How to generate a new Key value

With a integer row vector (p1) and a randomly generated key using key = rand;

i wanted to generate a "newKey" (can we generate a single value?)

size of p1 = 1xn
size of key = 1x1

any methods can be used. Please can someone suggest some key-generation ideas or links how to do it or how it can be done.

[Adam]

Why can't you just use rand again if it was good enough for the original key?

[Elysi Cochin]

but i need to combine p1 and key to generate a new key. If you have any ideas please do suggest sir. I'm getting no ideas on how to do it.

[Adam]

You aren't giving enough information on what properties you want for your key. e.g. You could just do

newKey = sum( p1 ) + rand;

or

newKey = prod( p1 ) + rand;

but neither of those will necessarily meet the properties you may want from a key.

[Jos (10584)]

Can you give a small example of the input and the expected output, and the relation between the two?

Answer 1

[Steven Lord]

If you're looking to create your own random number generator (where p1 is the state), here are two possibilities.

newKey = 4;

or

newKey = 9;

If you want something a bit more robust than the XKCD or Dilbert pseudorandom number generators, perhaps you want to implement your own PRNG. A linear feedback shift register may be suitable for your needs and shouldn't be too difficult to write in MATLAB.

If you're not looking to create your own random number generator, I think we need a lot more information about your task in order to be able to offer any useful suggestions. Start from the beginning, assume we know nothing about what you've been asked or told to do (because we don't) and explain in detail.