Practice IB Computer Science (CS) Topic B.4 Communication Modelling and Simulation with authentic exam-style questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank focuses on the exact syllabus content for B.4 Communication Modelling and Simulation and mirrors Paper 1, 2, 3 style where relevant.
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B. Modelling and simulation
A software engineer is designing a communication simulation for a language processing tool. The engineer must choose between a rule-based translation model and a corpus-based (statistical) translation model.
Compare the methodology used by these two models to generate a translation.
An engineering firm is designing an automated traffic control system where autonomous vehicles communicate with roadside infrastructure via a dedicated wireless link. To ensure safety and efficiency, the developers use a computer simulation to model the communication exchanges before physical implementation.
Discuss how this simulation can be used to predict the reliability of the system, specifically addressing how 'interference' is represented in the model and the advantages of using a simulation over real-world stress testing.
Neural networks are often used to model the complex behaviour of systems. These networks must first be trained in order to establish a reliable model. One such method of training makes use of supervised learning algorithms.
Outline the basic steps involved in supervised learning algorithms.
The following block diagram illustrates a neural network used by a supervised learning algorithm to calculate a resulting value RES, for a given set of inputs.
The neural network in the block diagram contains 60 nodes in the input layer (block I), 36 nodes in the hidden layer (block H) and 6 nodes in the outermost layer (block O). The solid black arrows indicate that all nodes in one layer are feeding all nodes in the successive layer. In particular, the value RES is calculated by using all nodes in O.
Calculate the number of weights that the above neural network uses in producing a value for RES. Show the details of your calculation.
A global media streaming service maintains a vast repository of user interaction logs, including viewing history, ratings, and device metadata. To optimize their content recommendation engine and business reporting, the service utilizes a data warehouse that supports complex analytical processing and data mining operations.
Explain how the use of a multidimensional database model (such as a star schema) improves the efficiency of complex analytical queries compared to a traditional relational database.
Discuss the effectiveness of association rule mining for generating content recommendations, with specific reference to the use of support and confidence levels.
Urban planning and infrastructure development increasingly rely on computational models to handle the complexities of modern transportation. Traffic flow simulations are used to design efficient road networks and minimize congestion in growing cities.
State four quantitative parameters required to initialize a computer simulation of vehicle traffic at a major intersection.
Propose three visual formats that could be used to present simulation results to assist engineers in identifying traffic bottlenecks.
Explain the methodology of using a stochastic computer model to determine the optimal timing for traffic light cycles at a new junction.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using predictive traffic simulations as the primary basis for high-cost infrastructure investments, such as new highways.