Digital Micro-Mirror Device for Spatial and Spectral Target Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current target simulators fail to accurately model both spatial and spectral features of moving targets, leading to inadequate testing of targeting systems, as they often provide coarse approximations of spatial and spectral information, especially in simulating targets with dynamic changes in shape and electromagnetic signatures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) with movable micro-mirrors to project spatial images and generate spectral content across various wavelengths, including those outside the visible range, allowing for accurate and tunable simulation of target models by adjusting the spectral content based on extracted spectral image information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current target simulators are used to simulate moving targets, then the system is simple to operate, but the spatial and spectral content accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the target simulation into independent spatial and spectral components. The spatial content is generated through controlled light projection and modulation, while spectral content is separately managed through wavelength-specific filtering and combination. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving high accuracy without requiring a completely complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from simulating only visible light to incorporating multiple spectral dimensions including ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths. By adding these spectral dimensions, the simulator achieves comprehensive spectral content accuracy that matches real targets across the full electromagnetic spectrum, not just in the visible range.
2Measurement precision
If traditional target simulators provide coarse approximations of spectral information, then the device complexity is low, but the spectral content accuracy outside visible range is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal light source system that can generate multiple wavelengths including ultraviolet, visible, and infrared. A single integrated platform performs multiple functions: generating broadband light, filtering specific wavelengths, combining spectral components, and projecting spatial patterns. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive spectral accuracy without requiring separate dedicated systems for each wavelength range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spectral filters and combiners as intermediary components between the light source and the projection system. These intermediaries selectively transmit and combine specific wavelength ranges, enabling precise spectral content control. The intermediaries translate the broadband light into targeted spectral compositions, achieving high spectral accuracy while maintaining system manageability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If target simulators simulate dynamic target changes, then the adaptability is improved, but the ability to accurately model both spatial and spectral features simultaneously deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of both spatial and spectral parameters through programmable micro-mirror devices and adjustable spectral filters. The system can rapidly reconfigure spatial patterns and spectral compositions in real-time, allowing simulation of moving targets with changing shapes and spectral signatures. This dynamic control maintains accuracy by independently adjusting each parameter based on the target being simulated.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the creation of highly detailed and dynamic target models with precise spatial and spectral features, enhancing the accuracy of target recognition systems by simulating realistic scenarios, including moving targets with accurate shape and electromagnetic signatures.
Implementation Method 1
A method example includes receiving incident light onto a surface including movable micro-mirrors, and arranging one or more of the micro-mirrors to project a spatial image using the incident light
Implementation Method 2
a spectrometer circuit configured to extract spectral image information from the generated spectral content
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a micro-mirror device including a surface having a plurality of micro-mirrors movable to reflect light incident to the micro-mirrors in at least a first direction and a second direction, a control circuit configured to arrange the micro-mirrors to project a spatial image using the incident light and to generate spectral content for the formed spatial image, and a spectrometer circuit configured to extract spectral image information from the generated spectral content and provide the spectral image information to the control circuit. The spectral content includes light having one or more wavelengths outside a range of wavelengths for visible light, and the control circuit is configured to rearrange one or more micro-mirrors of the micro-mirror device to adjust spectral content based on the extracted spectral image information.