Methods and apparatus for electronically storing and retrieving value information on a portable card

A central server for use in a customer loyalty system, the server adapted to receive information from each of a plurality of read/write units and to transmit updated parameters to each of the read/write units, the server comprising:

• a communications interface for receiving information from and transmitting information to each of the plurality of read/write units, the received information including reference fingerprint information representing measured levels of trapped charges in a plurality of memory cells;
• storage for storing the information received and the information to be transmitted;
• a processor for analyzing and compiling the information received from each of the plurality of read/write units;
• an output interface for generating reports of compiled information in desired formats;
• and
• a user interface for programming information to be transmitted to each of the plurality of read/write units, the user interface being further operative to receive instructions for report generation.

A method of monitoring and rewarding customer loyalty, comprising:

• providing each customer with an easily portable solid-state storage medium, the storage medium being receptive to the recording of information by a recording device;
• when a customer makes a purchase, recording a number of points on the storage medium, the number of points recorded being related to the purchase by criteria stored in the recording device, the point total being stored directly on the storage medium, the storage medium comprising a plurality of semiconductor memory cells;
• accepting points for redemption for purchase of or discounts on merchandise or services, the existing point totals being read from the storage medium, the points used being deducted from the total, and the new point total being stored on the storage medium;
• and
• authenticating the storage medium before accepting it for a transaction, the method of authentication comprising:
• programming data to the plurality of memory cells by applying a plurality of voltages such that charges are trapped in each of the memory cells;
• measuring the levels of the trapped charges in the plurality of memory cells after the memory cells are programmed;
• generating numerical representations of the measured levels of trapped charges as a reference fingerprint;
• storing the reference fingerprint;
• and
• comparing the reference fingerprint to numerical representations of a subsequent measurement of the levels of trapped charges in the memory cells defining an authentication fingerprint, in order to determine whether the data stored in the memory cells is authentic.

An electronic value storage system, comprising:

• a plurality of transportable solid-state media, each solid-state medium securely storing stored value information in a reference fingerprint representing measured levels of trapped charges in a plurality of memory cells;
• and
• a plurality of electronic read/write units, each read/write unit being adapted to store and retrieve data from ones of the solid-state media, the read/write units being further adapted to read and write authentication information from and to the solid-state media, the authentication information being resistant to duplication and serving to locally identify a solid-state device containing authentic stored value information without accessing a remote authentication unit, wherein each of the read/write units is programmable with criteria by which value is to be added to the media, wherein each of the storage media includes a plurality of memory cells, and wherein each of the read/write units further includes a data authenticator for securing data written to the media, the data authenticator programming data into each memory cell by applying a voltage which causes charges to be trapped in the memory cell, making a measurement of the level of trapped charges in the memory cell after the memory cell is programmed, generating a numerical representation of the level of trapped charges as a reference fingerprint of the memory cell, and storing the numerical representation as the reference fingerprint.