I’ve finally found some time to finish a model I started working on quite some time ago. Textures, materials and lighting aren’t as good as they could be, but I just wanted to get it done:)
(7507 polygons)
For our multi-touch table project we needed a camera that could only see infrared. After looking around on the interwebs, I found out that the PlayStation Eye webcam is perfect for this. With its resolution of 640×480 pixels (@60 Hz) or 320×240 pixels (@120 Hz) it’s great for a fluid webcam stream. To prevent the lightsensor from overexposing, this and most other webcams have an IR-blocking filter. We need to remove it, and place a visible light blocking-filter instead. Don’t expect this to go without any scratches or chippings though, we’ll need to do some prying to get into the case. There are some excellent resources on the web on how to do it (see links below). In this article I’ll show you my experiences on hacking this device.
Materials you’ll need:
- Flathead screwdriver
- Precision Philips (crosshead) screwdriver
- Floppy disk (you know, those ancient square storage thingies)
- Hobby knife
- PlayStation Eye (you won’t get very far without it)
Opening up the webcam
First thing we’ll need to do is take the webcam apart. I started by taking off the screw covers on the back of the webcam. I used the hobby knife for this, as they need to be pried off. Next, I took the screws out with a little screwdriver.
Now that the screws are removed, we’ll need to pry the case open. I’ve spent about 15 minutes cursing before I finally got it open, so you’ll need to have a little patience. Eventually you’ll get there
The trick is to start with the top of the casing, and slowly work toward the bottom. So when looking at the webcam from in front, you first open up the case above the microphone and you then work your way down to the stand.
As you can see in the last photo, the case got pretty chopped up. I didn’t really have a thin-enough flathead to pry the case open. In my case it doesn’t matter though, once the camera’s in use we won’t even see it.
Freeing the lens and replacing the IR-blocking filter.
Next step was pretty easy. Just unscrew all the screws you see on the printboard until you can take off the lens.
Next up is removing the IR-blocking lens. With the handy knife, ‘cut’ around the edges of the lens. You’ll need to really work it, as you need to be able to pop it out. Just keep on going around the edge until you can get under the lens with your knife and pop it. In these photo’s you see how much I had to do:
Besides opening the case, this was the most tedious task. Now we’ll need to place a visible-light blocking filter. The cheapest solution is cracking open a floppy disk and cutting out a piece of the magnetic tape:
Now place it onto the lens. Make it so, that it just fits into the big hole. I forgot to make a photo of the tape put in place, but in the last picture you can get the idea. Instead of the tape lying on top of the lens, make it fit into the hole.
As you can see, it took me a few tries to get it right. Now you can try to see if it works. You’ll need to install a driver (found in the links below) and hook the webcam up to your computer. Be sure to install the driver before plugging the device in. The installer will warn you about that as well. All that’s left to be done now is putting the case back together.
The result, me pointing at the cam with a remote, with a lamp in the background (they send out IR as well):
Victory!
Links
- Maximum PC
- Playstation 3 Eye Camera – Removing IR Blocking Filter (1/2)
- Playstation 3 Eye Camera – Removing IR Blocking Filter (2/2)
- CL-Eye Platform Driver
GameOfLifeXNA version 1.0
A really simple GameOfLife clone.
You’ll need the .Net Framework 3.5 and XNA 3.0 redistributables installed.
Game Demo
C#, .Net Framework 3.5, XNA 3.0
Date: 29-8-2009
Author(s): Francois van der Ven
GameOfLifeXNA 1.0 screenshot 1
GameOfLifeXNA 1.0 screenshot 2
TetrisXNA version 1.0
Originally a MusicWare plugin for LittleBigStar, now moved into a seperate showcase application. See the LittleBigStar project for controlling this game with your instrument.
Simply use the arrow keys to move the falling figures 
Have fun!
You’ll need the .Net Framework 3.5 and XNA 3.0 redistributables installed.
Game Demo
C#, .Net Framework 3.5, XNA 3.0
Date: 19-8-2009
Author(s): Francois van der Ven, graphics: Adam (www.ludatha.com)
TetrisXNA 1.0 screenshot
Tweakers.net