Abstract: A product label containing information about a merchandise item which can be exchanged with a terminal or server. In its simplest form, the product label includes a memory and a connector coupled to the memory. In another form intended to be inaccessible to a user of the item, it includes a memory, a processor, a transceiver, and a power supply. In yet another form intended to be accessible to a user of the item, it includes a memory, a processor, a transceiver, a power supply, and a display. The product label is permanently affixed to the merchandise item. The stored information may include purchase and exchange information, as well as instructions for use.

Abstract: A parallel search method for a parallel processing computer which employs different and competing search procedures to search a collection of data. A search problem is formulated by a data management application. The competing search procedures are created from the formulation of the search problem and pre-existing rules. The competing procedures are executed. Additionally, execution of the competing search procedures may be monitored to obtain information about the effectiveness of the competing procedures, and the competing procedures may be changed based upon the information. In those search cases where a time limit is necessary, a timer is started at the start of execution, and a solution is returned to the data management application.