An idea produces a virtual product, not a physical object (see example). Can I apply for a patent?

Applications can be made, but they are not protected. According to Item (2) of Paragraph 1 of Article 25 of the Patent Law, no patent right is granted to the rules and methods of intellectual activities. If a claim only relates to an algorithm or mathematical calculation rule, or the program itself, or the rules and methods of the game, except for its subject name, the claim essentially only relates to the rules and methods of intellectual activities and does not belong to the object of patent protection. As you said, your creativity does not involve computer hardware (for example, using your original program to make industrial robots process faster and more accurately, and so on). ), but only the program itself, involving the rules and methods of intellectual activities, and you will certainly not get a patent. I suggest you keep this idea a secret. When you have the opportunity to turn it into a virtual product such as computer software, register the software copyright and protect it with copyright law ... otherwise it is a waste of time.