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

Abstract

The present invention provides a mask for divided printing that completes an image by plural scans using inks of different plural inks, the mask being able to suppress possible grains during printing to reduce image degradation resulting from beading. If for example, among the print permitting pixels for which the total repulsive potential is to be calculated, a print permitting pixel Do has the highest total repulsive potential, changes in repulsive potential after movement of the pixels are determined and the print permitting pixel Do is moved to a pixel having the lowest total repulsive potential after the movement. This processing is repeated to enable a reduction in the total energy of the entire plane. Consequently, the print permitting pixels are appropriately dispersed in overlapping plane masks so as to have few low frequency components.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. 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 the 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 feweris less than thatan 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. 
 
     
     
       2. A data processing method according to  claim 1 , wherein the arrangement pattern of the print permitting pixels obtained by the logical product 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 properties in which the arrangement pattern is aperiodic and in which the amount of the low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components. 
     
     
       3. A data processing method according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the two mask patterns is aperiodic and has a property in which an amount of the low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components. 
     
     
       4. A data processing method according to  claim 1 , wherein the predetermined printing scan is a first printing scan that prints the predetermined area. 
     
     
       5. A data processing method according to  claim 1 , wherein a first type of dots formed by the first nozzle group are dots of ink containing a color material of a predetermined color, and a second type of dots formed by the second nozzle group are dots of a liquid containing a component that reacts chemically with the ink. 
     
     
       6. A data processing method according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the arrangement patterns of the print permitting pixels in each of the plural mask patterns of the first pattern group has properties in which the arrangement pattern is aperiodic and in which the amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components, and each of the arrangement patterns of the print permitting pixels in each of the plural mask patterns of the second pattern group has properties in which the arrangement pattern is aperiodic and in which the amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components. 
     
     
       7. A data processing method according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the plural mask patterns of the first pattern group has a print rate that is biased in a nozzle arrangement direction of the first nozzle group, and
 each of the plural mask patterns of the second pattern group has a print rate that is biased in a nozzle arrangement direction of the second nozzle group. 
 
     
     
       8. A data processing method according to  claim 1 , wherein the print permitting pixels and print non-permitting pixels are arranged in each of the plural mask patterns of the first pattern group so that a unit corresponds to a group comprising plural pixels adjacent to one another in at least one of the scan direction and a sub-scan direction that is orthogonal to the scan direction, and
 the print permitting pixels and print non-permitting pixels are arranged in each of the plural mask patterns of the second pattern group so that a unit corresponds to a group comprising plural pixels adjacent to one another in at least one of the scan direction and the sub-scan direction that is orthogonal to the scan direction. 
 
     
     
       9. A data processing method according to  claim 1 , wherein a printing head has N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) nozzle groups including the first nozzle group and the second nozzle group, and
 each of arrangement patterns of print pixels obtained by a logical product and a logical sum of N mask patterns corresponding to the N nozzle groups for the predetermined printing scan has properties in which the arrangement pattern is aperiodic and in which an amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components. 
 
     
     
       10. A data processing method according to  claim 1 , wherein a first type of dots formed by the first nozzle group are different from a second type of dots formed by the second nozzle group in at least one of colors and sizes. 
     
     
       11. A data processing method according to  claim 1 , wherein the low frequency components are components in a low-frequency-side of a half of a space frequency area in which frequency components are present. 
     
     
       12. A data processing apparatus comprising an image processing section that executes the data processing method according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
       13. A data processing apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein said data processing apparatus is a printing apparatus that executes printing on the predetermined area by the plural printing scans of the first and second nozzle groups relative to the predetermined area. 
     
     
       14. A data processing apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein said data processing apparatus is a host apparatus connected to a printing apparatus that executes printing on the predetermined area by the plural printing scans of the first and second nozzle groups relative to the predetermined area. 
     
     
       15. 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 feweris less than thatan 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. 
 
     
     
       16. 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 feweris less than an amount of high frequency components. 
 
     
     
       17. 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 feweris less than an amount of high frequency components. 
 
     
     
       18. 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 feweris less than thatan 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. 
 
     
     
       19. A data processing method according to  claim 18 , wherein the arrangement pattern of the print permitting pixels obtained by the 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 properties in which the arrangement pattern is aperiodic and in which the amount of low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components. 
     
     
       20. 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 feweris less than thatan 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. 
 
     
     
       21. 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 feweris less than an amount of high frequency components. 
 
     
     
       22. 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 feweris less than an amount of high frequency components. 
 
     
     
       23. 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 feweris less than thatan 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 feweris less than thatan 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. 
 
     
     
       24. A data processing method according to  claim 23 , wherein the arrangement pattern of the print permitting pixels obtained by the logical product 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 is aperiodic and has a property in which the amount of the low frequency components are fewer is less than an amount of high frequency components, and
 the arrangement pattern of the print permitting pixels obtained by the 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 the amount of the low frequency components are fewer is less than the an amount of high frequency components. 
 
     
     
       25. 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 feweris less than thatan 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 feweris less than thatan 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. 
 
     
     
       26. 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 feweris 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 feweris less than an amount of high frequency components. 
 
     
     
       27. 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 feweris 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 feweris less than an amount of high frequency components. 
 
     
     
       28. 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.   
     
     
       29. 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 feweris less than an amount of high frequency components. 
 
     
     
       30. 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 feweris less than an amount of high frequency components. 
 
     
     
       31. 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 feweris less than thatan 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. 
 
     
     
       32. A printing apparatus according to  claim 31 , wherein a printing head has N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) nozzle groups including the first nozzle group and the second nozzle group, and
 N mask patterns corresponding to the N nozzle groups are used to generate N thinned images that are successively printed in the predetermined area. 
 
     
     
       33. 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 feweris less than thatan 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. 
 
     
     
       34. 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 feweris less than thatan 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 athe correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used for printing are feweris less than thatan 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. 
 
     
     
       35. 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 feweris less than an amount of high frequency components. 
 
     
     
       36. 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 feweris less than thatan 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. 
 
     
     
       37. 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 feweris less than an amount of high frequency components. 
 
     
     
       38. 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 feweris less than thatan 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. 
 
     
     
       39. 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 feweris less than an amount of high frequency components. 
 
     
     
       40. 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 feweris less than an amount of high frequency components. 
 
     
     
       41. 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 feweris less than an amount of high frequency components. 
 
     
     
       42. A data processing apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the first nozzle group ejects a first color of ink and the second nozzle group ejects a second color of ink, with the second color being different from the first color. 
     
     
       43. A data processing method according to claim 16, wherein the first nozzle group ejects a first color of ink and the second nozzle group ejects a second color of ink, with the second color being different from the first color. 
     
     
       44. A data processing apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the amount of low frequency components of the 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 the correspondence relationship of the two mask patterns when the two mask patterns are used is less than 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. 
     
     
       45. A data processing apparatus according to claim 44, 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 is less than an amount of high frequency components. 
     
     
       46. A data processing apparatus according to claim 37, 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 is less than an amount of high frequency components. 
     
     
       47. A data processing apparatus according to claim 37, further comprising a printing head that includes the first and second nozzle groups and which is used for performing printing based on the plurality of divided image data obtained by dividing by the first dividing unit and the plurality of divided image data obtained by dividing by the second dividing unit. 
     
     
       48. A data processing apparatus according to claim 47, further comprising a scan unit configure to perform scanning by the printing head for performing the plural printing scans of the first and second nozzle groups for ejecting ink. 
     
     
       49. A data processing apparatus according to claim 48, further comprising a conveying unit configured to convey the print medium. 
     
     
       50. A data processing apparatus according to claim 36, further comprising a printing head that includes the first and second nozzle groups and which is used for performing printing based on the plurality of divided image data obtained by dividing by the first dividing unit and the plurality of divided image data obtained by dividing by the second dividing unit. 
     
     
       51. A data processing apparatus according to claim 38, further comprising a printing head that includes the first and second nozzle groups and which is used for performing printing based on the plurality of divided image data obtained by dividing by the first dividing unit and the plurality of divided image data obtained by dividing by the second dividing unit. 
     
     
       52. A data processing apparatus according to claim 39, further comprising a printing head that includes the first and second nozzle groups and which is used for performing printing based on the plurality of divided image data obtained by dividing by the first dividing unit and the plurality of divided image data obtained by dividing by the second dividing unit.