Method for changing the pitch between discrete entities conveyed in succession between a device for feeding the entities at an initial spacing pitch provided between two entities fed in succession and a device for receiving the entities at a final pitch substantially greater than the initial pitch. The image processing section sets a depth of field based on the calculated distance to the object, and carries out the image processing by applying the depth of field. A second rotating clutch acts as a holding clutch. The source information includes a plurality of attributes, of which a first set of attributes are included in the first derivative style sheet file.