I am writing a patent description for a patent application. It's a blockchain protocol. When writing it, I found it easier to describe each of the steps the protocol does using an exemplary scenario. To make it clear, let's suppose that in my description (this is only example of course) I wanted to convey this meaning: Nodes connected to the network send each other message A within a specified time T, then compute a hash of the message A and use it to select the block producer. Based on that I could claim something like that: A distributed transaction system in which transactions are organized in blocks, the system comprising: -....... -having the nodes connected to the network send each other message A within time T -having the nodes compute a hash of the message A -having the nodes use a hash of the message A to select block producer -......
However, in my detailed description I use ONLY examples in the form of scenarios. So, the same part of the description that I wrote above in my "version" of description would read: To illustrate how nodes connected to the network will select a new block producer, let's use an example. Let's suppose that there are 3 nodes connected to the network: Alice, Bob and Carol. In order to select block producer Alice, Bob and Carol will send to each other a message consisting of A and each on them compute a hash of that message. Then they will us the hash to select block producer. Let's suppose that Alice's hash is equal to (in decimals) 44564457.... and Bob's 576657...
So, you see, the way I described all the elements of the invention in my patent application is by example, because this is how my mind works I guess. Now, using such a description (with examples using specific number and names of nodes, specific values and parameters that are exemplary) am I not limiting the possible claims that can be based on this way of describing to claims that claim e.g. only a system comprised of 3 nodes (as I used Alice, Bob and Carol as example) or only a system that uses such-and-such parameters, even though I always use words like "let's suppose", "for example", etc.? By using exemplary scenarios can I claim the method the examples illustrate in general (not limiting claims to specific number of nodes, names, values, parameters that I used as example) or only the version as specified in example (limited to only this specific number of nodes, names, values, etc.)? Because the description is very long, I don't want to rewrite it, without confirming that the way I wrote it is not the correct way. As a side note, I worked long and hard on this, I don't have funds for professional assistance, so I ask for specific answer from professional.
