Method and apparatus to track changes in an industrial controller

US9703277B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Lorenzo Majewski · Milwaukee, US
• Brian D. Szuter · Mayfield Heights, US
• Carol Knez · Mentor, US
• David A. Johnston · Mentor, US
• Bradley A. Lafuse · Willowick, US
• Douglas B Sumerauer · Concord, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 7, 2014
• Grant date: Jul 11, 2017
• Expiry date: Nov 27, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G05B19/0426
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method and apparatus for tracking changes in an industrial controller is disclosed. A project for the industrial controller is developed that includes multiple components. Each of the components may be arranged at varying levels. Authorized personnel are able to access the components, or a portion thereof, within the industrial controller to change settings and or programming of the industrial controller. As each change is made, the industrial controller maintains a log of the changes. The change may initially be recorded in each module and/or at each level of the project. The change is then rolled up to a top level of the project. A revision log at the top level of the project stores each of the changes within the industrial controller. The industrial controller may then access the revision log to determine whether any action needs to be taken within the industrial controller.