SGA Sagentia Grp

A novel card identification system developed jointly by Sagentia and its client iKnowledge is being made available to producers of televised poker programs. Perlego uses a combination of infra-red readable bar codes, image processing software and TV generated graphics and differs radically from that used presently. It is set to become the established industry standard card tracking technology for TV program makers. Televised card games have built a loyal following over recent years. But like professional sports, which benefited from instant replay and other technology innovations, televised poker has also been waiting for a breakthrough to realize its true potential as a spectator sport. The traditional approach, involving over shoulder and/or under table cameras, is invasive and costly. Obscured or delayed views can result in delays and errors in identifying the cards, making captions follow behind the commentary and compromising the �live� feel of the show. The benefit of Perlego is that information can be delivered direct to TV screen from the moment the card is dealt. The system is faster, more secure and more accurate than the traditional approach. Costs are significantly reduced because fewer operators and observers are needed. iKnowledge Ltd, part of PA Sport, is a leading provider of automated, data-driven TV graphics for a range of televised sports. Satisfied that there was a strong market opportunity for a technology-based approach to card identification, iKnowledge approached Sagentia because of its knowledge and track record in magnetic tagging. Development work for the system took just eight months and initially involved Sagentia developing a smudge and scuff-proof ink formulation, invisible to the human eye, but detectable under infra-red light. Individual cards with a unique 2D data matrix bar code were printed using this ink. Importantly, the �look and feel� of the cards had to be identical to non-printed equivalents. Standard cameras, with filters capable of reading the codes under infra-red light, are linked to a computer that can decode them. As part of the project Sagentia also developed an image processing system which provides a continuous output stream to iKnowledge�s TV graphics system. Commenting on the development, Kevan Moretti, Co-Founder & Commercial Director at iKnowledge, said: �Perlego is a dramatic step forward in delivering the fastest and most accurate game play content on-screen. At the same time it offers producers a significant cost advantage for poker and card play productions. Together, iKnowledge and Sagentia have overcome some very challenging obstacles to deliver a really world-class solution.� About Sagentia Sagentia creates value from technology by developing richer solutions with clients that enable them to realize better business opportunities. Sagentia operates in six global market sectors � medical, industrial products, consumer products, chemicals, materials & energy, telecoms & media and public sector - developing new technologies, products and services that change the basis of competition.�The company also assists business leaders and policy makers to create strategies for technology, innovation and growth. Sagentia�s resources are situated in state-of-the-art facilities in Cambridge UK, Frankfurt and Stockholm in Europe, Boston and Baltimore in the USA, and Hong Kong and Shanghai in China. Sagentia is a Sagentia Group company. The Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange (ti: SGA) and has more than 200 employees. www.sagentia.com About iKnowledge iKnowledge Ltd was founded in 2000 by Nick Bryan and Kevan Moretti. The company delivers broadcast graphics services, sports analytics and media content for broadcasters, bookmakers, venues, governing authorities and publishers. iKnowledge offers its graphics systems across the full range of TV sports and gaming productions. The company also delivers leading-edge predictive and in-play content, in-running wager systems, statistical & form analysis, together with specialist broadcast services such as commentary prompts and automated scripting. iKnowledge was acquired by PA Sport in June 2006. iKnowledge's customer list features many at the forefront of content and systems innovation. www.iknowledge.co.uk www.pa-sport.com