Real-time processing is a type of data processing that responds instantly to commands or data input. In some cases this can also refer to the appearance of an instant response when in fact there is a slight delay. This processing generally falls into two different categories, hard real time and soft real time.
Real-time hard processing refers to a system where a deadline must be met.
Real-time hard processing refers to a system where a deadline must be met. If the deadline is missed, the task or system is considered a failure. This type of processing can be found in systems where there is often little room for failure. Some examples may include aircraft control systems, pacemakers, and many medical devices that monitor the health of patients who may be in critical condition.
Real-time soft processing, on the other hand, is a type of processing where deadlines can be missed without the system crashing due to the delay. In some cases, the system may have lower quality features or less efficiency. These processes are often found in audio and visual systems. A recorded video, for example, may drop frames, although the video does not stutter due to certain frames being delayed or dropped. Instead, the video quality drops.
Real-time processing is used in many different industries around the world. Some common examples of this type of processing can be found in transaction processing by credit card companies. Many of these companies use a batch processing method that allows multiple transactions to be recorded at once. This is an example of real-time smooth processing.
Many cars also use real-time computing. A car engine can be a good example of real-time hard processing. If the engine lags behind in its response to the command it receives, it can cause the entire car to malfunction.
There are various designs used to produce real-time processing systems. One of the most common methods for real-time design is the Modular Approach to Software Construction Operation and Test (MASCOT). MASCOT is a software design method that was first introduced by the UK Ministry of Defense in the 1970s. This method differed from other software development methods in that its primary focus was not on functionality or the purpose of the system being designed. MASCOT developers focused instead on real-time processes and efficient performance of the systems they developed.
