Navigation mode, function

P82.89-0764-79

P82.89-0763-79

Function requirements for navigation mode in general

 Status circuit 30g ON

 Signal reception from at least three GPS satellites (Global navigation system)

 Transport mode not active

 No smartphone connected via Android Auto or CarPlay

General navigation mode

The navigation module is integrated in the COMAND controller unit. The navigation system includes the following functionalities:

 Position finding

 Destination entry

 Route calculation

 Display of navigation maps

 Intersection zoom

 Visual driving instructions in form of pictograms

 Acoustic driving instructions

The location of the vehicle and the direction and distance to the destination are determined with the aid of the navigation system.

After entering or retrieving a destination location, route calculation starts. A range of options can be selected for route calculation according to the national version, e.g.:

 "Fast route"

 "Dynamic route"

 "Eco Route"

 "Short route"

 Avoid options (e.g. "Avoid area", "Avoid tunnel", "Avoid ferries", "Avoid toll sticker roads")

If observance of the options is not possible, then the options set are ignored for the sections in question and a message is displayed and signaled audibly. The set options can be displayed and changed at any time. Once calculated, the route is displayed using arrow pictograms on the Audio/COMAND display and this information is also issued as an acoustic notification: "The route is being calculated".

If the vehicle is no longer moving on the precalculated route, the route is recalculated. If the recalculated values are plausible for the navigation system, then the modified route is displayed.

 Dynamic route guidance (with "Dynamic route", "Dynamic route with confirmation" or "Eco route" ): An alternative route is offered under dynamic route guidance, in the event of a sufficiently long traffic jam or road closure on the calculated route.

The navigation system also has lists and card data for points of interest (e.g. restaurants, filling stations, parking lots, shopping centers), which can be selected as the destination or for a stopover.

 Model 166
as of model year 2016
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
except code 498 (Japanese version)
Model 292
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
Routes or destinations can be sent from the Internet over the Mercedes-Benz Application Gateway to the vehicle and imported into the navigation system.

 Model 166
as of model year 2016
with code 498 (Japanese version)
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
Destinations (but no routes) can be sent from the Internet over the "Mercedes-Benz Application Gateway" to the vehicle and imported into the navigation system.

 Model 166
as of model year 2016
with code 348 (Emergency call/assistant system)
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
Model 292
with code 348 (Emergency call/assistant system)
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
Destination entries or points of interest can be made available to the navigation module of the COMAND controller unit by the Service Center.

The navigation system can be operated with the following components:

 Audio/COMAND control panel

 Touchpad

 Control panels on the COMAND controller unit

 Left multifunction steering wheel button group and right multifunction steering wheel button group

 Voice control system

When entered using the Audio/COMAND control panel or the touchpad, the control signals are sent via telematics CAN to the COMAND controller unit.

When entries are made via the control panels on the COMAND controller unit, the control signals are processed within the unit.

The control signals from the left multifunction steering wheel button group and the right multifunction steering wheel button group are forwarded as follows:

Steering wheel electronics 

Steering LIN 

Steering column tube module control unit 

Chassis CAN 1 

Electronic ignition lock control unit 

Chassis CAN 2 

Instrument cluster 

Interior CAN 

COMAND control unit

If operation is taking place via the voice control system, voice input is provided via the hands-free system microphone group. Words spoken into the hands-free system microphone group are converted into an electrical signal and forwarded via a direct line to the COMAND controller unit.

 In the voice control system, additional name lists are provided for navigation e.g. for the following information: place names for selected towns on the data medium, street names for all cities, city centers, and points of interest.

The navigation function consists of the following subfunctions:

 General information on GPS position finding

 GPS position finding function sequence

 General information on basic position finding

 Basic position finding function sequence

 Calibration

 Recalibration

 General information on route calculation

 Route guidance function sequence

 General information on dynamic route guidance

 Function sequence for dynamic route guidance (except code 494 (USA version), except code 498 (Japan version), except code B54 (Live Traffic Information) and except code 367 (Live Traffic Information))

 Function sequence for Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) over the FM multiplexer (model 166 with code 498 (Japan version))

 Function sequence for VICS dynamic route guidance (model 166 with code 498 (Japan version), Dealer Option)

 Function sequence for dynamic route guidance with real-time traffic data (RTTD, Real Time Traffic Data) (with code 494 (USA version) and code 536 (SIRIUS satellite radio))

 Function sequence for dynamic route guidance with real-time traffic data via the telematics services communications module (with code B54 (Live Traffic Information)) or via the HERMES control unit (with code 367 (Live Traffic Information))

 Map function

 Extended navigation functions

 The navigation system uses a special interface to provide data that is used by other systems in the vehicle. The COMAND controller unit sends the data via interior CAN.

General information on GPS position finding

The GPS is a satellite-based position finding system, which is available on a global basis. GPS position finding is irretrievable after vehicle transport (e.g. by train or ferry or after towing). Recalculating the GPS position (after satellite reception has been interrupted) can take several minutes (up to 5 minutes during initial commissioning). The accuracy of the position finding and the actual calculation are essentially based on the measurement of the run times of the signals sent synchronously by the various satellites. A vital precondition is the synchronicity of the clocks in the satellites and in the receiver. To ensure synchronicity, the receiver is equipped with an automatic time correction that is possible thanks to the satellite signals.

GPS position finding function sequence

The COMAND controller unit receives the GPS signals in vehicles with code 348 (Emergency call/assist system) via the global positioning system antenna splitter from the multifunction antenna and in vehicles except code 348 (Emergency call/assist system), directly from the multifunction antenna. The COMAND controller unit calculates the current position of the vehicle from the GPS signals. The vehicle's direction of travel is also determined using the sequence of GPS calculated locations.

 Since GPS operates in the gigahertz range and the signals are weak, the following events may lead to reception interference: Atmospheric interferences (e.g. bad weather, water vapor, fog), multi-path reception due to reflections of the signals (e.g. at building walls) or signal shadowing (e.g. in built-up areas, in tunnels, due to tall buildings or trees).

General information on basic position finding

Navigation can be continued without a GPS signal using basic position finding. A defect (e.g. multifunction antenna) is therefore not immediately recognizable. Basic position finding runs parallel to GPS position finding. For basic position finding the COMAND controller unit requires the following information:

 Wheel speed and wheel rotation direction (forwards or backwards)

 Gyro sensor (rotational angular velocity)

 3-D acceleration sensor (ramp detection)

Basic position finding function sequence

For basic position finding, the COMAND controller unit requires signals from the following components:

 Electronic Stability Program control unit (wheel speed signals including direction of travel)

 Gyro sensor, integrated into COMAND controller unit

 3-D acceleration sensor, integrated into COMAND controller unit

The gyro sensor and 3-D acceleration sensor data is forwarded within the COMAND controller unit.

The Electronic Stability Program control unit sends the wheel speed signals and the wheel rotation direction signals via the following route:

Chassis CAN 1 

Electronic ignition lock control unit 

Interior CAN 

COMAND control unit

The basic position finding calculation is performed approx. once per second.

 Position finding errors in position finding, rolling backwards with "circuit 15 OFF" (ignition switched off) or transport of the vehicle falsify the basic position finding. In both instances the deviation is automatically corrected by the COMAND controller unit's integrated navigation processor upon reception of GPS data.

Calibration

The calibration following a tire replacement is performed automatically.

Recalibration

Because of the tire abrasion, a constant recalibration of the tire circumference is required. It is carried out automatically and uses the difference between the calculated and actually traveled distance between turning points calculated with the aid of map-based position finding.

General information on route calculation

Route calculation is accomplished using the options set to the best possible extent. If observance of the options is not possible, then the options set are ignored for the sections in question and a message is displayed and signaled audibly. The set criteria and options can be displayed and changed at any time. Acoustic information is output ("Route is being calculated") and following successful calculation the route is displayed on the map.

Route guidance function sequence

The integrated navigation processor continuously compares the route calculation data with the position finding data and uses the data to deduce measures for further route guidance. The route guidance is carried out by outputting visual and acoustic information and is divided up into the following areas:

 Map route guidance

 Route guidance through driving lane recommendations

 Route guidance by means of voice output

Map route guidance

Signals for visual depiction of the route guidance (map navigation) are generated by the COMAND controller unit and sent to the audio/COMAND display via an LVDS line. The Audio/COMAND display is switched on via the telematics CAN by the COMAND controller unit.

Route guidance through driving lane recommendations

For certain turnoff situations on multiple-land exit points (e.g. freeway intersection) driving lane recommendations are shown in the bottom line. In addition, when a turnoff recommendation is given, the distance to the actual turnoff point is also displayed by means of a bar graph. The lanes have arrows assigned to them, which indicate on which lane the destination can be reached or the best way to reach it.

The following colors are valid for display in the Audio/COMAND display:

 White: Denotes the best or recommended lane.

 Light gray: the lane is correct, but a lane change will soon be required.

 Dark gray: this lane will not take you to the destination.

 The instrument cluster only displays the white arrows.

Route guidance by means of voice output

Route guidance by means of voice output is an assistance function that assists the driver without distracting him from the traffic. Voice is output with the selected system language. The route guidance of the navigation system is supported by voice outputs with the following information:

 Directional instructions

 Name of the next road to turn into.

Further voice messages take place, for example, at the start of route calculation, when an intermediate destination has been reached, or when the destination has been reached.

During dynamic route guidance, additional voice messages are issued due to traffic messages affecting the route. Special information is issued in some instances by voice output, for example:

 Destination lies in area where driving is only possible to a limited extent

 Route via ferry

The COMAND controller unit's navigation processor links word segments during a voice output to form complete instructions or information.

 The announcement volume can be adjusted when voice output is active.

In vehicles except code 810 (Sound system) and except code 811 (Advanced sound system) the voice output is forwarded to the speaker system by the COMAND controller unit.

In vehicles with code 810 (Sound system) or code 811 (Advanced sound system) the COMAND controller unit transmits the voice output via MOST to the sound system amplifier control unit. The sound system amplifier control unit amplifies the signals and forwards them to the speaker system.

General information on dynamic route guidance

Dynamic route guidance takes place in "Dynamic route", "Dynamic route with confirmation" or "Eco route" mode (except code 494 (USA version) and except code 498 (Japan version)). During dynamic route guidance the current traffic situation is taken into consideration when appropriate traffic data is received. The traffic data recorder decodes the traffic information and forwards it internally to the navigation processor upon request. The navigation processor makes the decision whether the route should be changed.

During dynamic routing with confirmation, the user is notified of the effects of the route change on the travel distance and driving time. The route is only changed with the user's agreement.

If necessary, a message that the route should be changed is output via the speaker system.

Function sequence for dynamic route guidance (except code 494 (USA version), except code 498 (Japan version), except code B54 (Live Traffic Information) and except code 367 (Live Traffic Information))

The incoming information about the traffic situation can be received by the Radio Data System/Traffic Message Channel (RDS/TMC) function via FM radio or digital radio (DAB) (with code 537 (Digital radio (DAB))) if an appropriate station has been selected.

 Model 166
as of model year 2016
with code 367 (Live Traffic Information)
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
Model 166
as of model year 2016
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
with code B54 (Live Traffic Information)
Model 292
with code 367 (Live Traffic Information)
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
Model 292
with code 531 (COMAND APS)
with code B54 (Live Traffic Information)
Dynamic route guidance via RDS/TMC occurs if no real-time traffic data is received (e.g. no valid subscription or the vehicle is not within the geographical area for which the traffic data service is offered).

The FM receiver in the COMAND controller unit receives traffic information, which is then forwarded internally to the traffic data recorder in the COMAND controller unit.

FM-1 signals are received via the following route:

Rear window antenna (model 292) or rear spoiler antenna (model 166) 

FM 1, AM, CL [ZV] and KEYLESS-GO antenna amplifier 

COMAND control unit

FM-2 signals are received via the following path:

Rear window antenna 

FM 2 and DAB antenna amplifier (model 292) or FM 2, DAB and TV antenna amplifier (model 166) 

COMAND control unit

In vehicles with code 537 (Digital radio (DAB)), the traffic messages in the digital radio are forwarded from the tuner unit via the MOST to the COMAND controller unit.

On model 292 with code 537 (Digital radio (DAB)), the DAB band III signals are forwarded as follows:

Rear window antenna 

TV 2 antenna amplifier and FM 2 and DAB antenna amplifier 

Tuner unit

On model 166 with code 537 (Digital radio (DAB)), a DAB band III signal is forwarded via the following route:

Rear window antenna 

FM 2, DAB and TV antenna amplifier 

TV and DAB antenna splitter (with code 865 (TV tuner)) 

Tuner unit

On model 166 with code 537 (Digital radio (DAB)), an additional DAB band III signal is forwarded via the following route:

Windshield antenna 

TV 1 antenna amplifier 

Tuner unit

The traffic messages are stored in the traffic data recorder of the COMAND controller unit and made available to the integrated navigation processor.

Function sequence for Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) over the FM multiplexer (model 166 with code 498 (Japan version))

The driver is provided with vital information by the VICS on the current traffic situation. Traffic impairments and traffic jams are shown on the map, however they are not incorporated into the dynamic route guidance. The VICS messages are transmitted as FM radio signals.

FM-1 signals are received via the following route:

Rear spoiler antenna 

FM 1, AM, CL [ZV] and KEYLESS-GO antenna amplifier 

COMAND control unit

FM-2 signals are received via the following path:

Rear window antenna 

FM 2, DAB and TV antenna amplifier 

COMAND control unit

The VICS information is processed in the FM multiplexer integrated into the COMAND controller unit. The information is then sent over the LVDS line to be shown on the Audio/COMAND display.

Function sequence for VICS dynamic route guidance (model 166 with code 498 (Japan version), Dealer Option)

The Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) control unit and the Dedicated Short-Range Communications control unit are required for dynamic route guidance. The Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) control unit contains both the receiver and the antenna. The antenna communicates with the VICS beacons (transmitter masts) installed at the roadside, that send signals within the 2.5 Gigahertz reception range or infrared signals. Received signals are transmitted directly to the COMAND controller unit where they are decoded. The Dedicated Short-Range Communications control unit receives VICS signals in the 5.8 gigahertz reception range via the ETC/DSRC antenna and forwards them to the COMAND controller unit. The traffic messages are stored in the traffic data recorder of the COMAND controller unit. The traffic data recorder decodes the traffic information and forwards this to the navigation processor upon request. The navigation processor makes the decision whether the route should be changed. If necessary, a message saying that the route was changed is issued.

Function sequence for dynamic route guidance with real-time traffic data (RTTD, Real Time Traffic Data) (with code 494 (USA version) and code 536 (SIRIUS satellite radio))

RTTD are real-time traffic data that is transmitted through the "Sirius" satellite radio provider and the reception and processing of the data is made possible by the tuner unit. The real time traffic data contain accident and traffic jam messages as well as traffic flow information. The real-time traffic data is available around the major cities in the USA, and is transmitted every 5 minutes. The tuner unit receives the real-time traffic data over a direct line from the multifunction antenna and sends it over MOST to the COMAND controller system's navigation system. The COMAND controller unit uses the data to calculate alternative routes and displays them on the Audio/COMAND display over the LVDS line.

Additional function requirements for dynamic route guidance with real-time traffic data via the telematics services communications module (with code B54 (Live Traffic Information)) or via the HERMES control unit (with code 367 (Live Traffic Information))

 Subscription for real-time traffic data

 Vehicle is located within the geographical area that is covered by the traffic data service.

 When the subscription ends or after leaving the geographical area covered by the traffic data service, only dynamic route guidance with TMC messages via RDS is available.

Function sequence for dynamic route guidance with real-time traffic data via the telematics services communications module (with code B54 (Live Traffic Information)) or via the HERMES control unit (with code 367 (Live Traffic Information))

The telematics services communication module or the HERMES control unit receives the real-time traffic data from the service provider via the emergency call system antenna or the multifunction antenna (with code 362 (HERMES LTE)) and transmits it to the COMAND controller unit via a direct line (Universal Serial Bus (USB)).

In vehicles with code B54 (Live Traffic Information) the COMAND controller unit cyclically transmits position data via a direct line (USB) to the telematics services communications module.

In vehicles with code 367 (Live Traffic Information) the COMAND controller unit cyclically transmits position data via a direct line (USB) to the HERMES control unit.

The telematics services communication module or the HERMES control unit transmits this position data to the service provider via the emergency call system antenna or the multifunction antenna (with code 362 (HERMES LTE)). In this way, the telematics services communications module or the HERMES control unit contributes to collecting the traffic information, from which the dynamic route guidance then benefits in turn.

 With code 362 (HERMES LTE):
The emergency call system antenna and the multifunction antenna form a transmission and reception diversity.

Map function

Map display is always controlled by the COMAND controller unit. The following display functions are supported:

 Route guidance map

 Positioning map

 Route map

 Scrollable map

 Destination entry map

Extended navigation functions

The navigation system is extended with regard to convenience, customization and tourist information by the following functions:

 Integration of electronic travel guide, accumulation of destinations and downloading routes via a SD card (Secure Digital) and the SD card slot

 Special search engine that also makes fuzzy destination entries possible (e.g. parts of destination town, road or points of interest).

 "Route flight" (provides a visual overview of the planned route from a bird's eye view)

 "Drive Show" (sequence of pictures, which show the current position, route, traffic information along the route, vicinity of the destination and the altitude course of the route currently being navigated)

 "Compass" (display of a compass screen, which also contains the geo-coordinates for the current position and the current altitude)

 Access option to Mercedes-Benz "Travel Guide" (accessory) through SD card slot

The extended navigation functions are implemented internally in the COMAND controller unit, and - where applicable - shown over the low voltage differential signaling line on the Audio/COMAND display.