  The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is a cubic kilometer volume neutrino
detector installed in the Antarctic at the geographic South Pole. Neutrinos are
detected through the observation of Cherenkov light from charged relativistic
particles generated in neutrino interactions, using an array of 86~strings of
optical sensor modules. Currently an upgrade to the IceCube detector is in
preparation. This IceCube Upgrade will add seven additional strings with new
optical sensors and calibration devices. A new camera system is designed for
this upgrade to be installed with the new optical modules. This camera system
will study bulk ice properties and the refrozen ice in the drill hole. The
system can also be utilized to provide information on the detector geometry
including location and orientation of the optical modules and cables that can
be used to calibrate IceCube Monte Carlo simulations. A better understanding of
the refrozen ice in the drill hole including the complementary knowledge of the
optical properties of the surrounding glacial ice will be obtained by surveying
and analyzing the images from this system. The camera system consists of two
types of components: an image sensor module and an illumination module. The
image sensor module uses a CMOS image sensor to take pictures for the purpose
of calibration studies. The illumination module emits static, monochromatic
light into a given direction with a specific beam width and brightness during
the image taking process. To evaluate the system design and demonstrate its
functionality, a simulation study based on lab measurements is performed in
parallel with the hardware development. This study allows for the development
of the preliminary image analysis tool for the system. We present the prototype
of the camera system and the results of the first system demonstrations.
