Discontinuous receiving configuration for multibeam operation.

Abstract

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a discontinuous reception configuration for multi-beam operation, comprising: receiving, at a first device, configuration information from a second device indicating a first plurality of configuration settings associated with a plurality of transmit beams of the second device, the first plurality of configuration settings comprising at least a first plurality of scrambling identifiers; selecting, from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers, a first scrambling identifier associated with the first transmit beam in accordance with a determination that a first transmit beam of the plurality of transmit beams is configured as a serving beam for the first device; and monitoring for first control information transmitted by the second device via the first transmit beam using the first scrambling identifier, the first control information indicating the presence of data to be transmitted by the second device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly to methods, devices, apparatus, and computer-readable storage media for discontinuous reception configurations for multi-beam operation. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of communication systems, more and more technologies are proposed. For example, new radio access systems, also called NR systems and NR networks, are being developed. To overcome propagation losses in higher frequency bands and increase coverage in lower frequency bands, some communication systems are configured with directional beamforming transmission (and reception) using (multiple) antennas between communication devices. Also, discontinuous reception (DRX) is a technique that reduces battery consumption by allowing communication devices to receive information from other communication devices discontinuously. For example, when DRX is configured, a receiver (e.g., a terminal device) can wake up occasionally to monitor the channel from a network device to reduce battery consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In general, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for DRX configuration for multi-beam operation. The embodiments that do not fall within the scope of the claims, if any, should be construed as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0004] In a first aspect, a first device is provided, the first device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform the steps of: receiving from a second device configuration information indicating a first plurality of configuration settings associated with a plurality of transmit beams of the second device, the first plurality of configuration settings including at least a first plurality of scrambling identifiers, selecting a first scrambling identifier associated with the first transmit beam from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers according to a determination that the first transmit beam of the plurality of transmit beams is configured as a serving beam for the first device, and monitoring first control information transmitted from the second device via the first transmit beam using the first scrambling identifier, the first control information indicating the presence of data to be transmitted by the second device.

[0005] In a second aspect, a second device is provided, the second device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform the steps of: transmitting configuration information to the first device indicating a first plurality of configuration settings associated with a plurality of transmit beams of the second device, the first plurality of configuration settings including at least a first plurality of scrambling identifiers; generating first control information by scrambling the first control information with a first scrambling identifier of the first plurality of scrambling identifiers associated with the first transmit beam according to a determination that a first transmit beam of the plurality of transmit beams is configured as a serving beam for the first device, the first control information indicating the presence of data to be transmitted by the second device; and transmitting the first scrambled control information to the first device via the first transmit beam.

[0006] In a third aspect, a method is provided. The method comprises: receiving, at a first device, configuration information from a second device indicating a first plurality of configuration settings associated with a plurality of transmit beams of the second device, the first plurality of configuration settings comprising at least a first plurality of scrambling identifiers. The method also comprises selecting, from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers, a first scrambling identifier associated with the first transmit beam according to a determination that the first transmit beam of the plurality of transmit beams is configured as a serving beam for the first device. The method further comprises monitoring first control information transmitted from the second device via the first transmit beam using the first scrambling identifier, the first control information indicating the presence of data transmitted by the second device.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided, comprising: transmitting, at a second device, configuration information to a first device indicating a first plurality of configuration settings associated with a plurality of transmit beams of the second device, the first plurality of configuration settings comprising at least a first plurality of scrambling identifiers; generating first control information by scrambling the first control information with a first scrambling identifier of the first plurality of scrambling identifiers associated with the first transmit beam according to a determination that a first transmit beam of the plurality of transmit beams is configured as a serving beam for the first device, the first control information indicating a presence of data to be transmitted by the second device; and transmitting the first scrambled control information to the first device via the first transmit beam.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, a first device is provided, the first device comprising: means for receiving configuration information from a second device indicating a first plurality of configuration settings associated with a plurality of transmit beams of the second device, the first plurality of configuration settings comprising at least a first plurality of scrambling identifiers, means for selecting a first scrambling identifier associated with the first transmit beam from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers in accordance with a determination that a first transmit beam of the plurality of transmit beams is configured as a serving beam for the first device, and means for monitoring first control information transmitted from the second device via the first transmit beam using the first scrambling identifier, the first control information indicating the presence of data transmitted by the second device.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, a second device is provided, the second device comprising: means for transmitting configuration information to the first device indicating a first plurality of configuration settings associated with a plurality of transmit beams of the second device, the first plurality of configuration settings comprising at least a first plurality of scrambling identifiers; means for generating first control information by scrambling the first control information with a first scrambling identifier of the first plurality of scrambling identifiers associated with the first transmit beam according to a determination that a first transmit beam of the plurality of transmit beams is configured as a serving beam for the first device, the first control information indicating the presence of data to be transmitted by the second device; and means for transmitting the first scrambled control information to the first device via the first transmit beam.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the third aspect.

[0011] In an eighth aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the fourth aspect.

[0012] It should be understood that the summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will be readily understood by the following description. Several illustrative embodiments are described with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication environment in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A shows an example of DRX involving transmission of power saving control information. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B shows an example of DRX with transmission of power saving control information in a multi-beam scenario. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows an example of a device moving in the communication environment of FIG. 1 to trigger beam switching. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows another example of DRX with transmission of power saving control information in a multi-beam scenario. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a signaling flow for DRX configuration according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of DRX with WUS transmission in a multi-beam scenario, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a method implemented in a first device according to some other example embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a method implemented in a second device according to some other example embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer-readable medium in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numbers represent the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The principles of the present disclosure are described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only, to help those skilled in the art understand and practice the present disclosure, but do not imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein may be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0016] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0017] References in this disclosure to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," and the like indicate that the embodiment being described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments need to include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, it is accepted that when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0018] Terms such as "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various elements, but it should be understood that these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element can be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element can be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0019] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, it will be understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "has," "having," "includes," and / or "including," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0020] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one, more than one, or all of the following: (a) Hardware-only circuit implementation (e.g., implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only) (b) (where applicable) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, (i) A combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware. (ii) Any portion of software (including digital signal processors), hardware processors having software and memory that work together to cause a device, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions. (c) A hardware circuit and / or processor, such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor, that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0021] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including any claims. As a further example, the term circuitry, as used in this application, also encompasses merely a hardware circuit or processor (or processors), or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor, as well as its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware implementations. The term circuitry also encompasses, for example, a baseband or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, if applicable to a particular claim element.

[0022] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network conforming to any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network may be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocol, including, but not limited to, first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, future fifth generation (5G) communication protocols, and / or any other protocol now known or developed in the future. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to various communication systems. Considering the rapid development of communication, there will naturally be future types of communication technologies and systems in which the present disclosure can be embodied, and the scope of the present disclosure should not be understood as being limited only to the aforementioned systems.

[0023] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network through which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services therefrom. Depending on the term and technology applied, the network device may refer to a base station (BS) or access point (AP), for example, a Node B (NodeB or NB), evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), NR NB (also called gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a low power node such as femto, pico, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or a non-terrestrial network device such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite, an aircraft network device, etc.

[0024] The term "terminal device" refers to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be called a communication device, User Equipment (UE), Subscriber Station (SS), portable subscriber station, Mobile Station (MS), or Access Terminal (AT). Terminal devices include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, vehicle mounted wireless terminal equipment, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, Laptop-Embedded Equipment (LEE), Laptop-Mounted Equipment (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless Customer-Premises Equipment (CPE), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearables, Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs), and the like. Displays), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain contexts), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms “terminal device”, “communications device”, “terminal”, “user equipment”, and “UE” may be used interchangeably.

[0025] As used herein, the terms "resource", "transmission resource", "resource block", "Physical Resource Block" (PRB), "uplink resource", or "downlink resource" refer to, for example, a resource in the time domain, a resource in the frequency domain, a resource in the spatial domain, a resource in the code domain, or any other resource for performing communication, such as communication between a terminal device and a network device. In the following, resources in both the frequency domain and the time domain are used as examples of transmission resources to describe some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0026] 1 illustrates an exemplary communication environment 100 in which an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented. The communication environment 100 includes one or more first devices 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 that may communicate with a second device 120. For purposes of explanation, the first devices 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 are collectively or individually referred to as first devices 110. In the example of FIG. 1, the first devices 110 are illustrated as terminal devices, and the second devices 120 are illustrated as network devices serving the terminal devices. Thus, the serving area of ​​the second devices 120 is referred to as a cell 102.

[0027] It should be understood that the number of first devices, second devices, and cells is for illustrative purposes only, without implying any limitation. The communication environment 100 may include any suitable number of first devices, second devices, and cells adapted to implement the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the terms "cell" and "serving cell" may be used interchangeably herein. It should be understood that the types of first devices and second devices are shown for illustrative purposes only. In some cases, the implementations of the first devices and second devices described herein may also be applied when the first device is a network device or any other device other than a terminal device, and the second device is a terminal device or any other device other than a network device, if applicable.

[0028] Communications in communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any suitable protocol, including cellular communication protocols such as first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G), wireless local network communication protocols such as IEEE (Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11, and / or any other protocol now known or developed in the future. Further, the communications may utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including, but not limited to, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other technology now known or developed in the future.

[0029] In operation, the second device 120 can communicate data and control information to the first device 110, and the first device 110 can also communicate data and control information to the second device 120. In the environment 100, when the first device 110 is a terminal device and the second device 120 is a network device, the link from the second device 120 to the first device 110 is called a downlink (DL), and the link from the first device 110 to the second device 120 is called an uplink (UL). In the DL, the second device 120 is a transmitting (TX) device (or transmitter) and the first device 110 is a receiving (RX) device (or receiver). In the UL, the first device 110 is a TX device (or transmitter) and the second device 120 is a RX device (or receiver).

[0030] The communication system 100 may use multiple beams for communication between the first device 110 and the second device 120. Directional beamforming transmission (and reception) using (multiple) antennas between the first device 110 and the second device 120 to overcome propagation loss in higher frequency bands and increase coverage in lower frequency bands. In the example of FIG. 1, the second device 120 supports transmission to the first device 110 via transmit beams 122-1...122-N, where N is an integer greater than 1. For purposes of explanation, the transmit beams 122-1...122-N are collectively or individually referred to as transmit beams 122 or beams 122 for short. As used herein, a transmit beam of a device may be either a beam used to transmit information, a channel, or a signal to the device or a beam used to transmit information, a channel, or a signal by the device.

[0031] When deploying beamforming in a link from the second device 120 to the first link 110, the second device 120, as a transmitter, can generate a transmission beam toward the desired first device 110 and nullify the direction of the interferer (other first device 110). The intended receiver (i.e., the first device 110) is aligned with the beam of the second device 120 through a beam management procedure. As shown in FIG. 1, the first devices 110-1, 110-2 are aligned with the transmission beam 122-1, and the first device 110-2 is aligned with the transmission beam 122-N. The transmission beam of the second device 120 with which the first device 110 is aligned is called the serving beam for the first device 110. In the example of FIG. 1, transmit beam 122-1 is the serving beam for first devices 110-1, 110-2, and transmit beam 122-N is the serving beam for first device 110-3.

[0032] Discontinuous reception (DRX) may also be applied in the communication system 100 to support battery saving of the first device 110 by monitoring control information from the second device 120 and reducing the time to enter an inactive state. Generally, based on a configured DRX cycle, the first device 110 wakes up from time to time for an on duration (or ON duration) and monitors the transmission of control information such as a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Except for the on duration, the first device 110 may remain in a low power (sleep) state, called an off duration (or OFF duration), for the remainder of the DRX cycle. During the off duration, the first device 110 is not expected to transmit or receive any signals.

[0033] In some cases, the sleep (OFF) duration may be extended. In particular, a power saving signal or channel is defined to instruct the first device to wake up in the next on duration, for example, when the first device is in a radio resource control (RRC) connected state with the second device. Such a power saving signal is called a wake-up signal (WUS) and can be transmitted as power saving control information. As shown in FIG. 2A, there are several opportunities 210 for power saving control information before the on duration 220 in DRX. During the opportunities 210, the second device 120 may instruct the first device 110 via dedicated control information to start monitoring further control information (e.g., PDCCH) for scheduled data in the next on duration. The second device 120 may include a wake-up instruction in the control information transmitted during the opportunities 210 to indicate that the first device 110 will wake up.

[0034] Within the DRX cycle, the first device 110 may attempt to receive control information at the opportunity 210. Only when a wake-up indication is detected, the first device 110 wakes up for the next on-duration. Otherwise, if the first device 110 does not receive control information during the opportunity 210, or if the received control information does not include a wake-up indication, it may assume that there is no data to be transmitted from the second device 120 and may skip the next on-duration and return to sleep until the next DRX cycle. Thus, additional power savings may be achieved when no data is scheduled for the first device 110.

[0035] In some exemplary embodiments, to minimize false alarms that lead to unnecessary awakening of the first device 110, the control information transmitted at the opportunity 210 is targeted to an identifier unique to the first device 110. The identifier may be used to scramble the control information and may therefore be referred to as a scrambling identifier. The first device 110 may be configured with the scrambling identifier and may use it to detect the control information.

[0036] In the example shown in FIG. 2B, the second device 120 is assumed to have data 230-1 to be scheduled for the first device 110-1. The second device 120 may transmit control information with a wake-up instruction during an opportunity 210-1 in a DRX cycle via a transmit beam 122-1 (also referred to as a first transmit beam). The control information is scrambled with a scrambling identifier configured for the first device 110-1 for the transmit beam 122-1. Upon detecting and receiving the control information, the first device 110-1 begins an on duration 220-1 to monitor and receive the data 230-1. The second device 120 may transmit the data 230-1 to the first device 110-1 during the on duration 220-1. If no data is scheduled for the first device 110-1 in the next DRX cycle, the control information transmitted during the opportunity 210-2 via the transmit beam 122-N may not include a wake-up instruction, or the control information is not transmitted during the opportunity 210-2. In this case, the first device 110 skips the next on-duration 220-2.

[0037] In some exemplary embodiments, the same scrambling identifier may be configured for one or more first devices 110 having the same serving beam of the second device 120. Thus, the second device 120 may indicate a wake-up indication to multiple first devices 110 configured with the same scrambling identifier by transmitting the same control information scrambled with the same scrambling identifier. In some embodiments, one first device 110 may only monitor information intended for itself and may not know the configuration of other first devices. Thus, the second device 120 may configure multiple first devices 110 with the same configured arrangement of control information scrambled by the same scrambling identifier. Thus, those first devices 110 may wake up simultaneously. Such a configuration is usually inefficient in terms of power saving for the first device, but may be beneficial in terms of control overhead reduction for the second device.

[0038] In some exemplary embodiments, the serving beam of the first device 110 may be switched, which may be controlled by the second device 120. For example, the first device 110-1 moves from one location to another, as shown in FIG. 3. The second device 120 may determine, based on beam level measurements reporting from the first device 110-1, that the first device 110-1 may be better served by a transmit beam 122-N instead of the current transmit beam 122-1. The second device 120 may send a command to instruct the first device 110-1 to switch its serving beam to the transmit beam 122-N. Through beam switching, the time-frequency radio resource grid may be reused across different directions (transmit beams) of the second device 120 to serve the first devices 110 located within these transmit beams 122 using the same time-frequency resources (also indicated as spatial multiplexing between the first devices 110).

[0039] However, the second device may generally transmit an initial configuration for the transmission of power saving control information toward one or more first devices configured with the same serving beam. The initial configuration may include at least a scrambling identifier for scrambling / descrambling the control information. When one of the first devices, a target first device, changes its serving beam to a new transmission beam, conventionally, the second device is likely to maintain the initial configuration to avoid reconfiguration for the transmission of power saving control information (which may involve an RRC-based procedure). As a result, the second device may still use the same scrambling identifier to process the control information transmitted to its target first device via the new transmission beam. This means that additional control information must be sent via the new transmission beam if one or more other first devices are located toward this transmission beam before the beam switching of the target first device.

[0040] FIG. 4 shows an example of DRX with transmission of power saving control information in a multi-beam scenario. If data 430-1 should be scheduled for a first device before the movement of the first device, the second device may generate control information scrambled by the same scrambling identifier configured for the first devices in the first transmission beam. The control information includes a wake-up instruction and is transmitted via the first transmission beam at the opportunity 410-1, indicating the first device to wake up for the on-duration 410-1. By using the same scrambling identifier, one or more other first devices may also wake up in the on-duration 420-1. If there is also data to be scheduled for an additional first device in the second transmission beam, the second device may scramble the control information with a different scrambling identifier configured for the additional first device and transmit the control information via the second transmission beam at the opportunity 410-2.

[0041] In some cases, in addition to transmitting data 430-1, the second device decides to switch the serving beam of the first device from the first transmission beam to the second transmission beam by transmitting a beam switching command 440 during the on-duration 420-1. If data 430-2 is to be scheduled to the first device in the next DRX cycle, the second device may transmit control information scrambled with a scrambling identifier previously used for the first transmission beam. The control information is transmitted in opportunity 410-4 via the second transmission beam to indicate to the first device that the next on-duration 420-2 is to begin. If there is data to be scheduled for transmission to another first device with the second transmission beam as the serving beam, the second device may transmit different control information scrambled with a different scrambling identifier via the second transmission beam in opportunity 410-5.

[0042] In such a case, if there is data to be scheduled for transmission to the first device in the first transmission beam, the second device may generate the same control information as that transmitted in opportunity 410-4 and transmit the control information via the first transmission beam in opportunity 410-3. That is, the second device must transmit the same control information (scrambled with the same scrambling identifier) ​​multiple times (via multiple beams), which may lead to inefficient resource usage. Since each beam switching event in the cell may lead to an additional transmission of power saving control information, the transmission of such control information is not optimal from a capacity perspective. Considering the number of possible transmission beams and the high frequency of beam switching events due to the mobility of the first device, the second device may not have enough resources to support the transmission of the control information.

[0043] According to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, a solution for DRX configuration for multi-beam operation is provided. In this solution, a first device is configured with a plurality of configuration settings associated with a plurality of transmit beams of a second device. The plurality of configuration settings includes at least a first plurality of scrambling identifiers, each associated with one of the plurality of transmit beams. Depending on which of the plurality of transmit beams is a serving beam configured for the first device, the second device scrambles control information used to indicate the presence or absence of data to be transmitted by the second device using the associated scrambling identifier. The second device transmits the scrambled control information via the serving beam configured for the first device. The first device monitors the control information using the associated scrambling identifier.

[0044] Through this solution, the second device can efficiently configure the control information when multiple transmit beams are configured for a link from the second device to the first device. Since the configuration settings, especially the scrambling identifier, are configured per transmit beam, the first device and the second device can quickly switch the associated configuration settings for transmitting and receiving the control information, avoiding slow reconfiguration procedures.

[0045] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which illustrates a signaling flow 500 for DRX configuration according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of illustration, the signaling flow 500 is described with reference to Figs. 1 and 3. The signaling flow 500 includes the first device 110 and the second device 120 of Fig. 1.

[0047] As shown, the second device 120 transmits configuration information (505) and the first device 110 receives the configuration information (510). The configuration information is used to set or define a format of control information provided to the first device 110 in the DRX operation of the first device 110. Compared to the legacy configuration for the first device 110, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the configuration information is extended to provide configuration settings per transmit beam.

[0048] More specifically, the configuration information indicates a plurality of configuration settings (referred to as a first plurality of configuration settings) associated with a plurality of transmit beams 122 of the second device 120. According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, instead of configuring a single scrambling identifier for the first device 110, the first plurality of configuration settings at least include a plurality of scrambling identifiers (referred to as a first plurality of scrambling identifiers) each associated with or assigned to one of the plurality of transmit beams 122 of the second device 120.

[0049] The scrambling identifier may be used to scramble or descramble the control information, so that the first device 110 configured with this scrambling identifier can detect the control information intended for it. The scrambling identifier may be set as any code, identifier, sequence that is unique across the transmit beam 122. In some exemplary embodiments, the scrambling identifier may comprise a Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) assigned by the second device 120 for the transmission of the control information. The RNTI may also be referred to as a PS-RNTI, where "PS" stands for power saving.

[0050] The control information may explicitly indicate an association between the first plurality of scrambling identifiers and the plurality of transmit beams 122. For example, each of the first plurality of scrambling identifiers may be mapped to a beam index / identifier of the transmit beam 122.

[0051] Alternatively, the first plurality of scrambling identifiers may be implicitly associated with the plurality of transmit beams. For example, the scrambling identifiers may be associated with a search space set dedicated to transmitting control information via a given transmit beam 122. Typically, the first device 110 may be configured with a common or specific control resource set (CORESET).

[0052] In some examples, for each of up to four bandwidth portions (BWPs) on a serving cell, up to three CORESETs per configured BWP may be configured to monitor control information in the PDCCH. To support multi-beam operation for control information, a configuration for beamforming may be provided based on a Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) state configuration per CORESET. When the first device 110 monitors a search space set associated with a CORESET, the first device 110 may receive control information in a CORESET based on a TCI state configuration configured for that CORESET, such that CORESETs corresponding to different transmit beams 122 are associated with different TCI states. Generally, one transmit beam 122 is used to receive control information at a time. When multiple TCI states are configured for a CORESET, the second device 120 may activate one of the TCI states, for example, using a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) activation command. Thus, by associating a scrambling identifier with each search space set, the first device 110 may be able to implicitly determine which scrambling identifier is associated with a given transmit beam 122. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may determine the scrambling identifier associated with a given transmit beam 122 by receiving, from the second device 120, a MAC CE activation command for a TCI state corresponding to that transmit beam 122.

[0053] In some demonstrative embodiments, for the first device 110, the second device 120 may include configuration settings (i.e., scrambling identifiers) for all transmit beams 122 configured in the cell 102. In some demonstrative embodiments, the configuration settings (i.e., scrambling identifiers) may be provided for a subset of the transmit beams 122 configured in the cell 102. The subset may include transmit beams 122 that are likely to be configured as serving beams for the first device 110.

[0054] Since the configuration information is used to configure the control information, in some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may transmit corresponding configuration information for one or more first devices 110 in DRX mode. In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 receiving the corresponding control information may be in an RRC connected mode with the second device 120. In some exemplary embodiments, the corresponding configuration information may be provided by the second device 120 via higher layer signaling, e.g., via an RRC-based procedure.

[0055] In some exemplary embodiments, in addition to the scrambling identifier, one or more other parameters configured for the transmission and monitoring of control information may also be set for each transmit beam. As some examples, the first configuration setting indicated by the configuration information may include multiple parameter sets, each set including one or more of the information elements for each transmit beam.

[0056] In some exemplary embodiments, the parameter set may comprise a position parameter indicating a bit location of the wake-up indication within the control information transmitted via the given transmit beam 122. In an example, the position parameter may include a ps-PositionDCI-2-6 parameter to indicate the bit location. In some exemplary embodiments, the parameter set may alternatively or additionally comprise a time parameter indicating a start time for monitoring the control information transmitted via the given transmit beam 122. The start time may be set relative to the start of the next on-duration of the first device 110. In some exemplary embodiments, the time parameter may be configured directly as a block number or indirectly as an offset to the block number to be used in the current transmit beam when the configuration information is received. In an example, the time parameter may include a “ps-Offset” parameter to indicate the start time.

[0057] In some exemplary embodiments, the parameter set may alternatively or additionally comprise a wake-up instruction parameter to indicate to the first device 110 to wake up if the control information is not detected outside the on duration in a given transmit beam. If this instruction is not set, the first device 110 will not wake up if the control information is not detected outside the on duration. In one example, the wake-up instruction parameter may include a parameter of "ps-Wakeup" to indicate the wake-up instruction parameter.

[0058] In some exemplary embodiments, the parameter set may alternatively or additionally comprise one or more channel information parameters for indicating the first device 110 to transmit corresponding channel information depending on whether the control information is detected via a given transmit beam 122. In an exemplary embodiment, the channel information parameters may include a channel information parameter for indicating the first device 110 to transmit periodic Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) reports if the on-duration (e.g., drx-onDurationTimer) does not start. Such channel information parameters may include a parameter of "ps-TransmitPeriodicL1-RSRP". If this channel information parameter is not configured, the first device 110 will not transmit periodic RSRP reports if the on-duration (e.g., drx-onDurationTimer) does not start. In another exemplary embodiment, the channel information parameters may include a channel information parameter for indicating the first device 110 to transmit periodic channel status information (CSI) reports if the on-duration (e.g., drx-onDurationTimer) does not start. Such channel information parameters may include a parameter of "ps-TransmitPeriodicLCSI." If this channel information parameter is not configured, the first device 110 will not transmit periodic CSI reports if the on duration (e.g., drx-onDurationTimer) does not start.

[0059] In some exemplary embodiments, the control information may be transmitted in DCI formats 2-6. Accordingly, certain configuration settings associated with a given transmit beam 122 in the configuration information may be defined in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0060] It will be appreciated that in addition to or as an alternative to the parameters in Table 1, one or more parameters per transmit beam may be included in the configuration information according to the format of the control information. In some exemplary embodiments, the parameter set may alternatively or additionally comprise a parameter indicating a payload size of the control information via a given transmit beam 122. The parameter indicating the payload size may include a parameter of "sizeDCI-2-6". In some exemplary embodiments, the parameter set may alternatively or additionally include a dormancy indication applicable to the control information via a given transmit beam 122. The dormancy indications indicate the dormancy of at least one secondary cell (SCell) of the first device 110 outside the on duration of the DRX. Such a dormancy indication may also be referred to as a SCell dormancy indication. The dormancy indication may include a normal SCell dormancy indication applicable to the control information scrambled with a scrambling identifier assigned to the given transmit beam and may further indicate whether the same SCell dormancy indication is applicable to the control information scrambled with another scrambling identifier. Alternatively, a bitmap for the dormancy indication may be provided for a given transmit beam 122. Such a bitmap may also be explicitly provided in the control information transmitted below.

[0061] Some exemplary embodiments of the configuration of the control information have been discussed above. In the DRX operation, the second device 120 may decide to transmit the control information in some cases. In some exemplary embodiments, the control information may be used to instruct one or more first devices 110 outside the DRX active time (i.e., outside the on-duration) of the DRX cycle to wake up or not wake up for the next on-duration. Such control information is also referred to as power saving control information, wake-up control information, or wake-up signal (WUS) control information, since it is introduced to further improve the power efficiency during the DRX operation.

[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, since the first device 110 is configured with a first plurality of configuration settings for a plurality of transmit beams 122, the second device 120 that decides to transmit control information to the first device 110 determines a serving beam of the first device 110. The serving beam is a directional transmit beam 122 used for transmission toward the first device 110. The first device 110 may be configured to be aligned with the serving beam to receive information transmitted in its direction. As an example, for the first device 110-1, its serving beam may be the transmit beam 122-1 in the environment shown in FIG. 1.

[0063] If the second device 120 determines that a first transmit beam of the plurality of transmit beams 122 is configured for the first device as its serving beam, the second device 120 determines a first scrambling identifier of the first plurality of scrambling identifiers associated with the first transmit beam based on the control information transmitted to the first device 110. The second device 120 generates control information (referred to as first control information) by scrambling the first control information with the first scrambling identifier (515). The first control information indicates the presence or absence of data that the second device 110 transmits to the first device 110. The second device 120 transmits the first scrambled control information to the first device 110 via the first transmit beam 122 (520).

[0064] As mentioned above, in some exemplary embodiments, the control information may be used to instruct the first device 110 whether to wake up for the next on-duration outside the DRX active time (i.e., outside the on-duration) of the DRX cycle. Depending on whether the second device 120 has data to be transmitted to the first device 110, the second device 120 may generate first control information to indicate whether the first device 110 should wake up for the on-duration. In some exemplary embodiments, the first control information may include a wake-up indication. The wake-up indication may be a one-bit indication having a value (e.g., 1) to indicate that the first device 110 should wake up and another value (e.g., 0) to indicate that the first device 110 should skip the next on-duration. In other examples, the wake-up indication may be expressed in other ways to indicate whether the first device 110 should wake up for the on-duration.

[0065] In some exemplary embodiments, the wake-up instruction may be included in the first control information only if the second device 120 has data to be transmitted to the first device 110; otherwise, the second device 120 may not transmit such control information to the first device 110. In some exemplary embodiments, if two or more first devices 110 are configured with the first transmit beam, the second device 120 may multiplex the wake-up instruction into the first control information scrambled with the first scrambling identifier if data is to be transmitted to any of the two or more first devices 110.

[0066] In some exemplary embodiments, in addition to or as an alternative to the wake-up indication, the first control information may further include a dormancy indication to indicate dormancy of at least one secondary cell (SCell) of the first device 112 outside the on-duration of DRX. The dormancy indication may be included in the first control information if the higher layer parameter Scell-groups-for-dormancy-outside-active-time is configured for the first device 110. Otherwise, the dormancy indication in the first control information is a zero bit.

[0067] In some exemplary embodiments, if a dormancy indication is included, the dormancy indication may immediately follow a wake-up indication in the first control information. In some exemplary embodiments, the dormancy indication may include a bitmap with each bit corresponding to one of the SCell groups configured for the first device 110, with the most significant bit (MSB) or the least significant bit (LSB) of the bitmap corresponding to the first or last configured SCell group. The size of the bitmap may be equal to the number of configured SCell groups. For example, the bitmap may include 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 bits, which may be determined, for example, according to the higher layer parameter Scell-groups-for-dormancy-outside-active-time.

[0068] In some example embodiments, a "0" value for a bit of the bitmap indicates an active BWP provided by a dormant BWP for the first device 110 for each activated SCell in the corresponding configured SCell group. In some example embodiments, a "1" value for a bit of the bitmap may indicate an active BWP provided by the first-non-dormant-BWP-ID-for-DCI-outside-active-time for the first device 110 for each activated SCell in the corresponding configured SCell group if the current active BWP is a dormant BWP, or may indicate a current active DL BWP for the first device 110 for each activated SCell in the corresponding configured SCell group if the current active BWP is not a dormant BWP.

[0069] It will be appreciated that the first control information may include other information to be transmitted to the first device 110 in addition to the wake-up and sleep instructions.

[0070] In some exemplary embodiments, when scrambling the first control information, the second device 120 may use the first scrambling identifier to scramble the cyclic redundancy check of the first control information. In an exemplary embodiment in which the first device 110 is a terminal device and the second device 120 is a network device, the control information should be transmitted in a PDCCH and thus may be referred to as downlink control information (DCI). As mentioned above, the control information may also be referred to as power saving control information or WUS control information, and the control information scrambled with a scrambling identifier (e.g., PS-RNTI) may also be referred to as DCI (or DCP for short) with a CRC scrambled with the PS-RNTI, or may be referred to as WUS-DCI.

[0071] In some exemplary embodiments, in addition to the scrambling identifier, other parameters for the control information may also be configured for each transmit beam. In this case, the second device 120 may generate and transmit the first control information according to one of the configuration settings (e.g., additional parameter sets) associated with the first transmit beam, including the location of the wake-up instruction in the first control information, the time point for transmitting the first control information, the dormancy instruction, etc.

[0072] The first device 110 determines that a first transmission beam of the plurality of transmission beams 122 is configured as its serving beam, and thus selects a first scrambling identifier associated with the first transmission beam from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers (525). The first device 110 may determine the first scrambling identifier to be explicitly mapped to the first transmission beam 122 according to a beam index or identifier. Alternatively, if the association between the first plurality of scrambling identifiers and the transmission beam 122 is implicitly indicated through a search space set, the first device 110 may determine the active search space set, for example, according to a MAC CE activation command of the TCI state. If the TCI state corresponds to the first transmission beam, the first device 110 may determine the first scrambling identifier associated with the corresponding search space set.

[0073] The first device 110 monitors (530) the first control information transmitted by the second device 120 via the first transmit beam 122 using the first scrambling identifier. In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may be in a DRX mode when monitoring the first control information. As used herein, the term "monitoring" indicates that the first device 110 attempts to receive information at a given time by searching resources in a given search space set. For example, the first device 110 may monitor the first control information at one or more occasions of a DRX cycle defined for the transmission of control information used to indicate the presence or absence of data from the second device 120. In addition, the first device 110 may align its antenna to the first transmit beam 122 and search for the first control information in a configured common or specific CORESET.

[0074] The first device 110 may attempt to descramble information received in the direction of the first transmit beam 122. Depending on whether the second device 120 transmits the first control information, the first device 110 may or may not detect the first control information. In addition to using the first scrambling identifier, the first device 110 may monitor the first control information based on one or more other parameters included in a configuration set associated with the first transmit beam 122.

[0075] If the first control information includes a wake-up instruction indicating that the first device 110 will wake up in the next on-duration, the first device 110 may wake up by starting the drx-onDurationTimer accordingly. Otherwise, if the wake-up instruction is not included or the wake-up instruction indicates that the first device 110 will not wake up, the first device 110 may skip the next on-duration.

[0076] FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which the second device 120 has data 630-1 to be transmitted to the first device 110-1. The second device 120 may transmit control information with a wake-up instruction during an opportunity 610-1 in a DRX cycle via a transmit beam 122-1 (also referred to as a first transmit beam). The control information is scrambled with a scrambling identifier configured for the first device 110-1 for the transmit beam 122-1. Upon detecting and receiving the control information, the first device 110-1 starts an on duration 640-1 to monitor and receive the data 630-1. Similarly, if the second device 120 has data (not shown) to be transmitted to the first device 110-3, it may generate and transmit control information with a wake-up instruction during the opportunity 620-1 via the transmit beam 122-1, which is the serving beam of the first device 110-3.

[0077] In some cases, the serving beam of the first device 110 may change, which may be controlled by the second device 120. For example, the first device 110-1 moves from one location to another, as shown in FIG. 3. The second device 120 may determine, based on beam level measurements reporting from the first device 110-1, that the first device 110-1 may be better served by a transmit beam 122-N instead of the current transmit beam 122-1. Referring again to FIG. 5, the signaling flow 500 further includes operations of the first device 120 and the second device 120 after a beam switch for a certain first device 110.

[0078] Specifically, the second device 120 transmits a command to the first device 110-1 to instruct it to switch its serving beam from the current first transmit beam to the transmit beam 122-N (535). This command is referred to as a beam switch command. The beam switch command may be transmitted, for example, via the MAC CE during the on-duration of the first device 110. In the example of FIG. 6, a beam switch command 650 may be transmitted to the first device 110-1 at the start on-duration 640-1 to indicate the first device 110 to switch its serving beam to the transmit beam 122-N. The first device 110 may receive the beam switch command (540) and align to the second transmit beam. After the beam switch, when the second device 120 transmits further control information to the first device 110, the second device 120 utilizes one of the first plurality of configuration settings associated with the second transmit beam 122.

[0079] The second device 120 generates (545) second control information by scrambling the second control information with a second scrambling identifier associated with the second transmit beam 122. The second control information indicates the presence or absence of further data to be transmitted by the second device 120. The second device 120 transmits (550) the second control information to the first device 110 via the second transmit beam.

[0080] In some exemplary embodiments, the second control information may be generated to include a wake-up instruction depending on whether the second device 120 has data to be scheduled to the first device 110. In some exemplary embodiments, the second control information may be generated according to one or more other parameters in the configuration information associated with the second transmit beam. The generation and transmission of the second control information is similar to the first control information, with the difference being that different configuration settings associated with the second transmit beam 122 are used.

[0081] On the side of the first device 110, upon receiving the beam switching command, it determines that the serving beam is changed to the second transmission beam 122, and therefore selects a second scrambling identifier associated with the second transmission beam 122 from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers (555). The selection of the second scrambling identifier is similar to the selection of the first scrambling identifier. The first device 110 monitors the second control information transmitted by the second device 120 via the second transmission beam 122 using the second scrambling identifier (560). The first device 110 may monitor the second control information at an opportunity defined for the power saving control information. The first device 110 may attempt to descramble information received in the direction of the second transmission beam 122 to obtain the second control information. In addition to using the second scrambling identifier, the first device 110 may monitor the second control information based on one or more other parameters included in the configuration set associated with the second transmission beam 122.

[0082] 6, if the second device 120 has data 630-2 to be transmitted to the first device 110-1 after its serving beam is switched to the transmit beam 122-N, the second device 120 may transmit control information with a wake-up instruction during an opportunity 620-2 in the DRX cycle via the transmit beam 122-N (also referred to as the second transmit beam). The control information is scrambled with a scrambling identifier configured for the first device 110-1 for the transmit beam 122-N. Upon detecting and receiving the control information, the first device 110-1 starts the on duration 620-2 to monitor and receive the data 630-2.

[0083] Similarly, if the second device 120 has data (not shown) to be transmitted to the first device 110-3, it may generate the same control information scrambled with a second scrambling identifier and transmit the control information at opportunity 620-2 via transmit beam 122-N, which is also the serving beam of the first device 110-3. The second device 120 may generate and transmit different control information scrambled with a first scrambling identifier and transmit the control information at opportunity 610-2 via transmit beam 122-1 only if it has data (not shown) to be transmitted to the first device 110-2.

[0084] In some demonstrative embodiments, after transmitting the initial configuration information, the second device 120 may have several ways to change or update the configuration for transmitting and monitoring control information.

[0085] In some exemplary embodiments, in addition to the first plurality of configuration settings, the configuration information transmitted at 505 may further include a second plurality of configuration settings associated with the plurality of transmit beams 122. The second plurality of configuration settings may include a second plurality of scrambling identifiers and may further include a plurality of parameter sets associated with the plurality of transmit beams 122. The format of the second plurality of configuration settings may be similar to the format of the first plurality of configuration settings, but the association between the second plurality of configuration settings and the plurality of transmit beams 122 may be different. For example, the first scrambling identifier may be associated with the first transmit beam 122 according to the first plurality of configuration settings and may be changed to be associated with the second transmit beam 122 according to the second plurality of configuration settings. The association with one or more other parameters in the first plurality of configuration settings may be changed in the second plurality of configuration settings.

[0086] In operation, the second device 120 may dynamically indicate to the first device 110 whether the first or second configuration settings are applicable to the first device 110. In some exemplary embodiments, such indication information may be transmitted to the first device 110 via a MAC CE. The first device 110 may utilize either the first or second configuration settings to determine which configuration setting (e.g., which scrambling identifier) ​​is used to detect the control information. For example, upon detecting the first control information, the first device 110 may determine, based on information from the second device 120, that the first configuration settings are applicable and then select a first scrambling identifier from the first or second configuration settings indicated by the first configuration settings.

[0087] Although two sets of configuration settings are described as being included in the configuration information, it will be understood that the second device 120 may initially configure a different set of configuration settings for the first device 110.

[0088] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may dynamically change one or more of the parameters indicated in the first or second plurality of configuration settings. Specifically, the second device 120 may transmit update information to the first device 110 updating one scrambling identifier associated with the current serving beam 122 (e.g., the second scrambling identifier associated with the second transmit beam 122) to a different scrambling identifier (e.g., a third scrambling identifier). Upon receiving such update information, the first device 110 may detect the next control information transmitted from the second device 120 via the current serving beam 122 using the new scrambling identifier (i.e., the third scrambling identifier). In another example, the update information from the second device 120 may indicate to the first device 110 that the transmit beam associated with the scrambling identifier has been updated to another transmit beam. For example, the second transmit beam associated with the second scrambling identifier is changed to a third transmit beam that may or may not be included in the previous plurality of transmit beams. In some demonstrative embodiments, the update information may be transmitted to the first device 110 via the MAC CE.

[0089] In addition to the scrambling identifier and / or transmit beam, one or more other parameters set in the configuration information for a given transmit beam 122, including a position parameter indicating the bit position of the wake-up instruction in the control information, a starting point for monitoring the control information, and / or the like, may also be dynamically changed by the second device 120 via update information.

[0090] By dynamically changing the configuration settings associated with a transmission beam, the second device 120 may be able to quickly reshuffle the first devices 110 configured with the same serving beam to ensure efficient use of control information. Instead, resource efficiency for transmission of control information may be maintained when one or more first devices 110 switch their serving beams.

[0091] 7 shows a flowchart of an example method 700 implemented in a first device, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of discussion, the method 700 is described from the perspective of the first device 110 with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0092] In block 710, the first device 110 receives configuration information from the second device 120 indicating a first plurality of configuration settings associated with a plurality of transmit beams of the second device 120, the first plurality of configuration settings including at least a first plurality of scrambling identifiers. In block 720, in accordance with a determination that a first transmit beam of the plurality of transmit beams is configured as a serving beam for the first device 110, the first device 110 selects a first scrambling identifier associated with the first transmit beam from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers. In block 730, the first device 110 monitors first control information transmitted by the second device 120 via the first transmit beam using the first scrambling identifier, the first control information indicating the presence of data to be transmitted by the second device. In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may monitor the first control information in a discontinuous reception mode.

[0093] In some demonstrative embodiments, the method 700 further comprises selecting, in accordance with a determination that the serving beam is switched from a first transmission beam to a second transmission beam of the plurality of transmission beams, a second scrambling identifier associated with the second transmission beam from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers, and monitoring for second control information transmitted by the second device 120 via the second transmission beam based on the second scrambling identifier, the second control information indicating the presence of further data to be transmitted by the second device.

[0094] In some exemplary embodiments, monitoring the second control information comprises receiving update information from the second device 120 updating a second scrambling identifier associated with the second transmit beam to a third scrambling identifier, and, in response to receiving the update information, monitoring the second control information using the third scrambling identifier.

[0095] In some demonstrative embodiments, the first plurality of configuration settings further include a first plurality of position parameters each indicating a bit position of a wake-up instruction in the control information transmitted from the second device 120 via the multiple transmit beams, a plurality of sleep instructions applicable to the control information transmitted by the second device via the multiple transmit beams, the plurality of sleep instructions indicating the sleep of at least one secondary cell of the first device 110 outside the on duration of discontinuous reception, a plurality of time parameters indicating respective start times for monitoring the control information transmitted from the second device 120 via the multiple transmit beams, and a plurality of parameter sets associated with the multiple transmit beams including at least one of a plurality of payload sizes of the control information transmitted from the second device 120 via the multiple transmit beams.

[0096] In some example embodiments, monitoring the first control information includes selecting a first parameter set associated with the first transmit beam from a plurality of parameter sets and monitoring the first control information based on the first parameter set.

[0097] In some exemplary embodiments, the first control information includes at least one of a wake-up instruction indicating whether the first device 110 wakes up during the on duration of discontinuous reception and a sleep instruction indicating sleep of at least one secondary cell of the first device 110 outside the on duration of discontinuous reception.

[0098] In some exemplary embodiments, the first plurality of scrambling identifiers includes a plurality of power saving wireless network temporary identifiers.

[0099] In some exemplary embodiments, the configuration information further indicates a second plurality of configuration settings associated with the plurality of transmit beams, the second plurality of configuration settings including at least a second plurality of scrambling identifiers. In some exemplary embodiments, selecting the first scrambling identifier set includes receiving information from the second device 120 indicating whether the first plurality of configuration settings or the second plurality of configuration settings are applicable to the first device 110, and selecting the first scrambling identifier from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers according to a determination that the first plurality of configuration settings are applicable to the first device 110.

[0100] 8 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 800 implemented in the second device 120, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of discussion, the method 800 will be described from the perspective of the second device 120 with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0101] In block 810, the second device 120 transmits to the first device 110 configuration information indicating a first plurality of configuration settings associated with a plurality of transmit beams of the second device 120, the first plurality of configuration settings including at least a first plurality of scrambling identifiers. In block 820, in accordance with a determination that a first transmit beam of the plurality of transmit beams is configured as a serving beam for the first device 110, the second device 120 generates first control information by scrambling the first control information with a first scrambling identifier of the first plurality of scrambling identifiers associated with the first transmit beam, the first control information indicating the presence of data to be transmitted by the second device. In block 830, the second device 120 transmits the first scrambled control information to the first device 110 via the first transmit beam.

[0102] In some exemplary embodiments, generating the first control information comprises scrambling the first control information with a first scrambling identifier in accordance with a determination that the first transmit beam is configured as a serving beam for the first device 110 and a further determination that data is to be transmitted to the first device 110.

[0103] In some example embodiments, the method 800 further comprises: generating, in accordance with a determination that the serving beam is switched from the first transmit beam to a second transmit beam of the plurality of transmit beams, second control information based on a second scrambling identifier of the first plurality of scrambling identifiers associated with the second transmit beam, the second control information indicating a presence of further data to be transmitted by the second device; and transmitting the second scrambled control information to the first device 110 via the second transmit beam.

[0104] In some exemplary embodiments, generating the second control information comprises transmitting, to the first device 110, update information updating a second scrambling identifier associated with the second transmit beam to a third scrambling identifier, and scrambling the second control information with the third scrambling identifier in response to transmitting the update information.

[0105] In some demonstrative embodiments, the first plurality of configuration settings further include a first plurality of position parameters each indicating a bit position of a wake-up instruction in the control information transmitted from the second device 120 via the multiple transmit beams, a plurality of sleep instructions applicable to the control information transmitted by the second device via the multiple transmit beams, the plurality of sleep instructions indicating the sleep of at least one secondary cell of the first device 110 outside the on duration of discontinuous reception, a plurality of time parameters indicating respective start times for monitoring the control information transmitted from the second device 120 via the multiple transmit beams, and a plurality of parameter sets associated with the multiple transmit beams including at least one of a plurality of payload sizes of the control information transmitted from the second device 120 via the multiple transmit beams.

[0106] In some example embodiments, generating the first control information includes selecting a first parameter set associated with the first transmit beam from a plurality of parameter sets, and generating the first control information based on the first parameter set.

[0107] In some exemplary embodiments, the configuration information further indicates a second plurality of configuration settings associated with the plurality of transmit beams, the second plurality of configuration settings including at least a second plurality of scrambling identifiers. In some exemplary embodiments, the method 800 further comprises transmitting, to the first device 110, information indicating whether the first plurality of configuration settings or the second plurality of configuration settings are applicable to the first device 110. In some exemplary embodiments, generating the first control information comprises selecting a first scrambling identifier from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers in accordance with a determination that the first plurality of configuration settings are applicable to the first device 110.

[0108] In some exemplary embodiments, a first apparatus (e.g., first device 110) capable of performing any of methods 700 may comprise means for performing each operation of method 700. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuit or a software module. The first apparatus may be implemented as or included in first device 110.

[0109] In some demonstrative embodiments, the first device comprises: means for receiving configuration information from the second device indicating a first plurality of configuration settings associated with a plurality of transmit beams of the second device, the first plurality of configuration settings comprising at least a first plurality of scrambling identifiers; means for selecting a first scrambling identifier associated with the first transmit beam from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers in accordance with a determination that a first transmit beam of the plurality of transmit beams is configured as a serving beam for the first device; and means for monitoring first control information transmitted by the second device via the first transmit beam using the first scrambling identifier, the first control information indicating the presence of data to be transmitted by the second device.

[0110] In some exemplary embodiments, the means for monitoring comprises means for monitoring the first control information in a discontinuous reception mode.

[0111] In some demonstrative embodiments, the first device further comprises means for selecting, from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers, a second scrambling identifier associated with the second transmission beam in accordance with a determination that the serving beam is switched from a first transmission beam to a second transmission beam of the plurality of transmission beams, and means for monitoring for second control information transmitted by the second device via the second transmission beam based on the second scrambling identifier, wherein the second control information indicates the presence of further data to be transmitted by the second device.

[0112] In some exemplary embodiments, the means for monitoring the second control information comprises means for receiving update information from the second device updating a second scrambling identifier associated with the second transmit beam to a third scrambling identifier, and means for monitoring the second control information using the third scrambling identifier in response to receiving the update information.

[0113] In some exemplary embodiments, the first plurality of configuration settings further include a first plurality of position parameters each indicating a bit position of a wake-up instruction in the control information transmitted from the second device via the multiple transmit beams, a plurality of sleep instructions applicable to the control information transmitted by the second device via the multiple transmit beams, the plurality of sleep instructions indicating sleep of at least one secondary cell of the first device outside an on duration of discontinuous reception, a plurality of time parameters indicating respective start times for monitoring the control information transmitted from the second device via the multiple transmit beams, and a plurality of parameter sets associated with the multiple transmit beams including at least one of: a first plurality of position parameters each indicating a bit position of a wake-up instruction in the control information transmitted from the second device via the multiple transmit beams;

[0114] In some exemplary embodiments, the means for monitoring the first control information comprises means for selecting a first parameter set associated with the first transmit beam from a plurality of parameter sets, and means for monitoring the first control information based on the first parameter set.

[0115] In some exemplary embodiments, the first control information includes at least one of a wake-up instruction indicating whether the first device wakes up during the on duration of discontinuous reception and a sleep instruction indicating sleep of at least one secondary cell of the first device outside the on duration of discontinuous reception.

[0116] In some exemplary embodiments, the first plurality of scrambling identifiers includes a plurality of power saving wireless network temporary identifiers.

[0117] In some exemplary embodiments, the configuration information further indicates a second plurality of configuration settings associated with the plurality of transmit beams, the second plurality of configuration settings including at least a second plurality of scrambling identifiers. In some exemplary embodiments, the means for selecting a first scrambling identifier setting comprises means for receiving information from the second device indicating whether the first plurality of configuration settings or the second plurality of configuration settings are applicable to the first device, and means for selecting a first scrambling identifier from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers according to a determination that the first plurality of configuration settings are applicable to the first device.

[0118] In some exemplary embodiments, the first apparatus comprises a terminal device and the second apparatus comprises a network device.

[0119] In some exemplary embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises means for performing other operations in some exemplary embodiments of method 700. In some exemplary embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory having computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, causing the first apparatus to execute.

[0120] In some demonstrative embodiments, a second apparatus (e.g., second device 120) capable of performing any of methods 800 may comprise means for performing each operation of method 800. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuit or a software module. The second apparatus may be implemented as or included in second device 120.

[0121] In some demonstrative embodiments, the second device comprises: means for transmitting to the first device configuration information indicating a first plurality of configuration settings associated with a plurality of transmit beams of the second device, the first plurality of configuration settings comprising at least a first plurality of scrambling identifiers; means for generating first control information by scrambling the first control information with a first scrambling identifier of the first plurality of scrambling identifiers associated with the first transmit beam according to a determination that a first transmit beam of the plurality of transmit beams is configured for the first device as a serving beam, the first control information indicating the presence of data to be transmitted by the second device; and means for transmitting the first scrambled control information to the first device via the first transmit beam.

[0122] In some exemplary embodiments, the means for generating the first control information comprises means for scrambling the first control information with a first scrambling identifier in accordance with a determination that the first transmit beam is configured as a serving beam for the first device and a further determination that data is to be transmitted to the first device.

[0123] In some demonstrative embodiments, the second device further comprises means for generating second control information based on a second scrambling identifier of the first plurality of scrambling identifiers associated with the second transmission beam in accordance with a determination that the serving beam is switched from a first transmission beam of the plurality of transmission beams to a second transmission beam, the second control information indicating the presence of further data to be transmitted by the second device, and means for transmitting the second scrambled control information to the first device via the second transmission beam.

[0124] In some exemplary embodiments, the means for generating the second control information comprises means for transmitting update information to the first device updating a second scrambling identifier associated with the second transmit beam to a third scrambling identifier, and means for scrambling the second control information with the third scrambling identifier in response to transmitting the update information.

[0125] In some exemplary embodiments, the first plurality of configuration settings further include a first plurality of position parameters each indicating a bit position of a wake-up instruction in the control information transmitted from the second device via the multiple transmit beams, a plurality of sleep instructions applicable to the control information transmitted by the second device via the multiple transmit beams, the plurality of sleep instructions indicating sleep of at least one secondary cell of the first device outside an on duration of discontinuous reception, a plurality of time parameters indicating respective start times for monitoring the control information transmitted from the second device via the multiple transmit beams, and a plurality of parameter sets associated with the multiple transmit beams including at least one of: a first plurality of position parameters each indicating a bit position of a wake-up instruction in the control information transmitted from the second device via the multiple transmit beams;

[0126] In some exemplary embodiments, the means for generating the first control information comprises means for selecting a first parameter set associated with the first transmit beam from a plurality of parameter sets, and means for generating the first control information based on the first parameter set.

[0127] In some exemplary embodiments, the configuration information includes a second plurality of configuration settings associated with the plurality of transmit beams, the second plurality of configuration settings including at least a second plurality of scrambling identifiers. In some exemplary embodiments, the second device further includes means for transmitting information to the first device indicating whether the first plurality of configuration settings or the second plurality of configuration settings are applicable to the first device. In some exemplary embodiments, the means for generating the first control information comprises means for selecting a first scrambling identifier from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers in accordance with a determination that the first plurality of configuration settings are applicable to the first device.

[0128] In some exemplary embodiments, the first apparatus comprises a terminal device and the second apparatus comprises a network device.

[0129] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device further comprises means for performing other operations in some exemplary embodiments of method 800. In some exemplary embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, causing the second device to execute.

[0130] 9 is a simplified block diagram of a device 900 suitable for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 900 may be provided to implement a communication device, for example, the first device 110 or the second device 120 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. As shown, the device 900 includes one or more processors 910, one or more memories 920 coupled to the processor 910, and one or more communication modules 940 coupled to the processor 910.

[0131] The communication module 940 is for bidirectional communication. The communication module 940 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interface may represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements. In some exemplary embodiments, the communication module 940 may include at least one antenna.

[0132] The processor 910 may be of any type suitable for a local technology network and may include one or more of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The device 900 may have multiple processors, such as application specific integrated circuit chips time-slaved to a clock that synchronizes the main processor.

[0133] The memory 920 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 924, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disks, compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), optical disks, laser disks, and other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 922 and other volatile memories that do not persist during power down durations.

[0134] The computer program 930 includes computer executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 910. The program 930 may be stored in a memory, for example in the ROM 924. The processor 910 may load the program 930 into the RAM 922 to perform any suitable actions and operations.

[0135] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented by means of a program 930 such that the device 900 may execute any process of the present disclosure, as discussed with reference to Figures 5 to 8. An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0136] In some exemplary embodiments, the program 930 may be tangibly included in a computer readable medium that may be included in the device 900 (such as memory 920) or other storage device accessible by the device 900. The device 900 may load the program 930 from the computer readable medium into RAM 922 for execution. The computer readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile storage, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a computer readable medium 1000, which may be in the form of a CD, DVD, or other optical storage disk. The computer readable medium has the program 930 stored thereon.

[0137] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representations, it should be understood that the blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general-purpose hardware or controller, or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0138] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in a program module, that execute on a target physical or virtual processor device to perform any of the methods described above with reference to Figures 5-8. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or split among program modules as desired in various embodiments. Machine-executable instructions for a program module may be executed in a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0139] The program codes for carrying out the methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, and when executed by the processor or controller, the program codes cause the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program codes may be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on the machine, partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0140] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program code or associated data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, and the like.

[0141] The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the above. More specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium are an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical storage device, including a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0142] Furthermore, although operations are shown in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the particular order shown, or in sequential order, or that all of the shown operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In some situations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although some specific implementation details are included in the above description, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Some features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0143] Although the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the present disclosure, as defined by the appended claims, is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. At least one processor; and at least one memory containing computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, receiving configuration information from a network device indicative of a first plurality of configuration settings associated with a plurality of transmit beams of the network device, the first plurality of configuration settings comprising at least a first plurality of scrambling identifiers; According to a determination that a first transmission beam of the plurality of transmission beams is configured as a serving beam for the terminal device, further determining a first scrambling identifier that is explicitly mapped to the first transmission beam according to at least one of a beam index and a beam identifier of the first transmission beam; monitoring first control information transmitted by the network device via the first transmission beam using the first scrambling identifier, the first control information indicating the presence of data to be transmitted by the network device; selecting, in accordance with a determination that the serving beam is switched from the first transmission beam to a second transmission beam of the plurality of transmission beams, a second scrambling identifier associated with the second transmission beam from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers; A terminal device characterized in that the terminal device is caused to perform a step of monitoring second control information transmitted by the network device via the second transmission beam based on the second scrambling identifier, the second control information indicating the presence of further data to be transmitted by the network device.

2. 2. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to monitor the first control information by monitoring the first control information in a discontinuous reception mode.

3. The at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, receiving update information from the network device updating the second scrambling identifier associated with the second transmit beam to a third scrambling identifier; 2. The terminal device of claim 1, further comprising: a step of: in response to receiving the update information, monitoring the second control information using the third scrambling identifier, thereby causing the terminal device to monitor the second control information.

4. the first plurality of configurations further comprising a plurality of parameter sets associated with the plurality of transmit beams; The plurality of parameter sets include: a first plurality of position parameters indicating respective bit positions of wake-up instructions within control information transmitted from the network device via the plurality of transmit beams; a plurality of dormancy indications applicable to control information transmitted by the network device via the plurality of transmission beams, the plurality of dormancy indications indicating dormancy of at least one secondary cell of the terminal device outside an on-duration of discontinuous reception; and a plurality of time parameters indicating respective start times for monitoring control information transmitted from the network device via the plurality of transmit beams; The terminal device of claim 1 , further comprising at least one of a plurality of payload sizes of control information transmitted from the network device via the plurality of transmission beams.

5. The at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, selecting a first parameter set from the plurality of parameter sets associated with the first transmit beam; 5. The terminal device according to claim 4, further comprising: a step of: monitoring the first control information based on the first parameter set, the step of causing the terminal device to monitor the first control information.

6. The first control information is a wake-up indication indicating whether the terminal device is to wake up during an on duration of discontinuous reception; and a dormancy indication indicating dormancy of at least one secondary cell of the terminal device outside the on-duration of the discontinuous reception.

7. 2. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of scrambling identifiers comprises a plurality of power saving wireless network temporary identifiers.

8. the configuration information further indicating a second plurality of configuration settings associated with the plurality of transmit beams, the second plurality of configuration settings comprising at least a second plurality of scrambling identifiers; The at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, receiving, from a network device, information indicating whether the first plurality of configuration settings or the second plurality of configuration settings are applicable to the terminal device; 2. The terminal device of claim 1, further comprising: a step of: selecting the first scrambling identifier from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers in accordance with a determination that the first plurality of configuration settings are applicable to the terminal device; and causing the terminal device to select the first scrambling identifier.

9. At least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, transmitting, to a terminal device, configuration information indicative of a first plurality of configuration settings associated with a plurality of transmit beams of the network device, the first plurality of configuration settings comprising at least a first plurality of scrambling identifiers; generating first control information by scrambling the first control information with a first scrambling identifier of the first plurality of scrambling identifiers associated with the first transmission beam according to a determination that a first transmission beam of the plurality of transmission beams is configured as a serving beam for the terminal device, the first control information indicating the presence of data to be transmitted by the network device; transmitting the first control information scrambled to the terminal device via the first transmission beam; generating second control information based on a second scrambling identifier of the first plurality of scrambling identifiers associated with the second transmission beam according to a determination that the serving beam is switched from the first transmission beam to a second transmission beam of the plurality of transmission beams, the second control information indicating the presence of further data to be transmitted by the network device; and transmitting the generated second control information to the terminal device via the second transmission beam.

10. The network device of claim 9, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, cause the network device to generate the first control information by scrambling the first control information with the first scrambling identifier in accordance with a determination that the first transmission beam is configured as the serving beam for the terminal device and a further determination that the data is to be transmitted to the terminal device.

11. The at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, transmitting, to the terminal device, update information updating the second scrambling identifier associated with the second transmission beam to a third scrambling identifier; 10. The network device of claim 9, further comprising: a step of: in response to transmitting the update information, scrambling the second control information with the third scrambling identifier, the step of causing the network device to generate the second control information.

12. the first plurality of configurations further comprising a plurality of parameter sets associated with the plurality of transmit beams; The plurality of parameter sets include: a first plurality of position parameters indicating respective bit positions of wake-up instructions within control information transmitted from the network device via the plurality of transmit beams; a plurality of dormancy indications applicable to control information transmitted by the network device via the plurality of transmission beams, the plurality of dormancy indications indicating dormancy of at least one secondary cell of the terminal device outside an on-duration of discontinuous reception; and a plurality of time parameters indicating respective start times for monitoring control information transmitted from the network device via the plurality of transmit beams; 10. The network device of claim 9, further comprising at least one of a plurality of payload sizes for control information transmitted from the network device via the plurality of transmit beams.

13. The at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, selecting a first parameter set from the plurality of parameter sets associated with the first transmit beam; 13. The network device of claim 12, further comprising: a step of: generating the first control information based on the first parameter set, the step of causing the network device to generate the first control information.

14. the configuration information further indicating a second plurality of configuration settings associated with the plurality of transmit beams, the second plurality of configuration settings comprising at least a second plurality of scrambling identifiers; the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, cause the network device to transmit, to the terminal device, information indicating whether the first plurality of configuration settings or the second plurality of configuration settings are applicable to the terminal device; 10. The network device of claim 9, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, cause the network device to generate first control information by selecting the first scrambling identifier from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers in accordance with a determination that the first plurality of configuration settings are applicable to the terminal device.

15. receiving, at a terminal device, configuration information from a network device indicative of a first plurality of configuration settings associated with a plurality of transmit beams of the network device, the first plurality of configuration settings comprising at least a first plurality of scrambling identifiers; According to a determination that a first transmission beam of the plurality of transmission beams is configured as a serving beam for the terminal device, further determining a first scrambling identifier that is explicitly mapped to the first transmission beam according to at least one of a beam index and a beam identifier of the first transmission beam; monitoring first control information transmitted by the network device via the first transmission beam using the first scrambling identifier, the first control information indicating the presence of data to be transmitted by the network device; selecting, in accordance with a determination that the serving beam is switched from the first transmission beam to a second transmission beam of the plurality of transmission beams, a second scrambling identifier associated with the second transmission beam from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers; and monitoring second control information transmitted by the network device via the second transmission beam based on the second scrambling identifier, the second control information indicating the presence of further data to be transmitted by the network device.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein monitoring the first control information comprises monitoring the first control information in a discontinuous reception mode.

17. The step of monitoring the second control information includes: receiving update information from the network device updating the second scrambling identifier associated with the second transmit beam to a third scrambling identifier; 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: in response to receiving the update information, monitoring the second control information using the third scrambling identifier.

18. the first plurality of configurations further comprising a plurality of parameter sets associated with the plurality of transmit beams; The plurality of parameter sets include: a first plurality of position parameters indicating respective bit positions of wake-up instructions within control information transmitted from the network device via the plurality of transmit beams; a plurality of dormancy indications applicable to control information transmitted by the network device via the plurality of transmission beams, the plurality of dormancy indications indicating dormancy of at least one secondary cell of the terminal device outside an on-duration of discontinuous reception; and a plurality of time parameters indicating respective start times for monitoring control information transmitted from the network device via the plurality of transmit beams; 20. The method of claim 15, comprising at least one of: a plurality of payload sizes of control information transmitted from the network device via the plurality of transmit beams.

19. The step of monitoring the first control information includes: selecting a first parameter set from the plurality of parameter sets associated with the first transmit beam; 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising monitoring the first control information based on the first parameter set.

20. The first control information is a wake-up indication indicating whether the terminal device is to wake up during an on duration of discontinuous reception; and a dormancy indication indicating dormancy of at least one secondary cell of the terminal device outside the on-duration of the discontinuous reception.

21. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first plurality of scrambling identifiers comprises a plurality of power saving wireless network temporary identifiers.

22. the configuration information further indicating a second plurality of configuration settings associated with the plurality of transmit beams, the second plurality of configuration settings comprising at least a second plurality of scrambling identifiers; The step of selecting a first scrambling identifier comprises: receiving, from the network device, information indicating whether the first plurality of configuration settings or the second plurality of configuration settings are applicable to the terminal device; and selecting the first scrambling identifier from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers in accordance with a determination that the first plurality of configuration settings are applicable to the terminal device.

23. transmitting, at the network device to a terminal device, configuration information indicative of a first plurality of configuration settings associated with a plurality of transmit beams of the network device, the first plurality of configuration settings comprising at least a first plurality of scrambling identifiers; generating first control information by scrambling the first control information with a first scrambling identifier of the first plurality of scrambling identifiers associated with the first transmission beam according to a determination that a first transmission beam of the plurality of transmission beams is configured as a serving beam for the terminal device, the first control information indicating the presence of data to be transmitted by the network device; transmitting the first control information scrambled to the terminal device via the first transmission beam; generating second control information based on a second scrambling identifier of the first plurality of scrambling identifiers associated with the second transmission beam according to a determination that the serving beam is switched from the first transmission beam to a second transmission beam of the plurality of transmission beams, the second control information indicating the presence of further data to be transmitted by the network device; and transmitting the generated second control information to the terminal device via the second transmission beam.

24. The step of generating the first control information includes:

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising scrambling the first control information with the first scrambling identifier in accordance with a determination that the first transmission beam is configured as the serving beam for the terminal device and a further determination that the data is to be transmitted to the terminal device.

25. The step of generating second control information includes: transmitting, to the terminal device, update information updating the second scrambling identifier associated with the second transmission beam to a third scrambling identifier; 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of: scrambling the second control information with the third scrambling identifier in response to transmitting the update information.

26. the first plurality of configurations further comprising a plurality of parameter sets associated with the plurality of transmit beams; The plurality of parameter sets include: a first plurality of position parameters indicating respective bit positions of wake-up instructions within control information transmitted from the network device via the plurality of transmit beams; a plurality of dormancy indications applicable to control information transmitted by the network device via the plurality of transmission beams, the plurality of dormancy indications indicating dormancy of at least one secondary cell of the terminal device outside an on-duration of discontinuous reception; and a plurality of time parameters indicating respective start times for monitoring control information transmitted from the network device via the plurality of transmit beams; 24. The method of claim 23, comprising at least one of: a plurality of payload sizes of control information transmitted from the network device via the plurality of transmit beams.

27. The step of generating the first control information includes: selecting a first parameter set from the plurality of parameter sets associated with the first transmit beam; 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising: generating the first control information based on the first set of parameters.

28. the configuration information further indicating a second plurality of configuration settings associated with the plurality of transmit beams, the second plurality of configuration settings comprising at least a second plurality of scrambling identifiers; transmitting information indicating whether the first plurality of configuration settings or the second plurality of configuration settings are applicable to the terminal device; 24. The method of claim 23, wherein generating first control information comprises selecting the first scrambling identifier from the first plurality of scrambling identifiers in accordance with a determination that the first plurality of configuration settings are applicable to the terminal device.

29. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least one of the methods according to any one of claims 15 to 22 or any one of the methods according to any one of claims 23 to 28.

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