Correlated Multiphasic Analysis for Low-Threshold DNA Match Correlation

The patent segments the analysis process into multiple phases: (1) gathering atDNA matches and family tree data, (2) identifying verified MRCA relationships, (3) clustering matches into functional equivalence classes based on shared MRCAs, and (4) iteratively expanding the analysis. This segmentation allows the system to handle complexity systematically while dramatically increasing the number of identifiable matches from 5% to potentially 95%+ of all matches.

The patent adds a new dimension to traditional DNA analysis by introducing functional equivalence classes that group matches based on shared MRCAs rather than just DNA segment length. This creates a hierarchical structure where matches are organized by ancestral relationships across multiple generations, enabling the analysis to extend beyond the traditional 200-year window and identify distant relationships that conventional methods miss.

The patent performs preliminary actions by gathering and organizing family tree data and atDNA match data before the actual analysis. It pre-identifies verified MRCA relationships and uses these as anchor points to build functional equivalence classes. This preliminary organization of data allows the system to effectively analyze matches even when family trees are incomplete, as the verified MRCAs provide reliable starting points for clustering.

The patent introduces functional equivalence classes as an intermediary structure that connects atDNA matches to ancestral relationships. Instead of directly linking matches to specific ancestors (which requires complete family trees), the system uses MRCAs as intermediaries to group matches into classes. This intermediary approach allows matches with low shared DNA or incomplete family tree data to still be identified through their association with the functional equivalence class.

The patent merges multiple matches into functional equivalence classes based on shared MRCAs. By combining evidence from multiple matches within a class, the system can identify ancestral connections even when individual matches fall below conventional 40 cM thresholds. The collective weight of multiple lower-threshold matches within a verified equivalence class provides reliable identification of distant ancestral relationships.

The patent creates a universal framework for analyzing all atDNA matches regardless of their individual DNA segment length. The functional equivalence class approach allows the system to handle matches across the entire spectrum of DNA sharing, from close relatives with high cM values to distant relatives with low cM values, using the same MRCA-based clustering methodology. This universal approach eliminates the need to apply different analysis methods based on match strength.