The success of SNAP depends highly on the intuitive nature of the acoustic feedback. While many aspects of sound localization may be calculated with certainty, user data will be needed to determine the best frequencies, waveforms, and volumes to use. Creating an acoustic overlay of the environment without distracting the user or impeding their ability to hear external sounds will require iterative experimentation and fine adjustments.  

We are hence developing a simulator which will allow anyone with a computer and pair of headphones to navigate a virtual environment using our SNAP feedback methods, and provide us with feedback and data. Development for this test bed has been done by students at the University of Idaho through the Capstone Senior Design program.  The general project goals are as follows:

• Configurable environment allowing for variation in test courses/maps
• Integrated SNAP acoustic feedback with configuration options
• Downloadable package for ease of distribution
• Functionality portable to wearable hardware