  We present an algorithm for synthesising a controller (supervisor) for a
discrete event system (DES) based on the property-directed reachability (PDR)
model checking algorithm. The discrete event systems framework is useful in
both software, automation and manufacturing, as problems from those domains can
be modelled as discrete supervisory control problems. As a formal framework,
DES is also similar to domains for which the field of formal methods for
computer science has developed techniques and tools. In this paper, we attempt
to marry the two by adapting PDR to the problem of controller synthesis. The
resulting algorithm takes as input a transition system with forbidden states
and uncontrollable transitions, and synthesises a safe and
minimally-restrictive controller, correct-by-design. We also present an
implementation along with experimental results, showing that the algorithm has
potential as a part of the solution to the greater effort of formal supervisory
controller synthesis and verification.
