A scene change automatic detection unit detects a scene change at the time of input storage of a dynamic image in a storage unit, to retrieve the dynamic image as a search key, and a characteristic amount unit calculates a characteristic amount of each scene. The characteristic amount is stored together with the dynamic image in the storage unit. In a retrieval operation, a scene change automatic detection unit detects a scene change of a dynamic image entered and a scene change automatic detection unit calculates a characteristic amount of each scene. A correspondence determination unit compares a characteristic amount of a stored dynamic image and a characteristic amount of a dynamic image entered as a search key and determines the correspondence of these characteristic amounts.