As a leader in digital high-speed cameras for the scientific, military, aerospace, automotive, research, and entertainment industries, AMETEK/Vision Research recognized the need to redesign their main software, Phantom Camera Control, to meet evolving industry demands. Therefore, AMETEK/Vision Research partnered with Ergosign to completely redesign their Phantom Camera Control (PCC) software, integrating state-of-the-art technologies to enhance the user experience.
A next-generation Phantom Camera Control
Quick and efficient configuration of high-speed cameras
BriefRevolutionizing PCC: Enhanced performance and design
PCC is the main software application allowing users to get the most out of their Phantom cameras with fine-tuning resolution, frame rate, exposure, memory segmentation, trigger modes and automatic functions prior to recording.
The goal of our project was to design the next generation of the PCC application and rewrite it from scratch using state-of-the-art technologies. The outcome was a modern, efficient application with enhanced functionality, refined visual design, and a solid foundation for future, continuous development.
Quick and efficient configuration of high-speed cameras
As a leader in digital high-speed cameras for the scientific, military, aerospace, automotive, research, and entertainment industries, AMETEK/Vision Research recognized the need to redesign their main software, Phantom Camera Control, to meet evolving industry demands. Therefore, AMETEK/Vision Research partnered with Ergosign to completely redesign their Phantom Camera Control (PCC) software, integrating state-of-the-art technologies to enhance the user experience.
ApproachFrom strategy and design…
Our approach encompassed three main phases. In the initial strategy phase, we aligned AMETEK/Vision Research's goals with user and technical requirements. Through contextual inquiry, we gathered insights from users worldwide, uncovering necessary improvements and new features to enhance the user experience across all workflows. We also discussed data connection basics and the app architecture to evaluate implementation strategies and frontend technologies.
During the following UX design phase, we began with conceptual designs, transforming rough sketches into a sophisticated prototype that addressed previously identified opportunities. We also implemented this prototype to validate our design in usability tests, thus collecting feedback to refine the concept before development.
Our visual design enhances the corporate identity, balancing modern trends with traditional values. The design is complemented by a new icon set and users can now even choose between a dark and light theme.
Approach… to tailored development
Initially, we focused on comprehensive Software Development Kits (SDK) and code reviews. By integrating the existing SDK into a modern C++ environment, we analyzed the tech stack to optimize efficiency and maintainability.
Throughout the development phase, we provided tailored solutions for seamless integration and reliable camera control. Using a wrapper-based approach for API redesign, we established a C++ layer for cross-platform functionality.
Our agile approach, 'Release early and often’, led to the creation of a „Continuous Integration/ Continuous Delivery“ (CI/CD) automation pipeline for seamless building, packaging, and testing. This enabled AMETEK/Vision Research to quickly adapt to changing requirements.
Committed to continuous improvement and best practices, we strengthened the project with our experienced architectural expertise. This collaborative partnership empowered AMETEK/Vision Research to achieve remarkable success in Qt development.
Quick and efficient configuration of high-speed cameras
As a leader in digital high-speed cameras for the scientific, military, aerospace, automotive, research, and entertainment industries, AMETEK/Vision Research recognized the need to redesign their main software, Phantom Camera Control, to meet evolving industry demands. Therefore, AMETEK/Vision Research partnered with Ergosign to completely redesign their Phantom Camera Control (PCC) software, integrating state-of-the-art technologies to enhance the user experience.
OutcomeModern and user-centric design
The project culminated in a next-generation PCC application that met AMETEK/Vision Research’s requirements. Involving users from the start as well as iterative improvements led to an efficient application with a modern visual design and icon set. We established a solid foundation for future updates, ensuring seamless integration, cross-platform functionality, and efficient performance.
About the clientAMETEK/Vision Research
Vision Research, a business unit of AMETEK Inc, is a market leader in the field of high-speed imaging with their Phantom high-speed cameras. True to the motto “When it’s too fast to see, and too important not to®”, Phantom cameras provide the ideal combination of resolution, speed and sensitivity for motion analysis applications in defense, scientific, industrial and entertainment markets.
Toni Lucatorto, Senior Product Manager, Vision Research
Early in the project, Ergosign held workshops where we made design decisions about the UI based on the preferences of each stakeholder. It was great to see the results of that collaboration brought to life during the prototype stage.
Now that we are getting ready to release the new PCC, we can safely say that Ergosign was the right partner for us in this endeavor. Not only do we have great-looking new control software, but we learned a lot about today's best practices for software development, which starts and ends with the user experience.
