Node-based operation
Separate workstations and views could participate in one coordinated audience response workflow.
One accountable engineering path
From an operational problem to a working product.
Custom development is most effective when software, hardware and deployment are designed as one system. That keeps the interface, network, installation and owner workflow aligned from the beginning.
Client-specificThe solution follows the client's requirements and ownership structure.
Turnkey deliveryThe goal is an operating system, not an unfinished collection of components.
Production-mindedReliability, recovery, documentation and real-world operation are considered during development.
01UnderstandWorkflow + constraints
→
02EngineerSoftware + hardware
→
03DeployInstall + validate
→
04TransferDocument + hand off
01 / Custom client infrastructure
Tomb Slayer StudiosProfessional power control engineered for a studio still being built.
A fully deployed PDU control system designed around the studio's rack environment, facility network and required startup and shutdown sequences.
5-day deliveryUp to 6 APC PDUsBrowser + touchscreenGPS-disciplined NTP
The assignment
Make a complex rack environment simple to operate.
The studio needed dependable control over individual PDU outlets, coordinated power sequencing, scheduled operation and live amperage visibility. The control layer also needed to remain isolated from normal staff access while still being available from any authorized browser on the facility network.
SYSTEM CORE
Hardware, software and facility timing delivered as one appliance.
- Raspberry Pi 5 controller with official 7-inch DSI touchscreen
- Python 3 and Flask backend with a custom socket driver
- Dual-network design separating staff access from PDU control
- GPS-disciplined Stratum 1 NTP service through Chrony
- Persistent JSON configuration without a database dependency
Operator workflow
Control one outlet or sequence the entire room.
The same browser-based interface supports individual outlet control, configurable delays, master startup and shutdown ordering, weekly schedules, current monitoring, display management and system logs.
Delivered result
From kickoff to live operation in five days.
The finished system was installed, documented and handed over as a complete operating tool. Staff can work from the dedicated kiosk or use a desktop, tablet or phone on the network without installing an application.
- Automated weekly scheduling
- Live amperage monitoring
- Built-in log and manual access
- Complete command reference
02 / Client-owned software platform
EnhanceA node-based audience response system adapted for a world that suddenly went remote.
Enhance was developed under contract for a specific client as a cross-platform system for creating questions, collecting audience input, visualizing results and supporting presenters across connected nodes.
When the COVID pandemic changed the operating environment, the platform was modified for cloud-based use with WebRTC communication and live text exchange.
Question and result authoring
Operators could prepare prompts, manage answer choices and turn live response data into presentation-ready visual results.
Presenter support
Dedicated views kept response status, session timing and audience results available without exposing the full control workspace.
Cloud adaptation
WebRTC and text exchange extended the original venue-oriented architecture to support distributed participation.
Project structure
Enhance is client-owned proprietary work. It is presented here only to demonstrate the scope of the cross-platform software, interface and communications engineering completed under contract.
03 / Joint-venture product development
xPrompterA professional prompting system built around the full presenter-support workflow.
Initiated by a client and developed as a joint venture, xPrompter combined a smooth teleprompting script, confidence graphics or notes, and a configurable speaker timer in one coordinated output environment.
The work expanded beyond the application itself to include networked production roles, live script updates, synchronized backup operation and dedicated tactile hardware control.
Integrated speaker support
More than a scrolling script.
xPrompter used widescreen display space to present the script alongside confidence graphics and a full speaker timer. Operators could work with bookmarks, hidden notes, script queues and slide-advance cues that coordinated visual material with the presenter.
Script controlConfidence graphicsSpeaker timingSlide cues
Prompt-Net + control surface
Live production roles with tactile control and redundancy.
Prompt-Net connected Controller, Editor and Backup workstations. Editors could follow the live scroll and send prepared script changes to the active controller, while synchronized backup operation supported continuity if the primary workstation failed.
The jointly developed MCS5 control surface added a precision scroll wheel, assignable functions, live LCD labels and transport controls so operators could execute commands while maintaining scroll movement.
Project structure
xPrompter was a joint venture initiated by a client. It is included as an example of collaborative product development spanning application design, production networking and custom hardware integration.
Where custom development fits
When the requirement is specific, the system should be specific too.
A custom engagement can begin with an established concept, an existing workflow that needs automation, or a recurring problem that commercial products do not solve cleanly.
Proprietary software
Applications and web interfaces designed around client-specific workflows, users and data.
Embedded appliances
Purpose-selected computers, touchscreens, sensors and controllers packaged as an operating product.
Facility control
Networked control, monitoring, sequencing and automation for specialized environments.
Production systems
Operator tools, presentation systems and media workflows that must perform reliably in live use.
Start with the operational need
Need a product that does not exist off the shelf?
Bring the workflow, constraints and desired outcome. IEW Solutions can help define the architecture and determine what it will take to deliver the finished system.