Digital micro-mirror based image simulation system

A method of creating a non-visible image for detection by an image sensor, the method comprising:

• generating an electronic representation of a scene;
• deflecting an array of flexure beam micromirror elements in response to the electronic representation of a scene;
• reflecting a beam of radiant energy from the array of deflected micromirror elements;
• forming an image with the reflected beam of radiant energy;
• and
• extracting information from the image with an image sensor.

An image simulation system for providing a non-visible image for use by an image detection system, the image simulation system comprising:

• a scene generator providing an electronic representation of a scene;
• a source of non-visible radiant energy providing a beam of radiant energy traveling along a first path;
• an array of micromirror elements receiving the electronic representation from the scene generator and reflecting the beam of radiant energy along a second path, wherein each element of the array is deflected according to the electronic representation;
• a projection lens focusing the reflected radiant energy reflected into an image such that the radiant energy reflected by each micromirror element forms an image pixel;
• and
• wherein each micromirror element is continuously variable between a first position wherein all radiant energy reflected by the element enters the projection lens and forms a bright pixel, and a second position wherein none of the radiant energy reflected by the element enters the projection lens thereby forming a dim pixel.

A method of creating a non-visible image for detection by an image sensor, the method comprising:

• generating an electronic representation of a scene;
• deflecting an array of micromirror elements in response to the electronic representation of a scene;
• reflecting a beam of radiant energy from the array of deflected micromirror elements;
• focusing the reflected beam of radiant energy to form an image comprised of an array of image pixels, wherein the amount of radiant energy reflected from a micromirror element and focused onto an image pixel is determined by the amount the micromirror element is deflected;
• and
• extracting information from the image with an image sensor.