Protocol 44 introduces a minimal distributed neurointerface topology designed to preserve sensorimotor coherence during biological–synthetic transition. The framework models identity continuity as an emergent property of a closed-loop sensorimotor system, rather than as a static informational state. Within this formulation, perception, action, and feedback are treated as a dynamically coupled system subject to latency, synchronization, and prediction constraints. A central contribution of the work is the definition of an operational coherence metric, Ω(t), constructed from measurable system-level variables including cross-modal synchrony, prediction–feedback alignment, and latency consistency. This metric enables the formalization of stability conditions required for continuous operation. The paper further defines a failure regime — termed ontological instability — characterized by the degradation of Ω(t) below a critical threshold over time. This condition is treated analogously to instability in dynamical systems, providing a non-metaphysical framework for analyzing breakdown of continuity. Protocol 44 is positioned as a boundary condition for substrate transition. It does not perform identity transfer; instead, it establishes the necessary coherence state that must be maintained at the moment of transition to allow a valid initial condition in a new substrate. The framework is grounded in converging experimental domains, including invasive brain–computer interfaces, intracortical microstimulation, sensory neuroprosthetics, and multimodal closed-loop systems. While no single existing system fulfills the full requirements, current research provides partial implementations of each functional component. This work does not claim immediate feasibility of full biological–synthetic transition. Rather, it defines a testable systems architecture and measurable criteria for evaluating continuity preservation in hybrid and future synthetic systems.
Daniel Junqueira Ribeiro (Wed,) studied this question.