Detection in headless version without display

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing challenges when attempting to deploy an object detection script on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board in a headless configuration. The main symptoms include uncertainty about the feasibility of running the system without a display or remote access through SSH or VNC. Users want to know if the board can operate as a standalone system, relying solely on a power source after initial setup.

The context of the problem arises during the setup phase, where users are configuring their systems for headless operation. There is no specific error message mentioned, but the lack of clarity regarding headless functionality leads to confusion. The issue appears to be consistent among users who are unfamiliar with configuring headless systems on the Jetson platform. This uncertainty impacts user experience by potentially delaying deployment and increasing setup complexity.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities: Some users may not be aware that certain peripherals or configurations are necessary for headless operation, leading to confusion about functionality.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: Issues with the operating system or libraries might prevent scripts from executing correctly in headless mode.

• Configuration Errors: Users may misconfigure their system settings, leading to problems when trying to run scripts without a display.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers could hinder the proper functioning of the board in headless mode.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Lack of knowledge about how to set up systemd scripts or other necessary configurations could result in failure to run scripts automatically.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Headless Capability:

   • Confirm that your Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board supports headless operation. This information can typically be found in the official documentation.

2. Create and Configure Systemd Service:

   • To run your object detection script automatically at boot, create a systemd service file.
   • Example service file (/etc/systemd/system/my_script.service):

     [Unit]
     Description=Run my object detection script
     
     [Service]
     ExecStart=/path/to/your/script.sh
     Restart=always
     
     [Install]
     WantedBy=multi-user.target
     

   • Enable and start the service:

     sudo systemctl enable my_script.service
     sudo systemctl start my_script.service
     

3. Testing Without Display:

   • After setting up your script and enabling the service, power on the board without connecting any display.
   • Monitor logs for any errors using:

     journalctl -u my_script.service
     

4. Check for Driver and Software Updates:

   • Ensure that all drivers and software packages are up to date by running:

     sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
     

5. Isolate Configuration Issues:

   • If the script does not run as expected, test it manually by executing it directly from the terminal (if accessible) to identify any runtime errors.

6. Documentation and Resources:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for detailed instructions on configuring headless operation and using systemd services.
   • Check forums and community discussions for similar issues and solutions shared by other users.

7. Best Practices:

   • Regularly back up your configurations.
   • Document any changes made during setup for future reference.
   • Test scripts in a controlled environment before deploying them in headless mode.

By following these steps, users can effectively troubleshoot and resolve issues related to running their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board in a headless configuration.