Each zone knows what it should do in each state because its behavior is defined over operand The operant is the zone's “behavior nameplate” in the respective state.
S (Sequence Check)
The zone is supposed to do something and wait for feedback. Cylinder 1 extends – wait for front sensor.
As long as the feedback is pending, the switching mechanism blocks the state change.
I (Interlock)
The zone monitors a condition. If it is violated, it immediately triggers an error. Cylinder 1 must be retracted – if not, interlock.
M (Monitoring)
The zone passively observes the state. Errors are reported, but the sequence continues.
0 (Don’t Care)
The zone is meaningless in this state. No action, no monitoring.
These operants are entered in the bit-control grid entered:
Each zone is a column, each state a row, each cell an operant.
This creates a complete map of the machine's behavior.
