Developing of teaching material for real time systems using Java

Abstract

Real-time system or real-time computing refers to program that is subject to a strict constraint on response time. Real-time system application is widely used in our life ranging from trivial task such as the dispensing of detergent to mission critical task in the military. This project attempts to provide its readers with an understanding of how real-time system works and its development process using Java programming language. Firstly the type, concept and design of real-time systems are discussed followed by how it is actualized in Java. For practical example, LEGO’s MINDSTORMS NXT will be used as it is a convenient platform to demonstrate real-time systems concept. The NXT is a robot that is buildable by LEGO bricks and has various motors and sensors that are controlled by the brick which is a microcontroller. Ada is another popular programming language associated with real-time system as it is a robust and has a strong built in language support for concurrency which is a major consideration in building a real-time system. Ada is widely used in mission critical tasks including in defense, aviation, space program etc. Using the same NXT platform, Ada will be briefly covered to introduce the user to other programming language aside from Java.