as an aside, using the term “masks” in this context is kind of confusing to a laser newbie such as myself. We’ve been using masks and masking as terms for putting a layer of material onto the object we wish to laser in order to reduce “flashback” or soot (i.e. masking tape).
I think that when everyone is using the term masks in this context, they are referring to “hiding” part of the image?
for example, when you say “define said masks” in your second paragraph, are you actually saying “define the area to be hidden or revealed”?