Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a stage for placing a specimen. The stage moves in first directions between a setting position where the specimen is placed and removed and a reading position for reading the specimen. The image reading apparatus also includes a light source for irradiating light onto the specimen on the stage, a photoelectric conversion device having a line shape for photo-electrically converting the light reflected from the specimen, an optical device for guiding the light from the specimen to the photoelectric conversion device, a carriage mounting the optical device, and an apparatus frame for movably supporting the stage and the carriage. The carriage moves along the stage in second directions substantially same as the first direction.

Abstract: A developing apparatus is capable of moving a stage for supporting a substance to be developed from a detachable position to a developing area below a developing unit, and two-dimensional movement. The present developing apparatus includes a developing device, a first moving device movable in a direction of axis of ordinate and a second moving device movable in a direction of axis of abscissa, and a stage posture control device to control an inclined posture of the stage in order to hold a relative distance between the developing device and a developing area surface of the substance placed on the stage constant.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a stage for placing a specimen. The stage moves in first directions between a setting position where the specimen is placed and removed and a reading position for reading the specimen. The image reading apparatus also includes a light source for irradiating light onto the specimen on the stage, a photoelectric conversion device having a line shape for photo-electrically converting the light reflected from the specimen, an optical device for guiding the light from the specimen to the photoelectric conversion device, a carriage mounting the optical device, and an apparatus frame for movably supporting the stage and the carriage. The carriage moves along the stage in second directions substantially same as the first direction.

Abstract: To provide a developing apparatus capable of carrying out movement for moving a substance to be developed from a detachable position to a developing area below a developing unit, and two-dimensional movement (direction of axis of ordinate and direction of axis of abscissa) of a substance to be developed in a developing area by a simple mechanism, and an image processing system provided with such a developing apparatus as described.