general answer: ask a lawer. there are patent lawers that can a) tell you if your idea can be patented and b) turn it into a patentable writing. they'll take some money but if your idea is as good as you describe it, that's well invested...

As I mentioned above, I'm looking to do this myself and asking for some tips.

I'm aware that I can ask an attorney but am hoping for some pointers to doing it yourself.

Sticky me with your idea and I'll give you my opinion. ;)

If you search for "patent costs" you may find a reference that describes costs involved - 4-7k USD simple case, and I doubt yours will be.

For starters you will need to ensure that there is no prior art in this area or even that your country actually allows to patent these things - in EU for example you can't get patent for an algorithm and US patent office seems to be taking about the same view on it now.

My advice - save yourself a lot of time and money by avoiding trying to patent something like this.

Patent stuff is so arcane that it's almost impossible to do it yourself. If you can understand any of this [uspto.gov] you might have a shot, though you'll still need professionals for parts of it.

If the idea is that good, contact the major players (g, m, y or even that uncuil) and WITH THE HELP OF AN IP (intellectual properties) LAWYER sell it to them. Let the winner of that deal with the patent process (which is VERY COMPLICATED and TIME CONSUMING, BUT does pay off well for about 17 years in the USA).

I have a patent pending which will (most probably, unless the patent examiner throws me and my attorney a new curve) issue shortly.

the costs involved in having a patent attorney - if you can find one that understands on any level what your invention actually does - are exorbitant. Tens of thousands of dollars most probably and just for starter.

I have a couple of patents from my previous career (1980's) which were largely mechanical so I have a basis for comparison, at least.

Most patent attorneys come out of backgrounds in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering and are going to take an extroadinary amount of time grasping your idea if it's software.

Plus, the firms that specialize in software patents won't touch an idea that could possibly in any way conflict with an established client like Microsoft or Google and the like. (Just try calling ANY patent attorney in Seattle and tell them you're looking to patent a "better" algorithm than MS Live Search and see what happens!)

However, there is absolutely no reason why you can't write it yourself. My attorney acted only as an editor, making sure I didn't screw myself in any way. And his help was invaluable in drafting the claims - that's the hardest part for the layman. But once he got me started, I even did a decent job on the claims, too.

And then, when the examiner comes back at you with objections, you absolutely have to have an attorney's help. There's a way to respond and a way to NOT respond.

I found the book Patent It Yourself published by Nolo very, very helpful.

Good luck.