Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments related to intercepting, modifying, and analyzing messages being exchanged between two entities. In one embodiment, among others, a method comprises intercepting messages being exchanged between a first entity and a second entity. The intercepted messages are modified to substitute sender information identifying the sender with proxy sender information such that the sender is anonymous to the intended recipient. The messages are also analyzed to determine at least one performance metric associated with the messages being exchanged.

Abstract: An online, interactive practice system is provided, which allows users to practice skills and to learn about desired subjects using interactive, multimedia practice modules (tools) relating to desired subjects. The system includes a computer system in communication with a plurality of remote user devices via a network, a plurality of multimedia practice modules stored in a database of the computer system each including a lesson relating to a healthcare-related topic and allowing a user to practice a skill relating to the lesson, and a common directory structure for aggregating each of the plurality of multimedia practice modules. The system transmits a software module corresponding to a selected multimedia practice module to at least one of the plurality of remote user devices, for execution thereby to generate a virtual practice environment where the user can view a lesson and virtually practice a skill relating to the lesson.

Abstract: An illumination technique is provided that adjusts the respective light intensities of each of a plurality of light sources that are strobed at desirable consistent intensities by adjusting a respective light pulse pattern for each respective light source. All the light sources are controlled to illuminate an object throughout a strobe duration period. The light pulse patterns may be micro-strobed light pulse patterns, formed by a variety of methods. The illumination technique is usable to preserve the general shape of the edge intensity profile on an object, and allow precision edge position measurements, regardless of whether the object is moving or not during image acquisition.

Abstract: An illumination technique is provided that adjusts the respective light intensities of each of a plurality of light sources that are strobed at desirable consistent intensities by adjusting a respective light pulse pattern for each respective light source. All the light sources are controlled to illuminate an object throughout a strobe duration period. The light pulse patterns may be micro-strobed light pulse patterns, formed by a variety of methods. The illumination technique is usable to preserve the general shape of the edge intensity profile on an object, and allow precision edge position measurements, regardless of whether the object is moving or not during image acquisition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a machine vision metrology and inspection system are provided for excluding extraneous image features from various inspection or control operations of the machine vision system. The extraneous image features may be in close proximity to other image features to be inspected. One aspect of various embodiments of the invention is that no filtering or other image modifications are performed on the “non-excluded” original image data in the region of the feature to be inspected. Another aspect of various embodiments of the invention is that a region of interest associated with a video tool provided by the user interface of the machine vision system can encompass a region or regions of the feature to be inspected, as well as regions having excluded data, making the video tool easy to use and robust against reasonably expected variations in the spacing between the features to be inspected and the extraneous image features.

Abstract: Auto focus systems and methods for a machine vision metrology and inspection system provide high speed and high precision auto focusing, while using relatively low-cost and flexible hardware. One aspect of various embodiments of the invention is that the portion of an image frame that is output by a camera is minimized for auto focus images, based on a reduced readout pixel set determined in conjunction with a desired region of interest. The reduced readout pixel set allows a maximized image acquisition rate, which in turn allows faster motion between auto focus image acquisition positions to achieve a desired auto focus precision at a corresponding auto focus execution speed that is approximately optimized in relation to a particular region of interest. In various embodiments, strobe illumination is used to further improve auto focus speed and accuracy. A method is provided for adapting and programming the various associated auto focus control parameters.