About

Time perception is subjective, but time measurement must be absolute. Whether synchronizing a culinary process where protein denaturation occurs at precise intervals, or managing cognitive load through strict work-rest cycles, reliance on a non-drifting temporal reference is critical. Standard OS clocks and basic browser implementations often suffer from "timer drift" - a cumulative error caused by the single-threaded nature of JavaScript and browser resource throttling in background tabs. This tool eliminates that latency.

Designed for professionals who require sub-second accuracy without installation overhead, this application utilizes delta-time calculation against the system epoch. It bypasses the inaccuracy of standard execution loops. From high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols to the specific steeping times of oxidized tea leaves, the integrated database offers standardized presets to reduce user friction. The inclusion of the Picture-in-Picture API ensures the chronometer remains visible as a floating overlay, maintaining focus during complex digital workflows.

Formulas

To ensure zero drift over long durations, the system does not rely on the frequency of the `setInterval` loop. Instead, it calculates the expected end time T_end immediately upon start.

T_end = T_start + D_total

At every render frame (tick), the Remaining Time T_rem is derived by subtracting the current system epoch from the static target:

T_rem(t) = max(0, T_end − Date.now())

For the Interval Timer functionality, the total sequence duration S is the summation of all stages n:

S_total = n∑i=1 (Work_i + Rest_i) × Cycles

Reference Data

Category	Preset / Standard	Duration (t)	Scientific / Practical Rationale
Culinary	Soft Boiled Egg	360 s	Yolk sets, white solidifies (63°C core).
Culinary	Al Dente Pasta	540 s	Typical starch gelatinization point.
Culinary	French Press Coffee	240 s	Optimal extraction of oils without bitterness.
Productivity	Pomodoro Cycle	1,500 s	Standard attention span maximization block.
Productivity	Ultradian Rhythm	5,400 s	Biological alertness cycle (90m).
Fitness	Tabata (High)	20 s	Anaerobic capacity threshold.
Fitness	Tabata (Rest)	10 s	ATP regeneration window.
Medical	CPR Compression	0.6 s	100 - 120 beats per minute rhythm.
Medical	Hand Wash (CDC)	20 s	Time required for soap micelle action.
Space	ISS Orbit	5,580 s	One full revolution around Earth.
Physics	Light to Moon	1.28 s	Distance ≈ 384,400 km.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Unlike basic timers that rely on browser frame rates (which throttle in background tabs), this engine uses "Delta-Time" calculation. It compares the current system timestamp against the fixed target timestamp. Even if the browser pauses the visual update, the math remains precise when you return.

We utilize the HTML5 Canvas API to draw the timer's current state (numbers and progress ring) 30 times per second. This visual stream is captured and fed into a floating video element, allowing the timer to hover over other applications like Excel, Word, or IDEs.

Absolutely. The "Interval" mode allows for "Work" and "Rest" periods. You can define the number of cycles (rounds). This is ideal for Tabata, Boxing rounds, or Pomodoro (Focus/Break) techniques.

To ensure instant response and offline capability, the alarm sounds are synthesized in real-time using the Web Audio API (Oscillators). This generates pure sine/square waves, ensuring the alarm triggers immediately without waiting for network requests.

Yes. The interface follows WCAG 2.1 standards. Buttons have aria-labels, high-contrast colors are used for the UI, and the timer updates the document title so you can see the remaining time in the browser tab itself.