Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which enables efficient search of a particular file out of a multiplicity of files arranged on shelves, such that a display light, such as light-emitting diode, lights to externally indicate the location of the file only when a signal receiver attached to the file receives a predetermined signal from a signal transmitter connected to a computer. More particularly, a discrete object searching apparatus is provided for searching and locating discrete files wherein the signal transmitter and the signal receiver are, respectively, an infrared signal transmitter and an infrared signal receiver. An optical receptor portion of the receiver is provided with a means for cutting off visible light to eliminate wasteful use of the battery of the receiver. The receiver has no amplifier portion, the receptor portion being thus directly connected to a data processing portion in the receiver. The apparatus can perform not only search of a discrete file, but also search of a group of files.