Real-time signal processing is the analysis and transformation of a continuous or sampled signal within strict timing constraints, so that output is produced before the deadline required by the consuming system. It is implemented on dedicated hardware such as FPGAs and DSPs, which offer deterministic, low-latency execution unattainable on general-purpose operating systems. It is a prerequisite for haptic feedback and other interactive systems where perceptible delay between input and response degrades usability.