Function-based process control verification and security in a process control system
AssigneeFisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
InventorsDavid L. Deitz, William G. Irwin, Godfrey R. Sherriff, Diego M. Benavides, Nathan W. Pettus, James H. Moore, Jr.
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Abstract
A process control system capable of executing a function after initiation thereof by a user includes a computer having a memory and a processing unit. A security module stored in the memory of the computer and adapted to be executed on the processing unit of the computer analyzes security information to determine whether the function should be executed. The security information is collected contemporaneously with the initiation of the function and in association therewith.
Claims29
A process control system capable of executing a process control function after initiation thereof, the process control system comprising:
- a computer having a memory and a processing unit;
- and
- a security module stored in the memory of the computer and adapted to be executed on the processing unit of the computer, wherein the security module analyzes security information that is collected from a user contemporaneously with the initiation of the process control function and in association therewith determines whether the process control function should be executed.
A method of securing a process control system capable of executing a process control function after initiation thereof, wherein the process control system includes a memory, the method comprising the steps of:
- storing in the memory a security parameter associated with the process control function;
- collecting security information from a user contemporaneously with the initiation of the process control function and in association with the process control function;
- and
- determining whether to execute the process control function based on the collected security information and the stored security parameter.
A method of securing a process control system capable of execution of a process control function, the method comprising the steps of:
- establishing a communication link between the process control system and a device external thereto to provide for remote initiation of the execution of the process control function;
- generating a user interface via the communication link for collection of security information from a user contemporaneously with the remote initiation of the execution of the process control function;
- and
- determining whether the remote initiation of the execution of the process control function is authorized based on the collected security information.
A software system for a process control system capable of execution of a process control function, the software system comprising:
- a computer-readable medium;
- a first routine stored on the computer-readable medium that collects security information from a user contemporaneously with the initiation of the process control function and in association therewith;
- and
- a second routine stored on the computer-readable medium that determines whether the execution of the process control function is authorized in accordance with the collected security information.
A software system for a process control system capable of execution of a process control function, the software system comprising:
- a computer-readable medium;
- a first routine stored on the computer-readable medium that establishes a communication link between the process control system and a device external thereto to provide for remote initiation of the execution of the process control function;
- a second routine stored on the computer-readable medium that generates a user interface via the communication link for collection of security information from the user contemporaneously with the remote initiation of the execution of the process control function;
- and
- a third routine stored on the computer-readable medium that determines whether the remote initiation of the execution of the process control function is authorized based on the collected security information.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.