Library Readers Flow Control Based on the Supervisory Control Theory of Discrete-event Systems

Abstract

The readers flow control in public libraries is an important problem. In this paper, we present a new formulation for the library readers flow control via the supervisory control theory of discrete-event systems (DESs). First of all, we formulate the library readers flow problem via the model of DESs. Secondly, for the usual control specification, we present its automaton characterization, and then prove its controllability and further provide a supervisor that can achieve the specification. This paper demonstrates that the supervisory control framework can provide a simple and flexible solution for the readers flow control in public libraries.