Death Scene Scoring Kit for Objective Suicide Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of standardized international guidelines for medico-legal experts and coroners to accurately identify suicide versus homicide, leading to inconsistent and potentially incorrect classifications, which can be influenced by prior information and circumstantial data, especially in complex or atypical cases.

Innovation Solution

A field kit and method utilizing a scoring system based on tables for death scene investigation, including causes of death, victim history, scene evidence, and suicidal dynamics, with a computing device for objective classification and communication with authorities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If standardized international guidelines are implemented for death scene investigation, then classification accuracy between suicide and homicide is improved, but device complexity and implementation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclassification accuracyVSAvoidimplementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the complex classification task into a quantitative scoring system with specific parameters (7 tables of values assessing different aspects like wound characteristics, scene evidence, victim history). Each parameter is assigned numerical values that are summed to produce an objective classification, converting subjective forensic judgment into measurable parameters that reduce ambiguity and improve consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The classification system is divided into multiple independent assessment tables (7 distinct tables evaluating different aspects of the death scene and victim). Each table addresses specific parameters separately, allowing systematic evaluation of various factors independently before integrating them into the final classification. This segmentation makes the complex task more manageable and reduces cognitive bias.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a comprehensive scoring system with multiple tables is used for death classification, then objectivity and reliability of classification are improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclassification reliabilityVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to be self-evaluating through automated calculation. The computing device automatically sums the values from the 7 assessment tables and compares the total against classification thresholds, eliminating manual calculation errors. The system guides the investigator through standardized questions and performs the complex scoring algorithm automatically, maintaining reliability while reducing operational burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual forensic assessment with an automated computing system that processes the scoring data. The computer algorithm objectively calculates the total score and determines the classification (suicide, homicide, or inconclusive) based on predetermined thresholds, removing human subjectivity and calculation errors while maintaining ease of operation through digital interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If detailed tables of values are collected and analyzed, then measurement precision of death classification is improved, but loss of time in data collection and analysis increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclassification precisionVSAvoidinvestigation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses predetermined classification thresholds and pre-established scoring criteria in the 7 tables. All the analytical frameworks, weightings, and decision rules are prepared in advance, allowing the investigator to simply collect data and input values without performing complex real-time analysis. The computing device instantly processes the input and provides the classification, significantly reducing analysis time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The computing device automatically performs the time-consuming tasks of summing values across 7 tables, comparing totals against classification thresholds, and determining the final classification. This automated processing reduces the time required for data analysis from potentially hours of manual calculation to instantaneous computation, while maintaining high measurement precision through consistent application of the scoring algorithm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12518858B2Field kit for a death scene investigation

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 UNIV DEGLI STUDI DI PADOVA

AI summary

A field kit for a death scene investigation includes:a first table of values corresponding to causes of death;a second table of values corresponding to a victim's history of mental illness;a third table of values corresponding to consistency between death scene evidence and a suicidal dynamic;a fourth table of values corresponding to a number of suicidal methods involved in the victim's death;a fifth table of values corresponding to a compatibility of suicidal methods and injuries to the victim with a suicidal dynamic;a sixth table of values corresponding to a presence of positive indicators of suicide;a seventh table of values corresponding to a classification of death between a death compatible with a suicide and a death incompatible with a suicide;a telecommunications device; anda computing device comprising a memory and a processor.