Technique for generating a new output value for inclusion within a sequence of output values that are output in a given representation

A method of producing a new output value for inclusion within a sequence of output values that are output in a given representation, comprising:

• receiving a target value;
• employing modification circuitry to determine the new output value in the sequence from a current output value in the sequence in dependence on the target value, such that the new output value meets a determined condition, where the determined condition requires both that the new output value has a Hamming distance of 1 relative to the current output value when the new output value and the current output value are expressed in the given representation, and that the new output value lies between the current output value and the target value;
• and
• when there are at least two possible new output values that meet the determined condition, selecting as the new output value the possible new output value that is closest to the target value from amongst the at least two possible new output values.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium to store computer-readable code for fabrication of an apparatus comprising:

• output circuitry arranged to output a sequence of output values in a given representation;
• an input interface to receive a target value;
• and
• modification circuitry to determine a new output value in the sequence from a current output value in the sequence in dependence on the target value, such that the new output value meets a determined condition, where the determined condition requires both that the new output value has a Hamming distance of 1 relative to the current output value when the new output value and the current output value are expressed in the given representation, and that the new output value lies between the current output value and the target value;
• wherein the modification circuitry is arranged, when there are at least two possible new output values that meet the determined condition, to select as the new output value the possible new output value that is closest to the target value from amongst the at least two possible new output values.