Abstract: A semiconductor device has: a semiconductor substrate; a number of semiconductor elements formed on the semiconductor substrate; a plurality of lower level wiring layers electrically connected to the semiconductor elements; a plurality of first insulating layers electrically separating the lower level wiring layers and having a first dielectric constant; a plurality of middle level wiring layers electrically connected to the lower level wiring layers; a plurality of second insulating layers electrically separating the middle level wiring layers and having a second dielectric constant larger than the first dielectric constant; a plurality of upper level wiring layers electrically connected to the middle level wiring layers; a plurality of third insulating layers electrically separating the upper level wiring layers and having a third dielectric constant larger than the second dielectric constant. A multilevel wiring structure is provided which has a high performance and a high reliability.

Abstract: A computer unit with excellent backup function is realized. A backup operation system is set, and based on the setting, a data file under editing or the like is saved in a backup section. The backup operation system is distinguished through existence of execution of a backup operation, execution timing of the backup operation, an object to be backed up, a backup destination, and the like. This prevents data loss in the case where a computer unit is hanged, or in the case where trouble of the computer unit, crash of a terminal side data storage section, or the like occurs.

Abstract: A computer unit with excellent backup function is realized. A backup operation system is set, and based on the setting, a data file under editing or the like is saved in a backup section. The backup operation system is distinguished through existence of execution of a backup operation, execution timing of the backup operation, an object to be backed up, a backup destination, and the like. This prevents data loss in the case where a computer unit is hanged, or in the case where trouble of the computer unit, crash of a terminal side data storage section, or the like occurs.

Abstract: A first insulating film is formed on an underlying substrate, the first insulating film being made of a first insulating material. A second insulating film is formed on the first insulating film, the second insulating film being made of a second insulating material different from the first insulating material. A trench is formed through the second and first insulating film, the trench reaching at least an intermediate depth of the first insulating film. A wiring layer made of a conductive material is deposited on the second insulating film, the wiring layer burying the trench. The wiring layer is polished to leave the wiring layer in the trench. The wiring layer and second insulating film are polished until the first insulating film is exposed. Irregularity such as dishing and erosion can be suppressed from being formed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has: a semiconductor substrate formed with a number of semiconductor elements; a first interlayer insulating film formed above the semiconductor substrate and having a first wiring recess; a first copper wiring embedded in the first wiring recess; a second interlayer insulating film having a second wiring recess, the second interlayer insulating film including a copper diffusion preventing layer formed on the first copper wiring and the first interlayer insulating film, an oxide film formed on the copper diffusion preventing layer, and an organic insulating resin layer formed on the oxide film; and a second copper wiring embedded in the second wiring recess. A semiconductor device having copper wiring layers and organic insulating resin layers with less separation and its manufacture method are provided.

Abstract: A first insulating film is formed on an underlying substrate, the first insulating film being made of a first insulating material. A second insulating film is formed on the first insulating film, the second insulating film being made of a second insulating material different from the first insulating material. A trench is formed through the second and first insulating film, the trench reaching at least an intermediate depth of the first insulating film. A wiring layer made of a conductive material is deposited on the second insulating film, the wiring layer burying the trench. The wiring layer is polished to leave the wiring layer in the trench. The wiring layer and second insulating film are polished until the first insulating film is exposed. Irregularity such as dishing and erosion can be suppressed from being formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a signal recording and reproducing method, and a storage medium processor. A buffer memory for temporarily storing a signal is provided. A boundary point is set in the buffer memory. An area for storing a signal to be recorded on a magneto-optical disc and an area for storing a signal reproduced from the disc are provided. A predetermined area for storing signals in an alternate sector is also provided. When reproducing operation is enabled, a ready command showing that recording and reproduction are enabled is supplied to a computer. Prefetch operation is started and the prefetched signal is stored in the buffer memory. When the computer supplies a write command before recording operation is enabled, a signal is stored in the buffer memory. When a signal is read, a desired signal can be promptly read from the buffer memory. Signal writing processing can be started before recording operation is enabled.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has: a semiconductor substrate; a number of semiconductor elements formed on the semiconductor substrate; a plurality of lower level wiring layers electrically connected to the semiconductor elements; a plurality of first insulating layers electrically separating the lower level wiring layers and having a first dielectric constant; a plurality of middle level wiring layers electrically connected to the lower level wiring layers; a plurality of second insulating layers electrically separating the middle level wiring layers and having a second dielectric constant larger than the first dielectric constant; a plurality of upper level wiring layers electrically connected to the middle level wiring layers; a plurality of third insulating layers electrically separating the upper level wiring layers and having a third dielectric constant larger than the second dielectric constant. A multilevel wiring structure is provided which has a high performance and a high reliability.

Abstract: A redundancy fuse is made up of a Cu—Al alloy film and a TiN film covering the surrounding surface of this Cu—Al alloy film. When this fuse is cut, the Cu—Al alloy film in the cut portion thermally diffuses by an abrupt temperature rise, and Al preferentially combines with oxygen because Al is baser than Cu. Al oxidizes in the atmosphere, and AlOx as the stable metal oxide produced sticks to the cut surfaces of the redundancy fuse to form a film in self-alignment. This film functions as a protective film to prevent the generation of corrosion.

Abstract: A redundant fuse is provided with a redundant length, here a winding structure, at one end thereof, here at a vicinity of a second wire side to which a high voltage (Vcc) is impressed. A disconnected portion is provided between the other end side of the redundant fuse, here a second wire side which is on the ground potential (GND) and the winding structure.

Abstract: A computer unit with excellent backup function is realized. A backup operation system is set, and based on the setting, a data file under editing or the like is saved in a backup section. The backup operation system is distinguished through existence of execution of a backup operation, execution timing of the backup operation, an object to be backed up, a backup destination, and the like. This prevents data loss in the case where a computer unit is hanged, or in the case where trouble of the computer unit, crash of a terminal side data storage section, or the like occurs.

Abstract: A computer unit with excellent backup function is realized. A backup operation system is set, and based on the setting, a data file under editing or the like is saved in a backup section. The backup operation system is distinguished through existence of execution of a backup operation, execution timing of the backup operation, an object to be backed up, a backup destination, and the like. This prevents data loss in the case where a computer unit is hanged, or in the case where trouble of the computer unit, crash of a terminal side data storage section, or the like occurs.

Abstract: A computer unit with excellent backup function is realized. A backup operation system is set, and based on the setting, a data file under editing or the like is saved in a backup section. The backup operation system is distinguished through existence of execution of a backup operation, execution timing of the backup operation, an object to be backed up, a backup destination, and the like. This prevents data loss in the case where a computer unit is hanged, or in the case where trouble of the computer unit, crash of a terminal side data storage section, or the like occurs.

Abstract: A computer system which can be freely used by many and unspecified persons. A recording medium is loaded in a computer terminal (public terminal), and use condition confirmation processing is performed by using information recorded on the medium. Use of the public terminal for various processes is allowed to be started according to a result of the use condition confirmation processing. Communication of information necessary for use condition confirmation processing with respect to use of the public terminal or for one of the various processes executed as use of the public terminal can be performed between the public terminal and a server system.

Abstract: If the user performs a manipulation for enlarging a first frame, after a lapse of t1 seconds, the display region of the first frame is enlarged and only the characters “Ja” of onomatopoeic characters “Jaaan!!” are displayed at a bottom-right position of the display region of the first frame. After a lapse of t2 seconds, the display region of the first frame is further enlarged and the characters “Jaaa” of the onomatopoeic characters “Jaaan!!” are displayed in such a manner as to have moved leftward from the previous position. After a lapse of t3 seconds, the display region of the first frame is even further enlarged and all the onomatopoeic characters “Jaaan!!” are displayed in such a manner as to have moved leftward from the previous position.

Abstract: An information providing system includes a loading section in which a recording medium is removably loaded, a content identification information detecting portion for detecting content identification information of the recording medium loaded in the loading section, and a housing section for housing a plurality of recording media in which content information indicated by the content identification information is recorded in advance. An ejecting device ejects a recording medium in which the content information coincident with the content information set by the setting means is recorded. The system also includes a detector for detecting whether or not the remaining number of recording media housed in the housing section and having a particular content information is a minimum threshold value. A replenishing mechanism replenishes the housing section with the recording media of the kind detected by the detector to be at the minimum value.

Abstract: A downloading system which can be used freely by many and unspecified persons. A recording medium is loaded in a public downloading apparatus, and use condition confirmation processing is performed by using information recorded on the medium. Processing for downloading various sorts of information using the public downloading apparatus is allowed to be started according to a result of the use condition confirmation processing. Communication of information necessary for use condition confirmation processing with respect to use of the public downloading apparatus or for downloading processing can be performed between the public downloading apparatus and a server system.

Abstract: An information providing apparatus includes a housing section for housing recording media including a plural kinds of recording media, which have at least any one of plural kinds of contents information recorded in advance. A content detector is also included for detecting a kind of content information required by a user. An ejecting portion ejects the kind of recording media in which the content information of the kind detected by the content detector is recorded. A remaining recording medium detector detects, for each kind of recording media, whether or not the remaining number of the kind of recording media housed in the housing section is less than or equal to a minimum threshold value. A replenishing device replenishes the recording media of the kind detected by the remaining recording medium detector to be less than or equal to the minimum threshold value.

Abstract: A redundancy fuse is made up of a Cu—Al alloy film and a TiN film covering the surrounding surface of this Cu—Al alloy film. When this fuse is cut, the Cu—Al alloy film in the cut portion thermally diffuses by an abrupt temperature rise, and Al preferentially combines with oxygen because Al is baser than Cu. Al oxidizes in the atmosphere, and AlOX as the stable metal oxide produced sticks to the cut surfaces of the redundancy fuse to form a film in self-alignment. This film functions as a protective film to prevent the generation of corrosion.

Abstract: A surgery equipment holding device comprises a holder for holding surgical equipment, a bar connected to the holder, a brake which operatively engages the bar for stopping movement of the bar, and a pair of switches for switching being an active state and an inactive state of the brake. The surgery equipment holding device is characterized in the operation thereof at the time of disengaging the fixation state, and exhibits excellent operability.