How to Troubleshoot Camera “SCF: Error InvalidState: Timeout!” on Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board

Issue Overview

Users are encountering the error message "SCF: Error InvalidState: Timeout!" when attempting to control camera streams using the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev Board. This issue arises primarily during the use of the Argus API to pause and restart video streaming from multiple sensors connected to the system. The setup involves a Leopard Imaging carrier board with three DS90UB954 FPD-link serializers and six DS90UB953 serializer + AR0234 sensor cameras.

Symptoms

• Random errors occur approximately 25% of the time when restarting the camera stream.
• Users report that the error frequency decreases to about 5% when clearing the capture session.
• The error messages indicate that the sensors are in an invalid state, leading to skipped requests.

Context

• The issue appears when users attempt to manage camera streaming without issuing I2C commands to start and stop video streaming.
• The problem is most prevalent during attempts to pause and restart the camera using Argus commands.

Impact

The error significantly disrupts the user experience by preventing reliable camera operation, which is critical for applications relying on continuous video feeds.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects

   • Incompatibility between camera modules and the Jetson board can lead to communication failures.

2. Software Bugs or Conflicts

   • Bugs in the Argus API or conflicts with other software components may cause unexpected behavior.

3. Configuration Errors

   • Incorrect configuration settings in the Argus API may result in improper handling of camera states.

4. Driver Issues

   • Outdated or incompatible drivers can lead to communication problems between the Jetson board and connected cameras.

5. Environmental Factors

   • Power supply issues or thermal conditions may affect performance, particularly during high-load scenarios.

6. User Errors or Misconfigurations

   • Improper sequence of API calls or incorrect handling of capture sessions may lead to invalid states.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Check Camera Connections

   • Ensure all camera connections are secure and correctly configured as per hardware specifications.

2. Update Software and Drivers

   • Verify that you are using the latest version of JetPack and related drivers:

     sudo apt update
     sudo apt upgrade
     

3. Review API Usage

   • Follow this sequence for managing camera sessions:

     iCaptureSession->cancelRequests();
     iCaptureSession->stopRepeat();
     iCaptureSession->waitForIdle();
     

4. Enable Detailed Logging

   • To gather lower-level logs for diagnostics, run Argus in infinite waiting mode:

     sudo service nvargus-daemon stop
     sudo enableCamInfiniteTimeout=1 nvargus-daemon
     

   • Check logs for any additional errors that may help identify issues:

     dmesg | grep nvargus
     

5. Test with I2C Commands

   • If possible, reintroduce I2C commands to start and stop streaming, as this has shown to stabilize operation:
     • Implement a driver that sends I2C start/stop signals before invoking Argus API calls.

6. Isolate Hardware Issues

   • Test individual cameras by connecting them one at a time to determine if a specific camera is causing issues.

7. Power Cycling Cameras

   • If using MOSFETs for power management, adjust timing based on test results:
     • Delay power restoration by 1500ms after stopping streaming to see if it affects stability.

8. Check for Segmentation Faults

   • Investigate any core dumps or segmentation faults that occur during operation:

     coredumpctl list
     coredumpctl gdb <PID>
     

Recommended Practices

• Regularly update your Jetson software environment and ensure compatibility with all connected devices.
• Maintain proper power supply levels and monitor thermal conditions during operation.
• Document configurations and changes made during troubleshooting for future reference.

Additional Resources

• Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for troubleshooting tips related to specific hardware configurations.
• Engage with community forums for shared experiences and solutions from other users facing similar issues.

Unresolved Aspects

Further investigation may be required into specific driver interactions with Argus, especially concerning timeout handling and sensor state management. Users experiencing persistent issues are encouraged to report findings in dedicated forums for community support.