Ricoh chooses u-blox module for long-lasting GNSS performance

u-blox, a provider of positioning and wireless communication technologies and services, has integrated its ZOE-M8B GNSS (global navigation satellite system) module into the new RICOH THETA X. Ricoh’s camera allows users to shoot 360-degree spherical images and videos in one click and to visualise them immediately on a large LCD touch panel.

The u-blox ZOE-M8B enables the RICOH THETA X’s built-in GPS. The GPS (QZSS) and A-GPS automatically embed accurate location information to each image taken without the need for a smartphone or another external device. An icon on the LCD touch panel displays the availability of the GPS signals depending on the user’s location, so that the location information can be acquired before starting shooting. This new function is designed to enhance the THETA X’s location accuracy down to a five-metre radius and is therefore suitable for a range of industrial and consumer applications. It is for instance a suitable tool for the construction and architecture professions — which can digitise sites through 360-degree scenery imagery and capture any project phase — as well as for the mapping industry, insurance providers and realtors.

The u-blox module is a small (4.5 x 4.5 x 1.0 mm) system-in-package (SiP) GNSS module offering positioning with concurrent reception of up to three satellite constellations. The Super-E (Super-Efficient) mode provides power consumption as low as 12 mW, and built-in SAW and LNA make it suitable for passive antennas.

“We chose to integrate the u-blox ZOE-M8B GNSS module into our THETA X because of the highly accurate location information it offers, alongside easy integration thanks to its small size and low power consumption. In other words, the module offers what we needed in terms of a small antenna design whilst not compromising on highly accurate positioning performance — a function essential to our customers,” said Kenji Daigo, GPS Function Developer for THETA X at Ricoh.

Image credit: u-blox