Patent ID: 6928328
Filing Date: 2005-08-09
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A software object approval method for use in a process control system on a network, the method comprising: electronically generating identification information representing a group of two or more entities accessible via the network whose approval is needed prior to implementing a software object within a control device of the process control system, wherein the control device is separate from the group of two or more entities; receiving via the network from each entity represented within the identification information an electronic indication regarding approval of the software object; using a first software routine to prevent the control device of the process control system from implementing the software object until each entity represented within the identification information approves the software object; using a second software routine to selectively enable the process control system to download the software object to the control device based on the electronic indications; and preventing changing of the electronic indications after download of the software object.