I have read Rocard's report. If the software produces any output to the physical world (such as images or text on a CRT or LED screen) then it is a technical accomplishment. This means it can be patented.
I am aware that there are software products that do not produce visual output (numerical controllers, for example) but these software products combined with machinery are already defined as technical inventions and therefore patentable.
So in essence, it appears to me that this new report actually defines "technical" in such a way that any program would be patentable, if it does anything. A Hello World! program would be patentable, because it produces output to a display device for a user to read.
potentially useful as a component used for working/living space at the space-station?
If it's already up there, use it for something! Putting stuff, heavy stuff, in orbit is what costs a bundle, heck you could try to install recycling equipment, grow vegtables, a million things.
Fuel that baby up and fly it to Mars! I don't know the available potential force for a fully fueled space shuttle main engine, but I bet it would be enough to reach martian orbit. Too lazy to look up the numbers, but you orbital mechanics guys, take a look...
Slashdot Mirror
I have read Rocard's report. If the software produces any output to the physical world (such as images or text on a CRT or LED screen) then it is a technical accomplishment. This means it can be patented.
I am aware that there are software products that do not produce visual output (numerical controllers, for example) but these software products combined with machinery are already defined as technical inventions and therefore patentable.
So in essence, it appears to me that this new report actually defines "technical" in such a way that any program would be patentable, if it does anything. A Hello World! program would be patentable, because it produces output to a display device for a user to read.
Nice! Can't wait!
potentially useful as a component used for working/living space at the space-station?
If it's already up there, use it for something! Putting stuff, heavy stuff, in orbit is what costs a bundle, heck you could try to install recycling equipment, grow vegtables, a million things.
Fuel that baby up and fly it to Mars! I don't know the available potential force for a fully fueled space shuttle main engine, but I bet it would be enough to reach martian orbit. Too lazy to look up the numbers, but you orbital mechanics guys, take a look...