Method and device for estimating a theoretical time of death of a human body, and associated computer program

The method and device for estimating post-mortem time using tympanic or rectal temperature measurements address the subjectivity and bias in current methods, offering a reliable and accessible solution for determining the time of death by accounting for ambient and body conditions.

WO2025214969A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-10-16CENTRE HOSPITALIER UNIVERSITAIRE DE MONTPELLIER +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2025/059500
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-04-11
Filing Date
2025-04-07
Publication Date
2025-10-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current methods for determining the post-mortem interval (time elapsed between death and discovery of a body) in forensic medicine are subjective and prone to bias from exogenous factors, lacking a reproducible and minimally invasive solution.

Method used

A method and device for estimating time of death using tympanic or rectal temperature measurements, incorporating formulas and validation steps to account for ambient temperature and body conditions, allowing for a reliable and accessible determination of post-mortem time.

Benefits of technology

Provides a minimally invasive and accurate estimation of post-mortem time, applicable by various personnel, reducing bias from exogenous factors and enhancing precision through tympanic temperature measurement.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a 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), the method being computer-implemented and comprising the following steps: • determining (100), from a first set of parameters (PH), the possibility of estimating the time of death from at least one body temperature measurement; • on the basis of a result of the determination step, defining (200), from a second set of parameters (PT), a recommended mode for taking the temperature, from a mode (Mt) for taking the tympanic temperature (Tt) and a mode (Mr) for taking the rectal temperature (Tr); • calculating (600), from the acquisition (400) of an ambient temperature (Tamb) and from the acquisition (300) of a temperature of the body, the theoretical time of death.
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Description

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

[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 falls within 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 (the 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 through the thermal decay of the corpse.

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

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

[0007] 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 ear temperature of the corpse is a satisfactory alternative to measuring rectal temperature in estimating the post-mortem period. The technical ear 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 device for estimating the time of death, which are both as minimally invasive as possible, and which reduce bias due to exogenous factors.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a method for estimating a theoretical time of death, also called post-mortem time (PMD), 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 the body, of the possibility of estimating the time of death from at least one measurement of body temperature;

[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 from 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 temperature-taking method, 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: H DPM in hours = 37 - T r(en degrés Celsius) +3 , Trétant la température rectale et HDPMétant l’heure théorique du décès,

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

[0017] For the recommended mode (M t) of tympanic temperature measurement, 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 (M t ) of tympanic temperature measurement, the theoretical time of death is determined as follows:

[0020] If the ambient temperature T amb < 0°C

[0021] We use the following formula: H DPM in min = A * (37 – T t (°C)) + B * T amb °C – C, T t being the tympanic temperature,

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

[0023] If the ambient temperature T amb > 21°C

[0024] We use the following formula: H DPM in min = A * (37 – T t (°C)) + B * T amb °C – C

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

[0026] If 0°C T amb 21°C

[0027] We use the following formula: H DPM in min = A * (37 – T t(°C)) – B,

[0028] With A ∈ [53.725;54.535] and B ∈ [171.650;201.650] if T amb ∈ [0°C; 6°C[

[0029] With A ∈ [45,686; 46,654] and B ∈ [40,650; 70,650] if T amb ∈ [6°C; 10°C[

[0030] With A ∈ [54,834; 55,946] and B ∈ [41,330; 71,330] if T amb ∈ [10°C; 16°C[

[0031] With A ∈ [55,726; 57,154] and B ∈ [135; 165] if T amb ∈ [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 a 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 submerged, the methods for determining the post-mortem period by taking rectal temperature or other methods 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 allows us to prioritize the tympanic temperature measurement method as much as possible, this method being less technical and therefore more accessible to a wide category of stakeholders.

[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 the calculation of the time of death.

[0042] This dual measurement makes tympanic temperature taking more reliable by limiting measurement errors.

[0043] Preferably, the rectal temperature is also taken 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 helps 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 tympanic or rectal temperature and ambient temperature, the possibility of estimating the time of death being confirmed:

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

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

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

[0049] This validation step also 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 machine language, C, C++, JAVA, Python, etc.

[0052] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided 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 one 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 may advantageously comprise means configured to measure rectal temperature.

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

[0056] Likewise, 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 as a non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

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

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

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

[0062] is a Henssge nomogram allowing the estimation of post-mortem time 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 is 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 includes 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 embodiments described can be combined with each other if there is no technical obstacle to this combination.

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

[0066] This is a schematic representation of a non-limiting example of a method according to the invention.

[0067] The process of estimating a theoretical time H DPM of the death of a human body C at a site S by means of at least one measurement of tympanic temperature T t or rectal T r , includes the steps detailed below.

[0068] According to a first step 100, we determine from a first set of parameters P H relating to the site and / or the body, the possibility of estimating the H hour DPM of death from at least one body temperature measurement.

[0069] It is indeed understood that depending on the condition 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 P T relating to the site and / or the body, the recommended mode of temperature taking, this mode being chosen from a mode M t tympanic temperature measurement T t and an M mode r rectal temperature measurement T r .

[0071] This is the step that allows you to get rid of M mode, when the parameters allow it. r rectal temperature measurement T r , favoring mode M t tympanic temperature measurement T t .

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

[0073] This is also followed by a step 400 of acquiring an ambient temperature T amb .

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

[0075] From the acquisition 400 of an ambient temperature T amb and the acquisition 300 of a body temperature acquired in accordance with the recommended mode M t , M r temperature measurement, we proceed to the calculation step 600 of the theoretical hour H DPMof death, said calculation being based on the following formulas:

[0076] For the recommended mode M r rectal temperature measurement T r , we proceed to calculation step 610, according to the following formula: H DPM in hours = 37 - T ren degrés Celsius +3

[0077] For the recommended mode M t tympanic temperature measurement T t , we proceed to the calculation step according to formulas adapted to the ambient temperature T amb .

[0078] These formulas are as follows:

[0079] H DPM in min = A * (37 – T t (°C)) + B * T amb °C – C

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

[0081] So, if T amb < 0°C

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

[0083] H DPMin min = A * (37 – T t (°C)) + B * T amb °C – C

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

[0085] If T amb > 21°C

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

[0087] H DPM in min = A * (37 – T t (°C)) + B * T amb °C – C

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

[0089] If T amb ∈ [0°C; 6°C[

[0090] we proceed to the calculation step according to formula 640:

[0091] H DPM in min = A * (37 – T t(°C)) – B,

[0092] With A ∈ [53.725;54.535] and B ∈ [171.650;201.650]

[0093] If T amb ∈ [6°C; 10°C[

[0094] we proceed to the calculation step according to formula 650:

[0095] H DPM in min = A * (37 – T t(°C)) – B,

[0096] With A ∈ [45,686; 46,654] and B ∈ [40,650; 70,650]

[0097] If T amb ∈ [10°C; 16°C[

[0098] we proceed to the calculation step according to formula 660:

[0099] H DPM in min = A * (37 – T t(°C)) – B,

[0100] With A ∈ [54,834; 55,946] and B ∈ [41,330; 71,330]

[0101] if T amb ∈ [16°C; 21°C]

[0102] we proceed to the calculation step according to formula 670:

[0103] H DPM in min = A * (37 – T t(°C)) – B,

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

[0105] Preferably, the determination step 100, from a first set of parameters P H relating to the site and / or the body, the possibility of estimating the theoretical time H DPM of death from at least one body temperature measurement includes 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 T r or other, are not applicable.

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

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

[0109] The determination step 100, from a first set of parameters P H relating to the site and / or the body, the possibility of estimating the theoretical time H DPMof death from at least one body temperature measurement includes validation 120 of a parameter relating to post-mortem phenomena, the status “body free from putrefaction and necrophagous fauna” validating the possibility of estimating the time H DPM of death from at least one body temperature measurement.

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

[0111] Validation step 100 in this case ends by indicating the impossibility of calculating the DPM (circle with a cross on it).

[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 definition step 200, based on a second set of parameters P Trelating to the site and / or the body, of a recommended temperature taking mode, which includes the validation 210 of a parameter relating to the site S, the “interior site” state validating the mode M t tympanic temperature measurement T t , while the “external site” state validates the M mode r rectal temperature measurement T r .

[0114] This definition step, from a second set of parameters P T relating to the site and / or the body, of a recommended temperature taking mode, further includes the validation 220 of a parameter relating to the body C, the “head of the body intact” state validating the mode M t tympanic temperature measurement T t and conversely, mode M r rectal temperature measurement T r being validated.

[0115] This definition step, from a second set of parameters P Trelating to the site and / or the body, of 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 M t tympanic temperature measurement T t and conversely, mode M r rectal temperature measurement T r being validated.

[0116] This definition step allows us 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 stakeholders.

[0117] Furthermore, it has been shown that measuring tympanic temperature is applicable to estimating MPD, as it is representative of brain temperature. In particular, it has been shown in animals that brain temperature decreases regularly after death, independently of the rest of the body. The latter would have a better correlation with early MPD than liver or rectal temperature. Its decrease is in fact linear and not sigmoid, as is the case for rectal and liver temperature. This is due to the absence of significant influence of factors such as body weight, thickness of the adipose layer, nature of clothing and physical activity immediately ante mortem.

[0118] Preferably M mode t tympanic temperature measurement T t is applied to both ears when each is exposed to the air.

[0119] We then calculate the difference between the temperature Ttr of the right ear and temperature T tl of the left ear, the average of the two being used for the calculation of H hour DPM of death.

[0120] On the other hand, we proceed to mode M r rectal temperature measurement T r and to the calculation, according to this method, of the theoretical time H DPM of death when the difference between the temperature T tr of the right ear and temperature T tl of the left ear is higher than 1°C.

[0121] Determination of DPM by taking rectal temperature T r is based on the use of Henssge nomograms, which is a method based on a function modeling the thermal decay of a corpse. The nomograms correspond to a system of charts, taking into account data relating to rectal temperature T r , the ambient temperature T amb, the 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 time H DPM of death from at least one body temperature measurement.

[0124] To do this, the method refers to a third set of parameters P V relating to tympanic temperature T t or rectal T r and at room temperature T amb , as follows:

[0125] The possibility of estimating H-hour DPM of death is confirmed:

[0126] - If the ambient temperature T amb is below 34°C;

[0127] - AND If the tympanic temperature T t or rectal T r is strictly higher than the ambient temperature T amb ;

[0128] - AND If the tympanic temperature T t is strictly greater than 33.6°C, in the case where mode M t tympanic temperature measurement T t is recommended.

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

[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 machine language, C, C++, JAVA, Python, etc.

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

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

[0135] The device according to the invention can be any type of device, for example forming 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] CAPTT acquisition methods amb of ambient temperature T amb may consist of a thermometer or a sensor. For the most accurate reading, 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 measure body temperature from infrared radiation emitted by the eardrum and surrounding tissue.

[0138] The communication interface takes the form of a keyboard which allows the user to enter data such as those relating to the first, second and third sets of parameters P H , P T , P V .

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

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

[0141] The microprocessor executes the steps of the process which integrates all the steps of the decision tree represented in, these steps constituting the architecture of the process and allowing the user to be guided step by step.

[0142] Advantageously, the device comprises CAPTTR means configured to measure the rectal temperature T r, which saves the user from 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 parameters P H , P T , P V .

[0145] These video features 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 the discovery of the body.

[0146] The method and device according to the invention make it possible to instantly provide a post-mortem delay interval thanks to a single measurement of the temperature, as much as possible auricular, and of the ambient temperature T amb .

[0147] The fact of favoring ear temperature taking 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 person, which allows the field of users to be broadened (general practitioner, nurse, law enforcement).

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

[0149] The advantageous feature that the device integrates both a photo and video camera as well as a connection allows the user to contact an on-call forensic doctor in real time 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

Method for estimating a theoretical hour (H DPM ) of the death of a human body (C) at a site (S) by means of at least one measurement of tympanic temperature (T t ) or rectal (T r ), the method being implemented by computer and comprising the following steps:Determination (100), from a first set of parameters (P H ) relating to the site and / or the body, the possibility of estimating the time (H DPM ) 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 (P T ) relating to the site and / or the body, of a recommended mode of temperature taking among a mode (M t ) of taking tympanic temperature (T t ) and a mode (M r ) rectal temperature measurement (T r ) ; calculation (600), from the acquisition (400) of an ambient temperature (T amb) and the acquisition (300) of a body temperature acquired in accordance with the recommended mode (M t , M r ) of temperature taking, of the theoretical time (H DPM ) of death, said calculation being based on the following formulas: - For the recommended method of taking rectal temperature (M r ) :(610) : H DPM (in hours) = 37 - T r(en degrés Celsius °C) +3- Pour le mode préconisé (Mt) de prise de température tympanique, l’heure théorique (HDPM) du décès est fonction de la température tympanique (Tt) et de la température ambiante (Tamb), l’expression de cette fonction étant définie selon des intervalles de températures. Method according to claim 1, in which, for the recommended mode (M t ) of taking tympanic temperature, the theoretical time (H DPM ) of death is determined as follows:If T amb < 0(°C)H DPM (in min) = A * (37 – T t (°C)) + B * T amb (°C) - C(620): With A ∈ [56.428; 57.572], B ∈ [6.633; 6.767] and C ∈ [237.590; 242.410]If T amb > 21(°C)H DPM (in min) = A * (37 – T t (°C)) + B * T amb (°C) – C(630): With A ∈ [56.088; 57.912], B ∈ [6.520; 6.880] and C ∈ [6.205; 7.195]If 0°C T amb 21°CH DPM (in min) = A * (37 – T t(°C)) – B,(640) : Avec A ∈ [53,725 ;54,535] et B ∈ [171,650; 201,650] si Tamb∈ [0(°C); 6(°C)[(650) : Avec A ∈ [45,686; 46,654] et B ∈ [40,650; 70,650] si Tamb∈ [6(°C); 10(°C)[(660) : Avec A ∈ [54,834; 55,946] et B ∈ [41,330; 71,330] si Tamb∈ [10(°C); 16(°C)[(670) : Avec A ∈ [55,726; 57,154] et B ∈ [135; 165] si Tamb∈ [16(°C); 21(°C)] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the determining step (100), from a first set of parameters (P H ) relating to the site and / or the body, of the possibility of estimating the theoretical time (H DPM ) of death from at least one body temperature measurement includes the validation (110) of a parameter relating to the degree of humidity of the body (C), the state “dry and not carbonized body” validating the possibility of estimating the time (H DPM ) of death from at least one body temperature measurement. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the determining step (100), from a first set of parameters (P H ) relating to the site and / or the body, of the possibility of estimating the theoretical time (H DPM) of death from at least one body temperature measurement includes 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 (H DPM ) of death from at least one body temperature measurement. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the definition (200), from a second set of parameters (P T ) relating to the site and / or the body, of a recommended temperature taking mode, includes the validation (210) of a parameter relating to the site (S), the “interior site” state validating the mode (M t ) of taking tympanic temperature (T t ), while the “external site” state validates the mode (M r ) rectal temperature measurement (T r ). Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the definition (200), from a second set of parameters (P T ) relating to the site and / or the body, of a recommended temperature taking mode, includes the validation (220) of a parameter relating to the body (C), the state “head of the body intact” validating the mode (M t ) of taking tympanic temperature (T t ) and conversely, the mode (M r ) rectal temperature measurement (T r ) being validated. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the definition (200), from a second set of parameters (P T ) relating to the site and / or the body, of a recommended mode of temperature taking, 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 (M t ) of taking tympanic temperature (T t ) and conversely, the mode (M r) rectal temperature measurement (T r ) being validated. The method of claim 7, wherein the mode (M t ) of taking tympanic temperature (T t ) is applied to both ears when each is in the open air, and in which the difference between the temperature (T tr ) of the right ear and the temperature (T tl ) of the left ear, the average of the two being used for the calculation of the time (H DPM ) of death. The method of claim 8, wherein the mode (M) is further carried out. r ) rectal temperature measurement (T r ) and to the calculation, according to this mode, of the theoretical time (H DPM ) of death when the difference between the temperature (T tr ) of the right ear and the temperature (T tl ) of the left ear is higher than 1°C. 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 (H DPM ) of death from at least one body temperature measurement, from a third set of parameters (P V ) relating to tympanic temperature (T t ) or rectal (T r ) and at room temperature (T amb ), the possibility of estimating the time (H DPM ) of death being confirmed: If the ambient temperature (T amb ) is less than 34°C; AND If the tympanic temperature (T t ) or rectal (T r ) is strictly greater than the ambient temperature (T amb ) ;AND If the tympanic temperature (T t ) is strictly greater than 33.6°C, in the case where the mode (M t ) of taking tympanic temperature (T t ) is recommended. 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. Device for estimating a theoretical hour (H DPM ) of the death of a human body (C) on a site (S), the device comprising means for acquiring the ambient temperature (CAPTT amb ), 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. Device for estimating a theoretical hour (H DPM ) of the 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 (T r ). Device for estimating a theoretical hour (H DPM ) of the 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. Device for estimating a theoretical hour (H DPM ) of the 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.

Citation Information

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