In-situ automotive camera calibration using holographic resolution targets

In-situ camera status control presents a significant challenge in state-of-the-art automotive cameras due to the necessity for real-time diagnostics and dynamic adaptation to rapidly changing environmental conditions. This study introduces novel holographic optical elements (HOEs) that enable in-situ camera status verification. Our holographic elements project multiple resolution targets, originating from different virtual distances, into the camera’s field of vision, thereby facilitating constant supervision of critical camera parameters. The holographic targets are realized, using an advanced wavefront recording setup, which records volume HOEs, based on an array of sub-holograms (Hogels). Each Hogel is recorded with an individual set of digitally shaped recording wavefronts, which are formed using a phase-only spatial light modulator (SLM). Individual Hogels are recorded in development-grade photopolymer Bayfol^® HX TP from Covestro. In this publication, we present an early-stage prototype that projects holographic resolution targets and showcases initial experimental results, thus highlighting the capabilities and potential of our approach to enhance the reliability and performance of automotive cameras through advanced holographic techniques.