To configure a machine controller by an action execution tree, predefined action patterns are read in. A multiplicity of action execution trees for a machine to be controlled is also generated. For a respectively generated action execution tree, a performance for controlling the machine based on the respective action execution tree is determined. The predefined action patterns are also sought in the respective action execution tree. An action pattern found in the respective action execution tree is then replaced at least in part by a reference to the predefined action pattern. A tree size of the thus modified action execution tree is furthermore determined. Based on the generated action execution trees, a numerical optimization method is then used to determine an action execution tree that is optimized with regard to better performance and smaller tree size, and this is output in order to configure the machine controller.

A device includes a CPU and a touch-panel display. In a first display mode, when control functions that belong to a first level are assigned to menu switches of a plurality of menus, one of the menus is displayed. In a second display mode, all the menus are displayed. A change switch is provided in a menu display selection area, and includes a plural-row mark to indicate that a plurality of menus exist at the first level. The CPU switches between the modes to display one or all menus in the menu display selection area. When a plurality of menus exist at the first level, the plural-row mark is displayed; otherwise, the plural-row mark is erased. When the menus are displayed in the second display mode, the plural-row mark is lit. When the menu is displayed in the first display mode, the plural-row mark is unlit.

A device includes a CPU and a touch-panel display. In a first display mode, when control functions that belong to a first level are assigned to menu switches of a plurality of menus, one of the menus is displayed. In a second display mode, all the menus are displayed. A change switch is provided in a menu display selection area, and includes a plural-row mark to indicate that a plurality of menus exist at the first level. The CPU switches between the modes to display one or all menus in the menu display selection area. When a plurality of menus exist at the first level, the plural-row mark is displayed; otherwise, the plural-row mark is erased. When the menus are displayed in the second display mode, the plural-row mark is lit. When the menu is displayed in the first display mode, the plural-row mark is unlit.