A.3.3.PI:5.3 - Distinguish a next output from an updatable state

A processor emits and removes the head bit of a pending finite queue once per step. Two possible queues are (0,1) and (0,0). In both cases the next output is 0, so retaining the next bit answers the immediate output question.

After emitting that bit, the next outputs are respectively 1 and 0. The retained next bit cannot update itself without information about the remaining queue. To predict the next two outputs, retain both pending bits. To keep predicting after later steps and arrivals, retain the relevant queue and arrival account, or a summary proved adequate for the selected output question.

The difference is between knowing one output and carrying information that can be updated for further prediction. A description can be economical and sufficient for a short task. Increasing the horizon changes the information it must supply.