Abstract: A modular speaker system includes a base assembly having a longitudinally extending, central support member and a support leg extending therefrom in a manner supporting the central support member in a generally upright configuration. The central support member includes a first end and a second end. A first woofer is secured to the base assembly, and a base assembly amplifier is mounted within the central support member and connected to the first woofer. An auxiliary speaker assembly includes a longitudinally extending, auxiliary support member having a first end and a second end, the first end being shaped and dimensioned for selective engagement with the second end of the central support member. A first driver is secured to the auxiliary speaker assembly and an amplifier is mounted within the auxiliary support member and is connected to the first driver.

Abstract: An audio host device has an electrical interface having a speaker contact, a microphone contact, and a reference contact. The reference contact is shared by a microphone and a speaker. The reference contact is also directly coupled to a power return plane of the audio host device. A difference amplifier is provided, having a cold input and a hot input. The hot input is coupled to the microphone contact. A switched attenuator circuit is also provided that has first and second states. In the first state, the attenuator circuit couples a sense point of the reference contact to the cold input, while in the second state the cold input is isolated from the reference sense point. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A six channel guitar amplifier and speaker cabinet for producing orchestral guitar sounds and of the type having a hexagon shaped cabinet which will house six speakers (14) which will mount to six floating baffle boards (14a) which communicate at the six points of the hexagon cabinet and will vibrate independently. In addition a guitar with a hexaphonic pickup (16) will be received by a six way splitter box (18) through a seven pin cable (18b) and will feed the hexaphonic pickup signal into a six channel preamp (10a) to boost the weak signal inherent in hex pickups. The six channel hex preamp will feed into the six separate guitar amps (12) with six conventional patch cords (not shown). The six separate guitar amps outputs (12a) will be connected to the six speakers through conventional speaker cables facilitating independent amplification for each guitar string, resulting in hexaphonic guitar sound.

Abstract: A unitary sound management device including an analog amplification system (36) for amplifying an analog sound signal and electronic equipment for the storage and manipulation of digital data, and at least one speaker (6). The analog amplification system (36) is directly connected to the at least one speaker (6) and is also connected to the electronic equipment which, in turn, is connected to the at least one speaker (6). The analog amplification system (36) and the electronic equipment are both provided in a casing and are adapted to be used in combination with each other to provide improved recordal and post-production of sound signals or can be used independently from each other.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer for converting electrical input signals into acoustic output signals includes a diaphragm adapted to move relative to a housing in response to the electrical input signals to produce the acoustic output signals, a displacement sensor, a bias voltage source, and an amplifier. The displacement sensor includes a first electrode adhered to the diaphragm and a second electrode on a first surface of the housing located proximate to the first electrode. A capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode varies with a displacement of the diaphragm relative to the housing. The bias voltage source is coupled to at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode and provides a fixed charge to the electrode to which it is attached. The amplifier amplifies a change in voltage between the first and second electrodes to produce an output voltage between first and second signal outputs.

Abstract: An interactive play system including a handheld device and an insertion device is provided. An interactive application program is embedded in the handheld device. The insertion device includes a dock, an amplifier, a speaker, and a slave circuit. The dock carries the handheld device. The speaker is coupled to the amplifier and used for playing a sound. The slave circuit is coupled to the amplifier. When the handheld device is placed in the dock of the insertion device and accordingly activates the interactive application program, the handheld device displays an interactive graphical user interface, and the slave circuit and the amplifier are coupled to the handheld device, so as to guide a user to set the insertion device. The handheld device controls various functions of the slave circuit.

Abstract: A surge protection circuit acquires a surge signal from a left channel (LC) signal line and a right channel (RC) signal line. After the surge signal being transmitted on the LC signal line and the RC signal line is removed, an audio signal outputted from a signal input device is transmitted to an audio output device via the LC signal line and the RC signal line.

Abstract: An apparatus and a muting circuit. The apparatus comprises an amplifier, a mute circuit, a pull-down circuit, and a power detection circuit. The amplifier receives a power supply voltage and a common mode voltage, and amplifies an audio input signal to generate an audio output signal. The mute circuit, coupled to the amplifier, conducts the audio output signal to about ground level upon receiving a mute signal. The pull-down circuit, coupled to the amplifier, pulls the common mode voltage to about ground level upon receiving a pull-down signal. The power detection circuit, coupled to the mute circuit and the pull-down circuit, detects power-up or power-down of the power supply voltage, and generates the mute signal and a pull-down signal according to the power-up or power-down operation.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit for amplifying audio signal output by an audio source and outputting the amplified audio signal to a speaker is provided. The amplifier circuit includes a peripheral circuit and an amplifier chip including an amplifier, a first, a second, a third resistor, and a fourth resistor. The peripheral circuit includes a fifth and a sixth resistors. The first resistor is connected between a non-inverting input port and an output port of the amplifier, the second resistor is connected between an inverting input port and the output port of the amplifier, the third resistor is connected between the non-inverting input port and the fifth resistor, the fourth resistor is connected between the inverting port and the sixth resistor, the fifth and the sixth resistors are further respectively connected to an anode output port of the audio source and a cathode output port of the audio source.

Abstract: An amplifier 100 with a high-frequency noise removing function according to the present invention includes: an input terminal 101 to which an input signal is input; a ground terminal 102 maintained at a reference potential; a resistor 111 connected to the input terminal; an amplifying circuit 201 configured to amplify and output the input signal input through the resistor; and an output terminal 103 through which an output signal output from the amplifying circuit is output. The amplifying circuit includes a parasitic capacitance 112 configured to be connected to between one terminal of the resistor, the terminal being located on the opposite side of the input terminal, and the ground terminal, and the resistor and the parasitic capacitance constitute a low-pass filter 113.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the capabilities of an High Definition Audio (HDA) system, wherein the system determines whether an optional component such as a plug-in card is connected to the system and then configures itself in a baseline configuration if the optional component is not connected or configures itself in a different, alternative configuration if the optional component is connected. In one embodiment, a codec of the system includes a programmable processor configured to read configuration authorization information and also read configuration information from the optional component if it is connected to the system. The processor also controls the configuration of the HDA system and the operation of the codec based on the authorization and configuration information. The system can thereby provide different features and functionality using the same hardware.

Abstract: A microphone amplifier comprises an input terminal (E100) for applying an input signal (IN), an output terminal (A100a) for outputting an output signal (OUT), and an additional output terminal (A100b) for outputting an additional output signal (VBIAS). The microphone amplifier also contains an amplifying circuit (10) for generating the output signal (OUT) by amplifying the input signal (IN), wherein the amplifying circuit (10) is connected between the input terminal (E100) and the output terminal (A100a), and a voltage generator (30) for generating the additional output signal (VBIAS). A supply voltage terminal (V30) of the voltage generator (30) is connected to the output terminal (A100a) of the microphone amplifier. Since the amplifying circuit (10) makes available a supply voltage (V) for the voltage generator (30), the microphone amplifier can be operated without a separate supply voltage terminal.

Abstract: An impedance matched connection is provided between a load and a power source that outputs signals within a predetermined frequency range. A coaxial line has a predetermined characteristic impedance, an inner conductor, an outer conductor, and an insulator between the conductors. Each conductor has a first end electrically connectable to output terminals of the power source. A compensation circuit has an adjustable impedance, a first terminal electrically connected to a second end of the inner conductor and to a first terminal of the load, and a second terminal electrically connected to a second end of the outer conductor and to a second terminal of the load. The compensation circuit is adjustable to attain, for a pulse having a rise time/fall time faster than the rise/fall times associated with the predetermined range of frequencies, a combined impedance and load that is substantially equal to the characteristic impedance of the coaxial line.

Abstract: In an audio processing system and method, pull-up circuits and a capacitor circuit are used to cause gradual change in voltage levels of audio signals which would otherwise change abruptly due to high-speed switching when switching from a first audio signal to a second audio signal at a user's command. As a result, pop noise is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sound producing apparatus which suppresses an increase in electric power consumption and cost, and an increase in a number of wiring when a plurality of speaker apparatuses is configured. A speaker driving apparatus supplies electric power to a speaker apparatus, acquires information about an electroacoustic characteristic and maximum input electric power of each speaker apparatus from the speaker apparatus, and executes characteristic correction and output electric power restriction according to the information.

Abstract: An amplifier is provided using digital potentiometer integrated circuits to control the tone of a vacuum tube preamplifier allowing digital control of the analog signal path of the amplifier. Using digital potentiometer integrated circuits to control the tone of a vacuum tube preamplifier results in an amplifier that preserves the unique tone quality of a vacuum tube amplifier that offers the flexibility, versatility, and user-friendly features of a digitally controlled amplifier, such as the ability to save and recall amplifier settings. The amplifier of the present invention is especially applicable for use with musical instruments such as for example, electric guitars.

Abstract: An audio source (TV, stereo) detects, through a wireless signal from a headphone or from its cradle, when the headphone has been disengaged from the cradle. In response the audio device automatically mutes or lowers the volume output by its speakers.

Abstract: An audio signal band expanding apparatus (100a) includes a harmonic generator (3) that receives an input audio signal having a predetermined band and generates, based on the input audio signal, harmonic signals, and an adder (2) that adds the harmonic signals generated by the harmonic generator (3) to the input audio signal. The harmonic generator (3) simulates the input-output characteristics of a predetermined amplifier or that of a device to generate the harmonic signals from the input audio signal.

Abstract: Four speakers are matrix-connected to each other and a conversion circuit for converting audio signals of four channels into pulse width modulation signals of four channels that are time-divided so as to be complementary to matrix connection are provided. Four class-D output amplifiers receive the corresponding pulse width modulation signals output from the conversion circuit and outputs from the output amplifiers are supplied to the speakers.

Abstract: The invention concerns an audio signal processing unit including a receiving unit adapted to receive at least a first audio signal and a pilot tone signal, a first audio signal amplifier adapted to obtain at least a second audio signal from an audio signal source by way of an audio signal input, and a pilot tone signal unit adapted to obtain the received pilot tone signal. The pilot tone signal unit is adapted to output a control signal in a first state if the pilot tone signal is received, and to output the control signal in a second state if the pilot tone signal is not received. The first audio signal amplifier is adapted to process the at least second audio signal in dependence on the state of the control signal.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electronic device, including an accessory coupled to the device having a control interface for receiving at least one input and a tone generator, the accessory configured to, in response to an input, generate a corresponding control tone using the tone generator, and send the control tone and a calibration sequence to the device. The device is operable to receive the calibration sequence and control tone. The device includes a zero-crossing detector operable to determine at least one of the start or ending of each of the calibration sequence and the control tone and having a circuit operable to determine the periods of the calibration sequence and the control tone based on the zero-crossing detector output.

Abstract: First and second channel bridge amplifiers are dynamically configured to drive either speakers or headphones. The first channel bridge amplifier includes a first amplifier driving one end of a first speaker through a mechanical switch in a headphone-jack, and a second amplifier driving another end of the first speaker. The second channel bridge amplifier includes third and fourth amplifiers driving respective ends of a second speaker. An amplifier control circuit dynamically detects the insertion or removal of a plug in the jack and configures the amplifiers accordingly. When a plug is inserted into the jack, the mechanical switch disconnects the first speaker from the first amplifier, and the fourth amplifier is tri-stated disconnect the second speaker. The first and third amplifiers are configured to drive the first and second channels of the headphones, while the third amplifier drives the headphone common point (shield ring) as a virtual ground connection.

Abstract: A portable in-ear audio monitor system for a musician having reduced and simplified overall parts. The in-ear audio system providing the musician with time saving setup and teardown instrumentation for a performance. The invention provides an improved method and apparatus to allow a musician precise monitoring, more movement about stage, reduction in cables needed and improved simplicity of pre-performance setup of equipment. It eliminates the need for a hip pack, distribution box and wedge speaker providing a single cable system having a small and simple splitter jack for the headset and the instrument. Direct ‘in-ear’ monitoring is provided via a monitor box, having line level or speaker level input signals from a sound monitor, and feeding a headphone without using a wired or wireless hip pack. Monitor signal radio interference and noise is greatly reduced. Headset volume control is provided along with an optional reverb and/or sound equalizer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a class D amplifier comprising a modulation stage having a first input for receiving an input signal and an output for producing a modulated version of the input signal; a plurality of power stages, each power stage being responsive to said modulation stage and comprising a first switch and a second switch coupled in series between a first voltage source and a second voltage source, each power stage comprising an output node between the first switch and the second switch; and a power stage control circuit for measuring the input signal level and enabling a selected number of the power stages as a function of the measured input signal level. A method for controlling such a class D amplifier is also disclosed.

Abstract: System for pulse-width-modulated class D audio amplifiers. In one preferred embodiment an adder is described to generate a difference signal responsive to an input signal and a feedback signal, a pulse-width-modulator coupled to the adder to compare the difference signal to a reference signal and produce a pulse-width-modulated signal based on the comparing, a filter coupled to an output of the pulse-width-modulator, and a loop filter having a first input coupled to the output of the filter and a second input coupled to the input of the filter, the loop filter to generate a feedback signal by applying transfer functions to signals at its inputs. The loop transfer function of the amplifier is minimum aliasing error transfer function. The minimum aliasing error properties provide low distortion and taking the feedback from the output of the filter reduces high frequency output impedance.

Abstract: An improved power amplifier system is provided. The power amplifier system includes a programmable digital filter and a power amplifier, each responsive to a plurality of frequency response settings and switching frequency settings, respectively. Each frequency response setting and switching frequency setting is adaptively selected by a processor device to match a bandwidth of an incoming audio signal. The processor device identifies the current bandwidth of an incoming audio signal and adaptively selects a switching rate setting and a frequency response setting based on the current bandwidth. The frequency response setting is selected so as to reduce noise fold over in the power amplifier for a corresponding bandwidth, sampling rate setting, and switching frequency setting.

Abstract: A method for controlling a maximum signal level output to headphones of a wireless device is provided. The method includes: determining an impedance of the headphones; determining a carrier specific maximum signal level for headphones having the impedance; and, adjusting an audio amplifier of the wireless device coupled to the headphones to restrict the maximum signal level output to the headphones to the carrier specific maximum signal level.

Abstract: A computer controlled amplifier and speaker system includes a power conservation feature allowing ready adaptation to a variety of consumer vehicles, audio systems, and individual consumer purposes. The computer controlled amplifier and speaker system includes an audio-signal detection and power on/off feature and accepts multiple audio inputs and enables multiple audio outputs while also allowing ready adaptation to a variety of power sources. A plurality of power supply functions are readily adapted to supply power to the amplifier and speaker system enhancing user convenience. The disclosed system may be readily adaptable to a portable kit allowing achievement of similar power conservation goals in diverse settings.

Abstract: The invention provides a sound processing device. In one embodiment, the sound processing device comprises a first microphone, a first analog-to-digital converter, a second microphone, and a second analog-to-digital converter. The first microphone detects a first sound pressure to generate a first analog audio signal. The first analog-to-digital converter converts the first analog audio signal to a first digital audio signal. The second microphone detects a second sound pressure to generate a second analog audio signal. The second analog-to-digital converter converts the second analog audio signal to a second digital audio signal, encodes a third digital audio signal according to the second digital audio signal, receives the first digital audio signal and a clock signal, outputs data bits of the third digital audio signal when the clock signal oscillates to a logic low level, and outputs data bits of the first digital audio signal when the clock signal oscillates to a logic high level.

Abstract: The invention provides an analog-to-digital converter. In one embodiment, the analog-to-digital converter receives a first audio signal from a microphone, and comprises a coding selection module, a pre-amplifier, a 1-bit ?? modulator, and a signal coding module. The coding selection module receives a mode signal and a channel selection signal, and generates a control signal according to the mode signal and the channel selection signal. The pre-amplifier amplifies the first audio signal to obtain a second audio signal. The 1-bit ?? modulator converts the second audio signal from analog to digital to obtain a third audio signal.

Abstract: The invention provides an analog-to-digital converter. In one embodiment, the analog-to-digital converter receives a first audio signal from a microphone sensor, and receives a first channel selection signal and a clock signal, and comprises a toggle detection module, a first data processing module, a second data processing module, and a multiplexer. The toggle detection module detects whether the first channel selection signal is toggling between a logic low level and a logic high level to generate a control signal. The first data processing module processes the first channel selection signal to generate a second channel selection signal. The second data processing module converts the first audio signal from analog to digital to generate a second audio signal.

Abstract: A signal amplifying circuit and associated methods and apparatuses, the circuit comprising: a signal path extending from an input terminal to an output terminal, a gain controller arranged to control the gain applied along the signal path in response to a control signal; an output stage within the signal path for generating the output signal, the output stage having a gain that is substantially independent of its supply voltage, and a variable voltage power supply comprising a charge pump for providing positive and negative output voltages, the charge pump comprising a network of switches that is operable in a number of different states and a controller for operating the switches in a sequence of the states so as to generate positive and negative output voltages together spanning a voltage approximately equal to the input voltage.

Abstract: An audio playing system is provided comprising a first processing module, a second processing module, a control module, an output module, and a displaying module. The first and second processing modules amplify an audio signal and respectively generates a first first processed signal, a first second processed signal, a second first processed signal, and a second second processed signal. The control module is coupled to the first processing module and the second processing module and generates a playing signal according to a control signal, the first first processed signal, the first second processed signal, the second first processed signal, and the second second processed signal. The output module is coupled to the control module and amplifies the playing signal to generate an output signal. The displaying module is coupled to the output module and plays the output signal.

Abstract: A power amplifier that can provide electrical isolation between an input signal and an amplified output signal avoids isolation between the amplifier output and the load to reduce complexity, component count, cost and size over prior power amplifiers. The power amplifier avoids the use of a power transformer to provide electrical isolation, while maintaining electrical isolation between the amplifier and the input signal to satisfy regulatory requirements. A power converter in the amplifier may be directly connected to input power lines, and provide power factor correction and voltage bus regulation to supply appropriate power to the amplifier. The input signal may be electrically isolated from the amplifier through any suitable isolation including optical isolation or magnetic isolation.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converting method for converting an analog signal to a digital signal is disclosed. The analog-to-digital converting method includes decomposing the analog signal into a major analog signal and a minor analog signal, converting the major analog signal to a major digital signal, determining to which of a plurality of default sections the minor analog signal belongs to generate a minor digital signal correspondingly, and combining the major digital signal and the minor digital signal to form the digital signal.

Abstract: Amplifiers amplify input first audio signals according to volume values set beforehand. Via output terminals, the amplifiers output second audio signals to externally connected power amplifiers. A comparison unit compares the second audio signals with a reference signal. Via the detection terminals, detection signals are output externally according to the comparison results obtained by the comparison unit.

Abstract: An audio amplifier having a variably configurable housing, which may be mounted to an interior surface of a motor vehicle. The housing is formed in two complementing housing sections mutually joined by a hinge, tether, or other connector. A power supply is contained in one housing section and an audio output module is contained in the other housing section. The power supply and audio output module may be connected by flexible signal conductors to accommodate pivot of the two housing sections relative to one another. A heat sink comprising cooling fins and communications and power terminals may be disposed on the exterior of the housing sections to enable conventional connection to an associated audio system. The hinge may incorporate a fixing element which releasably holds the two housing sections at a selected degree of pivot.

Abstract: An audio amplifier with a spurious wave noise reduction circuit according to the present invention comprises: an input unit receiving the audio signal for each channel; a modulation unit converting the audio signal into a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal; an amplification unit amplifying the PWM signal; an output unit extracting the audio signal from the amplified PWM signal to output; a power supply applying power to the input unit, the modulation unit, the amplification unit, and the output unit; and a pulse generation unit generating a first reference signal that is a pulse signal applied to the modulation unit and a second reference signal that is a pulse signal applied to the power supply.

Abstract: A plug-and-jack for use with an electronic device that is configured to ensure circuitry of the device is protected from electrostatic discharge. In one case, the jack is an audio jack designed to protect high gain circuitry of the device against electrostatic discharge from the leads of an audio plug. The jack includes a mechanical switch that only connects the high gain circuitry to the appropriate portion of the audio plug once the audio plug is fully inserted. At the same time, the mechanical switch also connects the high gain circuitry and corresponding portion of the audio plug to an electrostatic discharge circuit.

Abstract: A controller 103 that conducts various controls corresponding to input information selects target voltage information and target dead time information corresponding to input audio signal level information from data table information, outputs the target voltage information to a variable power supply unit 104, and outputs the target dead time information associated with the target voltage information to a dead time generator 105, to thereby set an output supply voltage and a dead time corresponding to an input audio signal level in a half bridge circuit 107. Accordingly, there can be provided a class D amplification device that can minimize the dead time and reduce distortion while suppressing the amount of heat generation caused by a through-current.

Abstract: An audio electronic device includes a player, an output device, a detector, and an automatic turn-off module. The player is for reproducing audio data. The output device is for transforming the audio data to audible sound. The detector is for detecting positional shift of the output device. The automatic turn-off module is for turning off the player based on the positional shift. An automatic turn-off method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Various techniques for controlling the playback of secondary audio data on an electronic device are provided. In one embodiment, a secondary audio clip mixing profile is selected based upon the type of audio output device, such as a speaker or a headset, coupled to the electronic device. The selected mixing profile may define respective digital gain values to be applied to a secondary audio stream at each digital audio level of the electronic device, and may be customized based upon one or more characteristics of the audio output device to substantially optimize audibility and user-perceived comfort. In this manner, the overall user listening experience may be improved.

Abstract: A circuit for processing sound signals includes an input amplifier for amplifying an input signal, wherein the amplified input signal is supplied to an output amplifier unchanged via a primary path configured as a bypass line and processed via one or several secondary paths configured as a circuit for processing the amplified input signal for amplifying and outputting the processed signal, wherein respective signal portions of the amplified input signal, which are supplied to the output amplifier via the primary path and the secondary path(s), can each be adjusted with an adjusting device, and wherein the secondary path includes a corresponding equalizing filter for filtering a corresponding frequency range with a dynamic circuit for optionally dynamically changing frequency, amplitude and phase depending on the signal and concurrent with a static control.

Abstract: Use cases for portable electronic media devices as connected to other media systems, such as room-scale audiovisual systems. In some aspects, a hard shell case is adapted for securing a portable media device to a wall mount, or a stand, or providing access through wireless networking. In other aspects, use cases integrate these devices with other systems.

Abstract: An earphone monitoring system is disclosed that provides for user information and control regarding ambient and monitored sound levels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for amplifying a transmission signals in multiple modes and multiple bands. The apparatus includes a tunable power amplifying module adapted to receive a plurality of signal types comprising multiple modes and multiple bands. The tunable power amplifying module includes a first and second power amplifier stages and a number of tunable matching networks configured to optimize an impedance value based on the mode and band of the signal to be amplified.

Abstract: To efficiently obtain two outputs including one at a normal level and the other at an excessive level. An input signal input to the negative input terminal of an operational amplifier (14) having a negative feedback path is amplified to output an output signal. Signal combining units (18, 20, 22) are provided for adding in a weighted manner a negative input terminal side signal obtained by combining the input signal input to the negative input terminal of the operational amplifier (14) and a feedback signal from the negative feedback path and the output signal from the operational amplifier to output a combined signal, so that two signals, namely the output signal from the operational amplifier (14) and the combined signal, are obtained.

Abstract: Contemplated planar magnetic microphones have a magnet and diaphragm arrangement such that substantially homogenous vertical and high horizontal magnetic flux density is realized in the inter-magnet space. Most preferably, the diaphragm is disposed in the inter-magnet space and includes a voice coil covering a significant fraction of the active portion of the membrane. In further especially preferred aspects, the membrane is sufficiently strong and tensioned to allow a large elastic excursion in the inter-magnet space. Consequently, contemplated planar magnetic microphones provide exceptionally large dynamic range without compression and/or distortion and can be easily configured to operate in an environment that is subject to moisture, rain, or to even operate in a submerged environment. Moreover, contemplated microphones can be used as speakers at even high SPL without reconfiguration.

Abstract: A serializer/deserializer interfaces a microprocessor/controller with I/O devices over a flexible hinging cable. The I/O devices have parallel interfaces as does the controller but the serializer/deserializer reduces the number of signal that traverse the flexible hinging cable. LCD displays, cameras, keypads and audio signals handled by the invention.

Abstract: A sound signal generator includes a sound signal output function for outputting a sound signal to a command-driven amplifier that drives a speaker by using the sound signal being converted according to a control command, a first counter control function for changing a content of a first counter in a storage medium in a predetermined manner, a control command sending function for sending a control command to the command-driven amplifier upon having change in the content of the first counter in the predetermined manner, and a second counter control function for changing a content of a second counter in the storage medium in the predetermined manner upon having the control command sent to the command-driven amplifier by the control command sending function.