Navigation mode, function

P82.89-2475-79

P82.89-0432-79

Function requirements, general

 Status circuit 30g ON

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

 Transport mode not active

General navigation mode

The navigation module is integrated into the head 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.

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.

 Routes or destinations can be sent from the Internet via the Mercedes-Benz Application Gateway to the vehicle and imported into the navigation system.

 Destination entries or points of interest can be made available to the navigation module of the head unit by the Service Center.

The navigation system can be operated with the following components:

 Audio/COMAND control panel

 Touchpad

 Multifunction steering wheel button groups

 Voice control system (VCS [SBS])

The navigation system can be operated using the Audio/COMAND control panel. The Audio/COMAND control panel sends the control signals via telematics CAN to the head unit.

The navigation system can be operated with the touchpad. The touchpad sends the operation signals over the telematics CAN to the head unit.

The navigation system can be operated using the multifunction steering wheel button groups. The control signals of the multifunction steering wheel button groups are forwarded via the following route:

Steering wheel electronics 

Steering LIN 

Steering column tube module control unit 

Chassis CAN 1 

AMG gateway control unit 

User interface CAN 

Instrument cluster 

User interface CAN 

Head unit

The navigation system can be operated using the voice control system (VCS) integrated into the head unit. The voice input is picked up by the hands-free system microphones, converted into electrical signals and forwarded to the head unit through direct lines.

 For using the navigation functions (in particular that of destination entry) via the voice control system, additional name lists are available in the navigation system. Name lists exist for the following information, for example: place names for selected towns/cities on the data medium, street names for all towns, town centers and special destinations.

The navigation mode function includes the following subfunctions:

 GPS position finding

 Basic position finding

 Route calculation

 Destination-oriented navigation

 Dynamic route guidance

 Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) over the FM multiplexer (with code 498 (Japan version))

 Dynamic route guidance with VICS (with code 498 (Japan version), Dealer Option)

 Dynamic route guidance with real-time traffic data (RTTD) (with code 536 (SIRIUS satellite radio))

 Dynamic route guidance with real-time traffic data over the communication module telematics services (with code B54 (Live Traffic Information) or over 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 head unit transmits the data via the user interface CAN.

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. An important prerequisite is the synchronicity of the clocks of the satellites and the receiver. To ensure synchronicity, the receiver is equipped with an automatic time correction that is possible thanks to the satellite signals.

The GPS receiver in the head unit receives the GPS signals from the GPS antenna. In vehicles with CODE 348 (Emergency call/assist system), the GPS signals are received by the GPS antenna via the Global Positioning System antenna splitter. The head unit calculates the current position of the vehicle from the GPS signals (receiver). The direction of travel is determined with the aid of the sequence of locations calculated with the GPS system.

 As GPS operates in the gigahertz range and the signals are weak, the following events may lead to reception interference: Atmospheric interference (e.g.bad weather, water vapor, fog), multiple reception through signal reflexions (e.g.on building walls) or signal shadowing (e.g.in built-up areas, in tunnels, in the vicinity of tall buildings of trees).

Basic position finding

Navigation can be continued without a GPS signal using basic position finding. A defect (e.g. in the GPS antenna) is therefore not immediately perceptible. Basic position finding runs parallel to GPS position finding. For basic position finding the head 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)

For basic position finding the head unit needs signals from the following components:

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

 Gyro sensor (turn rate sensor), integrated into the head unit

 3-D acceleration sensor, integrated into the head unit

The data from the Electronic Stability Program control unit is forwarded as follows:

Chassis CAN 1 

AMG gateway control unit 

User interface CAN 

Head unit

The data from the sensors integrated in the head unit is forwarded inside the head unit. The current vehicle position (longitude and latitude) is then calculated in the head unit. The basic position finding calculation is performed approx. once per second.

 Location faults during position finding, rolling backward with circuit 15 OFF or vehicle transportation falsify basic position finding. The deviation is automatically corrected by the navigation processor integrated in the head unit when GPS data is received.

 The calibration following a tire replacement is performed automatically.
Because of the tire abrasion, a constant recalibration of the tire circumference is required. Recalibration is performed automatically. Recalibration of the tire circumference uses the difference between the calculated and actually traveled distance between two turning points determined with the aid of map-based position finding.

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.

Destination-oriented navigation

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 head unit and sent to the Audio/COMAND display over an LVDS line. The Audio/COMAND display is switched on by the head unit via the telematics CAN.

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. When a turnoff recommendation is given, the distance to the actual turnoff point is also displayed using bar graphs. 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:

White: 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 navigation processor of the head unit links word segments to form complete instructions or information during voice output.

On vehicles except CODE 810 (Sound system) and except CODE 811 (Advanced sound system), the voice output is forwarded to the speaker system by the head unit.

On vehicles with code 810 (Sound system) or code 811 (Advanced sound system), the head unit forwards the voice outputs and volume settings over MOST to one of the following control units, which actuates the speaker system:

 Sound system amplifier control unit (with code 810 (Sound system))

 Advanced sound system amplifier control unit (with CODE 811 (Advanced Sound System))

When voice output is active, the volume of the announcements can be adapted using the ON/OFF button with volume control or the right multifunction steering wheel button group.

The operation signals from the ON/OFF button with volume adjustment forwarded over the audio LIN, Audio/COMAND control panel and the telematics CAN to the head unit.

The control signals of the right multifunction steering wheel button group are forwarded via the following route:

Steering wheel electronics 

Steering LIN 

Steering column tube module control unit 

Chassis CAN 1 

AMG gateway control unit 

User interface CAN 

Instrument cluster 

User interface CAN 

Head unit

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.

Dynamic route guidance (except code 494 (USA version) and except code 498 (Japan version) and except code B54 (Live Traffic Information) and except code 367 (Live Traffic Information) and subscription for real-time traffic data)

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

The FM receiver in the head unit receives traffic messages over FM 1 as follows:

Windshield antenna 

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

Head unit

The FM receiver in the head unit receives the traffic messages over FM 2 as follows:

Rear window antenna (model 190.3) or windshield antenna (model 190.4) 

FM 2 and DAB Band III antenna amplifier 

Head unit

In vehicles with code 537 (Digital radio (DAB)), the DAB band III signals are received over the following route:

Rear window antenna (model 190.3) or windshield antenna (model 190.4) 

FM 2 and DAB Band III antenna amplifier or DAB Band III antenna amplifier 

Tuner unit 

MOST 

Head unit

VICS over the 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 FM-1 antenna signal is forwarded as follows:

Windshield antenna 

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

Head unit

The FM-2 antenna signal is forwarded as follows:

Rear window antenna (model 190.3) or windshield antenna (model 190.4) 

FM 2 and DAB Band III antenna amplifier 

Head unit

The VICS information is processed in the FM multiplexer integrated in the head unit. The information is then shown via the low voltage differential signaling line on the Audio/COMAND display.

Dynamic route guidance with VICS (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 which transmit microwave signals within a 2.5 gigahertz reception range or infrared signals. The received signals are transmitted directly to the head unit and decoded. The Dedicated Short-Range Communications control unit receives VICS signals in the 5.8 gigahertz reception range via the DSRC antenna and forwards them to the head unit. The traffic messages are stored in the traffic data recorder of the head unit, decrypted and forwarded to the navigation processor on request.

Dynamic route guidance with real-time traffic data (RTTD) (with 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 via direct line from the SDARS antenna and makes it available to the navigation system of the head unit via the MOST. The head unit uses the data to compute alternative routes and shows it via an LVDS line on the audio/COMAND display.

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.

 At the end of the subscription or outside of the geographical area for which the traffic data service is offered, only the dynamic route guidance with radio traffic messages is available.

Dynamic route guidance with real-time traffic data over the communication module telematics services (with code B54 (Live Traffic Information) or over the HERMES control unit (with code 367 (Live Traffic Information)))

The telematics services communications module or the HERMES control unit receives the real-time traffic data over the emergency call system antenna or over the left telephone antenna, right telephone antenna and the telephone antenna splitter (with code 362 (HERMES LTE)) from the service provider. The telematics services communications module or the HERMES control unit transmits the real-time traffic data via a direct line (Universal Serial Bus (USB)) to the head unit, where it can be used by the integrated navigation processor.

The telematics services communications module or the HERMES control unit receives position data from the head unit cyclically via a direct line (USB). The telematics services communications module or the HERMES control unit transmits the position data over the emergency call system antenna to the service provider. 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.

Map function

The map display is always controlled by the head 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 of routes via a Secure Digital (SD) card and the SD card slot of the multimedia connection unit

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

 "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)

 Possibility to access the Mercedes-Benz "Travel guide" (accessory) via the SD card slot in the multimedia connection unit

Data communication between the head unit and the SD card takes place via the USB connection between the head unit and the multimedia connection unit.

The extended navigation functions are implemented internally in the head unit and, where applicable, are shown on the Audio/COMAND display via the LVDS line.