Patent ID: 7224307
Filing Date: 2007-05-29
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. Electronic equipment, comprising: operation means including a plurality of operation elements integrally formed with a base member entirely of a material that emits light through release of stored optical energy; switching means operable to put circuits of the electronic equipment into one of a closed state and an open state upon a deformation of said base member by a depression of at least one of said plurality of operation elements; a cover including a plurality of holes for receiving said plurality of operation elements therethrough to thereby permit depressing of said operation elements, said cover transmitting at least part of light emitted by said plurality of operation elements; a light source operable to emit light; and sensor means for detecting when a user is holding the electronic equipment, wherein when said sensor means detects that a user is holding the electronic equipment, light is emitted by said light source for a predetermined length of time and stored as optical energy in said material forming said operation means.