A design interface tool for designing force sensations for use with a host computer
and force feedback interface device. A force feedback device is connected to a
host computer that displays the interface tool. Input from a user is received in
the interface to select a type of force sensation to be commanded by a host computer
and output by a force feedback interface device. Input, such as parameters, is
then received from the user which designs and defines physical characteristics
of the selected force sensation. A graphical representation of the characterized
force sensation is displayed on the host computer which provides a visual demonstration
of a feel of the characterized force sensation so that the user can view an effect
of parameters on said force sensation. The characterized force sensation is output
to a user manipulatable object of the force feedback device so that the user can
feel the designed force sensation, where the graphical representation is updated
in conjunction with the output of the force sensation. The user can iteratively
modify force sensation characteristics and feel the results, and store the characterized
force sensations.