Patents Assigned to Ancestry.com DNA, LLC
  • Patent number: 12229141
    Abstract: The disclosed system links an individual dataset to a database. The system receives a target individual dataset associated with a target individual and identifies candidate individual datasets that are potentially related to the target individual dataset. The system identifies a related individual dataset that has data bits that match some data bits in the target individual dataset. The system then identifies a parent node that is a common parent node to both the target individual dataset and the related individual dataset. The system retrieves a data tree that the parent node belongs to with the data tree containing information describing inter-relationships among datasets in the data tree. A node in the data tree is identified to assign the target individual dataset based on strings of matched data bits and number of the matched strings between the target individual dataset and the datasets in the data tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: Ancestry.com DNA, LLC
    Inventors: Shiya Song, Jingwen Pei, Brett Frederick Jorgensen, Aaron James Stern, Ross E. Curtis
  • Patent number: 12217393
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and/or computer-program products for generating a photo composite are configured to identify a facial photo, assign a community such as a genetic community to the identified facial photo, select and retrieve a subset of photos from a genetic community, determine a landmark in each photo of the subset of photos, compute and apply a similarity transform to each photo based and its landmarks, update estimates of transformed averaged landmarks, calculate a triangularization of the transformed averaged landmarks, warp images to the average image landmarks, and combine the intensities of the warped images. The communities are identified from genetic information. The facial photos are identified from a network of genealogical trees and/or a collection of historical records.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: Ancestry.com DNA, LLC
    Inventors: Ahna R. Girshick, Luong Ruiz, Jack Reese
  • Patent number: 12211590
    Abstract: A user may select one or more potential common ancestors with a DNA match to view the target individual's relationship with them. The process may include identifying, from a first genealogical profile of the target individual. A first individual has a first linkage that connects the target individual towards the selected potential common ancestor. The process may also include identifying, from a second genealogical profile of the DNA match, a second individual who has a second linkage that connects the DNA match towards the selected potential common ancestor. The process may further include connecting the first linkage and the second linkage with the selected potential common ancestor by adding one or more individuals whose profiles are retrieved from other searchable genealogical profiles stored in the online system. With the nodes and connections available, the process may generate a map of visual connections between the target individual and the DNA match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: Ancestry.com DNA, LLC
    Inventors: Shiya Song, Neal Craig Varner, Ross E. Curtis, Brian Jerel Kerr, Kelly Mccloy Becker, Brett Frederick Jorgensen, Bryce Damon Ririe, Michael Joseph Mulligan, Justin Matthew Robert Van Dyke, Michaela Black Bonkemeyer
  • Patent number: 12207801
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems, devices, and methods for sample collection. A sample collection device may comprise a vessel, a lid, and pre-loaded liquid solutions. The sample collection device may collect a liquid sample, such as a biological sample. The liquid solutions may comprise reagents for preserving and/or stabilizing biological samples, such as saliva, collected in the vessel. A chamber comprising the liquid solutions may be located in the vessel and/or the lid. In some instances, the liquid solution may be released from the chamber upon closure of the vessel with the lid. In some instances, the liquid solution may be released from the chamber upon actuation of an implement, such as a plunger. In some instances, the liquid solution may be released upon compression of an absorbent member. The sample collecting device may be delivered to a remote location for further processing and/or analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: Ancestry.com DNA, LLC
    Inventors: Travis Sessions, Dan H. O'Neill, Jacob Wakley, William R. Barron, Ryan Patterson, Aaron Devore, Collin Sorensen, Grant Daniels
  • Patent number: 12148507
    Abstract: Described are computational methods to reconstruct the chromosomes (and genomes) of ancestors given genetic data, IBD information, and full or partial pedigree information of some number of their descendants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Ancestry.com DNA, LLC
    Inventors: Julie M. Granka, Keith D. Noto
  • Patent number: 12086735
    Abstract: An input sample SNP genotype is divided into a plurality of windows, each including a sequence of SNPs. For each window, a diploid hidden Markov Model (HMM) is built and from a haplotype Markov Model (MM). The diploid HMM for a window is used to determine the probability that the window corresponds to a pair of labels (e.g., ethnicity labels). An inter-window HMM, with a set of states for each window, is built based on the diploid HMMs for each window. Labels are assigned to the input sample genotype based on the inter-window HMM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: Ancestry.com DNA, LLC
    Inventors: Keith D. Noto, Yong Wang
  • Patent number: 12086914
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, computer-program products, and computer-implemented methods for the automatic estimation of geographic boundaries. Implementations of the foregoing may be useful for automatedly determining the geographic boundary of a community. In some embodiments, a computing device may receive birth location data related to the community. Enriched birth locations for the community may be determined based on likelihood metrics. An estimated geographic boundary of the community may be determined. The estimated geographic boundary may correspond to a probability density of the enriched birth locations represented using the geographical coordinates. A graphical user interface may present a map and the estimated geographic boundary of the community overlaying the map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: Ancestry.com DNA, LLC
    Inventors: Luong Ruiz, Samuel Henry Dauphinee, Paul Rawlins, Oleksii Mukhin, Jeremy Allen Casper
  • Patent number: 12079238
    Abstract: A storytelling interface comprising a map panel and a genealogy panel, and methods for using the same, are described. The storytelling interface facilitates dynamic and automatic scaling and relocation of the map panel based on a user's location within the genealogy panel, which facilitates a continuous scrolling operation to navigate between different sections of the genealogy panel. The storytelling interface facilitates a user receiving, viewing, and interacting with DNA and ethnic communities results determined from DNA testing, and allows a user to navigate through pertinent communities in both time and/or space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: Ancestry.com DNA, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Leon Pigg, Blake Longmore, James Bruce Kolste, Gopi Vijaybhaskar Addanki, James Parker Ferry, Bryan Joseph Johnson, Shauri Fay Johnson, Connie Wing Zhu Chen, Phillip John Wood
  • Patent number: 12050629
    Abstract: A computing device may receive a target data instance. The computing device may identify a plurality of matched segments that match to the target data instance for at least a threshold length. The computing device may define, based on overlapping of the matched segments, the target data instance as a plurality of data string ranges, wherein each divided data string is matched to a set of overlapping matched segments. The computing device may apply an iterative clustering algorithm to group the plurality of data string ranges based on values of a similarity metric among data string ranges that are assigned to a given group. The computing device may attribute a first set of data string ranges that are assigned to a first group to a first inheritance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: Ancestry.com DNA, LLC
    Inventor: Keith D. Noto
  • Patent number: 12045219
    Abstract: Disclosed herein relates to a method that improves the accuracy of producing family trees. The DNA of a target individual is processed to find a matching individual. Using the known family tree of the matching individual, multiple candidate family trees are generated with multiple proposed placements for the target individual. For each candidate family tree, a genetic likelihood for a proposed relationship and the other DNA test takers in the family tree. A birth-year probability is determined by identifying a most recent common ancestor (MRCA). The birth-year probability is based on the number of years between the target individual and the matching individual and a normal distribution of ages for parent-child age differences in a population. The genetic likelihood is converted to a genetic probability so that it can be compared with or added to the birth-year probability. Based on the two probabilities, the candidate family trees are sorted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Ancestry.com DNA, LLC
    Inventors: Jingwen Pei, Keith D. Noto
  • Patent number: 12040054
    Abstract: An input genotype is divided into a plurality of windows, each including a sequence of SNPs. For each window, a diploid HMM is computed based on genotypes and/or phased haplotypes to determine a probability of a haplotype sequence being associated with a particular label. For example, the diploid HMM for a window is used to determine the emission probability that the window corresponds to a set of labels. An inter-window HMM, with a set of states for each window, is computed. Labels are assigned to the input genotype based on the inter-window HMM. Upper and lower bounds are estimated to produce a range of likely percentage values an input can be assigned to a given label. Confidence values are determined indicating a likelihood that an individual inherits DNA from a certain population. Maps are generated with polygons representing regions where a measure of ethnicity of population falls within specific ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: ANCESTRY.COM DNA, LLC
    Inventors: Shiya Song, Keith D. Noto, Yong Wang
  • Patent number: 12017226
    Abstract: A sample collection system can include a sample collection vessel having a sample collection chamber with an opening configured to receive a sample into the sample collection chamber. The sample collection system can additionally include a selectively movable sleeve valve configured to associate with the opening of the sample collection chamber. The sample collection system can include a sealing cap that is configured to associate with the selectively movable sleeve valve and with the sample collection vessel. The sealing cap can include a reagent chamber having reagent(s) stored therein, and when the sealing cap is associated with the sample collection vessel, the selectively movable sleeve valve opens, dispensing the reagent(s) into the sample collection chamber. When the selectively moveable sleeve associates with the sample collection chamber, an outer sleeve slides relative to an inner vessel, opening the sleeve and dispensing reagent into the sample collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: ANCESTRY.COM DNA, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Blair, Tyler Fredric Allan, Bryce Twede, Jeremy Johnson
  • Patent number: 11984196
    Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for characterizing variants of interest and predicting assignments of individuals to communities based on obtained genetic information. To characterize a variant, DNA datasets of reference individuals are accessed and used to generate a cluster with additional individuals. Reference individuals carry a variant at a genetic locus and the additional individuals share IBD with reference individuals. Statistics of genealogical data of the cluster are generated. A result summarizing the characterization of the variant is generated based on the statistics. To determine if an individual belongs to a community, a subset of the individual's haplotypes are inputted into a community-specific model. The model is trained using the training samples that each include haplotypes of reference individuals and a label identifying whether the reference individual belongs to the community. Based on the output of the model, it is determined whether the individual is a member of the community.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: ANCESTRY.COM DNA, LLC
    Inventors: Jake Kelly Byrnes, Julie M. Granka, Shannon Hateley, Ladan Doroud
  • Patent number: 11887697
    Abstract: A user may select one or more potential common ancestors with a DNA match to view the target individual's relationship with them. The process may include identifying, from a first genealogical profile of the target individual. A first individual has a first linkage that connects the target individual towards the selected potential common ancestor. The process may also include identifying, from a second genealogical profile of the DNA match, a second individual who has a second linkage that connects the DNA match towards the selected potential common ancestor. The process may further include connecting the first linkage and the second linkage with the selected potential common ancestor by adding one or more individuals whose profiles are retrieved from other searchable genealogical profiles stored in the online system. With the nodes and connections available, the process may generate a map of visual connections between the target individual and the DNA match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Ancestry.com DNA, LLC
    Inventors: Shiya Song, Neal Craig Varner, Ross E. Curtis, Brian Jerel Kerr, Kelly McCloy Becker, Brett Frederick Jorgensen, Bryce Damon Ririe, Michael Joseph Mulligan, Justin Matthew Robert Van Dyke, Michaela Black Bonkemeyer
  • Patent number: 11826027
    Abstract: The present description relates to a sample collection device comprising a receptacle and a closure member configured to seal the receptacle. Within the closure member is provided a reservoir configured to contain a stabilization fluid capable of preserving and stabilizing a collected sample. The reservoir includes an outlet which is sealed by a sealing member. The sealing member may be openable to allow communication, or mixture, between the contents of the reservoir and the contents of the receptacle. The closure member may also include a peel foil on the end of the closure member having the outlet to ensure sterility of and to avoid tampering with the outlet and the reservoir. The method includes collecting a sample from the user using the sample collection device, mixing the sample with the stabilization fluid, and analyzing the sample thus collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: ANCESTRY.COM DNA, LLC
    Inventors: Travis Sessions, Aaron Devore, Dan H. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 11735290
    Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for predicting a trait of an individual and identifying a set of enriched record collections of a genetic community. To predict a trait of an individual, DNA features and non-DNA features of the individual are accessed to generate a feature vector that is inputted into a machine learning model. The machine learning model generates a prediction of the trait. The prediction may be based on an inheritance prediction and/or a community prediction. To identify a set of enriched record collections, individuals belonging to a genetic community are identified and a set of candidate record collections are accessed. A community count and a background count is determined for each candidate record collection. The set of enriched record collections are identified based on a comparison of the community count and the background count. The genetic community may be annotated using the set of enriched record collections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Ancestry.com DNA, LLC
    Inventors: Ahna R. Girshick, Natalie Telis, Julie M. Granka, Asher Keith Haug Baltzell, Shiya Song, Genevieve Heather Linnea Roberts, Shannon Ries McCurdy, Jialiang Gu
  • Patent number: 11678867
    Abstract: The present description relates to a sample collection device comprising a receptacle and a closure member configured to seal the receptacle. Within the closure member is provided a reservoir configured to contain a stabilization fluid capable of preserving and stabilizing a collected sample. The reservoir includes an outlet which is sealed by a sealing member. The sealing member may be openable to allow communication, or mixture, between the contents of the reservoir and the contents of the receptacle. The closure member may also include a peel foil on the end of the closure member having the outlet to ensure sterility of and to avoid tampering with the outlet and the reservoir. The method includes collecting a sample from the user using the sample collection device, mixing the sample with the stabilization fluid, and analyzing the sample thus collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Ancestry.com DNA, LLC
    Inventors: Travis Sessions, Aaron Devore, Dan H. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 11638919
    Abstract: A sample collection system can include a sample collection vessel having a sample collection chamber with an opening configured to receive a sample into the sample collection chamber. The sample collection system can additionally include a selectively movable sleeve valve configured to associate with the opening of the sample collection chamber. The sample collection system can include a sealing cap that is configured to associate with the selectively movable sleeve valve and with the sample collection vessel. The sealing cap can include a reagent chamber having reagent(s) stored therein, and when the sealing cap is associated with the sample collection vessel, the selectively movable sleeve valve opens, dispensing the reagent(s) into the sample collection chamber. When the selectively moveable sleeve associates with the sample collection chamber, an outer sleeve slides relative to an inner vessel, opening the sleeve and dispensing reagent into the sample collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Ancestry.com DNA, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Blair, Tyler Fredric Allan, Bryce Twede, Jeremy Johnson
  • Patent number: 11545235
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a system and method is provided for determining a probability of a progeny having one or more phenotypes Phj each associated with a single gene Qj. A score sip may be assigned to each allele hip at a plurality of genetic loci (i) in a haploid genome profile Hp of a parent (p). A plurality (Nj) of the alleles hkp (k=1, . . . , Nj) associated with the gene Qj may be identified. The scores sip may be mapped or indexed to gene-specific scores ?j,kp associated with gene Qj for the plurality of (Nj) alleles hkp. A probability may be computed for altering the gene product from gene Qj in a progeny of the parent (p) to be a function of the gene-specific scores ?j,kp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Ancestry.com DNA, LLC
    Inventors: Lee M. Silver, Adam Cohn, Ari Julian Silver
  • Patent number: 11538551
    Abstract: Described are techniques for determining population structure from identity-by-descent (IBD) of individuals. The techniques may be used to predict that an individual belongs to zero, one or more of a number of communities identified within an IBD network. Additional data may be used to annotate the communities with birth location, surname, and ethnicity information. In turn, these data may be used to provide to an individual a prediction of membership to zero, one or more communities, accompanied by a summary of the information annotated to those communities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Ancestry.com DNA, LLC
    Inventors: Eunjung Han, Ross E. Curtis, Peter Carbonetto