Abstract: An apparatus for determining probability of error in identifying evidence includes a computer. The apparatus includes a non-transitory memory in communication with the computer in which is stored a software program, and prior and posterior probability distributions from a plurality of independent tests conducted on an item of evidence. For each test, the computer forms a factor distribution from the test's probability distributions using the software program stored in the non-transitory memory of the computer. The computer convolves the independent factor distributions to form a joint factor distribution using the software program. The computer calculates a tail probability from the joint factor distribution using the software program to determine a probability of error in identifying the evidence. The computer stores the probability of error in the non-transitory memory. A method. A computer program.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining probability of error in identifying evidence includes a computer. The apparatus includes a non-transitory memory in communication with the computer in which is stored a software program, and prior and posterior probability distributions from a plurality of independent tests conducted on an item of evidence. For each test, the computer forms a factor distribution from the test's probability distributions using the software program stored in the non-transitory memory of the computer. The computer convolves the independent factor distributions to form a joint factor distribution using the software program. The computer calculates a tail probability from the joint factor distribution using the software program to determine a probability of error in identifying the evidence. The computer stores the probability of error in the non-transitory memory. A method. A computer program.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for automatically analyzing nucleic acid samples. Specifically, the process comprises the steps of forming electrophoretic data of DNA samples with DNA ladders; comparing these data; transforming the coordinates of the DNA sample's data into DNA length coordinates; and analyzing the DNA sample in length coordinates. This analysis is useful for automating fragment analysis and quality assessment. The automation enables a business model based on usage, since it replaces (ratter than assists) labor. This analysis also provides a mechanism whereby data generated on different instruments can be confidently compared. Genetic applications of this invention include gene discovery, genetic diagnosis, and drug discovery. Forensic applications include identifying people and their relatives, catching perpetrators, analyzing DNA mixtures, and exonerating innocent suspects.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for automatically analyzing mixed DNA samples. Specifically, the process comprises the steps of obtaining a mixed DNA sample; amplifying the DNA sample to produce a product; detecting the product to produce a signal; and analyzing the signal to determine information about the composition of the mixed DNA sample. This DNA mixture analysis is useful for finding criminals and convicting them. This mixture analysis provides high quality estimates, and can determine genotypes, mixture weights, and likelihood ratios. This analysis provides confidence measures in the results it computes, and generates reports and intuitive visualizations. The process automates a tedious manual procedure, thereby reducing the cost, time, and effort involved in DNA forensic analysis. The system can greatly accelerate the rate of DNA crime analysis, and be used to exonerate innocent people.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for automatically analyzing mixed DNA samples. Specifically, the process comprises the steps of obtaining a mixed DNA sample; amplifying the DNA sample to produce a product; detecting the product to produce a signal; and analyzing the signal to determine information about the composition of the mixed DNA sample. This DNA mixture analysis is useful for finding criminals and convicting them. This mixture analysis provides high quality estimates, and can determine genotypes, mixture weights, and likelihood ratios. This analysis provides confidence measures in the results it computes, and generates reports and intuitive visualizations. The process automates a tedious manual procedure, thereby reducing the cost, time, and effort involved in DNA forensic analysis. The system can greatly accelerate the rate of DNA crime analysis, and be used to exonerate innocent people.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for matching biological items using a database.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for automatically analyzing mixed DNA samples. Specifically, the process comprises the steps of obtaining a mixed DNA sample; amplifying the DNA sample to produce a product; detecting the product to produce a signal; and analyzing the signal to determine information about the composition of the mixed DNA sample. This DNA mixture analysis is useful for finding criminals and convicting them. This mixture analysis provides high quality estimates, and can determine genotypes, mixture weights, and likelihood ratios. This analysis provides confidence measures in the results it computes, and generates reports and intuitive visualizations. The process automates a tedious manual procedure, thereby reducing the cost, time, and effort involved in DNA forensic analysis. The system can greatly accelerate the rate of DNA crime analysis, and be used to exonerate innocent people.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for automatically analyzing mixed DNA samples. Specifically, the process comprises the steps of obtaining a mixed DNA sample; amplifying the DNA sample to produce a product; detecting the product to produce a signal; and analyzing the signal to determine information about the composition of the mixed DNA sample. This DNA mixture analysis is useful for finding criminals and convicting them. This mixture analysis provides high quality estimates, and can determine genotypes, mixture weights, and likelihood ratios. This analysis provides confidence measures in the results it computes, and generates reports and intuitive visualizations. The process automates a tedious manual procedure, thereby reducing the cost, time, and effort involved in DNA forensic analysis. The system can greatly accelerate the rate of DNA crime analysis, and be used to exonerate innocent people.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for automatically analyzing nucleic acid samples. Specifically, the process comprises the steps of forming electrophoretic data of DNA samples with DNA ladders; comparing these data; transforming the coordinates of the DNA sample's data into DNA length coordinates; and analyzing the DNA sample in length coordinates. This analysis is useful for automating fragment analysis and quality assessment. The automation enables a business model based on usage, since it replaces (rather than assists) labor. This analysis also provides a mechanism whereby data generated on different instruments can be confidently compared. Genetic applications of this invention include gene discovery, genetic diagnosis, and drug discovery. Forensic applications include identifying people and their relatives, catching perpetrators, analyzing DNA mixtures, and exonerating innocent suspects.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for determining reliability of forensic interpretation methods. Specifically, the process comprises the steps of obtaining forensic data, a known feature, and a population of features; obtaining a forensic interpretation method that is applicable to the forensic data; applying the interpretation method to the forensic data to obtain an inferred feature; computing a match information statistic that determines a frequency of occurrence of a match between the inferred feature and the known feature relative to the population of features; and computing a numerical reliability statistic from the match information statistic to determine the reliability of the forensic interpretation method for legal admissibility in a court of law. This reliability determination is useful for validating a forensic interpretation method so that its results can be admitted as evidence in a court of law. Establishing reliability helps ensure that forensic evidence complies with F.R.E.

Abstract: A method for genotyping including the steps of obtaining nucleic acid material from a genome. Then there is the step of amplifying a location of the material. Next there is the step of assaying the amplified material based on size and concentration. Then there is the step of converting the assayed amplified material into a first set of electrical signals corresponding to size and concentration of the amplified material at the location. Then there is the step of operating on the first set of electrical signals produced from the amplified material with a second set of electrical signals corresponding to a response pattern of the location to produce a third set of clean electrical signals corresponding to the size and multiplicities of the unamplified material on the genome at the location. A system for genotyping.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for automatically analyzing nucleic acid samples. Specifically, the process comprises the steps of forming electrophoretic data of DNA samples with DNA ladders; comparing these data; transforming the coordinates of the DNA sample's data into DNA length coordinates; and analyzing the DNA sample in length coordinates. This analysis is useful for automating fragment analysis and quality assessment. The automation enables a business model based on usage, since it replaces (rather than assists) labor. This analysis also provides a mechanism whereby data generated on different instruments can be confidently compared. Genetic applications of this invention include gene discovery, genetic diagnosis, and drug discovery. Forensic applications include identifying people and their relatives, catching perpetrators, analyzing DNA mixtures, and exonerating innocent suspects.

Abstract: A method of genotyping including the steps of obtaining nucleic acid material. There is the step of amplifying a short tandem repeat polymorphism of the material to produce a signal. There is the step of analyzing the signal using a computing device with a memory. There is the step of producing an allele of the polymorphism.

Abstract: A method of nucleic acid sequencing comprising the steps (a) amplifying a nucleic acid sample to produce an amplified DNA product; (b) extending a sequencing primer bound to the DNA product in the presence of terminating nucleotide analogs to produce a collection of labeled nucleic acid products; (c) detecting a total amount of label present in the collection to produce a measurement; and (d) combining a plurality of measurements to determine DNA sequence information about the sample. A system for nucleic acid sequencing which uses terminating nucleotide analogs to quantitatively determine fragment length and sequence information.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for automatically analyzing mixed DNA samples. Specifically, the process comprises the steps of obtaining a mixed DNA sample; amplifying the DNA sample to produce a product; detecting the product to produce a signal; and analyzing the signal to determine information about the composition of the mixed DNA sample. This DNA mixture analysis is useful for finding criminals and convicting them. This mixture analysis provides high quality estimates, and can determine genotypes, mixture weights, and likelihood ratios. This analysis provides confidence measures in the results it computes, and generates reports and intuitive visualizations. The process automates a tedious manual procedure, thereby reducing the cost, time, and effort involved in DNA forensic analysis. The system can greatly accelerate the rate of DNA crime analysis, and be used to exonerate innocent people.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for sequencing genomes. The method comprises the steps of obtaining nucleic acid material from a genome. Then there is the step of constructing a clone library and one or more probe libraries from the nucleic acid material. Next there is the step of comparing the libraries to form comparisons. Then there is the step of combining the comparisons to construct a map of the clones relative to the genome. Next there is the step of determining the sequence of the genome by means of the map. The present invention also pertains to a system for sequencing a genome. The system comprises a mechanism for obtaining nucleic acid material from a genome. The system also comprises a mechanism for constructing a clone library and one or more probe libraries. The constructing mechanism is in communication with the nucleic acid material from a genome. Additionally, the system comprises a mechanism for comparing said libraries to form comparisons.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process which can be fully automated for accurately determining the alleles of genetic markers. More specifically, the present invention is related to performing PCR amplification on locations of DNA to generate a reproducible pattern, labeling the PCR products, converting the labels into a signal, operating on the signal, and then determining the genotype of the location of the DNA. An amplification can include multiple locations from the DNA of one or more individuals. The invention also pertains to genetics applications and systems which can effectively use this genotyping information.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process which can be fully automated for accurately determining the alleles of genetic markers. More specifically, the present invention is related to performing PCR amplification on locations of DNA to generate a reproducible pattern, labeling the PCR products, converting the labels into a signal, operating on the signal, and then determining the genotype of the location of the DNA. An amplification can include multiple locations from the DNA of one or more individuals. The invention also pertains to genetics applications and systems which can effectively use this genotyping information.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for efficiently and accurately constructing indirectly high-resolution maps of genomes and other entities. Specifically, the process comprises the steps of generating three sets of reagents, namely, (1) sample points, (2) covering regions, and (3) probes; performing parallel experiments to efficiently compare these reagents and acquire two data tables, one of (a) probes with covering regions, and another of (b) covering regions with sample points; combining these two independent tables by means of an inner product operation to produce a third table that indirectly compares probes with sample points; analyzing this computed table to construct a high-resolution map of the probes, the sample points, and the covering regions. The resulting integrated map is then used to efficiently search for probes based on their proximity to selected sample points. With genome maps, this search can enable the rapid discovery of genes, their products, and their useful applications.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for sequencing genomes. The method comprises the steps of obtaining nucleic acid material from a genome. Then there is the step of constructing a clone library and one or more probe libraries from the nucleic acid material. Next there is the step of comparing the libraries to form comparisons. Then there is the step of combining the comparisons to construct a map of the clones relative to the genome. Next there is the step of determining the sequence of the genome by means of the map. The present invention also pertains to a system for sequencing a genome. The system comprises a mechanism for obtaining nucleic acid material from a genome. The system also comprises a mechanism for constructing a clone library and one or more probe libraries. The constructing mechanism is in communication with the nucleic acid material from a genome. Additionally, the system comprises a mechanism for comparing said libraries to form comparisons.