QBC HDR Color Artifacts on Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are experiencing color artifacts when implementing a QBC HDR-compatible driver for the imx708 camera on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano. The symptoms include incorrect color representation and visual anomalies during HDR mode operation. This issue arises while setting up the driver and occurs specifically in QBC HDR mode, which allows for different pixel exposures within a single frame.

The context of the problem indicates that the imx708 sensor might not be correctly setting values for short-exposure and long-exposure step registers, leading to digital scaling errors at the circuit level. Users have noted that similar issues were resolved in Raspberry Pi setups through external module calls, prompting inquiries about equivalent solutions for the Jetson platform.

The frequency of this issue appears to be consistent among users attempting to utilize QBC HDR functionality. The impact on user experience is significant, as it hampers the ability to achieve high dynamic range imaging without artifacts, thereby affecting overall system functionality and image quality.

Possible Causes

• Hardware Incompatibilities or Defects: The imx708 sensor may not be fully compatible with the Jetson Orin Nano’s processing capabilities or may have inherent defects affecting its performance in HDR modes.

• Software Bugs or Conflicts: There may be bugs in the QBC HDR driver implementation or conflicts with existing software that could lead to improper handling of image data.

• Configuration Errors: Incorrect configurations in the ISP (Image Signal Processor) settings or driver parameters could result in improper exposure settings and subsequent color artifacts.

• Driver Issues: The current drivers for the imx708 camera may not support QBC HDR features adequately, leading to issues with processing HDR images correctly.

• Environmental Factors: External factors such as power supply inconsistencies or temperature variations could affect camera performance and image quality.

• User Errors or Misconfigurations: Users may inadvertently misconfigure settings related to exposure or HDR processing, resulting in visible artifacts.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Verify Hardware Compatibility:

   • Ensure that the imx708 sensor is compatible with the Jetson Orin Nano.
   • Check for any known issues with specific hardware revisions.

2. Check Driver Installation:

   • Confirm that the latest drivers for the imx708 camera are installed.
   • Use the following command to check driver versions:

     dpkg -l | grep imx708
     

3. Review ISP Configuration:

   • Examine any ISP overrides that may need adjustment.
   • Reference documentation for configuring ISP settings specific to QBC HDR mode.

4. Adjust Exposure Settings:

   • Manually set short-exposure and long-exposure values in your driver configuration.
   • Test different configurations to find optimal settings that reduce artifacts.

5. Test DOL-HDR Functionality:

   • Investigate whether DOL-HDR configurations can be applied to QBC HDR.
   • While DOL-HDR uses frame sequences, experimenting with its settings might yield insights into potential adjustments needed for QBC HDR.

6. Use External Modules:

   • Explore if there are external modules or libraries available that can assist in correcting color artifacts similar to those used in Raspberry Pi setups.

7. Gather System Information:

   • Use diagnostic commands to gather logs and system information that may indicate where the problem lies:

     dmesg | grep imx708
     

8. Consult Documentation and Community Resources:

   • Look for manuals, code snippets, or community discussions related to QBC HDR implementation on Jetson platforms.
   • Engage with forums or user groups specializing in Nvidia Jetson development for additional insights.

9. Testing Different Configurations:

   • Isolate potential issues by testing with different hardware setups (e.g., different cameras) or software environments (e.g., different versions of JetPack).

10. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

    • Regularly update drivers and firmware.
    • Maintain a backup of working configurations before making changes.
    • Document successful configurations for future reference.

While some users have found success by adjusting ISP settings, others have noted that there is limited support specifically for QBC HDR on Jetson devices compared to DOL-HDR. Further investigation into community resources and ongoing developments may provide additional solutions as they become available.