Michael K. Tschudi

Current Research Interests

Active databases may contain rules triggered by events produced by other rules, perhaps leading to infinite rule triggering behavior. There are existing methods for static termination analysis, but all are too conservative in their methods, and thus may report non-existing rule- triggering cycles. With conservative methods, simply having an event of the same name produced by one rule and consumed by another rule becomes the basis for declaring a triggering relationship between the two rules.

Actual triggering is based on satisfiability conditions associated with rule parameters and other conditions. Research done at Arizona State University produced a set of advanced static analysis methods. Less conservative, these methods represent more accurately the actual state of a set of active rules. The research presented within this thesis implemented the advanced static analysis methods and extended them..

In particular, extensions were made to merge the advanced analysis methods with other methods of analysis, incorporate dynamically-changeable attributes into the static analysis, and demonstrate the feasibility of cycle-wide analysis in addition to pairwise analysis of rules in a triggering relationship..

Analyzing a sample database constructed for this thesis, this implementation discovered 744 potential cycles of rule triggering among ten active rules. Using several satisfiability analysis methods integrated into a single implementation, the software was able to determine that 740 of these cycles are not satisfiable, and thus will not actually cycle. This represents a tremendous savings in effort for an active rule designer..

Results indicate that the advanced static termination analysis methods and the extensions to blend them with other methods and with cycle-wide analysis were highly successful in discovering unsatisfiable cycles, whereas the extension to incorporate dynamic attributes was disappointing.

Publications

• Tschudi, M., "New Life for Map Videodiscs", GIS/LIS '90 Proceedings, Nov. 7-10, 1990, Anaheim, CA, American Congress on Surveying and Mapping, American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, et al.
  
  
• Tschudi, M., "A Technique for Viewing a Large Digital Map Background", GIS/LIS '88 Proceedings, Nov. 29 to Dec. 3, 1988, San Antonio, TX, American Congress on Surveying and Mapping, American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, et al.
  

Resume

Employment Experience

• Teaching Assistant, Arizona State University, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Tempe, AZ (Fall 1992, Spring 1993, & Summer 1994 semesters). Developed test drivers, supervised lab area, and graded in an assembly language programming class (3 semesters). Organized and ran ten class sessions and graded in a C++ programming class (1 semester).
  
  
• System Programmer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory/ California Institute of Technology (JPL), Cartographic Applications Group, Pasadena, CA (6/87 to 7/91). Proposed and developed a MicroVAX-based digital map background capability using both videodisc and magnetic disk storage; software currently in use by U.S. Army. Developed Macintosh program for capture and display of video images from the Voyager spacecraft during encounter with planet Neptune; program operated continuously during the full 10-day encounter. Developed digital map background for Macintosh computers for U.S. Defense Mapping Agency CD-ROM and videodisc maps.
  
  
• Group Leader & Programmer, Formtek, Pittsburgh, PA (7/84 to 5/87). Responsible for Applications Department's software design & implementation. Supervised staff of six. Led redesign of software for Formtek's 2D-drafting system; result was company's first successful product. Developed software so that Sun-based software could automatically conduct a dial-up terminal session with an IBM mainframe. Self-study projects included developing a debugger for the company's FDL language.
  
  
• Project Coordinator & Programmer, Calma, San Diego, CA (11/80 to 6/84). Developed Civil Site Preparation Mapping software package. Proposed & developed an enhanced user interface for company products, including extensive on-line help and greatly increased package flexibility. Organized & assigned tasks to co-workers for development. Technical consultant for graphics package (DDM), graphics language (DAL), and FORTRAN for co- workers and documentation and training groups. Other tasks included documentation, design of the gridded terrain model & contour items for the Mapping package, and DAL training for employees. Self-study projects included creating a DAL program execution tracer, DAL/FORTRAN test harness, DDM database simulator, interactive DAL compiling, dynamic vector display, training tools, and stereoscopic graphics display.
  
  
• Park Ranger, Supervisor, Grand Teton National Park, Moose, WY (summers of 1978, 1979, 1980). Supervised operation of the Gros Ventre campground (1980).
  

Publications

• "New Life for Map Videodiscs", GIS/LIS '90 Proceedings, Nov. 7-10, 1990, Anaheim, CA.
  
  
• "A Technique for Viewing a Large Digital Map Background", GIS/LIS '88 Proceedings, Nov. 29 to Dec. 3, 1988, San Antonio, TX.
  

Education

• Undergraduate & graduate study in Computer Science and Engineering at Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (1/92 to present); 52 credits; 4.0/4.0 cumulative GPA. Member Upsilon Pi Epsilon (International Honor Society for the Computing Sciences). Anticipate completing Master of Science in Computer Science in February 1997.
  
  
• Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) cum laude, City University of NY, New York, NY (6/79). 130 credits; 3.487/4.0 cumulative GPA. Member Chi Epsilon (Honor Society for Civil Engineering).
  

Other

• Volunteer for Carminati Elementary School, Tempe, AZ (8/94 to 5/96). Guest-teach computers and mechanics; provide computer application advice and solutions to teachers and staff.
  
  Eagle Scout with Bronze, Gold, and Silver Palms; Boy Scouts of America