Modelling operating system structures by timed stream processing functions

Some extensions of the basic formalism of stream processing functions are useful to specify complex structures such as operating systems. In this paper we give the foundations of higher order stream processing functions. These are functions which send and accept not only messages representing atomic data, but also complex elements such as functions. Some special notations are introduced for the specification and manipulation of such functions. A representation of time is outlined, which enables us to model time dependent behaviour. Finally, we demonstrate how characteristic operating system structures can be modelled by timed higher order stream processing functions.