Computer-aided configuration tool and apparatus

A computer-aided configuration tool, into which a number of technical elements and their technical relationships can be entered, such that the elements and their relationships specify a technical system, comprising:

• technical characteristics which can be set for each element in the configuration tool, wherein the characteristics of a first and of a second element and a relationship which exists between these elements, are used to check whether the first element is compatible with the second element.

An apparatus comprising:

• a memory for storing a computer aided configuration tool including technical characteristics which can be set for each element in the configuration tool, wherein only the setting of technical characteristics for a first element is permissible, on the basis of which it remains compatible with a second element with which it is intended to be related;
• and
• input means for permitting at least one of entry and change of at least one of an element, a technical characteristic, and element relationships.

An apparatus comprising:

• a memory for storing a computer aided configuration tool including technical characteristics which can be set for each element in the configuration tool, wherein the characteristics of a first and of a second element and a relationship which exists between these elements, are used to check whether the first element is compatible with the second element;
• and
• input means for permitting at least one of entry and change of at least one of an element, a technical characteristic, and element relationships.