robotai.github.io

Troubleshooting Guide

Connection Issues

Camera Not Detected

Problem: Camera appears in Device Manager but not in software

Solutions:

  1. Verify USB Connection
    • Try different USB 3.0 port
    • Use primary USB port (not hub)
    • Check cable for damage
    • Replace with new USB 3.0 cable
  2. Reinstall Drivers
    • Windows:
      • Open Device Manager
      • Right-click camera device
      • Select “Uninstall device”
      • Restart computer
      • Reconnect camera
    • macOS:
      • System Preferences > Security & Privacy
      • Allow camera driver installation
      • Reconnect camera
  3. Update Software
    • Check for software updates
    • Install latest version
    • Restart computer
    • Reconnect camera
  4. Check USB Hub
    • Disconnect any USB hubs
    • Connect directly to computer
    • Test with different ports

USB Connection Drops

Problem: Camera disconnects randomly during operation

Solutions:

  1. Cable Issues
    • Inspect cable for damage
    • Test with different cable
    • Secure cable connection
    • Avoid cable strain
  2. Power Supply
    • Use dedicated 5V/2A power adapter
    • Avoid USB bus power for extended use
    • Check power connector for corrosion
    • Replace power cable if damaged
  3. Thermal Issues
    • Allow camera to cool (stop operation for 5 minutes)
    • Improve ventilation around camera
    • Check for blocked cooling vents
    • Reduce continuous operation time
  4. USB Controller Issues
    • Update USB controller drivers
    • Disable USB Selective Suspend:
      • Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings
      • USB settings > USB selective suspend setting > Disabled

Software Issues

Software Won’t Start

Problem: Application crashes or fails to launch

Solutions:

  1. Verify System Requirements
    • Check OS version
    • Confirm RAM available (>4GB free)
    • Ensure disk space (>1GB free)
    • Update graphics drivers
  2. Repair Installation
    • Windows: Programs > Programs and Features > RobotAI Camera > Repair
    • macOS: Drag RobotAI Camera to Trash > Empty Trash > Reinstall
  3. Clean Installation
    • Completely uninstall software
    • Restart computer
    • Download fresh installer
    • Install to default location
    • Run as Administrator (Windows)
  4. Dependency Check
    • Verify .NET Framework installed (Windows)
    • Update Visual C++ Runtime
    • Install latest DirectX (Windows)
    • Check GPU drivers are current

Software Crashes

Problem: Application crashes during operation

Solutions:

  1. Check Error Log
    • Help > View Error Log
    • Note error code and message
    • Check timestamp
  2. Memory Issues
    • Close unnecessary applications
    • Reduce resolution
    • Disable advanced features
    • Check available RAM
  3. GPU Issues
    • Update graphics drivers
    • Disable GPU acceleration:
      • Settings > Advanced > Disable GPU Acceleration
    • Test with different GPU (if available)
  4. File Corruption
    • Delete configuration files
    • Uninstall completely
    • Install fresh copy
    • Run repair utility

Image Quality Issues

Blurry Images

Problem: Captured images are out of focus

Solutions:

  1. Focus Issues
    • Verify autofocus is working
    • Check focus distance (300mm minimum)
    • Enable focus peaking to verify focus
    • Manually adjust focus slider
    • Clean camera lens
  2. Motion Blur
    • Increase shutter speed
    • Use tripod or stabilization
    • Increase lighting level
    • Enable image stabilization
  3. Depth of Field
    • Subject may be outside focus range
    • Move closer to subject
    • Adjust focus distance slider
    • Verify working distance

Dark or Underexposed Images

Problem: Images are too dark

Solutions:

  1. Check Lighting
    • Improve room lighting
    • Add supplemental lighting
    • Reposition light sources
    • Reduce shadows
  2. Adjust Exposure
    • Increase exposure compensation (+0.5 to +2.0 EV)
    • Increase ISO (100-3200)
    • Decrease shutter speed
    • Enable auto exposure
  3. Power Check
    • Verify camera powered
    • Check LED indicator
    • Confirm external power connected
    • Test with different power supply

Overexposed Images (Blown Highlights)

Problem: Images are too bright or washed out

Solutions:

  1. Reduce Exposure
    • Decrease exposure compensation (-2.0 to -0.5 EV)
    • Reduce ISO to 100
    • Increase shutter speed (faster)
    • Enable auto exposure
  2. Lighting Adjustment
    • Reduce light intensity
    • Reposition light sources
    • Use diffusers
    • Move away from bright light
  3. Check Metering
    • Switch metering mode (spot, center-weighted)
    • Adjust exposure based on histogram
    • Enable exposure preview

Color Issues

Problem: Colors appear inaccurate or incorrect

Solutions:

  1. White Balance
    • Recalibrate white balance
    • Use white balance reference card
    • Verify lighting color temperature
    • Select appropriate white balance preset
  2. Color Profile
    • Select correct color space (sRGB default)
    • Load appropriate ICC profile
    • Verify display color calibration
    • Test on different display
  3. Lighting Change
    • Colors may shift with different lighting
    • Recalibrate for new lighting conditions
    • Use consistent lighting setup
    • Document lighting conditions

Performance Issues

Slow Frame Rate

Problem: Camera captures fewer frames than expected

Solutions:

  1. Check System Load
    • Close unnecessary applications
    • Monitor CPU usage (should be <80%)
    • Monitor RAM usage
    • Check disk I/O activity
  2. Reduce Processing Load
    • Lower resolution (1024×768)
    • Disable depth processing
    • Disable real-time preview
    • Use faster image format (JPEG)
  3. Optimize Settings
    • Reduce image quality
    • Disable advanced features
    • Use High-Speed mode
    • Enable GPU acceleration
  4. Storage Issues
    • Write to faster storage (SSD)
    • Free up disk space (>10GB recommended)
    • Check file system (defragment if needed)
    • Move working directory to faster drive

High CPU Usage

Problem: Computer CPU usage is very high

Solutions:

  1. Reduce Processing
    • Lower resolution
    • Disable real-time features
    • Turn off depth processing
    • Disable preview
  2. Disable Advanced Features
    • Settings > Advanced > Disable
    • Disable GPU acceleration testing
    • Reduce color processing
    • Disable histogram updates
  3. Close Background Tasks
    • Close other applications
    • Disable cloud sync temporarily
    • Stop antivirus scanning
    • Disable screensaver effects

Memory Leaks

Problem: Memory usage increases over time

Solutions:

  1. Restart Application
    • Close RobotAI Camera software
    • Wait 10 seconds
    • Reopen application
    • Memory should reset
  2. Reduce Capture Time
    • Avoid continuous operation >2 hours
    • Take breaks between capture sessions
    • Restart software periodically
    • Monitor memory in Task Manager
  3. Check File System
    • Reduce number of open files
    • Archive old images
    • Clear temporary files
    • Restart computer

Thermal Issues

Overheating Warning

Problem: LED shows yellow, thermal warning appears

Solutions:

  1. Cool Down Camera
    • Stop operation immediately
    • Allow 10-15 minutes cool-down time
    • Ensure cooling vents not blocked
    • Improve ambient ventilation
  2. Reduce Usage
    • Lower frame rate
    • Reduce resolution
    • Disable advanced features
    • Take breaks between captures
  3. Environmental
    • Reduce room temperature
    • Improve air circulation
    • Move camera away from heat sources
    • Use cooling fan nearby (not direct)

Power Issues

Low Power Warning

Problem: LED shows yellow, low power message

Solutions:

  1. Check Power Supply
    • Verify 5V/2A adapter connected
    • Check power cable connection
    • Test power adapter with voltmeter
    • Replace if damaged
  2. Use External Power
    • Connect external power adapter
    • Do not rely on USB bus power alone
    • Ensure dedicated power supply
    • Use quality power adapter
  3. Check Power Connector
    • Inspect connector for corrosion
    • Clean connector carefully
    • Verify firm connection
    • Test with different cable

Depth/3D Issues

Depth Map Not Available

Problem: Depth processing fails or returns no data

Solutions:

  1. Verify Sensor
    • Check camera LED indicator
    • Restart software
    • Reconnect USB cable
    • Update firmware
  2. Enable Depth Processing
    • Settings > Depth > Enable Depth Processing
    • Select quality level (Balanced recommended)
    • Apply settings
    • Capture new image
  3. Check Subject
    • Subject must be within 300-1500mm
    • Ensure subject is visible
    • Avoid reflective surfaces
    • Adequate lighting required

Noisy Depth Data

Problem: Depth map contains errors or noise

Solutions:

  1. Improve Lighting
    • Increase ambient lighting
    • Avoid harsh shadows
    • Use diffused lighting
    • Ensure even illumination
  2. Adjust Distance
    • Move closer to subject
    • Maintain 300-800mm optimal range
    • Verify subject size
    • Check focus
  3. Switch Quality Mode
    • Use High Quality mode for better accuracy
    • Allow more processing time
    • Reduce frame rate
    • Verify results improve

Calibration Issues

Calibration Failed

Problem: Calibration process fails

Solutions:

  1. Check Reference Target
    • Verify reference card not damaged
    • Ensure card is white and clean
    • Position card properly in frame
    • Avoid shadows on card
  2. Lighting Requirements
    • Ensure even lighting
    • Avoid backlight
    • Stable lighting (no flicker)
    • Adequate brightness
  3. Positioning
    • Position card perpendicular to camera
    • Fill most of frame
    • Keep camera steady
    • Use tripod for stability
  4. Try Again
    • Clear any error messages
    • Move to different location
    • Try under different lighting
    • Restart software

Contacting Support

If issues persist after troubleshooting:

  1. Collect Information
    • Error messages and codes
    • Software version
    • Operating system version
    • USB device serial number
    • Recent changes or updates
  2. Prepare Documentation
    • Screenshots of error
    • Error log file
    • System information
    • Steps to reproduce issue
  3. Contact Support
    • Email: support@robotai.com
    • Phone: +1-555-ROBOT-AI
    • Website: www.robotai.com/support
    • Include all collected information

See Also