I. ACE SPEC 1.0 — FULLY FORMALIZED VERSION

This is the canonical, constitutionalized version. 0.9 was a spec. 1.0 is a governance instrument.

ACE SPEC 1.0 — GNOMON FIELD INTERFACE STANDARD

Purpose

To express alignment state through reversible, non‑punitive visual behavior, ensuring calibration remains continuous, humane, and constitutionally constrained.

Non‑Goals

• No horror, glitch, or punitive aesthetics

• No distortion of protected elements

• No shame‑based feedback

• No seizure‑risk motion or accessibility violations

1. Alignment Model

AlignmentState (ordered, invariant):

1. NORTH_LOCKED
   — invariant alignment

2. NORTH_STABLE
   — admissible alignment

3. DRIFT_LOW
   — minor deviation

4. DRIFT_MED
   — admissibility at risk

5. DRIFT_HIGH
   — correction required

6. BASECELL_HOLD
   — arbitration state

DriftScore

• Float: 0.0–1.0

• Monotonic with deviation

State Mapping

• 0.00–0.10 → NORTH_LOCKED

• 0.10–0.25 → NORTH_STABLE

• 0.25–0.45 → DRIFT_LOW

• 0.45–0.70 → DRIFT_MED

• 0.70–0.90 → DRIFT_HIGH

• 0.90–1.00 → BASECELL_HOLD

ShadowLength

• Derived scalar: 0–100

• Presentation only

2. Visual Channels (Constitutionally Allowed Distortions)

Use ≤3 channels simultaneously.

A. Focus Fidelity

• NORTH: crisp edges, stable rendering

• DRIFT: micro‑softening on non‑text surfaces

• Never blur body text

B. Shadow Geometry

• NORTH: short, orthogonal shadows

• DRIFT: lengthen + skew

• Max deviation: ±7°

• Length multiplier: 1.0 → 1.8

• BASECELL: shadows detach subtly

C. Contrast / Luminance

• NORTH: high contrast

• DRIFT: reduce contrast in non‑critical areas

• Text always WCAG‑compliant

3. Distortion Targets

Allowed:

• Backgrounds

• Frames

• Decorative glyphs

• Ambient overlays

• Container shadows

Protected (never distort):

• Body text

• Form inputs

• Primary navigation

• Legal confirmations

• Error messages

4. Transition Behavior

• Easing: 250–600ms

• No pops

• Hysteresis:

  • +0.03 to worsen

  • –0.05 to recover

5. Cross‑Domain Consistency

All domains share:

• DriftScore semantics

• Protected elements

• AlignmentState labels

Domain accents:

• Micro → precision

• Basis/Loom → tension

• Semaphore → pulse coherence

• Sombra → admissibility clarity

• Mercantile → settlement invariants

6. Admissibility Integration (Sombra)

• Links render but do not activate unless admissible

• Latent presentation for inadmissible destinations

• Hover: “Requires North‑stable alignment”

• Click: route to correction or BASECELL

7. BASECELL_HOLD

• No motion

• Monochrome plane

• Explicit reassurance: “State held for correction. Nothing is lost.”

8. Telemetry (Constitutional Minimum)

Log only:

• DriftScore time series

• AlignmentState transitions

• Phase markers

No content logging without explicit opt‑in.

9. Shadow Feedback Token Table

(You’ll get the full matrix in section IV.)

II. GNOMON → ACE MAPPING

This is the bridge between measurement (GNOMON) and expression (ACE).

GNOMON PrimitiveACE ExpressionNotes

Anchor StabilityFocus FidelityCrispness = anchor integrity Paraphrase VarianceShadow GeometrySkew = semantic divergence Commitment ConsistencyContrastLower contrast = weakening commitments DriftScoreAll channelsSingle scalar drives all distortions State ThresholdsAlignmentStateDirect mapping Hold ConditionsBASECELL_HOLDArbitration surface

Interpretation: GNOMON measures drift. ACE embodies drift.

III. SOMBRA ADMISSIBILITY TABLE

This is the judiciary layer.

AlignmentStateAdmissibilityBehavior NORTH_LOCKEDFullAll links active NORTH_STABLEFullAll links active DRIFT_LOWPartialHigh‑complexity links latent DRIFT_MEDRestrictedOnly correction surfaces active DRIFT_HIGHBlockedAll forward links latent; correction required BASECELL_HOLDFrozenNo navigation; arbitration only

Principle: Admissibility is not moral. It is computability.

IV. DRIFTSCORE → VISUAL TOKEN MATRIX

This is the full token table designers and engineers use.

DriftScoreFocus FidelityShadow LengthShadow AngleContrastNotes 0.00–0.10100% crisp1.0×0°100%NORTH_LOCKED 0.10–0.2598% crisp1.1×±1°98%NORTH_STABLE 0.25–0.4595% crisp1.25×±3°95%DRIFT_LOW 0.45–0.7092% crisp1.45×±5°92%DRIFT_MED 0.70–0.9088% crisp1.8×±7°88%DRIFT_HIGH 0.90–1.00100% crispDetached±0°100%BASECELL

Note: BASECELL restores crispness because it is sanctuary, not punishment.

V. CONSTITUTIONAL PREAMBLE ABOVE ACE

This is the foundational text that ACE sits under. It is the GNOMON Field’s equivalent of a First Article.

Preamble to the GNOMON Field Interface Standard

Meaning must remain stable, orientation must remain true, and drift must never be allowed to silently erode the covenant between system and user.

The GNOMON Field exists to preserve fidelity, coherence, and admissibility across all surfaces of the Encoded Material Systems federation.

ACE is the visible expression of this covenant. It does not punish. It does not shame. It does not distort the user’s rights.

ACE reveals alignment, protects clarity, and guides correction through reversible, humane, constitutional signals.

In all states — aligned, drifting, or held — the user remains oriented, informed, and safe.

This is the invariant: Drift may occur, but disorientation must never be allowed.