Common calendar: Fixed-epoch deterministic UTC-based local timescales

Abstract

A new and comprehensive approach is needed to achieve uniform civil timekeeping across the world. We propose a reference timekeeping framework called common calendar which preserves the age-old tradition of timekeeping by the sun and provides a uniform matrix of fixed-epoch deterministic local timescales. The proposal is made up of seven specifications: 1.Time-related terms and definitions provides a comprehensive glossary for the set of specifications, collecting terms from many sources to clarify the use of the UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) standards in general and application to common calendar in particular.2.TAI-UTC API (application programming interface) provides mechanisms for automatic acquisition of TAI-UTC (leap second) history, announcement, and expiration metadata to fill the obvious missing link between UTC time dissemination and the TAI (International Atomic Time) timescale.3.Tz database API—time zone and Daylight Saving Time dynamic metadata.4.YMDhms API details the calculations necessary to perform conversion between seconds and accurate UTC compliant YMDhms representation.5.Common calendar local timescales is at the heart of the proposal, specifying an array of identical fixed-epoch reference local timescales each defined by UTC offsets (time zones) with unambiguous rules for the application of UTC leap seconds, Daylight Saving Time (DST), and YMDhms encoding using the YMDhms API.6.Common calendar binary format defines a binary data format for compact carriage of local timescale date, time, and metadata.7.Common calendar character format provides a comprehensive YMDhms character representation. It augments ISO 8601 recommendations with leap second and DST metadata to provide symmetrical reflection of CBF binary data. A prototype reference implementation in c/c++ has been developed to verify and demonstrate the use of the common calendar specifications. The seven specification documents are in development. It is hoped common calendar may provide a starting point for formal standardization that finds its way to international acceptance. Comments, ideas, and help improving these specifications are welcomed.