Import cv2 complains libnvbuf_utils.so.1.0.0 not found

Issue Overview

Users have reported encountering an error when attempting to import the OpenCV library (cv2) on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board. The specific error message indicates that the library libnvbuf_utils.so.1.0.0 is not found. This issue arises in the context of using Jetpack version 5.1.2-b104, and it appears during attempts to run facial detection scripts that depend on OpenCV.

Symptoms include:

• Importing OpenCV using import cv2 results in an error message about the missing library.
• Users have attempted to reflash the system image and reinstall necessary packages without resolving the issue.
• Conflicts with Python environments, particularly when using conda, have been noted.

The problem seems to occur inconsistently, as some users reported success after rebuilding OpenCV from source, while others experienced issues even with a clean installation.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: If the Jetson Orin Nano Dev board has any hardware issues, it might lead to missing libraries or improper functionality.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: The transition to Jetpack 5 may have introduced bugs or conflicts, particularly with deprecated libraries like nvidia-l4t-multimedia-utils.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations during setup or installation could lead to missing dependencies.

• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers may prevent proper loading of required libraries.

• Environmental Factors: Using multiple Python environments (e.g., conda) can lead to conflicts that prevent libraries from being recognized correctly.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users may inadvertently misconfigure their environments, leading to these errors.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Installation:

   • Ensure that OpenCV was installed through the SDK Manager as prebuilt binaries for Jetpack 5 have been deprecated.
   • Check if you are using the default environment set up by SDK Manager.

2. Rebuild OpenCV from Source:

   • If you encounter the import error, consider rebuilding OpenCV from source:

     git clone https://github.com/opencv/opencv.git
     cd opencv
     mkdir build
     cd build
     cmake ..
     make -j$(nproc)
     sudo make install
     

3. Check for Library Dependencies:

   • Use the following command to check if libnvbuf_utils.so is present:

     ls /usr/lib/aarch64-linux-gnu/libnvbuf_utils.so*
     

   • If it’s missing, reinstall relevant packages or consider flashing a new image.

4. Isolate Environmental Conflicts:

   • If using conda, create a new environment specifically for your project:

     conda create -n myenv python=3.x
     conda activate myenv
     

   • Install only necessary packages in this environment to avoid conflicts.

5. Update Drivers and Firmware:

   • Ensure that all drivers and firmware are up-to-date by checking Nvidia’s official documentation for any updates related to Jetpack 5.

6. Reflash System Image:

   • As a last resort, reflash the system image using SDK Manager and ensure all packages are installed correctly.

7. Documentation and Resources:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for Jetson Orin Nano for further guidance on installation and troubleshooting.

8. Best Practices:

   • Always use a clean environment when working with different Python versions.
   • Regularly check for updates from Nvidia regarding Jetpack and related libraries.

Note that while rebuilding OpenCV from source has been successful for multiple users, further investigation may be needed for those still experiencing issues despite following these steps.