The under-table cameras which revolutionised televised poker could soon become a thing of the past, as technology moves even further.

The latest innovation, known as Perlego is an electronic card recognition system that does not require cameras to track which cards players have.

The system’s design uses an invisible infra-red code coated onto each card in the pack. The coding allows the cards to be viewed through standard cameras and identified using the Perlego system. In turn Perlego makes it possible to deliver on-screen graphics in an instant.

Importantly, the ‘look and feel’ of the cards remains the same allowing the players to play their natural game.

Being data-driven, the system can simultaneously contrast the live game-play outputs with past-performance information on the players. It offers more creative and relevant editorial outputs and options.

It is hoped that Perlego will improve TV Poker coverage, yet at the same time reduce production costs, which will be attartive to broadcasters and production companies alike.

Perlego was invented by iKnowledge, a company which is the leading provider of automated data-driven TV graphics.

Commenting on the launch of Perlego, iKnowledge co-founder and commercial director Kevan Moretti said “After two years of development we have what producers now say is the best there is. It’s simple, undetectable, and easy to use – it’s our ‘ace in the pack’ for delivering the fastest and most complete set of TV Poker graphics".