Method for safely operating an automation technology field device

• US 20090234465A1
• Filed: 03/14/2006
• Published: 09/17/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/23/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Endress+Hauser Process Solutions AG
• Original Assignee: Endress+Hauser Process Solutions AG
• Inventors: Korsten, Klaus
• Application Number:
  US11/886,125
• Publication Number:
  US 20090234465A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/17
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/0428 Safety, monitoring G05B19/0423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/24167 Encryption, password, user access privileges
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25014 Fieldbus general name of bus connected to machines, detectors, actuators
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25428 Field device
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36542 Cryptography, encrypt, access, authorize with key, code, password

Abstract

In a method for safe servicing of a field device of automation technology, wherein the field device is connectable with a service unit via a communication connection, following invocation of a device description file belonging to the field device, a security program associated with the device description file is executed. The safety program includes request for a user identifier. In accordance with the entered user identifier, certain device functionalities are enabled.

Claims

1-6. -6. (canceled)

7. A method for the safe servicing of a field device of automation technology, wherein the field device is connectable with a service unit via a communication connection, comprising the steps of:

starting a service program for field devices;

selecting a field device;

invoking a device description file belonging to the selected field device and describing functionality and characteristics of the field device;

executing a security program associated with the device description file,

requesting a user identifier;

entering the user identifier;

checking the entered user identifier against a stored user roll; and

enabling device functionalities appropriate to the user identifier.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein:

the user roll is inherited by the device description file from the service program.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein:

the user roll is stored in the device description file.

10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein:

the user roll is stored in a separate file.

11. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein:

servicing of the field device occurs offline.

12. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein:

servicing of the field device occurs online.