Patent ID: 7017121

Claim:
A method for visual display unit-based definition and parameterization of a software interface of a software component of a function block of a software application of an industrial automation system, the software interface having at least one interface parameter that has at least one editable attribute, wherein at least one interface parameter has a bi-unique designation corresponding to the function block and a hierarchical structure, the method comprising: combining function blocks in a common branch to form combined functions having respective branches, wherein each end of the respective branches forms an interface appertaining to a block represented by a respective branch, enabling selection of arbitrary interfaces; providing a display window which can be divided vertically or horizontally; displaying in a first partial window of the display window the hierarchical structure of the at least one interface parameter and the function block of the bi-unique designation of the software component of the software application of the industrial automation system; selecting one interface parameter and the hierarchical structure using a movable cursor; and displaying in a second partial window of the display window a detailed display of the selected interface parameter, the detail display including a display of at least one editable attribute of the selected interface parameter and allowing the editable attribute to be defined and parameterized within the hierarchical structure of the function block; for each editable attribute of the at least one editable attribute, providing a name portion and a data portion, the name portion being used to identify the editable attribute, the data portion being scrollable horizontally if a graphical representation of the data portion requires more space than a space offered by the display window, the graphical representation of the name portion being stationary; and arranging the name portion and the data portion in horizontal rows, the horizontal rows being arranged one below another, wherein the position of the name portion is retained during horizontal scrolling.