Sony PS3EYE (B3.04.06.1) IR Filter Removal and More…

After playing with the software part and getting PS3Eye to capture under Windows, I decided to see how difficult is to remove the IR blocking filter from the lens of this camera. Please note that this tutorial is only for experienced users who are interested in using the PS3Eye camera for multitouch applications.

NOTE: The pictures used in this tutorial refer to the camera version B3.04.06.1. This is the older version of PS3Eye camera and features the OV534 USB controller chip. For the pictures of the newer version (B4.04.27.1) of PS3Eye camera featuring OV538 chip scroll down. 
BTW, this tutorial applies to both versions of PS3Eye camera.

I recorded the whole process in a few pictures. In addition I took a closer look at this camera’s chipset.

 
First remove the four screws at the back of the camera.

 
After carefully removing the back cover, you will see the camera’s main board.

 
To remove the front cover of the camera, remove another four screws.

 
Now you’ll have a full access to the camera’s PCB. Note that four microphones are further protected by a plastic cover.

Lets take a closer look at the chipset.

 
The main camera USB2.0 controller chip by OmniVision.

 
The GL850A USB2.0 hub controller chip.

 
Here you see the two clock crystals. One for each chip.

 
The 8K I2C EEPROM chip. This is where the Sony’s camera/audio vendor IDs, product IDs and firmware are stored. By disconnecting (floating) pin 8, you’ll get the OmniVision’s default (OV0534) PID and VID (Not recomended unless you are a firmware developer or want to modify camera’s firmware)

 
This is where the Sony’s GL850A hub vendor and product IDs are stored. By disconnecting (floating) pin 1, you’ll get the Genesys Logic’s default (GL850A) IDs. (Again, not recomended unless you are a firmware developer or want to modify camera’s firmware)

Now, lets remove the lens and IR blocking filter.

 
To do this remove the two CMOS lens screws.

 
Carefully pull off the lens assembly to reveal the OV07720 CMOS sensor.

 
The IR blocking lens is mounted on the inside of the lens, close to the CMOS sensor. It is heat-pressed in, so it is fairly easily removed.

 
After cutting around the IR filter with a sharp knife, you should be able to just pop it out.

 
Here you see the IR blocking filter plastic socket.

 
I was prying to much on the IR filter and cracked it.

Now just follow the reverse steps to put the camera together.

Your camera shoud be ready for Multitouch/IR vision applications. Please note that camera sensor is very sensitive to the IR light which makes it even more attractive (besides the high capture frame rates) for these applications.

~ by Alexander Popovich on September 5, 2008.