Benchtop Color Measurement Instruments
Benchtop Color Measurement Instruments
Embedded Files
Microprocessor controlled Benchtop densitometers:
(maintenance/feature expansion of existing product lines; 1980 to 1990)
o Intel 8080 / 8085 assembly language
o EPROM programmer
o Serial communications (RS232) to 3rd party QC computers
o TI 59 calculator thermal printer interface. (PC-100)
o Memory testing algorithms
o DC Motor control with optical encoder
Reflection and Transmission (through film) color measurement devices
Fixed memory space via EPROM
Small RAM space
Measurement via single optical sensor, through a rotating disc of optical filters.
Printed output option.
RS232 communication to QC computers option.
10K LOC of assembly total,
12 products total,
English, and German Languages
Instrument costs $2000 to $4000
Instrument costs $2000 to $4000
June 1980 to March 1994 – Embedded Software developer – responsible for maintenance of product firmware for several benchtop reflection and transmission densitometer lines. Instruments all used an Intel microprocessor (8080), introduced in 1975. These were the first computer controlled optical instruments for benchtop use in graphics arts industry, mainly used in print shops and photo labs. Performed many industry calculations to aid in QC for printing press operations and photo lab maintenance. These products were marketed until the end of 1986, later to be end of life in 1990.
The assembler program for the 8080 computer code for these instruments was run on a HP2100 minicomputer. The EPROM programmers program data was supplied via a serial CRT terminal. Debugging code involved a lot of signal tracing and logic analyzer effort. An ICE debugger would have nice to have, but this device was too expensive to use. Issues with RAM addressing and reliability was tested internally and results produced via an RS232 interface.
Mark took over the complete software development of these instruments in 1980. Mark worked with Jim Cox and other engineers to gather requirements, produce software designs, integrate into the Cosar MFG, support production as required.
Mark took over the complete software development of these instruments in 1980. Mark worked with Jim Cox and other engineers to gather requirements, produce software designs, integrate into the Cosar MFG, support production as required.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse