Method for imaging a mask layer and related imaging system

Abstract

A method for imaging a mask layer, comprising the steps of: reading imaging data having a sequence of at least (C1 + C2) pixels; at a first time, imaging a first set of C1 pixels of the sequence substantially simultaneously using a set of C1 first imaging beams according to the imaging data; at a second moment, imaging a second set C2 pixels of the sequence substantially simultaneously using a set C2 second imaging beams according to the imaging data; reading imaging data is repeated, for a next sequence of at least (C1 + C2) pixels, imaging with a set of C1 first imaging beams at a first time and imaging with a set of C2 second imaging beams at a second time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of the invention relates to imaging mask layers in the field of printing technology. Various embodiments herein relate to methods for imaging mask layers, control modules and computer programs for imaging mask layers, and methods and systems for imaging and exposing relief precursors. Background Art

[0002] In known methods for imaging a mask layer, the imaging data provides information about the pixels. The imaging beam then ablates the mask layer based on the information about the pixels. Given the complexity of the pixels, the points on the mask layer are sometimes ablated individually. This is a time-consuming process.

[0003] In addition, during the mask layer imaging process, the content in the imaging data needs to be converted into the settings of the light beam. For example, the corresponding relationship between the imaging data and the light beam settings can be found after each imaging data is provided. However, this requires a lot of calculations.

[0004] In addition, it is often necessary to image the mask layer at multiple settings to produce different areas on the mask layer. For example, this may mean providing multiple separate imaging data series for the same mask layer. These different series of imaging data must be interpreted separately by the control module before they can be used to instruct the beam to ablate points on the mask layer. Summary of the invention

[0005] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods that can more efficiently image a mask layer while maintaining the precision of ablation. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods that can simplify the conversion of imaging data into beam instructions. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods that allow imaging data to control a beam in a variety of settings while reducing the complexity of converting imaging data into ablation instructions.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for imaging a mask layer, comprising the following steps:

[0007] providing a mask layer;

[0008] Reading imaging data of a sequence having at least (C1+C2) pixels, where C1 and C2 are integers greater than or equal to 1;

[0009] At a first moment, based on the read imaging data, a first group C1 of pixels of the sequence are imaged substantially simultaneously using a group C1 of first imaging light beams;

[0010] At a second moment, based on the read imaging data, a second group of C2 pixels of the sequence are imaged substantially simultaneously using a group of C2 second imaging light beams;

[0011] Optionally, at one or more subsequent moments, based on the read imaging data, a subsequent group of pixels is imaged substantially simultaneously using a subsequent group of imaging beams, the pixels of the subsequent group being different from the pixels of the first group and the second group;

[0012] For the next sequence of at least (C1+C2) pixels, the imaging data is repeatedly read, imaging is performed using a group of C1 first imaging beams at a first moment, imaging is performed using a group of C2 second imaging beams at a second moment, and optionally imaging is performed using subsequent groups of imaging beams at one or more subsequent moments.

[0013] Thus, a plurality of at least (C1+C2) different imaging beams are arranged adjacent to each other and include a first group of C1 imaging beams (L1) and a second group of C2 imaging beams (L2). The plurality of imaging beams being different means that no beam in the first group overlaps or corresponds to any beam in the second group. By organizing the pixels into at least two groups and imaging the pixels using the beam groups, a compromise can be achieved between printing speed and accuracy.

[0014] The first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the following features or any technically possible combination:

[0015] C1 and C2 are integers greater than or equal to 2, and wherein the C1 pixels of the first group are selected so that at least two pixels of the first group are separated by at least one pixel that does not belong to the first group, and the C2 pixels of the second group are selected so that at least two pixels of the second group are separated by at least one pixel that does not belong to the second group.

[0016] In this embodiment, a large number of pixels can be imaged simultaneously. Therefore, the process of imaging the mask layer is simplified and accelerated. In addition, by separating at least two pixels in the first group from at least two pixels in the second group by pixels that do not belong to their respective groups, interference between pixels in the groups can be reduced and imaging can be more easily controlled.

[0017] C1=C2=C, and each sequence contains N*C pixels, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0018] Having the same number of pixels in each group simplifies the process of imaging the mask layer.

[0019] The method also includes: providing a clock having a first frequency f1, wherein a time period between subsequent moments corresponds to 1 / f1, and wherein reading imaging data of at least (C1+C2) pixels includes: reading imaging data of C1 pixels and then reading imaging data of C2 pixels after an interval of 1 / f1.

[0020] In this particular embodiment, the pixels of each group are read sequentially: in a first step, the pixels of the first group are read, and then in a second step, the pixels of the second group are read.

[0021] The C pixels in the nth group include the nth pixel, the (n+N)th pixel, the (n+2*N)th pixel, etc. in a sequence of N*C pixels, where n is an integer, 1≤n≤N.

[0022] In this particular embodiment, the pixels in the nth group are evenly spaced. Such regular spacing makes it more straightforward to read the corresponding imaging data and / or image a group of pixels.

[0023] The sequence corresponds to a single row in the imaging data, or the sequence corresponds to parts of different rows in the imaging data. Preferably, the C pixels in the nth group include the nth pixel in the mth row, the (n+N)th pixel in the (m+1)th row, the (n+2*N)th pixel in the (m+2)th row, ..., 1≤m≤N, and m is an integer.

[0024] When the sequence corresponds to a single row in the imaging data, reading the first and second groups of pixels is easily implemented. When the sequence corresponds to different rows in the imaging data, the movement of the mask layer can be compensated when imaging different groups of pixels, so that pixels belonging to different rows can still be imaged on a straight line, in particular, on a line perpendicular to the direction of movement of the mask layer.

[0025] The method includes: obtaining a first imaging setting set for the first group C1 pixels, and imaging the first group C1 pixels substantially simultaneously according to the first imaging setting set, and obtaining a second imaging setting set for the second group C2 pixels, and imaging the second group C2 pixels substantially simultaneously according to the second imaging setting set, wherein the imaging setting sets are different for each group of pixels.

[0026] By performing different imaging settings for each group of pixels, different imaging results can be obtained for each group of pixels that is different from other groups of pixels.

[0027] The method includes obtaining a first set of imaging settings or a second set of imaging settings including searching for imaging settings in a lookup table based on a set of bit values ​​of image data corresponding to the first group of pixels or the second group of pixels, respectively.

[0028] By using a lookup table, the correspondence between imaging data and beam settings can be determined and fixed before imaging the mask layer. Therefore, when imaging a pixel, only the lookup table needs to be referenced without any additional calculations.

[0029] The bit value set includes, for each pixel, a "1" if the pixel is an imaging pixel, or a "0" if the pixel is a non-imaging pixel.

[0030] The bit value set includes two or more bit values ​​for each pixel.

[0031] By providing two or more bit values ​​for each pixel, more possible settings are available for each pixel in the image file. Therefore, a greater variety of imaged pixels can be obtained from a single image file.

[0032] The first imaging setting set and the second imaging setting set respectively include C1 imaging settings for C1 first imaging beams and C2 imaging settings for C2 second imaging beams.

[0033] Each imaging setting set specifies a value representing the size and / or shape and / or position of an imaging point corresponding to an imaging pixel; wherein preferably, the first imaging setting set and the second imaging setting set define any one or more of the following parameters:

[0034] for generating intensity values ​​of imaging features corresponding to imaging pixels, for example, for controlling the intensity values ​​of a light beam used for imaging;

[0035] a time interval for generating imaging features corresponding to imaging pixels, e.g., a timing value for controlling a beam used for imaging;

[0036] A beam diameter value and / or a beam shape value for controlling a beam used for imaging;

[0037] The number of iterations used for imaging;

[0038] • Instructions for exposure heads of a plurality of exposure heads to generate an imaging feature or a group of imaging features corresponding to a pixel or a group of pixels for imaging.

[0039] All pixels in the first group are separated by at least one pixel that does not belong to the first group, and wherein all pixels in the second group are separated by at least one pixel that does not belong to the second group.

[0040] Since all pixels in the first group and the second group are separated by pixels that do not belong to their respective groups, interference between pixels in each group is further reduced.

[0041] During imaging of the first group C1 of pixels, the second group C2 of pixels, and subsequent groups of pixels, if any, the mask layer is moved relative to the imaging beam in a movement direction (M).

[0042] Under this embodiment, it is possible to image different groups of pixels that are placed adjacently along the direction of motion without causing interruptions.

[0043] While imaging the first set C1 pixels, the second set C2 pixels, and subsequent sets of pixels if present, the mask layer rotates on the drum, and the direction of movement (M) corresponds to the direction of rotation of the drum. This is typically used in the case of an external drum configuration, where the mask layer is wrapped around the outer surface of the drum.

[0044] While imaging the first group C1 pixels, the second group C2 pixels and, if present, subsequent groups of pixels, the mask layer is moved on the flat-bed stage and / or the imaging beam is moved along the flat-bed stage, and the movement direction (M) corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the flat-bed stage.

[0045] The mask layer is placed on the inner surface of the drum, and while imaging the first group C1 pixels, the second group C2 pixels, and subsequent groups of pixels if present, the mask layer is rotated relative to the imaging beam, and the movement direction (M) corresponds to the rotation direction of the mask layer or the imaging beam. This is typically used in the case of an internal drum configuration, where the mask layer is placed on the inner surface of the drum.

[0046] Each of these three embodiments corresponds to a specific situation: one is to wrap the mask layer on the outer surface of the drum; the second is to place the mask layer on a flat table; the third is to place the mask layer on the inner surface of the drum.

[0047] The first imaging beam group, the second imaging beam group and, if any, subsequent groups of imaging beams are arranged adjacent to one another and, when the imaging beam groups are observed perpendicularly to the mask layer, are aligned along a line, wherein the line defines an angle in a lateral direction (T) perpendicular to the movement direction (M), and the angle compensates for the movement of the mask layer between the first moment and the second moment.

[0048] Thanks to such an arrangement, even when the mask layer moves in the moving direction, it is possible to image pixels aligned in a lateral direction perpendicular to the moving direction without any additional adjustment due to the movement in the moving direction.

[0049] The method further comprises moving the imaging beam relative to the mask layer in a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the moving direction, such that the imaging beam moves relative to the mask layer in the transverse direction by at least (C1+C2) pixels.

[0050] This embodiment enables the imaging of additional pixels next to the (C1+C2) pixels in the transverse direction of the drum and / or flatbed.

[0051] The movement in a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the movement direction (M) is substantially continuous.

[0052] The continuous movement in the lateral direction enables it to image the additional pixels next to the (C1+C2) pixels in the lateral direction without interruption.

[0053] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for imaging a mask layer, comprising the following steps:

[0054] providing a mask layer;

[0055] providing a lookup table having a plurality of imaging settings in a bit sequence;

[0056] Reading imaging data of multiple pixels;

[0057] obtaining an imaging setting from a lookup table based on a bit sequence of imaging data corresponding to a plurality of pixels;

[0058] The plurality of pixels are imaged substantially simultaneously using a plurality of imaging beams according to the obtained imaging setting.

[0059] Because of this method, the correspondence between imaging data and beam instructions can be found by simply looking up a table without any additional calculations. Therefore, the process of imaging the mask layer is greatly simplified.

[0060] The second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the following features or any technically possible combination:

[0061] The bit value set includes, for each pixel, a "1" if the pixel is an imaging pixel, or a "0" if the pixel is a non-imaging pixel.

[0062] The bit value set includes two bit values ​​for each pixel.

[0063] By setting a two-bit value for each pixel, multiple settings of the imaging beam can be obtained based on a single image file.

[0064] The imaging settings include a plurality of separate independent values ​​for a plurality of imaging beams.

[0065] Under this embodiment, each imaging beam is able to image a pixel independently of the other imaging beams.

[0066] Each imaging setting specifies a value representing the size and / or shape and / or position of an imaging point corresponding to an imaging pixel; wherein preferably, the imaging setting defines any one or more of the following parameters:

[0067] for generating intensity values ​​of imaging features corresponding to imaging pixels, for example, for controlling the intensity values ​​of a light beam used for imaging;

[0068] a time interval for generating imaging features corresponding to imaging pixels, e.g., a timing value for controlling a beam used for imaging;

[0069] A beam diameter value and / or a beam shape value for controlling a beam used for imaging;

[0070] The number of iterations used for imaging;

[0071] • Instructions for exposure heads of a plurality of exposure heads to generate an imaging feature or a group of imaging features corresponding to a pixel or a group of pixels for imaging.

[0072] Reading imaging data includes reading imaging data of a sequence of at least (C1+C2) pixels, C1 and C2 being integers greater than or equal to 1, wherein obtaining an imaging setting includes obtaining a first imaging setting based on a plurality of first bit values ​​corresponding to C1 pixels of the sequence; and obtaining a second imaging setting based on a plurality of second bit values ​​corresponding to C2 pixels of the sequence; and wherein imaging using a plurality of imaging beams includes:

[0073] At a first moment, imaging a first group C1 of pixels of the sequence substantially simultaneously using a group C1 of first imaging beams according to a first imaging setting;

[0074] At a second moment, imaging a second group C2 of pixels of the sequence substantially simultaneously using a group C2 of second imaging beams according to a second imaging setting;

[0075] Optionally, at one or more subsequent time instants, based on the read imaging data, substantially simultaneously imaging a subsequent group of pixels using a subsequent group of imaging beams, the pixels of the subsequent group being different from the pixels of the first and second groups;

[0076] The method further includes, for a next sequence of at least (C1+C2) pixels, repeatedly reading imaging data, obtaining imaging settings from the lookup table, and performing imaging using a plurality of imaging beams.

[0077] C1 and C2 are integers greater than or equal to 2; and wherein the C1 pixels of the first group are selected so that at least two pixels of the first group are separated by at least one pixel that does not belong to the first group, and the C2 pixels of the second group are selected so that at least two pixels of the second group are separated by at least one pixel that does not belong to the second group.

[0078] C1=C2=C, where each sequence contains N*C pixels, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0079] The C pixels in the nth group include the nth pixel, the (n+N)th pixel, and so on of the sequence of N*C pixels, where n is an integer, 1≤n≤N.

[0080] The sequence corresponds to a single row in the imaging data, or the sequence corresponds to parts of different rows in the imaging data. Preferably, the C pixels in the nth group include the nth pixel in the mth row, the (n+N)th pixel in the (m+1)th row, the (n+2*N)th pixel in the (m+2)th row, ..., 1≤m≤N, and m is an integer.

[0081] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method for imaging a mask layer is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0082] providing a mask layer;

[0083] Reading imaging data of multiple pixels;

[0084] obtaining an imaging setting based on a sequence of bit values, the sequence of bit values ​​comprising at least two bit values ​​for each pixel in the plurality of pixels;

[0085] The plurality of pixels are imaged substantially simultaneously using a plurality of imaging beams according to the obtained imaging setting.

[0086] By providing at least two values ​​for each pixel, a set of imaging data can control the imaging beam at at least two settings for each pixel. Thus, multiple variations of each pixel can be obtained from one image file.

[0087] The third aspect of the present disclosure may include any one of the following features or any technically possible combination:

[0088] The imaging setup includes a plurality of separate independent values ​​for a plurality of imaging beams. .

[0089] Each imaging setting specifies a value representing the size and / or shape and / or position of an imaging point corresponding to an imaging pixel; wherein preferably, the imaging setting defines any one or more of the following parameters:

[0090] for generating intensity values ​​of imaging features corresponding to imaging pixels, for example, for controlling the intensity values ​​of a light beam used for imaging;

[0091] a time interval for generating imaging features corresponding to imaging pixels, e.g., a timing value for controlling a beam used for imaging;

[0092] A beam diameter value and / or a beam shape value for controlling a beam used for imaging;

[0093] The number of iterations used for imaging;

[0094] • Instructions for exposure heads of a plurality of exposure heads to generate an imaging feature or a group of imaging features corresponding to a pixel or a group of pixels for imaging.

[0095] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method as described above, wherein a mask layer is disposed on a photopolymer layer of a relief precursor, and wherein, after imaging, the photopolymer layer of the relief precursor is exposed through the mask layer, and the relief precursor is developed to obtain a relief structure. The mask layer may be an integral part of the relief precursor, or may be a separate component that is attached to the relief precursor prior to exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

[0096] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to relief structures obtained by the above methods.

[0097] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a computer program, which includes computer executable instructions. When the program is run on a computer, the computer executable instructions control an embodiment of the method described above related to any aspect of the present disclosure.

[0098] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a digital data storage medium encoded with a machine-executable program of instructions to perform any of the steps of the method described above in connection with any aspect of the present disclosure.

[0099] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a computer program product, which includes computer executable instructions. When the program is run on a computer, the computer executable instructions are used to control or perform the above-mentioned method related to any of the above aspects of the present disclosure.

[0100] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a control module configured to execute the method described above in relation to any of the above aspects of the present disclosure.

[0101] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system for processing a relief precursor, comprising an imager configured to image a mask layer; and a digital data storage medium as described above and / or a control module as described above for controlling the imager. Optionally, the system further comprises any one or more of the following: at least one transport system configured to transport the relief precursor, a storage device, an exposure device configured to expose the relief precursor through the imaged mask layer, a development tool configured to remove at least a portion of unexposed material from the relief precursor, a drying system, a post-exposure device, a cutting device, a mounting station, a heater.

[0102] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a mask layer obtained by the above method.

[0103] Any feature of the first aspect of the present disclosure may be combined with any feature of the second aspect and / or the third aspect of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0104] The above and other aspects of the present disclosure will be explained in more detail below based on several embodiments that will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0105] Figure 1 An example embodiment of a system for imaging a mask layer having two groups of pixels, each group having three pixels, is shown;

[0106] Figure 2 Explains the different steps at different times in the process of imaging the mask layer under the exemplary embodiment;

[0107] Figure 3 An example embodiment of a lookup table is shown;

[0108] Figures 4 to 7 represents the amplitude of the laser beam at a four bit value sequence, the four bit value sequence including a two bit value for each pixel, the two bit value converted to a one bit value;

[0109] Figure 8 Another example embodiment of a system for imaging a mask layer having three groups of pixels, each group having two pixels, is shown;

[0110] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system for producing a relief structure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0111] Flexographic printing or letterpress printing is a technique commonly used for mass printing. A flexographic or letterpress printing plate is a relief plate having printing elements (commonly called bumps or dots) protruding above non-printing elements in order to produce an image on a recording medium such as paper, paperboard, film, foil, laminate, etc. Also, cylindrical printing plates or sleeves may be used.

[0112] There are various methods for making flexographic or letterpress printing plate precursors. According to conventional methods, flexographic or letterpress printing plate precursors are made of a multilayer substrate comprising a backing layer and one or more photocurable layers (also referred to as photosensitive layers). These photocurable layers are cured by exposure to electromagnetic radiation via a mask layer containing image information, or by direct and selective exposure to electromagnetic radiation, such as by transferring the image information through a scanning plate, so as to obtain a relief plate. After curing, the uncured portions are removed, either by using a liquid capable of dissolving or dispersing the uncured material, or by liquefying and removing the uncured material by thermal treatment. Removal of the liquefied material can be achieved by adhesion or adsorption to a developer material, or by applying a heatable solid, liquid or gas beam. An alternative is to remove the material of the non-printing area by ablation using a high-power laser beam.

[0113] In flexographic or letterpress printing, ink is transferred from the flexographic printing plate to the printing medium. More specifically, the ink is transferred to the raised parts of the plate (i.e., halftone dots or solid convexities) rather than to the non-raised parts. During the printing process, the ink of the raised parts is transferred to the printing medium. Halftones are usually used (e.g., using screening patterns (screening pattern), preferably AM screening patterns) to create grayscale images (greyscale image). For a plate printed in a specific color, grayscale means the amount of the color reproduced. For example, a printing plate can include different halftone dot areas to print with different densities in these areas. In order to increase the amount of ink transferred and increase the so-called ink density on the substrate, an additional very fine structure, i.e., a relief area, is applied on the surface of the printed dots. This fine surface structure is usually obtained by adding a fine high-resolution sampling pattern to an image file so that it is subsequently transferred to a corresponding mask for exposure.

[0114] The image reproduced by the printing plate usually includes a solid image area and various gray tone areas (also called halftone areas). The solid area corresponds to a single protrusion in the printing plate, which is completely covered by ink to produce the highest density on the printed material. The gray tone or halftone area corresponds to an area with multiple printing dots at a distance from each other, that is, the appearance of the printed image has a density between pure white (completely without ink) and pure color (completely covered by ink). The gray area is produced by a halftone process, wherein a plurality of raised elements per unit area are used to produce the illusion of printing at different densities. These raised elements are usually referred to as "halftone dots" in the printing industry. Image presentation is achieved by changing the percentage of coverage area (dot intensity) between regions. The dot intensity can be changed by changing the dot size (AM screening) and / or dot density (i.e., dot frequency (FM screening)).

[0115] In flexographic or letterpress printing plates, a halftone dot is a raised area whose surface is located on the top surface of the plate. The plate in the area surrounding the dot has been etched to a depth that reaches the bottom. The height of the halftone dot is the distance from the dot surface (and the plate surface) to the bottom. A halftone ridge is a ridge that extends from the bottom to the top surface.

[0116] In the method for imaging a mask layer of the present invention, a mask layer is first provided. The mask layer provided is, for example, a blank mask layer without any imaged pixels. The mask layer can be arranged on a support layer and can be attached to a relief precursor before being exposed to electromagnetic radiation for curing. The mask layer can be an integral part of the relief precursor and can represent the outer surface of the precursor during imaging.

[0117] Next, the imaging data of a sequence of at least (C1+C2) pixels is read. The imaging data is, for example, from an image file. C1 and C2 are integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0118] According to one embodiment, C1 and C2 are integers greater than or equal to 2. Under this embodiment, preferably, the C1 pixels of the first group are selected so that at least two pixels of the first group are separated by at least one pixel that does not belong to the first group, and / or, the C2 pixels of the second group are selected so that at least two pixels of the second group are separated by at least one pixel that does not belong to the second group. For example, the distance between two pixels in a group is about 30 microns. According to a preferred embodiment, all pixels in the first group are separated by at least one pixel that does not belong to the first group, and / or all pixels in the second group are separated by at least one pixel that does not belong to the second group.

[0119] According to some embodiments, C1=C2=C. Each sequence contains N*C pixels, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. In the following description, N represents the number of groups. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, C1=C2=3, and N=2. This means that there are two groups of pixels, each with three pixels. Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, C1 = C2 = 2, and N = 3. This means that there are three groups of pixels, each with two pixels.

[0120] At a first moment, according to the read imaging data, a first group C1 of pixels in a sequence of C1+C2 pixels is imaged substantially simultaneously using a group C1 of first imaging light beams L1.

[0121] At the second moment, according to the read imaging data, a group of C2 second imaging light beams L2 are used to image a second group C2 of pixels in the sequence of C1+C2 pixels substantially simultaneously.

[0122] According to some embodiments, before reading imaging data of the second group C2 pixels and imaging the second group C2 pixels, imaging data of the first group C1 pixels are read and the first group C1 pixels are imaged.

[0123] As an alternative, the imaging data of the first group C1 pixels and the second group (C1+C2) pixels are read before imaging the first group C1 pixels and / or imaging the second group C2 pixels.

[0124] According to some embodiments, a clock having a first frequency f1 is provided. The time period between subsequent moments corresponds to 1 / f1. According to these embodiments, when reading imaging data of at least (C1+C2) pixels, first, for example, Figure 2As shown, at the time 1 / f1, the imaging data of C1 pixels are read (and C1 pixels are optionally imaged). Then, after an interval of 1 / f1, for example, Figure 2 At the moment 2 / f1 in the example, imaging data of C2 pixels are read (and C2 pixels are optionally imaged).

[0125] According to some embodiments, the C pixels in the nth (n is an integer, 1≤n≤N) group include the nth pixel, the (n+N)th pixel, the (n+2*N)th pixel, etc. in the sequence of N*C pixels. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example of , the first group of three pixels includes the first, third and fifth pixels in a sequence of six pixels. The second group of three pixels includes the second, fourth and sixth pixels in a sequence of six pixels.

[0126] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 1 In the embodiments shown in , the sequence corresponds to a single row in the imaging data. In these embodiments, after imaging the pixel group in the first row, the method turns to imaging the pixels in the second row. Figure 2 As shown, still taking two groups of pixels, each group having three pixels (N=2; C=3) as an example, at a first moment, for example, at 3 / f1, the first group of imaging beams L1 is used to image the first, third and fifth pixels of the second row. At another later moment, for example, at 4 / f1, the second group of imaging beams L2 is used to image the second, fourth and sixth pixels of the second row.

[0127] According to some other embodiments not shown in the figure, the sequence corresponds to parts of different rows in the imaging data. According to a preferred implementation of this embodiment, the C pixels in the nth group include the nth pixel in the mth row, the (n+N)th pixel in the (m+1)th row, the (n+2*N)th pixel in the (m+2)th row, ..., 1≤m≤N, and m is an integer. Use again Figure 1 In the example of , where N=2 and C=3, the first group of pixels includes the first pixel of the first row, the third pixel of the second row, and the fifth pixel of the third row. The second group of pixels includes the second pixel of the first row, the fourth pixel of the second row, and the sixth pixel of the third row. Using Figure 8 In the example, where N=3 and C=2, the first group of pixels includes the first pixel of the first row and the fourth pixel of the second row, the second group of pixels includes the second pixel of the first row and the fifth pixel of the second row, and the third group of pixels includes the third pixel of the first row and the sixth pixel of the second row.

[0128] According to some optional embodiments, at one or more subsequent moments, the subsequent imaging beam L3 is used to image the subsequent group of pixels substantially simultaneously according to the read imaging data. The pixels of the subsequent group are different from the pixels of the first group and the second group. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, at a subsequent time, for example, at time 3 / f1, a third group of imaging beams L3 is used to image a third group of pixels substantially simultaneously.

[0129] According to some embodiments, the method includes obtaining a first imaging setting set for a first group C1 of pixels, and imaging the first group C1 of pixels substantially simultaneously according to the first imaging setting set. The obtaining of the first imaging setting set is, for example, performed between reading imaging data of all groups of pixels and imaging of the first group C1 of pixels. According to some embodiments, the method includes obtaining a second imaging setting set for a second group C2 of pixels, and imaging the second group C2 of pixels substantially simultaneously according to the second imaging setting set. The obtaining of the second imaging setting set is, for example, performed between reading imaging data of all groups of pixels and imaging of the second group C2 of pixels. As an alternative, the obtaining of the first imaging setting set and the second imaging setting set is performed before imaging of the first group C1 of pixels and before imaging of the second group C2 of pixels. According to some embodiments, the obtaining of all imaging setting sets is performed before imaging of any pixel or any group of pixels. According to some embodiments, the imaging setting sets of at least two groups of pixels are different. According to some embodiments, the imaging setting sets of each group of pixels are different.

[0130] Optionally, the method includes obtaining a subsequent imaging setting set for a subsequent group of pixels, and imaging the subsequent group of pixels substantially simultaneously according to the subsequent imaging setting set. For example, this is performed between reading imaging data for all groups of pixels and imaging the subsequent group of pixels.

[0131] According to some embodiments, obtaining the first imaging setting set or the second imaging setting set includes: searching for the imaging setting in a lookup table based on a set of bit values ​​corresponding to the image data of the first group or the second group of pixels, respectively. Details on how to search for the imaging setting in the lookup table will be explained in more detail below.

[0132] According to some embodiments, while imaging the first group C1 of pixels, the second group C2 of pixels, and subsequent groups of pixels if present, the mask layer moves relative to the imaging beams L1, L2, L3 in a movement direction M. This may mean that the mask layer moves while the imaging beams L1, L2, L3 remain stationary. This may mean that the imaging beams L1, L2, L3 move while the mask layer remains stationary. This may also mean that both the mask layer and the imaging beams L1, L2, L3 move, with one having a relative movement with respect to the other.

[0133] When the mask layer moves along the moving direction M, there are three preferred embodiments. The first preferred embodiment is when the mask layer rotates on the drum. In this preferred embodiment, the moving direction M corresponds to the rotation direction of the drum, such as Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown. A second preferred embodiment (not shown) is when the mask layer moves on the flat table and / or the imaging beams L1, L2, L3 move along the flat table. In this preferred embodiment, the movement direction M corresponds to the longitudinal direction with the flat table. The longitudinal direction of the flat table is the direction in which the flat table presents the largest dimension in a horizontal plane. A third possibility is to place the mask layer inside a hollow drum, for example on the inner surface of the drum, and to perform the exposure using a beam generator placed in the center of the drum. According to one embodiment, when the mask layer is placed inside the drum, the mask layer rotates with the drum, while the source emitting the imaging beams L1, L2, L3 remains stationary in the drum, while imaging the first group C1 pixels, the second group C2 pixels, and if there are subsequent groups of pixels. According to another embodiment, when the mask layer is placed inside the drum, the mask layer remains stationary, while the source emitting the imaging beams L1, L2, L3 rotates inside the drum, while imaging the first group C1 pixels, the second group C2 pixels, and if there are subsequent groups of pixels. Under this embodiment, the source can also be moved in a transverse direction perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the drum. The transverse direction is, for example, the longitudinal direction of the drum. According to yet another embodiment, when the mask is placed inside the drum, both the mask layer and the source emitting the imaging beams L1, L2, L3 are rotated, the mask layer rotates relative to the imaging beams L1, L2, L3, while imaging the first group C1 pixels, the second group C2 pixels, and subsequent groups of pixels if present. ...

[0134] When the mask layer moves relative to the imaging beams L1, L2, L3 in the movement direction M, in some embodiments, the first and second groups of imaging beams L1, L2 and, if present, the subsequent group of imaging beams L3 are arranged adjacent to each other and the imaging beam groups L1, L2, L3 are aligned along a line when the imaging beam groups L1, L2, L3 are observed perpendicularly to the mask layer. Preferably, the line defines an angle of the transverse direction T perpendicular to the movement direction M. The angle is strictly greater than 0° and strictly less than 90°. The angle compensates for the movement of the mask layer between the first moment and the second moment. Preferably, the compensation enables imaging of pixels aligned along the transverse direction T even if the mask layer moves between the movement when imaging the first group of pixels and when imaging the second group of pixels.

[0135] According to some embodiments, the method comprises moving the imaging beams L1, L2, L3 relative to the mask layer in a transverse direction T perpendicular to the movement direction M. Under these embodiments, the imaging beams L1, L2, L3 are moved in the transverse direction T relative to the drum by at least (C1+C2) pixels. When the drum completes one rotation, the imaging beams L1, L2, L3 are moved in the transverse direction T by, for example, C1+C2 pixels. According to some embodiments, the movement in the transverse direction T perpendicular to the movement direction M is substantially continuous. This is particularly advantageous when the mask layer rotates on the drum. According to some embodiments, the movement in the transverse direction T perpendicular to the movement direction M is step-by-step. This is particularly advantageous when the mask layer is placed on a flat table.

[0136] According to some embodiments, the method includes moving the imaging beams L1, L2, L3 relative to the mask layer in a transverse direction T perpendicular to the movement direction M, such that the imaging beams L1, L2, L3 move at least (C1+C2) pixels relative to the mask layer in the transverse direction T. For example, when the mask layer moves the entire longitudinal length of the flat-panel stage, the imaging beams L1, L2, L3 move C1+C2 pixels in the transverse direction T.

[0137] like Figure 2 As shown, the method further includes: for the next sequence of at least (C1+C2) pixels, repeatedly reading imaging data, using a group of C1 first imaging beams L1 for imaging at a first moment, using a group of C second imaging beams L2 for imaging at a second moment, and optionally using a subsequent group of imaging beams L3 for imaging at one or more subsequent moments. According to some embodiments, the time period between reading the imaging data of the N*C pixels of the first sequence and reading the imaging data of the N*C pixels of the subsequent sequence is consistent with N / f1.

[0138] Lookup Table

[0139] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, based on the bit sequence of imaging data corresponding to a plurality of pixels, the imaging settings of at least the light beams L1, L2, L3 are obtained using a lookup table, which for example includes a plurality of imaging settings in a bit sequence.

[0140] An example of a lookup table according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is as follows: Figure 3 shown.

[0141] According to some embodiments, for example Figure 3In one embodiment shown, the bit value set includes, for each pixel, a "1" if the pixel is an imaging pixel, or a "0" if the pixel is a non-imaging pixel. Alternatively, the bit value set includes two or more bit values ​​for each pixel. If the pixel is an imaging pixel in a solid area, the bit value is "2"; if the pixel is an imaging pixel in a halftone area, the bit value is "1"; or if the pixel is a non-imaging pixel, the bit value is "0".

[0142] According to some embodiments, the first imaging setting set and the second imaging setting set include C1 imaging settings for C1 first imaging beams L1 and C2 imaging settings for C2 second imaging beams L2, respectively. In this way, each imaging beam L1, L2, L3 has its own imaging settings. The imaging settings of one beam may be independent of the imaging settings of other beams in the group. In other words, the imaging settings include multiple independent values ​​for multiple imaging beams L1, L2, L3. As an alternative, the imaging settings of one beam may be related to and change with the imaging settings of other beams in the group. According to some embodiments, the imaging settings are modified before the pixel is imaged by the beam using the modified imaging settings. The modified imaging settings include, for example, a modified beam position and / or a modified beam intensity of at least one beam.

[0143] According to some embodiments, each imaging setting specifies a value representing the size and / or shape and / or position of an imaging point corresponding to an imaging pixel. Preferably, the imaging setting defines one or more of the following parameters:

[0144] for generating an intensity value of an imaging feature corresponding to an imaging pixel, for example, for controlling an intensity value of a light beam used for imaging;

[0145] A time interval for generating an imaging feature corresponding to an imaging pixel, for example, a timing value for controlling a light beam used for imaging;

[0146] a beam diameter value and / or a beam shape value for controlling a beam for imaging,

[0147] The number of iterations used for imaging;

[0148] Instructions for exposure heads of a plurality of exposure heads for generating an imaging feature or a group of imaging features corresponding to a pixel or a group of pixels for imaging.

[0149] According to some embodiments, the light beam is controlled by controlling the size (by controlling the intensity of the light beam) and / or shape and / or position of the light beam by controlling the amplitude and / or frequency and / or phase of the input wave delivered to the light beam. The acousto-optic system can control the parameters of the light beam by controlling the amplitude and / or frequency and / or phase of the input wave of the light beam. The electro-optic system can also control the parameters of the light beam by controlling the amplitude and / or frequency and / or phase.

[0150] After obtaining the imaging setting from the lookup table, the method uses the plurality of imaging light beams L1 , L2 , L3 to image the plurality of pixels substantially simultaneously according to the obtained imaging setting.

[0151] According to some embodiments, the lookup table is determined prior to receiving the image file.

[0152] According to some embodiments, the bit value sequence includes at least two values ​​for each pixel. The method includes obtaining an imaging setting based on the bit value sequence including the at least two values. The obtaining of the imaging setting may be based on a lookup table as described above, or alternatively, not based on any lookup table. Then, the method uses a plurality of imaging beams L1, L2, L3 to image the plurality of pixels substantially simultaneously according to the obtained imaging setting.

[0153] According to some embodiments, the method includes detecting at least one solid area and at least one halftone area in an image file. Pixels in the solid area, for example, receive a value of "2". Pixels in the halftone area, for example, receive a value of "1". Non-imaging pixels, for example, receive a value of "0".

[0154] According to some embodiments, the method includes: converting at least two-bit values ​​into several corresponding one-bit values ​​before obtaining an imaging setting based on the one-bit value. According to some embodiments, the method includes: converting an original string of C1 values ​​represented in ternary into a binary string of 2*C1 binary values. If the pixel corresponds to a pixel in a solid area (i.e., has an original value of "2"), the first C1 binary value of the binary string is, for example, "1". If the pixel corresponds to an imaging pixel (i.e., has an original value of "1" or "2"), the second C1 binary value of the binary string is, for example, "1". The same conversion can be applied to the original string of C2 values ​​and any potential subsequent bit value strings.

[0155] Figures 4 to 7 Four examples of instructions for converting a set of two-bit values ​​into four beams are shown, including converting a sequence of two-bit values ​​into a sequence of one-bit values. Figure 4In the first string, the set of two-bit values ​​is 2212. According to the above method, the set of two-bit values ​​is first converted into two strings of one-bit values: 1101 and 1111. Since the second string only includes "1", all four beams are turned on. In the first string, the first, second and fourth values ​​are "1"; therefore, the first, second and fourth beams image the pixel in at least one solid area. The third value in the first string is "0"; thus, the third beam images the pixel in the halftone area with a reduced beam intensity. Figure 4 As shown, this information is used to direct the light beam.

[0156] exist Figure 5 In the example above, the set of two-bit values ​​is 2221. According to the above method, the set of two-bit values ​​is first converted into two strings of one-bit values: 1110 and 1111. Similarly, the second string includes only "1"; therefore, all four beams are turned on. The first, second, and third values ​​in the first string are "1"; therefore, these three values ​​correspond to solid areas. In this way, the first, second, and third beams will image pixels in at least one solid area. The fourth value in the first string is "0"; therefore, the fourth beam images pixels in the halftone area with reduced beam intensity. As shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, this information is used to direct the light beam.

[0157] exist Figure 6 In the example above, the set of two-bit values ​​is 1112. According to the above method, this set of two-bit values ​​is first converted into a string of two 1-bit values: 0001 and 1111. Similarly, the second string includes only "1": therefore all four beams are turned on. The first, second and third values ​​in the first string are "0"; therefore, the first, second and third beams image the pixel in at least the halftone area with reduced beam intensity. The fourth value in the first string is 1: therefore, the fourth beam images the pixel in the solid area. Figure 6 As shown, this information is used to direct the light beam.

[0158] exist Figure 7 In the example above, the set of two-bit values ​​is 1100. According to the above method, this string of two-bit values ​​is first converted into two strings of one-bit values: 0000 and 1100. The third and fourth values ​​in the second string are "0"; therefore, the third and fourth light beams are turned off and do not image any pixels. The first and second values ​​in the second string are both "1"; the first and second light beams are both turned on. The first and second values ​​in the first string are "0"; therefore, the first and second light beams image pixels in at least the halftone area with reduced beam intensity. Figure 7 As shown, this information is used to direct the light beam.

[0159] Fig. 9A system from a relief precursor to a relief structure is shown. The system includes a control module 100, an imager 110, an exposure tool 120, and a development tool 130. After the imager 110 images the mask layer on the precursor using the modified image file and / or imaging instructions generated by the control module 100, the precursor is exposed to electromagnetic radiation through the imaged mask layer in the exposure tool 120 so that part of the photosensitive layer is cured. The wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation can be in the range of 200nm to 2000nm, preferably ultraviolet (UV) radiation with a wavelength in the range of 200nm to 450nm. The imager 110 for the imaging step is configured to generate an electromagnetic radiation beam that can modify the transparency of the mask layer discussed above, typically a laser beam. The change in transparency can be achieved by ablation, bleaching, color change, refractive index change, or a combination thereof. Preferably, ablation or bleaching is used. Preferably, the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation beam is in the range of 700nm to 12000nm.

[0160] The masking layer can be a separate layer which is usually applied to the relief precursor after removal of an optionally present protective layer, or it can be an integral layer of the precursor which is in contact with the relief layer or one of the optional layers above the relief layer and is covered by a possibly present protective layer.

[0161] The mask layer can also be a commercially available negative film, which can be produced, for example, by a photographic method based on silver halide chemistry. The mask layer can be a composite layer material, in which a transparent layer is produced in an originally opaque layer by image-based exposure, such as described in EP3139210A1, EP1735664B1, EP2987030A1, EP2313270B1. This can be performed by ablating a non-transparent layer on a transparent support layer, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6916596, EP816920B1, or by selectively applying a non-transparent layer to a transparent support layer, such as described in EP992846B1, or directly writing to a relief-forming layer, such as, for example, printing with a non-transparent ink by inkjet, such as described in EP1195645A1.

[0162] Preferably, the mask layer is an integral layer of the relief precursor and is located in direct contact with the relief-forming layer, or is located in a functional layer arranged on the relief-forming layer, which is preferably a barrier layer. In addition, the integral mask layer can be imaged by ablation and, in addition, removed with a solvent or by heating and adsorption / absorption. For example, the layer can be heated and liquefied by selective irradiation with high-energy electromagnetic radiation, thereby producing an image-based structured mask for transferring the structure to the relief precursor. To this end, it can be opaque in the ultraviolet (UV) range and absorb radiation in the visible infrared range, resulting in heating and ablation of the layer. After ablation, the mask layer also exhibits protrusions, typically with a lower protrusion height, for example in the range of 0.1 μm to 5 μm.

[0163] In an exemplary embodiment, the optical density of the mask layer in the ultraviolet range of 330 nm to 420 nm and / or in the visible infrared range of 340 nm to 660 nm is in the range of 1 to 5, preferably in the range of 1.5 to 4, particularly preferably in the range of 2 to 4.

[0164] The layer thickness of the laser-ablatable mask layer is usually 0.1 μm to 5 μm. Preferably, the layer thickness is 0.3 μm to 4 μm, particularly preferably 1 μm to 3 μm. The laser sensitivity of the mask layer (in terms of ablation of 1 cm 2 The energy required for the layer can be measured at 0.1mJ / cm 2 Up to 10mJ / cm 2 Between, preferably between 0.3mJ / cm 2 Up to 5mJ / cm 2 between 0.5 mJ / cm 2 Up to 5mJ / cm 2 between.

[0165] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an example of a curable material that can be used in a photosensitive layer is a photosensitive composition that cures or hardens due to a chemical reaction, resulting in polymerization and / or crosslinking. This reaction can be free radical, cationic or anionic polymerization and crosslinking. Other ways of crosslinking are condensation or addition reactions, such as forming esters, ethers, carbamates or amides. Such compositions may include initiators and / or catalysts that are triggered by electromagnetic radiation. Such initiators or catalysts may be photoinitiator systems that have one or more components that form free radicals, acids or bases, and then initiate or catalyze reactions, resulting in polymerization or crosslinking. Necessary functional groups may be attached to low molecular weight monomers, oligomers or polymers. In addition, the composition may include other components such as adhesives, fillers, colorants, stabilizers, surfactants, inhibitors, regulators and other additives, which may or may not have functional groups for curing reactions. Depending on the components used, flexible and / or rigid materials may be obtained after curing and post-processing. The free radical reaction may be free radical polymerization, free radical crosslinking reaction or a combination thereof. Preferably, the photosensitive layer is rendered insoluble, cured or infusible by free radical reaction.

[0166] The electromagnetic radiation changes the properties of the exposed portions of the photosensitive layer so that in a subsequent development tool, the unexposed portions of the photosensitive layer are removed by the development tool 130 and form a relief structure, such as a printing plate or sleeve.

[0167] Preferably, the removal of soluble or liquefiable substances is achieved by treatment with a liquid (solvent, water or aqueous solution) or thermal development, wherein liquefied or softened material is removed.

[0168] Treatment with liquid can be carried out by spraying liquid on the precursor, brushing or scrubbing the precursor in the presence of liquid. The property of the liquid used is determined by the property of the precursor used. If the layer to be removed is soluble, emulsifiable or dispersible in water or an aqueous solution, water or an aqueous solution can be used. If the layer is soluble, emulsifiable or dispersible in an organic solvent or a mixture, an organic solvent or a mixture can be used. Preferably, the liquid comprises a mixture of cycloalkane or aromatic petroleum fractions and an alcohol, such as benzyl alcohol, cyclohexanol or an aliphatic alcohol with 5 to 10 carbon atoms, for example, and also optionally comprises other components, such as alicyclic hydrocarbons, terpenoid hydrocarbons, substituted benzenes (e.g., diisopropylbenzene), esters or glycol ethers with 5 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0169] For thermal development, a thermal development tool can be used, wherein the relief precursor is fixed on a rotating drum. The thermal development tool also includes an assembly for heating at least one additional layer, and an assembly for contacting the outer surface of at least one additional layer to be heated with an absorbent material for absorbing the material in a molten state. The assembly for heating can include a heatable substrate for the relief precursor and / or an IR lamp arranged above the at least one additional layer. The absorbent material can be pressed against the surface of the at least one additional layer by, for example, an optional heatable roller. While the drum rotates, the absorbent material can be continuously moved on the surface of the flexographic plate, thereby repeatedly removing the material of the at least one additional layer. In this way, the molten material is removed, while the non-molten area still exists and forms a protrusion.

[0170] The relief precursor may be a precursor for an element selected from: flexographic printing plates, relief printing plates, letterpress printing plates, gravure printing plates, (flexible) printed circuit boards, electronic components, microfluidic components, microreactors, electrochemical cells, photonic crystals, and optical components such as Fresnel lenses.

[0171] Optionally, the imaging system may further include an exposure unit, a cleaner, a dryer, a light trimmer or any other post-exposure unit, a storage unit, a cutting unit, a mounting unit or any combination thereof to generate the relief structure as described above.

[0172] The relief structure may also be further processed and may eventually be used as a printing plate. Optionally, the system may also include a light trimmer or any other post-exposure unit. Optionally, a controller may be provided to control the various units of the imaging system. Optionally, one or more pre-processing modules may be provided upstream of the control module 100, such as a Raster Image Processing (RIP) module that converts an image file (such as a pdf file) into a Raster Image Processing file.

[0173] Although the principles of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with specific embodiments, it should be understood that this description is made by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of protection determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for imaging a mask layer, comprising the following steps: providing a mask layer; Providing a plurality of at least (C1+C2) imaging light beams arranged adjacent to each other, the plurality of imaging light beams comprising a first group of C1 imaging light beams (L1) and a second group of C2 imaging light beams (L2); Reading imaging data of a sequence having at least (C1+C2) pixels, where C1 and C2 are integers greater than or equal to 1; At a first moment, based on the read imaging data, a first group C1 of pixels of the sequence are imaged substantially simultaneously using a group C1 of first imaging light beams (L1); At a second moment, based on the read imaging data, a second group of C2 pixels of the sequence are imaged substantially simultaneously using a group of C2 second imaging light beams (L2); Optionally, at one or more subsequent moments, based on the read imaging data, a subsequent group of pixels is imaged substantially simultaneously using a subsequent group of imaging beams (L3), the pixels of the subsequent group being different from the pixels of the first group and the pixels of the second group; For the next sequence of at least (C1+C2) pixels, the imaging data is repeatedly read, and imaging is performed using a group of C1 first imaging beams (L1) at a first moment, and imaging is performed using a group of C2 second imaging beams (L2) at a second moment, and optionally imaging is performed using a subsequent group of imaging beams (L3) at one or more subsequent moments.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: C1 and C2 are integers greater than or equal to 2, and wherein the C1 pixels of the first group are selected so that at least two pixels of the first group are separated by at least one pixel that does not belong to the first group, and the C2 pixels of the second group are selected so that at least two pixels of the second group are separated by at least one pixel that does not belong to the second group.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: C1=C2=C, and each sequence contains N*C pixels, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: A clock having a first frequency f1 is provided, wherein a time period between subsequent moments corresponds to 1 / f1, and wherein reading imaging data of at least (C1+C2) pixels comprises reading imaging data of C1 pixels and then reading imaging data of C2 pixels after an interval of 1 / f1.

5. The method according to claims 3 and 4, wherein: The time period between reading the imaging data of the first sequence and reading the imaging data of the subsequent sequence corresponds to N / f1.

6. The method according to claim 3 and any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The C pixels in the nth group include the nth pixel, the (n+N)th pixel, the (n+2*N)th pixel, etc. in a sequence of N*C pixels, where n is an integer, 1≤n≤N.

7. A method according to claim 3 and any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sequence corresponds to a single line in the imaging data.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3 and claims 1 to 6, wherein: The sequence corresponds to parts of different rows in the imaging data. Preferably, the C pixels in the nth group include the nth pixel in the mth row, the (n+N)th pixel in the (m+1)th row, the (n+2*N)th pixel in the (m+2)th row, ..., 1≤m≤N, and m is an integer.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: A first imaging setting set is obtained for the first group C1 pixels, and the first group C1 pixels are imaged substantially simultaneously according to the first imaging setting set, and a second imaging setting set is obtained for the second group C2 pixels, and the second group C2 pixels are imaged substantially simultaneously according to the second imaging setting set, wherein the imaging setting set is different for each group of pixels.

10. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: Obtaining the first set of imaging settings or the second set of imaging settings includes: searching for imaging settings in a lookup table based on a set of bit values ​​of the image data corresponding to the first group of pixels or the second group of pixels, respectively; Wherein, preferably, the bit value set includes: for each pixel, if the pixel is an imaging pixel, it is "1", or if the pixel is a non-imaging pixel, it is "0".

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The bit value set includes two or more bit values ​​for each pixel.

12. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein: The first imaging setting set and the second imaging setting set respectively include C1 imaging settings for C1 first imaging beams (L1) and C2 imaging settings for C2 second imaging beams (L2).

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: Each imaging setting set specifies a value representing the size and / or shape and / or position of an imaging point corresponding to an imaging pixel; wherein preferably, the first imaging setting set and the second imaging setting set define any one or more of the following parameters: for generating an intensity value of an imaging feature corresponding to an imaging pixel, for example, for controlling an intensity value of a light beam used for imaging; time intervals for generating imaging features corresponding to imaging pixels, e.g., timing values ​​for controlling a beam used for imaging; a beam diameter value and / or a beam shape value for controlling a beam used for imaging; The number of iterations used for imaging; Instructions for exposure heads of a plurality of exposure heads for generating an imaging feature or a group of imaging features corresponding to a pixel or a group of pixels for imaging.

14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: All pixels in the first group are separated by at least one pixel that does not belong to the first group, and wherein all pixels in the second group are separated by at least one pixel that does not belong to the second group.

15. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: While imaging the first group C1 of pixels, the second group C2 of pixels and subsequent groups of pixels if present, the mask layer is moved relative to the imaging beams (L1, L2, L3) in a movement direction (M).

16. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein: While imaging the first group C1 of pixels, the second group C2 of pixels and subsequent groups of pixels, if any, the mask layer is rotated on the drum, and the movement direction (M) corresponds to the rotation direction of the drum.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The mask layer is placed on the inner surface of the drum, and while imaging the first group C1 pixels, the second group C2 pixels and subsequent groups of pixels if any, the mask layer rotates relative to the imaging light beam (L1, L2, L3), and the moving direction (M) corresponds to the rotation direction of the mask layer or the imaging light beam (L1, L2, L3).

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein: While imaging the first group C1 pixels, the second group C2 pixels and, if any, subsequent groups of pixels, the mask layer is moved on the flat stage and / or the imaging light beam (L1, L2, L3) is moved along the flat stage, and the movement direction (M) corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the flat stage.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein: A first group of imaging beams (L1), a second group of imaging beams (L2), and if present, a subsequent group of imaging beams (L3) are arranged adjacent to one another, and when the imaging beam groups (L1, L2, L3) are observed perpendicularly to the mask layer, the imaging beam groups (L1, L2, L3) are aligned along a line, the line defining an angle in a lateral direction (T) perpendicular to the movement direction (M), the angle compensating for the movement of the mask layer between the first moment and the second moment.

20. The method according to claim 15 and any one of claims 1 to 14 or 16 to 19 further comprises moving the imaging beam (L1, L2, L3) relative to the mask layer in a lateral direction (T) perpendicular to the moving direction, so that the imaging beam (L1, L2, L3) moves at least (C1+C2) pixels relative to the mask layer in the lateral direction.

21. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: The movement in a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the movement direction (M) is substantially continuous.

22. A method for imaging a mask layer, comprising the steps of: providing a mask layer; providing a lookup table having a plurality of imaging settings in a bit sequence; Reading imaging data of multiple pixels; obtaining an imaging setting from a lookup table based on a bit sequence of imaging data corresponding to the plurality of pixels, wherein each imaging setting specifies a value representing a size and / or shape of an imaging point corresponding to the imaging pixel; According to the obtained imaging setting, the plurality of pixels are imaged substantially simultaneously using a plurality of imaging light beams (L1, L2, L3).

23. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein: The bit value set includes: for each pixel, "1" if the pixel is an imaging pixel, or "0" if the pixel is a non-imaging pixel.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein: The bit value set includes at least two bit values ​​for each pixel.

25. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein: The imaging setup comprises a plurality of separate independent values ​​for a plurality of imaging light beams (L1, L2, L3).

26. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein: The imaging settings define any one or more of the following parameters: for generating an intensity value of an imaging feature corresponding to an imaging pixel, for example, for controlling an intensity value of a light beam used for imaging; time intervals for generating imaging features corresponding to imaging pixels, e.g., timing values ​​for controlling a beam used for imaging; a beam diameter value and / or a beam shape value for controlling a beam used for imaging; The number of iterations used for imaging; Instructions for exposure heads of a plurality of exposure heads for generating an imaging feature or a group of imaging features corresponding to a pixel or a group of pixels for imaging.

27. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein: Reading imaging data includes reading imaging data of a sequence of at least (C1+C2) pixels, C1 and C2 being integers greater than or equal to 1, wherein obtaining an imaging setting includes: obtaining a first imaging setting based on a plurality of first bit values ​​corresponding to C1 pixels of the sequence; and obtaining a second imaging setting based on a plurality of second bit values ​​corresponding to C2 pixels of the sequence; and wherein imaging using a plurality of imaging beams (L1, L2, L3) includes: At a first moment, imaging a first group C1 of pixels of the sequence substantially simultaneously using a group C1 of first imaging beams (L1) according to a first imaging setting; at a second moment, imaging a second group C2 of pixels of the sequence substantially simultaneously using a group C2 of second imaging beams (L2) according to a second imaging setting; Optionally, at one or more subsequent moments, based on the read imaging data, a subsequent group of pixels is imaged substantially simultaneously using a subsequent group of imaging beams (L3), the pixels of the subsequent group being different from the pixels of the first group and the pixels of the second group; The method further comprises: for a next sequence of at least (C1+C2) pixels, repeatedly reading imaging data, obtaining imaging settings from the lookup table, and performing imaging using a plurality of imaging beams (L1, L2, L3).

28. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein: C1 and C2 are integers greater than or equal to 2; and wherein the C1 pixels of the first group are selected so that at least two pixels of the first group are separated by at least one pixel that does not belong to the first group, and the C2 pixels of the second group are selected so that at least two pixels of the second group are separated by at least one pixel that does not belong to the second group.

29. The method according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: C1=C2=C, where each sequence contains N*C pixels, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

30. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: The C pixels in the nth group include the nth pixel, the (n+N)th pixel, and so on of the sequence of N*C pixels, where n is an integer, 1≤n≤N.

31. The method according to claim 29 or 30, wherein: The sequence corresponds to a single row in the imaging data, or the sequence corresponds to parts of different rows in the imaging data. Preferably, the C pixels in the nth group include the nth pixel in the mth row, the (n+N)th pixel in the (m+1)th row, the (n+2*N)th pixel in the (m+2)th row, ..., 1≤m≤N, and m is an integer.

32. A method for imaging a mask layer, comprising the steps of: providing a mask layer; Reading imaging data of multiple pixels; obtaining an imaging setting based on a sequence of bit values, the sequence of bit values ​​comprising at least two bit values ​​for each pixel in the plurality of pixels; According to the obtained imaging setting, the plurality of pixels are imaged substantially simultaneously using a plurality of imaging light beams (L1, L2, L3).

33. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein: The imaging setup comprises a plurality of separate independent values ​​for a plurality of imaging light beams (L1, L2, L3).

34. The method according to claim 32 or 33, wherein: Each imaging setting specifies a value representing the size and / or shape and / or position of an imaging point corresponding to an imaging pixel; wherein preferably, the imaging setting defines any one or more of the following parameters: for generating an intensity value of an imaging feature corresponding to an imaging pixel, for example, for controlling an intensity value of a light beam used for imaging; time intervals for generating imaging features corresponding to imaging pixels, e.g., timing values ​​for controlling a beam used for imaging; a beam diameter value and / or a beam shape value for controlling a beam used for imaging; The number of iterations used for imaging; Instructions for exposure heads of a plurality of exposure heads for generating an imaging feature or a group of imaging features corresponding to a pixel or a group of pixels for imaging.

35. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The mask layer is disposed on the photopolymerizable layer of a relief precursor, and wherein, after imaging, the photopolymerizable layer of the relief precursor is exposed through the mask layer and the relief precursor is developed to obtain a relief structure.

36. A relief structure obtainable by the method of claim 35.

37. A computer program or a computer program product comprising computer executable instructions for controlling the method according to any one of claims 1 to 35 when the program is run on a computer.

38. A digital data storage medium encoded with a machine executable program of instructions to control any of the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 35.

39. A control module, configured to: Reading imaging data of a sequence having at least (C1+C2) pixels, where C1 and C2 are integers greater than or equal to 1; Controlling a plurality of at least (C1+C2) imaging light beams arranged adjacent to each other, the plurality of imaging light beams comprising a first group of C1 imaging light beams (L1) and a second group of C2 imaging light beams (L2); At a first moment, according to the read imaging data, a group C1 of first imaging light beams (L1) are controlled to image a first group C1 of pixels of the sequence substantially simultaneously; At a second moment, according to the read imaging data, a group of C2 second imaging light beams (L2) are controlled to image a second group of C2 pixels of the sequence substantially simultaneously; Optionally, at one or more subsequent moments, based on the read imaging data, controlling the subsequent group of imaging beams (L3) to image the subsequent group of pixels substantially simultaneously, the pixels of the subsequent group being different from the pixels of the first group and the pixels of the second group; For the next sequence of at least (C1+C2) pixels, the imaging data is repeatedly read, a group of C1 first imaging light beams (L1) are controlled to perform imaging at a first moment, a group of C2 second imaging light beams (L2) are controlled to perform imaging at a second moment, and optionally a subsequent group of imaging light beams (L3) are controlled to perform imaging at one or more subsequent moments.

40. A control module, configured to: Reading imaging data of multiple pixels; Based on the bit sequence of imaging data corresponding to the plurality of pixels, an imaging setting is obtained from a lookup table having a plurality of imaging settings in the bit sequence, wherein: Each imaging setting specifies a value representing a size and / or shape of an imaging point corresponding to an imaging pixel; According to the obtained imaging setting, a plurality of imaging light beams (L1, L2, L3) are controlled to image the plurality of pixels substantially simultaneously.

41. A control module, configured to: Reading imaging data of multiple pixels; obtaining an imaging setting based on a sequence of bit values, the sequence of positions comprising at least two bit values ​​for each pixel in the plurality of pixels; According to the obtained imaging setting, a plurality of imaging light beams (L1, L2, L3) are controlled to image the plurality of pixels substantially simultaneously.

42. A system for processing a relief precursor, comprising: an imager configured to image the mask layer; A digital data storage medium according to claim 38 and / or a control module for controlling the imager according to any one of claims 39 to 41.

43. A system according to the preceding claims, comprising any one or more of the following: at least one transport system configured to transport the relief precursor, a storage device, an exposure tool configured to expose the relief precursor through an imaged mask layer, a development tool configured to remove at least a portion of unexposed material from the relief precursor, a drying system, a post-exposure device, a cutting device, a mounting station, and a heater.

44. A mask layer obtainable by the method of any one of claims 1 to 34.

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