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Summary

Fixes an issue where multiple OpenCV cameras fail to initialize when connected sequentially. The second (and subsequent) cameras would fail during the warmup phase with RuntimeError: OpenCVCamera(X) read failed (status=False).

Problem

When initializing multiple cameras sequentially (e.g., for multi-camera robot setups), the second camera would consistently fail during warmup with a read error. This occurred even though:

  • The camera hardware was detected and opened successfully
  • The camera worked fine when tested individually
  • No other applications were using the camera

Root Cause

After opening a camera and configuring its settings (resolution, FPS), the camera hardware needs time to stabilize before frame capture begins. When multiple cameras are initialized in quick succession, the second camera doesn't get sufficient time between configuration and the first read attempt.

Solution

Added two initialization steps after camera configuration:

  1. 1-second stabilization delay - Gives the camera hardware time to fully initialize with the new settings
  2. Initial frame buffer clearing - Grabs and discards 3 frames to ensure the buffer is primed and ready

These changes ensure the camera is truly ready before warmup reads begin.

Testing

Tested successfully with:

  • 2 cameras: Insta360 Link 2 and Logitech BRIO
  • macOS with MPS device
  • SO100 Follower robot setup
  • Both cameras now initialize reliably without read failures

Impact

  • Minimal: Adds ~1.3 seconds to camera initialization time
  • Only affects the connect() method during startup

Fixes an issue where multiple OpenCV cameras fail to initialize when
connected sequentially. The second camera would fail during the warmup
phase with "read failed (status=False)" error.

Changes:
- Add 1-second stabilization delay after camera configuration
- Grab and discard 3 initial frames to clear the buffer
- This ensures the camera hardware is fully ready before warmup reads

Tested with:
- 2 cameras (Insta360 Link 2, Logitech BRIO)
- macOS with MPS device
- SO100 Follower robot setup
@github-actions github-actions bot added the sensors Everything related to sensors label Dec 26, 2025
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