An addition unit adds information for managing a plurality of image-data files to directory information packets. A managing unit utilizes the added information for managing the plurality of image-data files. A retrieving unit retrieves, in accordance with an input retrieving information, a desired...http://www.google.de/patents/US5838967?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US5838967 - Image filing apparatus and method for storing image data and directory information 
