Sunday, February 15, 2009

PlayStation 3 Eye web cam working on Ubuntu 8.10!

When I heard about the PS3 Eye cam and what it's capable of, I immediately ordered one for my DIY multi touch table project! It can deliver a staggering 120 frames per second, and it's relatively cheap to other cameras that can do this. I ordered mine for 40 euros. The high frame rate allows for a smaller delay when processing (multi) touch input, see an example here. This beasty doesn't directly work out of the box, you need to get drivers first. In this post I'll be explaining how to get it working on Ubuntu and the problems I faced while installing the driver. If you are looking for drivers for the PS3 Eye on Windows or Mac, see this thread or this thread, respectively.

First, get the gspca modified driver from kaswy. Extract the source to a directory, e.g. ~/src/gspca-ps3eyeMT. Then issue the following command in a terminal:
$ lsmod | grep gspca
If this command gives you any output, you have to unload the module(s) first. The drivers loaded at the time gave me problems because my computer was running for a long time without rebooting. The loaded drivers were older, when I tried to load the new gspca driver, the two conflicted. So to be on the safe side, it's best you not skip this step. This is an example possible output:


(Columns are: Module, Size, Used by)

You want to unload the driver that has a 0 in the third column, this unloads the drivers recursively. It's done like this according to the example:
$ sudo modprobe -r gspca_pac207
Verify the driver is unloaded by doing a
$ lsmod | grep gspca
Now, there should be no output.

If you haven't already, get the build tools for Ubuntu with the following command:
$ sudo apt-get install build-essential
Next, we can start compiling, that's done like this:
$ cd ~/src/gspca-ps3eyeMT
$ make
$ sudo make install
The building process may contain some warnings, but it should finish without errors (some terminology: a warning isn't as bad as an error and warnings should not prevent a successful build).

Now we load the driver, the working modes for the web cam are:
00: 640x480@15
01: 640x480@30
02: 640x480@40
03: 640x480@50
04: 640x480@60
10: 320x240@30
11: 320x240@40
12: 320x240@50
13: 320x240@60
14: 320x240@75
15: 320x240@100 (added 15/02/09 V0.3)
16: 320x240@125 (added 15/02/09 V0.3)
Say we want to use the mode 640x480 pixels at 60 frames per second (mode 04), we issue the following command:
$ sudo modprobe gspca_ov534 videomode=04
This loads the driver and sets the desired video mode. Adjust the video mode to your own preference.

Next, we can plug in the PS3 Eye camera. We can verify that it has been plugged in by doing a
$ ls /dev/video*
before you plug in the camera, and then run it again after it's plugged in. It should display a(nother) video device, e.g. /dev/video0.

To preview the stream, we're going to use VLC, this is an excellent media player, if you don't have it installed, you can simply get it with:
$ sudo apt-get install vlc

Finally, we can open the web cam's video stream:
$ vlc v4l2:///dev/video0
(change /dev/video0 to the correct device if you have more than 1 video device plugged in.)
Voila, you should now have a video feed from the PS3 Eye on Ubuntu! Enjoy!

Update 18-feb-09: new driver V0.3 released by kaswy on 15-feb-09, new video modes added! See this post on how to update.

Side note #1: credit to kaswy for helping me install his drivers. This is the thread on nuigroup.com forums about the PS3 Eye drivers. There is another driver, but kaswy's is the most promising at the moment.

Side note #2: you may unload the drivers with the following command:
$ sudo modprobe -r gspca_ov534
And you may uninstall the drivers by running the following command from the source dir you installed from:
$ sudo make rminstall

86 comments:

  1. This is a great howto, but i keep getting this error in vlc

    [00000409] v4l2 demux error: Failed to wait (VIDIOC_DQBUF)

    any help would be appreciated

    ReplyDelete
  2. Are you able to view the webcam feed using another program, e.g. Skype or Ekiga? Just to verify it's not a VLC problem...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Camorama and skype give me a black screen, vlc is the only one that outputs a specific error message to terminal

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great Walkthrough walks like a charm. On my way to linux multi touch programming

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hello there,

    I get the same errors as AnswerHolder...any solution to this ?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi! Unfortenately, I haven't been able to reproduce the error and I don't know what could be causing it. Could you post the sequence of commands you are using? Also please include when you plug in your camera.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hello there,

    I was able to debug it :) I removed totally the driver.
    I reinstalled and recompiled the driver..and now it works.
    One question remains..in flash cam based pages and in skype the camera image is either full of vertical lines or in skype green.
    How can I solve this ?
    In VLC or Ekiga it works like a charm (no matter what I give it at modeprobe as option for resolution).

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi, I am trying to use the PS3eye as a cheap cam for capturing 120fps for my research. Do you know how I can record this video and save it as an .avi or another file? I don't use Ubuntu much, is there any program that will save the video from this camera?
    Thanks a lot!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great instructions - it worked on the first try...

    ReplyDelete
  10. When I try and load the driver I receive this error,

    FATAL: Error inserting gspca_ov534 (/lib/modules/2.6.28-15-generic/kernel/drivers/media/video/gspca/gspca_ov534.ko): Unknown symbol in module, or unknown parameter

    Any ideas?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great instructions.

    I've installed this driver on Ubuntu 9.04 and it appears to work fine.

    I had problems with stability at first, the camera would disconnect after a few seconds. Changing to a different USB port (on the back of my computer, not the front) fixed that up and it works fine now.

    ReplyDelete
  12. i also got the FATAL: Error inserting gspca_ov534 (/lib/modules/2.6.28-15-generic/kernel/drivers/media/video/gspca/gspca_ov534.ko): Unknown symbol in module, or unknown parameter (see dmesg)
    on ubuntu 9.04

    ReplyDelete
  13. i am trying to install this on a fresh fedora 11 and am getting this error...

    Preparing to compile for kernel version 2.6.29
    File not found: /lib/modules/2.6.29j.4-167.fc11.i586/build/ .config at ./scripts/make_kconfig.pl line 32,
    make[1]: *** No rule to make target '.myconfig' , needed by 'config-compat.h'. Stop
    make[1]: Leaving directory '/home/DANMSTudent/Documents/gspca-ps3eyeMT/v4l'
    make: *** [all] Error 2

    can anyone help with this?

    ReplyDelete
  14. http://bear24rw.blogspot.com/2009/11/ps3-eye-driver-patch.html

    ReplyDelete
  15. Compiled: check
    modules loaded and /dev/video0 appears: check
    upgrade from 8.04 to 8.10 to get vlc that works with v4l2: check
    camera detected by ekiga: check
    v4l2 apps read camera: fail

    all errors seem like this:

    $vlc v4l2:///dev/video0
    .
    .
    [00000410] v4l2 demux error: Failed to wait (VIDIOC_DQBUF)

    ttv has similar timeout error.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi, I've tested the video modes 0,1,10 and the work perfectly in Ubuntu 9.04 and 9.10. However, video modes 2,3,4, 11-16 display a "select timeout" message in terminal, in ucview the same modes display an image that changes every 10 seconds or more. Do you lnow how can I solve this problem? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  17. i also got the FATAL: Error inserting gspca_ov534 (/lib/modules/2.6.28-15-generic/kernel/drivers/media/video/gspca/gspca_ov534.ko): Unknown symbol in module, or unknown parameter (see dmesg)
    on ubuntu 10.04

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great tutorial! Have anyone successfully make it to work on Ubuntu 8.04 (kernel 2.6.24)?

    I can build and install the driver, but the driver_test and vlc program failed to capture the frame.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Works great on ubuntu 10.4 LTS :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. For anyone trying to setup the ps3-eye on an embedded board like CompuLab’s Fit-PC2 or Axiomtek's pico820, after installing the 2.6.31-34-fitpc2 from http://www.fit-pc2.com/wiki/index.php?title=Installing_Ubuntu_9.10

    I got it working after some headaches with the above tutorial and these changes:

    instead of:
    sudo apt-get install linux-source
    use:
    apt-get source linux-image-$(uname -r)
    (thanks to roman)

    after running:
    make oldconfig

    do:
    edit the file .config
    search for line: "#CONFIG_USB_GSPCA_OV534 is not set" and replace with "CONFIG_USB_GSPCA_OV534=m"
    save, exit and proceed with the next steps of the tutorial.

    I had to reboot to get the mode 04 (640x480@60fps) working (with some flickering though).

    Hope it helps!

    Regards

    Dasankir.

    ReplyDelete
  21. For the people getting the "Unknown symbol in module, or unknown parameter (see dmesg)" error, dmesg | tail told me that 'videomode' was the unknown parameter.

    I was running it as root. I dropped out of root and tried again using sudo successfully. HTH.

    ReplyDelete
  22. guies.. i want to use my PS3 camera in ubuntu to take photographs in my project. can any1 plz guide me??

    ReplyDelete
  23. halo 4forum is one of the most terrific games. but it has the pretty graphics on ps3 and as
    recovered as it looks surprising on the top of the connexion pc.it sounds are large.
    first person shooter

    ReplyDelete
  24. ps vita facility has lots of the large games that are commonly enjoyed by the gallinacean players beacause these games score a stressed tradition of innovation.
    vita forum

    ReplyDelete
  25. I reinstalled and recompiled the driver..and now it works.
    One question remains..in flash cam based pages and in skype the camera image is either full of vertical lines or in skype green. PS4 Bundle deals

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi, I'm getting this error on running the make command:
    http://pastebin.com/v9APrBmf
    Could you please help me out?

    ReplyDelete
  27. Sin dall’inizio della manovra italiana. Pertanto, si sta facendo strada l’ipotesi di schierare dal 1’ Koke al posto di Nolito. Allo stato attuale, si tratta soprattutto di un’idea. Ma è difficile pensare che non possa essere questa la strada per correggere il tiro alla Spagna. Maglia inter milan shopmaglia italiamaglia serie a italia
    http://segoviaformacion.com/maglie.asp?calcio=index
    http://viveroshontoria.com/maglie.asp?calcio=index
    http://www.smiolesa.com/maglie.asp?prezzo=index
    http://silicesgomezvallejo.com/maglie.asp?prezzo=index
    www.globales.es/maglie.asp?magliette=index

    ReplyDelete
  28. Secondo alcuni, i test degli ultimi allenamenti farebbero pensare anche a un’epurazione di Cesc Fabregas e all’inserimento di Pedro.camisetas Valencia,
    camisetas AC Milan,Camisetas de futbol online

    ReplyDelete
  29. Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has been quiet for a while now. If you’re a fan, that’s a pretty great thing. Inside the organization, I imagine it’s a fantastic thing, times 1,000.3*5 sports flags,cheap Arizona Cardinals flags,buy Cleveland Browns flags

    ReplyDelete
  30. Many robot vacuum cleaners logdown.com/ are set to run numerous different Website cleaning patterns, such as hugging the wall surfaces or relocating Best Robot Vacuum window cleaning – sparkless glass without headaches a spiral or grid.

    ReplyDelete
  31. The ultra-wide base adds to its strength, readymag.com/ security, mobility and safety and Title security. It can likewise be folded up flat for Best Baby Walkers in 2017 very easy travel and storage.

    ReplyDelete
  32. The lens is made up of water and protein; with time, protein accumulation increases in the eye and results in hazy vision. Cataract is thus a straightaway impact of ageing. become an optometrist

    ReplyDelete
  33. I was reading some of your content on this website and I conceive this internet site is really informative ! Keep on putting up. Webdesign

    ReplyDelete
  34. You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers. Check here for more

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thank you for another excellent post. Where else could anybody get that kind of info in such a perfect way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I would like to say that this blog really convinced me to do it! Thanks, very good post. try ds4windows

    ReplyDelete
  37. I recently noticed your website back i are generally looking through which on a daily basis. You’ve got a loads of information at this site so i actually like your look to the web a tad too. Maintain the best show results! Free PSN Codes

    ReplyDelete
  38. This is a smart blog. I mean it. You have so much knowledge about this issue, and so much passion. You also know how to make people rally behind it, obviously from the responses. PSN Codes

    ReplyDelete
  39. I can visit your website and I really need this type of website . It really helps me with my product. I bookmarked your site to help me in future. Your baby product are such an excellent product.
    Thanks for giving us this type of website https://comfortmom.com/best-baby-walkers/

    ReplyDelete
  40. I am sure you see the trend here... Commercial Mortgage Financing can be used in practically any industry for any kind of commercial property. Speak with your Business Finance Broker when you are ready to invest in a Commercial Real estate opportunity. www.financetypes.us

    ReplyDelete
  41. Make use of a travel agent that provides travel deals for handicapped travelers. Booking plane tickets and rooms in hotels with journey agents that provide travel methods to disabled individuals is advantageous in many ways. They make sure they book for his or her disabled customers airlines as well as hotels which are disabled pleasant. They make an effort to offer providers and suggestions which will ensure their own clients journey comfortably. www.bestadventuretravel.us

    ReplyDelete
  42. One of the biggest competitions of today is staying fit. It seems like people nowadays want to lose weight instantly as if there is no tomorrow or it is as if it is a passport for the general population. Losing weight and staying fit is never easy. www.bestadventuretravel.us

    ReplyDelete
  43. The laws of nature are just as they treat every specie (and not only man) with equality. In a jungle, every specie gets its due share of food, air and water which enable them to live a dignified life without being dependent on any other creation. Nature makes no distinction between one specie, and the other as all species are the children of the same God. www.lawinformation.us

    ReplyDelete
  44. Discomfort heard this argument intended for spending far more now with quality just to save money in the future. But why not consider the impression your purchase has on the earth, shouldn't shopping ethically participate in the talk too? www.servicesexpert.us

    ReplyDelete
  45. Health fitness ideas also suggest that vices ought to be stopped. Smoking predisposes someone to vascular conditions for example arteriosclerosis as well as heart illnesses. Alcohol consumption do not need to be removed but ought to be limited in order to 30 jiggers each day only. Alcohol nevertheless has many benefits such because vasodilation. These are are just some of what Health fitness ideas recommend www.healthimprove.us

    ReplyDelete
  46. Traveling, for individuals with disabilities, is extremely hectic, particularly when they get to the airport terminal. They face the process of obtaining proper info and instructions. This is actually further aggravated through the huge number of individuals traveling as well as long lists. In international airports, there tend to be attendants which are supposed for carrying on the needs of these travelling along with disabilities. www.safetravelguide.us

    ReplyDelete
  47. You will find all forms and shapes of fashion blogs as the internet is full of them. It can talk about the main benefit of wearing lanky jeans over boyfriend jeans or how pink takes the place of black plus all the extras. As you go online, you will get your fill of the latest in fashion trends via fashion blogs. www.newsvillage.us

    ReplyDelete
  48. Most of us have heard the actual argument with regard to spending much more now upon quality in order to save money later on. But how about the effect your purchase is wearing the globe, shouldn't shopping ethically participate the dialogue too? www.newsvillage.us

    ReplyDelete
  49. Real estate buyers live and also die simply by their power to add benefit. With simply no added benefit, there are usually no income. This does work with virtually any business, but what makes real estate this kind of great business plus a great purchase, is how many ways you can value and make the most of big income. www.landproperty.us

    ReplyDelete
  50. Were you thinking with regards to remodeling your current home? Understand that you may achieve your current goal and not using a giant price. Small changes introduced in nearly all room, including the outdoors on the town can make the many difference. www.thebudgetdecorator.us

    ReplyDelete
  51. You can see all creates and shapes and sizes of fashion blogs for the internet is jam packed with them. It can converse about the luxury of wearing slim jeans across boyfriend shorts or ways pink takes the position of schokohäutige plus lots of the extras. Simply because go via the internet, you becomes your fill for the latest popular trends with fashion blogs. www.servicesdealer.us

    ReplyDelete
  52. Most likely you view the trend in this article... Commercial House loan Financing can be employed in pretty much any marketplace for virtually any commercial property or home. Speak with all your Business Finance Broker while you are ready to invest in a Commercial Real estate investment opportunity. www.businessterms.us

    ReplyDelete
  53. Travel's importance is actually underestimated by lots of people. Travel isn't just fun, enjoyable and pleasant. With the current life styles and function conditions, travel is becoming more than a choice. It is a lot more than just having a good time. www.cheaptraveldeals.us

    ReplyDelete
  54. Health fitness suggestions also advise that vices needs to be stopped. Smoking predisposes anyone to vascular conditions for instance arteriosclerosis and also heart conditions. Alcohol consumption will not need to be eradicated but needs to be limited to be able to 30 jiggers per day only. Alcohol nonetheless has health improvements such since vasodilation. These are just some of what Health fitness suggestions recommend www.idealhealthfitness.us

    ReplyDelete
  55. You'll find all varieties and styles of fashion blogs because the internet is packed with them. It can speak about the main advantage of wearing slim jeans above boyfriend denims or just how pink takes the spot of african american plus every one of the extras. When you go on the web, you are certain to get your fill with the latest in fashion trends by means of fashion blogs. www.currentfashiontrend.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. Real estate traders live as well as die through their capability to add worth. With absolutely no added worth, there tend to be no earnings. This holds true with any kind of business, but why is real estate this type of great business along with a great expense, is the amount of ways you can include value and profit from big earnings. www.commercialsproperty.us

    ReplyDelete
  57. Are you thinking concerning remodeling the home? Take into account that you can frequently achieve the goal with out a giant expenditure. Small advancements introduced in virtually every room, including the surface of your home can make every one of the difference. www.houseInnovations.us

    ReplyDelete
  58. Health fitness points also propose that vices need to be stopped. Smoking predisposes that you vascular conditions like arteriosclerosis in addition to heart disorders. Alcohol consumption does not need to be taken out but need to be limited to help 30 jiggers daily only. Alcohol however has health advantages such seeing that vasodilation. These are just some of what Health fitness points recommend www.healthcareaffect.us

    ReplyDelete
  59. Health fitness recommendations also suggest vices really should be stopped. Smoking predisposes want you to vascular conditions just like arteriosclerosis plus heart health conditions. Alcohol consumption needn't be wiped out but really should be limited so that you can 30 jiggers on a daily basis only. Alcohol continue to has rewards such when vasodilation. These are are just some of what Health fitness recommendations recommend www.healthifitness.us

    ReplyDelete
  60. You can get all versions and sizes and shapes of fashion blogs given that the internet is rife with them. It can consider the benefit of wearing skinny jeans throughout boyfriend tight pants or skirts or the correct way pink takes spot of black colored plus the extras. Whilst you go web based, you get your fill belonging to the latest popular trends using fashion blogs. www.globenewscenter.us

    ReplyDelete
  61. You will discover all types and designs of fashion blogs since the internet is filled with them. It can discuss the benefit of wearing thin jeans more than boyfriend denim jeans or exactly how pink takes the area of dark plus all of the extras. While you go on the internet, you can get your fill from the latest popular trends by way of fashion blogs. www.fashionlabel.us

    ReplyDelete
  62. One can find all methods and figures of fashion blogs when the internet is complete with them. It can focus on the advantage of wearing slender jeans about boyfriend pants or the way in which pink takes the location of ebony plus most of the extras. As you may go on line, you will receive your fill within the latest in fashion trends by fashion blogs. www.theworldnews.us

    ReplyDelete
  63. I know that you read the trend these... Commercial Loan Financing should be considered in just about any trade for some kind of commercial premises. Speak with each of your Business Finance Broker if you end up ready to get a Commercial The property market opportunity. www.mybusinessmanager.us

    ReplyDelete
  64. "xYou'll discover all sorts and patterns of fashion blogs for the reason that internet is rich in them. It can look at the main benefit of wearing skeletal jeans in excess of boyfriend trousers or the way pink takes the site of black color plus each of the extras. Since you go on the net, you could possibly get your fill on the latest in fashion trends by using fashion blogs. www.latestfashiontrends.us" www.latestfashiontrends.us

    ReplyDelete
  65. The reality is that I am able to sit in this article today in addition to write what you long for to be in search of in business trends then a season from at this point, write identical sort connected with article having different suggestions for be mindful of as business in addition to society advance. www.onlineservicecentre.com

    ReplyDelete
  66. Health fitness strategies also recommend that vices should really be stopped. Smoking predisposes you to vascular conditions which includes arteriosclerosis and even heart problems. Alcohol consumption don't have to be done away with but should really be limited to help you 30 jiggers 24 hours only. Alcohol always has what are the benefits such simply because vasodilation. These are are just some of what Health fitness strategies recommend www.healthafitness.us

    ReplyDelete
  67. Will you be thinking in relation to remodeling ones home? Remember you might achieve ones goal with not a giant purchase. Small upgrades introduced in every room, including the outer entrance can make each of the difference. www.loxuryhome.us

    ReplyDelete
  68. Seen you are aware of the trend in this case... Commercial Home owner loan Financing are available in very nearly any market place for any variety of commercial building. Speak utilizing your Business Finance Broker remember when you are ready to invest in a Commercial Realty opportunity. www.bestfinanceideas.com

    ReplyDelete
  69. More than likely you understand the trend below... Commercial Home finance loan Financing works extremely well in nearly any sector for just about any commercial residence. Speak using your Business Finance Broker when you find yourself ready to get a Commercial Real estate property opportunity. www.businessplanning.us

    ReplyDelete
  70. Have you been thinking about remodeling your home? Keep in mind that you can often achieve your goal without a giant expense. Small improvements introduced in almost every room, including the exterior of the house can make all the difference. www.homesrenovation.us

    ReplyDelete
  71. We have all heard the argument for spending more now on quality to save money later. But what about the impact your purchase has on the world, shouldn't shopping ethically be part of the discussion too? www.myshoppingideas.us

    ReplyDelete
  72. You’re so cool! I do not believe I’ve read anything like that before. So great to discover somebody with some original thoughts on this subject matter. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up. This web site is one thing that’s needed on the web, someone with some originality!
    Agen Bola Terfavorit
    Taruhan Bola Terfavorit
    Kasino Online Terlengkap
    bandar Kasino Online Terlengkap

    ReplyDelete
  73. 7a replica bags replica gucci bag e4t24h5i04 replica evening bags replica bags in dubai you can look here n4f54v7k05 replica bags dubai replica bags reddit replica hermes handbags y9c75u4e09 replica bags philippines greenhills

    ReplyDelete