Upgrade OpenCV to Version 4.6 on Nvidia Jetson Nano

By default, the Nvidia Jetson Nano comes with OpenCV 4.1.x pre-installed. This guide will help you upgrade to OpenCV 4.6 for the latest features and improvements.

Step 1: Preparing the System

1. Start with a Fresh Update

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Ensures your system is up-to-date.

2. Install Nano and dphys-swapfile

sudo apt install nano
sudo apt install dphys-swapfile -y

Installs the Nano text editor and the swap file manager.

3. Enlarge Swap Boundary

sudo nano /sbin/dphys-swapfile

Find CONF_MAXSWAP=2048 and replace it with CONF_MAXSWAP=6144. Save the changes.

4. Set Swap Size

sudo nano /etc/dphys-swapfile

Find #CONF_SWAPSIZE= and replace it with CONF_SWAPSIZE=6144. Save the changes.

5. Reboot System

sudo reboot

Reboots the system to apply changes.

Step 2: OpenCV 4.6 Installation

1. Check Available Memory

free -m

Ensures you have a total of at least 8.5 GB available.

2. Download and Install OpenCV 4.6 Script

wget https://github.com/Qengineering/Install-OpenCV-Jetson-Nano/raw/main/OpenCV-4-6-0.sh
sudo chmod 755 ./OpenCV-4-6-0.sh
./OpenCV-4-6-0.sh

Downloads and runs the script for OpenCV 4.6 installation.

3. Post-Installation Cleanup

rm OpenCV-4-6-0.sh
sudo /etc/init.d/dphys-swapfile stop
sudo apt remove --purge dphys-swapfile

Cleans up installation files and removes the dphys-swapfile.

4. Additional Tips

sudo rm -rf ~/opencv
sudo rm -rf ~/opencv_contrib

Saves an additional 275 MB by removing unnecessary files.

5. Reboot System

sudo reboot now

Ensures all changes take effect.

Extra: Install Qt5 (Optional)

Only install if you want Qt5 to beautify your OpenCV GUI.

sudo apt-get install qt5-default