Computing Task

A Computing Task is a task whose input is data.

• Context:
  • Task Input: data, computation parameters
    • Optional Input: configuration, resource constraints
  • Task Output: processed data, computation results
  • Task Performance Measure: computational efficiency, resource utilization, output accuracy
  • ...
  • It can (often) require Computing Resources through hardware systems:
    • Processing Units for computation execution
    • Memory Resources for data storage
    • Network Resources for data transfer
  • It can (often) involve Algorithms through computational processes:
    • Sequential Algorithms for ordered processing
    • Parallel Algorithms for concurrent execution
    • Distributed Algorithms for network computation
  • It can (often) have Performance Characteristics through metrics:
    • Time Complexity for execution duration
    • Space Complexity for memory usage
    • Communication Complexity for data transfer cost
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Human-based Computation Task to being a Hybrid Computation Task to being an Automated Computation Task.
  • It can range from being a Performed Computation to being an Unperformed Computation.
  • It can range from being an Exact Computation Task to being an Approximate Computation Task.
  • It can range from being a Tractable Computational Task to being an Intractable Computational Task.
  • It can range from being a Basic Computing Task to being an Advanced Computing Task, depending on its computational complexity.
  • It can range from being a Sequential Computing Task to being a Parallel Computing Task, depending on its execution model.
  • It can range from being a Local Computing Task to being a Distributed Computing Task, depending on its resource distribution.
  • It can range from being a Deterministic Computing Task to being a Probabilistic Computing Task, depending on its outcome predictability.
  • ...
  • It can support a Computing Application (such as a spreadsheet application or a credit scoring application).
  • ...
• Examples:
  • Data Processing Tasks, such as:
    • Sorting Task for data organization
    • Information Extraction Task for data retrieval
    • Opinion Summary Task for content analysis
    • PMI Calculation Task for statistical analysis
  • Machine Learning Tasks, such as:
    • Classification Tasks for category prediction
    • Regression Tasks for value prediction
    • Clustering Tasks for pattern discovery
  • Optimization Tasks, such as:
    • Linear Programming Tasks for resource allocation
    • Integer Programming Tasks for scheduling
    • Combinatorial Optimization Tasks for route planning
  • Scientific Computing Tasks, such as:
    • Numerical Analysis Tasks for mathematical computation
    • Simulation Tasks for system modeling
    • Signal Processing Tasks for data analysis
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • Manual Task, which requires human effort rather than computational resources
  • Physical Task, which involves manipulating physical objects rather than data
  • Cognitive Task, which requires human reasoning rather than algorithmic processing
  • Spreadsheet Application, which is a tool rather than a task
• See: Algorithm, Computer System, Data Processing, Computational Complexity, Performance Analysis.

---

---

References

2009

• (WordNet, 2009) ⇒ http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=calculation
  • S: (n) calculation, computation, computing (the procedure of calculating; determining something by mathematical or logical methods)
  • S: (n) calculation, computation, figuring, reckoning (problem solving that involves numbers or quantities)
  • S: (n) calculation, deliberation (planning something carefully and intentionally) "it was the deliberation of his act that was insulting"

2009

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calculation
  • A calculation is a deliberate process for transforming one or more inputs into one or more results, with variable change.
  • The term is used in a variety of senses, from the very definite arithmetical calculation using an algorithm to the vague heuristics of calculating a strategy in a competition or calculating the chance of a successful relationship between two people.
  • Multiplying 7 by 8 is a simple algorithmic calculation.
  • Estimating the fair price for financial instruments using the Black-Scholes model is a complex algorithmic calculation.
  • Statistical estimations of the likely election results from opinion polls also involve algorithmic calculations, but give results that are ranges of possibilities rather than exact answers.
  • Deciding the best way to build a relationship with a member of the opposite sex may also result from a calculation, but is not definite, predictable, nor even clearly defined. This indefinite application of the term gives it a second area of meaning apart from the mathematical senses mentioned above.
  • To calculate means to ascertain by computing.

---