GF82.61-P-2005TXJ Route Guidance Through Voice Output
GF82.61-P-2005TXJ Route Guidance Through Voice Output
- with CODE (498) Japan version
Route calculation" function
The route is calculated and constantly updated by the integrated navigation processor after entering the destination on the COMAND operating, display and controller unit (A40/3). It can only be calculated within the digitized map area. The calculated route is a precondition for destination-oriented navigation.
The integrated navigation processor calculates the route with the aid of the digital versatile disk (DVD) map data, the destination entered, and the current position. For the calculation it takes into account roads and their attributes read from the DVD map, such as one-way streets, turn prohibitions, road classes etc. (where available). In doing so, the user can define the manner in which the route is to be calculated:
The user can choose among the following route calculation methods:
^ Quickest route
^ Shortest route
^ Dynamic route
^ Separate selection
When "Dynamic route" is selected, traffic messages received via the Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) are stored and automatically taken into account in calculating the route with the aid of an FM multiplexer integrated in the COMAND operating, display and controller unit. The route is then calculated with the optimum time, in a manner similar to the "Fastest route" option. Notification that the route has been recalculated taking traffic messages into consideration, is provided.
The navigation processor of the COMAND operating, display and controller unit creates a list of the streets and junctions to be driven after calculating the route. This list of routes is drawn on for destination-oriented navigation. The list can also be displayed in the "Traffic information" menu.
"FM Multi" function
In the "FM Multi" menu, the user can call up all the received and stored traffic messages. These can be selected directly using the 12 button keypad on the operating unit.
Route updating
If the driver deviates from the calculated route, the navigation processor of the COMAND operating, display and controller unit calculates a new route list. When doing so, the current position and the direction of travel are taken into consideration. The message "New Route" appears on the display of the COMAND operating, display and controller unit and "NEW RTE" appears in the instrument cluster (A1).
Trips outside the digitized map area
If the vehicle leaves the digitized DVD map area (e.g. driving into a multilevel car park), then no route can be calculated or updated. "OFF ROAD" appears on the display of the COMAND operating, display and controller unit.
Upon leaving the map boundaries (e.g. foreign country), the message "OFF MAP" appears. Destinations that lie outside the digitized map area are not taken into account during route calculation.
"Dynamic route guidance" function
The current traffic situation is taken into consideration in the dynamic route guidance. The navigation processor of the COMAND operating, display and controller unit receives the traffic data via the VICS. The antenna signal is sent over a coaxial line straight to the internal VICS of the COMAND operating, display and controller unit, where the information contained in it can be processed. After that, the information is shown on the map in the display of the COMAND operating, display and controller unit. It is not possible to change the medium during route guidance (e.g. to play back an audio CD).
The VICS 3-media box for dynamic route guidance is a dealer option, the interface for connecting it is factory- installed in the vehicle.
Without the external VICS 3 media box, the internal VICS is not suitable for dynamic route guidance.
The traffic data recorder decodes and selects the traffic announcements that relate to the selected stretch and the surrounding area and forwards them to the integrated navigation processor upon request. A message is then issued stating that the route calculation has been updated taking traffic messages into account.
"Voice output" function
The destination-oriented navigation of the navigation system (based on the DVD database) is mainly supported by voice outputs. These are:
^ Directional instructions
^ Name of the next road to turn into
The voice data is originally stored on the navigation DVD as individual word segments. This data record is automatically transmitted from the DVD into the navigation processor of the COMAND operating, display and controller unit where it is stored. The voice control system in the COMAND operating, display and controller unit only supports the Japanese language.
Several driving recommendations in quick succession are combined into a single voice output.
The navigation processor of the COMAND operating, display and controller unit (A40/3) connects these word segments to form complete instructions or pieces of information and generates corresponding low frequency (LF) signals. If necessary, the LF [NF] signals thus generated are forwarded via Media Oriented System Transport (MOST) from the COMAND operating, display and controller unit to the audio gateway control unit (N93/1).
The LF [NF] signals are amplified in the audio gateway control unit and output via the vehicle speakers. The vehicle speakers can be selected on the COMAND operating, display and controller unit; however, the functionality takes place in the audio gateway control unit.
Loading the language takes some seconds and changes both the voice output and the menu texts on the display of the COMAND operating, display and controller unit. Voice loading takes place again automatically after a power disconnection.
While the language is being loaded from the navigation DVD, it is necessary to avoid severe physical shocks. Otherwise voice output may be given in fragments. In such an instance the language should be loaded again.
Superimposition of voice output and an audio source.
When voice output is active simultaneously with an audio source (e.g. CD, radio), the two signal sources are superimposed.
Volume of voice output
The voice output volume can be adjusted during voice output. A definable difference (can be modified in "Settings" menu) is maintained between the volume of the current audio source and the voice output volume.
Voice output mute circuit
The navigation voice output can be muted during voice output by pressing the mute button (button marked with struck-out speaker). Muting is only valid for the current voice output. When navigation voice output and an audio source (e.g. CD, radio) can be heard simultaneously, the navigation voice output is muted when the mute button is pressed for the 1st time and the complete playback is muted when the mute button is pressed for the 2nd time.
Notes with voice output
Voice output takes place when the systems recommends turns and numbered streets (highways, federal highways). A special note is given during voice output for the following areas:
^ 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
Further voice messages take place at the start of the route calculation, when an intermediate destination is reached, or when the destination is reached and when traffic messages generally influence the route.
