Method and system for interface configuration via device-side scripting

A method for configuring a human machine interface device for a programmable logic controller, comprising:

• in the human machine interface device, receiving a query from a general purpose viewer running on a configuration station for a change in a property of a device element stored in the interface device;
• interpreting the query by server-side scripting executed by a processor in the interface device to enumerate properties of the device element;
• and
• changing the property of the device element in the interface device.

A method for configuring a human machine interface device for a programmable logic controller, comprising:

• in the human machine interface device, receiving a query from a general purpose viewer running on a work station;
• interpreting the query by server-side scripting executed by a processor in the interface device interface to instantiate a device element, the device element including a functionality associated therewith;
• and
• executing the functionality of the device element via the server-side scripting.

A configurable human machine interface device for a programmable logic controller, comprising:

• a processor;
• a memory coupled to the processor;
• a server executed on the processor and configured to receive a query from a general purpose viewer running on a configuration station and serve a design-time environment to the general purpose viewer;
• a plurality of device elements each having a functionality and a visual representation;
• and
• server-side scripting executed in the interface device to identify the plurality of device elements and to display the visual representations of the device elements in the design-time environment in response to the query, wherein the design-time environment provides for configuration of the interface device and the plurality of device elements.