GF82.61-P-2011SX Route Guidance Via Voice Output, Function

GF82.61-P-2011SX Route Guidance Via Voice Output, Function
- with CODE (527) COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)

Function requirements:
^ "Circuit 30" or "circuit 15R on"
^ COMAND controller unit (A40/3) switched on
^ Latest navigation DVD is loaded into the COMAND controller unit
^ System operating without errors
^ Reception of FM stations with radio data system (RDS) set

General information
The "Route guidance by voice output" function is an assistance function that supports the driver without distracting him/her from the traffic.
Destination-oriented navigation is supported with the following instructions:
^ Directional instructions
^ Name of the next road to turn into

A special note is given during voice output in the following cases:
^ Destination lies in area where driving is not possible
^ Destination lies in area where driving is only possible to a limited extent
^ Route via ferry
^ Route via toll road

The "Route guidance by voice output" function is influenced by the following subfunctions:
^ Voice output function
^ "Dynamic route guidance" function
^ Traffic announcement via TMC function
^ Traffic information analysis function

The voice output of the navigation system can be set to the following languages:
^ German
^ English
^ French
^ Spanish
^ Italian
^ Dutch
^ Danish
^ Swedish
^ Portuguese
^ Turkish
^ Russian (voice output in English)
^ Chinese (voice output in English)

Operating instructions for volume and muting the voice output
The volume of the 'voice output' can be adjusted during voice output using the following buttons.
^ Buttons + and -, setting specific functions and volume control (S111s1)
^ Volume control (A40/9r1)
A definable difference in volume is maintained between the volume of an active audio source (e.g. CD) and the voice output volume. This defined difference in volume can be adjusted in the corresponding menu item. A "muting" of the voice output via the Mute button (S111s6) on the multifunction steering wheel and the Mute button (A40/9s7) on the front central operating unit (A40/9) is also possible. When a navigation voice output and an audio source (e.g. CD, radio tuner) are active simultaneously, the navigation voice output is switched to mute when one of the mute buttons is pressed for the 1st time and the complete playback is switched to mute when the button is pressed a 2nd time.

Voice output function sequence
The data for the voice output is stored on the navigation DVD as individual word segments. This data record is automatically transferred to the navigation processor (with hard drive) of the COMAND controller unit and stored there. During a voice output, the word segments are combined in the navigation processor into full instructions or information and signals are generated from these. These are transmitted via the Media Oriented System Transport (MOST) to the audio tuner control unit (N93/1), where they are amplified and output over the speaker system.

Voice outputs also take place at the start of the route calculation, when an intermediate destination or destination is reached and when there is a general effect on the route due to traffic messages.

Loading the data takes a few seconds and changes both the voice output as well as the menu texts in the COMAND display (A40/8). Voice loading takes place again automatically after a power disconnection.

"Dynamic route guidance" function sequence
The FM antennas located in the rear window receive the signals on the traffic situation via the traffic message channel (TMC). These signals are transmitted via a discrete line to the rear window antenna amplifier module (A2/12), amplified in this module and transmitted to the audio tuner control unit. This forwards the data over MOST to the navigation processor. This in turn analyzes the data and may calculate a new route, which is output via the voice output.

Function sequence for traffic messages via TMC
The audio tuner control unit receives the traffic messages over the rear window antenna amplifier module and forwards this data via MOST to the traffic data recorder in the navigation processor. Since for TMC messages no communication is accomplished between the vehicle and radio station, the traffic data recorder selects the traffic messages related to the route on which the vehicle is presently driving as well as to the surrounding area. This data is made available to the navigation processor for further computations.

Information on the current traffic situation is broadcast at no cost regionally by specially equipped radio stations via ultra-short wave (FM).

If the TMC transmission signal is weak, the system searches in the background for an alternative station via station search. In navigation mode, the "TMC" mode can be selected in the "Traffic information" menu.

Traffic information analysis
The decrypted traffic information supplied is analyzed by the navigation processor. This makes the decision whether the route should be changed. If the route is changed, a message is issued via a voice output. The traffic data recorder requires an up-to-date "location list" from the navigation processor for synchronization purposes. In this list every stretch and every significant point (e.g. highway exit) on the recorded road network is identified by a unique number. The "Location list" is stored in the navigation processor. The traffic information stored in the traffic data recorder is automatically deleted after t = 30 min.

A maximum of 100 message can be stored. The decoded traffic messages are highlighted on the map by means of corresponding symbols. Traffic reports relevant to the route are, for example:
^ Completely blocked
^ Traffic jam
^ Stop and go traffic
^ Construction sites

Traffic jams are marked on the map during navigation.
Several route recommendations in quick succession are combined to form a single voice output.