PURPOSE: To perform retrieval by selecting a retrieval object, drawing a constitution diagram, and selecting a command by using a mouse.

CONSTITUTION: This system is equipped with data 300 which include the name of the retrieval object, a data base control system 200, and a user interface 100. Further, the system is equipped with an additional user interface 110 composed of a retrieval object name retrieving means which selects the retrieval object, a retrieval object brief figure display; means which displays a brief figure of the retrieval object, a command selecting means which selects the command, a constitution figure character string converting means which converts the selected retrieval object into a character string enabling retrieval in a data base, and a retrieval area input means which inputs the converted character string. The name of the retrieval object in a retrieval object name selection area is selected with the mouse to generate the constitution figure and when the retrieval command is selected in a command selection area, data retrieval pursuant to the constitution figure is performed.