Method and System for Distributed Timekeeping and Synchronization Using Coprime Cyclic Hyperdimensional Vectors

Abstract

Disclosed is a protocol and architecture for distributed timekeeping that replaces scalar binary counters (e.g., Unix timestamps) with Hyperdimensional (HD) State Vectors. The system, termed the Universal Time-Locked Protocol (UTLP) Vector Time, generates a global time state via the superposition of multiple coprime cyclic attractors (virtual oscillators), creating a high-dimensional temporal texture that evolves deterministically. Unlike scalar clocks which require absolute synchronization, this vector-based approach enables Fuzzy Synchronization, where distributed nodes correct drift via similarity-based gradient descent rather than hard resets. To accommodate low-bandwidth networks (e.g., BLE, 802.15.4), the system utilizes Generative Compression, transmitting only the phase indices (a Harmonic Chord of approx. 8-14 bytes) which allows receivers to regenerate the full 10,000+ bit hypervector locally. The disclosure includes a reference implementation for Elastic Coherency, a method for drift correction that averages vector states across a swarm, and a hardware architecture definition using parallel circular shift registers or compute-in-memory (CIM) arrays for micro-watt power operation. This technology is applicable to swarm robotics, neuromorphic computing, and haptic coordination where atomic-level coherency is required without a central master clock