Patent ID: 7079283

Claim:
A data processing method for generating print data to be supplied to a printing apparatus capable of multi-value recording, said method comprising: a multi-value conversion step of converting obtained image data to multi-value print data; a binarizing step of converting the obtained image data to binary print data; a selection step of selecting either one of said multi-value conversion step and said binarizing step in accordance with a condition; a changing step of changing an order of application of the different color inks to be applied for formation of secondary color in a pixel area of secondary color using a changing means; and a forming step of forming the secondary color using a forming means while making the order of applications of the inks to at least one of a plurality of the secondary color pixel areas arranged along a raster scan direction different from the order of another by said changing means; wherein said printing apparatus is capable of forming a color image by application of different color inks onto a print medium while scanningly moving a recording head thereof bi-directionally; and wherein the secondary color is formed on the basis of the multi-value print data provided by said multi-value conversion step.