- TOKYO, Japan, June 23, 2025 -

Seiko Epson Corporation (TSE: 6724, "Epson") has added a new buzzer sound data generation function to its voice data creation PC tool, which is designed for Epson's voice playback microcontrollers and dedicated voice playback ICs.

With this enhancement, the tool can now generate voice data not only for conventional speaker-based playback but also for playback through buzzers.

The tool supports 12 languages widely used across the Americas, Europe, and Asia (American English, American Spanish, Canadian French, British English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean).

Voice-enabled devices are becoming increasingly widespread in applications such as water heater remote controls and home appliances. In addition, the use of voice for alerts and guidance is expanding in health devices, office buildings, and factories. To meet these growing needs, Epson has developed voice playback microcontrollers and dedicated voice playback ICs optimized for such applications. By offering these solutions together with its PC tool for voice data creation, Epson has earned strong support from customers.

While buzzers are a cost-effective option for integrating voice playback into various devices, they typically fall short in delivering sufficient audio quality and sound pressure. As a result, many manufacturers opt for more expensive speakers to meet performance requirements.

To address this challenge, Epson has implemented a proprietary algorithm into its PC tool, enabling the generation of voice data optimized for voice and melody playback through buzzers. Voice and melody playback via buzzers is made possible by combining this tool with Epson's voice playback microcontrollers or dedicated voice playback ICs that support buzzer output. This advancement allows manufacturers to easily add voice guidance functionality to existing products that already use buzzers simply by incorporating an Epson voice IC. This not only offers significant cost advantages but also helps reduce development time. The tool is provided free of charge to customers adopting Epson's voice solutions and is included with the evaluation board.

Epson is committed to contributing to the enhanced performance of customer products and the realization of smarter social infrastructure through its proprietary technologies focused on energy efficiency, miniaturization, and precision-what Epson calls “Sho-Sho-Sei” (efficient, compact, and precise technologies).

New Feature

1. Buzzer sound data generation

• Using the buzzer voice configuration tool, users can create and fine-tune buzzer-compatible voice data via a graphical user interface (GUI) by combining the following features:
  
  • Frequency filters (low-pass filter, high-pass filter, band-pass filter)
  • Buzzer effector
  • Gain adjustment¹ (normalization / gain setting)

Existing Features

2. High-quality voice data generated simply by entering text²

• Equipped with an extensive dictionary and the ability to interpret entire sentences, the tool can generate high-quality voice data.
• If a word is not found in the dictionary-such as coined terms or product names-a pronunciation editing feature is available.
• Each supported language includes one female voice³, with adjustable pitch and speed.

3. You can also use your own voice and melody data

• If the file is in WAV format (16 kHz sampling rate, mono), it can be easily imported and used within the tool.
• Imported WAV files can also be connected with voice data generated by the tool.

4. Automatic placement of basic phrase settings

• To reduce memory usage, inserting a "/" into a basic phrase allows the tool to recognize it as a reusable segment and automatically configure the connection information.
  For example:
  Entry 1: "The temperature is / 38℃"
  Entry 2: "The temperature is / 39℃"
  Entry 3: "The temperature is / 40℃"
  In this case, the generated audio data will consist of the following segments:
  "The temperature is", "38℃", "39℃", "40℃".

5. Output of voice playback control information in coordination with microcontroller and IC specifications

• S1C31D50, S1C31D51, S1C31D41
  Control information is embedded in the output sound ROM data, allowing voice playback to be triggered simply by specifying the corresponding number on the microcontroller.
• S1V3F351, S1V3F352
  In addition to embedding control information, the tool also supports the generation of dedicated parameter files for standalone mode⁴, enabling easy voice playback either via host CPU control or in standalone operation.
• S1V3G340
  The tool outputs playback commands, including connection information, allowing for straightforward control and voice playback from the host CPU.

6. Voice generation lists can be exported

• The list created in the tool can be exported as an Excel file in CSV format.
• Text written in Excel can be copied and pasted directly into the tool.

• ¹ A function for adjusting volume in audio and electronic devices
• ² Obtaining data from multiple sensors simultaneously
• ³ Abbreviation for Global Navigation Satellite System
• ⁴ A pulse signal output at one-second intervals from devices such as GPS receivers

Compatible ICs	S1C31D50 S1C31D51 S1C31D41 S1V3G340 S1V3F351 S1V3F352 *S1C31D50 and S1V3G340 do not support buzzer sound playback functionality.
Compatible OS	Windows 11
Supported languages	Languages primarily used in the Americas: American English, American Spanish, Canadian French
	Languages primarily used in Europe: British English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian
	Languages primarily used in Asia: Japanese, Chinese, Korean
Importing in-use audio and melodies	WAV files can be imported into the tool (Sampling rate: 16 kHz, mono format)
Voice	Female only (one speaker per language) Pitch and speed are adjustable
Supported output devices	Speaker / Buzzer

For more detailed information about the product, please visit the following webpage:

https://global.epson.com/products_and_drivers/semicon/products/speech/voice_guidance_index.html

To view a demonstration video of Epson's previous PC tool for creating voice data, please visit:

https://youtu.be/d5brmLL9khM

Note: This video does not include demonstrations of the new features.

Seiko Epson Corporation
MD Sales Department, MD Sales Group

https://global.epson.com/products_and_drivers/semicon/information/support.html

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