Patrick C Leger

Title: Patrick C. Leger: Innovator in Autonomous Excavation Technology

Introduction

Patrick C. Leger is a notable inventor based in Pittsburgh, PA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of autonomous excavation and truck loading. With a total of 2 patents, his work focuses on enhancing the efficiency and capabilities of earthmoving machinery.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is a "System for Autonomous Excavation and Truck Loading." This invention discloses a system designed to organize and coordinate components associated with earthmoving machinery capable of performing excavating and loading tasks autonomously. The system includes an earthmoving machine equipped with a scanning sensor system that provides data regarding various regions within an earthmoving environment, including excavation and loading areas. A planning and control module receives data from the scanning sensor system to plan tasks while concurrently managing the control of the earthmoving machine. The system can incorporate various sensor types, such as laser and radar rangefinders, depending on the requirements and capabilities needed.

Another significant patent is "Fast Planar Segmentation of Range Data for Mobile Robots." This invention addresses the initial step in processing three-dimensional range data for a robot's vision system, focusing on feature extraction through planar segmentation. The method involves detecting and merging line segments from different scanlines to form planes, utilizing a least squares threshold for accuracy. To enhance processing speed, the viewing area is divided into cells, allowing comparisons only between adjacent cells of interest.

Career Highlights

Patrick C. Leger is affiliated with Carnegie Mellon University, where he continues to innovate and contribute to advancements in robotics and autonomous systems. His work has implications for various industries, including construction and robotics.

Collaborations

He has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Anthony Joseph Stentz and John E. Bares, further enriching his research and development efforts.

Conclusion

Patrick C. Leger's contributions to autonomous excavation technology exemplify the innovative spirit of modern engineering. His patents reflect a commitment to improving the efficiency and functionality of earthmoving machinery.