Jetson Orin Nano: Incomplete Image Capture with IMX586 Camera

Issue Overview

Users have reported issues with the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Dev board when attempting to capture images from the IMX586 camera. The specific symptoms include:

• Incomplete Image Capture: Users successfully load the IMX586 driver and can capture a video stream using the v4l2-ctl command, but the preview images appear incomplete when using the argus_camera application.

• Error Messages: When modifying the pixel clock frequency (pix_clk_hz) in the device tree, setting it above 600 MHz results in a failure to retrieve the stream using v4l2-ctl. The dmesg logs indicate multiple errors related to the video interface (VI) and capture channel timeouts.

• Hardware and Software Context: The issue occurs while using version R35.4.1 of the Jetson Orin Nano Dev board with an IMX586 camera. The command output shows a successful stream capture at various frame rates, but the saved images are not complete.

• Frequency of Issue: This problem appears to be consistent for users attempting to utilize this specific camera configuration.

• Impact on User Experience: The inability to capture complete images significantly hampers functionality for applications relying on accurate image data from the camera.

Possible Causes

Several potential causes for this issue have been identified:

• Sensor Configuration Issues: Incorrect register settings for the IMX586 sensor may prevent it from functioning correctly, leading to incomplete image captures.

• Driver or Software Bugs: There could be bugs within the driver or conflicts with other software components that affect image processing.

• Configuration Errors: Misconfigurations in device tree settings, particularly regarding pixel clock settings, could lead to communication failures between the camera and the board.

• Hardware Limitations: The hardware might not support higher pixel clock frequencies, resulting in errors when attempting to operate above certain thresholds.

• Environmental Factors: Issues such as insufficient power supply or overheating could also contribute to unstable performance.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

To address the issue of incomplete image capture, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify Sensor Configuration:

   • Ensure that all sensor registers are configured correctly according to the specifications provided by the sensor vendor. Consult documentation or support from the vendor if necessary.

2. Check Device Tree Settings:

   • Review and modify pix_clk_hz settings in the device tree:

     # Example command to modify device tree
     sudo nano /boot/dtb/your_device_tree.dtb
     

   • Test different values below 600 MHz to see if stability improves.

3. Inspect dmesg Logs:

   • Use dmesg to check for any error messages related to camera initialization:

     dmesg | grep imx586
     

   • Analyze error messages for clues about what might be failing during initialization or streaming.

4. Test with Different Configurations:

   • If possible, test the IMX586 camera on another Jetson device or with a UVC box to determine if the issue persists across different hardware setups.

5. Update Drivers and Firmware:

   • Ensure that all drivers and firmware are up-to-date. Check Nvidia’s official site for any available updates that may resolve compatibility issues.

6. Reduce Frame Size and Frequency:

   • Temporarily reduce resolution and frame rate settings in your capture commands to see if this stabilizes performance:

     v4l2-ctl --set-fmt-video=width=1920,height=1080 -d /dev/video1 --stream-mmap
     

7. Power Supply Check:

   • Verify that your power supply is sufficient for both the Jetson board and connected peripherals, ensuring stable operation under load.

8. Consult Community Forums:

   • Engage with community forums or Nvidia support channels for additional insights or similar experiences shared by other users.

9. Document Findings:

   • Keep a record of any changes made and their effects on performance for future reference or when seeking further assistance.

If multiple users have reported success with a particular configuration or fix, it is advisable to highlight those as recommended approaches within community discussions. Further investigation may be required if issues persist despite following these steps.