Ensure a consistent control system configuration methodology through an enforceable user defined development life cycle
US7634757B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 2003 |
| Grant date | Dec 15, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F8/71
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A user-defined development life cycle component is part of a qualification and version control system that is an integral part of a configuration toolset in a process automation system. The user enables and defines a development life cycle to be used by defining qualification states and their attributes, including the authorized state transitions and security and requirements for each transition, such as electronic signatures. Attributes define how each control object is treated in the system. For example, a “load to controller” flag defines if the control object is loadable to a controller when it is in a particular qualification state. A fallback state defines a qualification state in which the control object continues its life cycle when it is modified and checked-back-into the system. Through a restricted state definition, the user implements the “four-eye principle” so that two consecutive state changes are made by two different users.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.