language synchronization. With a Microsoft account, language settings sync across devices. To prevent any complications,...
1
10098
by: Hystou | last post by:
Overview: Windows 11 and 10 have less user interface control over operating system update behaviour than previous versions of Windows. In Windows 11 and 10, there is no way to turn off the Windows Update option using the Control Panel or Settings app; it automatically checks for updates and installs any it finds, whether you like it or not. For most users, this new feature is actually very convenient. If you want to control the update process,...
0
9958
tracyyun
by: tracyyun | last post by:
Dear forum friends, With the development of smart home technology, a variety of wireless communication protocols have appeared on the market, such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. Each protocol has its own unique characteristics and advantages, but as a user who is planning to build a smart home system, I am a bit confused by the choice of these technologies. I'm particularly interested in Zigbee because I've heard it does some...
0
8986
agi2029
by: agi2029 | last post by:
Let's talk about the concept of autonomous AI software engineers and no-code agents. These AIs are designed to manage the entire lifecycle of a software development projectplanning, coding, testing, and deploymentwithout human intervention. Imagine an AI that can take a project description, break it down, write the code, debug it, and then launch it, all on its own.... Now, this would greatly impact the work of software developers. The idea...
1
7506
isladogs
by: isladogs | last post by:
The next Access Europe User Group meeting will be on Wednesday 1 May 2024 starting at 18:00 UK time (6PM UTC+1) and finishing by 19:30 (7.30PM). In this session, we are pleased to welcome a new presenter, Adolph Dupr who will be discussing some powerful techniques for using class modules. He will explain when you may want to use classes instead of User Defined Types (UDT). For example, to manage the data in unbound forms. Adolph will...
0
6743
by: conductexam | last post by:
I have .net C# application in which I am extracting data from word file and save it in database particularly. To store word all data as it is I am converting the whole word file firstly in HTML and then checking html paragraph one by one. At the time of converting from word file to html my equations which are in the word document file was convert into image. Globals.ThisAddIn.Application.ActiveDocument.Select();...
1
4058
by: 6302768590 | last post by:
Hai team i want code for transfer the data from one system to another through IP address by using C# our system has to for every 5mins then we have to update the data what the data is updated we have to send another system
2
3662
muto222
by: muto222 | last post by:
How can i add a mobile payment intergratation into php mysql website.

By using Bytes.com and it's services, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

To disable or enable advertisements and analytics tracking please visit the manage ads & tracking page.