Dynamic route guidance, function - GF82.61-P-4003RMU

MODEL 230.4 as of 1.7.04 with CODE (494) USA version 

The current traffic situation is taken into consideration in the dynamic route guidance. The navigation processor (N41/1) receives the information on the traffic situation via Traffic Center Service (TCS).

The services of TCS are offered by an external provider and an application is to be sent to the provider for use.

Traffic messages via TCS 

The latest traffic situation information is transmitted by a service provider for a fee in the form of a short message service (SMS) signal via the telephone network.

During reception 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 given cyclically every 15 min. or once. In order to reduce the data volume, the current location of the vehicle is automatically sent to the network operator's service center when information is requested. Thereupon the service provider only transmits traffic messages which concern a radius of 75 km from the vehicle.

Traffic information analysis 

The traffic data recorder in the COMAND operating, display and control unit (A40/3) decodes the traffic information and forwards this to the navigation processor (N41/1) on request, which then makes the decision as to whether the route should be modified. Where applicable, a voice message is issued stating that the route has been changed. The traffic data recorder requires an up-to-date "location list" from the navigation processor (N41/1) for synchronization purposes. 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 on the digital versatile disk (DVD). If required (e.g. changing the DVD) it is automatically loaded into the traffic data recorder. The traffic information stored in the traffic data recorder is deleted automatically after 30 min. A maximum of 100 messages can be stored. The decoded traffic messages are identified on the map by corresponding symbols, but can also be displayed as plain text.

The tailback identifiers are indicated during navigation on the map on and next to the route.