Tempus is a deterministic, continuous asset streaming protocol that transforms static payments into fluid, real-time liquidity. By leveraging the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) block timestamps, Tempus enables "pay-by-the-second" mechanics for salaries, vesting schedules, and subscriptions.
Unlike discrete payments that require manual transactions for every release, Tempus creates a single Flow Contract where assets are unlocked mathematically over a defined duration.
1.1 Mathematical Model (The Flow Equation)
Tempus calculates solvency and claimable balances using a linear interpolation function of time. The smart contract does not "loop" per second but calculates the delta on-demand (lazy evaluation).
Atomic Precision: 18 decimals (Wei).
Time Resolution: 1 second (block.timestamp).
Safety: The protocol enforces tnow≤tend to prevent integer overflow or over-payment.
1.2 Architectural Diagram
2.0 SECURITY & MECHANISMS
2.1 The Vault Architecture
Encapsulation: Each stream operates within the secured state of the Tempus contract.
Asset Agnostic: Compatible with any compliant ERC-20 token (Stablecoins, Governance Tokens).
Solvency Check: A stream cannot be initialized without the creator depositing 100% of the allocated funds upfront. This makes the stream "trustless" for the recipient – the money is already there.
2.2 Stream Modes (Governance)
Tempus offers two distinct security classifications for streams:
Immutable Tempus (Trustless Vesting):
Once deployed, the stream is locked.
The creator cannot cancel, pause, or recover funds.
Use Case: Early investor vesting, token sales, locked grants.
Mutable Tempus (Payroll Mode):
The creator retains "Admin Rights" to cancel the stream.
Cancelation Logic: If cancelled, the protocol calculates the exact amount owed up to that second. The Recipient gets the vested portion; the Creator gets the remainder.
Use Case: Employee salaries, probationary periods.
TEMPUS OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Welcome to Tempus. You are no longer waiting for payday. You are earning every second.
⏳ FOR CREATORS (Set the Time)
Start a flow of value to anyone, anywhere in the world.
1. INITIALIZE STREAM
Go to the CREATE tab.
Recipient: Enter the wallet address of the payee.
Total Deposit: How much do you want to stream in total? (e.g., 12,000 USDT).
Duration: Set the time window (e.g., 12 Months).
System Calculation: The UI will show you the "Flow Rate" (e.g., ~0.00038 USDT / second).
2. SECURITY SETTINGS
Cancelable:
✅ YES: Select this for employees/contractors. You can stop the stream if they stop working.
❌ NO: Select this for investors or token sales. It guarantees they get the tokens no matter what.
3. ACTIVATE
Click [START STREAM].
Tx 1 (Approve): Allow Tempus to access the tokens.
Tx 2 (Create): Deposit funds and start the clock.
💸 FOR RECIPIENTS (Control the Time)
Your dashboard allows you to watch your balance build up in real-time.
1. MONITOR
Connect to the app and check MY STREAMS.
You will see a live ticker increasing your balance every second.
The "Total Locked" shows what is yet to come.
The "Available" shows what you can take right now.
2. WITHDRAW
You are in control. You don't need to wait for the end of the month.
Need funds? Click [WITHDRAW].
How much? Enter a specific amount or select "MAX" to claim everything currently unlocked.
Gas Saver: We recommend withdrawing only when necessary to save on network gas fees.
❓ FAQ
Q: What happens if the sender cancels my stream? A: If the stream was set to "Cancelable", the sender can stop it. However, the smart contract guarantees you instantly receive every token earned up to the exact second of cancellation. They can never take back what you have already "served" time for.
Q: Can I transfer my stream to a new wallet? A: Yes. If the stream configuration allows transferability, you can send your "Right to Claim" to a new wallet address (e.g., if your old wallet is compromised).
