PlayStation Camera

Last updated

PlayStation Camera
Sony-PlayStation-4-Camera-Mk1.jpg
Developer Sony Computer Entertainment
Product family PlayStation
Type
Generation Eighth and ninth
Release date15 November 2013
Camera
ConnectivityAUX Port (A proprietary version of the USB 3.0 standard without USB 2.0 compatibility)
Platform
Dimensions186 mm × 27 mm × 27 mm (18.6 cm × 2.7 cm × 2.7 cm)
Predecessor PlayStation Eye
Related

The PlayStation Camera is a motion sensor and camera accessory for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, developed by Sony Computer Entertainment. It is the successor to the PlayStation Eye for the PlayStation 3, which was released in 2007. It is also the motion sensor used to track the PlayStation VR virtual reality headset.

Contents

History

The PlayStation VR headset, which requires the camera Sony-PlayStation-4-PSVR-Headset-Mk1-FL.jpg
The PlayStation VR headset, which requires the camera
Redesigned version on a TV Ps4 camera version 2.jpg
Redesigned version on a TV

On February 21, 2013, a day after the PlayStation 4 was announced, [2] [3] a camera was revealed to be in development for the PlayStation 4, nicknamed the "PlayStation 4 Eye" after its predecessor, the PlayStation Eye. [4] It was also featured in the trailer that teased the PlayStation 4. The PlayStation Camera was released on November 15, 2013, alongside the PlayStation 4.

In March 2014, Sony announced that over 900,000 PlayStation Cameras were sold alongside the PlayStation 4 console, leading to shortages of stock supply. [5] It was estimated that 15% of PlayStation 4 owners also owned a PlayStation Camera. [6] [7]

Alongside the unveiling of the PlayStation 4 Pro and PlayStation 4 Slim on September 7, 2016, a design revision of the PlayStation Camera was unveiled for release on September 15, 2016. The new design has a cylindrical shape instead of the rectangular shape of the original revision, and now features a stand that can be used to adjust the camera's angle, instead of a movable part of the camera itself. [8] [9]

Hardware

PlayStation Camera has two 1280×800 pixel cameras with lenses having an f f/2.0, with a 30 cm focusing distance, and an 85° field of view. [1] With the dual camera setup, the camera can operate at different modes, depending on the target application. [10] The two cameras can be used together for the depth perception of objects in its field of vision, [11] akin to the Xbox's Kinect peripheral. [12] Alternatively, one of the cameras can be used for recording video, and the other for motion tracking. [13]

The camera features a four-channel microphone array, [1] which reduces background noise and may even be used to receive voice commands. [10] It is 186 mm × 27 mm × 27 mm (7.3 in × 1.1 in × 1.1 in) (width × height × depth), with a weight of 183 grams (6.5 oz). [1] It records video in RAW and YUV formats and connects to the console via its specified port. [1] [14] [15]

Compatible games

The following is a list of PlayStation 4 games and software with Camera functionality, some of which were not specifically developed for the PlayStation Camera. All PlayStation VR games require the camera for head tracking as well as the Move controllers, if they are used. [16]

The PlayStation 4 system menu supports motion controls and voice commands via the PlayStation Camera (the latter is supported using any microphone). [17]

PlayStation VR

Since the release of PlayStation VR virtual reality headset on October 13, 2016 [18] the PlayStation Camera is used as a major component of the PlayStation VR system. The camera detects LEDs embedded in the headset for the purposes of motion tracking. [19] A USB dongle is required for the camera to be used on the PlayStation 5. This dongle was freely available from Sony directly, provided the user could supply the serial number of their VR breakout box, but as of Nov. 26, 2024 this adapter will no longer be provided by Sony, although third-party options also exist.

Related Research Articles

The DualShock is a line of gamepads developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment for the PlayStation family of video game consoles. It is named for vibration-feedback and analog controls. Introduced in November 1997, it was initially marketed as a secondary peripheral for the first PlayStation console. The console's bundle was updated to include DualShock, and phase out the original PlayStation controller and the Dual Analog Controller. The DualShock is the best-selling gamepad of all time by units sold, excluding bundled controllers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">London Studio</span> British video game developer

London Studio was a British video game developer based in London. Founded in 2002, it was a first-party studio for PlayStation Studios. The studio was best known for developing the SingStar series, as well as games for PlayStation's external peripherals including the EyeToy camera and the PlayStation VR virtual reality headset. The studio created more than 60 titles since it was established.

Various accessories for the PlayStation 3 video game console have been produced by Sony and third-party companies. These include controllers, audio and video input devices like microphones, video cameras, and cables for better sound and picture quality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PlayStation Eye</span> Digital camera device for the PlayStation 3

The PlayStation Eye is a digital camera device, similar to a webcam, for the PlayStation 3. The technology uses computer vision and gesture recognition to process images taken by the camera. This allows players to interact with games using motion and color detection as well as sound through its built-in microphone array. It is the successor to the EyeToy for the PlayStation 2, which was released in 2003.

PlayStation is a video gaming brand that consists of five home video game consoles, two handhelds, a media center, and a smartphone, as well as an online service and multiple magazines. The brand is produced by Sony Interactive Entertainment, a division of Sony.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motion controller</span> Video game controller that tracks motions

In computing, a motion controller is a type of input device that uses accelerometers, gyroscopes, cameras, or other sensors to track motion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shuhei Yoshida</span> Japanese businessman (born 1964)

Shuhei Yoshida is a Japanese businessman and gaming industry veteran. He was the President of SIE Worldwide Studios for Sony Interactive Entertainment from 2008 to 2019, before moving onto other SIE-related projects. Yoshida has been a key member of the PlayStation brand since its original concept, having been part of the company since 1993.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PlayStation Move</span> Motion game controller by Sony Interactive Entertainment

PlayStation Move is a motion game controller developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Initially released in 2010 for use with the PlayStation 3 home video game console, its compatibility was later expanded to its successor, the PlayStation 4 in 2013, its PlayStation VR platform in 2016 and the PlayStation 5 in 2020. Conceptually similar to Nintendo's Wii Remote and Microsoft's Kinect, its function is based around controller input in games stemming from the actual physical movement of the player. The Move uses inertial sensors in the wand to detect motion while the wand's position is tracked using a PlayStation Eye or PlayStation Camera. The device was generally well received by critics, but has not quite met Sony's goals for integration into the market.

The eighth generation of video game consoles began in 2012, and consists of four home video game consoles: the Wii U released in 2012, the PlayStation 4 family in 2013, the Xbox One family in 2013, and the Nintendo Switch family in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PlayStation 4</span> Sonys fourth home video game console

The PlayStation 4 (PS4) is a home video game console developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Announced as the successor to the PlayStation 3 in February 2013, it was launched on November 15, 2013, in North America, November 29, 2013, in Europe, South America, and Australia, and on February 22, 2014, in Japan. A console of the eighth generation, it competes with Microsoft's Xbox One and Nintendo's Wii U and Switch.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xbox</span> Video gaming brand owned by Microsoft

Xbox is a video gaming brand that consists of five home video game consoles, as well as applications (games), streaming service Xbox Cloud Gaming, and online services such as the Xbox network and Xbox Game Pass. The brand is produced by Microsoft Gaming, a division of Microsoft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PlayStation 4 system software</span> System software for the PlayStation 4

The PlayStation 4 system software is the updatable firmware and operating system of the PlayStation 4. The operating system is Orbis OS, based on FreeBSD 9.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xbox One</span> Video game console developed by Microsoft

The Xbox One is a home video game console developed by Microsoft. Announced in May 2013, it is the successor to Xbox 360 and the third console in the Xbox series. It was first released in North America, parts of Europe, Australia, and South America in November 2013 and in Japan, China, and other European countries in September 2014. It is the first Xbox game console to be released in China, specifically in the Shanghai Free-Trade Zone. Microsoft marketed the device as an "all-in-one entertainment system", hence the name "Xbox One". An eighth-generation console, it mainly competed against Sony's PlayStation 4 and Nintendo's Wii U and later the Switch.

The PlayStation 4 technical specifications describe the various hardware components of the PlayStation 4 home video game console group. Multiple versions of this console have been released since the initial launch of the PlayStation 4, including the PlayStation 4 Slim and the PlayStation 4 Pro. Subsequent versions include changes to the technical specifications of the console.

<i>The Playroom</i> (2013 video game) 2013 video game

The Playroom is a video game developed by Japan Studio's Team Asobi and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 4. It is a collection of augmented reality mini-games meant to demonstrate the use of the PlayStation Camera and the DualShock 4 controller and comes preloaded with all PlayStation 4 consoles. The PlayStation Camera accessory is required to play The Playroom. If a camera is not present, a trailer for The Playroom will be displayed instead of the full game. Firesprite, a studio founded by former employees of Studio Liverpool, worked on the visuals of The Playroom. Downloadable content is free.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PlayStation VR</span> Virtual reality headset developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment

The PlayStation VR is a virtual reality headset developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, which was released in October 2016. The headset works with the company's PlayStation 4 video game console and is forwards compatible with PlayStation 5. Sony released its successor, PlayStation VR2, in 2023, having sold at least 5 million PlayStation VR units worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HTC Vive</span> Virtual reality headset

HTC Vive is a line of virtual and mixed reality headsets produced by HTC Corporation. The brand currently encompasses headsets designed for use with personal computers as well as standalone headsets such as the Vive Focus line, Vive Flow glasses, and the Vive Elite XR mixed reality headset.

Cross-buy is a feature of some digital distribution systems available across multiple device platforms, where users who purchase a license to a specific piece of software are able to use the versions of the software for different device classes at no additional charge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Virtual reality headset</span> Head-mounted device that provides virtual reality for the wearer

A virtual reality headset is a head-mounted device that uses 3D near-eye displays and positional tracking to provide a virtual reality environment for the user. VR headsets are widely used with VR video games, but they are also used in other applications, including simulators and trainers. VR headsets typically include a stereoscopic display, stereo sound, and sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes for tracking the pose of the user's head to match the orientation of the virtual camera with the user's eye positions in the real world. AR headsets are similar to VR headsets, but AR headsets enable the user to see and interact with the outside world. Examples of AR headsets include the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PlayStation VR2</span> Virtual reality headset developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment

The PlayStation VR2 is a virtual reality headset for the PlayStation 5 and PC, developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment and released on February 22, 2023.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INTRODUCES WIRELESS CONTROLLER FOR PLAYSTATION®4 (DUALSHOCK®4) AND PLAYSTATION®4 EYE" (Press release). Sony Computer Entertainment. February 21, 2013. Archived from the original on February 24, 2013. Retrieved February 26, 2013.
  2. ↑ Bishop, Bryan (February 20, 2013). "Sony announces the PlayStation 4". The Verge . Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved October 20, 2016– via Vox Media.
  3. ↑ Blake, Meredith (February 20, 2013). "Sony unveils PlayStation 4 in New York". Los Angeles Times . Tribune Publishing . Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  4. ↑ Cooper, David (February 21, 2013). "Sony reveals how the PlayStation 4 Eye works". Engadget . AOL Inc. Archived from the original on October 21, 2016. Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  5. ↑ "Sony has sold over 900,000 PS4 cameras to date, resulting in stock shortage". VG247 . March 20, 2014. Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  6. ↑ Paul Tassi. Why Is PS4's Camera So Unexpectedly Popular?, forbes.com, March 20, 2014.
  7. ↑ Dunning, Jason (August 18, 2014). "LittleBigPlanet 3 Will Use the PlayStation Camera". PlayStationLifeStyle. Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  8. ↑ "4 New PS4 Peripherals Announced". IGN. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  9. ↑ "The PlayStation Camera's getting a redesign (update)". Polygon. Vox Media. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  10. 1 2 Kyle MacGregor (February 21, 2013). "PlayStation 4 Eye: Applications of PS4's twin cameras". Destructoid. Archived from the original on May 30, 2013. Retrieved February 21, 2013.
  11. ↑ Scullion, Chris (February 21, 2013). "Eye spy: Has Sony found its answer to Kinect?". Computer and Video Games. Future plc. Archived from the original on May 30, 2013. Retrieved February 21, 2013.
  12. ↑ Buckley, Sean (February 20, 2013). "PS4 Eye promises to unlock your PlayStation at a glance, tips hat to Kinect". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on February 21, 2013. Retrieved February 21, 2013.
  13. ↑ Conditt, Jessica. "PS4 Eye has two cameras: One to watch you, one to make you pretty". Joystiq. AOL. Archived from the original on May 8, 2013. Retrieved February 21, 2013.
  14. ↑ "PlayStation 4 (PS4) Design and Price Unveiled, Available at $399 in U.S. and at €399 in Europe" (PDF) (Press release). Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. June 11, 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 13, 2013. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
  15. ↑ "PLAYSTATION®4 (PS4™) DESIGN AND PRICE UNVEILED" (PDF) (Press release). Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 13, 2013. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
  16. ↑ Hunt, Cale (August 3, 2016). "Here's why you need the PS4 camera for PlayStation VR". VRHeads. Archived from the original on October 27, 2019. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  17. ↑ "PlayStation Camera". Playstation.com. Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. Archived from the original on December 19, 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  18. ↑ "Sony Corporation of America: PlayStation®VR Launches October 2016 Available Globally At 44,980 Yen, $399 USD, €399 And £349". www.sony.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2016. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
  19. ↑ O'Kane, Sean (March 15, 2016). "Sony's PlayStation VR costs $399 and is coming on October". The Verge. Retrieved March 17, 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.