GF82.61-P-4003P Dynamic Route Guidance, Function

GF82.61-P-4003P Dynamic Route Guidance, Function
- with CODE (352a) COMAND operating and display system
- except CODE (491) U.S. version
- except CODE (498) Japanese version







Dynamic route guidance, function
The current traffic situation is taken into consideration in the dynamic route guidance. The navigation system in the COMAND operating, display and control unit (A40/3) can receive the information on the traffic situation alternatively via the Traffic Center Service (TCS) or the Traffic Message Channel (TMC).

The services from the Traffic Center Service (TCS) are offered by an external provider and an application must be sent to the provider for use.

Traffic messages via Traffic Center Service (TCS)
Information on the current traffic situation is transmitted as SMS message (short message service) via the telephone network by the service provider and is subject to fees.

During exchange of TCS data, operation of the telephone is possible. The traffic data memory is integrated into the COMAND operating, display and control unit (A40/3). The traffic data are only transmitted when the service provider receives a corresponding request from the vehicle.

The request is either cyclically every 15 min or once only. To reduce the quantity of data, the current location of the vehicle is transferred to the telephone center automatically when information is requested.
The service provider then transmits traffic information relevant to an area of approximately 75 km around the vehicle.

The vehicle's telephone system picks up the traffic news and forwards it as follows:
^ For code (317) D-net portable CTEL (D2B) and code (316) MB telephone D net (D2B) the traffic messages are forwarded over the telephone interface (A34/4) to the traffic data recorder.
^ For code (347) TELE AID emergency call system (D2B) traffic messages are forwarded over the telephone transmitter/receiver and TELE AID, D2B (A35/17) to the traffic data recorder.

As from 1.6.98 the following codes have been changed:
- Code 316 change to code (854) MB portable CTEL
- Code 317 change to code (853) MB standard telephone
- Code 347 change to code (855) TELE AID

For code (855) TELE AID the telephone transmitter/receiver and TELE AID, D2B (A35/17) are used.

Traffic messages via Traffic Message Channel (TMC)
Information on the current traffic situation is broadcast via FM radio (UKW) free of charge by specially equipped regional radio stations. A suitable FM/RDS transmitter must be tuned in. The radio tuner receives the traffic information via the window antenna amplifier module 1 (A2/71) (models 203, 209.3) or left antenna amplifier module (A2/64) (model 209.4) and forwards it to the traffic data recorder. Since no communication is accomplished between the vehicle and broadcasting corporation with TMC messages, the traffic data recorder selects the traffic messages related to the route on which the vehicle is presently driving as well as the surrounding area.

On model 203 as from 1.7.02 if the TMC transmission signal is weak, a station search is run in the background for an alternative station.

Traffic information analysis
In both cases (TCS or TMC) the traffic data memory decodes the traffic information and forwards it when requested to the navigation computer (internal). 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 vehicle speaker. For synchronization the traffic data memory requires a current "location list" from the navigation processor. Each stretch of road and each striking feature (e.g. expressway exit) of the road network detected is clearly defined by means of a number. The "Location list" is stored originally on the Compact Disc (CD). It is automatically loaded into the traffic data recorder as and when required (e.g. when CD is changed). The traffic information stored in the traffic data recorder is automatically deleted after 30 min. A maximum of 100 messages can be stored.

The decoded traffic messages are marked on the map using suitable symbols. They can also be displayed as clear text. To this end the "alternate route" button should be pressed and the "TRAFFIC INFO" menu activated.

In the "Navigation" menu, the "TMC" or "TCS" mode in the submenu "Traffic information" can be selected. Mixed operation of "TMC" and "TCS" is not possible.

For model 203 as from 1.7.02 the traffic jam notifications are displayed on the map during the navigation, on and/or next to the route.