CONNECT

INTRODUCTION

The Connect is fitted in the centre of the dashboard and includes a remote control located in the centre console whilst the display of the functions is transferred to the centre of the dashboard at the instrument panel node (NQS) and transmitted via the multifunction screen node (NSC)

The system is fitted in the middle of the facia and may be used easily by the driver and passenger. It includes the following systems/services:

• Radio,
• GSM phone,
• GPS and navigation system,
• Video screen.

Guaranteeing the following functions:

• management of audio sources and outputs
• management of vehicle information and warnings
• management of video sources
• voice telephony
• single and multiple voice controls
• voice synthesis starting from text
• GPS
• navigation system
• telematics using WAP navigator
• emergency calls, trouble shooting and assistance
• configuration
• diagnostics

External ventilation is required to keep the Connect electronics at temperatures below 85°C. There is a fan managed by the system designed for this purpose. Depending on the internal temperature, the Connect controls the supply of air for the fan in the node (the fan is the brushless, electronic switching, electric type).

There are three types of aerial depending on the trim level:

• radio aerial: AM/FM amplified, with an additional supply lead, stator return
• gsm aerial: passive dual band
• gps aerial: active, supplied by the lead core

There are two types of display for the graphic representation of the functions depending on the configuration level of the Connector system:

• monochromatic display 240X64 pixel (127 X 35 mm) (LOW version)
• 7" colour screen in 16/9 format (HIGH version)

There are 3 system configuration levels: "CONNECT", "CONNECT NAV" and "CONNECT NAV +"

CONNECT

Dimensions: 1 DIN box with control panel

Modules included:

• Radio
• CD audio /CD ROM player
• GSM / Dual Band module
• Assistance services and Targa Service information
• LCD 240 x 64 graphic display and 127 x 35 mm monochromatic
• External CD CHANGER system (if present)
• WAP browser *
• TMC* (monotuner)
• Infra red interface (IRDA)*

CONNECT NAV

Dimensions: 1 DIN box with control panel

Modules included:

• Radio (Dual Turner)
• CD audio /CD ROM player
• GPS Module
• GSM / Dual Band module
• Independent navigation with pictograms and junction representation
• Assistance services and Targa Service information
• LCD 240 x 64 graphic display and 127 x 35 mm monochromatic
• External CD CHANGER system (if present)
• TMC* (Dual Turner)
• Voice synthesis
• WAP browser *
• Infra red interface (IRDA)*

CONNECT NAV +

Dimensions: 1 DIN box with control panel

Modules included:

• Radio (Dual Turner)*
• CD audio /CD ROM player
• GPS / Dual Band module
• Independent navigation with pictogram navigation maps and junction representation
• TFT 7" 16/9 graphic display
• External CD CHANGER system (if present)
• Voice recognition
• TMC* (Dual Turner)
• Voice synthesis
• WAP browser *
• Infra red interface (IRDA)*
• Audio / Video auxiliary socket (for telecamera or external DVD)

the modules marked with an asterisk * are not available when the vehicle is launched

INTERNAL MODULES DESCRIPTION

The system modules or the modules to which the system can be connected for obtaining information or requesting services are different.

CD ROM PLAYER

The CONNECT systems are equipped with a CD ROM player capable of reading and managing both ROM and audio type compact discs, ROM type supports that are accepted by the "NAVIGATOR" / "CONNECTO NAV" / "CONNECT NAV +"

CD CHANGER

All the CONNECT systems are also designed to be connected to an external CD Changer and to accept analogue audio output. The device is a CLARION CD Changer with 6 CDs.

the CD Changer is not supplied as standard with the CONNECT system

GSM MODULE (ALL CONFIGURATIONS)

All the CONNECT systems are equipped with a GSM Dual Band module and micro format SIM Card reader (that allows the user the insert a SIM Card). There is also an external microphone (for hands free use and voice recognition) and preparation for the connection of a hand set.

RADIO - CD MODULE

General specifications:

• Music audio power: 4x35W
• Tuner or dual tuner ("CONNECT NAV" and "CONNECT NAV +")
• 5 band graphic equalizer
• Easy to manage menu for the adjustment of the radio settings and any external interfaces (CD-Changer)
• Remote control on steering column switch unit and centre sondole
• Possibility of interface with external CD-Changer via ASCI-BUS line.
• Volume control according ot the speed (via VAN)
• If a voice recognition module is fitted, several of the commands can be voice-activated.

Radio specifications:

• RDS
• RDS - TMC (Traffic Message Channel).
• EON (Enhanced Other Network)
• TA (Traffic Announcements).
• Tuning on the following bands: (FM1), (FM2), (FMAS), (AM).
• Possibility of programming: 18 FM stations and 6 AM stations
• Possibility of selecting programmes via PTY (on FM bands only).
• Local/Distant setting.
• REGIONAL mode (pressing the RDS button for more than 2 seconds activates/deactivates this mode)

Audio specifications:

• Bass
• Balance
• Fader
• Loudness
• Treble.
• Soft MUTE
• HI-FI system active control
• 5 equalizing curves: PRESET (equalizing data) Rock, Jazz, Classical, USER (can be set using 5 band graphic equalizer)
• PRESET (equalizing data)
• Soft mute

CD specifications:

Motorized loading and ejection

TPM function (Track Program Memory)

Random function

Repeat

Skip

Pause

Compression: activates the CD noise dynamic reduction circuit.

Clarion CD Changer specifications

• Scan function
• Repeat track or entire cartridge function
• Random CD or random all function
• Compression: activates the CD noise dynamic reduction circuit.

OPERATION

Possible system states

Possible CONNECT statuses from the viewpoint of power supply and operation in general are as follows: OFF state, Normal state, Stand-by state (the DIN housing is on but the screen is off only if awaiting the exclusion of the +VAN signal).

Operation still depends on the "system configuration". The configuration of the system memorizes which functions the user has selected as active. The functions are: Tuner, CD, CD Changer, Telephone, Service Call and Video (Dark on/off).

OFF status

All CONNECT functions are disabled and the various hardware modules are not supplied (excluding the control panel).

NORMAL status

In the NORMAL state, the CONNECT system is fully active and all system functions are managed in accordance with the system configuration. Internal modules are operational, as are the internal communication lines. When leaving this state the configuration of the system is memorized; later on, it is restored on re-entry to the normal state (with the exception of the dark on/off which is always set at off so that the TFT display is always activated).

STAND-BY status

In this status, the CONNECT system is active but looks exactly as though it were OFF to the user. In any case the only internal module that is fully operational is the GPS.

Planned actions

Ignition

The user can switch the system on (move from OFF state to NORMAL state) by operating the:

• ON/OFF button
• SOS button (on the front panel)
• TARGA SERVICE button, pressed for a while (starts a service call)
• hand set lifting button
• inserting a CD
• turning the ignition ON (first rotation)

Deactivation

The user can switch the system off using different methods that depend on the status of the actual system.

Also, if the key is present, the ON-OFF button only switches the audio function off, whilst if the key is not present, this button switches the entire system off.

NORMAL STATE

If the key is removed and neither a telephone call or a call to the call centre is in progress, the system switches off (or moves to the OFF state), obviously after the system configuration and the backup data is saved. If a phonecall or a Service Call are in progress, a timed period will be activated before the deactivation of the CONNECT (30 mins operation without the key and without any intervention by the user on the front panel buttons or the steering column switch unit remove control).

At the end of the 30 minutes, the system will move to "economy mode" and switch off unless a telephone call or a service call is in progress.

If the system is in the NORMAL state with the key off, it may switch off for the following reasons:

• automatically if the time out described above elapses,
• through the intervention of the user pressing the ON/OFF button (unless a Service Call or a telephone call is in progress).

LANGUAGES AVAILABLE

The following languages are available for both strings of displayed text (menus) and navigation voice messages:

• French
• English
• German
• Dutch
• Italian
• Spanish
• European Portuguese

AUDIO

The possible audio sources are the standard sources (radio tuner, audio CD and CD Changer, PTY31 (program type) alarms, Traffice Announcements and an external audio/video interface only available for the CONNECT NAV +) whose specifications are described in detail later in the chapter.

Sources linked to other modules such as the telephone, telephone ringing, voice recognition and voice synthesis for navigation are considered as separate functions.

SYSTEM AUDIO STATES

Standard source

One of the standard sources is activated (possibly interrupted by a Traffic Announcement). The navigation messages are available.

Telephone call in progress

A telephone call is activated. If it is an incoming call, the source activated before the phonecall will be restored at the end of the conversation.

Telephone communication takes priority, as an audio source, over other sources (for example, there are no navigation messages during a phonecall)

Ringing

Sound to indicate incoming call. The navigation messages are not available.

Voice recognition

The dialogue between the recognizer and the user is activated. The navigation messages are not available.

The voice recognition module has two operating modes: speaker dependent and speaker independent

SPEAKER DEPENDENT VOICE COMMAND

after the user has pressed the V.R. (Voice Recognition) button on the left steering column switch unit lever, they can give a voice command (voice sample recorded previously). the module compares the sample with those in the memory and if recognized allows one of the telephone numbers in the list to be called or one of the stations programmed or a destination can be selected.

Radio voice command recording

The only way to ask for a programmed station through a voice command is, for example, to say: "radio memory 2" to switch on the 2nd station memorized on the current frequency band.

Telephone voice command recording

Whilst entering a number or name in the telephone directory, the user can associate a voice command with this item; the user initiates a learning stage where the module requests the entering and repetition of the voice command, notifying that it has been recorded.

Voice command cancellation.

The voice commands described above can be cancelled or replaced.

SPEAKER INDEPENDENT VOICE COMMAND

This function allows the management of several main functions for various applications, such as audio, telephone, sms, navigation.

the system requires no learning for this activity; the user only has to make use a series of voice commands recognized by the system irrespective of who is speaking.

LIST OF AVAILABLE VOICE COMMANDS

The voice commands allow the main system functions to be managed vocally.

To activate the system to receive voice commands, press the button located at the end of the left steering column switch unit lever.

The table contains the commands recognized by the CONNECT voice system divided into areas of competence.

When "HELP" is pronounced, the display will show the list of voice commands available which the system is capable of obeying, on pronouncing "CANCEL" the system does not take into account the command given previously.

A double sound signal warns the user that the voice command system has not understood.

Example of voice command:

To recall the radio station memorized on button 3 proceed as follows:

pronounce the voice command "Radio" and the system will produce a confirmation sound.

pronounce the voice command "Memory" and the system will produce a confirmation sound.

pronounce the voice command "3" and the system will produce a confirmation sound after which the desired radio station will be tuned into.

PTY31 alarm

Due to the receipt of a PTY31 message from the tuner. The navigation messages are available.

Engine management by steering wheel

The audio module can be managed by the buttons on the steering wheel.

Tuner function

FM and AM type tuner with RDS, PTY and TA and TMC* management.

There are also the following functions: autostore (on FM bands) Regional Mode Regional, LOC / DX setting

CD audio function

The Audio CD source and function can be selected on the telematic system from the various audio sources on the Connect unit.

There are different commands available to the user both through direct buttons (front panel/steering wheel controls) which make selections from the menu on the display/screen through the voice recognition function and several commands can be voice-activated.

External CD changer management

The CD Changer source (Audio) and hence the function can be selected from amongst the various audio sources on the Connect unit. This function is only available if the CONNECT is connected to an external CD Changer of the type described previously.

The commands available to the user through the direct buttons (front panel/steering wheel controls) and those selected from the menu on the video are different. If a voice recognition module is fitted, several of the commands can be voice-activated.

NAVIGATION MANAGEMENT AND LOCATION

The navigation module receives data concerning the advance and change in direction from the vehicle sensors. This data is accumulated and processed by a specific algorhithm which, also taking into consideration the current position obtained by the GPS satellites, makes it possible to caculate the estimated positon of the vehicle (location of the vehicle).

The estimate is produced thanks to the ABS which provides information concerning the wheels to the CONNECT; the node is capable of calculating the distance and refining the GPS co-ordinates to improve the precision.

Navigation ("CONNECT NAV"/"CONNECT NAV +" only)

The navigation module is capable of carrying out the following functions.

Interface functions with other modules

TRAFFIC DATA ACQUISITION FROM TUNER MODULE.

The module receives traffic information from the tuner module via messages in the geographical areas where they are available. The information referred to is only the text type (useful message for the driver) or graphic (icon which is positioned on a map).

Route Guidance

Route Guidance involves all the activities of extracting, managing and processing the information required for guiding the user to the destination they have set.

These activities are, basically:

• ROUTE CALCULATION: Calculation of the route between the current position and the destination; automatic recalculation of the route in the case of deviation from the current route, calculation of an alternative route, if the user requests a deviation.
• ROUTE GUIDANCE (NAVIGATION): Identification of the position of the vehicle on the route (and calculation of the distance to the destination); Identification of junctions along the route; Identification of manoeuvres at the junctions along the route (and graphic and voice instructions for the user): Calculation of the distance to the next junction where the user has to make a turn; Presentation of the manoeuvre at the next junction.
• COMPLETE DATA BASE MANAGEMENT: If a map CD-ROM is present, the navigation function uses the entire data base available (map list, points of interest, etc.).
• USE OF REDUCED DATABASE WHEN CD-ROM NOT PRESENT (LISTENING TO A MUSIC CD): It is possible to listen to an audio CD in the CD player during the navigation process. Simply following the procedure described. The map CD should be inserted in the CD player for the entire duration of the entering the destination and route calculation activities. At the end of this processing, the CD ROM can be removed using the eject button. At this point the system will: 1) automatically load the route calculated into the memory; 2) eject the map CD. The audio CD can now be inserted to start listening. Under these circumstances one part of the map information is available (names of towns and names of roads) relating only to the segments of the route. In any case, the reduced data base in the CONNECT memory allows deviations to the route with automatic recalculations without the need to reinsert the CD-ROM. However, the efficiency of these recalculations depends very much on the length of the original route. When the route data in the memory is not sufficient to continue the navigation process, there is a request to reinsert the map CD. If the system is switched off during navigation without a CD ROM, the next time it is switched back on, the map CD must be inserted to access the navigation functions.

Functions seen by user

MAP DISPLAY ("CONNECT NAV +" ONLY)

If the navigation function is activated the user can select the map representation of the area with the following features on the display:

• Possible scales: from 1:10.000 up to 1:20.000.000.
• Possibility of "North up" or "Heading up"
• Colouring of specific areas (parks, water, etc.)
• Shading of roads depending on importance.
• Names of towns
• TDS-TMS* icon
• POI icones (Points of Interest) (categories: Restaurants, Hotels, Service Stations, Car Parks).

ENTERING LOCATION

Both the entering method and possible use are described.

Entering method:

• ADDRESS: This consists of providing the system with the following location details: District; Name of road: simply enter any of the words of which it is made up; Street number
• JUNCTION (2-way). Makes it possible to define a junction between two roads. The first is defined as in the previous case (district, place-name), the second road is selected from a list of roads that cross the former in the same district.
• POINTS OF INTEREST (POI). An information sequence is keyed in in order to select a particular point of interest (on which information can be obtained).
• NAME REQUEST: the district, the type of POI (hotel, station, etc.), the name of the POI (Mercure, Novotel, etc.) must be entered.
• REQUEST FOR SERVICES NEAR THE DESTINATION: the type of POI (hotel, station, etc.) must be entered, the choice is made from a list of those closest to the selected destination
• REQUEST FOR SERVICES NEAR A GENERAL ADDRESS: (screen similar to "near the destination), the type of POI (hotel, station, etc.) and the address must be entered, the choice is made from a list of those closest to the location of the vehicle.

If there is a voice recognition module, a sample voice can be associated with the address in the directory.

Location information

NAME OF ROAD BEING DRIVEN ALONG AND LOCATION. The name of the road being driven along and the district appear constantly in a special window if the map display is selected.

TRAFFIC STATE INFORMATION: The user is provided with the following traffic information starting with the RDS-TMC information described previously.

MAP ICON: the system can be configured to display the map icon for any traffic jams. There are only certain types of displays.

EXPLANATORY TEXT: An explanatory text with each event. There are two ways of accessing this text:

• If there is a map, select the icon and when confirmed the system will show a text describing the event.
• The types of event can be accessed from the menu, having selected the type, a list of all corresponding events is accessed.

CONTROLS

The controls are available at the front section in the centre of the dashboard, on the remote control in the centre console and on the steering column switch unit.

CONTROLS ON FRONT PANEL

VIEW OF THE CONNECT NAV +

There are 30 buttons and two rotary selectors (A in the diagram) (a ring nut and a button) on the front panel of the Connect

Some keys perform multiple functions that depend on the system operating conditions active at that time.

Activation of the selected function is controlled, in some cases, by the length of time for which the button is pressed (short or long push) as described in the following table.

REMOTE CONTROL

The remote controls on the centre console are illustrated below

The panel is interfaced with the VAN and is designed to make selections for the main CONNECT functions rapidly via the buttons for the management of the multiwindow display:

• MODE: allows the selection of all the screens for the various functions
• ESCAPE: returns to the previous mode
• MENU: access to the various functions
• TELEPHONE (TEL): telephone functions
• NAVIGATION SYSTEM (NAV): navigation functions
• MAIN: button for activating the main screen (default selection)
• AUDIO (MUSIC): audio functions
• SMALL WHEEL (number of positions + direction of rotation): turning selects the function whilst pressing confirms the selection.

The operating logic is illustrated below

The telematic remote control depends on the telematic module. It transmits the state of the buttons through the response mechanism in the sequence. The remote telematic control operates the NBC via the VAN, sending an end of Standby question to the network if the telephone information is activated.

Remote control 6-way connector pin out

CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL

The controls for the main functions of the CONNECT are duplicated on the steering wheel for greater ease.

The left steering column switch unit lever (end button) is designed for:

• voice recognition activation (press briefly)
• last message repetition (press for a while) on the right lever (end button)
• Trip computer activation
• Trip rest (press for a while)

On the right steering column switch unit lever:

• end button: change the audio source or validate graphic object on the screen, button designed for incoming phonecall or telephone call in progress)
• + and - volume buttons: increases or decreases the volume whilst pressing both simultaneously produces the MUTE function
• SEEK UP SEEK DOWN: same mode as on the front section
• SCAN +, SCAN -: change disc with CD Changer, next station programmed or previous in tuner, move in menu or list.

SELF-DIAGNOSIS

The telematic node is capable of carry out a fault diagnosis for its internal modules. There are two diagnostic levels available:

• user mode
• fault mode.

USER FAULT DIAGNOSIS:

This level makes it possbile to notify the user of the operating state of the telematic system. Disfunctions of the following devices are signalled:

• Control panel,
• Tuner,
• Amplifier,
• HP outputs,
• GSM module (including aerial)
• GPS module (including aerial)
• CD player
• HIGH or LOW screen
• Internal emergency battery.

Any fault for a device involved in emergency calls and the search for faults is immediately signalled to the operator.

FAULT DIAGNOSTICS:

The fault diagnostics makes it possible to be aware of the order of the malfunctions for all the modules in the telematic system.

The types of faults memorized are temporary faults with a counter updating the number of faults and also permanent faults with the date of the fault. The list of all faults can be accessed via the VAN.

This type of fault diagnosis also includes the possibility of operating the different telematic system modules via the VAN.

Display on NBC warnings screen

CONNECT PIN OUT

The main connector for the telematic node (illustrated in the diagram) comprises 40-ways plus 4 optical ways.

Connector A (1-8)

Key: HP audio signal

Connector A (9-16)

Connector B (12 Pin)

Connector C (12 Pin)

Connector D (4 Pin)

LOW DISPLAY PIN OUT

The screen is connected directly at the telematic node by means of a connection at the VAN CONFORT line.

The LOW display has 4 levels of grey and is equipped with a sensor which is capable of adjusting the brightness.

The LOW display has 6 brown pins:

HIGH DISPLAY PIN OUT

The 7 inch LCD TFR (Liquid Crystal Display Thin Film Transistor) screen is an active matrix to guarantee maximum clarity and definition of images and a visibility angle that makes the screen perfectly legible to the passenger as well.

The display is connected directly to the telematic node by means of a fibre optic connection. It can also be connected by means of outside video inputs with a video camera or, for example, with a TV tuner.

The display comprises 3 modules: an LCD screen, a graphics card and a sensor capable of adjusting the brightness.

12 pin connector