TRIDENT-Z0 Diagnostic Framework: Universal Structural Diagnostic Operating Procedure (USDOP v1.2) — Formal Gate Semantics, Boundary Classification, and Promotion Rules

This document defines version 1.2 of the Universal Structural Diagnostic Operating Procedure (USDOP) within the TRIDENT-Z0 framework. USDOP formalises invariant gate semantics (G1–G4), boundary-type classification, promotion and demotion rules, and corpus-level structural integrity constraints.Version 1.2 supersedes v1.1 following structured internal adversarial review. Three procedural tightenings have been implemented: (1) a formal G4 prerequisite chain linking boundary outcomes to G2 and G3 states, (2) elevation of the boundary–mechanism default rule to normative status, and (3) explicit definition of auditor requirements for upward gate transitions. No gate meanings have been altered.USDOP governs all existing and future TRIDENT case nodes. Gate outcomes are determined strictly by evidence structure. The framework explicitly permits heterogeneous outcomes (PASS, CONDITIONAL PASS, OPEN) and requires demotion when subsequent evidence weakens mechanistic closure.This document is normative and version-locked; semantic changes require a new version increment. This release supersedes TRIDENT-USDOP-001.v1 and establishes the governing gate semantics for the TRIDENT corpus. Keywords TRIDENTUSDOPdiagnostic frameworkgate semanticsmechanistic groundingboundary classificationpromotion rulesdemotion rulesevidence-based evaluationstructural integrityconstraint-field analysiscross-domain methodology