For simplicity, say I have a Java object which generates a random number at randomly spaced time intervals. I wish to have a MATLAB object notified every time one of these rand
I don't know, with java how to communicate with Matlab. But you should use Observable objects. And implements yours. Observer will send "notifications" that something has changed when observable object notify it to the EDT.
That's called Observable pattern.
Maybe take a look : https://docs.oracle.com/javase/7/docs/api/java/util/Observer.html
Best regards.