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Navigation mode, function - GF82.85-P-2012CAM

MODEL 207 as of 3/2/15 as of model year 2016 with CODE 531 (COMAND APS) 

Fig 1: Navigation Mode Block Diagram - Shown On Model 207
G10081983Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Shown on model 207 

Function requirements for navigation mode in general 

General navigation mode 

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

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.:

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.

IMPORTANT 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.

IMPORTANT Routes (except CODE 498 (Japan version)) or destinations can be transmitted from the Internet via the "Mercedes-Benz Application Gateway" to the vehicle and transferred into the navigation system. Compare also information "Internet connection function".

IMPORTANT In vehicles with CODE 348 (Emergency call/assist system), destination entries or POIs can also be provided to the COMAND controller unit navigation module from the service center. Transfer of the destination entries or POIs is described in the "Additional telematics services function" information.

The navigation system can be operated with the following components:

When entered using the Audio/COMAND control panel, the control signals are sent 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 control signals from the left multifunction steering wheel button group and the right multifunction steering wheel button group are forwarded to the COMAND controller unit via the following route:

When operating with the voice control system, voice input takes place using the hands-free system microphone. The words spoken are converted into an electrical signal by the hands-free system microphone and forwarded to the COMAND controller unit.

IMPORTANT Additional name lists are provided in the voice control system for navigation. Additional name lists exist for the following information, e.g.: place names for selected towns/cities on the data medium, street names for all towns, town centers and points of interest.

The navigation function consists of the following subfunctions:

IMPORTANT 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 GPS position finding (global positioning system) 

The GPS is a satellite-based positioning 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 runtimes 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.

IMPORTANT Because GPS operates in the gigahertz range (microwaves) 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:

Basic position finding function sequence 

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

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

The wheel speed signals are sent to the COMAND controller unit by the Electronic Stability Program control unit (except CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS)) or by the Premium Electronic Stability Program control unit (with CODE 233 (DISTRONIC PLUS)) as follows:

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

IMPORTANT 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. Acoustic information is output ("Route is being calculated") and following successful calculation the route is displayed on the map.

Destination-oriented navigation 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 destination-oriented navigation. The route guidance is carried out by outputting visual and acoustic information and is divided up into the following areas:

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.

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:

IMPORTANT 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 destination-oriented navigation of the navigation system is supported by voice outputs with the following information:

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:

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

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

In vehicles except CODE 810 (Sound system), voice outputs are forwarded by the COMAND controller unit to the speaker system. On vehicles with CODE 810 (Sound system), the COMAND controller unit sends 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.

IMPORTANT More detailed information on the speaker system is available in the "Speaker output function" information.

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, dynamic route guidance (except CODE 494 (USA version), except CODE 498 (Japan version) and except CODE B54 (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)) if an appropriate station has been selected.

IMPORTANT Dynamic route guidance over RDS/TMC on vehicles with CODE B54 (Live Traffic Information) is possible where a valid subscription for real-time traffic data does not exist.

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 path:

Model 207.3:

FM-2 signals are received via the following path:

Model 207.3:

Model 207.4:

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

With CODE 537 (Digital radio), the tuner unit receives a DAB band III signal (DAB 1) as follows:

Model 207.3:

Model 207.4:

With CODE 537 (Digital radio), the tuner unit receives an additional DAB band III signal (DAB 2) as follows:

Model 207.3:

Model 207.4:

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 VICS messages are sent as FM radio signals.

FM-1 signals are received via the following path:

Model 207.3:

FM-2 signals are received via the following path:

Model 207.3:

Model 207.4:

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 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 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 dynamic route guidance with Real Time Traffic Data (RTTD) (with CODE 536 (SIRIUS satellite radio)) 

RTTD consists of real-time traffic data that is transmitted through the "Sirius" satellite radio provider and the reception and processing of the data are rendered 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)) 

IMPORTANT Once the subscription has expired, in vehicles with CODE B54 (Live Traffic Information), only the dynamic route guidance with TMC messages via RDS is available.

Function sequence, dynamic route guidance with real-time traffic data via the telematics services communications module (with CODE B54 (Live Traffic Information)) 

The telematics services communications module receives the real-time traffic data via the emergency call system antenna from the service provider and sends the data over 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 function 

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

Extended navigation functions 

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

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.

  Electrical function diagram for navigation mode (COMAND) function   PE82.85-P-2063-97EAM
  Overview of system components, telematics   GF82.85-P-9999CA 
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