Video4Linux Shows Artifacts When Using V4L2 on Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users have reported experiencing artifacts in images when utilizing the Video4Linux (V4L2) framework on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano, particularly when streaming from cameras such as the OV9281 (monochrome) and IMX219 (color). The artifacts manifest as 32-pixel-long lines that appear to be remnants from previous frames. This issue arises when using v4l2-ctl to stream video, while nvgstcapture does not exhibit these artifacts, suggesting a software-related problem rather than a hardware defect. The problem has been consistently observed since upgrading from JetPack 5.1.3 to JetPack 6.0, impacting users’ ability to effectively utilize the OV9281 camera, which lacks support from libargus. The issue significantly hampers user experience and functionality, especially for applications requiring reliable image capture.

Possible Causes

1. Software Bugs or Conflicts: Changes between JetPack 5.1.3 and JetPack 6.0 may have introduced bugs in the V4L2 framework.

   • This is supported by user reports indicating that the same code functioned correctly under the previous version.

2. Driver Issues: Potential problems with the Video Interface (VI) driver could lead to improper buffer allocation.

   • Users have noted that frame skipping can temporarily alleviate the issue, suggesting a driver or buffer management problem.

3. Configuration Errors: Incorrect settings or parameters in V4L2 could be contributing to the artifacts.

   • Users experimenting with different streaming commands have reported varying results.

4. Environmental Factors: External factors like power supply inconsistencies may exacerbate performance issues.

   • Although not directly mentioned in the discussion, such factors can influence hardware performance.

5. User Errors or Misconfigurations: Misconfigured parameters in v4l2-ctl commands may lead to unexpected results.

   • Users may need to verify their command syntax and parameters.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Diagnosing the Problem:

   • Use v4l2-ctl to check camera capabilities:

     v4l2-ctl --list-formats-ext
     

   • Confirm that the camera is recognized and properly configured.

2. Testing Different Streaming Methods:

   • If you encounter artifacts with v4l2-ctl, switch to using nvgstcapture as a temporary workaround:

     nvgstcapture-1.0
     

3. Adjusting Frame Skipping:

   • Implement frame skipping in your v4l2-ctl command to mitigate artifacts:

     v4l2-ctl -d /dev/video0 --set-fmt-video=width=1920,height=1080,pixelformat=RG10 --stream-skip=999 --set-ctrl bypass_mode=0 --stream-mmap --stream-count=1 --stream-to=/tmp/frame1920x1080.raw
     

   • Note that this may not eliminate artifacts entirely but can reduce their occurrence.

4. Switching to nvv4l2camerasrc Plugin:

   • As suggested by forum users, consider switching to the nvv4l2camerasrc plugin for improved performance:

     gst-launch-1.0 nvv4l2camerasrc ! nvvidconv ! autovideosink
     

5. Updating Software and Drivers:

   • Ensure you are running the latest version of JetPack (consider downgrading back to 5.1.3 if issues persist).
   • Check for any available patches or updates related to JetPack 6.0 that address this specific issue.

6. Documentation and Community Resources:

   • Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for guidance on configuring V4L2 and troubleshooting common issues.
   • Engage with community forums for additional insights or shared experiences regarding similar problems.

7. Best Practices for Future Prevention:

   • Regularly update your software and drivers to minimize compatibility issues.
   • Test new configurations in a controlled environment before deploying them in critical applications.

8. Unresolved Aspects:

   • Further investigation may be needed into specific buffer management practices within the VI driver.
   • Continued monitoring of Nvidia forums for updates regarding this known issue is recommended.

By following these steps, users can better diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to artifacts when using V4L2 on the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano platform.