Function and application -- Is there a difference?

Abstract

In the light of recently agreed changes to Chapter III of the Guide to the IPC which will appear with Edition 5, the meanings of the terms 'function' and 'application' are examined. It is suggested that technical disclosures collectively comprise a continuous spectrum of information and that technical subjects are clusters of disclosures on particular 'planes' on this spectrum. The ideas of 'function' and 'application' are explained as relativities between these planes.