Abstract: A system and method for measuring a subject's blood pressure is provided. The system includes a sphygmomanometer cuff configured to apply a pressure to a blood vessel region so as to restrict the flow of blood through a blood vessel of the region; at least one transducer configured to transmit a signal toward the region and to detect a return signal indicative of a velocity of blood flow through the blood vessel; and an apparatus having a processor configured to determine a systolic blood pressure of the subject. The processor is configured to determine whether the return signal corresponds to a first Korotkoff sound of the blood flow through the blood vessel, reduce pressure applied via the sphygmomanometer cuff if the return signal does not correspond to the first Korotkoff sound, and determine pressure applied via the sphygmomanometer cuff when the return signal corresponds to the first Korotkoff sound.

Abstract: The invention is a system whereby a video image can be converted into an audio signal. A portable apparatus is described which allows a visually blind person to hear the images and thus ‘see’. This does not require expensive equipment nor does it require surgery. It has applications for non-blind people such as with a pilot seeing radar information. It can be performed with an inexpensive video camera, a portable computer, and earphones. It is also readily adapted to a customized and compact system involving a micro camera, specialized computer, and ear buds.

Abstract: The invention is a system whereby a video image can be converted into an audio signal. A portable apparatus is described which allows a visually blind person to hear the images and thus ‘see’. This does not require expensive equipment nor does it require surgery. It has applications for non-blind people such as with a pilot seeing radar information. It can be performed with an inexpensive video camera, a portable computer, and earphones. It is also readily adapted to a customized and compact system involving a micro camera, specialized computer, and ear buds.