◎ OS PUB Apache 2.0 ← All specifications

P177 — AIEP — Evidence Cross-Reference Network Protocol

Publication Date: 2026-04-12 Status: Open Source Prior Art Disclosure Licence: Apache License 2.0 Author/Organisation: Phatfella Ltd Schema: AIEP_OS_SPEC_TEMPLATE v1.0.1 — https://aiep.dev/schemas/aiep-os-spec-template/v1.0.1

Field of the Invention

[0001] The disclosure relates to graph-structured cross-reference networks for evidence artefacts in computing environments.

[0002] More particularly, the disclosure concerns an evidence cross-reference network protocol for use within an Architected Instruction and Evidence Protocol (AIEP) system, defining how evidence artefacts are linked into a navigable graph via typed cross-reference edges, enabling retrieval and reasoning systems to traverse related evidence efficiently.

Framework Context

[0003] This invention operates within an Architected Instruction and Evidence Protocol (AIEP) environment as defined in United Kingdom patent application number GB2519711.2, filed 20 November 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Summary of the Disclosure

[0004] A computer-implemented evidence cross-reference network protocol comprises: defining a set of CrossReferenceEdgeTypes including: SUPPORTS, CONTRADICTS, EXTENDS, SUPERSEDES, CITES, REFINES, and INVALIDATES; maintaining an EvidenceCrossReferenceGraph as a directed graph where nodes are evidence artefacts and edges carry CrossReferenceEdgeType, edge_weight, authoring_agent_id, and creation_timestamp; constraining edge creation so that cross-reference edges require authoring_agent_id to hold the EVIDENCE_CROSS_REFERENCE capability in the EvidencePermissionMatrix; propagating edge invalidation when a source artefact receives REDACTED or RETRACTED status — affected outbound edges are flagged as STALE; computing a CrossReferenceReachabilityScore for evidence artefacts based on incoming SUPPORTS and EXTENDS edge count weighted by source TrustScore; and providing graph traversal APIs for retrieval pipelines to enumerate supporting evidence within bounded hop distance.

[0005] The technical effect is modification of computing system behaviour by providing a structured, typed, and governed evidence relationship network that improves reasoning retrieval precision and traceability.

Claims

[0007] A computer-implemented method for evidence cross-reference network management comprising: maintaining a typed EvidenceCrossReferenceGraph; enforcing capability-based edge creation authorisation; propagating edge staleness on artefact state changes; computing CrossReferenceReachabilityScores; and exposing bounded graph traversal APIs for retrieval pipelines.

[0008] A system for evidence cross-reference network management comprising one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions to execute the method of claim 1.