Method and apparatus for providing peer-to-peer force feedback over a
computer network. A network force feedback system includes a network, a
first computer coupled to the network, and a second computer coupled to
the network. The first and second computers each include a visual display
and a force feedback interface device. Each computer provides a force
feedback signal to its force feedback device based on information
received from the other, remote computer and in some cases also based on
input from the local force feedback device. Positional information of
each force feedback device and/or feel sensation information can be
transmitted between the computers over the network. A graphical
environment can be displayed to enhance the interaction between users.
The present invention therefore permits two computer users to interact
using force feedback provided over a network on a peer-to-peer basis.