ソフトバンク List of Products and Services

In the construction industry, issues such as "labor shortages, aging workforce, technology transfer, safety improvements, and promotion of automation" are becoming prominent. In particular, "positioning errors" are a problem in the automation of drones and construction machinery, making "high-precision positioning information" crucial. We are offering a booklet on "high-precision positioning information," which is the key to the success of construction DX. [Contents (excerpt)] - Technologies essential for a future where all industries are automated - Technologies necessary for realizing construction DX - Achieving positioning accuracy within a few centimeters with "ichimill" - What is "ichimill"? - Use cases in construction sites - Public surveying *For more details, please download the PDF or contact us directly.

• Surveying

Ichimill is a SoftBank service that utilizes GNSS signals and RTK positioning technology to achieve high-precision location positioning with an accuracy of a few centimeters. By leveraging over 3,300 SoftBank base stations nationwide as unique reference points, there is no need for customers to set up or maintain reference points. It supports operations that require accurate location information, such as automatic control of construction machinery and drones, progress management at construction sites, infrastructure inspections, and public surveying. Even during wide-area movement, it automatically switches to the optimal reference point, ensuring stable positioning. It contributes to the promotion of construction DX, work efficiency improvement, and enhanced safety.

• Surveying

"ichimill" is a high-precision positioning service for corporate clients capable of achieving accuracy within just a few centimeters. Starting October 1, 2025, the new "Ntrip (G-VRS) Plan" is available. This plan utilizes the VRS method compliant with operational regulations for public surveying, allowing you to use it with confidence for public works projects. The "Ntrip (G-VRS) Plan" leverages data from the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI)'s Electronic Reference Points. It generates a virtual reference station near your location to distribute correction data. 【Features of the New "Ntrip (G-VRS) Plan"】 VRS Method: Generates a "Virtual Reference Station" near the user's location using GSI Electronic Reference Point data to transmit correction information. Seamless Transition: Utilizes approximately 1,300 GSI Electronic Reference Points. Users familiar with conventional VRS methods can transition and implement this system smoothly. First Domestic Software: Adopts Japan's first domestically developed VRS software. Cost-Effective: Available at a low cost (18,000 JPY/month excluding tax). For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

• Other construction services

Satellite positioning, which is increasingly in demand for various applications in measurement, agriculture, and construction sites, can sometimes result in errors of 2 to 10 meters with conventional methods. "ichimill," provided by SoftBank, utilizes SoftBank's unique reference points for RTK positioning, allowing for errors to be reduced to just a few centimeters. High-precision location information can be utilized in many fields, leading to reduced work time, cost savings, and improved safety for workers. This document introduces the features and pricing of ichimill, as well as frequently asked questions regarding its implementation.

• Surveying

The paradigm shift in industrial structure is advancing the automation of various industries. In this context, high-precision location information is gaining attention. In automation, discrepancies in location information can reduce the reliability of collected data and lead to causes of operational errors, making it essential to capture accurate time and place for the development of industries. This document provides a detailed introduction to the service ichimill, which enables positioning with an accuracy of a few centimeters by performing RTK positioning using signals received from GNSS such as the quasi-zenith satellite Michibiki. Additionally, we will present industry-specific use cases demonstrating how ichimill is being utilized across various sectors.

• Surveying

The "centimeter-level positioning service" provided by ALES is a service that delivers correction information generated by the "ALES distribution system" based on signals received by SoftBank's unique reference points (fixed stations) to GNSS receivers mounted on agricultural machinery, construction equipment, autonomous vehicles, drones, etc., via the internet (Ntrip method). It is only available to individual customers. By utilizing this correction information along with the signals received by the GNSS receiver, it is possible to perform RTK positioning with high precision, achieving accuracy within a few centimeters in real-time. Additionally, the correction information generated by the "ALES distribution system" can be linked to GNSS receivers via a smartphone.

• Surveying

SoftBank Corporation receives signals from GNSS at over 3,300 unique reference points, allowing it to possess observational data from across the country. It is also possible to provide observational data useful for research on crustal deformation and other studies. By using the post-processed data from SoftBank's unique reference points, high-precision location information can be obtained for surveying and map creation. This data can be utilized for accurate surveying of buildings and terrain, as well as for creating digital maps. Additionally, using the post-processed data from SoftBank's unique reference points allows for the high-precision enhancement of location information for captured images, making it applicable for analyzing drone data in environments where the network is not connected in real-time.

• Surveying

In the construction industry, the accurate placement and dimension management of structures significantly affect the quality and safety of the work. Particularly in situations that require precise surveying and marking, even slight errors are unacceptable. Inaccurate measurements can lead to rework and discrepancies with the design, resulting in project delays and increased costs. Our service addresses these challenges by utilizing RTK technology to provide real-time, high-precision positioning with errors of just a few centimeters. 【Application Scenarios】 - Precise surveying and marking - Guidance of heavy machinery and construction equipment - Surveying and inspection using drones 【Benefits of Implementation】 - Improved construction accuracy - Reduced project duration and costs - Enhanced safety of operations

• Surveying

In the agricultural sector, uniform and accurate application of pesticides and fertilizers is required. In particular, applying them evenly across the entire field is crucial for ensuring uniform crop growth and stabilizing yields. Improper application can lead to excessive spraying in some areas or missed spots, which can result in harvest losses and increased costs. Our "centimeter-level positioning service" utilizes RTK technology to achieve real-time, high-precision positioning with an error of just a few centimeters, supporting precise application tasks. 【Usage Scenarios】 - Navigation for precise application routes using agricultural machinery - Management of optimal application amounts for each field - Improvement of work efficiency and reduction of human errors 【Benefits of Implementation】 - Cost reduction through proper use of pesticides and fertilizers - Promotion of crop growth and stabilization of yields through uniform application - Labor-saving and improved accuracy in operations

• Surveying

In the surveying industry, obtaining detailed and accurate topographic data is essential for terrain mapping. Particularly, to efficiently grasp extensive terrain and create high-precision maps, it is important to minimize positional errors. Inaccurate survey data can lead to rework in design and development, as well as delays in planning. Our "centimeter-level positioning service" utilizes RTK technology to achieve high-precision positioning with errors of just a few centimeters in real-time, addressing these challenges. 【Application Scenarios】 - Extensive terrain surveying - Detailed terrain mapping - Surveying of construction sites and planned development areas 【Benefits of Implementation】 - Acquisition of high-precision topographic data - Increased efficiency in surveying operations - Reduction in data creation time

• Surveying

In precision flying with drones, accurate positioning information is essential. Especially for applications such as aerial photography, surveying, and inspections, even a few centimeters of error may not be acceptable. Inaccurate positioning information can lead to mission failures or the need for rework. Our "centimeter-level positioning service" utilizes RTK technology to achieve high-precision positioning with an error of just a few centimeters in real-time, supporting precise drone flights. 【Use Cases】 - High-precision aerial photography - Detailed terrain surveying - Precise inspections of structures 【Benefits of Implementation】 - Increased mission success rate - Improved work efficiency - Enhanced data accuracy

• Surveying

In infrastructure inspections, accurately understanding the deterioration and abnormal areas of equipment is essential for ensuring safety and improving maintenance efficiency. Particularly, to grasp the detailed condition of extensive structures and not miss subtle changes, data collection based on high-precision location information is required. Our centimeter-level positioning service addresses these challenges by providing real-time, high-precision positioning with an error of just a few centimeters, supporting the detection of anomalies in infrastructure. 【Usage Scenarios】 - Inspection of structures such as bridges, tunnels, and roads - Patrol of infrastructure facilities like power lines and pipelines - Wide-area infrastructure condition assessment using drones - Provision of high-precision location information for inspection data 【Benefits of Implementation】 - Improved accuracy in identifying abnormal areas - Increased efficiency and speed of inspection work - Development of accurate maintenance plans based on detailed data - Enhanced safety and reduced accident risks

• Surveying

Ichimill is a service that enables positioning with an accuracy of a few centimeters by performing RTK positioning using signals received from GNSS, such as the quasi-zenith satellite "Michibiki." *1 GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) refers to the collective term for satellite positioning systems such as QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System), GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. *2 RTK (Real Time Kinematic) positioning is a method that allows for high-precision positioning by using two receivers, a fixed station and a mobile station, to exchange information in real-time between the two points.

• Other measuring instruments

In the surveying industry, particularly in terrain mapping, the acquisition of detailed and accurate terrain data is essential. Even slight positioning errors can affect the recognition of terrain shapes and dimensions, potentially leading to rework during the design and development stages, as well as discrepancies with the actual site. High-precision positioning serves as the foundation for reliable terrain data. The high-precision positioning service "ichimill" addresses this challenge by providing positioning accuracy within a few centimeters, thereby supporting more reliable terrain mapping. 【Usage Scenarios】 - Extensive terrain surveying - Acquisition of detailed terrain data - Collaboration with drone surveying - Current condition surveying at construction sites 【Benefits of Implementation】 - Improved accuracy of terrain data - Increased efficiency of surveying operations - Enhanced reliability during design and development stages - Reduction of rework

• Other measuring instruments

At construction sites, accurately determining and guiding the position of heavy machinery is emphasized as crucial for safe and efficient work execution. Especially in complex terrains and limited spaces, positioning accuracy to the millimeter is required, as even slight errors can lead to accidents or rework. Our high-precision positioning service "ichimill" utilizes RTK positioning technology to achieve positioning accuracy within a few centimeters, supporting the precise guidance of heavy machinery. 【Usage Scenarios】 - Accurate position management of construction machinery - Providing real-time guidance information to heavy machinery operators - Safe operation management of heavy machinery within the construction area - Recording accurate position data for progress management 【Benefits of Implementation】 - Improved safety of operations - Reduction of rework due to enhanced construction accuracy - Contribution to improved work efficiency and shortened construction periods - Reduced burden on operators

• Other measuring instruments

In the field of agriculture, accurate positioning of agricultural machinery is essential for improving work efficiency and safety in autonomous driving. Particularly, precise operations within fields and safe navigation in complex terrains require high-precision positioning within a few centimeters. Inaccurate location information can lead to delays in work, damage to machinery, and loss of harvest. The high-precision positioning service "ichimill" achieves positioning accuracy within a few centimeters through RTK technology, enhancing the reliability of agricultural autonomous driving systems. 【Use Cases】 - Tillage, seeding, and weeding operations by autonomous tractors - Precise rice planting by autonomous rice transplanters - Automation of pesticide spraying by drones - Position management of agricultural machinery within fields 【Benefits of Implementation】 - Labor savings through automation of operations - Stabilization of yield and quality through improved work accuracy - Safe operation of machinery and reduced risk of accidents - Efficient management of the entire field

• Other measuring instruments

In infrastructure inspections, particularly in drone aerial photography, accurate location identification and high-precision data acquisition are required. This enables the efficiency of inspection work and allows for detailed situation analysis. High-precision positioning enhances the reliability of inspection data and becomes an important decision-making material in infrastructure maintenance management. The high-precision positioning service "ichimill" was developed to meet these needs. 【Usage Scenarios】 - Drone aerial inspections of extensive infrastructure facilities - Data collection based on detailed location information of structures - Positioning to enhance the accuracy of inspection data 【Effects of Implementation】 - Increased efficiency and accuracy of inspection work - Deepened data analysis based on detailed location information - Decision-making support in infrastructure maintenance management

• Other measuring instruments

In forestry, the accuracy of logging plans directly impacts work efficiency and the effective use of resources. Particularly, accurately identifying locations and specific logging areas in vast forests is a crucial element in planning. Inaccurate positioning can lead to delays in planning and waste of resources. The high-precision positioning service "ichimill" enables positioning with an error of just a few centimeters through RTK technology, supporting the improvement of logging plan accuracy. 【Usage Scenarios】 - Identifying target trees for logging in vast forest areas - Accurate surveying of logging plan areas - Understanding the current location of workers and ensuring safety management 【Effects of Implementation】 - Improved work efficiency through enhanced accuracy of logging plans - Reduction of resource waste, contributing to sustainable forest management - Ensuring worker safety and rapid situational awareness

• Other measuring instruments

Goyo Construction Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Goyo Construction), which is working to improve productivity at construction sites for civil engineering, architecture, and offshore wind power, has conducted a demonstration experiment to visualize the location information and operational status of heavy machinery in real-time in order to reduce the effort and time required for the placement and management of heavy machinery used in daily construction planning. By reflecting the location information of heavy machinery obtained from SoftBank's high-precision positioning service "ichimill" onto Goyo Construction's integrated construction management system "PiCOMS," the work required for information sharing among stakeholders has been automated, significantly reducing the burden on the site. If you would like to download the detailed case materials, you can do so from here: https://biz.tm.softbank.jp/pg9963-web-doc-entry-ichimill.html?utm_source=other&utm_medium=other&utm_campaign=_BIZ_3086

• Other measuring instruments

In Japanese agriculture, "tameike" (farm ponds) play an important role in securing agricultural water. However, despite the aging population in the region, most of the tameike are currently managed visually for water levels, requiring managers to visit the site during times of increased water levels, which poses challenges for safe maintenance and management. The Miyazaki City North Land Improvement District introduced a water level gauge using the high-precision positioning service "ichimill" to address this issue. By equipping an unmanned small boat with "ichimill" and updating water level information in real-time via a mobile network, they have succeeded in being able to monitor water levels without having to go to the site, thereby reducing the risk of accidents. If you would like to download detailed case materials, you can do so from here: https://biz.tm.softbank.jp/pg11697-web-doc-entry-ichimill.html?utm_source=other&utm_medium=other&utm_campaign=_BIZ_3087

• others

Currently, the construction and infrastructure industry is facing serious issues such as a shortage of personnel and an aging workforce. The water supply, which is the most important infrastructure supporting our lives, is also confronted with various challenges, including the aging of facilities, a decrease in the number of staff, and an aging workforce among contractors. To maintain and manage water supply facilities, improving on-site efficiency is essential. To address this challenge, Nishio Rent All, a construction equipment rental company, has developed the "HAIKAN-SmartWork" piping construction information management system, which allows for the identification and management of the locations of buried water pipes based on signals received from GNSS. Nishio Rent All has adopted SoftBank's "ichimill" for obtaining location information. For more details on this case, please check our company website. https://www.softbank.jp/biz/blog/business/articles/202304/ichimill_Nishio-rent/

• Other measuring instruments

As the population decline accelerates, the automation of agricultural machinery is effective for cultivating vast farmland. In Shikaoi Town, Hokkaido, "ichimill" has been adopted for cabbage harvesting in extensive farmland. It was used to learn the travel paths of the cabbage transplanter and harvester. Specifically, "ichimill" attached to the agricultural machinery acquires location information and saves data such as the locations where cabbage was planted, the area, and the time. By utilizing ichimill, it is possible to pinpoint locations when checking growth conditions using images captured by satellites or drones, thereby improving the accuracy of harvest timing predictions for each farmland and aiding in the setting of travel routes for automatic harvesters and transporters. Reference article: https://www.softbank.jp/sbnews/entry/20211104_01

• Other measuring instruments

In the infrastructure sector, where errors have previously hindered the widespread adoption of GPS positioning, the use of RTK positioning, which can measure location information with high precision, allows for accurate measurement of elevation as well, thereby expanding its range of applications. For example, monitoring the water level of agricultural ponds has traditionally been done almost entirely by visual inspection. To improve this analog operation, we have equipped an unmanned small boat with "ichimill" to measure the elevation of the water surface and use it as a water level gauge. Since 2022, we have been providing a service that simplifies management for administrators by allowing them to grasp the acquired water level information in real-time through a mobile network. This enables installation without affecting the bank structure of the pond, significantly reducing the scale of installation work and related activities. For more details, please check the SoftBank news below. Reference article: https://www.softbank.jp/sbnews/entry/20220913_01

• Other measuring instruments

Accurate positioning information is essential for controlling vehicles, so the realization of autonomous driving depends on how precisely positioning can be performed. In a demonstration experiment conducted at sea by e5 Lab in 2020, receivers of "ichimill" were installed at the four corners of the hull. Not only the position of the ship but also its orientation and tilt were obtained with centimeter-level accuracy. Funai from SoftBank, who participated in this demonstration experiment, stated, "Of course, we can track the ship's route, and it can also be used to prevent ship collision accidents. In particular, I believe that using 'ichimill' will enable highly accurate steering assistance during berthing, which is when the most attention is required in ship operation. In the future, we would like to apply this to remote control and autonomous operation of vessels."

• Other measuring instruments