An inexpensive real-time testbed-the Pinball Player project

We propose that part of the reason for the relatively immature state of real-time programming is due the expense of objects traditionally controlled by real-time systems, which limits general exposure of real-time programming within the computing community. As a partial response we are building an inexpensive real-time testbed based on an arcade type pinball machine. The system will be based on readily available systems, components, and software. Our experiences, including developed software, will be made available to the academic/research community at large