Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a vehicle involves determining if the vehicle is swaying and if the vehicle is swaying, reducing a torque of an engine of the vehicle and/or applying independent braking forces to each wheel of the vehicle. A vehicle for controlling vehicle sway includes an engine, a plurality of wheels, a braking system configured to apply independent braking forces to each wheel, and a controller configured to control the engine and the braking system. The controller is configured to determine a correlation coefficient in accordance with any phase shift occurring between a yaw acceleration signal and a lateral acceleration signal. The correlation coefficient is compared to a threshold value to determine whether the vehicle is swaying. If the vehicle is swaying, the controller causes a torque of the engine to be reduced and/or braking forces to be applied independently to each wheel.

Abstract: An electronic control unit is provided with a braking device formed of a brake pedal which exerts braking force on a vehicle, a brake actuator, braking units and the like, a vehicle speed change rate setting device which sets a target vehicle speed change rate, and a vehicle speed control device which performs vehicle speed control to realize the target vehicle speed change rate by predetermined operation to the braking device performed by a driver. The vehicle speed change rate setting device sets a target vehicle speed change rate to accelerate the vehicle when the predetermined operation is performed while the vehicle stops, for example.

Abstract: A speed change control system includes a speed change control section for setting a speed change value of a stepless speed change device; a speed change operational tool for providing the speed change control section with a speed change command the stepless speed change device; a constant speed travel operational device for providing the speed change control section with a changing command for changing a constant speed mode speed change value which is a speed change value at the time of the constant speed mode, a shifting command for shifting to the constant speed mode and a departing command for departing from the constant speed mode; and a constant speed travel management section which causes the speed change control section to execute the constant speed mode with the constant speed mode speed change value, based on the shifting command from the constant speed travel operational device.

Abstract: A method and a vehicle cruise control system performing the steps of driving with the cruise control active and set to maintain a set target speed, registering a first position when driving in an uphill slope of a hill where vehicle retardation has decreased vehicle speed to a first speed below the set target speed and where the retardation has decreased to zero or acceleration has just started in order to increase speed to the set target speed, registering a desired speed in a second position downhill of the crest at a first distance after the crest, based on the desired speed calculating a minimum speed at the crest with which the vehicle has to pass the crest in order to be able to reach the desired speed with zero fuel consumption during the first distance, controlling speed between the first position and the crest so that the vehicle reaches the minimum speed when passing the crest.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle restricts engine torque when an accelerator operation amount is large and it is determined that the direction of the driver's face changed between forward and backward of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes an engine, an alternator or integrated starter generator, and at least one controller. The at least one controller reduces voltage output of the alternator or integrated starter generator prior to initiating an auto stop of the engine.

Abstract: A fuel control apparatus (100) for an internal combustion engine in a vehicle, the vehicle provided with: the internal combustion engine (200) provided with a fuel supply apparatus (208, 209) capable of supplying, as fuel, first fuel (liquid fuel) and second fuel (CNG) in which amount of a reducing agent in an exhaust air under an rich air-fuel ratio is greater than that in the first fuel; and an exhaust purification apparatus (300, 400) disposed in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine, the fuel control apparatus provided with: a first controlling device for controlling the fuel supply apparatus such that the supply of the fuel is temporarily stopped under a predetermined condition; and a second controlling device for controlling the fuel supply apparatus such that the second fuel is supplied as the fuel and such that an exhaust air-fuel ratio is the rich air-fuel ratio, if the supply of the fuel is restarted from a state in which the supply of the fuel is temporarily stopped.

Abstract: Various systems and method for controlling exhaust gas recirculation in an internal combustion engine are provided. In one embodiment, a method for controlling an engine includes determining an actual intake oxygen concentration, adjusting a donor cylinder fuel injection amount to drive the actual intake oxygen concentration to a designated intake oxygen concentration, and adjusting a non-donor cylinder fuel injection amount dependent upon the donor cylinder fuel injection adjustment and to maintain a second operating parameter.

Abstract: An electronic control unit executes torque suppression control for reducing engine torque at the time of strong accelerator operation on the basis of an execution condition that a period of time elapsed from when an ignition switch is turned on is shorter than a prescribed period of time. By so doing, the torque suppression control is executed only when the elapsed period of time is short, a vehicle is still running in a parking lot and it is less likely that a driver performs accelerator operation with the intention to suddenly accelerate the vehicle; whereas, when the elapsed period of time is longer than a certain period of time and the vehicle is presumably running on an ordinary road, the torque suppression control is not executed, and acceleration of the vehicle along with the driver's intention is allowed.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle control apparatus that can prevent the drivability from being deteriorated. The vehicle control apparatus has an ECU that determines an acceleration/deceleration is caused by the disturbances and determines the control permission condition is not established, when an acceleration calculated by the variation of the wheel rotation speed detected by the wheel rotation speed sensor is more than or equal to a third deceleration threshold value, or less than or equal to a second deceleration threshold value. Therefore, the vehicle control apparatus can prohibit the reduction control of the driving force and can eliminate an influence of the variation of the wheel rotation speed caused by the disturbances when an unreasonable variation of the wheel rotation speed is detected as the acceleration, even under the condition that the vehicle travels on an extremely uneven road surface or a slippery road surface, thereby appropriately determining the deceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle control apparatus that can prevent the drivability from being deteriorated. The vehicle control apparatus has an ECU which determines, when the control permission condition is not established, not to execute the reduction control in the case that the accelerator opening degree is smaller than or equal to the accelerator threshold value or the vehicle speed is smaller than or equal to the vehicle speed threshold value, even if a depression of an accelerator pedal is detected and a depression of a foot brake pedal is detected. Therefore, the vehicle control apparatus can stop the torque reduction control to prevent the reduction of the engine output contrary to the intention of the driver in the case that an impact to the vehicle is small such that a load more than necessary is not applied to the vehicle even if the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal are both depressed by the driver.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an output control device for an internal combustion engine for generating a drive force of a vehicle. The output control device includes a braking request detection sensor for detecting whether or not a braking request operation has been performed, and a controller programmed to calculate a braking operation time from the start of the braking request operation, and limit an output of the internal combustion engine when the braking operation time becomes longer than a predetermined time.

Abstract: A drive system has an engine, a tank container for storing an expendable operating medium for the engine, a filling-level monitoring apparatus for monitoring the filling level in the tank container and/or in a feed line from the tank container to the engine, and an interruption apparatus for interrupting the engine in the case of an imminent lack of operating medium. If the filling level drops below a predefined filling-level height, this is detected by the filling-level monitoring apparatus and reported to the interruption apparatus which thereupon interrupts the drive system. Drive systems which are designed in this way are suitable for use in equipment, for example, in civil engineering, where emptying of the fuel tank frequently occurs as a result of the extreme building-site operation.

Abstract: A particulate matter sensor (8) is installed in an exhaust path (4) of an internal combustion engine (2) to generate an output in accordance with the amount of particulate matter in a gas. Disclosed is a control device (10) that includes means for detecting the output of the particulate matter sensor (8), means for detecting information about the operating status of the internal combustion engine (2), and means for correcting the output in accordance with the information during a predetermined period from the startup to warm-up of the internal combustion engine. Correcting the output at the start of the internal combustion engine as described above suppresses the output variations of the particulate matter sensor (8), which occur due to the differences in particulate matter diameter and sensor temperature.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of properly determining timing for restarting the engine in a stopped state when idle stop control of the engine is executed during a heating operation of an air conditioner, thereby making it possible to ensure marketability and fuel economy performance in a well-balanced manner. The control system executes the idle stop control of the engine during the heating operation of the air conditioner. The control system includes an ECU. The ECU sets a lower limit blowout temperature, calculates an estimated blowout temperature, and controls the engine such that the engine is restarted when the estimated blowout temperature has become not higher than the lower limit blowout temperature.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product evaluates a real-time condition of a construct of a roadway. A processor receives a set of roadway vibration patterns from a mobile smart sensor that is mounted on a terrestrial vehicle as it travels along a roadway. This set of roadway vibration patterns is created by a physical contact between a roadway surface of the roadway and a tire on the terrestrial vehicle. The processor also receives a set of transient data from a probe on the terrestrial vehicle. This transient data describes a real-time transient environmental condition at the roadway. The set of roadway vibration patterns and the set of transient data are input into an analysis algorithm to determine a real-time physical condition of a construct of the roadway, such that the analysis algorithm removes any effect the set of transient data has on the set of roadway vibration patterns.

Abstract: A self-contained vehicular traffic travel time information system for a vehicle in an inter-vehicle ad-hoc network includes an on-board vehicular broadcasting unit for communicating with other vehicles within the inter-vehicle ad hoc network. A positioning device identifies the vehicle's position throughout a course of travel. An on-board vehicle processing unit stores road segments throughout the vehicle path of travel. The on-board vehicle processing unit determines a starting position and an ending position for each respective road segment. A length of time for traveling through each respective road segment is determined. A memory storage device stores the segmented road portions and the time of travel associated with each respective road segment. The on-board vehicular broadcasting unit disseminates the determined travel times of recently traveled road segments via a broadcast message to other vehicles within the inter-vehicle ad hoc network.

Abstract: A method, which includes, within an electronic communication client, identifying a first person. Via a processor, at least a second person geographically located proximate to a geographic location associated with the first person can be identified. The method further can include, within the electronic communication client, indicating that the second person is geographically located proximate to the geographic location associated with the first person.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for timing the arrival of a public transportation vehicle to a station on a route comprising the steps of: (a) receiving at least one said route for said public transportation vehicle; (b) receiving the location of at least one said station on said route; (c) receiving at least one GPS reading, indicative of the location of said public transportation vehicle; (d) calculating the location of said public transportation vehicle in relations to said route; (e) calculating the distance of the route between said location of said public transportation vehicle to said station; and (f) calculating the time required for said public transportation vehicle to travel to said station based on at least said distance to said station.

Abstract: It is inter alia disclosed to select a relative positioning method from a set of at least two different relative positioning methods that are for determining an estimate of a relative position between a first entity and a second entity. The relative positioning method is selected in dependence on at least one of the following criteria: an estimated/measured distance between the first entity and the second entity; a relative positioning capability, of at least one of the first entity, the second entity and at least one server entity associated with at least one of the first entity and the second entity, to determine an estimate of a relative position between two entities; and an availability, at at least one of the at least one server entity, of a service providing data of at least one reference entity useable for determining an estimate of a relative position between the reference entity and one of the first entity and the second entity.

Abstract: A method for detecting and evaluating a plane for recognition of an object includes detecting the object using a sensor disposed on a vehicle, the object being present in a direction of a relative direction of movement of the vehicle and the sensor being directed onto the plane. A distance of the sensor from at least one measuring point is determined using a control unit. A value of the determined distance is compared with a reference value so as to obtain a difference value. The difference value is delivered to an evaluation unit as at least one of an object, an obstacle, a hole, a floating particle, a defect in the plane and a measurement error.

Abstract: A correct collision judgment is realized between an obstacle and a vehicle even when the vehicle enters a curve. In a collision judgment apparatus for judging the collision between the vehicle and the obstacle based on a relative positional relationship between a subject vehicle position of the vehicle and a relative movement straight line of the obstacle with respect to the vehicle as calculated based on a plurality of pieces of the position information acquired by a position information acquiring unit in relation to the obstacle, the relative positional relationship between the relative movement straight line and the subject vehicle position is adjusted so that a distance between the relative movement straight line and the subject vehicle position is separated if it is judged that the vehicle enters an entrance to a curve as compared with a situation in which the vehicle does not enter the entrance to the curve.

Abstract: An ECU acquires relative position information related to a relative position between a host vehicle and another vehicle (A, B, C) traveling ahead of the host vehicle, and error information related to an error in the relative position, detects the position of a preceding vehicle (A) traveling in front of the host vehicle, identifies the position of the preceding vehicle (A) by comparing the relative position based on the acquired relative position information with the detected position, and if relative position information oh a plurality of other vehicles (A, B, C) is acquired, identifies the position of the preceding vehicle (A) by comparing the relative position based on the acquired relative position information with the detected position, by using a threshold that is varied in accordance with the error information.

Abstract: A vehicle driving assistance device according to the invention is intended to improve the reliability of driving assistance and includes a vehicle sensor that acquires vehicle behavior information about the behavior of a vehicle, an inter-vehicle communication unit that acquires other-vehicle behavior information about the behavior of another vehicle which travels in front of the vehicle, a traffic condition estimating unit that estimates traffic conditions between the vehicle and another vehicle on the basis of the vehicle behavior information and the other-vehicle behavior information, and a driving assistance unit that performs driving assistance on the basis of the estimation result of the traffic condition estimating unit.

Abstract: A portable terminal executing an application program for realizing a predetermined function may not require a re-input operation of setting information and may reduce a restart time of the predetermined function by way of an in-vehicle apparatus. Specifically, the in-vehicle apparatus acquires and stores the setting information from the portable terminal. When a forced termination of the application program is detected, the in-vehicle apparatus transmits the setting information to the portable terminal after the application program is restarted by the portable terminal. The setting information from the in-vehicle apparatus enables the portable terminal to perform an auto-resetting process for redefining/resetting the setting information in order to resumes the application program.

Abstract: A method of processing probe trace data to determine a measure of correlation of a probe trace with other probe traces comprises obtaining a map that associates a parameter space with a plurality of pixels, wherein at least one correlation value is assigned to each of the plurality of pixels, and determining a correlation score for a probe trace by mapping the probe trace to at least one pixel of the map and determining the correlation score for the probe trace from at least one correlation value of the at least one pixel to which the probe trace is mapped.

Abstract: Disclosed is navigation technology for providing guidance for HOV lanes in a more readily understandable manner. A navigation device is provided with: a storage unit adapted to store lane information including the set-up of lanes which can be used when a predetermined condition is fulfilled (hereafter referred to as conditional lanes); a route guidance unit adapted to provide guidance for a recommended route to a destination; and a guidance unit adapted to provide guidance for entrances and exits for conditional lanes. If travelling along a conditional lane makes it impossible to continue without deviating from the recommended route, the guidance unit provides guidance that the conditional lane should not be entered from an entrance to the conditional lane or inhibits guidance on the presence of an entrance to the conditional lane.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of resolving a location in a second digital map from an ordered list of location reference points determined from a first digital map. The method involves identifying candidate lines and nodes in the second digital map, and using curvature, height and gradient information associated with the location reference points to identify the most likely candidate nodes or lines in the second digital map corresponding to the nodes represented by the location reference points and to lines emanating from or incident at the node in the first digital map. The method involves carrying out a route search between the most likely identified candidate node or line identified for one location reference point, and the corresponding node or line associated with the next reference point in the list, and repeating this step for consecutive pairs of reference points until the final location reference point is reached.

Abstract: A cellular-based live traffic service that does not require pre-deployment of infrastructure or GPS-enabled devices uses signals provided by cellular devices to determine course resolution localization and tracking information of the cellular devices. Specialized statistical analysis is performed on the course resolution data to infer the fine resolution positions of the cellular devices. In an example embodiment, the localization and tracking information is provided on a map, or the like, to show relative position and/or trajectory of cellular devices.

Abstract: Location technologies are combined with other information systems to provide augmented information for individuals such as a traveler in an automobile.

Abstract: An in-vehicle navigation apparatus transmits a present position, a destination, and a version number of in-vehicle map data stored in an in-vehicle map storage portion to a map difference data distribution apparatus. The map difference data distribution apparatus calculates a route from the present position and destination received from the in-vehicle navigation apparatus, compares a version number of map data stored in a center map storage portion with the received version number of the in-vehicle map data to prepare map difference data of map elements contained in the route, and distributes the prepared map difference data to the in-vehicle navigation apparatus.

Abstract: A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). Locations of collection, charging and distribution machines having available charged portable electrical energy storage devices are communicated to or acquired by a mobile device of a user or a navigation system of a user's vehicle. The locations are indicated on a graphical user interface on a map relative to the user's current location. The user may select particular locations on the map to reserve an available portable electrical energy storage device at a particular collection, charging and distribution machine location. The collection, charging and distribution machine locations displayed may also be based on a physical distance or driving time from the current location of the user mobile device or vehicle.

Abstract: A technique for calculating a location of a first vehicle is described. A method implementation of this technique comprises the steps of detecting, from the perspective of the first vehicle, a movement of a second vehicle relative to the first vehicle, determining, for the time of the relative movement, a location of the second vehicle based on the detected relative movement by matching the detected movement of the second vehicle against map data, measuring, for the time of the relative movement, a distance between the first and second vehicles, and calculating the location of the first vehicle based on the measured distance and the determined location of the second vehicle. The technique also comprises an apparatus, a computer program product, and a vehicle navigation system.

Abstract: A map difference data delivery apparatus generates map difference data, upon receiving a map update instruction for updating map elements in a map database. To generate the map difference data, the apparatus divides the map elements into multiple groups based on a user preference, such as travel frequency, road attributes, road shape, or road type. The generated map difference data thus includes the map elements exclusively accommodating and matching with the user preference.

Abstract: One or more systems, devices, and/or methods for organizing spatial data are disclosed. For example, a method includes receiving a location data point from a navigation device. A controller compares the distance from each of a plurality of data points to the location data point. In constructing a depthmap that associates each of the data points with the distance from the location data point, the controller assign data points within a minimum distance from the location data point into a first cell and data points greater than the minimum distance from the location data point into a second cell. The second cell is larger than the first cell and corresponds to a larger geographic area than the first cell. The depthmap may be configured to position points of interest in a panoramic or street level view image.

Abstract: A navigational deployment and initialization system, including: at least one personal inertial navigation module associated with at least one user and comprising a plurality of sensors and at least one controller configured to generate navigation data derived at least in part upon output of the plurality of sensors and at least one navigation routine; at least one deployment recognition device configured to directly or indirectly receive at least one of the following: user data, time data, event data, navigation data, or any combination thereof; and at least one central controller in direct or indirect communication with the at least one deployment recognition device and configured to receive at least a portion of at least one of the following: the user data, the time data, the event data, the navigation data, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A relative positioning system enabling a user to return to a starting position or some other point on the user's path. The system may include an array of accelerometers. The output from the accelerometers may be integrated to quantify movement of the array. The various movements of the array may be reconstructed to determine a net two or three dimensional translation. The current location of the array may be compared to a reference point to derive at trajectory directing the user to the reference point, such as an originating point. The trajectory may be continuously or periodically updated. Applications may include various displays presenting images, numbers, pointers, paths, vectors, or data by digital screens, watch faces, or other devices integrated with or remote from the processor calculating the vector back to the point of origin.

Abstract: A navigation system includes a data storage unit 9 for storing floor map information of a facility and a use pattern that records equipment to be used in the facility; a parking lot gate detection processing unit 11 for searching for, when a destination is set in the facility, the shortest route from the gateway of the facility to the destination among the routes leading to the destination via the equipment recorded in the use pattern according to the floor map information and use pattern; and a parking place information processing unit 12 for guiding a user along the route searched by the parking lot gate detection processing unit 11.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for generating a probabilistic forecast of photovoltaic fleet power generation is provided. A temporal distance between two locations is determined in proportion to cloud speed within a geographic region. Input clearness indexes are generated as a ratio of irradiance observations for one location, and clear sky irradiance. The clearness indexes are ordered into a time series. A clearness index correlation coefficient is determined as a function of temporal distance. The input clearness indexes are weighted by the clearness index correlation coefficient to form a time series of output clearness indexes. Means and standard deviations of both time series are respectively determined and combined into fleet irradiance statistics. Deterministic fleet power statistics are forecast as a function of the fleet irradiance statistics and photovoltaic fleet power rating. A time series of the forecast power statistics is generated by applying a time lag correlation coefficient.

Abstract: A system and method of mapping underground utilities and other subsurface objects involves one or more of acquiring utility location data using a number of different detectors and sensors, processing the multiple detector/sensor output data to produce mapping data, storing the mapping data in a database, and providing access to and use of the stored mapping data by subscribing users on a usage fee basis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for estimating a geometry of a borehole penetrating the earth. The method includes: performing a plurality of borehole caliper measurements with N transducers at a plurality of times, wherein for each time a measurement set comprises measurements made by the N transducers at that time; dividing a cross-section of the borehole into S sectors; obtaining an estimate of the borehole geometry by connecting representative radius points in adjacent sectors; displacing each measurement set according to a displacement vector related to an offset of each measurement set from the estimated geometry if the displacement vector exceeds a selection criterion; iterating the obtaining an estimate of the borehole geometry and the displacing each measurement set based on a latest displacement vector; and providing a latest obtained estimate as the geometry of the borehole when all of the displacement vectors no longer exceed the selection criterion for the displacing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for estimating downhole lateral vibrations a drill tubular disposed in a borehole penetrating the earth or a component coupled to the drill tubular. The method includes rotating the drill tubular to drill the first borehole and performing a plurality of measurements in a time window of one or more parameters of the drill tubular at or above a surface of the earth during the rotating using a sensor. The method further includes estimating the downhole lateral vibrations using a processor that receives the plurality of measurements.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole containing an oil-based drilling fluid. The apparatus includes an electrode disposed at a carrier and configured to inject alternating current into the formation. An electrically conductive plate is disposed between the first electrode and a borehole wall. An electrical insulator is disposed between and contacts the first electrode and the conductive plate. The apparatus is configured to prevent the drilling fluid from being disposed between the first electrode and the conductive plate. A first sensor is used to measure an electric field established between the first electrode and the conductive plate. A processor is configured to receive a measurement of the electric field to use as a floating reference signal to determine a phase difference with respect to a measured electrical quantity related to the injected electrical current in order to estimate the property.

Abstract: A method for correcting a measurement of a property of a subsurface material includes: selecting an instrument having a test circuit and a separate sensor, the test circuit configured for generating a test signal having a characteristic that mimics a downhole measurement environment to generate correction information. The sensor is configured for: transmitting a signal into the subsurface material; and receiving a data signal from the subsurface material; wherein the test circuit and the sensor are switchably coupled to an electronics unit of the instrument. The sensor is further configured for: receiving the test signal from the test circuit in the electronics unit; using the electronics unit, measuring at least one output characteristic of the instrument; and applying the correction information to the data signal according to the measured output characteristic.

Abstract: A method for processing seismic data. The method includes receiving the seismic data acquired by at least two receivers that are disposed at different depths. The method may then time-align the seismic data, collect a portion of the time-aligned seismic data into a gather and sum the collected time-aligned seismic data in the gather. After summing the collected time-aligned seismic data in the gather, the method may widen a spectrum of the summed seismic data and generate an image of subsurface formations in the earth based on the widened spectrum.

Abstract: A horizon-picking solution for a geological volume of interest is determined. To determine the horizon-picking solution, a plurality of horizons through the geological volume of interest included in an initial horizon-picking solution are perturbed to more closely follow the local character of measured data related to the geological volume of interest. In particular, the horizons may be perturbed simultaneously by blending the initial solution with a secondary horizon-picking solution that automatically identifies a plurality of horizons through the geological volume of interest that follow the measured data related to the geological volume of interest.

Abstract: An approach is provided for adaptive filtering of sensors and sensor data. A sensor manager determines one or more signals associated with one or more sensors. The sensor manager then processes and/or facilitates a processing of the one or more signals for comparison against one or more predetermined signals. The sensor manager determines one or more parameters for one or more filters based, at least in part, on the comparison, wherein the one or more filters operate, at least in part, on the one or more sensors, one or more other signals determined form the one or more sensors, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for performing surveys of the genetic diversity of a population. The invention also relates to methods for performing genetic analyses of a population. The invention further relates to methods for the creation of databases comprising the survey information and the databases created by these methods. The invention also relates to methods for analyzing the information to correlate the presence of nucleic acid markers with desired parameters in a sample. These methods have application in the fields of geochemical exploration, agriculture, bioremediation, environmental analysis, clinical microbiology, forensic science and medicine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of predicting whether an unknown biological specimen originates from a member of a particular family. The method compares DNA profiles from at least one unknown biological specimen to DNA profiles of more than one family member, which significantly increases the methods' predictive ability. In particular, the invention describes a method of comparing test DNA profiles from unknown biological specimens to a family pedigree comprising target DNA profiles obtained from biological specimens of family members. In one embodiment, a modified Elston Stewart algorithm is used to determine a probability that a genetic relationship exists between at least one unknown biological specimen and the family pedigree.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for performing surveys of the genetic diversity of a population. The invention also relates to methods for performing genetic analyses of a population. The invention further relates to methods for the creation of databases comprising the survey information and the databases created by these methods. The invention also relates to methods for analyzing the information to correlate the presence of nucleic acid markers with desired parameters in a sample. These methods have application in the fields of geochemical exploration, agriculture, bioremediation, environmental analysis, clinical microbiology, forensic science and medicine.