Abstract:
An apparatus and method integrates cellular technology, global positioning system (GPS) technology and satellite radio technology. The components of the apparatus share resources, such as a power, dual GPS/satellite antennae, display screen and controls. The system provides an “on-demand” back channel, such as via the nationwide cellular phone network, that allows a satellite radio subscriber to order data on demand from the satellite radio provider, such as a particular list of songs or travel information. The invention utilizes the existing satellite radio infrastructure which is capable of delivering large amounts of streaming on-demand customized programming and information across a satellite channel to a subscriber&#39;s satellite radio decoder. By effectively utilizing the growth and momentum of satellite radio technology, the invention introduces new options for location based services (LBS). Using the existing satellite radio infrastructure minimizes the overall cost of delivery of location based services while allowing a wide range of service options.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/551,572 filed Mar. 9, 2004. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention is generally directed to electronic devices for providing and receiving information. More particularly, the invention is directed to a communication apparatus and method that combines a service request call device and a satellite radio receiver.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     In general, satellite radio broadcast services comprise land-based central broadcasting centers that uplink audio programming to privately-owned elliptically-orbiting satellites that deliver the audio programming directly to a customer&#39;s receiver. These satellites receive the custom audio programming from the terrestrial-based broadcast center uplink and they downlink the programming on a streaming digital radio frequency signal, such as at 2.3 GHz, to a portable mobile satellite receiver. The receiver decodes the digital signal and outputs an audio signal. The audio signal may be directly amplified and played over speakers, such as when the receiver is used in a boom-box configuration, or transferred via a local RF link to an FM radio in a vehicle, such as when the receiver is used in an in-car configuration. In a typical satellite radio system, the programming content is in the form of voice and music along with textual information that is displayed on a display device, such as an LCD screen. The textual information is typically about the program to which the subscriber is listening.  
         [0004]     Currently, there are two companies that offer commercial satellite radio services: Sirius and XM Satellite Radio. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has allotted to Sirius the frequency band from 2.320-2.3325 GHz, and to XM the 2.3325-2.345 GHz segment. Sirius operates three satellites with about 100 terrestrial repeaters and XM operates two satellites with about 1,100 repeaters. Sirius has assigned orbital slots of the three satellites at 68-90 degrees inclination, so they have direct line of site to the top of a mobile unit almost anywhere in the United States. XM&#39;s two satellites transmit from a relatively low angle of between 30-35 degrees. In order to gain nationwide coverage, XM has installed the large terrestrial repeater network in an attempt to obtain a nationwide coverage footprint. At this time, the XM network does not provide repeaters in towns of less than 300,000 population, and it does not have repeater networks in most rural or mountainous areas.  
         [0005]     Although satellite radio service providers have the capability of streaming large quantities of audio information to their subscribers, there is no mechanism available allowing the subscribers to communicate with the service providers to request particular information services at a particular time. What is needed therefore, is a system that provides radio satellite subscribers the ability to request desired information services and enables delivery of the requested services.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The above and other needs are met by an apparatus and method for providing two-way communication between a satellite radio subscriber and an on-demand information service request center. Preferred embodiments of the apparatus and method integrate cellular technology, global positioning system (GPS) technology and satellite radio technology. Components of the apparatus share resources, such as a power, dual GPS/satellite antennae, display screen and controls. The system provides an “on-demand” back channel, such as via the nationwide cellular phone network, that allows a satellite radio subscriber to order on-demand information services from the satellite radio service provider, such as navigation information or a particular list of songs. The invention preferably utilizes the existing satellite radio infrastructure with its capability of delivering streaming on-demand programming and information across a satellite channel to the subscriber&#39;s satellite radio decoder. The invention effectively utilizes the growth and potential of satellite radio technology to introduce new options for on-demand location based services (LBS). By using the existing satellite radio infrastructure, the invention minimizes the overall cost of delivery of location based services while allowing a wide range of service options.  
         [0007]     In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a communication system for receiving satellite radio signals from one or more satellite radio service satellites and providing audio programming derived from the satellite radio signals to a subscriber. In this embodiment, the communication system includes a satellite radio communication unit comprising a satellite radio tuner, a position determination receiver and a dual-use antenna that is electrically coupled to the satellite radio tuner and the position determination receiver. The satellite radio tuner decodes the satellite radio signals to generate audio signals and provides the audio signals to an audio sound system. The position determination receiver receives position determination signals from position determination system satellites, such as GPS satellites, and generates position coordinate signals based on the position determination signals. The dual-use antenna receives the satellite radio signals from the satellite radio service satellites and provides the satellite radio signals to the satellite radio tuner. The dual-use antenna also receives the position determination signals from the position determination system satellites and provides the position determination signals to the position determination receiver.  
         [0008]     In some preferred embodiments, the communication system includes a wireless communication unit for generating service request signals and transmitting the service request signals to a service request call center by way of a wireless communication network. The wireless communication unit receives the position coordinate signals from the position determination receiver and generates the service request signals based at least in part on the position coordinate signals. The wireless communication unit may function according to a number of different communication protocols, including Dual Tone Multi-frequency (DTMF), Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time-Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), personal communications service (PCS) and Blue Tooth.  
         [0009]     Preferred embodiments of the invention also include the service request call center and the satellite radio service provider. Among other things, the service request call center receives the service request signals from the wireless communication unit, generates requested information signals based at least in part on the service request signals, and formats the requested information signals for transmission over a data network. The satellite radio service provider receives the requested information signals from the data network, determines the content of the satellite radio signals based at least in part on the requested information signals, and uplinks the satellite radio signals to the satellite radio service satellites.  
         [0010]     In some preferred embodiments, the satellite radio communication unit includes a cradle unit having a housing for receiving and holding a removable satellite radio tuner unit. The cradle unit includes a power connector for receiving power from a power supply, a satellite radio signal connector for receiving the satellite radio signals from the dual-use antenna, a position signal connector for receiving the position determination signals from the dual-use antenna, and a cradle interface connector. The satellite radio tuner unit includes a cradle interface connector that mates with the cradle interface connector in the cradle. Through the cradle interface connectors, the satellite radio tuner unit receives power and the satellite radio signals. In these embodiments of the invention, the position determination receiver is disposed within the housing of the cradle unit and is electrically connected to the position signal connector for receiving the position determination signals.  
         [0011]     In another aspect, the invention provides a method for providing on-demand information services to an information service subscriber via a mobile communication unit, where the mobile communication unit is in communication with a wireless communication network and a satellite radio system. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes steps of (a) establishing a communication session between the mobile communication unit and a service request call center over the wireless communication network, (b) transmitting identification information from the mobile communication unit to the service request call center, where the identification information identifies a particular mobile communication unit associated with a particular subscriber, (c) transmitting a request for information services from the mobile communication unit to the service request call center, (d) communicating the request from the service request call center to the satellite radio service provider, and (e) transmitting the requested information from the satellite radio service provider to the mobile communication unit via satellite, where the content of the requested information is based at least in part on the request from the subscriber.  
         [0012]     In a preferred embodiment, the method includes transmitting position information from the mobile communication unit to the service request call center, where the position information indicates a position of the mobile communication unit. A request for navigation information is transmitted from the mobile communication unit to the service request call center. The requested navigation information, which is determined based at least in part on the position information transmitted from the mobile communication unit, is communicated from the service request call center to the satellite radio service provider. The requested navigation information is then transmitted from the satellite radio service provider to the mobile communication unit via the satellite radio system. The requested navigation information is loaded into memory in the mobile communication unit, formatted for display, and displayed on a display device associated with the mobile communication unit.  
         [0013]     In another preferred embodiment, the method includes displaying a list of on-demand information options on a display device associated with the mobile communication unit. These on-demand information options may include, but is not limited to, travel information, weather information, navigation information and on-demand musical selections. One or more of the on-demand information options are selected by the subscriber using a selection device associated with the mobile communication unit, and selection information is generated that indicates the selected information option. The selection information is transmitted from the mobile communication unit to the service request call center, and is communicated from the service request call center to the satellite radio service provider. The satellite radio service provider then transmits the information requested by the subscriber to the mobile communication unit via the satellite radio system.  
         [0014]     In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for sending audio information to an audio information service subscriber via a satellite radio system. The method includes providing audio programming to a mobile communication unit by way of the satellite radio system. The audio programming, such as streaming digital audio, includes sequential audio program files that are played on an audio system associated with the mobile communication unit. While listening to the audio programming, the subscriber may select one or more of the audio program files played on the audio system using a selection device associated with the mobile communication unit. This generates selection information indicating which of the audio program files are selected, and the selection information is stored in memory associated with the mobile communication unit. At some time thereafter, a communication session is established over a wireless communication link between the mobile communication unit and a service request center. The selection information is then transmitted from the mobile communication unit to the service request center over the wireless communication link. Based on the selection information, selected audio program files are acquired from one or more distribution entities that distribute audio program files. The selected audio program files are compiled into a desired delivery format and delivered to the subscriber.  
         [0015]     In one embodiment, the selected audio program files are recorded on a portable storage medium, such as a compact disk, which is delivered to an address provided by the subscriber. In another embodiment, the selected audio program files are stored on a storage device accessible to the subscriber via a data communication network, such as the Internet. The selected audio program files may then be downloaded from the storage device to the subscriber&#39;s computer or digital audio device via the data communication network. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]     Further advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the detailed description of preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the drawings, which are not to scale, wherein like reference characters designate like or similar elements throughout the several drawings as follows:  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  depicts a satellite radio system for use in a vehicle;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  depicts a functional block diagram of a GPS-enabled satellite radio system for providing on-demand location based services according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  depicts a call center for receiving and processing requests for location based services according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  depicts a flnctional block diagram of a GPS-enabled satellite radio system for providing on-demand location based services according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  depicts a satellite radio tuner unit according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  depicts a functional block diagram of a satellite radio tuner unit according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0023]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  depict a GPS-enabled satellite radio tuner unit according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  depicts a system for transferring audio data to a WIFI-enabled satellite radio tuner according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  depicts a method for requesting navigation information according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 10  depicts a method for requesting on-demand music and information according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 11  depicts a method for selecting and purchasing music according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and  
         [0028]      FIG. 12  depicts a method for receiving hotel information and reserving a hotel room according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0029]     An example of a satellite radio receiver configuration  10  for a vehicle is shown in  FIG. 1  This configuration  10  includes a cradle  12  having a slot or recess for receiving a detachable tuner unit  14 . The cradle  12  has a power connector  16  for receiving 12 VDC vehicle power and an antenna connector  18  that connects to an antenna  20  for receiving satellite signals. Within the recess in the cradle  12  is a connector  22  that connects the tuner unit  14  to the vehicle power and the satellite antenna. The tuner unit  14  may include an infrared (IR) receiver that allows the user to send programming commands via an IR remote control unit  24 . The tuner unit  14  typically has a low-power FM transmitter for transmitting the audio programming from the tuner unit  14  to the FM radio  15  in the vehicle.  
         [0030]     Every satellite radio tuner has a unique electronic serial number (ESN) stored in memory within the tuner unit. Using the ESN in an identification string, a satellite radio service provider can transmit customized messages via satellite to a particular tuner unit. These tuner-specific messages are usually transmitted in the blind types of the satellite transmission, such that no acknowledgement from the satellite receiver is expected. For example, when activating a particular tuner unit for a new subscriber, the satellite service provider sends transmissions with activation commands that are specific to that tuner. Typically, activation takes place instantly upon transmission of the activation commands so that the subscriber can immediately begin receiving the streaming program channels. According to the present invention, this capability of the satellite service provider to transmit messages to specific tuner unit can be expanded into many different types of service offerings for the satellite radio subscriber.  
         [0031]     Generally, the satellite radio tuner unit  14  may be used in other installation configurations. For example, the tuner unit  14  may be inserted into a cradle within a stereo boom box or into a cradle in a home stereo component. Thus, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular type of installation for the tuner unit  14 .  
         [0032]     In one aspect, the invention integrates GPS technology into the satellite radio architecture so that location-based services (LBS) and associated accessories can be offered to a subscriber as part of the satellite radio service package. In another aspect, the invention provides a feedback mechanism to allow the satellite radio subscriber to send service request messages to a customer service call center. By integrating the GPS function with the service request function, preferred embodiments of the invention provide satellite radio subscribers the ability to request and receive location-based “on-demand” information services.  
         [0033]     The “on demand” service categories include navigation information such as turn-by-turn driving instructions, travel information including locations of restaurants, hotels and fuel, homeland security information, local traffic information including road conditions (accidents, detours, closures), local weather information and weather alerts, financial information including stock portfolio updates, and industry-specific information, such as for truckers or delivery personnel. The “on demand” services may also include emergency response services (police, fire, ambulance), purchasing services with electronic coupons for hotels, fueling locations, restaurants, campgrounds and golf courses, text message delivery such as using Short Message Service (SMS), live operator third-party call connect services, vehicle web tracking, family member web tracking, home/office PC-to-mobile data downloads, regional map downloads, stolen vehicle recovery services, music on demand and books on demand.  
         [0034]     In one embodiment of the invention, existing in-vehicle cradle units can be modified to include GPS functionality. For example, in existing cradle units a GPS access cover can be removed to reveal a slot into which a printed circuit “daughter” board having an external GPS connector can be inserted. A GPS unit with a mating connector is then connected to the daughter board, thereby making the cradle unit  12  operable to support GPS location determination functions. When a GPS unit running constantly, it can provide a stream of x/y coordinate data in National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) format that can be used for LBS accessories. When a satellite receiver unit is modified to include GPS functionality, the cost to add accessories that give the subscriber access to location based services is much less than the cost of conventional LBS solutions. This is because the power, antennae and GPS engine is already present in the satellite radio unit.  
         [0035]      FIG. 2  depicts a preferred embodiment of a satellite radio unit  10  wherein the cradle  12  includes a GPS unit  28 . This embodiment takes advantage of shared system resources. In particular, the satellite antenna system  20  is used for receiving GPS satellite signals and satellite radio signals. Also, the GPS unit  28  receives power from the same power source  17  as does the rest of the satellite radio system. The cradle  12  and tuner unit  14  of this embodiment comprise a fully functional satellite radio system providing all of the services that are typically offered by a satellite radio service provider with the added capability of producing NMEA/GPS location data.  
         [0036]     In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the satellite antenna  20  comprises a broadband element that operates efficiently in both the 1.5 GHz band for GPS signals and the 2.3 GHz band for satellite radio signals. The antenna  20  preferably has two antenna connectors  30  and  32 , such as automotive Sumitomo connectors as are typically used in automobile applications. The connector  30  is used for the GPS connection and the connector  32  for the satellite radio connection. The cradle  12  has two corresponding mating connectors for the satellite radio and GPS signals.  
         [0037]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the cradle  12  preferably includes a communication interface connector  24 , such as a 20-pin Universal Data and Two-Way Radio Communications bus (U-BUS) connector, which provides connectivity to a series of peripheral devices. The U-BUS connector  34  provides two-way communication between the cradle  12  and an external two-way wireless communication unit  36 . In the preferred embodiment, the U-BUS  34  provides the primary power for the communication unit  36  and the two-way data link from the GPS unit  28  to the communication unit  36 .  
         [0038]     The communication unit  36  could be any one of a number of wireless devices, such as a mobile data terminal, a Blue Tooth device, a DTMF analog cellular transceiver, a CDMA cellular transceiver with modem, a TDMA cellular transceiver with modem, a GSM cellular transceiver with modem, a PCS cellular transceiver with modem, a dual band transceiver with modem/DSP/DTMF/cellular overhead or a VHF/UHF radio transceiver. In one preferred embodiment, the communication unit  36  is a CDMA2000 card manufactured by AnyData Corporation of Irvine, Calif. Thus, it should be appreciated that the communication unit  36  of the invention is not limited to any particular type of device.  
         [0039]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the communication unit  36  formats the GPS data and transmits the data via a wireless network  37  to a service request call center  38 . The call center  38 , such as the Procon, Inc. Universal Call Center in San Diego, Calif., incorporates a front-end communications interface that is flexible enough to accommodate communication protocols from any of the above-listed types of communication unit  36 . The flexibility of the GPS-enabled satellite radio unit  10  to interface to a variety of types of communication unit  36  using various data and voice communications protocols enables access to a wide variety of location based services.  
         [0040]     For example, via the U-BUS  34 , the satellite radio unit  10  can interface with a local Mobile Data Terminal having a full map display showing the location of the unit  10  and select points of interest nearby. As another example, the unit  10  can send the NEMA/GPS data via the U-BUS  34  to a Blue Tooth capable cellular handset that transmits the location information to the call center  38 . By interfacing via the U-BUS  34  with any type of cellular communication unit  36 , a user can send location data to the call center  38  and request assistance via an automatic voice connection.  
         [0041]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the preferred embodiment of the tuner unit  14  includes LBS buttons  40  which allow the user to select several types of location based services, such as emergency roadside assistance, local weather conditions, emergency police/fire/medical assistance, turn-by-turn driving directions provided by live operator sessions or by a Mobile Data Terminal map display, text messaging to the display  42  of the tuner unit  14 , Internet vehicle tracking, and stolen vehicle recovery services. Additionally, the invention provides for communication with the call center  38  to locate nearby gas stations, repair facilities, food, overnight accommodations, and to receive detour and traffic notifications.  
         [0042]     Preferably, the display  42  on the tuner unit  14  is a color LCD screen which is at least a 5.6 inch diagonal to provide the best viewing of map graphics and text data. The screen  42  is preferably sunlight-readable and viewable from different angles. Large fonts and easily understood icons are also preferably used.  
         [0043]     The ability of the satellite radio service provider  44  to send one-way messages via the satellites  94  to particular units  10  anywhere in the country provides a platform for a variety of services. In concert with the satellite radio service provider  44 , the call center  38  provides nationwide two-way full duplex communication links to transport data and voice to selected satellite radio units  10 . The combination of resources of the satellite service provider  44  and the call center  38  provides a very unique and efficient form of message delivery for location based services. The addition of modular GPS and two-way communication components to satellite radio products is also quite cost effective.  
         [0044]     A block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the call center  38  is shown in  FIG. 3 . The call center  38  includes a communication interface  91  having the capability of interfacing with various types of communication devices using various protocols. These protocols include but are not limited to DTMF, CDMA, GSM, PCS, TDMA, analog and Blue Tooth. The customer database  93  contains information regarding all customers that have subscribed to the call center services. The satellite radio interface  97  is the communication interface to the high-speed network connecting the call center  38  to the satellite radio service provider  44 . The general content database  82  preferably includes information on weather, traffic, hotels, restaurants, fuel centers, emergency roadside assistance and other such information often needed by users of the mobile satellite radio unit  10 . The LBS operators  80  include the operator terminals and software used in providing two-way voice communication between live operators and subscribers. The production facility  90  receives requested data from various information sources and formats the data into data packages that may be efficiently transferred to the satellite radio service provider  44 . Those information sources preferably include a navigation information module  84 , a music server  100 , a maps and images server  86  and an Internet connection. The call center  38  also includes a general administration module  81 , a customer services module  83 , a product fulfillment module  85  and a billing module  87 .  
         [0045]     Shown in  FIG. 4  is an embodiment of the invention wherein a satellite radio tuner  46 , a GPS receiver unit  48  and a cellular transceiver  50  are integrated into a portable satellite radio unit  52 . In this embodiment, the unit  52  includes a communication and power bus connector that provides for connecting the unit  52  to a plug-in cradle  54 . In one preferred embodiment, the cradle  54  is configured for installation in a vehicle wherein it provides connections to the vehicle power supply  17  and audio/speaker system  58 . In another preferred embodiment, the cradle  54  is configured for in-home use wherein it provides connections to the home power supply  17  and an in-home audio/speaker system  58 . In these preferred embodiments, the satellite radio tuner  46 , GPS unit  48  and cellular transceiver  50  share the same power source, and the satellite radio tuner  46  and GPS unit  48  share the same broad-band antenna system  62 . The embodiment of  FIG. 4  also includes an IR remote control unit  66  used to control both the satellite tuner functions and the cellular calling functions.  
         [0046]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , a preferred embodiment includes a low-power FM radio transmitter  64  interfaced with the cellular transceiver module  50  and the satellite radio tuner  46 . This provides for hands-free cellular two-way voice communication using the vehicle&#39;s standard FM radio  15 . The FM transmitter  64  also transmits the satellite radio audio signal to the vehicle&#39;s FM radio  15 . A software or firmware interrupt scheme allows the satellite radio tuner  46  and cellular transmitter  50  to share the FM transmitter  64 . By using the FM transmitter  64  of the portable unit  52 , cellular hands-free calls may be made using the full audio power of the vehicle&#39;s FM radio system  15 . This eliminates the need for a separate speaker having less audio quality than that of the vehicle&#39;s FM radio system  15 .  
         [0047]      FIGS. 5 and 6  depict one preferred embodiment of a portable satellite radio unit  14 . This embodiment of the portable unit  14  includes call control buttons  40  used to command specific calling features. For example, the buttons  40  include a “CALL” button  70  for initiating normal voice and data calls, an emergency “911” button  72  for initiating voice calls to emergency response services and a “AAA” button  74  for initiating emergency roadside service voice calls. Other of the buttons  68  may be programmed for travel information calls and weather information calls.  
         [0048]     Preferably, a satellite radio subscriber can switch between streaming audio or hands-free phone functions by simply using the standard satellite radio channel selection process. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , additional channels are included in the main menu of satellite radio channel selections, such as the “Navigate”, “Weather” and “Travel Info”.  
         [0049]     The satellite radio unit  52  preferably includes a significant amount of onboard memory  69  so that detailed regional mapping data may be downloaded from the satellite service provider to the unit  52 . For example, local map display data may be downloaded to unit  52  for use during a particular communication session with the satellite service provider wherein the driving directions are provided. After such a session, the local map data may be deleted from memory  69  to make room for other information. Alternatively, or in addition, a nationwide mapping database may be stored in long-term memory within the unit  52 .  
         [0050]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  depict a packaging configuration for an embodiment of the invention wherein a GPS receiver and CDMA cellular transceiver are integrated into a card  76  that plugs into a slot in the housing of a satellite tuner unit  78 . In this embodiment, GPS and cellular antennas are packaged in the portion of the card  76  that extends outside the housing of the unit  78 . The extending portion of the card  76  also preferably includes power and transmit indication LED&#39;s.  
         [0051]     With reference to  FIGS. 2, 3 ,  5 ,  6  and  9 , a preferred method of communication between the satellite radio unit  10 , the call center  38  and the satellite provider  44  includes the following steps. The satellite radio subscriber initiates a call to the call center  38  by pressing the “CALL” button  70  on the satellite radio tuner unit  14  (step  100  in  FIG. 7 ). The communication unit  36 , which in this example is a CDMA cellular transceiver, automatically calls and establishes communication with the call center  38  via the wireless network  37  ( FIG. 2 )(step  102 ).  
         [0052]     Once communication is established, the communication unit  36  provides the ESN of the tuner unit  14  for identification purposes and GPS location data indicating the current location of the tuner unit  14  (step  104 ). Calls from the communication unit  36  are directed to a specific Dialed Number Identification Service (DINIS) in the call center  38  that automatically initiates the two-way communication protocols with the modem in the communication unit  37  to determine the identification and location of the unit  10  (step  106 ). In this example, the modem uses a communication protocol such as Short Messaging Service (SMS) to send data to and receive data from the call center  38 .  
         [0053]     At the call center  38 , the call is directed to an LBS operator  80  and a voice link is established between the subscriber and the LBS operator  80  ( FIG. 3 )(step  108 ). Preferably, both the voice and data links are assigned to an available operator position. The LBS operator  80  will have full access to the subscriber&#39;s information stored in the customer database  93 , including the ESN of the mobile unit  10 .  
         [0054]     At the mobile unit  10 , the FM transmitter  64  in the tuner unit  14  sends the hands-free voice signal to the vehicle FM radio  56  (step  110 ). The subscriber requests driving directions to a particular restaurant (step  112 ). The operator  80  enters the name of the restaurant into a designated field on the operator&#39;s screen, and the location of the restaurant is determined from the general content database  82  at the call center  38  (step  114 ). Based on the location, the navigation information module  84  determines turn-by-turn driving directions, designates X-Y waypoints along the route, and pulls a map of the route from the maps and images database  86  (step  116 ). In the preferred embodiment, the waypoints designate points along the route at which the map graphics will be updated on the display  42  of the tuner unit  14  and at which vocal directions for the next segment of the route will be played.  
         [0055]     The navigation and mapping information are formatted into data packages in the production facility  90  (step  118 ). The data packages, which are tagged with the ESN of the tuner unit  14 , are sent to the satellite service provider  44  via a high-speed data network  92  (step  120 ). The satellite service provider  44  receives the data packages and sends the data to one or more of the satellites  94  via a radio-frequency uplink  96  (step  122 ). The satellite  94  sends to the data packages to the mobile unit  10  having the corresponding ESN via a radio frequency (2.3 Ghz) downlink  98  (step  124 ). Preferably, voice communication is maintained between the subscriber and the LBS operator  80  during this time.  
         [0056]     When the data transfer to the mobile unit  10  is complete, the subscriber confirms with the LBS operator  80  that the information was received at which time the call may be terminated (step  126 ). The received data is loaded into the onboard memory  69  in the tuner unit  14  (step  128 ). A data formatting module running in the processor of the satellite tuner  46  accesses the received data from memory, formats the mapping data and the turn-by-turn driving directions to be displayed on the tuner&#39;s display screen  42  (step  130 ). Alternatively, or in addition, the turn-by-turn driving directions may be stored in memory  69  in one or more audio data files, such as “WAV” files.  
         [0057]     After termination of the call to the call center  38 , the subscriber accesses the turn-by-turn direction information and mapping information by selecting the “Navigate” option on the display  42  of the tuner unit  14  ( FIG. 5 )(step  132 ). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the NMEA interface of the GPS engine  28  is running in concert with the navigation program and is generating XY location coordinates as the vehicle travels along the route. When an inserted waypoint is detected and the XY location coordinate from the GPS engine  28  matches that waypoint, the screen graphic and voice directions for the next portion of the route are presented to the subscriber (step  134 ). In the preferred embodiment, the turn-by-turn driving instructions are displayed as scrolling or pop-up text on the display  42  immediately above or below a map image that provides a complete geo-overview of the route from beginning to end. Preferably, compass headings with turn-to directions are also provided for clarity. The voice instructions are played over the FM radio of the vehicle audio system  56 .  
         [0058]     When the subscriber arrives at the destination, the mobile unit  10  provides visual and audio cues to the subscriber to erase the most recent instructions download in order to make room in the onboard memory  69  for other features (step  136 ).  
         [0059]     In a preferred embodiment, the call center  38  bills the subscriber&#39;s credit card for the transaction and makes distributions to partner business entities (step  138 ).  
         [0060]     With reference to  FIGS. 2, 3 ,  5 ,  6  and  10 , another preferred method of communication between the satellite radio unit  10 , the call center  38  and the satellite provider  44  includes the following steps. The subscriber presses the “On Demand” button  71  on the tuner unit  14  (step  200 ). The mobile unit&#39;s ESN is transmitted to the call center  38  via the wireless network  37  (step  202 ). Two-way communication is established between the call center  38  and the mobile unit  10  (step  204 ). A menu of on-demand music and information is displayed on the display screen  42  (step  206 ). The subscriber makes a selection from the menu and selection data is transmitted via the wireless network  37  to the call center (step  208 ). The call center  38  processes the order and communicates the order to the satellite radio provider  44  via the high-speed data network  92  (step  210 ). The satellite radio provider processes the order and delivers the requested music or other information in data packets via the uplink  96  and the satellites  94  to the mobile unit  10  (step  212 ). The call center  38  bills the subscriber&#39;s credit card for the transaction and makes distributions to partner business entities (step  214 ).  
         [0061]     With reference to  FIGS. 2, 3 ,  5 ,  6  and  11 , a method of communication between the satellite radio unit  10 , the call center  38  and the satellite provider  44  which allows the subscriber to select and purchase music includes the following steps. In this example, the subscriber is listening to streaming music using the satellite radio unit  10  and hears a song that the subscriber would like to purchase (step  300 ). While the song is playing, the subscriber presses a “Select Tune” button  75  on the tuner unit  14  to bookmark their purchase selection (step  302 ). Information from the satellite radio streaming data that identifies the song title and artist is stored in a song list, or album, in the on-board memory  69  of the tuner unit  14  (step  304 ).  
         [0062]     In one preferred embodiment, the on-board memory  69  will accommodate about 67.5 megabytes of a downloaded data in an MP3 format, which is equivalent to about 20 songs. This is about the same number of songs in wave file format that will normally fit on a 640-megabyte compact disc (CD). A firmware program in the tuner unit  14  alerts the subscriber via a message on the display  42  when the number of songs in the list would fill a CD album (step  306 ). This message indicates it is time to transmit the list of selections to the call center  38 . The subscriber presses the “Buy Tunes” button  77  and the data file containing the list of selected tunes stored in the memory  69  is transmitted to the call center  38  via the communication unit  36  and cellular network  37  (step  308 ). The ESN of the mobile unit  10  is also transmitted with the list of tunes. The ESN and list of tunes are received by the call center  38  where they are stored on a storage device accessible to the music server  100  (step  310 ).  
         [0063]     The music server  100  ( FIG. 6 ) accesses the list and begins requesting bids over the Internet from sources that sell music, such as Apple&#39;s i-Tunes, Fast Atmosphere, Inc., RealNetworks, Inc., Roxio, Inc., Napster Music, Inc., Vivendi Universal SA and PepsiCo, Inc. (step  312 ). The music sources server  100  executes the purchase and download of the selection of songs, such as in MP3 file format, (step  314 ) and compiles the song files into a file format for transmission to the subscriber (step  316 ). The call center  38  sends a notice to the subscriber that the requested album of songs is ready to be downloaded (step  318 ). This notice may be delivered by way of a CDMA/SMS session through the communication unit  36 , a satellite radio downlink message through the satellite service provider  44 , an e-mail message or a phone call.  
         [0064]     The subscriber can elect to have the album of songs delivered (step  320 ) using any one of several different methods. The album file may be downloaded directly to the mobile unit tuner unit  14  via the satellite radio downlink and stored in the on-board memory  69 . Any or all of the song files may then be transferred from the tuner unit  14  to the subscriber&#39;s PC or other music storage device via an RF transceiver  43  such as over a WiFi link, or via a wired interface such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or an Ethernet connection. The album file may also be downloaded from the call center  38  via the Internet to the subscriber&#39;s PC or other music storage device. Alternatively, the call center  38  could have the album file transferred to a CD which is delivered to the subscriber via a package carrier service.  
         [0065]     WiFi services are generally available at many restaurants, hotels, airports, libraries, and hundreds of other locations nationwide. WiFi connectivity can be implemented on a laptop computer using a PCMCIA WiFi card and a wireless router with an Internet connection. Several companies manufacture WiFi products designed to facilitate the on-line purchase and downloading of music to home stereo equipment and auto sound systems.  
         [0066]      FIG. 8  depicts an example of a system that uses a wireless router  51  to transfer audio programming to the transceiver  43  ( FIG. 6 ) in the mobile satellite radio tuner unit  14 . The system may also be used to transfer audio programming via a wireless adapter  59  to a home digital audio receiver  55  connected to a home audio system  57 . With this system, music purchased using the method of  FIG. 11  may be received on the subscriber&#39;s home computer  53  via the Internet and then transferred to the satellite tuner  14  or to the home audio system  57 .  
         [0067]     With reference to  FIGS. 2, 3 ,  5 ,  6  and  12 , a preferred embodiment of the invention provides a method of communication between the satellite radio unit  10 , the call center  38  and the satellite provider  44  to enable a subscriber to request and receive hotel rate information for nearby hotels. At the call center  38 , location coordinates of all hotels participating in this service offering have been entered into a database (step  400 ). In the following example, a manager of a participating hotel in San Diego determines that a number of rooms are available at a reduced rate for a certain period of time. The hotel manager contacts the call center  38  to provide information regarding the rooms and rate (step  402 ). This information may be provided in any number of ways, including by way of a voice call to an operator at the call center  38 , a credit card transaction terminal, facsimile or email. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the information provided includes a hotel identification number, a manger/employee number, the reduced room rate being offered, the start date and time of the offer and a transaction identification code. This information is entered into a temporary data file in a database at the call center  38  (step  404 ).  
         [0068]     In this example, a subscriber is traveling in a vehicle on an overnight trip to San Diego and is seeking convenient and reasonably priced hotel accommodations. The subscriber initiates a call to the call center  38  by selecting “Hotel Information” from a menu on the display  42  of the mobile unit  10  (step  406 ). Depending on the configuration of the mobile unit  10 , this call could also be initiated by pressing a dedicated button on the mobile unit  10 . The mobile unit  10  transmits to the call center  38  the ESN of the tuner unit  14 , the current location coordinates of the mobile unit  10  and the direction of travel of the mobile unit  10  via the wireless network  37  (step  408 ).  
         [0069]     The call center  38  receives the ESN and the location and direction information (step  410 ) and queries the database for participating hotels that are within a certain radius of the mobile unit&#39;s location (step  412 ). The call center  38  then formats the hotel information into data packets, such as including the names and locations of the hotels and any reduced rates that are being offering (step  414 ). The data packets are then sent to the satellite service provider  44  via the high-speed data network  92  (step  416 ). The satellite service provider  44  uplinks the hotel data to the satellites  94  which downlink the data to the mobile unit  10  (step  418 ). Alternatively, the hotel data is transmitted to the mobile unit via the wireless network  37 .  
         [0070]     A listing of the hotel information is then displayed on the display  42  of the tuner unit  14  (step  420 ). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the subscriber selects one of the listed hotels to reserve a room at the stated rate by highlighting the name of the hotel on the display  42  and pressing a SELECT button on the mobile unit  10  ( 422 ). This selection is then transmitted via the communication unit  36  and the wireless network  37  to the call center  38  (step  424 ). The call center  38  receives the selection information and communicates with the selected hotel to make the reservation for the subscriber (step  426 ). Once the reservation is complete, the call center  38  sends a confirmation message to the subscriber, either by way of the satellite provider  44  or directly over the wireless network  37 .  
         [0071]     Although the previous example was directed to hotel information, it should be appreciated that this method is applicable to many types of products, services and attractions. For example, the database at the call center  38  may include rate/price and location information for fuel service companies, food establishments, campgrounds, golf courses and major attractions.  
         [0072]     It is contemplated, and will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the preceding description and the accompanying drawings that modifications and/or changes may be made in the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings are illustrative of preferred embodiments only, not limiting thereto, and that the true spirit and scope of the present invention be determined by reference to the appended claims.