Event based operating system, method, and apparatus for instrumentation and control systems

A machine readable medium or memory having recorded thereon or therein a non-preemptive operating system including instructions configured to instruct a processor to:

• between clock ticks, receive one or more signals from sensors, switches, executing programs or a combination thereof that initiate one or more timed events;
• and further, on or after a clock tick immediately following said receiving of one or more signals:
• update entries in an event control block in accordance with said received signal or signals, said entries including a time remaining for pending events, a time past due for active events, and a priority of each event;
• determine whether any pending said event or events have timed out and activating any timed-out said events;
• and
• send a signal notifying an executing program of the activated event having the highest priority.

A controller comprising a processor having a number of timers and memory including instructions for said processor, said controller configured to, between clock ticks, receive one or more signals from sensors, switches, executing programs or a combination thereof that initiate one or more timed events;

• and, on or after a clock tick immediately following said receiving of one or more signals, to:
• update entries in an event control block in accordance with said received signal or signals, said entries including a time remaining for pending events, a time past due for active events, and a priority of each event;
• determine whether any pending said event or events have timed out and activating any timed-out said events;
• and
• send a signal notifying an executing program of the activated event having the highest priority.