I believe I understand what you want to do, this would normally be achieved probabally by something like a Maple Graphic HMI, and communicate directly with AB port.
If you intend using a discrete IO module, 8 bits, then you could use a parallel port, configured for input? You may have to condition the signal to conform to 5v.
I am assuming you just need to trigger one of eight bit mapped images?
Al.
CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
Albert E.