Point Spread Smart B-pillar

What Is a Smart B-pillar?

A Smart B-pillar is an automotive perception module installed on the vehicle's B-pillar—the structural post between the front and rear doors—for external identity verification and vehicle unlocking. It is the first touchpoint for the Smart Entry System and human–vehicle interaction. Conventional premium Smart B-pillar solutions typically use a three-part architecture comprising an RGB camera, an IR camera, and a standalone SoC for visible-light imaging, infrared Liveness Detection data capture, and algorithm processing. This architecture is complex and carries higher power and system costs.

Point Spread Smart B-pillar uses a single Time-of-Flight (ToF) architecture. One Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor performs both facial recognition and Liveness Detection, eliminating the need for additional RGB + IR sensors and a standalone SoC. This single-sensor fusion architecture provides four core advantages: high integration through fewer components and lower system complexity; low standby power for always-on Smart Entry System monitoring; fast cold start for a shorter wake-to-recognition response; and strong-light resistance for reliable recognition in direct outdoor sunlight. AI 3D Anti-spoofing Detection uses depth information to resist spoofing attacks involving photos, videos, and masks.

Small text annotation: NFC (shown below the lower section of the B-pillar module in both the product and installation images).

Applications and Target Customers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How does the Smart B-pillar differ from conventional RGB + IR facial-recognition solutions?

A: Conventional premium Smart B-pillar solutions typically use a three-part architecture comprising an RGB camera, an IR camera, and a standalone SoC. Point Spread Smart B-pillar uses a single Time-of-Flight (ToF) solution: one Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor performs both facial recognition and Liveness Detection without additional RGB + IR sensors or a standalone SoC. This provides higher integration, lower standby power, and faster cold start.

Q: How can a single Time-of-Flight (ToF) solution perform both facial recognition and Liveness Detection?

A: A Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor captures scene depth information. Point Spread uses that depth information both to extract identity features for facial recognition and to perform AI 3D Anti-spoofing Detection, analyzing depth authenticity to resist spoofing attacks involving photos, videos, and masks. A single sensor can therefore handle both recognition and anti-spoofing tasks.

Q: Which unlocking and authentication methods does the Smart B-pillar support?

A: In addition to AI 3D facial recognition, the Smart B-pillar supports a Bluetooth Digital Key, a mobile app, and an Encrypted NFC Card. OEMs can combine these methods according to vehicle positioning while balancing convenience and security redundancy.

Q: Is Smart B-pillar recognition reliable in strong light?

A: The Smart B-pillar uses proprietary interference-resistance technology for strong-light conditions and supports recognition in challenging outdoor lighting, including direct sunlight. This is one of the key advantages of the single Time-of-Flight (ToF) solution over a conventional RGB solution.

Q: How does the Smart B-pillar perform in terms of power consumption, and is it suitable for always-on monitoring?

A: Compared with the three-part RGB + IR + standalone SoC architecture, the single Time-of-Flight (ToF) integrated architecture consumes less power, with low standby power and fast cold start. It is well suited to the always-on monitoring required by a Smart Entry System.