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EyeToy

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EyeToy

An EyeToy atop a PS2 Slimline
Specifications [1]
Platform:

Sony Playstation 2

Interface: USB
Connector: USB 1.1
Power consumption: 50 mA
Dimensions (mm): 44 × 53 × 89
Weight: 173 g
Cable length: 2 m
Resolution: 640×480 pixels
Lenshead: Manual focus ring
Sensor: OV7648
Chip: OV519

The EyeToy is a color digital camera device, similar to a webcam, for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable. The technology uses computer vision to process images taken by the camera. This allows players to interact with games using motion, color detection and also sound, through its in-built microphone.

The camera is manufactured by Logitech (known as "Logicool" in Japan), although newer EyeToys are manufactured by Nam Tai. The camera is mainly used for playing EyeToy games developed by Sony and other companies. It is not intended for use as a normal PC camera, although some people have developed unofficial drivers for it.[2]

History

The EyeToy was originally devised by Dr. Richard Marks, who had the idea of connecting a web camera to a PlayStation 2 and using it to play games. The idea of using cameras in games was not new, as it was previously used in many arcade games and toys such as the Game Boy Camera and the Dreameye digital camera for the Sega Dreamcast, the latter of which affected the development of the EyeToy. However, with the resolution of modern cameras and the processing power of the PlayStation 2 there were new ideas possible that were not achievable on the Game Boy. The idea was taken up by SCEE London Studio, who showed a concept in 2002 with four games. The idea was a success and the hardware was released in Europe in July 2003 along with its first real game, EyeToy: Play.

Design

The EyeToy features a compact design which is intended to be placed on top of the console or television. The camera is mounted on a pivot, allowing for positioning. Focusing the camera is performed by rotating a ring around the lens. It comes with two LED lights on the front. A blue light turns on when the PS2 is on, indicating that it is ready to be used, while the red light flashes when there is insufficient light in the room. There is also a microphone built in. A second, newer model of the EyeToy provides similar features, but sports a smaller size and silver casing.[3]

On computer

Because the EyeToy uses a USB plug, drivers have been created to make it work with many operating systems. Only a few of these drivers work. The type of driver required depends on the model of EyeToy camera. There are three different types:

  • SLEH-00031
  • SCEH-0004
  • SLEH-00030

The model information is included in a label on the bottom of the camera.

Technical limitations

Due to the camera's need to "see" the player as they play, the camera needs to be used in a well-lit room. To help let the player know when there is not enough light, there is a red LED on the front of the camera that flashes when it is too dark.

In response to this limitation, Sony has filed a patent for a "wand" controller capable of illuminating different colored LEDs in order to communicate the controller's position and simple commands to the camera.[1]

Games

File:Eyetoybox.jpg
The EyeToy Box. Games can optionally come with an Eye Toy included.

Designed for EyeToy

These games require the EyeToy to be played. All produced by Sony unless noted.

Optional EyeToy features

These games may be used with the EyeToy optionally. They have an "EyeToy Enhanced" label on the box.[citation needed]

Cameo

EyeToy: Cameo is a system for allowing players to include their own images as avatars in other games. Games that support the feature include a head scanning program that can be used to generate a 3D model of the player's head. Once stored on a memory card, this file is then available in games that support the Cameo feature. EyeToy: Cameo licenses the head creation technology Digimask.

Supported games

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn7890
  2. ^ 充実のボディペイント機能
  • ^ EyeToy specifications, published by Sony with EyeToy instruction manual.
  • ^ Drivers for Windows and Linux free and with support from: http://eyetoy8057.sourceforge.net/cms/
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