Abstract: A media handling system comprises a configuration of N linked modules. Each module has an order based on the module's linkage in the configuration. Thus, a first module of order 1 links to a second module of order 2, the second module links to a third module of order 3, etc., and an (N?1)th module of order (N?1) links to an Nth module of order N. A feeder module feeds a sheet of media to downstream modules. Each downstream module sends a reporting message to an included controller. The reporting message includes the time the module processed the sheet and the module's reported type. For each reporting module, the controller determines the module's order and type based on the reported time and reported type in the module's reporting message. The controller validates the configuration by determining when the order and the type for the reporting modules match a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for mutually converting signals between one or more modular printing devices and a document processing system, comprising a device controller having a network interface for communicating with a system communications channel, memory for storing data and control code related to the operation of the modular printing devices, and a processor for running the control code, a digital input/output controller for receiving and sending document processing signals, a connector for receiving and sending modular printing device signals, and an optical input/output isolator for optically isolating the signals received via the connector.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for diagnosing post-manufacture modular add-on components coupled to a system at least includes: a) dynamically retrieving control system topology information not stored at the time of manufacture pertaining to a module chosen for a system graphical display; b) via each module, generating diagnostic information about the components of a module; c) dynamically retrieving module diagnostic information pertaining to a module chosen for a system graphical display; d) hierarchically displaying the component levels of the module chosen for graphical display; e) providing a link between the component levels; and f) indicating the diagnostic status of a displayed component level.

Abstract: A media handling system comprises a configuration of N linked modules. Each module has an order based on the module's linkage in the configuration. Thus, a first module of order 1 links to a second module of order 2, the second module links to a third module of order 3, etc., and an (N?1)th module of order (N?1) links to an Nth module of order N. A feeder module feeds a sheet of media to downstream modules. Each downstream module sends a reporting message to an included controller. The reporting message includes the time the module processed the sheet and the module's reported type. For each reporting module, the controller determines the module's order and type based on the reported time and reported type in the module's reporting message. The controller validates the configuration by determining when the order and the type for the reporting modules match a predetermined pattern.