Function requirements for Dedicated Short-Range Communications in general
Circuit 15R ON
Transport mode not active
COMAND controller unit (A40/3) activated via "ON" button
Electronic Toll Collection System (ETC) card inserted
Dedicated Short-Range Communications in general
The Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) system combines the following functions:
Payment of toll fees from the vehicle in the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system
Use of Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) services in 5.8 GHz reception range
The ETC system encompasses not only payment at the tollbooth but also a detailed list of payments made.
The services provided through the VICS include, e.g.:
Warning of obstacles in stretch ahead
Information on traffic conditions in stretch ahead
Warning if separate lanes are merged in the stretch ahead
Electronic direction signs
Function sequence for Dedicated Short-Range Communications
Installed in the vehicle for sending and receiving data are the ETC/DSRC antenna (A2/94) and the Dedicated Short-Range Communications control unit (A50/6). The ETC/DSRC antenna enables the Dedicated Short-Range Communications control unit to communicate with the toll clearing station and to receive the VICS information in the 5.8 GHz range.
A special ETC card is required for the ETC system and it has to be inserted in the Dedicated Short-Range Communications control unit. All information concerning the user and the fees that have already been paid are stored on this card.
On the vehicle side, the Dedicated Short-Range Communications control unit is connected via a universal serial bus (USB) interface to the COMAND controller unit. The voice outputs and display messages of the ETC and VICS functions are forwarded to the COMAND controller unit via this connection. The COMAND controller unit forwards the signals to the speaker system or to the Audio/COMAND display.
In the following cases, an ETC voice message is emitted through the speaker system:
ETC card not inserted
ETC card read error
ETC card not accepted
ETC card reader error
Fault during communication with the tollbooth
Detailed information about recent toll payments available
Current information on road and traffic situations available
In the following cases, a visual ETC message (pop-up) is shown on the audio/COMAND display:
COMAND controller unit booted and ETC card not inserted
COMAND controller unit booted and ETC card inserted
Feedback from toll booth