Abstract: A visual display device includes a display unit and a signal input for connection to a computer. The visual display device includes an energy-saving state controller with a monitoring unit for determining whether the image signals applied to the signal input satisfy predetermined criteria during a predetermined time. The energy-saving state controller is configured to switch the visual display device between a normal operating state and an energy-saving state with reduced energy consumption in the event the predetermined criteria is satisfied.

Abstract: A method and system for payment of the copyright levy for a copyrighted work in digital form permits and promotes copying and further distribution of the copyrighted work to customers who are encouraged to register and pay the copyright levy by the ability to collect a commission payment from subsequent customers to whom they in turn distribute copies of the copyrighted work. An information block that incorporates an identifier for each registered customer is associated with the copyrighted work and is utilized to determine to whom a commission payment is to be made when a subsequent customer registers and pays the copyright levy.

Abstract: A process and device for detecting and evaluating surface cracks in workpieces wherein a picture is produced of the surface of the workpiece by means of a video camera and said picture is digitized and is processed by means of a computer to produce a binary picture of any cracks present and a sorting report is triggered when a preselected threshold level is exceeded. In order to obtain a sorting signal that is independent of the absolute brightness of the original picture a blurred background picture is derived from the original picture levels that have been converted to digitized grey shade levels and subtracted from the original picture, the difference picture formed in this way giving the crack representation.