Visualization Elements: Polygon, Polyline, and Bézier Curve

Symbol:

Category: Basic

The Polygon, Polyline, and Bézier Curve are the same element type. They can be converted into another type by changing the Element type property.

Elements can be dragged to the editor. The element is then drawn with five points: [0] to [4].

Other positions are added as follows: Move the mouse pointer over a corner point; the mouse pointer changes shape. Now if you press and hold Ctrl and click the left mouse button, another point is created. You can delete a point by pressing and holding Shift+Ctrl and click the selected point.

As an alternative, you can select the element in the toolbox area and in the editor click multiple times. At the same time, a connecting line is drawn from one point to the other. End by double-clicking the element or right-clicking it one time.

Element properties

Are all element properties available?

All properties are available only after you select the Advanced option or the All categories filter in Properties.

Element name	Example: `Werkstueck_1` Tip Assign individual names for elements so that they are found faster in the element list.
Element Type	Polygon Polyline Bézier Curve

Position

The following properties define the position of the corner points in the visualization window. These are based on the Cartesian coordinate system. The origin is located in the upper left corner of the window. The positive horizontal X-axis runs to the right. The positive vertical Y-axis runs downwards.

Dots

[0]..[n]: Coordinates of the corner points (in pixels)

Tip

You can also change the values by dragging the box symbols to other positions in the editor.

Angle

Static angle of rotation (in degrees)

Example: 35

The element is displayed rotated in the editor. The point of rotation is the center of the element. A positive value rotates clockwise.

Tip

You can change the value in the editor by focusing the element to the handle. When the cursor is displayed as a rotating arrow, you can rotate the element about its center as a handle.

(1): Handle

Note

If a dynamic angle of rotation is also configured in the Absolute movement → Interior rotation property, then the static and dynamic angles of rotation are added at runtime. The static angle of rotation acts as an offset.

Center

	The properties contain fixed values for the coordinates of the point of rotation. The rotation point is displayed in the editor as the symbol and is used as the center for rotation and scaling. Tip You can also change the values by dragging the symbol to another position in the editor.
X	X-coordinate of the point of rotation
Y	Y-coordinate of the point of rotation

Colors

Normal state	The normal state is in effect if the variable in Color variables → Toggle color is not defined or it has the value `FALSE`.
Frame color	Frame and filling color for the corresponding state of the variable
Filling color
Transparency	Value (0 to 255) for defining the transparency of the selected color 255: The color is opaque. 0: The color is completely transparent Note If the color is a style color and already has a transparency value, then this property is write-protected.
Alarm state	The alarm state is in effect if the variable in Color variables → Toggle color has the value `TRUE`.
Use gradient color	: The element is displayed with a gradient of two colors.
Gradient setting	The Gradient Editor dialog opens.

Appearance

The properties contain fixed values for setting the look of the element.

Line width

Value (in pixels)

Example: 2

Note

The values 0 and 1 both result in a line weight of one pixel. If no line should be displayed, then the Line style property has to be set to the Invisible option.

Fill attributes

How the element is filled

Filled:The element is filled with the color from Colors → Filling color property.
Invisible: The filling color is invisible.

Line style

Type of line representation

Solid
Dash
Dots
Dash Dot
Dash Dot Dot
Invisible

Tip

You can assign variables in the Appearance variables property for controlling the appearance dynamically. The fixed values here are overwritten.

Texts

Text

String (without single straight quotation marks)

Example: Accesses: %i

The element is labeled with this text. If a placeholder %<format string> is specified in the text, then the value of the variable in the Text variable → Text property is output at the location of the placeholder.

Tooltip

String (without single straight quotation marks)

Example: Number of valid accesses %n

The text is output as a tooltip. If a placeholder %<format string> is specified in the text, then the value of the variable in the Text variable → Tooltip property is output at the location of the placeholder.

Tip

Use the Ctrl+Enter shortcut to add a line break.

Tip

The specified texts are automatically transferred to the GlobalTextList text list. Therefore, these texts can be localized.

Text properties

The properties get fixed values for the text properties and act on the texts configured in Texts → Text or Texts → Tooltip.

Horizontal alignment	Horizontal alignment of the text within the element
Vertical alignment	Vertical alignment of the text within the element
Text format	. Definition for displaying texts that are too long Default: The text which is too long is truncated. Line break: The text is split into lines. Ellipsis: The visible text ends with "..." indicating that it is not complete.
Font	Example: Default : The Font dialog opens. : List box with style fonts
Font color	Font color in the normal state Example: Black : The Color dialog opens. : List box with style colors
Font alarm color	Font color which is active in the alarm state Important It must differ from the font color in the normal state. Example: Red
Transparency	Integer (value range from `0` to `255`) The transparent value determines the transparency of the respective color. `255`: The color is opaque. `0`: The color is completely transparent. Note If the color is a style color and already has a transparency value, then this property is write-protected.

Absolute movement

The properties contain IEC variables for controlling the position of the element dynamically. The reference point is the upper left corner of the element. At runtime, the entire element is moved.

Movement
X	Variable (numeric data type) for the X-position (in pixels) Example: `PLC_PRG.iPos_X`. Container variable: `Container.Width` For more information, see: Optimally Adjusting the Position and Size Increasing this value at runtime moves the element to the right.
Y	Variable (numeric data type) for the Y-position (in pixels) Example: `PLC_PRG.iPos_Y`. Container variable: `Container.Height` For more information, see: Optimally Adjusting the Position and Size Increasing this value at runtime moves the element downwards.
Rotation	Variable (numeric data type) for the angle of rotation (in degrees) Example: `PLC_PRG.iAngle1` The midpoint of the element rotates at the Center point. This rotation point is shown as the symbol. At runtime, the alignment of the element remains the same with respect to the coordinate system of the visualization. Increasing the value rotates the element to the right.
Scaling	Variable (integer data type) to trigger a centric stretching Example: `PLC_PRG.iScaling` The reference point is the Center property. The value `1` shrinks the element by a factor of `0.001`. The value `1000` returns the element to its original size.
Interior rotation	Variable (numeric data type) for the angle of rotation (in degrees) Example: `PLC_PRG.iAngle2` At runtime, the element rotates about the point of rotation specified in Center according to the value of the variable. In addition, the alignment of the element rotates according to the coordinate system of the visualization. Increasing the value in the code rotates clockwise. The rotation point is shown as the symbol. Note If a static angle of rotation is specified in the Position → Angle property, then the static angle of rotation is added to the variable angle of rotation (offset) when the visualization is executed.
Use REAL values	Note Only available if the device supports the use of REAL coordinates. : The properties of the absolute movement are interpreted as REAL values. The values are not rounded. The option allows for the individual fine-tuning of drawing the element, for example for the visualization of a smoother rotation. Tip If a horizontal or vertical line is drawn blurry on a specific visualization platform, then this can be corrected by an offset of 0.5 px in the direction of the line thickness.

Tip

You can combine the variables to a Unit conversion.

Tip

The X, Y, Rotation, and Interior rotation properties are supported by the "Client Animation" functionality.

Dynamic points

Array of points

Variable (POINTER TO) which points to an array of the structure VisuElems.VisuStructPoint

The elements iX and iY of VisuStructPoint contain the X/Y-coordinates of a point The current number of array elements implicitly contains the variable in the property Number of points.

The variable that is assigned to the property Number of points contains the number of array elements and therefore the number of corner points.

Example:

pPoints : POINTER TO ARRAY[0..100] OF VisuElems.VisuStructPoint;

Number of Points

Variable (integer data type) which contains the number of array elements and therefore the number of corner points for displaying the element

Example:

PLC_PRG.iNumberOfPoints := 24;

In the example, the element has 24 points. This definition is necessary because the individual points are defined by a pointer and this does not allow control over the number of points.

Note

In this way, it is possible for example to adapt the display of the element dynamically by updating the number of corner points.

Text variables

Text variable

Variable (data type conforming to the formatting specification) for the placeholder in the Texts → Text property

Example: PLC_PRG.iAccesses

The variable value replaces the placeholder in the text of the element. At runtime, the element is labeled with the text, and the variable value is constantly updated.

Note

If you specify a variable of type enumeration with text list support, then the name of the enumeration data type is added automatically in angle brackets after the variable name. Example: PLC_PRG.enVar <enumeration name>. Then the symbolic value of the enumeration component is printed instead of the numeric value when text is printed. See the help page for enumerations.

Tooltip variable

Variable (data type conforming to the formatting specification) for the placeholder in the Texts → Tooltip property

Example: PLC_PRG.iAccessesInTooltip

The variable value replaces the placeholder in the tooltip of the element. At runtime, the tooltip is displayed and the variable value is constantly updated.

Font variables

The variables allow for dynamic control of the text display.

Font name	Variable (`STRING`) for the font of the text Example: `PLC_PRG.stFontVar := 'Arial';` Tip You can find out which fonts are available in the standard Font dialog.
Size	Variable (numeric data type) for the font size (in pixels or points) The applied unit is specified in brackets after the variable name. <pt>: Points (default) Example: `PLC_PRG.iFontHeight <pt>` Code: `iFontHeight : INT := 12;` <px>: Pixels Example: `PLC_PRG.iFontHeight <px>` Code: `iFontHeight : INT := 19;` Tip The font size is specified in points (example: Arial 12). Use points when the variable font size should match a font, for example if a font is set in the Text property → Font property. Tip If you click in the value field, a list box opens on the right for setting the unit.
Flags	Variable (`DWORD`) for the flags to determine the font display . Flags: `1`: Italics `2`: Bold `4`: Underline `8`: Strikethrough Note You can combine the font displays by adding the coding of the flags. For example, a bold and underlined text: `PLC_PRG.dwFontType := 6;`
Font	Variable (`DWORD`) for the character set number of the font The selection of character set numbers corresponds to the Script setting of the standard Font dialog.
Color	Variable (`DWORD`) for the color of the text Example: `PLC_PRG.dwColorFont:= 16#FF000000;`
Alarm color	Variable (`DWORD`) for the text color during an alarm Important This color overwrites the static font alarm color (in the property: Text properties → Font alarm color) It must differ from the font color in the normal state.
Flags for text alignment	Variable (integer data type) for coding the text alignment Example: `PLC_PRG.dwTextAlignment` . Coding: `0`: Top left `1`: Horizontal center `2`: Right `4`: Vertical center `8`: Bottom Note You can combine the text alignments by adding the coding of the flags. For example, a vertical and horizontal centered text: `PLC_PRG.dwFontType := 5;`

Tip

Fixed values for displaying texts are set in Text properties.

Color variables

The Element property is used as an interface for project variables to dynamically control colors at runtime.

Toggle color	Variable for the color toggling . Value assignment: `FALSE`: The element is displayed with the color specified in the Color property. `TRUE`: The element is displayed with the color specified in the Alarm color property. . Assignment options: Placeholder for the user input variable <toggle/tap variable> <NOT toggle/tap variable> The color change is not controlled by its own variable, but by a user input variable. Note Specify a variable for the mouse events Tap or Toggle in the input configuration of the element. Only then is the placeholder set. If you configure a variable in both Toggle and Tap, then the variable specified in Tap is used. Tip Click the symbol to insert the <toggle/tap variable> placeholder. When you activate the Input configuration, Tap FALSE property, then the <NOT toggle/tap variable> placeholder is displayed. Instance path of a project variable (`BOOL`) Example: `PLC_PRG.xColorIsToggeled` Note In the code, declare and implement the variable specified here. Its value assignment determines when the color changes.
Normal state Alarm state	The properties listed below control the color depending on the state. The normal state is in effect if the variable in Color variables, Toggle color is not defined or it has the value `FALSE`. The alarm state is in effect if the variable in Color variables, Toggle color has the value `TRUE`.
Frame color	. Assignment options: Variable (`DWORD`) for the frame color Example: `PLC_PRG.dwBorderColor` Color literal Example of green and opaque: `16#FF00FF00`
Filling color	. Assignment options: Variable (`DWORD`) for the fill color Example: `PLC_PRG.dwFillColor` Color literal Example of gray and opaque: `16#FF888888`

Tip

The transparency part of the color value is evaluated only if the Visualization ManagerActivate semi-transparent drawing option of the visualization manager is selected.

Blinking

The value in Blink interval specifies the interval in milliseconds (ms) in which the element switches its color between the normal state and the alarm state.

Requirement: The visualization is run as WebVisu and the Support client animations and overlay of native elements option in the Visualization Manager is enabled. The element can blink only in this context.

For more information, see: Group: General Settings

Blink interval

Blink interval in milliseconds (ms) for the normal color and alarm color as defined under the Colors element property

At 0 (default setting), the element does not blink. The element is simply displayed in the normal color.

Variable (type UDINT) for a program-controlled color change of color
Example: PLC_PRG.udiBlinking
Literal (type UDINT) which causes the color to change after a fixed time interval.
Example: 1000 for 1 s

Look variables

The properties contain IEC variables for controlling the appearance of the element dynamically.

Line width	Variable (integer data type) for the line width (in pixels)
Fill attributes	Variable (`DWORD`) for toggling the visibility of the element Variable value `= 0`: Filled Variable value `> 0`: Invisible; no filling color
Line style	Variable (`DWORD`) for toggling the line type . Coding: `0`: Solid line `1`: Dashed line `2`: Dotted line `3`: Line type "Dash Dot" `3`: Line type "Dash Dot Dot" `8`: Invisible; no line

Tip

You can set fixed values in the Appearance property. However, these values are overwritten by the dynamic variables at runtime.

State variables

The variables control the element behavior dynamically.

Invisible

Variable (BOOL) for toggling the visibility of the element

TRUE: The element is not visible at runtime.

Example: bIsVisible with VAR bIsVisible : BOOL := FALSE; END_VAR

Deactivate inputs

Variable (BOOL) for toggling the operability of the element

TRUE: User inputs do not have any effect in runtime more. The element is shown as deactivated.

Tip

The Invisible property is supported by the "Client Animation" functionality.

Animation

Tip

These properties are available only when you have selected the Support client animations and overlay of native elements option in the Visualization Manager.

Animation duration

Variable for the duration (in milliseconds) in which the element runs an animation

Variable (integer value)
Example: Menu.tContent with VAR tContent : INT := 500; END_VAR
Integer literal
Example: 500

. Animatable properties

Absolute movement, Movement, X, Y
Absolute movement, Rotation
Absolute movement, Interior rotation
Absolute movement, Exterior rotation

The animated movement is executed when at least one value of an animatable property has changed. The movement then executed is not jerky, but is smooth within the specified animation duration. The visualization element travels to the specified position while rotating dynamically. The transitions are smooth.

Move to foreground

Variable (BOOL) for setting the element in the foreground

TRUE: At runtime, the visualization element is displayed in the foreground.

FALSE: At runtime, the visualization element is displayed in the layer where it was inserted in the visualization editor.

Example: bIsInForeground with VAR bIsInForeground : BOOL := FALSE; END_VAR

Input Configuration

The properties contain the configurations for the user input when using the mouse or keyboard. A user input defines an event and one or more actions that are executed when an event occurs.

Tip The Configure button opens the Input Configuration dialog. There you can create or edit user inputs. Configured user inputs are listed below the events. They each include the action that is triggered and the setting in short form. Example: Execute ST Code: `PLC_PRG.i_x := 0;`
OnDialogClosed	Input event: The user closes the dialog.
OnMouseClick	Input event: The user clicks the mouse button completely in the element area. The mouse button is clicked and released.
OnMouseDown	Input event: The user clicks down on the mouse button.
OnMouseEnter	Input event: The user drags the mouse pointer to the element.
OnMouseLeave	Input event: The user drags the mouse pointer away from the element.
OnMouseMove	Input event: The user moves the mouse pointer over the element area.
OnMouseUp	. Input events: The user releases the mouse button within the element area. It is irrelevant whether the user has previously pressed the mouse button inside or outside the element area. The user presses the mouse button within the element area, leaves the element area, and then releases the mouse button. Note This CODESYS-specific triggering behavior guarantees that actions for key elements are completed. A key element starts an action for OnMouseDown and ends the action for OnMouseUp. Example: A visualization user presses the mouse button within the element area of the key element and then moves the cursor position so that it is located outside of the element area. The action is ended anyway because OnMouseUp is triggered.
OnValueChanged	Event which triggers follow-up actions due to a change in value Which follow-up actions are triggered is configured in the Input Configuration dialog. The defined follow-up actions and the corresponding configuration are displayed below the element property. The OnValueChanged event can be disabled by the VISU_NO_VALUECHANGED compiler define in the properties dialog of the application.

Tap	When a mouse click event occurs, the variable defined in Variable is described in the application. The coding depends on the Tap FALSE and Tap on enter if captured options.
Variable	Requirement: The Tap FALSE option is not activated. Variable (`BOOL`) for the mouse click event `TRUE`: A mouse click event exists. It lasts as long as the user presses the mouse button over the element. It ends when the button is released. `FALSE`: A mouse click event does not exist. Example: `PLC_PRG.bIsTapped`
Tap FALSE	: The mouse click event leads to a complementary value in Variable. `TRUE`: A mouse click event does not exist. `FALSE`: While the mouse click event exists.
Tap on enter if captured	: During user input, it is also taken into consideration whether the mouse pointer is dragged within the element area or not while the mouse button is pressed. `TRUE`: While the mouse click event exists and the mouse pointer is moved over the element area. `FALSE`: A mouse click event does not exist. Or the user moves the mouse pointer outside of the element area while the mouse button is pressed. The value is `TRUE` again as soon as the user moves the pointer back to the element area. The mouse is then captured.

Switch over

With the onset of a mouse click event, the variable is set; when the mouse click event is completed, the variable is reset.

Variable

Variable (BOOL) for toggling at the end of the mouse click event

This is when the user releases the mouse button while the mouse pointer is over the element area. If the user releases the mouse button while the mouse pointer is outside of the element area, then the mouse click event is not ended and the value is not toggled.

Tip

The user can cancel a started toggle input by dragging the mouse pointer out of the element area.

Toggle on up if captured

standard icon : The value toggles regardless of where the mouse pointer is when the mouse button is released. The mouse is then captured.

Hotkey	Shortcut on the element for triggering specific input actions When the hotkey event occurs, the input actions in the Events property are triggered. In this way, it is not the input action itself that leads to this input action, but the mouse input action.
Key	Key pressed for input action. Example: T The following properties appear when a key is selected.
Events	None Mouse down: Pressing the key triggers the input actions that are configured in the OnMouseDown property. Mouse up: Releasing the key triggers the input actions that are configured in the OnMouseUp property. Mouse down/up: Pressing and releasing the key triggers the input actions that are configured in the OnMouseDown property and the OnMouseUp property.
Switch over	: Combination with the "Shift" key Example: Shift+T.
Control	: Combination with the "Ctrl" key Example: Ctrl+T.
Alt	: Combination with the "Alt" key Example: Alt+T.

Tip

All keyboard shortcuts and their actions that are configured in the visualization are listed on the Keyboard Configuration tab.

Access Rights

Note

Available only when a user management is set up for visualization.

Access Rights button

Opens the Access Rights dialog. There you can edit the access privileges for the element.

. Status messages:

Not set. Full rights.: Access rights for all user groups : operable
Rights are set: Limited rights: Access is restricted for at least one group.

Visualization Elements: Polygon, Polyline, and Bézier Curve

Element properties

Are all element properties available?

Tip

Position

Tip

Tip

Note

Center

Tip

Colors

Note

Appearance

Note

Tip

Texts

Tip

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Text properties

Important

Note

Absolute movement

Note

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Tip

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Dynamic points

Note

Text variables

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Font variables

Tip

Tip

Tip

Note

Important

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Tip

Color variables

Note

Tip

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Blinking

Look variables

Tip

State variables

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Animation

Tip

Input Configuration

Tip

Note

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Access Rights

Note