Abstract:
A method and apparatus making an asset apparent. The method and apparatus may be configured to obtain an asset apparency request to locate an asset, wherein the asset apparency request includes an identification code corresponding to the asset, to generate an asset apparency message, wherein the asset apparency message includes an identification code corresponding to the user, the identification code corresponding to the asset, and one or more instructions to trigger the asset to perform one or more functionalities to make the asset apparent, and to transmit, to a central processing facility wherein the asset apparency message is processed by the central processing facility by: determining a unique identifying value for the asset from the identification codes corresponding to the user and the asset, and transmitting the one or more instructions to trigger the asset to perform one or more functionalities to make the asset apparent.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §120 
     The present Application for Patent is a Continuation and claims priority to patent application Ser. No. 10/782,594 entitled “Asset Apparency Method and Apparatus” filed Feb. 18, 2004, and assigned to the assignee hereof and hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     I. Field 
     The embodiments described herein pertain generally to the field of asset management and more particularly to methods and apparatus for having an asset make itself apparent to one attempting to locate the asset. 
     II. Description of the Related Art 
     Asset management is an important part of many businesses today. Assets may include, for example, earth moving equipment, tractor trailers, construction equipment, railroad train cars and engines, cargo containers, and rental equipment of all shapes and sizes. Asset management is particularly important in instances where assets are moved in the typical course of business or in cases where assets themselves are mobile. For example, in the equipment rental industry, equipment is usually rented to individuals or companies for use away from a rental equipment yard. 
     Part of a good asset management system should include the ability to locate an asset among a group of similar assets or to locate an asset within a given geographic area. Such a capability would make it easy for workers to locate, for example, a particular backhoe among a group of similar backhoes for maintenance purposes. Or a foreman on a jobsite may need to locate a particular earth mover because it needs to be returned to a rental company. 
     What is needed, therefore, is a method and apparatus for locating assets quickly and easily. 
     SUMMARY 
     The requirements for locating an asset quickly and easily are realized by various embodiments of the invention described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for making an asset apparent to an individual comprises a receiver for receiving a request from a wireless communication system for having the asset make itself apparent and providing the request to a processor. The processor receives the request and generates a command to make the asset apparent. Finally, the apparatus comprises an interface for providing the command to a device on the asset, the device for making the asset apparent to the individual. 
     In another embodiment, a wireless communication device for making an asset apparent to an individual comprises an input for allowing the individual to enter an identification code corresponding to the asset, a processor for receiving the input and generating a request to make the asset apparent, the request including the identification code. Finally, the apparatus comprises a transmitter for transmitting the request to the asset. 
     In another embodiment, an apparatus for making an asset apparent to an individual comprises a receiver for receiving a request directly from a wireless communication device for having the asset make itself apparent and providing the request to a processor. The processor receives the request, determines how to make the asset apparent; and generates a command to make the asset apparent. Finally, the apparatus comprises an interface for providing the command to a device on the asset, the device for making the asset apparent to the individual. 
     In yet another embodiment, a computer program product tangibly embodying a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium with instructions executable by a digital processing apparatus is used to perform a method for making an asset apparent, the method comprising operations of receiving an identification code corresponding to said asset, generating a request to make the asset apparent, and transmitting the request directly to the asset corresponding to said identification code. 
     In yet still another embodiment, a computer program product tangibly embodying a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium with instructions executable by a digital processing apparatus is used to perform a method for making an asset apparent, the method comprising operations of receiving an identification code corresponding to said asset, generating a request to make said asset apparent, and transmitting the request to the asset corresponding to the identification code over a wireless communication network. 
     In yet another embodiment, a computer program product tangibly embodying a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium with instructions executable by a digital processing apparatus is used to perform a method for making an asset apparent, the method comprising operations of receiving a request from a wireless communication system for having the asset make itself apparent, generating a command to make the asset apparent, and providing the command to a device on the asset, the device for making the asset apparent to the individual. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and the attendant advantages of the embodiments described herein will become more readily apparent by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a communication system in which the various embodiments described herein are used; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a functional block diagram of a wireless communication device used in the communication system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a functional block diagram of an apparatus for making an asset apparent; 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for making an asset apparent using the wireless communication device of  FIG. 2 ; and 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for making an asset apparatus using the apparatus of  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description describes methods and apparatus for making as asset apparent to an individual. The embodiments described herein can be used in a number of industries, such as the equipment rental industry, the construction industry, the shipping and transportation industry, the warehouse industry, and others. It should also be understood that the embodiments described herein can be used to locate a wide variety of assets, including vehicles, trailers, construction equipment, cargo containers, and so on. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a communication system comprising a wireless communication device (WCD)  100 , a wireless communication system  102 , a central processing facility (CPF)  104 , and an asset  106 . An individual uses WCD  100  to make asset  106  apparent to the individual, typically by audio or visual means. Generally, the individual enters an identification code corresponding to asset  106  into WCD  100 , then WCD  100  transmits a request, including the identification code, to asset  106  either directly or through wireless communication system  102 . In one embodiment, the request may be forwarded to CPF  104  before being sent to asset  106 , where the request is authenticated and/or otherwise processed. When asset  106  receives the request, it may process the request in a number of different ways, which is discussed in more detail below. Ultimately, asset  106  makes itself apparent to the individual by performing one or more actions, such as by illuminating one or more lights connected to asset  106 , by sounding an audible alert, or by moving a mechanical portion, or all of, asset  106 . 
     In one embodiment, WCD  FIG. 2  illustrates a functional block diagram of one embodiment of WCD  100 . It should be understood that not all of the elements shown in  FIG. 2  are required in every possible embodiment for making asset  106  apparent. It should also be understood that the elements shown in  FIG. 2  could reside in virtually any type of wireless device having transmission capabilities, such as a cellular or satellite telephone, a two-way pager, a personal digital assistant (PDA) having wireless capabilities, a portable computer having wireless capabilities, or a device dedicated solely for making asset  106  apparent. 
     Processor  204  sends and receives information from transceiver  200 . Processor  304  typically comprises an electronic digital computing device, such as any of the 80×86 processors from Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. Processor  308  could alternatively comprise a number of discreet electronic components, a custom ASIC, or other digital processing apparatus known in the art. 
     Memory  208  comprises one or more electronic memory components, such as ROM, RAM, EEPROM, flash memory, or the like, for storing information pertinent for having asset  106  making itself apparent. For example, memory  208  may store executable computer instructions (i.e., a computer program) for use by processor  204 , for transmitting apparency apparent requests and/or for determining which type of appetency action to be taken by asset  106 . Memory  208  may be considered a signal-bearing medium tangibly embodying a program of machine-readable instructions executable by a digital processing apparatus (i.e., processor  204 ) to perform a method for making asset  106  apparent. Such a program may comprise, for example, a program operating within a cell phone environment, such as the popular Binary Run-Time Environment (BREW®) operating system by QUALCOMM or the JAVA run-time environment by Sun Microsystems. 
       100  communicates directly with asset  106 , using one of a number of known wireless communication techniques, such as frequency modulation (FM), amplitude modulation (AM), high speed digital communication techniques under the well-known 802.11 standard (commonly known as Wi-Fi) and other digital communication techniques, Infra-red (IR) communication technology, and others. Transceiver  200  is used to transmit information to asset  106  using one of these techniques. 
     An individual wishing to make asset  106  apparent generally begins by entering an identification code corresponding to asset  106  into WCD  100  by using input device  202 . Input device  202  typically comprises a keypad, microphone, or other input device that is electronically coupled to processor  204 . The identification code comprises any alpha-numeric sequence (including numbers only or letters only) which uniquely identifies asset  106 , or a group of similar assets to asset  106 , such as a serial number of asset  106  or a predetermined alpha-numeric code issued by an entity associated with asset  106  (such as the owner of asset  106  or the individual associated with WCD  100 ). 
     Processor  204  receives the identification code and generates a request to make asset  106  apparent. The request, in this embodiment, simply directs asset  106  to take whatever action that is available to asset  106  to make itself apparent. The request is then provided to transceiver  200 , where it is transmitted directly to asset  106 . The identification code provided by processor  204  is used to uniquely address the particular asset  106  desired by the individual using techniques well-known in the art. The asset  106 , upon receipt of the request, makes itself apparent to the requesting individual as discussed later herein. 
     In another embodiment, the request comprises a command that dictates how asset  106  is to respond to the request to make itself apparent. For example, asset  106  may have the capability to make itself apparent to an individual by sounding a horn and lighting its headlights. The request may then request asset  106  to light its headlights if it is in a dark area. In this embodiment, the individual uses input device  202  to enter his or her preferred method of having asset  106  make itself apparent. The resulting request from processor  204  comprises the individual&#39;s preferred method of making asset  106  apparent. In a slight alteration of this embodiment, asset  106  may be able to perform multiple ways of making itself apparent, but if the individual fails to specify a preferred method of appetency, a default appetency method is used. Alternatively, rather than using a default method of appetency, asset  106  determines which of several alternative methods of appetency might get the attention of the requesting individual the best, considering factors such as the types of appetency mechanisms available to asset  106 , the amount of light available in the vicinity of asset  106 , the distance that the requesting individual is from asset  106  (in this embodiment, WCD  100  comprises a position detector  206 , such as a GPS receiver or other circuitry, for determining a location of WCD  100  and the request comprises at the position of WCD  100  (or, alternatively, information that would allow an entity such as CPF  104  or wireless communication system  102  to determine the position of WCD  100 ), the battery capacity available to become apparent, etc. 
     In yet another embodiment, WCD  100  negotiates a method for apparatus  106  to make itself apparent. For example, after an individual requests asset  106  to make itself apparent, one of several different actions are taken by WCD  100  and asset  106 . In one embodiment, a request is generated by processor  204 , instructing asset  106  to make itself apparent. In response to receiving the request, asset  106  may transmit a list of possible actions back to WCD  100  that asset  106  is capable of performing. Processor  204  receives this information, and generally displays it to the individual via output device  210 . The individual then chooses which action for asset  106  to take, and indicates his/her selection via input device  202 . Processor  204  receives the individual&#39;s selection and transmits it to asset  106 . Upon receipt of the selection, asset  106  performs the selected action to make itself apparent to the individual. 
     In another embodiment, the negotiation between WCD  100  and asset  106  comprises the individual first entering a selected action upon requesting that asset  106  make itself apparent. Processor  204  receives the request and the selected action and generates a request which is provided to transceiver  200  and ultimately asset  106 . Asset  106  receives the request and the selected action and compares the selected action to a list of possible actions stored in a memory within asset  106 . If a match is found, asset  106  performs the requested action. If a match is not found, asset  106  transmits a message back to WCD  100  informing WCD  100  that the selected action is not possible. In this embodiment, asset  106  could additionally provide information indication of what kind of action(s) it is capable of, in order for the individual to select one of these actions. Such actions are received by processor  204  and provided to the individual via output device  210 . The individual would then select one of the actions provided by asset  106 , which would then be provided to processor  204 . Processor  204  then generates a message which is transmitted to asset  106 . Asset  106  receives the message comprising the selected action, and performs it accordingly. 
     WCD  100  may, additionally or alternatively to the methods described above, communicate with asset  106  through in intermediary, such as wireless communication system  102  and/or central processing facility  104 . In this embodiment, WCD  100  is likely to comprise a cellular telephone, wireless PDA, two-way pager, or some other device that has functionality other than communicating with asset  106 . 
     In one embodiment, WCD  100  communicates through wireless communication system  102  to asset  106 . Wireless communication system  102  comprises virtually any type of wireless communication network, such as a cellular or PCS network, an AMPS network, a satellite communication network, a wireless digital network such as CDPD, a paging network, etc. Any of the embodiments discussed above can be used with this arrangement, i.e., WCD  100  and asset  106  communicating through wireless communication system  102 . 
     In another embodiment, central processing facility  104  is used to authenticate WCD  100  and/or the individual operating WCD  100  and/or to otherwise process appetency requests as well as responses from WCD  106 . For instance, in one embodiment, an individual enters an identification code into WCD  100  identifying asset  106  that is to be located. Processor  204  receives the request and the identification code and sends a request to CPF  104  to make asset  106  apparent. The request generally comprises the identification code corresponding to asset  106 . CPF  104  receives the request and identification code and may initially authenticate WCD  100  and/or the individual operating WCD  100 . This may be accomplished by identifying a particular code corresponding to WCD  100 , such as an electronic serial number (ESN) or mobile identification number (MIN), or it may be accomplished by examining a code supplied by the requesting individual, such as a username and password, a social security number, or other alpha-numeric code which gives the individual permission to make asset appetency requests, and comparing the code to a list of permissible codes stored at CPF  104 . If a match is found, the request from WCD  100  is allowed to progress. If a match is not found, CPF  104  may transmit a message to WCD  100  informing the individual that the request failed. 
     Alternatively, or in addition, to the authentication process just described, CPF  104  may provide a centralized location to process requests from WCD  100  and responses from asset  106 . For example, CPF  104  typically comprises a database which stores information pertinent to a large number of assets  106 , including similar and dissimilar assets. The types of information stored in the database can include such things as the location of each asset or the last known location of each asset, an asset capability or capabilities for becoming apparent, a present condition of an asset (for example, battery low, battery fully charged, ignition on or off, etc), an identification code corresponding to each asset, an authorization code for each asset, a present rental condition of the asset (i.e., currently rented or not currently rented), or contact information for the owner, renter, or other entity associated with the asset. Of course, other types of information associated with each asset could be stored as well. 
     When a request to make asset  106  become apparent is received by CPF  104 , an authentication process may take place as described above. If the authentication is successful, the request may, in one embodiment, simply be forwarded to asset  106 , either through wireless communication system  102  or through an alternate communication system  108 , such as any of the communication methods described above with respect to wireless communication system  102 . Asset  106  may initiate a predefined action, such as illuminating one or more lights associated with asset  106 . In another embodiment, asset  106  and WCD  100  negotiate which type of action to take to make asset  106  apparent to the requesting individual. Communications between asset  106  and WCD  100  in this embodiment may occur directly through wireless communication system  102  or the communications may be routed through CPF  104 . 
     In an embodiment where the request from WCD  100  comprises a selected appetency action, the selected action may be compared to actions that asset  106  is capable of performing. Such capability or capabilities may be stored in the database associated with CPF  104 . If asset  106  is capable of performing the selected action, a message is transmitted to asset  106  requesting that asset  106  initiate the selected action. The message may be routed through wireless communication system  102  or through alternative communication system  108 . If asset  106  is not able to perform the requested appetency action, a message may be transmitted back to WCD  100 , informing it of this information. The individual associated with WCD  100  may then attempt to have asset  106  make itself apparent by selecting a different appetency action, and transmitting this second request to CPF  104 . The second selected appetency action is again compared to the information in the database to determine if asset  106  is able to perform the second selected action, and so on. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a functional block diagram of an apparatus  300  for making a an asset  106  apparent. Apparatus  300  is typically installed onto an asset for making the asset apparent when requested to do so. For example, apparatus  300  may be installed onto a vehicle, a cargo container, a piece of rental equipment or construction equipment, and so on. 
     Apparatus  300  comprises at least transceiver  302 , processor  304 , interface  306  and memory  308 . Optionally, input/output (I/O)  310  is included as well. Transceiver  302  is used to receive appetency requests and for transmitting information to a requesting WCD  100 . Transceiver  302  may comprise any type of wireless communication transceiver, such as RF, cellular, satellite, digital, or other wireless communication device. The term “transceiver”, as used herein, refers generally to both a transmitter and a receiver. 
     Processor  304  sends and receives information from transceiver  302 . Processor  304  typically comprises an electronic digital computing device, such as any of the 80×86 processors from Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. Processor  308  could alternatively comprise a number of discreet electronic components, a custom ASIC, or other digital processing apparatus known in the art. 
     Memory  308  comprises one or more electronic memory components, such as ROM, RAM, EEPROM, flash memory, or the like, for storing information pertinent for having asset  106  making itself apparent. For example, memory  308  may store executable computer instructions (i.e., a computer program) for use by processor  304 , for responding to appetency requests from WCD  100  and for initiating one or more appetency actions based on received requests. 
     Interface  306  comprises an electronic pathway, or port, for sending and receiving information to and from asset  106 . For example, interface  306  could comprise an RS-232 or similar serial port, a connector, an RF, infra-red, BlueTooth, or WI-FI transceiver, or simply wiring that is connected to various electronic signal sources located on or within asset  106 . Interface  306  routes electronic control signals from processor  304  to one or more devices as part of asset  106 , such as electronic control circuitry that controls pumps, motors, lights, audio equipment (such as a horn), and other attention-getting devices as part of asset  106 . 
     I/O  310  generally comprises a keypad and display for allowing an individual to enter information into asset  300  and for information to be displayed to an individual. However, I/O  310  could alternatively comprise a communication port for receiving a portable computer from an individual wishing to communicate with asset  106 . 
     In one embodiment, transceiver  302  receives an message directly from WCD  100 , requesting that asset  106  make itself apparent. In this embodiment, transceiver  302  receives an appetency request and provides the request to processor  304 . In one embodiment, processor  304  determines what type of appetency action to perform. For example, if asset  106  is capable of performing multiple appetency actions, such as illuminating one or more lights or sounding an audible alert, processor  304  decides which of these two appetency actions to implement. In an embodiment where WCD  100  provides its location along with the appetency request, processor  304  may determine how far away WCD  100  is from asset  106  using position sensor  312 . Position sensor  312  typically comprises a GPS receiver, or the like, for determining a location of asset  106 . Processor  304  compares the location of WCD  100  to the location of asset  106 , and determines a relative distance between the two. If the relative distance is less than a predetermined distance, processor  304  may send a command through interface  306  instructing asset  106  to sound an audible alert, such as sounding a horn located on asset  106 . If the relative distance between WCD  100  and asset  106  is greater than the predetermined distance, then processor  304  may alternatively send a command through interface  306  to illuminate one or more lights located on asset  106 . 
     In another example, processor  304  may determine the time of day to determine which appetency action to perform. Processor  304  may determine the current time by receiving information from a discreet timer, such as timer  314 , from a timing signal provided by position sensor  312 , or by any other means known in the art. If processor  304  determines that the current time coincides with daylight hours, for example if the current time is between 7 am and 5 pm, processor  304  may choose to sound an audible alert, rather than illuminating lights, to make asset  106  apparent. Similarly, if the current time falls within night time hours, processor  304  may choose to illuminate one or more lights, rather than sound an audible alert, for making asset  106  apparent. 
     Processor  304  may take other factors into consideration for choosing which appetency action to perform. For example, processor  304  may receive information pertaining to asset  106  through interface  306 , such as a condition of an on-board battery (i.e., fully charged, low charge, etc), the position of a mechanical feature of asset  106  (such as the position of a bulldozer blade, a position of a fork belonging to a forklift, etc), and other types of input. If, for example, the battery condition is low, processor  304  may choose to make asset  106  apparent using the least amount of energy possible. The most energy efficient method of making asset  106  apparent could be predetermined and stored within memory  308 . 
     Finally, processor  304  may decide which method of asset appetency to perform based on a combination of the just-discussed possibilities. 
     In another embodiment, rather than unilaterally deciding which appetency action to perform, processor  304  may transmit a list of potential appetency actions back to WCD  100  upon receipt of an appetency request. The individual associated with WCD  100  would then choose which action is desired to make asset  106  apparent. The individual enters the selected action into WCD  100  using input device  202 , then processor  204  generates a message which includes the selected appetency action. The message is then transmitted directly to WCD  100  using transceiver  200 . Apparatus  300  receives the message via transceiver  302  and provides the message to processor  304 . Processor  304  then sends a command through interface  306 , instructing asset  106  to perform the selected appetency action. 
     The above embodiments may be accomplished by indirect communication with WCD  100 , rather than communicating directly with WCD  100 . For example, communications between WCD  100  and apparatus  306  could be accomplished by using wireless communication system  102 , alternative communication system  108 , or a combination of these or other communication systems. 
     After asset  106  makes itself apparent, the requesting individual will presumably find the asset. In this case, the individual may use I/O  310  to inform apparatus  300  that the requesting individual has located asset  106 . This may be accomplished by the individual entering a predetermined code, such as the identification code corresponding to asset  106 , or more simply by, for example, pressing any key of a keypad comprising I/O  310 . In another embodiment, interface  306  is connected to a device located as part of asset  106 , such as an ignition switch, motion detector, position sensor  312 , or some other device which signifies that the asset is being operated, presumably by the individual, and therefore that the individual has located asset  106 . 
     Whether the individual explicitly informs apparatus  300  of a successful asset location by using I/O device  310  or implicitly by operating asset  106 , processor  304  receives this information and, in one embodiment, cancels the appetency action by sending a command through interface  306 , instructing asset  106  to discontinue the appetency action. In another embodiment, processor  304 , alternatively or in addition to canceling the appetency, generates a message for transmission to CPF  104 , informing CPF  104  that the requesting individual has located asset  106 . CPF  104  may then update its database to reflect the date, time, location, and an identification of WCD  100  and/or the requesting individual (or an identification code associated with the requesting individual), or a combination of these items. 
     If the requesting individual does not locate asset  106  within a predetermined amount of time, various actions may be taken. The predetermined amount of time is generally related to a reasonable amount of time for an individual to locate asset  106  from the time that the individual requests asset  106  to make itself apparent, although the time period could be based on other things. The elapsed time from when the individual requested that asset  106  make itself apparent may be measured by WCD  100 , CPF  104 , or by apparatus  300 . This elapsed time is compared to the predetermined amount of time to determine if the predetermined amount of time has been exceeded. 
     If the elapsed time is measured by WCD  100 , an indication that the individual has located asset  106  may be received by transceiver  200  (as explained above) or it may be indicated by the individual entering a code or other indication into WCD  100  using input device  202 . Receipt of such a signal stops the elapsed time from incrementing and generally means that the predetermined amount of time has not been exceeded. In an embodiment where the individual informs WCD  100  that he or she has located asset  106  by using input device  202 , processor  204  generates a message indicating that this has occurred. The message is then transmitted to apparatus  300 . If the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined amount of time without an indication that the individual has located asset  106 , a message is generated by processor  204  and transmitted to apparatus  300 . 
     If the elapsed time is measured by CPF  104 , a signal from apparatus  300  or WCD  100  is received to indicate that the individual has located asset  106 , if that is the case. Again, receipt of such a signal stops the elapsed time from incrementing and generally means that the predetermined amount of time has not been exceeded. CPF  104  then updates its database to reflect that this has occurred. If the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined amount of time without an indication that the individual has located asset  106 , a message is generated by CPF  104  and transmitted to apparatus  300 , informing asset  300  that the elapsed time has exceeded the predetermined amount of time, indicating that the individual has not yet located asset  106 . 
     If the elapsed time is measured by apparatus  300 , a signal from WCD  100 , CPF  104 , or directly though I/O  310  or interface  306  is received to indicate that the individual has located asset  106 , if that is the case. Once again, receipt of such a signal stops the elapsed time from incrementing and generally means that the predetermined amount of time has not been exceeded. If the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined amount of time without an indication that the individual has located asset  106 , processor  304  may take one or more actions, as explained below. 
     If apparatus  300  receives a signal or message indicated that the individual has not located asset  106  by the time the predetermined amount of time has expired, processor  304  may initiate a second appetency action different than the original appetency action. Alternatively, or in addition, processor  304  may generate a message for transmission to CPF  104  indicating that the individual has not located asset  106 , and may further send a command through interface  306  which cancels the original appetency action. It should be understood that the original action may be cancelled while the second appetency action is in progress. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for making an asset apparent, using WCD  100 . This flow diagram also comprises optional steps that are used in alternative embodiments. These optional steps are shown as dashed lines in  FIG. 4 . 
     In step  400 , a user of WCD  100  enters a request into WCD  100  to make asset  106  apparent. This request is generally followed by the step of entering an identification code corresponding to asset  106  into WCD  100 , shown as step  402 . 
     In step  404 , WCD  100  optionally determines its position for embodiments where the position of WCD  100  is used to determine the type of appetency action to be taken, or in embodiments where the location of WCD  100  is recorded for informational purposes. 
     In step  406 , WCD  100  optionally determines the current time of day. The time of day is used in embodiments where WCD  100  determines which type of appetency action asset  106  should perform based on whether the current time indicates daylight or darkness. 
     In step  408 , the individual operating WCD  100  optionally enters a selected method of asset appetency into WCD  100 . This step is performed in embodiments where the individual determines which type of action for asset  106  to take, or it is performed in embodiments where the appetency action is negotiated between asset  106  and WCD  100 . 
     In step  410 , processor  204  generates a request to make asset  106  apparent. The request may comprise an instruction to make asset  106  apparent, the identification code supplied in step  402 , the current location of WCD  100  as determined in step  404 , the current time of day as determined in step  406 , a selected method of asset appetency as determined in step  408 , or any combination of the aforementioned items. 
     In step  412 , the request to make asset  106  apparent is transmitted, either directly to asset  106 , through wireless communication system  102 , through CPF  104 , through alternative communication system  108 , or a combination of these paths. 
     In response to receiving the request to make asset  106  apparent, apparatus  300  initiates one or more commands to asset  106  to make asset  106  apparent to the requesting individual. In one embodiment, once the individual has located asset  106 , a confirmation of such finding is entered directly into WCD  100 , as shown in step  414 . In response to receiving the confirmation, processor  204  generates a confirmation message, as shown in step  416 . The confirmation message generally alerts interested parties, such as asset  106 , CPF  104 , or other entities, that the individual has located asset  106 . In step  418 , the confirmation message is transmitted to the interested parties. 
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for making asset  106  apparent, using apparatus  300 . This flow diagram also comprises optional steps that are used in alternative embodiments. These optional steps are shown as dashed lines in  FIG. 5 . 
     In step  500 , apparatus  300  receives a request to make asset  106  apparent, either directly from WCD  100 , through wireless communication system  102 , through CPF  104 , through alternative communication system  108 , or a combination of these paths. 
     In step  502 , processor  304  unilaterally determines which type of appetency action to perform, in an embodiment where the appetency request does not specify which type of appetency action to perform. Processor  304  may use the current time of day, a location of WCD  100 , a location of asset  106 , a condition of one or more parameters of asset  106  (such as battery charge, the position of one or more mechanical features of asset  106 , etc.), or a combination of these factors in determining which type of appetency action to perform. 
     In step  504 , processor  304  determines which type of appetency action to perform, in an embodiment where the appetency request does not specify which type of appetency action to perform and where asset  106  is only capable of performing a single type of appetency action. For example, asset  106  may only have external lights, and no other means for making itself apparent to a requesting individual. 
     In step  506 , a negotiation is performed between apparatus  300  and either WCD  100 , or CPF  104 , as the case may be, in embodiments where a negotiated appetency action is possible. The negotiation process is described in detail above. 
     In step  508 , processor  304  receives a selected appetency action in the appetency request, in an embodiment where the requesting individual chooses a selected appetency action for asset  106  to perform. 
     Regardless of which embodiment is used to select the appetency action(s), in step  510 , processor  304  sends a command through interface  306 , instructing asset  106  to perform the selected appetency action(s). 
     In step  512 , processor  304  optionally determines whether the requesting individual has located asset  106  within a predetermined amount of time. If the requesting individual has located asset  106  within the predetermined amount of time, one or more actions may be taken by apparatus  300 , such as canceling the appetency action(s), transmitting a message to CPF  104  indicating a successful location, or transmitting a similar message to WCD  100 . This is shown as step  514 . 
     If the requesting individual has not located asset  106  within the predetermined amount of time, apparatus  300  may take one or more actions, such as sending a message to WCD  100  asking it to re-confirm the original request for asset appetency, sending a message to CPF  104  informing it that the requesting individual has not located asset  106 , or instructing asset  106  to perform a second type of appetency action. 
     The previous description of the preferred embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. The various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the inventive faculty. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments discussed herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.