Data processing method, data processing apparatus, mask generation method, and mask pattern

A data processing method for generating image data which is used for plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to a predetermined area of a print medium, said method comprising:

• a first dividing step of dividing first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area of a print medium by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing step of dividing second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan, of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an amount of low frequency components of an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group at a regular position are fewer is less than that an amount of low frequency components of another arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group at a position different from the regular position.

A data processing method for generating image data which is used for plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to a predetermined area of a print medium, said method comprising:

• a first dividing step of dividing first image data indicative of a first image to be printed to the a predetermined area of a print medium by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing step of dividing second image data indicative of a second image to be printed to the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used has a property in which an amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components.

A data processing method for generating image data which is used for plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to a predetermined area of a print medium, said method comprising:

• a first dividing step of dividing first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area of a print medium by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing step of dividing second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group is aperiodic and has a property in which an amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components.

A data processing method for generating image data which is used for plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to a predetermined area of a print medium, said method comprising:

• a first dividing step of dividing first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area of a print medium by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing step of dividing second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an amount of low frequency components of an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used are fewer is less than that an amount of low frequency components of another arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship different from the correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used.

A data processing method for generating image data which is used for plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to a predetermined area of a print medium, said method comprising:

• a first dividing step of dividing first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area of a print medium by the first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing step of dividing second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an amount of low frequency components of an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group at a regular position are fewer is less than that an amount of low frequency components of an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group at a position different from the regular position.

A data processing method for generating image data which is used for plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to a predetermined area of a print medium, said method comprising:

• a first dividing step of dividing first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area of a print medium by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing step of dividing second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used has a property in which an amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components.

A data processing method for generating image data which is used for plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to a predetermined area of a print medium, said method comprising:

• a first dividing step of dividing first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing step of dividing second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group is aperiodic and has a property in which an amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components.

A data processing method for generating image data which is used for plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to a predetermined area of a print medium, said method comprising:

• a first dividing step of dividing first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing step of dividing second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan,
• wherein an amount of low frequency components of an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used are fewer is less than that an amount of low frequency components of another arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship different from the correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used, and
• wherein an amount of low frequency components of an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on the correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used are fewer is less than that an amount of low frequency components of another arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on the correspondence relationship different from the correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used.

A data processing method for generating image data which is used for plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to a predetermined area of a print medium, said method comprising:

• a first dividing step of dividing first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing step of dividing second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan,
• wherein an amount of low frequency components of an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group at a regular position are fewer is less than that an amount of low frequency components of another arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group at a position different from the regular position, and
• wherein an amount of low frequency components of an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group at the regular position are fewer is less than that an amount of low frequency components of another arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group at the position different from the regular position.

A data processing method for generating image data which is used for plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to a predetermined area of a print medium, said method comprising:

• a first dividing step of dividing first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing step of dividing second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used has a property in which an amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components and an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on the correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used has a property in which an amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components.

A data processing method for generating image data which is used for plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to a predetermined area of a print medium, said method comprising:

• a first dividing step of dividing first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area of a print medium by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing step of dividing second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group is aperiodic and has a property in which an amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components and an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group is aperiodic and has a property in which an amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components.

A printing apparatus for printing an image on a predetermined area of a print medium by plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to the predetermined area, said apparatus comprising:

• a first dividing unit configured to divide first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area of a print medium by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing unit configured to divide second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used for printing has a property in which an amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components.

A printing apparatus for printing an image on a predetermined area of a print medium by plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to the predetermined area, said apparatus comprising:

• a first dividing unit configured to divide first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area of a print medium by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing unit configured to divide second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used for printing has a property in which an amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components.

A printing apparatus for printing an image on a predetermined area of a print medium by plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to the predetermined area, said apparatus comprising:

• a first dividing unit configured to divide first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area of a print medium by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing unit configured to divide second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group is aperiodic and has a property in which an amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components.

A printing apparatus for printing an image on a predetermined area of a print medium by plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to the predetermined area, said apparatus comprising:

• a first dividing unit configured to divide first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area of a print medium by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing unit configured to divide second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural panting printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an amount of low frequency components of an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used for printing are fewer is less than that an amount of low frequency components of another arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship different from the correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used for printing.

A printing apparatus for printing an image on a predetermined area of a print medium by plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to the predetermined area, said apparatus comprising:

• a first dividing unit configured to divide first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area of a print medium by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing unit configured to divide second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an amount of low frequency components of an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used for printing are fewer is less than that an amount of low frequency components of another arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship different from the correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used for printing.

A printing apparatus for printing an image on a predetermined area of a print medium by plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to the predetermined area, said apparatus comprising:

• a first dividing unit configured to divide first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area of a print medium by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing unit configured to divide second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan,
• wherein an amount of low frequency components of an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used for printing are fewer is less than that an amount of low frequency components of another arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship different from the correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used for printing, and
• wherein an amount of low frequency components of an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a the correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used for printing are fewer is less than that an amount of low frequency components of another arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship different from the correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used for printing.

A printing apparatus for printing an image on a predetermined area of a print medium by plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to the predetermined area, said apparatus comprising:

• a first dividing unit configured to divide first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area of a print medium by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing unit configured to divide second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group is aperiodic and has a property in which an amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components.

A data processing apparatus for generating image data which is used for plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to a predetermined area of a print medium, comprising:

• a first dividing unit configured to divide first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area of a print medium by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing unit configured to divide second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an amount of low frequency components of an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used are fewer is less than that an amount of low frequency components of another arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship different from the correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used.

A data processing apparatus for generating image data which is used for plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to a predetermined area of a print medium, comprising:

• a first dividing unit configured to divide first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area of a print medium by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing unit configured to divide second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used has a property in which an amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components.

A data processing apparatus for generating image data which is used for plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to a predetermined area of a print medium, comprising:

• a first dividing unit configured to divide first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing unit configured to divide second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an amount of low frequency components of an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used are fewer is less than that an amount of low frequency components of another arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship different from the correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used.

A data processing apparatus for generating image data which is used for plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to a predetermined area of a print medium, comprising:

• a first dividing unit configured to divide first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area of a print medium by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing unit configured to divide second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern, of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group based on a correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used has a property in which an amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components.

A printing apparatus for printing an image on a predetermined area of a print medium by plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to the predetermined area, said apparatus comprising:

• a first dividing unit configured to divide first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area of a print medium by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing unit configured to divide second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical product of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group has a property in which an amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components.

A printing apparatus for printing an image on a predetermined area of a print medium by plural printing scans of first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink, relative to the predetermined area, said apparatus comprising:

• a first dividing unit configured to divide first image data indicative of a first image to be printed on the a predetermined area of a print medium by the a first nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the first nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a first pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans;
• and
• a second dividing unit configured to divide second image data indicative of a second image to be printed on the predetermined area by the a second nozzle group into a plurality of divided image data used for the plural printing scans of the second nozzle group relative to the predetermined area, by using a second pattern group having plural mask patterns corresponding to the plural printing scans,
• wherein an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern of the first pattern group, which is used for a predetermined printing scan of the plural printing scans, is different from an arrangement of print permitting pixels in one mask pattern of the second pattern group, which is used for the predetermined printing scan, and
• wherein an arrangement pattern of print permitting pixels obtained by a logical sum of the one mask pattern of the first pattern group and the one mask pattern of the second pattern group has a property in which an amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components.