FORM-2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2006
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)
A BUSINESS GAMIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD
OPTIC BRIDGE TECHNOLOGIES PRIVATE LIMITED; an Indian
Company of, B-1207 / 1208 Bhoomi Samkit, Mahavir Nagar, Kandivali (West), Mumbai 400 067, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

Field of the Invention:
This invention relates to the field of virtual reality, computational systems, database systems, information systems, relational systems.
Particularly, this invention relates to Gamification systems.
Specifically, this invention relates to a business Gamification system and method.
Background of the Invention:
Advent of social media and broadband Internet changed ways of communication from the offline world to the online world. With e-mails being a primary and foremost method of interaction, online methods of interaction evolved to instant chats, to online-boards and forums, to social e-mail groups, to social media sites, to online calls and video chats / conferences, and the like. This obviated the need to communicate in person at all times, and allowed for faster flow of information.
With increase in bandwidth of Internet connections, virtual worlds were developed. A virtual world is an online community that takes the form of a computer-based simulated environment through which users can interact with one another and use and create objects. The term became largely synonymous with interactive 3D virtual environments, where users take the form of avatars visible to others. This opened up a plethora of opportunities for businesses and advertisements to be conducted in the virtual world in an analogous manner of the real world.
Virtual life reached a new level with 'Second life'. Many multiplayer online games depict a wide range of worlds, including those based on fantasy, science fiction, the real world, super heroes, sports, horror, and historical milieus. Virtual worlds are not limited to games but, depending on the degree of immediacy presented, can encompass computer conferencing and text based chatrooms.
All mechanisms of information dissemination through the World Wide Web allowed for great platforms of advertisement. These platforms of advertisement serve as a great tool for businesses. According to a recently existing school of thought, it is well understood that entrepreneurship is the key to a vibrant, high-growth economy. Many developed and developing nations are currently

undergoing a wave of transformation where the economy spurt is being derived from entrepreneurial activity. In jurisdictions with a growing economy and an increasing youth population, entrepreneurs will be the key drivers for meeting the needs of industry.
In the entrepreneurial ecosystem, a variety of networks exits. Some networks enable students, faculty, new and future entrepreneurs to access events and resources, share ideas and content. Other networks provide resources for the world's community for entrepreneurs, which resources include knowledge, funding, gain revenue and save cost. Many such start-up and entrepreneurship ecosystems exist. Some are static portals. Others are live meetings as well as networking events. Some others are online communities. Still some others are offline communities. Additionally, some others help entrepreneurs to build their business, to find funding, to network with other likeminded entrepreneurs, to get great deals and discounts and to increase brand exposure. Yet some others are dynamic to the extent of allowing user interaction and chat mechanisms to interact and share in the online world. There is some level of structure in some networks.
Business ideas abound aplenty. Many of them fizzle out randomly due to: lack of a network of mentors, lack of funding, lack of enablement, lack of momentum, lack of motivation, lack of belief, lack of skills, or some such reasons. Each business, typically, would go through the phases of: ideation, creation, feedback, mentorship, advertising, servicing, and scaling. Professional advise may be needed at multiple stages. Professional services may be needed at multiple stages. Access to news and reports may be required.
However, there is no gamified structure, in terms of guidance parameters or guidance steps, for the variety of businesses that exist or which businesses are to be started. Also, there is no proposed set of guidance or a minimum steps' format or step-wise module for engaging or educating a business owner to start or scale a business, which format or steps are specific to the business, per se. Each business has a standard set of practices and steps that need to be followed for its launch and practice. Starting and scaling up any business can be an arduous task, what with the scores of guidelines and steps to be followed. Also, with a plethora of resources available, choosing the right and apt resource for doing a certain step in the process

is always a cumbersome process. Word of mouth still is a preferred and warranted way of choosing a resource. There is, hence, a need for providing an interactive collaborative platform which is a go-to point for businesses for the functions of: launching, starting-up, receiving mentorship, receiving funding, scaling up, growing, obtaining resources, networking, advertising, educating, and the like activities.
For the purposes of this specification, the term, 'business(es)' or 'business item', relates to trade or services and goods as a commercial activity.
According to non-limiting exemplary embodiments, 'businesses' may include e-commerce businesses; service-relates e-commerce businesses; product-related e-commerce businesses, trading businesses; consulting businesses; import - export businesses; legal-based businesses, finance-based businesses; travel-based businesses; medical industry-based businesses; social entrepreneurship businesses; rural projects; and so on and so forth.
For the purposes of this specification, the term, 'Gamification', relates to the use of game-thinking and game mechanics in non-game contexts in order to engage users and solve problems. Gamification is used in applications and processes to improve user engagement, Return on Investment, data quality, timeliness, and learning.
According to non-limiting exemplary embodiments, 'Gamification' experiences include: running a marathon for a cause; tracking daily number of posts; obtaining points for 'check-in' to a restaurant via a location-based mobile application; flying with same airlines for frequent flyer miles / status benefits; and so on and so forth.
Objects of the Invention:
An object of the invention is to introduce game play mechanics in a business development ecosystem.
Another object of the invention is to provide an interactive collaborative platform which is a go-to point for businesses for the functions of: launching, starting-up, receiving mentorship, receiving funding, scaling up, growing, obtaining resources, networking, advertising, educating, and the like activities.

Another object of the invention is to provide a platform to guide a business at various points, in its lifecycle.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a platform to guide a business at various points, in its lifecycle, through the use of Gamification.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a platform to guide a business at various points, in its lifecycle in a fun and engaging format.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a score for scoring a business in terms of its development.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a score for scoring a business in terms of its value based on pre-determined parameters of valuation.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a dynamic and engaging platform for simulating real time steps in a virtual environment, preferably in an analogous manner.
Yet an additional object of the invention is to provide a platform for providing defined resources of the offline world in an online format.
Still an additional object of the invention is to introduce objective steps for a business.
Another additional object of the invention is to provide entrepreneur learning.
Yet another additional object of the invention is to provide a platform for submission and validation of ideas in terms of businesses.
Still another additional object of the invention is to provide a one point matchmaking platform between various players of a business ecosystem.

Another object of the invention is to provide a platform for demystifying entrepreneurship.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a database of problems in order to provide an ideation platform for a business Gamification system and method.
Still another object of the invention is to make entrepreneurship pervasive across geographies and sections of society by making relevant information available to the masses.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a platform, system, and method in order to disseminate information about pre-defined or pre-selected events in a geo-tagged manner.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a list of all resources including entities across the funding spectrum (bootstrap to IPO) for a business item or for a user of the system and method.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a platform in order to enable
submission of idea / business plan / business item directly to one or more users or
resources.
Another additional object of the invention is to provide a platform in order to
enable and / or simulate sale / merger / acquisition of idea / product / service /
business plan / business item to one or more users using the platform.
Yet another additional object of the invention is to provide a platform in order to enable a connection to one of the defined resources on the platform.
Still another additional object of the invention is to provide a platform for crowd funding, where users can submit ideas and seek funds from other users of the platform.
Another additional object of the invention is to provide a platform for promotion of businesses of various service providers or product suppliers in the entrepreneur ecosystem or in the business ecosystem.

Yet another additional object of the invention is to provide a platform with an ability to process transactions on behalf of service providers / product suppliers and to transact in relation to the service provider services / products using the platform
Still another additional object of the invention is to provide a platform where service providers can own, submit, and modify static content on the platform related to their services
Another object of the invention is to provide a platform which is a geography agnostic platform.
Another object of the invention is to provide a platform which is a business neutral platform.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a platform which is multilingual, providing the services / products in various local languages with the object of making entrepreneurship / business pervasive.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a platform which would be provided as a Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), or the like, and the information generated from the platform would be provided as Data as a Service (DaaS).
An additional object of the invention is to provide a platform for users (incubators / accelerators / angel investors / venture capitalists / government institutions, and the like) in order to evaluate the ideas submitted on the platform, conduct contests, award prize money, funding, services, and the like services / events.
Yet an additional object of the invention is to provide a platform for businesses, schools, colleges, institutes that provide programs around entrepreneurship, businesses, business formation, and the like in order to use the platform as part of their curriculum.

Still an additional object of the invention is to provide a platform for existing real life businesses to launch their products or services in a virtual platform and to reach out to a target audience to seek their inputs via multiple feedback mechanisms like surveys, competitions, offering discounts, and the like.
Another additional object of the invention is to provide a platform for users to simulate buying, selling, negotiating for various products and services in a virtual marketplace.
Yet another additional object of the invention is to provide a platform in order to display news relevant to entrepreneurship, businesses, business items, and the like.
Still another additional object of the invention is to provide a platform to visualize and search ideas submitted in various domains and their relative quotients in terms of popularity, penetration, innovation, and the like.
Another object of this invention is to provide a platform which provides for searching an idea / product / service by player / region submitted from / region applicable to / sector / technology, and the like.
Another object of the invention is to provide a platform that would provide ability to users to form an online community of friends or an online network.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a platform that would integrate with existing social networks and provide an ability to invite their users to use this platform.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a platform for educational institutes in order to launch and offer courses (online or offline) to users of the platform.
Summary of the Invention:
According to this invention, there is provided a business Gamification system comprising:

- at least a business database module adapted to store at least a defined business items;
- at least a steps' database module adapted to store at least a step for each of said stored business items;
- at least a node definition means adapted to define nodes which are resources for each defined step per business item;
- at least a resource selection mechanism adapted to allow a user to select at least a resource from said defined nodes; and
- at least a connection mechanism adapted to allow real-time instantaneous or scheduled connection with a selected resource.
Typically, said system comprises at least a business defining template adapted to define said at least a business item.
Typically, said system comprises at least a steps' defining template in order to define steps in relation to a pre-defined procedure for each of said business items.
Typically, said system comprises at least a steps' defining template in order to define steps in relation to a pre-defined procedure for each of said business item, characterised, in that, said steps' defining template comprising at least a tagging means adapted to tag each of said defined steps in relation to defined roles.
Typically, said at least a node definition means is adapted to define at least a node, characterised, in that, said node being at least a resource of the offline / online world which provides to fulfil the needs of said defined step(s).
Typically, said system comprises at least a node-wise repository adapted to store defined nodes in relation to defined steps per business item and in relation to defined resources.
Typically, said system comprises at least a problem definition means adapted to define at least a problem.

Typically, said system comprises at least a registration and initiation mechanism allowing a user to register with said system and further adapted to initiate said system.
Typically, said system comprises at least a role defining means in order to allow a user to play a defined role in said system, and wherein, said selected role presenting steps of said business item in relation to said selected role.
Typically, said system comprises at least an action mechanism adapted to allow a user to take action in accordance with defined steps per business item.
Typically, said system comprises at least a progress tracking mechanism adapted to track and record progress of a user in terms of steps completed and further adapted to push notifications to a user in relation to further steps to be performed / completed.
Typically, said system comprises at least a virtual money mechanism adapted to provide virtual money to a user for use in said system.
Typically, said system comprises at least a scoring engine adapted to provide a score for a business item in relation to a user's performance, pre-defined rules, and real-time updateable parameters relating to the business item.
Typically, said system comprises at least a rules database adapted to define rules in relation to scoring parameters for the scoring engine for each business item.
Typically, said system comprises at least an updating mechanism adapted to provide real-time updateable parameters in relation to said at least a business item.
Typically, said system comprises a crowd-sourcing platform adapted to provide at least a crowd-sourcing resource useful to a user.
Typically, said system comprises a virtual marketplace platform adapted to provide a platform where users of said system and platform have their business items on

display and further wherein said users can simulate a virtual working experience for said at least a business item.
Brief Description of the Accompanying Drawings:
The invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of the business Gamification system;
Figure 2 illustrates steps and associated nodes for a business item; and
Figure 3 illustrates a virtual marketplace platform.
Detailed Description of the Accompanying Drawings:
According to this invention, there is provided a business Gamification system and method. The system and method, preferably, is in a simulated environment.
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of the system.
In accordance with an embodiment of this invention, there is provided a business database module (BDM) adapted to store at least a defined business items. Each defined business item may be in correlation with further modules of this system and method. The business item, typically, is a business that a user of this system and method may choose to pursue within this system and method in an online manner as well as in an offline manner. According to non-limiting exemplary embodiments, 'business items' may include e-commerce businesses, service-relates e-commerce businesses, product-related e-commerce businesses, trading businesses, consulting businesses, import - export businesses, legal-based businesses, finance-based businesses, travel-based businesses, medical industry-based businesses, and so on and so forth.
In accordance with another embodiment of this invention, there is provided a business defining template (BDT) adapted to define at least a business item. A plurality of business items may be defined in relation to pre-defined parameters of the business items. These business items may include, but not be limited to, aims

of the business item, mission of the business item, vision of the business item, protocol of the business item, steps of the business item, usability of the business item, hindrances of the business item, engagement of the business item, scalability of the business item, networking of the business item, advertisement of the business item, profitability of the business item, possible losses of the business item, business plan of the business item, team members of the business item, sales relating to the business item, marketing related to the business item, finances involved with the business item, human resources correlated with the business item, technology parameters of the business item, legal pointers relating to the business item, intellectual property rights' defined with the business item, operations relating to the business item, funding related to the business item, entire process steps relating to fund raising, social interaction relating to the business item, and the like parameters. A plurality of business template may exist. A user may choose a template depending upon a category of business, which category may be pre-defined in the system and method of this invention. Each business item may be defined in accordance with a corresponding business template. A defined business item is stored in the business database module (BDM). Each of these businesses can be defined by the business defining template (BDT) for a specific business item such as a product e-commerce business. Similarly, steps for each plurality of business item need to be defined. The steps may be sequential steps. Sequence may or may not be pre-defined.
Figure 2 illustrates steps and associated nodes for a business item.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of this invention, there is provided a step database module (SDM) adapted to store at least a step for each of said stored business items. Each business item, when initiated, comprises a pre-defined procedure. This procedure is listed as steps by the step definition means. These steps are levels in the online mode of the system and method of this invention. According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, typical steps for starting a product e-commerce venture would comprise: 1) search and obtain a business name (represented by 1); 2) search and obtain a domain name (represented by S2); 3) search and obtain company name registration (represented by S3); 4) search and obtain a trade mark (represented by S4); 5) obtain a shop and establishment license (represented by S5); 6) build a web platform for showcasing products

(represented by S6); 7) set-up a payment gateway (represented by S7); 8) set-up a shopping cart system (represented by S8); 9) set up inventory (represented by S9); 10) set up logistics; 11) advertise (represented by Sll); 12) process orders (represented by S12); 13) manage team (represented by S13); 14) manage accounts (represented by S14); 15) process feedback (represented by S15); 16) engage with customers (represented by S16); 17) receive mentorship (represented by S17); 18) scale business (represented by S18); 19) obtain funding (optional) (represented by S19); and so on and so forth. Each of these steps can be defined by the step definition means for a specific business item such as a product e-commerce business. Similarly, such steps may be defined for a plurality of business items. The steps may be sequential steps. Sequence may or may not be pre-defined.
In accordance with still another embodiment of this invention, there is provided a steps' defining template (SDT) adapted to define steps per business item. Each step may be defined in accordance with a corresponding steps' template. A defined step is stored in a steps' database module. For business items that are not pre-fed into the system and method of this invention, many steps can be defined and / or selected from a steps' database module. For business items which are not pre-fed or for which business items, steps are not defined, the system and method comprises a mechanism for users to contribute and develop those business items and corresponding steps. The steps' template further comprises a tagging means adapted to tag each steps in relation to defined roles. Thus, depending upon role selected by a user, and depending upon business item selected by a user, the steps may be presented to the user. The steps may be sequential steps. Sequence may or may not be pre-defined. Steps may run sequentially, simultaneously, or in a parallel manner.
In accordance with an additional embodiment of this invention, there is provided a node definition means (NDM) adapted to define nodes (N) which are resources for each defined step per business item. Each node may comprise at least a resource of the offline / online world which provides to fulfil the needs of the step. The system and method of this invention links nodes to steps per business item such that the resources of the node are available and / or applicable to a user of the system and method of this invention when the user reaches the specific associated defined step. Resources may include website registration resources, company

formation resources, legal resources, accounting and finance-related resources, intellectual property rights* protection related resources, funding resources, mentorship resources, networking resources, incubator resources, accelerator resources, knowledge resources, information resources, marketing resources, and the like. A resource selection mechanism (RSM) allows a user to select at least a resource, if required. Each defined node and resource, thereof, may be equipped with a connection mechanism (CM) adapted to allow real-time instantaneous or scheduled connection with a selected resource. The connection may be a phone call or a chat service or a web forum or an e-mail or a video chat or buying a resource or so on and so forth or any of the available connection methods.
In accordance with yet an additional embodiment of this invention, there is provided a node-wise repository (NR) adapted to store defined nodes in relation to defined steps per business item and in relation to defined resources. Users may provide resources of their choice to be incorporated in the node-wise repository.
In accordance with still an additional embodiment of this invention, there is provided a problem definition means (PDM) adapted to define at least a problem. Problems initiate business ideas and business items, thereof. Initiation of problems in a common repository will allow user of the system and method of this invention to ponder and deliberate on the problems and to provide solutions in terms of services and problems which may form business items on the platform.
In accordance with another additional embodiment of this invention, there is provided a registration and initiation mechanism (RIM) allowing a user to register with the system and method of this invention and further adapted to initiate the method of this invention.
In accordance with yet another additional embodiment of this invention, there is provided a role defining means (RDM) to allow a user to play a defined role in the system and method of this invention. The role may be selected from a group of roles consisting of a consumer role, an entrepreneur role, a mentor role, an investor role and the like pre-defined roles. Depending upon the role, the steps of the business may be presented to the user.

In accordance with still another additional embodiment of this invention, there is provided an action mechanism (AM) adapted to allow a user to take action in accordance with the defined steps per business item. These actions, typically, would take place in an online format and preferably in the offline world, too. Each action would be recorded in terms of completion of corresponding steps.
In accordance with another embodiment of this invention, there is provided a progress tracking mechanism (PTM) adapted to track and record progress of a user in terms of steps completed. According to a non-exemplary embodiment, a first selected business item may comprise 10 steps. Hence, 10 nodes may be associated with it. Multiple resources may be associated with each node. A user is supposed to pass through each step and associated node. The user is supposed to utilise the resource in the online system and method and may use the resource in the offline world. As the steps pass by, the tracking mechanism tracks progress and may provide a visual indication to the user. The tracking mechanism may also push notifications to a user in relation to further steps to be performed / completed.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of this invention, there is provided a virtual money mechanism (VMM) adapted to provide virtual money to a user for use in the system and method of this invention. Depending upon the chosen business item, quantum of virtual money can be pre-defined by the system and method of this invention. This, typically, is an optimum amount. The user is intended to intelligently and optimally use this virtual money to complete the steps of the business item. Each resource that the user may use, typically, is associated with a pre-defined quantum of money. Judicious use of virtual money, and hence resources, is an objective of this system and method. Typically, the quantum of virtual money matches real-time offline prices, thereby providing a user an approximate, yet real, estimation of expenses involved in completing a business item as per the defined steps. Virtual money from the virtual money mechanism can be awarded / utilised for submitting ideas, launching products / services in relation to the business item, providing feedback on business item(s) / ideas / products / services, taking online courses, signing up for events, buying service provider providers / services, responding to service provider market survey and the like pre-defined activities with pre-defined quantum of virtual money. Also, virtual money can be traded / utilised with respect to other users of the system and method

of this invention. The other users may have other roles such as investors investing with virtual money, consumers buying a service / product in relation to a business item on the platform, and the like.
In accordance with still another embodiment of this invention, there is provided a scoring engine (SE) adapted to provide a score for a business item in relation to a user's performance, pre-defined rules, and real-time updateable parameters relating to the business item.
In accordance with an additional embodiment of this invention, there is provided a rules database (RD) adapted to define rules in relation to scoring parameters for the scoring engine for each business item.
In accordance with yet an additional embodiment of this invention, there is provided an updating mechanism (UM) adapted to provide real-time updateable parameters in relation to a business item. These parameters are pre-defmed and quantified. These parameters may comprise: current trends in correlation with selected business item; popularity quotient in correlation with selected business item, engaging quotient in correlation with selected business item, adaptability in correlation with selected business item, scalability quotient in correlation with selected business item, popularity quotient in correlation with selected business item, crowding quotient in correlation with selected business item, intellectual property rights' quotient in correlation with selected business item, clients' quotient in correlation with selected business item, pricing module in correlation with selected business item, pricing model in correlation with selected business item, technological relevance in correlation with selected business item, legal relevance in correlation with selected business item, commercial relevance in correlation with selected business item, human analysis quotient in correlation with selected business item, market research quotient in correlation with selected business item, , metrics related to number of ideas submitted, metrics related to number of feedbacks provided, metrics related to number of products sold using the platform, metrics related to number of products bought using the platform, and other metrics in correlation with selected business item.

In accordance with still an additional embodiment of this invention, there is provided a crowd-sourcing platform (CSP) adapted to provide at least a crowd-sourcing resource useful to the user. This crowd-sourcing platform may be used to receive feedback, to collect crowd-fund, to obtain information of competition and / or analogous business items, and the like pointers.
In accordance with an additional embodiment of this invention, there is provided a virtual marketplace platform (VMP). This can be seen in Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings. The virtual marketplace platform intends to be a place where users of the system and platform can have their business items (BI) on display. The users can be entrepreneurs (E), investors (I), traders (T), buyers (B), sellers (S), negotiators (N), or the like in order to simulate a virtual experience of working, investing, trading, buying, selling, negotiating, and the like. This simulates virtual mechanisms of running a business item, processes relating to funding, mergers, and acquisitions, and the like.
The data, in each of the components, means, modules, mechanisms, units, devices of the system and method may be 'encrypted' and suitably 'decrypted1 when required.
The systems described herein can be made accessible through a portal or an interface which is a part of, or may be connected to, an internal network or an external network, such as the Internet or any similar portal. The portals or interfaces are accessed by one or more of users through an electronic device, whereby the user may send and receive data to the portal or interface which gets stored in at least one memory device or at least one data storage device or at least one server, and utilises at least one processing unit. The portal or interface in combination with one or more of memory device, data storage device, processing unit and serves, form an embedded computing setup, and may be used by, or used in, one or more of a non-transitory, computer readable medium. In at least one embodiment, the embedded computing setup and optionally one or more of a non-transitory, computer readable medium, in relation with, and in combination with the said portal or interface forms one of the systems of the invention. Typical examples of a portal or interface may be selected from but is not limited to a website, an executable software program or a software application.

The systems and methods may simultaneously involve more than one user or more than one data storage device or more than one host server or any combination thereof.
A user may provide user input through any suitable input device or input mechanism such as but not limited to a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touchpad, a virtual keyboard, a virtual data entry user interface, a virtual dial pad, a software or a program, a scanner, a remote device, a microphone, a webcam, a camera, a fingerprint scanner, a cave, pointing stick
The systems and methods can be practiced using any electronic device which may be connected to one or more of other electronic device with wires or wirelessly which may use technologies such as but not limited to, NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wimax. This will also extend to use of the aforesaid technologies to provide an authentication key or access key or electronic device based unique key or any combination thereof.
In at least one embodiment, one or more user can be blocked or denied access to one or more of the aspects of the invention.
Encryption can be accomplished using any encryption technology, such as the process of converting digital information into a new form using a key or a code or a program, wherein the new form is unintelligible or indecipherable to a user or a thief or a hacker or a spammer. The term 'encryption' includes encoding, compressing, or any other translating of the digital content. The encryption of the digital media content can be performed in accordance with any technology including utilizing an encryption algorithm. The encryption algorithm utilized is not hardware dependent and may change depending on the digital content. For example, a different algorithm may be utilized for different websites or programs. The term 'encryption' further includes one or more aspects of authentication, entitlement, data integrity, access control, confidentiality, segmentation, information control, and combinations thereof.

The described embodiments may be implemented as a system, method, apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques related to software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. The described operations may be implemented as code maintained in a "non-transitory, computer readable medium", where a processor may read and execute the code from the non-transitory, computer readable medium. A non-transitory, computer readable medium may comprise media such as magnetic storage medium (e.g., hard disk drives, floppy disks, tape, etc.), optical storage (CD-ROMs, DVDs, optical disks, etc.), volatile and non-volatile memory devices (e.g., EEPROMs, ROMs, PROMs, RAMs, DRAMs, SRAMs, Flash Memory, firmware, programmable logic, etc.), etc. The code implementing the described operations may further be implemented in hardware logic (e.g., an integrated circuit chip, Programmable Gate Array (PGA), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc.).
Still further, the code implementing the described operations may be implemented in "transmission signals", where transmission signals may propagate through space or through a transmission media, such as an optical fibre, copper wire, etc. The transmission signals in which the code or logic is encoded may further comprise a wireless signal, satellite transmission, radio waves, infrared signals, Bluetooth, etc. The transmission signals in which the code or logic is encoded is capable of being transmitted by a transmitting station and received by a receiving station, where the code or logic encoded in the transmission signal may be decoded and stored in hardware or a non-transitory, computer readable medium at the receiving and transmitting stations or devices. An "article of manufacture" comprises non-transitory, computer readable medium or hardware logic, and/or transmission signals in which code may be implemented. A device in which the code implementing the described embodiments of operations is encoded may comprise a non-transitory, computer readable medium or hardware logic. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope of the present invention, and that the article of manufacture may comprise suitable information bearing medium known in the art.

The term network means a system allowing interaction between two or more electronic devices, and includes any form of inter/intra enterprise environment such as the world wide web, Local Area Network (LAN) , Wide Area Network (WAN), Storage Area Network (SAN) or any form of Intranet.
The systems and methods can be practiced using any electronic device. An electronic device for the purpose of this invention is selected from any device capable of processing or representing data to a user and providing access to a network or any system similar to the internet, wherein the electronic device may be selected from but not limited to, personal computers, tablet computers, mobile phones, laptop computers, palmtops, portable media players, and personal digital assistants. In an embodiment, the computer readable medium data storage unit or data storage device is selected from a set of but not limited to USB flash drive (pen drive), memory card, optical data storage discs, hard disk drive, magnetic disk, magnetic tape data storage device, data server and molecular memory.
The process steps, method steps, algorithms or the like may be described in a sequential order, such processes, methods and algorithms may be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in any order practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously, in parallel, or concurrently.
While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. The use of "including", "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural

forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude or rule out the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
While this detailed description has disclosed certain specific embodiments for illustrative purposes, various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims, and it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

We claim,
1. A business Gamification system comprising:
- at least a business database module adapted to store at least a defined business items;
- at least a steps' database module adapted to store at least a step for each of said stored business items;
- at least a node definition means adapted to define nodes which are resources for each defined step per business item;
- at least a resource selection mechanism adapted to allow a user to select at least a resource from said defined nodes; and
- at least a connection mechanism adapted to allow real-time instantaneous or scheduled connection with a selected resource.
2. A business Gamification system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said system
comprising:
- at least a business defining template adapted to define said at least a business item; and
- at least a steps' defining template in order to define steps in relation to a predefined procedure for each of said business items.

3. A business Gamification system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said system comprising at least a steps' defining template in order to define steps in relation to a pre-defined procedure for each of said business item, characterised, in that, said steps' defining template comprising at least a tagging means adapted to tag each of said defined steps in relation to defined roles.
4. A business Gamification system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said at least a node definition means being adapted to define at least a node, characterised, in that, said node being at least a resource of the offline / online world which provides to fulfil the needs of said defined step(s) and further wherein said system comprising at least a node-wise repository adapted to store defined nodes in relation to defined steps per business item and in relation to defined resources.

5. A business Gamification system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said system comprising at least a problem definition means adapted to define at least a problem.
6. A business Gamification system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said system comprising at least a role defining means in order to allow a user to play a defined role in said system, and wherein, said selected role presenting steps of said business item in relation to said selected role.
7. A business Gamification system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said system comprising at least an action mechanism adapted to allow a user to take action in accordance with defined steps per business item.
8. A business Gamification system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said system comprising:

- at least a progress tracking mechanism adapted to track and record progress of a user in terms of steps completed and further adapted to push notifications to a user in relation to further steps to be performed / completed; and
- at least a scoring engine adapted to provide a score for a business item in relation to a user's performance, pre-defined rules, and real-time updateable parameters relating to the business item.
9. A business Gamification system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said system
comprising at least a virtual money mechanism adapted to provide virtual
money to a user for use in said system.
10.A business Gamification system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said system comprising at least a rules database adapted to define rules in relation to scoring parameters for the scoring engine for each business item.
11.A business Gamification system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said system comprising a crowd-sourcing platform adapted to provide at least a crowd-sourcing resource useful to a user.

12.A business Gamification system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said system comprising a virtual marketplace platform adapted to provide a platform where users of said system and platform have their business items on display and further wherein said users can simulate a virtual working experience for said at least a business item.