Basics

• The EyeToy is a digital camera device that looks very similar to a black webcam that sits atop your television set, connected to your Playstation 2 via a USB cable. The camera utilizes gesture-recognition technology, as well as a built-in microphone to allow players to interact with certain games using motion, sound and color detection.
  
  

History

• In 1999, Richard Marks conceived the EyeToy after attending a demonstration of the Playstation 2 at the annual Game Developer's Conference in California. He later joined Sony Computer Entertainment America to help further develop the project. The EyeToy was first put on display in 2002, along with four mini-games that utilized the technology. The product was finally released, bundled with "EyeToy: Play," in 2003. "EyeToy: Play" features a series of games that required the use of motion and sound controls that could be delivered by users through the camera and the camera's microphone.
  
  

Description

• The first generation of the EyeToy featured a glossy black case and was mounted on a stand with a pivot, so it could rotated. It features two LED lights on the front, one to indicate that the device is connected to a Playstation 2 and is ready to use, while a red light tells the user that there is insufficient light in the room. The microphone is built into the front and the camera's focus can be adjusted with a focusing ring around the lens. Modern second-generation models have the same features, though they are about 1/3 smaller and have silver casing.
  
  

Lighting Issues

• Because the camera uses such a small lens, sufficient lighting is needed in a room. If not, the camera may not be able to register what movements are taking place and a red warning light will flash. In some games, players may move their hand in front of the camera, blocking off all light and causing the EyeToy to abort the current game.
  
  

Games

• There are a few dozen games that are specifically designed for the EyeToy, most of which have the prefix "EyeToy." These games include "EyeToy: Play," "EyeToy: Groove," "EyeToy: Monkey Mania" and "EyeToy: Play Sports." Other games are designed for basic controllers, but have features that use EyeToy technology, including "MLB 2005," "Lemmings" and "The Sims 2."