METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ESTIMATING A THEORETICAL TIME OF DEATH OF A HUMAN BODY, AND ASSOCIATED COMPUTER PROGRAM

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for estimating a theoretical time (HDPM) of death of a human body (C) on a site (S) by means of at least one measurement of the tympanic (Tt) or rectal (Tr) temperature, the method being implemented by computer and comprising the following steps: Determination (100), from a first set of parameters (PH), of the possibility of estimating the time of death from at least one measurement of body temperature; depending on a result of the determination step, definition (200), from a second set of parameters (PT), of a recommended temperature measurement mode from among a tympanic temperature measurement mode (Mt) and a rectal temperature measurement mode (Mr); calculation (600), from the acquisition (400) of an ambient temperature (Tamb) and the acquisition (300) of a temperature of the body, of the theoretical time of death. Figure [1]

Description

Title of the invention: METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ESTIMATING A THEORETICAL TIME OF DEATH OF A HUMAN BODY, AND ASSOCIATED COMPUTER PROGRAM Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for estimating a theoretical time of death, also called post-mortem time (PMT), of a human body on a site by means of at least one measurement of tympanic or rectal temperature.

[0002] The invention also relates to a computer program and a device implementing such a method.

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of forensic medicine. State of the art

[0004] In forensic medicine, one of the most important questions that the medical examiner must answer is the question of the post-mortem interval (time elapsed between death and the discovery of a lifeless body). To date, there is no reproducible method that has achieved consensus. One of the most frequently used methods in daily practice is that of estimating the post-mortem interval by means of the thermal decay of the corpse.

[0005] Determining the time of death in forensic medicine is traditionally based on a relatively subjective inspection of the deceased, such as rigor mortis, lividity, and cooling of the body. The reliability of such an estimate therefore depends on the skill and experience of the forensic pathologist.

[0006] The time of death is also estimated by measuring the body's temperature, usually by inserting a thermometer into the rectum.

[0007] Document US 2015 / 0127293 A1 discloses a device and method for determining the time of death of a biological organism by using a thermometer probe. In one embodiment of this device and method using an infrared ear canal thermometer, the measured temperature is significantly biased due to exogenous factors such as ambient temperature, air humidity, etc.

[0008] Several other studies have been carried out and have demonstrated that measuring the auricular temperature of the corpse is a satisfactory alternative to measuring the rectal temperature in estimating the post-mortem period. The technical auricular temperature measurement, simpler and faster, less invasive, also has the major advantage of being able to be carried out by any trained or untrained person, which allows its use to be broadened (general practitioner, nurse, law enforcement).

[0009] An objective of the present invention is to provide a method and a device for estimating the time of death, which are both as non-invasive as possible, and which reduce the bias due to exogenous factors. Statement of the invention

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a method for estimating a theoretical time of death, also called post-mortem time (PMT), of a human body on a site by means of at least one measurement of tympanic or rectal temperature, the method being implemented by computer and comprising the following steps:

[0011] - the determination, from a first set of parameters relating to the site and / or to the body, the possibility of estimating the time of death from at least one body temperature measurement;

[0012] - depending on a result of the determination step, the definition, from a second set of parameters relating to the site and / or the body, of a recommended temperature taking mode among a tympanic temperature taking mode and a rectal temperature taking mode;

[0013] - the calculation, from the acquisition of an ambient temperature and the acquisition of a body temperature acquired in accordance with the recommended method of temperature measurement, of the theoretical time of death, said calculation being based on the following formulas:

[0014] For the recommended method of taking rectal temperature:

[0015] We use the following formula: HDPM in hours = 37 - Tr (in degrees Celsius) +3, Tr being the rectal temperature and HDPM being the theoretical time of death,

[0016] For the recommended method of taking tympanic temperature:

[0017] For the recommended mode (Mt) of taking tympanic temperature, the theoretical time of death is a function of the tympanic temperature and the ambient temperature, the expression of this function being defined according to temperature intervals.

[0018] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, integrating, according to all of their possible combinations, the various optional characteristics set out below.

[0019] According to a certain aspect of the invention, for the recommended mode (Mt) of taking tympanic temperature, the theoretical time of death is determined as follows:

[0020] If the ambient temperature Tamb < 0°C

[0021] We use the following formula: HDPM in min = A * (37 - Tt (°C)) + B * Tamb °C - C, Tt being the tympanic temperature,

[0022] With A e [56,428; 57,572], B e [6,633; 6,767] and C e [237,590; 242,410]

[0023] If the ambient temperature Tamb > 21°C

[0024] We use the following formula: HDPM in min = A * (37 - Tt (°C)) + B * Tamb °C - C

[0025] With A e [56,088; 57,912], B e [6,520; 6,880] and C e [6,205; 7,195]

[0026] If 0°C Tamb 21°C

[0027] We use the following formula: HDPMen min= A * (37 - Tt (°C)) - B,

[0028] With A e [53.725;54.535] and B e [171.650; 201.650] if Tamb e [0°C; 6°C[

[0029] With A e [45,686; 46.654] and B e [40.650; 70.650] if Tamb e [6°C; 10°C[

[0030] With A e [54,834; 55.946] and B e [41.330; 71.330] if Tamb e [10°C; 16°C[

[0031] With A e [55,726; 57.154] and B e [135; 165] if Tamb e [16°C; 21°C]

[0032] Thus, the invention relates to a method which best favors taking tympanic temperature and which takes into account exogenous bias factors, to enable reliable determination of the time of death.

[0033] According to a certain embodiment, the step of determining, from a first set of parameters relating to the site and / or the body, the possibility of estimating the theoretical time of death from at least one measurement of body temperature comprises the validation of a parameter relating to the degree of humidity of the body, the “dry and uncharred body” state validating the possibility of estimating the time of death from at least one measurement of body temperature.

[0034] Indeed, it should be noted that in the case where the body is partially or totally burned, or when it is immersed, the methods for determining the post-mortem period by taking rectal temperature or other means are not applicable. This validation step makes it possible to take into account exogenous factors which bias the calculation of the DPM.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the step of determining, from a first set of parameters relating to the site and / or the body, the possibility of estimating the theoretical time of death from at least one measurement of body temperature comprises the validation of a parameter relating to post-mortem phenomena, the state “body free from putrefaction and necrophagous fauna” validating the possibility of estimating the time of death from at least one measurement of body temperature.

[0036] Here again, a degree of putrefaction of the body initiated, compromises the determination of the post-mortem period by taking rectal temperature or other. This validation step also makes it possible to take into account exogenous factors which bias the calculation of the DPM.

[0037] According to yet another embodiment, the definition, from a second set of parameters relating to the site and / or the body, of a recommended temperature taking mode, comprises the validation of a parameter relating to the site, the “interior site” state validating the tympanic temperature taking mode, while the “exterior site” state validates the rectal temperature taking mode.

[0038] This validation step makes it possible to favor as much as possible the tympanic temperature taking method, this method being less technical and therefore more accessible to a wide category of operators.

[0039] According to yet another embodiment, the definition, from a second set of parameters relating to the site and / or the body, of a recommended temperature taking mode, comprises the validation of a parameter relating to the body, the “head of the body intact” state validating the tympanic temperature taking mode and conversely, the rectal temperature taking mode being validated.

[0040] According to yet another embodiment, the definition, from a second set of parameters relating to the site and / or the body, of a recommended temperature taking mode, comprises the validation of a parameter relating to the body, the state “at least one ear in the open air” validating the tympanic temperature taking mode and conversely, the rectal temperature taking mode being validated.

[0041] According to yet another embodiment, the tympanic temperature measurement mode is applied to both ears when each is in the open air, and the difference between the temperature of the right ear and the temperature of the left ear is calculated, the average of the two being used for calculating the time of death.

[0042] This double measurement makes it possible to make tympanic temperature measurements more reliable by limiting measurement errors.

[0043] Preferably, the rectal temperature measurement method is also used and the theoretical time of death is calculated using this method when the difference between the temperature of the right ear and the temperature of the left ear is greater than 1°C.

[0044] This mode switching makes it possible to avoid errors due to biased tympanic temperature measurements.

[0045] Also preferably, before proceeding to the calculation step, a final step is carried out to validate the possibility of estimating the time of death from at least one measurement of body temperature, from a third set of parameters relating to the tympanic or rectal temperature and to the ambient temperature, the possibility of estimating the time of death being confirmed:

[0046] - If the ambient temperature is lower than 34°C;

[0047] - AND If the tympanic or rectal temperature is strictly higher than the room temperature;

[0048] - AND If the tympanic temperature is strictly greater than 33.6°C, in the case where the tympanic temperature measurement method is recommended.

[0049] This validation step again makes it possible to take into account exogenous factors which bias the calculation of the DPM.

[0050] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program comprising executable instructions which, when executed by computer, implement the steps of the method as defined above.

[0051] The computer program can be in any computer language, such as for example machine language, C, C++, JAVA, Python, etc.

[0052] According to another aspect of the invention, there is proposed a device for estimating a theoretical time of death of a human body on a site, the device comprising means for acquiring the ambient temperature, an infrared sensor configured to measure the temperature of an eardrum, a communication interface with a user, display means and a microprocessor configured to execute the computer program according to an embodiment of the method.

[0053] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, integrating, according to all of their possible combinations, the various optional characteristics set out below.

[0054] Thus, the device can advantageously comprise means configured to measure rectal temperature.

[0055] Similarly, the device can advantageously include audio and video communication means.

[0056] Similarly, the device may advantageously include means for receiving, transmitting and storing data.

[0057] The device according to the invention can be any type of device such as a server, a computer, a tablet, a calculator, a processor, a computer chip, programmed to implement the method according to the invention, for example by executing the computer program according to the invention. Brief description of the FIGURES

[0058] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0059] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of the steps of a method according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0060] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0061] [Fig.3] is a Henssge nomogram allowing the estimation of the post-mortem delay based on rectal temperature for ambient temperatures above 23 degrees C°.

[0062] [Fig.4] is a Henssge nomogram allowing the estimation of the post-mortem delay based on rectal temperature for ambient temperatures below 23 degrees C°.

[0063] It is understood that the embodiments which will be described below are in no way limiting. In particular, it will be possible to imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of characteristics described below isolated from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention compared to the state of the prior art. This selection comprises at least one preferably functional characteristic without structural details, or with only a part of the structural details if it is this part which is only sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention compared to the state of the prior art.

[0064] In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described can be combined with each other if nothing prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

[0065] In the figures and in the remainder of the description, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference. Detailed description of the FIGURES

[0066] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention.

[0067] The method for estimating a theoretical time HDPM of death of a human body C at a site S by means of at least one measurement of the tympanic temperature Tt or rectal temperature Tr, comprises the steps detailed below.

[0068] According to a first step 100, the possibility of estimating the HDPM time of death from at least one body temperature measurement is determined from a first set of PH parameters relating to the site and / or the body.

[0069] It is indeed understood that depending on the state of the body or the nature of the site, it may be difficult, or even impossible, to determine the time of death.

[0070] Depending on a result of the determination step, a step 200 is carried out to define, from a second set of parameters PT relating to the site and / or the body, the recommended temperature measurement mode, this mode being chosen from a mode Mt for taking tympanic temperature Tt and a mode Mr for taking rectal temperature Tr.

[0071] It is this step which makes it possible to dispense, when the parameters allow it, with the Mr mode for taking rectal temperature Tr, by favoring the Mt mode for taking tympanic temperature Tt.

[0072] This is followed by a step 300 of acquiring a body temperature acquired in accordance with the recommended temperature measurement mode Mt, Mr. This step is carried out by the user of the procedure. This may be the medical examiner, a nurse or any other person from the medical profession. It may also be a representative of law enforcement.

[0073] A step 400 of acquiring an ambient temperature Tamb also follows.

[0074] This step can be carried out by the device associated with the method, said device then integrating means for measuring the ambient temperature, or else entered into the device by the operator himself who has other measuring means.

[0075] From the acquisition 400 of an ambient temperature Tamb and the acquisition 300 of a body temperature acquired in accordance with the recommended temperature measurement mode Mt, Mr, the step 600 of calculating the theoretical time HDPM of death is carried out, said calculation being based on the following formulas:

[0076] For the recommended mode Mr of taking rectal temperature Tr, we proceed to calculation step 610, according to the following formula: HDPM in hours = 37 - Tr in degrees Celsius +3

[0077] For the recommended mode Mt of taking the tympanic temperature Tt, the calculation step is carried out according to formulas adapted to the ambient temperature Tamb.

[0078] These formulas are presented as follows:

[0079] Hdpm in min = A * (37 - Tt (°Q) + B * Tamb °C - C

[0080] The constants A, B and C are values ​​which are each associated with an interval room temperature Tamb.

[0081] Thus, if Tamb < 0°C

[0082] we proceed to the calculation step according to formula 620:

[0083] Hdpm in min = A * (37 - Tt (°Q) + B * Tamb °C - C

[0084] With A e [56,428; 57,572], B e [6,633; 6,767] and C e [237,590; 242,410]

[0085] SiTamb>21°C

[0086] we proceed to the calculation step according to formula 630:

[0087] Hdpm in min = A * (37 - Tt (°Q) + B * Tamb °C - C

[0088] With A e [56,088; 57,912], B e [6,520; 6,880] and C e [6,205; 7,195]

[0089] The T with [0°C; 6°C[

[0090] the calculation step is proceeded according to the formula 640:

[0091] HDPMen min= A * (37 - Tt (°Q) - B,

[0092] With A and [53,725 ;54,535 ] and B and [171,650; 201,650]

[0093] The T with [6°C; 10°C[

[0094] the calculation step is proceeded according to the formula 650:

[0095] HDPMen min= A * (37 - Tt (°Q) - B,

[0096] With A and [45,686; 46.654] and B and [40.650; 70,650]

[0097] See Also [10°C; 16°C[

[0098] the calculation step is proceeded according to the formula 660:

[0099] HDPMen min= A * (37 - Tt (°Q) - B,

[0100] With A and [54,834; 55.946] and B and [41.330; 71,330]

[0101] If Also [16°C;21°C]

[0102] the calculation step is proceeded according to the formula 670:

[0103] HDPMen min= A * (37 - Tt (°Q) - B,

[0104] With A and [55,726; 57,154] and B and [135; 165]

[0105] Preferably, the step 100 of determining, from a first set of PH parameters relating to the site and / or the body, the possibility of estimating the theoretical time Hdpm of death from at least one measurement of body temperature comprises the validation 110 of a parameter relating to the degree of humidity of the body C.

[0106] Indeed, it should be noted that in the case where the body is partially or totally burned, or when it is immersed, the methods of determining the post-mortem period by taking rectal temperature Tr or other, are not applicable.

[0107] The validation step 100 ends in this case by indicating the impossibility of calculating the DPM (circle with a cross on [Fig. 1]).

[0108] This validation step therefore makes it possible to take into account the exogenous factors which bias the calculation of the DPM.

[0109] The step 100 of determining, from a first set of PH parameters relating to the site and / or the body, the possibility of estimating the theoretical time HDPM of death from at least one measurement of body temperature comprises the validation 120 of a parameter relating to post-mortem phenomena, the state “body free from putrefaction and necrophagous fauna” validating the possibility of estimating the time HDPM of death from at least one measurement of body temperature.

[0110] Here again, a degree of putrefaction of the body initiated, compromises the determination of the post-mortem period by taking rectal temperature Tr or other.

[0111] The validation step 100 in this case ends by indicating the impossibility of the calculation. of the DPM (circle with a cross on [Fig. 1]).

[0112] This validation step also makes it possible to take into account exogenous factors which bias the calculation of the DPM.

[0113] This is followed by a step 200 of defining, from a second set of parameters PT relating to the site and / or the body, a recommended temperature measurement mode, which comprises the validation 210 of a parameter relating to the site S, the “interior site” state validating the mode Mt for taking the tympanic temperature Tt, while the “exterior site” state validates the mode Mr for taking the rectal temperature Tr.

[0114] This step of defining, from a second set of PT parameters relating to the site and / or the body, a recommended mode of temperature taking, further comprises validation 220 of a parameter relating to the body C, the state “head of the body intact” validating the mode Mt of taking tympanic temperature Tt and conversely, the mode Mr of taking rectal temperature Tr being validated.

[0115] This step of defining, from a second set of parameters PT relating to the site and / or the body, a recommended mode of temperature taking, also includes the validation 230 of a parameter relating to the body C, the state “at least one ear in the open air” validating the mode Mt of tympanic temperature taking Tt and conversely, the mode Mr of rectal temperature taking Tr being validated.

[0116] This definition step makes it possible to prioritize as much as possible the tympanic temperature taking method, this method being less technical and therefore more accessible to a wide category of operators.

[0117] Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the measurement of tympanic temperature is applicable to the estimation of the DPM, because it would be representative of the cerebral temperature. In particular, it has been proven in animals that the encephalic temperature decreases regularly after death, independently of the rest of the body. The latter would have a better correlation with the early DPM than the hepatic or rectal temperature. Its decrease is in fact linear and not sigmoid, as is the case for the rectal and hepatic temperature. This is due to the absence of notable influence of factors such as body weight, the thickness of the adipose layer, the nature of the clothing and the physical activity immediately ante mortem.

[0118] Preferably, the tympanic temperature measurement mode Mt Tt is applied to both ears when each is in the open air.

[0119] The difference between the temperature of the right ear and the temperature Tü of the left ear is then calculated, the average of the two being used to calculate the HDPM time of death.

[0120] On the other hand, we proceed to the Mr mode of taking the rectal temperature Tr and to the calculation, according to this mode, of the theoretical time HDPM of death when the difference between the temperature of the right ear and the temperature Tü of the left ear is greater than 1°C.

[0121] The determination of the DPM by taking rectal temperature Tr is based on the use of Henssge nomograms, which constitutes a method based on a function modeling the thermal decrease of a corpse. The nomograms correspond to a system of charts, taking into account data relating to rectal temperature Tr, ambient temperature Tamb, surrounding air or water movements as well as the subject's clothing. It then makes it possible to determine a time interval during which death is supposed to have occurred.

[0122] These nomograms are represented in figures 3 and 4.

[0123] Advantageously, the method according to the invention carries out a final validation step 500 before carrying out the calculation step 600, of the possibility of estimating the HDPM time of death from at least one measurement of body temperature.

[0124] To do this, the method refers to a third set of parameters Pv relating to the tympanic temperature Tt or rectal temperature Tr and to the ambient temperature Tamb, as follows:

[0125] The possibility of estimating the HDPM time of death is confirmed:

[0126] - If the ambient temperature Tamb is lower than 34°C;

[0127] - AND If the tympanic temperature Tt or rectal temperature Tr is strictly higher than the room temperature Tamb;

[0128] - AND If the tympanic temperature Tt is strictly greater than 33.6°C, in the case where the Mt mode of taking tympanic temperature Tt is recommended.

[0129] Where applicable, the final validation step 500 ends by indicating the impossibility of calculating the DPM (circle with a cross in [Fig.l]).

[0130] This final validation step 500 therefore makes it possible to take into account the exogenous factors which bias the calculation of the DPM.

[0131] The method according to the invention can be implemented by a computer program comprising executable instructions which, when executed by computer, implement all of the aforementioned steps.

[0132] The computer program can be in any computer language, such as for example machine language, C, C++, JAVA, Python, etc.

[0133] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0134] The device for estimating a theoretical time HDPM of death of a human body C on a site S, comprises means for acquiring the ambient temperature CAPTTainb, an infrared sensor CAPTIR configured to measure the temperature of an eardrum, a communication interface with a user COM, display means SCRN and a microprocessor ECU configured to execute the computer program according to the invention.

[0135] The device according to the invention can be any type of apparatus, forming for example a box communicating with a server, or integrating a computer, a tablet, a calculator, a processor, a computer chip, programmed to implement the method according to the invention, for example by executing the computer program according to the invention.

[0136] The means of acquisition CAPTTamb of the ambient temperature Tamb can consist of a thermometer or a sensor. For the reading to be as accurate as possible If possible, the measuring device should be kept in the shade and in a well-ventilated space that allows air to circulate freely.

[0137] The infrared sensor includes an ear tip to be able to measure body temperature from infrared radiation emitted by the eardrum and surrounding tissues.

[0138] The communication interface takes the form of a keyboard which allows the user to enter data such as that relating to the first, second and third sets of parameters PH, PT, Pv.

[0139] This interface allows the user to enter data that determines whether the DPM calculation is possible or not and according to which temperature measurement mode.

[0140] The display means allow, in addition to the communication interface, interactions with the user.

[0141] The microprocessor executes the steps of the method which integrates all the steps of the decision tree represented in [Fig.l], these steps constituting the architecture of the method and making it possible to guide the user step by step.

[0142] Advantageously, the device comprises CAPTTR means configured to measure the rectal temperature Tr, which avoids the user having to provide this equipment.

[0143] Equally advantageously, the device includes audio and video communication means. These means also make it possible to record images and videos of the site S and the body C.

[0144] Thus, the user can communicate with a referent if he encounters difficulties, for example, in entering data such as those relating to the first, second and third sets of PH, PT, Pv parameters.

[0145] These video functionalities not only allow for control by the forensic doctor, who plays the role of a remote expert, but also ensure the traceability of the context of discovery of the body.

[0146] The method and device according to the invention make it possible to give an instantaneous post-mortem delay interval thanks to a single measurement of the temperature, as much as possible auricular, and of the ambient temperature Tamb.

[0147] The fact of favoring the taking of auricular temperature makes the process simpler and faster, less invasive, and also has the major advantage of being able to be carried out by any trained or untrained operator, which makes it possible to broaden the range of users (general practitioner, nurse, police force).

[0148] Given the current shortage of doctors available to carry out body removals, that is to say, qualified doctors who travel to the scene of the discovery of a corpse to guide the investigation and to determine in particular whether the Whether the death is suspicious or not, the device according to the invention constitutes a versatile, ergonomic and non-invasive tool.

[0149] The advantageous characteristic according to which the device integrates both a photo and video camera as well as a connection allows the user to contact in real time an on-call forensic doctor who could guide and supervise him instantly, that is to say synchronously, or asynchronously at the scene of discovery.

[0150] The advantageous characteristic according to which the device comprises means for receiving, transmitting and storing data also makes it possible to supply in real time a fixed station, such as the forensic medicine department of a hospital, with data relating to the conditions of death such as for example parameters relating to the site and / or the body, temperature data, images and videos taken on the site.

[0151] These means of receiving, transmitting and storing data can also make it possible to relocate the execution of the computer program to a fixed station.

[0152] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for estimating a theoretical time (HDPM) of death of a human body (C) on a site (S) by means of at least one measurement of the tympanic (Tt) or rectal (Tr) temperature, the method being implemented by computer and comprising the following steps: • Determination (100), from a first set of parameters (PH) relating to the site and / or the body, of the possibility of estimating the time (HDPM) of death from at least one measurement of body temperature; • depending on a result of the determination step, definition (200), from a second set of parameters (PT) relating to the site and / or the body, of a recommended mode of temperature measurement from among a mode (Mt) of tympanic temperature measurement (Tt) and a mode (Mr) of rectal temperature measurement (Tr);• calculation (600), from the acquisition (400) of an ambient temperature (Tamb) and the acquisition (300) of a body temperature acquired in accordance with the recommended mode (Mt, Mr) of temperature measurement, of the theoretical time (HDPM) of death, said calculation being based on the following formulas: - For the recommended mode of rectal temperature measurement (Mr): (610): HDPM (in hours) = 37 - Tr (in degrees Celsius °C) +3 - For the recommended mode (Mt) of tympanic temperature measurement, the theoretical time (HDPM) of death is a function of the tympanic temperature (Tt) and the ambient temperature (T^), the expression of this function being defined according to temperature intervals.;

2. Method according to claim 1, in which, for the recommended mode (Mt) of taking tympanic temperature, the theoretical time (HDPM) of death is determined as follows: If Tamb < 0(°C) Hdpm (in min) = A * (37 - Tt (°Q) + B * Tamb (°C) - C (620): With A e [56.428; 57.572], B e [6.633; 6.767] and C e [237.590; 242.410] If Tamb > 21(°C) Hdpm (in min) = A * (37 - Tt (°Q) + B * Tamb (°C) - C (630): With A e [56.088; 57.912], B e [6.520; 6.880] and C e [6.205; 7.195] SiO°C Tamb < 21°C HDPM(in min)= A * (37 - Tt (°Q) - B, (640): With A e [53.725;54.535] and B e [171.650; 201.650] if Tamb e [0(°C); [6(°C); 10(°C)[ (660): With A e [54.834; 55.946] and B e [41.330; 71.330] if Tamb e [10(°C); 16(°C)[ (670): With A e [55.726; 57.154] and B e [135; 165] if Tamb e [16(°C); 21(°C)]

3. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the step of determining (100), from a first set of parameters (PH) relating to the site and / or the body, the possibility of estimating the theoretical time (HDPM) of death from at least one measurement of body temperature comprises the validation (110) of a parameter relating to the degree of humidity of the body (C), the state “dry and uncharred body” validating the possibility of estimating the time (HDPM) of death from at least one measurement of body temperature.

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the step of determining (100), from a first set of parameters (PH) relating to the site and / or the body, the possibility of estimating the theoretical time (HDPM) of death from at least one measurement of body temperature comprises the validation (120) of a parameter relating to post-mortem phenomena, the state “body free from putrefaction and necrophagous fauna” validating the possibility of estimating the time (HDPM) of death from at least one measurement of body temperature.

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the definition (200), from a second set of parameters (PT) relating to the site and / or the body, of a recommended temperature taking mode, comprises the validation (210) of a parameter relating to the site (S), the “interior site” state validating the temperature taking mode (Mt). tympanic temperature (Tt), while the “external site” state validates the mode (Mr) of taking rectal temperature (Tr).

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the definition (200), from a second set of parameters (PT) relating to the site and / or the body, of a recommended mode of temperature taking, comprises the validation (220) of a parameter relating to the body (C), the state “head of the body intact” validating the mode (Mt) of taking the tympanic temperature (Tt) and conversely, the mode (Mr) of taking the rectal temperature (Tr) being validated.

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the definition (200), from a second set of parameters (PT) relating to the site and / or the body, of a recommended mode of temperature taking, comprises the validation (230) of a parameter relating to the body (C), the state “at least one ear in the open air” validating the mode (Mt) of taking the tympanic temperature (Tt) and conversely, the mode (Mr) of taking the rectal temperature (Tr) being validated.

8. Method according to claim 7, in which the mode (Mt) of taking the tympanic temperature (Tt) is applied to both ears when each is in the open air, and in which the difference between the temperature (TJ) of the right ear and the temperature (Tü) of the left ear is calculated, the average of the two being used for calculating the time (HDPM) of death.

9. Method according to claim 8, in which the mode (Mr) of taking the rectal temperature (Tr) is further carried out and the theoretical time (HDPM) of death is calculated according to this mode when the difference between the temperature (TJ of the right ear and the temperature (TJ of the left ear is greater than 1°C.

10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which, before proceeding to the calculation step (600), a final validation step (500) is carried out to determine the possibility of estimating the time (Hdpm) of death from at least one measurement of body temperature, from a third set of parameters (PJ) relating to the tympanic (Tt) or rectal (Tr) temperature and to the ambient temperature (Tamb), the possibility of estimating the time (HDPM) of death being confirmed: If the ambient temperature (Tamb) is below 34°C; • AND If the tympanic temperature (Tt) or rectal temperature (Tr) is strictly higher than the ambient temperature (Tamb); • AND If the tympanic temperature (Tt) is strictly higher than 33.6°C, in the case where the method (Mt) of taking the tympanic temperature (Tt) is recommended.

11. A computer program comprising executable instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement the steps of the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. Device for estimating a theoretical time (HDPM) of death of a human body (C) on a site (S), the device comprising means for acquiring the ambient temperature (CAPTTamb), an infrared sensor (CAPTIR) configured to measure the temperature of an eardrum, a communication interface with a user (COM), display means (SCRN) and a microprocessor (ECU) configured to execute the computer program according to the preceding claim.

13. Device for estimating a theoretical time (HDPM) of death of a human body (C) on a site (S) according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises means (CAPTTR) configured to measure the rectal temperature (Tr).

14. Device for estimating a theoretical time (HDPM) of death of a human body (C) on a site (S) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that it comprises audio and video communication means.

15. Device for estimating a theoretical time (HDPM) of death of a human body (C) on a site (S) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that it comprises means for receiving, transmitting and storing data.

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