Re:how so? (Score 1)

What is an approximation classed as if it's not mathematical? An approximation has to be at least vaguely accurate to be useful, and that requires at least some maths. Sure, a machine to produce the approximation could be patentable, but from what I understand, this is not about a specific implementation, it's about the theory - that is, the maths, behind it. There is in fact a huge amount of maths out there dealing with approximations. Many things simply cannot be done exactly. For example, the number pi (3.1415...) has an infinite decimal expansion and so all anyone can ever is an approximation to it. If you could devise a faster way to get an accurate approximation for pi, you should certainly be able to get a paper published. You shouldn't be able to get it patented, though.