PURPOSE: To shorten the time for operation and to simplify the operation by storing information corresponding to identification information read out by a reading means after adding the correspondent information to picture information read by a picture information reading means.

CONSTITUTION: Based on the identification information read by a picture information reading means 3a, the information corresponding to the identification information is read out from a first storing means 10, and the information corresponding to this identification information is added to the picture information read by a picture information reading means 3 and stored in a second storing means OD. Therefore, retrieval information attached to the picture information can be automatically obtained. Thus, the time for operation is shortened, the operation is simplified and further, input error can be prevented.