In an information retrieval apparatus for retrieving, from a database, information
of a predetermined number in the descending order to degree of matching with the
entered retrieving condition, in displaying the images corresponding to the results
of retrieval, the size and position of the image are so determined that the image
becomes larger in size and closer to the center of the display unit with a higher
degree of matching whereby the degree of matching can be directly understood. Also
within the positions of a same distance from the center, the display position is
so determined as to minimize the overlapping with other results of retrieval whereby
the results can be displayed in an easily observable manner.