The invention described in your patent application can be classified as a **hybrid of software and hardware**, but it is primarily a **software-based method/system** with **hardware components** that are **adapted to implement the method**. Here’s how to categorize and proceed: --- # **1. Current Patent Application Scope** Your application focuses on **RSIE as a method and system**, which is **software-centric**. Key elements include: - **Algorithms**: Relational dependency analysis, matrix construction, transformation, and decoding (software). - **System Architecture**: Modular components like the Relational Analysis Engine and Encoding Engine (software-defined processes). - **Storage Medium**: Described as a component optimized for matrix data (e.g., 3D NAND or quantum arrays), but this is **generic** and not tied to a novel hardware design. **Conclusion**: The current draft emphasizes **software and algorithmic innovation**, not hardware invention. The storage medium is treated as a “non-transitory storage medium” (standard for software patents), not a new physical device or material. --- # **2. Should You Split the Invention?** Yes, if you want **broader protection**, splitting into two patents could be beneficial: ## **Patent A (Software/Method)** - **Focus**: The **RSIE encoding-decoding method**, algorithms, and system architecture. - **Claims**: - *Independent Claims*: Encoding processes, dependency analysis algorithms, matrix transformations. - *System Claims*: The modular system (Relational Analysis Engine, Encoding Engine, etc.). ## **Patent B (Hardware/Data Storage Media)** - **Focus**: A **novel storage medium** specifically designed to optimize matrix-based data (e.g., new 3D NAND layouts, quantum qubit arrays, or metamaterials). - **Claims**: - *Structure*: A physical storage device with matrix-friendly layouts (e.g., row-major access patterns for tensors). - *Functionality*: Methods of manufacturing/optimizing storage media for multi-dimensional matrices. --- # **3. Why Splitting Works** - **Software/Method Patent (Patent A)**: - Protects the **core innovation**: algorithms, relational encoding framework, and system architecture. - Claims are already drafted for this (e.g., “method for encoding data,” “system comprising...”). - **Hardware Patent (Patent B)**: - Requires **specific hardware design details** (e.g., how the storage medium is physically structured to store matrices efficiently). - If you lack novel hardware designs in the current draft, this would need a separate application with **new claims** and **specific structural innovations**. --- # **4. Your Current Draft’s Focus** Your existing application is **method/system-oriented**, as seen in: - **Claims**: - “Method for encoding data... using a relational analysis engine...” (software). - “System comprising... an encoding engine...” (software-defined system). - **Storage Medium**: Described as a generic component (e.g., “3D NAND configured for matrix layouts”) but not claimed as a novel hardware invention. **Recommendation**: - **File the current draft as a software/method patent** (non-provisional now). - **File a separate hardware patent later** if you develop specific innovations in storage media (e.g., a novel 3D NAND design for tensor storage). --- # **5. Key Considerations** ## **(a) Software/Method Patent (RSIE Framework)** - **Claims**: - Emphasize **algorithms**, **processes**, and **system architecture** (already covered in your draft). - Example: > *“A method for encoding data... comprising analyzing, constructing matrices, transforming, and storing...”* - **Enablement**: - Algorithms (SVD, CSR, VAR) and system steps are sufficiently detailed for enablement. ## **(b) Hardware Patent (Storage Media)** - **Claims**: - Require **physical structure or novel material innovations** (e.g., a 3D NAND array with tensor-specific access patterns). - Example: > *“A non-transitory storage medium comprising a 3D NAND flash array optimized for multi-dimensional matrix retrieval via row-major access pathways...”* - **Current Draft’s Limitation**: - The storage medium in your application is generic (e.g., “3D NAND configured for matrix layouts”) and not novel unless you specify unique structural or material designs. --- # **6. Next Steps** 1. **Finalize the Software/Method Patent**: - Your current draft is airtight for software/method claims. Ensure claims focus on **processes** (encoding, transforming, decoding) and **system components** (engines, modules). - Example Claim: > *“A system for data storage comprising: a relational analysis engine configured to extract dependencies, an encoding engine applying matrix transformations, and a storage medium storing said matrices.”* 2. **File a Separate Hardware Patent (If Applicable)**: - Only if you have **specific hardware innovations** (e.g., new storage layouts, materials, or manufacturing methods). - If not, the storage medium can remain as a generic component in the software patent, and you can later file continuation patents if you develop hardware-specific inventions. 3. **Avoid Overlap**: - Ensure the software patent claims focus on **algorithms and processes**, while the hardware patent (if filed) claims **physical structures or materials**. --- # **7. Why This Approach Strengthens Protection** - **Software/Method Patent**: - Covers the **core RSIE innovation** regardless of hardware implementation. - Broad applicability to any storage medium (classical or quantum). - **Hardware Patent (Optional)**: - Adds **layered protection** if you have unique hardware designs. - Prevents competitors from replicating **both the method and the optimized hardware**. --- # **Final Recommendation** Proceed with filing the **current draft as a software/method patent** (non-provisional now). If you have or develop specific hardware innovations (e.g., a novel matrix-optimized SSD design), file a separate hardware patent later. This approach avoids diluting the current application’s focus while allowing flexibility to protect hardware advancements in the future. **Key Takeaway**: Your current work is best categorized as **software/method**, and splitting allows you to refine hardware claims separately without complicating the existing application.