Infinite Timeout Support for Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board

Issue Overview

Users of the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board are experiencing issues related to the infinite timeout feature when attempting to capture images using an external hardware trigger (such as a light barrier) with the Argus camera API. The specific symptoms include error messages indicating timeouts and invalid states during the image capture process. The errors occur when users set the parameter enableCamInfiniteTimeout=1, which is intended to allow continuous operation without timeouts. The following error messages are commonly reported:

• SCF: Error InvalidState: Timeout!! Skipping requests on sensor GUID 1
• SCF: Error Timeout: Sending critical error event for Session 1
• SCF: Error InvalidState: Sensor GUID 1 is in error state. Skipping requests

These issues have been reported consistently across different versions of the software, particularly from version r35.4.1 to r35.5.0, where previous patches did not fully resolve the problem. Users have noted that this issue significantly impacts their ability to utilize the camera in real-time applications, especially in industrial settings where external triggers are common.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for the infinite timeout issue have been identified:

• Hardware Incompatibilities: There may be compatibility issues between certain camera models and the Orin Nano Dev Board.
• Software Bugs: The Argus camera API may contain bugs that prevent proper handling of timeout settings.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configuration of camera settings or device tree properties could lead to timeouts.
• Driver Issues: Low-level drivers may not support the infinite timeout feature as expected.
• Environmental Factors: Power supply inconsistencies or temperature variations could affect performance.
• User Misconfigurations: Users may inadvertently misconfigure settings that lead to these errors.

Each of these factors can contribute to the observed timeout behavior, complicating troubleshooting efforts.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the infinite timeout issue, users can follow these troubleshooting steps and potential solutions:

1. Stop the nvargus-daemon Service:

   sudo service nvargus-daemon stop
   

2. Restart with Infinite Timeout Setting:

   sudo enableCamInfiniteTimeout=1 nvargus-daemon
   

3. Apply Pre-built Libraries:
   If using version r35.5.0, apply the pre-built library patch provided by community members:

   • Download from Topic284939_Mar06.7z (ensure compatibility with your version).

4. Check Device Tree Configuration:

   • Modify set_mode_delay_ms in the device tree if necessary, but note that this setting only impacts the first frame after capture starts.

5. Monitor Logs for Errors:

   • Use logging commands to monitor for specific error messages during operation:

   dmesg | grep SCF
   

6. Testing with Different Cameras:

   • If possible, test with different camera models known to be compatible with the Orin Nano.

7. Firmware and Driver Updates:

   • Ensure that you are using the latest firmware and drivers compatible with your Jetson Orin Nano.

8. Community Support and Documentation:

   • Engage with community forums for updates on patches or workarounds that others may have successfully implemented.

9. Feedback to Nvidia:

   • Report persistent issues directly to Nvidia support for further assistance and potential fixes in future releases.

Recommended Approach

Users have reported success by applying JerryChang’s pre-built library patch while ensuring that they restart the nvargus-daemon service correctly with the infinite timeout setting enabled.

Unresolved Aspects

Despite these troubleshooting steps, some users continue to experience issues with the waitForEvents function not respecting timeout parameters, leading to indefinite waits when no events occur. Further investigation into this low-level driver behavior may be necessary as it appears to be a fundamental limitation of the current implementation.

This help document aims to provide a structured approach to diagnosing and resolving infinite timeout issues on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board based on community discussions and shared experiences.