Part 1
Navigation System
COMPONENT LOCATION
Component Location (ROW)
Component Location (Japan)
Component Location (Asia)
OVERVIEW
The navigation system provides audible and visual route guidance information to enable the driver to reach a desired destination. The system allows the driver to choose the route using minor or major roads or highways with the option of three routes. Directions to hospitals, museums, monuments and hotels are also available.
The navigation system is integrated with the audio/video system and shares a number of components common to all systems. Map information is stored on a hard disk drive located in the IAM (Integrated Audio Module). Map uploads to the hard drive can be uploaded by the customer from a USB (universal serial bus) memory stick (not applicable to Japan/Asia specification vehicles).
The navigation system has various levels of user control through the TSD (Touch Screen Display) and the voice recognition system. System volume adjustment can be made using the Integrated Control Panel, TSD and steering wheel controls.
There are a number of navigation system variants specific to various markets. On all systems the GPS (global positioning system) signal is received by the GPS antenna.
The European navigation system includes the TMC (Traffic Messaging Channel) function, which receives traffic information from an FM (frequency modulation) antenna. For additional information, refer to Antenna On a pre-selected route, the system will offer re-routing options depending on traffic conditions.
All NAS (North America Specification) vehicles are configured to receive TMC. TMC is transmitted in the USA and is available in areas of other NAS markets.
The navigation system is primarily controlled from the TSD which is located in the center of the instrument panel. Control signals from the TSD are sent on the MOST (Media Oriented System Transport) ring to the navigation computer. The Asia navigation system is different in that the control signals are transmitted via the medium-speed CAN (controller area network). On all systems the navigation computer uses a dedicated GVIF (Gigabit Video InterFace) bus to transmit video signals to the TSD.
Depending upon the audio system version fitted, the navigation audio output signals are sent on the MOST ring to the IAM (Integrated Audio Module) or the power amplifier for speaker output.
Japanese market vehicles have a modified system from other markets. These vehicles have an additional DVD (digital versatile disc) navigation computer module and a navigation video interface module located below the LH (left-hand) front seat.
The Japanese navigation system includes the VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) function. The VICS supplies information to enable the navigation computer to re-route the navigation guidance or to inform the vehicle driver of traffic conditions in the vehicles vicinity. Information is provided to the system through an FM (frequency modulation) antenna and a VICS beacon antenna. For additional information, refer to Antenna
Asia markets have a unique system which is fitted to the vehicles by the dealer or port of entry. These vehicles have a separate navigation computer located below the LH (left-hand) front seat.
CONTROL DIAGRAM (ROW)
NOTE:
A = Hardwired; N = Medium Speed CAN; P = MOST; T = Coaxial; AE = LVDS; AF = Firewire.
CONTROL DIAGRAM (Japan)
NOTE:
A = Hardwired; N = Medium Speed CAN; P = MOST; T = CoAxial; Q = GVIF; AE = LVDS.
CONTROL DIAGRAM (Asia)
NOTE:
A = Hardwired; N = Medium Speed CAN; P = MOST; T = CoAxial; AE = LVDS.
SYSTEM OPERATION
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM
The navigation system receives GPS (global positioning system) information via the GPS (global positioning system) antenna. The GPS (global positioning system) signals are used by the navigation system to calculate the vehicle's position. Once the driver has input a desired destination, the navigation system can calculate a route, based on the driver's pre-determined preferences or the default settings in the navigation system.
The navigation system is accessed from the TSD (Touch Screen Display) home menu.
Navigation is initiated by the driver inputting a destination. This can be achieved by:
- Entering an address using the TSD
- Entering a post code
- Choosing a previous destination
- Choosing a point of interest from the map disc database
- Choosing the home location
- Choosing a memory stored location
The driver is then guided to the destination by a scrolling map display and voice guidance. The display can be varied by scale and display type.
Selection of 'Navigation' on the TSD home menu and subsequent sub-menu selection sends a control request signal to the navigation computer on the MOST (Media Oriented System Transport) ring Rest of World/Japan only. The requested control information is processed by the IAM (Integrated Audio Module) for ROW; or the dedicated navigation computer for Japan and Asia.
- On ROW vehicles, if voice guidance is operational, the voice signals are passed from the IAM to the audio amplifier on the MOST ring for output on the speaker system.
- On Japan vehicles, if voice guidance is operational, the voice signal information is relayed from the navigation computer on the MOST to the audio amplifier for output on the speaker system.
The navigation audio output is through the front speakers whilst the background audio, for example radio or CD (compact disc), is played at a reduced volume on the rear speakers. On Asia vehicles the radio or CD (compact disc) output is muted while the navigation audio output is transmitted.
The GPS (global positioning system) signal is available to the navigation system at all times when the vehicle ignition is switched on.
Navigation voice commands are made using the voice recognition system. The TSD processes the analogue signal from the voice recognition switch. This is passed from the TSD onto the MOST system to the voice recognition control software which is integral with the IAM (ROW) or navigation computer (Japan). Voice control of the navigation system is not available on Asia specification vehicles.
The TSD sends an instruction via the MOST ring to the IAM to turn on the microphone facility. The microphone is hardwired to the IAM. For the ROW system, spoken voice commands are processed by the IAM. The processed commands are then sent to the TSD to determine which control signals need to be sent to the navigation system.
For the Japan system, the analogue voice signals are relayed from the IAM via the MOST ring directly to the navigation computer (for processing). Navigation commands are handled internally within the navigation computer without the need for communicating with the TSD for control.
Traffic data from the TMC (Traffic Messaging Channel) or the VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) is processed by the IAM or navigation computer, distributed to the TSD with any supporting voice instruction relayed through the MOST ring to either the IAM or power amplifier, dependant on equipment level, for output on the speaker system.
TRAFFIC MESSAGE CHANNEL
NOTE:
TMC (Traffic Messaging Channel) is not available in all markets.
TMC is a function of the FM (frequency modulation)
RDS (radio data system). The system broadcasts real-time traffic and weather information. Data messages are received and decoded by the IAM integral receiver. The IAM processes the received information and alerts the driver of a problem on the planned route and calculates an alternative route to avoid the incident. All TMC events on the map can be viewed not just the ones on the calculated route.
TMC traffic information systems conform to a global standard that has been adopted by traffic data gatherers, information service providers, broadcasters and vehicle/receiver manufacturers.
All TMC receivers use the same list of event codes, while the location database (on the IAM hard drive) contains both a country-specific set of location codes for the strategic European road network.
TMC traffic data is currently broadcast in many European countries and the USA.
Each traffic incident is sent as a TMC message. One message consists of an event code and a location code in addition to time details. The message is coded and can be translated by the IAM into the market language. Location code tables assign numbers to locations on the road network. These location tables are integrated in the maps stored on the IAM hard disk drive. The source of traffic information is typically police, traffic cameras and local network stations.
The TMC system uses the existing FM (frequency modulation) antenna and audio system antenna amplifiers to pass the signals to the IAM. For additional information, refer to Antenna
VEHICLE INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
The VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) is broadcast only in the Japanese market and is similar to the TMC used outside of Japan. VICS gives countrywide coverage and broadcasts of real-time traffic and weather information.
The VICS supplies information to enable the navigation computer to re-route the navigation guidance or to inform the vehicle driver of traffic conditions in the vehicles vicinity.
Information is provided to the system through three methods:
- RF (radio frequency) microwave transmission
- Infra-red transmission
- FM multiplex transmissions.
In certain areas the information is transmitted using an Infra-Red signal or alternately a RF (Radio Frequency) microwave signal, both of which are received by the VICS beacon antenna. Additional information is transmitted on the FM (frequency modulation) wavelength and is received by the FM (frequency modulation) antenna. The received FM (frequency modulation) signal is passed to the navigation computer via an RF (radio frequency) antenna amplifier.
The RF transmissions are generally transmitted from road side beacons mainly on expressways. The information transmitted is as follows:
- Traffic congestion
- Travel time to next intersection
- Traffic conditions in surrounding areas and expressway turn off
- Traffic accidents
- Speed limits
- Lane regulations
- Tire change
- Parking availability at expressway service areas and parking areas.
Infra-Red transmissions are transmitted from road side beacons on major trunk roads. The information transmitted is:
- Traffic congestion and travel time
- Traffic accidents
- Breakdowns
- Road works restrictions
- Parking availability.
FM (frequency modulation) transmissions are broadcast as part of the FM (frequency modulation) multiplex broadcasting system from NHK (Japanese Broadcasting Corporation) FM (frequency modulation) stations. Information transmitted is:
- Traffic congestion and travel time for wide areas
- Traffic accidents, road works, speed limits and lane restrictions for a wide area.
The traffic data is split from the normal FM transmissions by the diversity antenna module.
VOICE CONTROL
NOTE:
Only basic voice controls are available for Japanese specification vehicles. Voice control is not available on Asia specification vehicles.
The voice system provides the driver with the option of voice control for a range of supported functions. In addition to the navigation system, the system also supports the following:
- phone system
- notepad functions
- radio
- satellite radio
- Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB)
- single CD
- CD autochanger
- USB and auxiliary connection functions.
The voice system adopts a concept known as 'Say What You See' (not applicable to Japan specification vehicles). Each of the voice functions are supported by 'Help' commands, saying 'Help' at each point in the conversation will give a context sensitive explanation of what the user can do at that point. The voice menu shown in the TSD always guides the user through the flow showing not only examples of what they can say next, but also confirmation of where they are in the conversation flow.
The 'notepad' facility allows voice notes to be recorded. Nametags for radio tuning, phone dialing and navigation locations allow the system to be personalized and there is a help and tutorial function to provide advice on using the system.
Voice control is a key component of the navigation system, allowing hands free control when issuing navigation commands.
The system is controlled by the voice button on the steering wheel. Voice commands are picked up by a dedicated microphone. When giving a voice command, audible feedback will be heard through the vehicle's audio speakers.