LDI Studio · Signal Taxonomy

Field Notes

The observation system. Twelve symbols, four categories. Used to classify signals before they become something else.

Field notes are how the Operator tracks signals — observations that don't fit an existing category, events that need to be held somewhere before they can be understood. The symbols below are the full taxonomy. They appear in the physical notebooks, in system logs, and in the margins of things that are still being figured out.

Each symbol is a compression of a question: what kind of thing is this, and what does it require of me right now?

Observation
Open SignalOS

Event logged. Status unresolved. Awaiting classification or follow-up.

Closed SignalCS

Event resolved. Filed. No further action required unless re-triggered.

DormantDR

Signal present but inactive. Monitoring continues at reduced frequency.

Dynamic
ElevatedEL

Activity above baseline. Not anomalous — pattern recognized, intensity increased.

AmbientAM

Persistent background condition. Not an event — an environment. Log once, review periodically.

LoopLP

Recursive or cyclical behavior detected. May resolve naturally. Monitor for runaway state.

Classification
ConvergenceCV

Two or more independent signals overlapping. May be coincidence. May not be.

NullNL

Expected signal absent. The absence is the signal. Investigate what should be present.

ThresholdTH

Boundary condition reached. Proceed with awareness. This is the edge of the known map.

Caution
AnomalyAN

Deviation outside expected range. Not necessarily dangerous — but it requires a name before it gets one.

BifurcationBF

Multiple valid interpretations. Both branches are logged. Resolution pending additional observation.

RedactedRD

Entry exists. Content classified or removed from active record. The Warden has the full log.

Usage

Symbols are applied at first classification and updated as new information arrives. A signal that opens as OS may close as CS, or reclassify as AN depending on subsequent observations. RD entries are not modified after classification — the Warden maintains the full record separately.

On the back lot

The back lot has generated entries in every category. The two open incidents from Y07 are currently logged as BF — both interpretations remain active. The Warden has additional context. The Warden is not sharing it at this time.