Abstract: A method for manufacturing integrated circuits uses an atmospheric magnetic mirror plasma etching apparatus to thin a semiconductor wafer. In addition the process may, while thinning, both segregate and expose through-die vias for an integrated circuit chip. To segregate, the wafer may be partially diced. Then, the wafer may be tape laminated. Next, the backside of the wafer may be etched. As the backside material is removed, the partial dicing and through-die vias may be exposed. As such, the method reduced handling steps and increases yield. Furthermore, the method may be used in association with wafer level processing and flip chip with bump manufacturing.

Abstract: An imaging system coupled to a network, the network coupling imaging devices of at least first and second different imaging modalities, each modality including functions which are common to each of the first and second modalities, includes an imaging device, a network coupling the imaging device to a remote facility, an interface associated with the imaging device, and a pointing device for moving a pointer icon about the display and for selecting displayed icons. The network provides the imaging device with remote services from the remote facility. The interface includes a display and a programmed data processor for providing a uniform interface image on the display despite the specific modality.

Abstract: An answer wizard drop-down menu for providing users quick and efficient access to help utilities, including help files and wizards provided by a software application, is provided. An answer wizard drop-down edit control and interface is located in a conspicuous, but non-obstructive location on a software application graphical interface. An edit control allows a user to enter a question regarding some desired functionality of the application. In response to the user's question, the user is presented with a list of potential answers to the question in a drop-down menu. If the user finds an acceptable answer to her question in the list of potential answers, the user selects the acceptable answer, and an appropriate help file application is launched to provide the user assistance with the functionality about which the user has questions. Each question so asked by the user is saved in a list of most recently used items.