US Patent 7895222 Data retrieval apparatus

A data retrieval apparatus includes a base unit, e.g., a geographic globe having a surface bearing a set of index information, and a pen-like operator separate from and co-operable wirelessly with the globe. The operator has a sensor for sensing the index information when it is brought close to the globe surface, a memory device for storing data information, associated with the index information, for retrieval, based on a reference to the index information sensed by the sensor, a controller for retrieving the data information from the memory device by reference to the index information sensed by the sensor, and a speaker for announcing the data information retrieved by the controller.