Abstract: A configurable controller, comprising a configurable digital unit having a synchronization control module; a plurality of signal acquisition modules connected with said synchronization control module for receiving reference control data therefrom; and a control logic connected with said plurality of signal acquisition modules; a plurality of input cells respectively connected with said plurality of signal acquisition modules, each input cell additionally connected with a respective input pin of said controller; and a synchronizing signal generator connected with said synchronization control module and with said plurality of input cells, for sending synchronization signals to said input cells, wherein each input cell is operable to convert input signal parameters to time-based parameters; and wherein each signal acquisition module is configured to convert said time-based parameters to a required digital form.

Abstract: A method for operating an input-cell comprises: receiving a sensor input signal, a digital-bias first control input and a second control input and, using a first resistor network to apply an analog pull-up bias to the sensor input signal when the bias of the first control input is in a first digital state. To provide a path for at least a portion of the first resistor network to a ground to cause the first resistor network to apply a pull-down bias to the sensor input signal when the bias of the first control input is in a second digital state. Receiving a voltage reference and an input waveform signal; using a second resistor network to apply to the input waveform signal to a comparator when the bias of the second control input is in a first digital state and, to apply a biased and attenuated input waveform signal to the comparator when the bias of the second control input is in a second digital state.

Abstract: A configurable electronic controller system used for signal acquisition of input sensors and control of output loads, connected respectively to the configurable controller, can be re-configured to perform diagnostics on same input sensors and output loads. The diagnostic results provide information on the viability of the tested input sensors and output loads as well as the existence of shorts between input signal lines, while still connected to the sensors.

Abstract: A configurable controller, comprising a configurable digital unit having a synchronization control module; a plurality of signal acquisition modules connected with said synchronization control module for receiving reference control data therefrom; and a control logic connected with said plurality of signal acquisition modules; a plurality of identical input cells respectively connected with said plurality of signal acquisition modules, each input cell additionally connected with a respective input pin of said controller; and a synchronizing signal generator connected with said synchronization control module and with said plurality of input cells, for sending synchronization signals to said input cells, wherein each input cell is operable to convert input signal parameters to time-based parameters; and wherein each signal acquisition module is configured to convert said time-based parameters to a required digital form.

Abstract: A configurable controller, comprising a configurable digital unit having a synchronization control module; a plurality of signal acquisition modules connected with said synchronization control module for receiving reference control data therefrom; and a control logic connected with said plurality of signal acquisition modules; a plurality of identical input cells respectively connected with said plurality of signal acquisition modules, each input cell additionally connected with a respective input pin of said controller; and a synchronizing signal generator connected with said synchronization control module and with said plurality of input cells, for sending synchronization signals to said input cells, wherein each input cell is operable to convert input signal parameters to time-based parameters; and wherein each signal acquisition module is configured to convert said time-based parameters to a required digital form.

Abstract: A configurable controller, comprising a configurable digital unit having a synchronization control module; a plurality of signal acquisition modules connected with said synchronization control module for receiving reference control data therefrom; and a control logic connected with said plurality of signal acquisition modules; a plurality of identical input cells respectively connected with said plurality of signal acquisition modules, each input cell additionally connected with a respective input pin of said controller; and a synchronizing signal generator connected with said synchronization control module and with said plurality of input cells, for sending synchronization signals to said input cells, wherein each input cell is operable to convert input signal parameters to time-based parameters; and wherein each signal acquisition module is configured to convert said time-based parameters to a required digital form.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for discriminating between plate and interleave paper in a CTP device having a cassette with printing plates and interleave paper. The device uses a light source for illuminating the topmost object in the cassette, a first optical sensor for receiving direct light reflected from the topmost object, a second optical sensor for receiving dispersed light reflected from the topmost object, means for comparing light received by the second optical sensor with light received by the first optical sensor, and means for determining the topmost object type based on the comparison.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for discriminating between plate and interleave paper in a CTP device having a cassette with printing plates and interleave paper. The device uses a light source for illuminating the topmost object in the cassette, a first optical sensor for receiving direct light reflected from the topmost object, a second optical sensor for receiving dispersed light reflected from the topmost object, means for comparing light received by the second optical sensor with light received by the first optical sensor, and means for determining the topmost object type based on the comparison.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for discriminating between plate and interleave paper in a CTP device having a cassette with printing plates and interleave paper. The device uses a light source for illuminating the topmost object in the cassette, a first optical sensor for receiving direct light reflected from the topmost object, a second optical sensor for receiving dispersed light reflected from the topmost object, means for comparing light received by the second optical sensor with light received by the first optical sensor, and means for determining the topmost object type based on the comparison.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for precise detection of a leading edge of an object, such as printing plate. The printing plate penetrates a gap between a light source and a sensor. Detection is made when the amplified signal equals the peak signal divided by N, meaning 1/N of the sensor is covered by the plate.