What happens to Relative Time Event counters during external self transitions?

The correct answer is that Relative Time Event counters reset each time the state is exited and re-entered. In modeling scenarios, particularly when dealing with state transitions, it's essential to maintain accurate timing based on the state the system is currently in.

When a system exits a state, any Relative Time Event counters associated with that state cease their count. If the same state is then entered again, these counters start anew from zero. This behavior ensures that the timing of events is relevant to the specific duration the system is in that particular state, rather than accumulating time from multiple cycles through the state, which could lead to incorrect interpretations of elapsed time.

This design is crucial for maintaining clarity in state-based systems, ensuring that the effects of timing are always contextually relevant and specific to the most recent visit to that state. It accurately reflects the notion of a state being treated independently in terms of its timing mechanisms each time it is active.