What is crucial about the relationship between the programmed computer and peripherals for patentability?

The critical aspect of the relationship between a programmed computer and its peripherals in the context of patentability is the requirement that they establish a functional relationship. This means that for a patent to be granted, the claimed invention should demonstrate how the programmed computer and peripherals interact in a way that contributes to the technical solution of a specific problem.

In patent law, particularly in the realm of software and computer-implemented inventions, a functional relationship helps to illustrate that the components do not merely operate in isolation but instead work together to achieve a desired outcome. This relationship must be clearly defined in the patent claims and supported by the specification, allowing the examiner to understand how the combination provides a novel functionality.

In contrast, designing the components separately or requiring that they function independently would not fulfill the expectation for a cohesive and innovative solution. There is also no patentability requirement that prohibits the inclusion of third-party components as long as the functional relationship is established and claimed appropriately. Thus, recognizing a functional relationship between the programmed computer and its peripherals is essential for demonstrating the novelty and non-obviousness required for patentability.