I'm sorry, but I will have to go with the traditional view on this one. Daniel 12 follows chapter 11, which switches from Antiochus IV Epiphanes to the Antichrist in verse 36. Daniel 12 describes the Great Tribulation or Jacob's Trouble which is the last 3.5 years (or time, times, and half a time, or 42 months, or 1260-1290 days) before Jesus returns to the earth. Matthew 24:15-21 also speaks of the Great Tribulation which begins with the setting up of the Abomination of Desolation.
There are two other instances of this phrase, "time, times, and half a time (or dividing of time)" being used for 3.5 years.
Daniel 7:23-27 also describes this time of Jacob's trouble, "Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.
And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.
And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him."
I've already mentioned Revelation 12:14's use of time, times, and half a time for 3.5 years. Do you think Daniel 7:25 and Revelation 12:14 also refer to 3500 years? In my mind, these are the three "witnesses" required for a matter to be settled. The Great Tribulation or Jacob's Trouble will last for 3.5 years (1290 days).