Streaming Multiple USB3 Cameras from a USB3 Hub on Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are facing challenges when attempting to stream three USB3 cameras connected through a USB hub on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano while using Deepstream 7.0. Although each camera can be streamed individually, users encounter bandwidth limitations that prevent simultaneous streaming of all three cameras. When attempting to run their code, users receive error messages indicating memory allocation issues, specifically "No space left on device," which suggests that the system is unable to allocate the necessary resources for multiple streams.

Specific Symptoms

• Successful individual streaming of each camera.
• Errors when attempting to stream multiple cameras simultaneously, particularly with messages related to buffer pool activation failures.
• The inability to stream more than one camera via USB3 without resorting to USB2 connections.

Context

The issue arises during the setup phase when users try to run a Python script that utilizes GStreamer for video streaming from multiple cameras. The problem is compounded by the limitations of USB bandwidth on the Jetson Orin Nano, which can affect performance when multiple high-bandwidth devices are connected.

Hardware/Software Specifications

• Hardware: Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano
• Software: Deepstream 7.0, GStreamer

Frequency of Issue

This issue appears to be common among users attempting to connect multiple USB cameras, indicating a systemic limitation in handling high-bandwidth devices.

Impact on User Experience

The inability to stream multiple cameras simultaneously significantly disrupts workflows for users relying on real-time video feeds for applications such as robotics and surveillance.

Possible Causes

1. USB Bandwidth Limitations: The Jetson Orin Nano has limited bandwidth across its USB ports due to internal hub configurations, which can restrict the number of high-bandwidth devices that can operate simultaneously.
2. Memory Allocation Issues: Errors related to memory allocation indicate that the system may not have enough resources available to handle multiple video streams at once.
3. Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings in the GStreamer pipeline or camera configurations may lead to failures in establishing multiple streams.
4. Driver Issues: Potential incompatibilities or bugs in the drivers for USB video devices could affect their ability to function correctly when multiple instances are active.
5. Environmental Factors: Power supply issues, especially when using non-powered USB hubs, can lead to instability and insufficient power for all connected devices.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Check USB Hub Configuration:

   • Ensure that you are using a powered USB hub rather than a passive one, as powered hubs provide stable power delivery necessary for running multiple devices.

2. Modify GStreamer Pipeline:

   • Review and adjust the GStreamer pipeline code to optimize resource allocation and ensure proper linking of elements:

     # Example modification for setting caps and linking elements correctly
     caps = Gst.Caps.from_string("video/x-raw, format=YUY2, width=640, height=480, framerate=60/1")
     

3. Test Bandwidth Usage:

   • Use lsusb -t command to check how devices are connected and their respective bandwidth usage. Adjust connections based on available bandwidth.

4. Reduce Video Resolution:

   • If streaming at higher resolutions (e.g., 1920×1080) causes issues, consider reducing the resolution to 640×480 or 1280×720 for better performance while streaming multiple cameras.

5. Increase System Resources:

   • Close unnecessary applications running on the Jetson Orin Nano that may consume memory or CPU resources before starting your camera streaming application.

6. Debugging GStreamer Output:

   • Run your script with increased debug logging by using:

     sudo GST_DEBUG=3 python3 multistream.py /dev/video0 /dev/video2 /dev/video3
     

   • Analyze the debug output for specific error messages that may guide further troubleshooting.

7. Isolation Testing:

   • Test each camera individually with varying configurations (different ports and resolutions) to identify if specific combinations lead to errors.

8. Documentation and Community Resources:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation regarding USB camera integration and GStreamer usage on Jetson platforms.
   • Engage with community forums for shared experiences and solutions from other users facing similar issues.

9. Best Practices:

   • Regularly update your JetPack and DeepStream installations to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes.
   • Maintain backups of working configurations and scripts for easier recovery in case of errors.

10. Unresolved Aspects:

    • Further investigation may be needed regarding specific error messages encountered during builds.
    • Users are encouraged to report their findings back to community forums for collective troubleshooting efforts.

By following these steps, users should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to streaming multiple USB3 cameras on their Jetson Orin Nano devices effectively.