Navigation System: Description and Operation

Navigation System Description

Overview

The navigation system is a highly-sophisticated, hybrid locating system that uses satellites and a map database to show you where you are and to help guide you to a desired destination.

The navigation system receives signals from the global positioning system (GPS), a network of 24 satellites in orbit around the earth. By receiving signals from several of these satellites, the navigation system can determine the latitude, longitude, and elevation of the vehicle. In addition, signals from the system's yaw rate sensor and the ECM/PCM (vehicle speed pulse) enable the system to keep track of the vehicle's direction and speed of travel.

This hybrid system has advantages over a system that is either entirely self-contained or one that relies totally on the GPS. For example, the self-contained portion of the system can keep track of vehicle position even when satellite signals cannot be received. When the navigation system is on, the GPS can keep track of the vehicle position even when the vehicle is transported by ferry.

The navigation system applies all location, direction, and speed information to maps and calculates a route to the destination entered. As you drive to that destination, the system provides both visual and audio guidance.

This navigation system also has voice recognition that allows voice control of most of the navigation functions. The TALK and BACK buttons on the steering wheel activate the voice control. The voice control also allows control of the audio and climate functions.

The illumination signal (headlights ON) is used by the audio-navigation unit to automatically switch the display between Night and Day brightness modes. When the gauge control module brightness control is set to full brightness, the navigation system stays in the day mode, even with the headlights on.

The GA-NET II communication bus passes information back and forth between the navigation display, the audio-navigation unit, AcuraLink control unit (XM receiver), and the audio system. The information passed on this bus is audio settings directed by the audio-navigation unit.

The Comm. Bus connects the HFL, XM (HIP) (AcuraLink), and audio-navigation units. This bus supports these functions:

- The audio-navigation unit receives traffic, weather, and AcuraLink message information from the AcuraLink Control unit (XM receiver).
- If a POI phone number is available, the audio-navigation unit sends the phone number (on the Calculate route to screen) to the HandsFreeLink control unit for dialing.
- If vehicle problems are detected, and the client's cellular contract includes data service (the vehicle must also have an approved blue tooth phone paired and configured correctly), then the AcuraLink control unit (XM receiver) can send vehicle data to the HandsFreeLink control unit for transmitting back to the AcuraLink servers.
- The AcuraLink server can pass additional problem details back through the HandsFreeLink control unit, to the AcuraLink control unit (XM receiver), and finally to the audio-navigation unit for display.

HDD Navigation System

The 2009-2011 TL uses a HDD (hard disc drive) instead of a navigation DVD. The HDD system improves route calculation and POI searching time, as well as these additional functions:

- Ripping music to the HDD with on-board CDDB (CD database) information provided by Gracenote.
- Clients can save their personal pictures to the HDD and use the images as wallpaper when they are not using the navigation system.
- See the owner's manual or navigation system manual for more information.

HDD updates include the latest map info, POI DB, and CDDB information. The yearly update is available on DVD that is loaded onto the HDD. When you order a reman unit, the latest software is loaded onto the HDD.

If a client wants to order an update, see ordering an update navigation DVD.

The Gracenote CDDB is updated quarterly. Clients can visit www.acura.com and download the latest update.

The HDD shuts down to protect itself from damage:

- If the audio-navigation unit internal temperature is 183 °F (84 °C) or higher.
- If the atmospheric pressure below about 9 psi (62.29 kPa). The atmospheric pressure signal from ECM/PCM via F-CAN.

Warning of the temperature and the atmospheric pressure is displayed on the navigation screen as an error message.

USB Adapter

The USB module is built into the audio-navigation unit. Clients can load images (which can be used as wallpaper), music, and the CDDB. Not all USB devices and devices functions work with the USB port. Please see the Owner's Manual for more information.

Rearview Camera

The rearview camera image now includes yellow guidelines to help give the client a way to estimate the distances behind the bumper.

USA models

Canada models

Navigation Function

The navigation system is composed of the audio-navigation unit, the ECM/PCM (vehicle speed pulse), the AcuraLink control unit (XM receiver) (traffic and weather information), the HandsFreeLink control unit (to send a POI phone number or place a call), the GPS antenna, the microphone, the voice control switch, the navigation display unit, and the audio-navigation switch panel.

Function Diagram

GA-Net Bus Configuration

The GA-Net bus passes audio and navigation commands throughout the navigation and audio components. These commands include navigation audio/XM selections by voice, and XM station and music title names. Because the entire bus is interconnected between components, an open or short in the GA-Net bus harness may cause any or all of these functions to become inoperative.

Vehicle Speed Pulse

The vehicle speed pulse is sent by the ECM/PCM. The ECM/PCM receives a signal from the output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor, then processes the signal and transmits it to the speedometer and other systems.

Yaw Rate Sensor

The yaw rate sensor (located in the audio-navigation unit) detects the direction change (angular speed) of the vehicle. The sensor is an oscillation gyro built into the audio-navigation unit.

Sensor Element Structure

The sensor element is shaped like a tuning fork, and it consists of the piezoelectric parts, the metal block, and the support pin. There are four piezoelectric parts: one to drive the oscillators, one to monitor and maintain the oscillation at a regular frequency, and two to detect angular velocity. The two oscillators, which have a 90-degree twist in the center, are connected at the bottom by the metal block and supported by the support pin. A detection piezoelectric part is attached to the top of each oscillator. The driving piezoelectric part is attached to the bottom of one oscillator, and the monitoring piezoelectric part is attached to the bottom of the other oscillator.

Oscillation Gyro Principles

The piezoelectric parts have electric/mechanical transfer characteristics. They bend vertically when voltage is applied to both sides of the parts, and voltage is generated between both sides of the piezoelectric parts when they are bent by an external force. The oscillation gyro functions by utilizing this characteristic of the piezoelectric parts and Coriolis force. (Coriolis force deflects moving objects as a result of the earth's rotation.) In the oscillation gyro, this force moves the sensor element when angular velocity is applied.

Operation

- The driving piezoelectric part oscillates the oscillator by repeatedly bending and returning when an AC voltage of 6 kHz is applied to the part. The monitoring-side oscillator resonates because it is connected to the driving-side oscillator by the metal block.

- The monitoring piezoelectric part bends in proportion to the oscillation and outputs voltage (the monitor signal). The navigation unit control circuit controls the drive signal to stabilize the monitor signal.

- When the vehicle is stopped, the detecting piezoelectric parts oscillate right and left with the oscillators, but no signal is output because the parts are not bent (no angular force).

- When the vehicle turns to the right, the sensor element moves in a circular motion with the right oscillator bending forward and the left oscillator bending rearward. The amount of forward/rearward bend varies according to the angular velocity of the vehicle.

1. The detecting piezoelectric parts output voltage (the yaw rate signal) according to the amount of bend. The amount of vehicle direction change is determined by measuring this voltage.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

The global positioning system (GPS) enables the navigation system to determine the current position of the vehicle by using the signals transmitted from the satellites in orbit around the earth. The satellites transmit the satellite identification signal, orbit information, transmission time signal, and other information. When the GPS receiver receives a signal from four or more satellites simultaneously, it calculates the current position of the vehicle based on the distance to each satellite and the satellite's position in its respective orbit.

Position Detection Image with GPS Satellite

Precision of GPS

The precision of the GPS varies according to the number of satellites from which signals are received and the view of the sky. The accuracy is indicated by the color of the GPS icon shown on the display.

GPS Antenna

The GPS antenna amplifies and transmits the signals received from the satellites to the GPS receiver.

GPS Receiver and Clock

The GPS receiver is built into the audio-navigation unit. It calculates the vehicle position by receiving the signal from the GPS antenna. The current time, vehicle position and signal reception condition is transmitted from the GPS receiver to the audio-navigation unit to adjust vehicle position and the clock in the audio-navigation switch panel display.

Audio-Navigation Unit

The audio-navigation unit calculates the vehicle position and guides you to the destination. The unit performs map matching correction, GPS correction, and distance tuning. It also controls the menu functions and the HDD, and interprets voice commands. With control of all these items, the audio-navigation unit makes the navigation picture signal, then it transmits the signal to the navigation display unit.

Calculation of Vehicle Position

The audio-navigation unit calculates the vehicle position (the driving direction and the current position) by receiving the directional change signals from the yaw rate sensor and the travel distance signals from vehicle speed pulse (VSP) signal of the ECM/PCM.

Map Matching Tuning

The map matching tuning is accomplished by indicating the vehicle position on the roads on the map. The map data transmitted from the HDD is checked against the vehicle position data, and the vehicle position is indicated on the nearest road. Map matching tuning does not occur when the vehicle travels on a road not shown on the map, or when the vehicle position is far away from a road on the map.

GPS Tuning

The GPS tuning is accomplished by indicating the vehicle position as the GPS's vehicle position. The audio-navigation unit compares its calculated vehicle position data with the GPS vehicle position data. If there is large difference between the two, the indicated vehicle position is adjusted to the GPS vehicle position.

Distance Tuning

The distance tuning reduces the difference between the travel distance signal from the VSP and the distance data on the map. The audio-navigation unit compares its calculated vehicle position data with the GPS vehicle position data. The audio-navigation unit then decreases the tuning value when the vehicle position is always ahead of the GPS vehicle position, and it increases the tuning value when the vehicle position is always behind the GPS vehicle position.

Traffic Information

The Acura navigation system's real-time traffic feature helps you avoid traffic delays by providing up to the minute traffic information in many metropolitan areas across the contiguous USA. Color coded freeways appear on the navigation screen, displaying current traffic flow, and/or the locations of accidents and traffic conditions affected by construction and weather. Real-time traffic data services are offered on a subscription basis for a nominal fee following the 90-day free trial period.

Weather Information

The Acura navigation system's weather information option allows you to view the weather forecast, warning list, and warning map. The weather information is available in a subscription basis for a fee following the 90-day free trial period.

Dynamic Route Guidance

The audio-navigation unit can calculate different routes to a selected destination. You have five options:

- Direct Route-Calculate a route that is the most direct.
- Easy Route-Calculate a route that minimizes the number of turns needed.
- Minimize Freeways-Calculate a route that avoids freeway travel. If that is not possible, keep the amount of freeway travel to a minimum. This is not selectable (button grayed out) for trips greater than 100 miles.
- Minimize Toll Roads-Calculate a route that avoids, or minimizes travel on toll roads. This is not selectable (button grayed out) for trips greater than 100 miles.
- Maximize Freeways-Calculate a route that uses freeways as much as possible.

Audio Guidance

The audio-navigation unit transmits audio driving instructions before entering an intersection or passing a junction. The audio instructions come through the stereo amplifier to the front speakers.

NOTE: The front speakers are muted whenever the navigation system is giving guidance commands, and all of the speakers when the voice control system is being used.

Muting Signal Logic

The audio muting logic is orchestrated by the audio-navigation unit. The audio-navigation unit determines what audio source has priority to use the speakers.

The priority of the audio sources is as follows:

HFL has the highest priority, followed by navigation, and finally the radio/CD-DVD player. The priority is passed by HFL to the audio-navigation unit by dedicated mute wires. The navigation mute signal is passed to the stereo amplifier.

The audio-navigation unit temporarily disables the voice control buttons, but allows guidance to be heard. In addition, the audio-navigation unit suppresses the output from the audio system, the XM receiver, the disc player, or other audio accessories.

When the navigation system sends out a voice route guidance command, the audio front speaker is muted, and the navigation voice is heard in the front speakers.

When the navigation voice control system is in use, all of the speakers are muted, and the navigation voice prompts are heard from the front speakers.

Solar Angle

The climate control unit uses the sun's angle, along with the sunlight sensor to control the driver/passenger A/C air flow.

Off Road Tracking (bread-crumbs)

Off road tracking dots that can be followed on the map retrace your route back to a mapped (digitized) road.

Clock and Time Zone

The clock set up allows you to set daylight savings time, auto time zone and time adjustment.

Control Interface

Navigation Display Unit

The display unit uses a liquid crystal display (LCD). The LCD is a 8-inch-diagonal, thin film transistor (TFT), strip type with 336,960 picture elements. The color film and fluorescent light are laid out on the back of the liquid crystal film.

NOTE: If the navigation volume and/or voice feedback is turned off, this feature is disabled.

TALK Button

Activates the voice control system in the audio-navigation unit to accept voice commands.

BACK Button

Returns the display to the previous screen (similar function as the CANCEL button).

Audio Remote, HFL-Navigation Voice Control Switch

The navigation voice control switch is combined with the audio remote switch and the HFL switch. Navigation TALK/BACK commands are sent to the audio-navigation unit via the HandsFreeLink control unit using the GA-net bus.

Navigation Switch Panel

- The navigation hard buttons and interface dial are used to input commands.
- The display mode button switches the display between Day mode, Night mode, and off.
NOTE: When you activate this button, the navigation auto dimming is turned off until you turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0) or press the engine start/stop button to select OFF mode.
- The audio button displays the audio system information.

Microphone (HFL-navigation)

Receives voice commands and transmits them to the audio-navigation unit or HandsFreeLink control unit. The microphone unit consist of two microphones. The microphones detects the driver's voice and passenger's voice separately.

Glossary

The following is a glossary of terms pertaining to the navigation system.

NOTE: All items may not apply to this vehicle. See the Navigation Manual for more information.

Diagnostic System Diagram

This diagram below shows all of the navigation diagnostic features available for system troubleshooting. The diagram starts at the center, and works outward in layers.

Access to the diagnostic features begins by starting the vehicle. This is necessary so the system can check the other systems connected by various busses. After starting the vehicle you can enter the diagnostic mode either by pressing and holding MENU, MAP/GUIDE, and CANCEL, or by connecting the 2-PIN SCS service connector.

The main menu screen allows 2 checking modes - one automatic, and one manual:

- The automatic diagnostic check starts when you select SELF DIAGNOSTIC MODE. The system runs for several seconds, and reports any issues with Red icons. Rotate the interface dial and select the icon you wish obtain the problem details.
- The manual diagnostic check is selected from the main menu by selecting DETAIL INFORMATION AND SETTING. The traditional diagnostic menu is displayed. This allows you to obtain additional details as instructed in the troubleshooting procedures.