Navigation mode, function

P82.87-9152-79

Function requirements, general

 Status circuit 30g ON

 Signals from at least three Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites present

 Transport mode not active

General

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

 Position determination

 Route planning, route calculation and destination-oriented navigation

 Visual driving instructions in form of pictograms

 Intersection zoom

 Acoustic driving recommendations

 Display of navigation maps

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 calling up 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 (for "Dynamic route" or "Eco route"): Dynamic route guidance offers an alternative route if the calculated route has a traffic jam or a roadblock on it.

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.

 Routes (except CODE 498 (Japan version)) or destinations can be transmitted to the vehicle by email via the Internet using the Mercedes-Benz gateway application and taken over into the navigation system. Compare also document "Internet connection function".

 In vehicles with CODE 348 (Emergency call/Assist system) or CODE 359 (TELEAID emergency call system), destination entries or points of interest can be supplied to the COMAND controller unit navigation module from the Service Center. Transfer of this map data is described in the respective document "Additional telematics services function".

The navigation system can be operated with the following components:

 Audio/COMAND control panel

 Control panels on the COMAND controller unit

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

 Voice control system (VCS [SBS])

 Remote control (with CODE 816 (Entertainment remote control) or with CODE 867 (SPLITVIEW) (as of 15.07.2013))

When entered using the Audio/COMAND control panel, the control signals are transmitted via the 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 signal path for the left multifunction steering wheel button group and the right multifunction steering wheel button group to the COMAND controller unit is as follows:

 Direct line

 Steering wheel electronics

 Steering LIN

 Steering column module control unit

 Chassis CAN 1

 Electronic ignition switch control unit

 Chassis CAN 2

 Instrument cluster

 Interior CAN

If operating via the voice control system, voice input is performed 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.

For operation with the remote control (with CODE 816 (Entertainment remote control) or with CODE 867 (SPLITVIEW) (as of 15.07.2013)), the remote control's infrared signal is received directly by the COMAND controller unit and processed there.

 For the voice control system of the navigation, in particular for destination entry, additional name lists are available in the system. There are also additional name lists, e.g. for the following information:

 Names for selected cities/towns on the data medium

 Street names for all locations

 Town center

The navigation function consists of the following subfunctions:

 Position finding and destination-oriented navigation

 Route guidance through voice output

Position finding and destination-oriented navigation

The position finding and destination-oriented navigation function is divided into the following subareas:

 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

 Destination-oriented navigation function sequence through voice output

 General information on dynamic route guidance (except CODE 494 (USA version))

 Function sequence for dynamic route guidance (except CODE 494 (USA version), except CODE 498 (Japan version) and except CODE B54 (COM module))

 Function sequence, Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) via FM multiplexer (with CODE 498 (Japan version))

 Function sequence, VICS dynamic route guidance (with CODE 498 (Japan version), Dealer Option)

 Function sequence for Real Time Traffic Data (RTTD) (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 (COM module))

 Destination-oriented navigation through driving lane recommendations

 Map function

 Route guidance through voice output

General information on GPS position finding

The GPS is a satellite-based positioning system. It is available worldwide. The GPS satellites permanently transmit time and position data (longitude and latitude). GPS position finding is irretrievable after vehicle transport (e.g. by train or ferry or after towing). A new GPS position (after interruption of the satellite reception) can take several minutes (up to t = 20 minutes when the equipment is commissioned).

The accuracy of the position finding and the actual calculation is essentially based on the measurement of the runtimes of the signals transmitted synchronously by the various satellites. A vital precondition is the synchronicity of the clocks in the satellites and in the receiver. To this end, the receiver is equipped with an automatic time correction, which in turn is made possible with the aid of the satellite signals.

GPS position finding function sequence

The GPS signals are received by the GPS receiver integrated in the COMAND controller unit directly from the multifunction antenna or, in vehicles with CODE 348 (Emergency call/Assist system) or CODE 359 (TELEAID emergency call system), by the multifunction antenna via the global positioning system antenna splitter. The GPS signals are used by the COMAND controller unit to calculate the current vehicle position (receiver). The vehicle's direction of travel is also determined using the sequence of GPS calculated locations.

 Since GPS operates in the gigahertz (GHz) range (microwaves) and the signals are weak, reception interference can occur as a result of the following events:

 Atmospheric interference, e.g. inclement weather, water vapor, fog

 Multi-path reception due to signal reflections, e.g. from building walls

 Signal blocking, e.g. in built-up areas, in tunnels, from high buildings or trees

General information on basic position finding

Navigation can be continued without a GPS signal using basic position finding. A possible defect, (e.g. in the multifunction antenna) is not immediately noticeable.

Basic position finding runs parallel to GPS position finding. For basic position finding the COMAND controller unit requires the following information:

 Wheel speed signals

 Distance traveled data

 Vehicle alignment (cardinal points)

 The data for the direction of travel (forward or reverse)

Basic position finding function sequence

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

 Turn rate sensor (gyro sensor), integrated into COMAND controller unit, for determining the vehicle orientation (compass direction)

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

 Steering wheel angle sensor, steering wheel angle signals

 The turn rate sensor (gyro sensor) data in the COMAND controller unit are forwarded within the COMAND controller unit.

The COMAND controller unit receives the wheel speed signals via the following route:

 Direct line

 Electronic Stability Program control unit

 Chassis CAN 1

 Electronic ignition switch control unit

 Interior CAN

The steering wheel angle signal is read in by the steering column tube module control unit and forwarded via chassis CAN 1 to the electronic ignition lock control unit and forwarded from there via the interior CAN to the COMAND controller unit.

The COMAND controller unit uses the distance traveled, the vehicle alignment and the direction of travel to calculate the vehicle position (degree of longitude and degree of latitude) at any given time.

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

 Location 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. After a successful calculation, the route is displayed on the map and this information is then relayed acoustically - "Route is being calculated".

Destination-oriented navigation function sequence through voice output

The integrated navigation processor continuously compares the route calculation data with the position finding data and uses the data to deduce measures for further destination-oriented navigation. On vehicles except CODE 810 (Sound system) or CODE 811 (Advanced sound system), the route guidance voice output is performed by the COMAND controller unit over direct lines to the speaker system.

On vehicles with CODE 810 (Sound system) or CODE 811 (Advanced sound system), the voice output is transmitted via the Media Oriented System Transport (MOST), then amplified in the sound system amplifier control unit and forwarded to the speaker system.

 More detailed information on the speaker system is available in the Speaker output function documentation.

The signals for visual display of the destination-oriented navigation (map navigation) are generated by the COMAND controller unit and transmitted via a low voltage differential signal (LVDS) line to the Audio/COMAND display. The Audio/COMAND display switch-on request is generated by the COMAND controller unit via the telematics CAN.

General information on dynamic route guidance (except CODE 494 (USA version))

In the dynamic route guidance ("Dynamic route" or "Eco route") the current traffic situation is taken into account. The incoming information on the traffic situation can be received by the radio data system/Traffic Message Channel (RDS/TMC) function via FM radio.

The information on the current traffic situation is broadcast regionally on FM by a specially equipped broadcasting corporation. A suitable FM/RDS transmitter must be tuned in. 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. 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) and except CODE B54 (COM module))

The FM receiver in the COMAND controller unit receives the traffic messages from the following antenna amplifiers and transfers them to the traffic data recorder in the COMAND controller unit:

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

 FM 2, DAB and TV 1 antenna amplifier

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, Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) via FM multiplexer (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 radio antenna signal travels to the COMAND controller unit as follows:

 Rear spoiler antenna

 Direct line

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

 Direct line

The VICS information is processed in the FM multiplexer integrated into the COMAND controller unit. The information is then displayed on the Audio/COMAND display by means of the low voltage differential signaling line.

Function sequence, VICS dynamic route guidance (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 on the road which transmit microwaves within a 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 Real Time Traffic Data (RTTD) (with CODE 494 (USA version) and CODE 536 (SIRIUS satellite radio))

RTTD is real time traffic data emitted via the "Sirius" satellite radio provider, the reception and processing of which is enabled by the Satellite Digital Audio Radio (SDAR) control unit.

This data is available throughout the USA and is transmitted in 5 min loops.

The data contain accident and traffic jam messages as well as traffic flow information. This information is provided to the COMAND controller unit via MOST where it is used internally for calculation of alternative routes as well as displayed on the audio/COMAND display.

Function sequence for dynamic route guidance with real-time traffic data via the telematics services communications module (with CODE B54 (COM module))

The telematics services communications module receives the real time traffic data via the following route:

 Emergency call system antenna

The telematics services communications module sends the real time traffic data via a direct line (universal serial bus (USB)) to the COMAND controller unit. The COMAND controller unit sends position data cyclically via a direct line (USB) to the telematics services communications module. The telematics services communications module sends this position data via the emergency call antenna to the service provider. The telematics services communications module then contributes to collating the traffic information from which the dynamic route guidance then benefits again. Map display is always controlled by the COMAND controller unit.

The following display functions are supported:

 Destination-oriented navigation map

 Positioning map

 Route map

 Scrollable map

 Destination entry map

Destination-oriented navigation 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.

With day design, the following colors are used in the Audio/COMAND display:

Midnight blue: The best or recommended lane.

Light blue: The lane is correct but another lane change will soon be required.

Gray: The lane will not take you to the destination.

 The instrument cluster only displays the midnight blue arrows.

Map function

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

 Destination-oriented navigation map

 Positioning map

 Route map

 Scrollable map

 Destination entry map

Route guidance through voice output

The route guidance through voice output function is an assistance function that assists the driver without distracting him from the traffic. Voice is output with the selected system language.

The destination-oriented navigation 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.

 When voice output is active the announcement volume can be adjusted using the following components:

 Volume controller of COMAND controller unit

 The + and - button for setting specific functions and volume control (S111s1) of the right multifunction steering wheel button group

 Remote control (with CODE 816 (Entertainment remote control) or with CODE 867 (SPLITVIEW) (as of 15.07.2013))