An idea cannot be patented, only its specific execution. You'll notice patent claims always contain language such as, "In one embodiment, the so-and-so is a doo

An idea cannot be patented, only its specific execution. You'll notice patent claims always contain language such as, "In one embodiment, the so-and-so is a doodly-doo." These are the specifics of the execution. So, if you have a new and better way of doing something, it could very well be patentable. Its easy and cheap to get a "patent pending" status (provisional app) even without an attorney. The real thing will cost significantly more and take longer.