The methods used by the software are:



The program always begins by retrieving the requested data of the

Temperature-based method 'nomogram method'

 The program was developed [1] in accordance with the 'nomogram method' [2, 3]
All advancements are taken into consideration by the program. [4]

A range for ambient temperature and corrective factor is requested as in many cases it is impossible to appoint exact values
to the found circumstances at the scene.
When exact values of ambient temperature, corrective factor and body weight can be determined enter the particular figure twice.


The resulting period since death is then calculated (mode 1) by the mean values of the elevated ranges adding the
empirical permissible variation of 95%; as well as (mode 2) by the upper and lower brackets of the elevated ranges
of ambient temperature and the corrective factor.
The resulting wider period since death is issued avoiding to give an unrealistically narrow range.

The temperature at death can be changed from 37.2°C to a higher figure when adequate investigation or autopsy findings suppose fever at death,
or to a lower figure.

The choosing of an appropriate corrective factor for cooling conditions which differ from the standard conditions
(stretched, naked, still air, thermic 'indifferent' ground) should be oriented at the superimposed table (clothing, covering, moving air, wetness, water suspension) first.
Adaptions should be made whenever essential for special supporting bases according to a second table which can be called up by clicking the left mouse button on the first table.

     



The investigated dependence of corrective factors on the body weight in cases of low or high body weight and,
at the same time, higher thermic insulation conditions are automatically taken into account by the program
whenever the body weight and the corrective factor require that.


To become acquainted with the practise of the method at the scene it may be of assistance to study cases of two field studies. [5]

If the difference between rectal and ambient temperature is too small a reliable result cannot be obtained;
"scope of reliability is left" is displayed and the program switch from the 'Directed' mode into the 'Edit'-Mode.
Any other of the non-temperature-based methods/criteria involved can be examined at will.



When the temperature-based method must not be used because of contrary circumstances it can be ignored (to feed: * ).
The examination of the body should instead begin with any of the

Non-temperature-based methods

The program follows non-temperature based methods/criteria in accordance with [8].

Included methods are: The involved methods are practicable at the scene.

If some of the criteria activated at the scene react than they do so delayed (re-establishment of rigor after breaking it;
shifting of lividity after turning the body over; reaction of the iris after injection of pupillomotoric drugs).
The result of diagnosing whether there is a reaction can be entered later on.

To examine the electrical excitability a special battery-operated generator needed (-> see Current device).