Instead of populating the BitmapData class from an IMAGE. I would like to (within Actionscript) GENERATE some new BitmapData by capturing the Bitmap representing say, a TextArea component on the stage.

In other words, sort of take a "screen capture" or "screenshot" of one of the components, and convert that into an image. Am I silly to even wonder if such a thing is feasible? Can an Air/Flex app "look at itself" in this way? Can it turn a datagrid or a canvas or a textinput into the corresponding image AS IF via screen capture?

Even a hint in the right direction would be appreciated,

Thanks In Advance.