Image processing method and image processing apparatus

An image processing method for generating applying data for forming an image on a print medium by one or more relative scans between a print head for ejecting a first ink and a second ink, the second ink having the same color as the first ink and a higher permeability into the print medium than the first ink, and the print medium, the image processing method comprising the steps of:

• generating first data for applying the first ink to a predetermined region adjacent to an edge region of the image and that is included in an inside region inward of the edge region, wherein the first data does not include data for applying the first ink to the edge region and the second ink to both of the predetermined region and the edge region;
• generating second data for applying the second ink to the edge region, wherein the second data does not include data for applying the first ink to both of the predetermined region and the edge region and the second ink to the predetermined region;
• and
• generating third data for applying the first ink to the edge region, wherein the third data does not include data for applying the first ink to the predetermined region and the second ink to both of the predetermined region and the edge region,
• wherein the first ink is applied to the edge region based on the third data after the second ink is applied to the edge region based on the second data.

An inkjet printing apparatus for printing an image on a print medium, comprising:

• a print head for ejecting a first ink and a second ink, which has the same color as the first ink and a higher permeability into the print medium than the first ink;
• a moving unit configured to relatively move the print head and the print medium;
• and
• a controller configured to control ejection of the first ink and the second ink such that (i) in a case of printing on a predetermined region that is adjacent to an edge region of the image and that is included in an inside region inward of the edge region, the first ink is ejected and the second ink is not ejected in advance of ejecting the first ink, and (ii) in a case of printing on the edge region, the second ink is ejected and then the first ink is ejected.

An inkjet printing apparatus for printing an image on a print medium, comprising:

• a print head for ejecting a first ink and a second ink, which has the same color as the first ink and a lower surface tension than the first ink;
• a moving unit configured to relatively move the print head and the print medium;
• and
• a controller configured to control ejection of the first ink and the second ink such that (i) in a case of printing on a predetermined region that is adjacent to an edge region of the image and that is included in an inside region inward of the edge region, the first ink is ejected and the second ink is not ejected in advance of ejecting the first ink, and (ii) in a case of printing on the edge region, the second ink is ejected and then the first ink is ejected.