Scipher licenses Lucent audio software to Trafficmaster®

25 March 2002 - Scipher plc ("Scipher") the technology development and licensing company announces that its patent licensing arm, QED, has granted a licence to Trafficmaster plc ("Trafficmaster") to use audio technology owned by Lucent Technologies Incorporated ("Lucent"). The software is for use in Trafficmaster's forthcoming in-car vehicle navigation system, 'Smartnav'.

Through existing strategic relationships, Scipher develops and licenses a range of advanced audio technologies owned by some of the world's leading technology companies for use in future automotive, wireless and consumer products. One of the first companies to benefit from this collaboration is Trafficmaster, which has licensed Lucent's hands-free full duplex software. Scipher is also providing development and integration support to Trafficmaster.

Paul Stanghan, Technical Director of Trafficmaster stated: "Scipher provided a strong proposition by bringing us proven technology with leading functionality. Scipher's technical support makes its integration into our end product straightforward, minimising our development time and cost."

Following the addition of audio software from Lucent, QED now has a portfolio of over 30 separate audio technologies - all of which are available under licence. The benefits to product manufacturers are that they can access a variety of leading audio technology, enabling them to get new products with advanced audio features to market in a timely and cost effective way. Other emerging audio technologies available include:

Text-to-speech and voice recognition for mobile wireless devices, in-car navigation systems and MP3 players.
Hands-free full duplex software for communications and automotive applications.
Voice Memo recorder software for portable devices.

David Hulston, Managing Director of QED said: "In this initiative we have collected into one source a range of high quality audio software that companies can license for use in their new products. By licensing Trafficmaster in this way we have demonstrated that we can create value for both the users and owners of the technology."
 

ENQUIRIES:
Michael Kendon, Scipher plc Tel: 020 8848 6444