Abstract: Asymmetric hardware support for a special class of threads is provided. Preferably, the special class threads are high-priority, I/O bound threads. Preferably, a multithreaded processor contains N sets of registers for supporting concurrent execution of N threads. At least one of the register sets is dedicated for use by a special class of threads, and can not be used by other threads even if idle. The special class of threads can fill only the a limited portion of the cache memory, in order to reduce flushing of the cache which might otherwise occur.

Abstract: A universally known and accepted unique item that is independently identifiable and difficult to counterfeit is used as an authenticator item. The identity of this item is included in an authorization calculation which can only be accomplished by an authorizing authority. The authenticator can be a serial numbered item such as a currency bill or note. The document may be created anywhere in plain paper, electronic or other forms. Creation may be by any of an issuing authority, an agent, a bearer and even the buyer. The document's authenticity may be verified without communication back to the issuing authority. The invention allows cancellation to prevent negotiation of an electronic document regardless of how many copies are extant in computers or other form merely by defacing or destroying the associated authenticator.

Abstract: Asymmetric hardware support for a special class of threads is provided. Preferably, the special class threads are high-priority, I/O bound threads. In a first aspect, a multithreaded processor contains N sets of registers for supporting concurrent execution of N threads. At least one of the register sets is dedicated for use by a special class of threads, and can not be used by other threads even if idle. In a second aspect, the special class of threads can fill only the a limited portion of the cache memory, in order to reduce flushing of the cache which might otherwise occur.

Abstract: The invention described herein utilizes a universally known and accepted unique item that is independently identifiable and valuable so as to be constituted for difficulty of counterfeiting as an authenticator item. The identity of this item is included in an authorization calculation which can only be accomplished by an authorizing issuing authority. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the authenticator is a serial numbered item such as a currency bill or note. The document may be created in a decentralized fashion using ordinary plain paper and the document may even take electronic or other forms. The issuing authority must have the critical or important details of the document and must authorize the creation of the document before it can be created. Further the document's authenticity may be verified without communication back to the issuing authority.

Abstract: The invention described herein utilizes a universally known and accepted unique item that is independently identifiable and valuable so as to be constituted for difficulty of counterfeiting as an authenticator item. The identity of this item is included in an authorization calculation which can only be accomplished by an authorizing issuing authority. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the authenticator is a serial numbered item such as a currency bill or note. The document may be created in a decentralized fashion using ordinary plain paper and the document may even take electronic or other forms. The issuing authority must have the critical or important details of the document and must authorize the creation of the document before it can be created. Further the document's authenticity may be verified without communication back to the issuing authority.

Abstract: The invention described herein utilizes a universally known and accepted unique item that is independently identifiable and valuable so as to be constituted for difficulty of counterfeiting as an authenticator item. The identity of this item is included in an authorization calculation which can only be accomplished by an authorizing issuing authority. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the authenticator is a serial numbered item such as a currency bill or note. The document may be created in a decentralized fashion using ordinary plain paper and the document may even take electronic or other forms. The issuing authority must have the critical or important details of the document and must authorize the creation of the document before it can be created. Further the document's authenticity may be verified without communication back to the issuing authority.