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Understanding Photos and Images from Person Readers in BluSKY

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Every Person Reader deployed in a BluB0X system—whether or not it’s actively using facial recognition—is a multi-function security device. It combines a camera, access controller, credential reader, intercom, visitor management terminal, destination dispatch interface, and analytics device—all powered by BluSKY’s AI-driven automation.

This article explains how Person Readers capture, process, and use images within BluSKY to provide enhanced security, automation, and record-keeping. It also describes the three main types of photos associated with a person’s record: Proof of Presence Images, Auto-ID Images, and Glamour Shots.

Proof of Presence Images

What They Are

Every time a person presents a credential—card, mobile pass, face, or PIN—at a Person Reader, BluSKY automatically captures a Proof of Presence Image. This image represents the person physically present at the reader during that credential transaction.

Why They Matter

Traditional access control systems authenticate the credential, not the person. The Person Reader changes that by pairing each access event with visual proof of who used the credential.

This helps confirm that:

  • The person presenting the credential is the rightful owner.
  • Tailgating, credential sharing, or misuse can be identified.
  • There is visual evidence for auditing or incident review.

Image Capture Process

When a credential is presented:

  • The Person Reader records a short burst of video.
  • BluSKY selects the best frame from that encounter—sharpest, clearest, most centered—as the Proof of Presence Image.
  • That image is uploaded with the access event and linked to the person’s record.

Viewing

Proof of Presence Images appear:

  • In BluSKY Events (alongside the transaction record).
  • Under the Photos tab in the Personnel record.

Even if a person moves quickly, changes appearance, or wears masks, hats, or eyewear, BluSKY continuously captures the best available representation at each encounter. The Person Reader is acting as an extension of a building’s CCTV system, by providing a clear image of who is using a credential, in addition to time-stamped CCTV footage typically also available from an overhead angle

Auto-ID Images

Purpose

Auto-ID Images represent BluSKY’s best and most recent likeness of a person, automatically maintained by AI. They are continuously refreshed from Proof of Presence captures.

How They’re Created

For each person:

  • Every Proof of Presence image is evaluated for clarity, face orientation, and completeness.
  • The best image—forward-facing, sharp, unobstructed—is stored as the Auto-ID Image.
  • BluSKY automatically updates the Auto-ID image over time to reflect changes in appearance.

Privacy and Access

  • Property Management can view all Auto-ID images.
  • Tenants can only view them if explicitly granted permission.
  • Images are used only within BluSKY for identification and verification.

Benefits

  • Eliminates manual photo management.
  • Keeps the photo database current—reflecting how people look today, not years ago.
  • Saves thousands of hours annually for both property management and tenants.

If no “glamour shot” has been uploaded, BluSKY automatically uses the Auto-ID Image as the person’s visible profile photo.

Glamour Shots (Uploaded Photos)

Description

A Glamour Shot is a manually uploaded portrait photo—typically a professional or staged image—provided by the tenant or property management.

Management

  • Can be uploaded via the Personnel record in BluSKY.
  • Serves as the official image of record when available.
  • If absent, the Auto-ID image automatically substitutes in all views.

Multi-Factor Authentication Images

When using appearance recognition as part of multi-factor authentication (MFA)—such as a webcam or phone camera—BluSKY captures a third image type:

  • Usually high-resolution, well-lit, and front-facing.
  • Stored alongside the other images for audit and verification purposes.
  • Also viewable under the Photos tab of the Personnel record.

 Where to View All Images

All image types are accessible within:

Personnel → Photos Tab

Here you’ll find:

  • Proof of Presence images (per transaction)
  • Auto-ID image (best system-generated likeness)
  • Glamour shot (if uploaded)
  • MFA images (if applicable)

Automation and Time Savings

BluSKY’s automated photo management system:

  • Requires no manual maintenance.
  • Keeps employee and tenant photos continuously current.
  • Reduces administrative workload for property management and tenants alike.

It ensures that identity records are accurate, security events are traceable, and the system always knows not just which credential was used—but who actually used it.

Summary Table

  • Image Type Source Purpose Visibility Automation
  • Proof of Presence Captured by Person Reader during every credential use Evidence of who used the credential Property Management Automatic
  • Auto-ID Image AI-selected from best Proof of Presence frames Maintains current likeness Property Management (Tenant optional) Automatic
  • Glamour Shot Uploaded by tenant or admin Official staged photo Property & Tenant Manual
  • MFA Image Captured via webcam/phone during MFA Authentication evidence Property Management Automatic

Key Takeaways

  • Every Person Reader transaction includes visual verification via Proof of Presence.
  • BluSKY automatically maintains a live, accurate photo ID dataset.
  • This solves one of the biggest flaws in traditional access control: granting entry to the credential, not the person.
  • The system is fully automated, secure, and privacy-aware, giving properties both convenience and confidence.