Patent Publication Number: US-2019170535-A1

Title: Using finger generated map bounding as a trigger for an action

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The technical field generally relates to the field of vehicles and other navigation and map-related applications and, more specifically, to methods and systems for utilizing finger generated inputs from users of the vehicle, or for other navigation and map-related applications. 
     INTRODUCTION 
     Many vehicles, smart phones, computers, and/or other systems and devices include map information, for example for navigation purposes. However, in certain circumstances, it may be desirable for improved user inputs and processing thereof in certain situations. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved methods and systems for receiving and processing user inputs, including finger generated inputs, for vehicles, smart phones, computers, and/or other systems and devices include map information, for example for navigation purposes. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of exemplary embodiments and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one exemplary embodiment, a method is providing for controlling information for a user. The method includes obtaining, via one or more sensors, one or more inputs from the user, the one or more inputs pertaining to a drawing made by the user on a display corresponding to a geographic region of interest for the user; identifying the geographic region of interest, via a processor, based on the one or more inputs; and providing information, via instructions provided by the processor, pertaining to one or more points of interest within the identified geographic region based on the one or more inputs. 
     Also in one embodiment, the step of obtaining the one or more inputs includes obtaining the one or more inputs pertaining to a drawing made by a finger of the user on a touch screen of the display, corresponding to the geographic region of interest for the user; and the step of identifying the geographic region of interest includes identifying the geographic region of interest based on the one or more inputs pertaining to the drawing made by the finger of the user on the touch screen of the display. 
     Also in one embodiment, the step of obtaining the one or more inputs includes obtaining the one or more inputs pertaining to a drawing of a polygon made by the finger of the user on the touch screen of the display, corresponding to the geographic region of interest for the user; and the step of identifying the geographic region of interest includes identifying the geographic region of interest based on the one or more inputs pertaining to the drawing of the polygon made by the finger of the user on the touch screen of the display. 
     Also in one embodiment, the step of obtaining the one or more inputs includes obtaining the one or more inputs pertaining to a drawing of an irregular polygon made by the finger of the user on the touch screen of the display, corresponding to the geographic region of interest for the user; and the step of identifying the geographic region of interest includes identifying the geographic region of interest based on the one or more inputs pertaining to the drawing of the irregular polygon made by the finger of the user on the touch screen of the display. 
     Also in one embodiment, the method further includes obtaining one or more second inputs corresponding to one or more criteria for possible points of interest; wherein the step of providing the information includes providing the information pertaining to the one or more points of interest within the identified geographic region based also on the criteria. 
     Also in one embodiment, the method further includes retrieving historical data pertaining to the user; wherein the step of providing the information includes providing the information pertaining to the one or more points of interest within the identified geographic region based also on the historical data. 
     Also in one embodiment, the steps of obtaining the one or more inputs, identifying the geographic region of interest, and providing the information are performed at least in part on a vehicle. 
     Also in one embodiment, the steps of obtaining the one or more inputs, identifying the geographic region of interest, and providing the information are performed at least in part on a smart phone. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a system is provided for controlling information for a user. The system includes one or more sensors and a processor. The one or more sensors are configured to obtain one or more inputs from the user, the one or more inputs pertaining to a drawing made by the user on a display corresponding to a geographic region of interest for the user. The processor is configured to at least facilitate identifying the geographic region of interest based on the one or more inputs; and providing instructions for the providing of the information pertaining to one or more points of interest within the identified geographic region based on the one or more inputs. 
     Also in one embodiment, the one or more inputs pertain to a drawing made by a finger of the user on a touch screen of the display, corresponding to the geographic region of interest for the user; and the processor is configured to at least facilitate identifying the geographic region of interest based on the one or more inputs pertaining to the drawing made by the finger of the user on the touch screen of the display. 
     Also in one embodiment, the one or more inputs pertain to a drawing of a polygon made by the finger of the user on the touch screen of the display, corresponding to the geographic region of interest for the user; and the processor is configured to at least facilitate identifying the geographic region of interest based on the one or more inputs pertaining to the drawing of the polygon made by the finger of the user on the touch screen of the display. 
     Also in one embodiment, the one or more inputs pertain to a drawing of an irregular polygon made by the finger of the user on the touch screen of the display, corresponding to the geographic region of interest for the user; and the processor is configured to at least facilitate identifying the geographic region of interest based on the one or more inputs pertaining to the drawing of the irregular polygon made by the finger of the user on the touch screen of the display. 
     Also in one embodiment, the one or more sensors are configured to obtain one or more second inputs corresponding to one or more criteria for possible points of interest; and the processor is configured to at least facilitate providing the information pertaining to the one or more points of interest within the identified geographic region based also on the criteria. 
     Also in one embodiment, the processor is configured to at least facilitate: retrieving historical data pertaining to the user; and providing the information pertaining to the one or more points of interest within the identified geographic region based also on the historical data. 
     Also in one embodiment, the system is disposed at least in part on a vehicle. 
     Also in one embodiment, the system is disposed in part on a smart phone. 
     In another embodiment, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a display, one or more sensors, and a processor. The one or more sensors are configured to obtain one or more inputs from a user via the display, the one or more inputs pertaining to a drawing made by the user on the display corresponding to a geographic region of interest for the user. The processor is configured to at least facilitate: identifying the geographic region of interest based on the one or more inputs; and providing instructions for the providing of information, via the display, pertaining to one or more points of interest within the identified geographic region based on the one or more inputs. 
     Also in one embodiment, the one or more inputs pertain to a drawing of a polygon made by a finger of the user on a touch screen of the display, corresponding to the geographic region of interest for the user; and the processor is configured to at least facilitate identifying the geographic region of interest based on the one or more inputs pertaining to the drawing of the polygon made by the finger of the user on the touch screen of the display. 
     Also in one embodiment, the one or more inputs pertain to a drawing of an irregular polygon made by the finger of the user on the touch screen of the display, corresponding to the geographic region of interest for the user; and the processor is configured to at least facilitate identifying the geographic region of interest based on the one or more inputs pertaining to the drawing of the irregular polygon made by the finger of the user on the touch screen of the display. 
     Also in one embodiment, the one or more sensors are configured to obtain one or more second inputs corresponding to one or more criteria for possible points of interest; and the processor is configured to at least facilitate: retrieving historical data pertaining to the user; and providing the information pertaining to the one or more points of interest within the identified geographic region based on the criteria and also on the historical data. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of a system that includes a vehicle having a control system for utilizing user inputs for map data for a navigation system for the vehicle and/or for one or more other applications, in accordance with exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart of a process for controlling the use of user inputs for map data, and that can be implemented in connection with the vehicle and the control system of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with exemplary embodiments; and 
         FIG. 3  depicts an illustration of an exemplary map display screen that can be utilized in connection with the vehicle and control system of  FIG. 1  and the process of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with exemplary embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses thereof. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a system  10  having a vehicle  100 , according to an exemplary embodiment. As described in greater detail further below, the vehicle  100  includes a control system  102  and a display  104 . Also as depicted in  FIG. 1 , in certain embodiments the system  10  also includes an electronic device  150 . In certain embodiments, the electronic device  150  may be part of the vehicle  100  and/or disposed inside the vehicle  100 . In certain other embodiments, the electronic device  150  may be separate and/or independent from the vehicle  100  and/or any other vehicle. 
     In various embodiments, the display  104  comprises a display screen and/or one or more associated apparatus, devices, and/or systems for providing visual information, such as map and navigation information, for a user. In various embodiments, the display  104  comprises a touch screen. Also in various embodiments, the display  104  comprises and/or is part of and/or coupled to a navigation system for the vehicle  100 . Also in various embodiments, the display  104  is positioned at or proximate a front dash of the vehicle  100 , for example between front passenger seats of the vehicle  100 . In certain embodiments, the display  104  may be part of one or more other devices and/or systems within the vehicle  100 . In certain other embodiments, the display  104  may be part of one or more separate devices and/or systems (e.g., separate or different from a vehicle), for example such as a smart phone, computer, table, and/or other device and/or system and/or for other navigation and map-related applications. 
     In various embodiments, the vehicle  100  comprises an automobile. The vehicle  100  may be any one of a number of different types of automobiles, such as, for example, a sedan, a wagon, a truck, or a sport utility vehicle (SUV), and may be two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and/or various other types of vehicles in certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, the control system  102  and/or display  104  may be implemented in connection with one or more different types of vehicles, and/or in connection with one or more different types of systems and/or devices, such as computers, tablets, smart phones, and the like and/or software and/or applications therefor. 
     In various embodiments, the vehicle  100  includes a body  106  that is arranged on a  108 . The body  106  substantially encloses other components of the vehicle  100 . The body  106  and the chassis  107  may jointly form a frame. The vehicle  100  also includes a plurality of wheels  109 . The wheels  109  are each rotationally coupled to the chassis  107  near a respective corner of the body  106  to facilitate movement of the vehicle  100 . In one embodiment, the vehicle  100  includes four wheels  109 , although this may vary in other embodiments (for example for trucks and certain other vehicles). 
     A drive system  111  is mounted on the chassis  107 , and drives the wheels  109 . The drive system  111  preferably comprises a propulsion system. In certain exemplary embodiments, the drive system  111  comprises an internal combustion engine and/or an electric motor/generator, coupled with a transmission thereof. In certain embodiments, the drive system  111  may vary, and/or two or more drive systems  111  may be used. By way of example, the vehicle  100  may also incorporate any one of, or combination of, a number of different types of propulsion systems, such as, for example, a gasoline or diesel fueled combustion engine, a “flex fuel vehicle” (FFV) engine (i.e., using a mixture of gasoline and alcohol), a gaseous compound (e.g., hydrogen and/or natural gas) fueled engine, a combustion/electric motor hybrid engine, and an electric motor. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1 , in various embodiments, the control system  102  includes one or more sensors  108 , one or more location devices  110 , and a controller  112 . In addition, similar to the discussion above, while in certain embodiments the control system  102  is part of the vehicle  100  of  FIG. 1 , in certain other embodiments the control system  102  may be part of one or more separate devices and/or systems (e.g., separate or different from a vehicle), for example such as a smart phone, computer, table, and/or other device and/or system and/or for other navigation and map-related applications. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1 , in various embodiments, the one or more sensors  108  generate sensor data, and provide the sensor data to the controller  112  for processing. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the one or more sensors  108  include one or more input sensors  114  and one or more cameras  115 . In various embodiments, the input sensors  114  detect a user&#39;s engagement of a display screen (e.g., of the display  104 ) via the user&#39;s fingers, including the user&#39;s drawing of a polygon corresponding to a geographic region of interest on the display screen when a map is presented on the display screen. As used throughout this Application, a “polygon” includes any continuous user gesture on a map and/or display screen which starts and ends at approximately the same point. In various embodiments, the region of interest comprises a geographic region of interest. In certain embodiments, the input sensors  114  comprise one or more capacitive touch sensors. Also in various embodiments, the input sensors  114  further include one or more other types of sensors to receive additional information from the user, such as criteria for desired points of interest within the region of interest (e.g., sensors of or pertaining to a microphone, touchscreen, keypad, or the like). In addition, in certain embodiments, one or more cameras  115  are utilized to obtain additional input data, for example pertaining to point of interests, such as by scanning quick response (QR) codes to obtain names and/or other information pertaining to points of interest (e.g., by scanning coupons for preferred restaurants, stores, and the like, and/or intelligently leveraging the cameras  115  in a speech and multi modal interaction dialog), and so on. 
     In various embodiments, the one or more location devices  110  generate location data, and provide the location data to the controller  112  for processing. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the one or more location devices  110  include a receiver  116  (e.g., a transceiver) for obtaining information regarding a location in which the vehicle  100  is travelling. In certain embodiments, the receiver  116  is part of a satellite-based location system, such as a global positioning system (GPS). In certain other embodiments, the receivers  116  may participate in one or more other types of communication (e.g., cellular and/or other wireless vehicle to vehicle communications, vehicle to infrastructure communications, and so on). 
     In various embodiments, the controller  112  is coupled to the one or more sensors  108  and location devices  110 . In certain embodiments, the controller  112  is also coupled to the display  104 . Also in various embodiments, the controller  112  controls operation of the sensors  108 , the location devices  110 , and the display  104 . 
     In various embodiments, the controller  112  receives inputs from a user that include the user&#39;s selection of a region of interest by the user drawing a polygon on the display  104  via one or more fingers of the user when a map is presented on the display  104 . Also in various embodiments, the user&#39;s input as to the region of interest is detected via one or more of the sensors  114 , and the controller  112  controls information provided to the user regarding possible points of interest within the region of interest based on the inputs provided by the user. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the controller  112  comprises a computer system. In certain embodiments, the controller  112  may also include one or more sensors  108 , location devices  110 , other vehicle systems, and/or components thereof. In addition, it will be appreciated that the controller  112  may otherwise differ from the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 . For example, the controller  112  may be coupled to or may otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and/or other control systems, for example as part of one or more of the above-identified vehicle  100  devices and systems. 
     In the depicted embodiment, the computer system of the controller  112  includes a processor  118 , a memory  120 , an interface  122 , a storage device  124 , and a bus  126 . The processor  118  performs the computation and control functions of the controller  112 , and may comprise any type of processor or multiple processors, single integrated circuits such as a microprocessor, or any suitable number of integrated circuit devices and/or circuit boards working in cooperation to accomplish the functions of a processing unit. During operation, the processor  118  executes one or more programs  128  contained within the memory  120  and, as such, controls the general operation of the controller  112  and the computer system of the controller  112 , generally in executing the processes described herein, such as the process  200  described further below in connection with  FIG. 2  as well as the implementations discussed further below in connection with  FIG. 3 . 
     The memory  120  can be any type of suitable memory. For example, the memory  120  may include various types of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as SDRAM, the various types of static RAM (SRAM), and the various types of non-volatile memory (PROM, EPROM, and flash). In certain examples, the memory  120  is located on and/or co-located on the same computer chip as the processor  118 . In the depicted embodiment, the memory  120  stores the above-referenced program  128  along with one or more stored values  130 . 
     The bus  126  serves to transmit programs, data, status and other information or signals between the various components of the computer system of the controller  112 . The interface  122  allows communication to the computer system of the controller  112 , for example from a system driver and/or another computer system, and can be implemented using any suitable method and apparatus. In one embodiment, the interface  122  obtains the various data from the display  104 , sensors  108 , and/or location devices  110 , and the processor  118  controls the providing of various navigation and/or map related information to the user based on the data. 
     Also in various embodiments, the interface  122 , along with the sensors  108 , location devices  110 , and/or other vehicle systems, may be referred to as one or more input units that ascertain such data for the processor  118 . In various embodiments, the interface  122  can include one or more network interfaces to communicate with other systems or components. The interface  122  may also include one or more network interfaces to communicate with technicians, and/or one or more storage interfaces to connect to storage apparatuses, such as the storage device  124 . 
     The storage device  124  can be any suitable type of storage apparatus, including direct access storage devices such as hard disk drives, flash systems, floppy disk drives and optical disk drives. In one exemplary embodiment, the storage device  124  comprises a program product from which memory  120  can receive a program  128  that executes one or more embodiments of one or more processes of the present disclosure, such as the steps of the process  200  (and any sub-processes thereof) described further below in connection with  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In another exemplary embodiment, the program product may be directly stored in and/or otherwise accessed by the memory  120  and/or a disk (e.g., disk  132 ), such as that referenced below. 
     The bus  126  can be any suitable physical or logical means of connecting computer systems and components. This includes, but is not limited to, direct hard-wired connections, fiber optics, infrared and wireless bus technologies. During operation, the program  128  is stored in the memory  120  and executed by the processor  118 . 
     It will be appreciated that while this exemplary embodiment is described in the context of a fully functioning computer system, those skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of the present disclosure are capable of being distributed as a program product with one or more types of non-transitory computer-readable signal bearing media used to store the program and the instructions thereof and carry out the distribution thereof, such as a non-transitory computer readable medium bearing the program and containing computer instructions stored therein for causing a computer processor (such as the processor  118 ) to perform and execute the program. Such a program product may take a variety of forms, and the present disclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of computer-readable signal bearing media used to carry out the distribution. Examples of signal bearing media include: recordable media such as floppy disks, hard drives, memory cards and optical disks, and transmission media such as digital and analog communication links. It will be appreciated that cloud-based storage and/or other techniques may also be utilized in certain embodiments. It will similarly be appreciated that the computer system of the controller  112  may also otherwise differ from the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , for example in that the computer system of the controller  112  may be coupled to or may otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and/or other control systems. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1  and mentioned above, in certain embodiments the system  10  also includes an electronic device  150 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  150  include a display  152  and a control system  154 . In various embodiments, the display  152  is similar in structure and functionality as the display  104  of the vehicle  100 , and the control system  154  is similar in structure and functionality as the control system  102  of the vehicle  100 . In various embodiments, various steps and functionality of the present Application, including those of the process  200  of  FIG. 2  discussed below, may be performed by the electronic device  150  (including the display  152  and the control system  154  thereof), either in combination with the vehicle  100  and/or separate and/or independent from the vehicle  100 . 
       FIG. 2  is a flowchart of a process for controlling the providing of information for a user, such as for a vehicle, based on inputs received from the user via one or more fingers of the user. The process  200  can be implemented in connection with the vehicle  100 , the control system  102 , and display  104  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with exemplary embodiments. In addition, while the process  200  is discussed with reference to the vehicle  100  of  FIG. 1 , it will be appreciated that in certain embodiments the process  200  may be performed by the electronic device  150  (including the display  152  and the control system  154  thereof), either in combination with the vehicle  100  and/or separate and/or independent from the vehicle  100 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the process  200  begins at step  202 . In certain embodiments, the process  200  begins when a vehicle drive or ignition cycle begins, for example when a driver approaches or enters the vehicle  100 , or when the driver turns on the vehicle and/or an ignition therefor (e.g. by turning a key, engaging a keyfob or start button, and so on). In certain other embodiments, the process  200  begins when the display  104  of the vehicle  100  is activated. In certain embodiments, the steps of the process  200  are performed continuously during operation of the vehicle. 
     In various embodiments, location data is obtained (step  204 ). In various embodiments, the location data is obtained from the location device(s)  110  of  FIG. 1  with respect to a current location of the vehicle  100  (and/or, in certain embodiments, a location of a smart phone, table, computer, and/or other device and/or for other navigation and map-related applications that are being utilized by the user). In certain embodiments, the location data is obtained via the receiver  116  of  FIG. 1 , for example as part of or from a satellite-based location system (e.g., a GPS system) and/or one or more other communication systems (e.g., via vehicle to vehicle and/or vehicle to infrastructure communications). Also in various embodiments, the location data is provided to the processor  118  of  FIG. 1  for processing. 
     In various embodiments, first inputs are obtained (step  206 ). In various embodiments, sensor data is obtained from the input sensors  114  of  FIG. 1  with respect to a user&#39;s drawings on a display. In certain embodiments, the first inputs are obtained from the input sensors  114  (e.g., capacitive touch sensors) regarding a user&#39;s engagement of a touch screen, for example for the display  104  of  FIG. 1  (e.g., for the vehicle  100 , and/or for a smart phone, tablet, computer, or the like, and/or for other navigation and map-related applications, in various embodiments). Also in certain embodiments, the user&#39;s drawing occurs on a display of a map that is presented for the user on the display. In various embodiments, the first inputs pertain to a drawing of a polygon (in certain embodiments, an irregular polygon) on the touch screen of the display  104  using one finger (or, in certain instances, multiple fingers) of the user to designate the region of interest for the user for searching for points of interest within the region of interest. 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 3  in accordance with certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments, a display screen image  300  is shown reflected user inputs in accordance with step  206 . For example, as depicted in  FIG. 3 , the user has drawn an irregular polygon  302  on a map display with a finger of the user corresponding to the desired region of interest. It will be appreciated that the types of displays and drawings, and the like, may vary in different embodiments and implementations. 
     Returning to  FIG. 2 , also in various embodiments, second inputs are obtained (step  208 ). In certain embodiments, the second inputs of step  208  refer to a particular category of points of interest that the user is interested in visiting, such as restaurants in general, particular types of restaurants (e.g., fast food, pizza, fine dining, and so on), gas stations, vehicle repair stations, rest stops, grocery stores, historical sites, tourists destinations, and the like, among various other different types of points of interest and/or categories and/or characteristics pertaining thereto. 
     Also in various embodiments, during step  208  the second inputs may take the form of sensor data that is obtained from one or more input sensors  114  of  FIG. 1  with respect to a user&#39;s criteria for points of interest within the region of interest. In certain embodiments, the second inputs are obtained from the same or similar input sensors  114  as step  206  (e.g., capacitive touch sensors) regarding a user&#39;s engagement of a touch screen, for example for the display  104  of  FIG. 1 , similar to step  206  (for example if the user uses the touch screen to provide the criteria of step  208 ). In other embodiments, the second inputs are obtained via microphones or sensors associated therewith (e.g., if the user provides the criteria verbally) and/or sensors associated with a keyboard or other input device (e.g., if the user types the criteria using such keyboard or other input device). In certain embodiments, the second inputs may be obtained via one or more cameras  115  of  FIG. 1 , for example, such as by scanning quick response (QR) codes to obtain names and/or other information pertaining to points of interest, and so on. 
     Also in various embodiments, the region of interest is recognized (step  210 ). In various embodiments, during step  210 , the processor  118  of  FIG. 1  recognizes the region of interest designated by the user in step  206  based on the first inputs obtained (e.g., as sensor data from the inputs sensors  114 ) from step  206 . As noted above, in various embodiments, the region of interest comprises a geographic region of interest. In certain embodiments, the region of interest corresponds to a geographic region of interest that is in proximity to a current location of the vehicle  100  (e.g., as determined in step  204 ) and/or in proximity to a current path or plan of travel for the vehicle  100 . In various embodiments, the processor  118  identifies coordinates of a map provided on the display corresponding to an interior of an irregular polygon drawn on the map by the user via the touch screen, as recognized by the input sensors, and for example using map data (e.g., from a map database as part of a navigation or map system, in various embodiments). 
     With reference again to  FIG. 3 , in various embodiments, a region  303  is recognized by the processor  118  as part of step  210 . For example, in various embodiments, the region  303  is recognized as including the geographic coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude) that correspond to an inner region defined by, and inside, the irregular polygon  302  of  FIG. 3 . As noted above, in various embodiments, the displays, drawings, and/or associated regions may vary in different embodiments. 
     With reference again to  FIG. 2 , also in various embodiments, historical data is retrieved (step  212 ). In various embodiments, the historical data comprises a history of preferences of the user (or of different users that may utilize the same vehicle or other device or system). For example, in certain embodiments, the historical data comprises a history of restaurants, service stations, grocery stores, tourist attractions, and/or other points of interest that the user (and/or the other users of the same vehicle, device, or system) have visited and/or expressed an interest in (e.g., within the past week, month, year, and/or other predetermined amount of time). In various embodiments, the historical data is generated based on prior searches by the user, prior stops as particular points of interest (e.g., as tracked via a satellite-based location device, such as a GPS device), and/or other preferences expressed by or on behalf of the user. Also in certain embodiments, the historical data is stored in the memory  120  of  FIG. 1  as stored values thereof, and is retrieved and utilized by the processor  118  of  FIG. 1 . 
     One or more relevant points of interest are identified (step  214 ). In various embodiments, the processor  118  identifies one or more points of interest for the user based on the region of interest as recognized in step  210  (based on the first inputs of step  206 ), along with the user&#39;s expressed criteria for the points of interest from step  208  (i.e., corresponding to the second inputs of step  208 ) and the historical data of step  212 . For example, in various embodiments, the processor  118  searches for points of interest that meet the criteria consistent with the second inputs of step  208  that also fall within aa boundary defined by the region of interest (e.g., within an interior region inside a polygon drawn by the user) as recognized in step  210  (which was based on the user&#39;s drawing of step  206 ). Also in certain embodiments, the processor  118  fine tunes the search based on the historical data of step  212  (e.g., by narrowing the search to particular points of interest and/or types of points of interest based on the historical data, and/or by placing higher priorities and/or rankings for certain points of interest based on factors that the user may be more likely to prefer based on the historical data, and so on). For example, if the user has visited a certain restaurant (or type of restaurant) recently (or more often), then such restaurant (or type of restaurant) may be weighted higher in the search, and so on. 
     By way of additional examples, in certain embodiments, a user may express a preference and/or criteria (e.g., via the second inputs of step  208 ) for a particular point of interest (or type of point of interest). Also in certain examples, the processor  118  may run a search of all points of interest within the particular region of interest that fit the criteria or preference expressed by the user. Also in certain embodiments, the list may be weighted and/or categorized based on a prior history of the user, for example as discussed above. Also in certain other embodiments, if the processor  118  cannot completely ascertain and/or understand the exact nature of the criteria or preferences from the user (e.g., if there is some ambiguity or uncertainty as to the language, and so on), then the processor may utilize the region of interest to help to narrow down the search and corresponding points of interest to help ascertain the user&#39;s intent and identify a preferred point of interest corresponding thereto. 
     With reference again to  FIG. 3 , in various embodiments, during step  214 , one or more points of interest  304  are identified by the processor  118  within the region  303 , and in accordance with the preferences and historical data associated with the user. 
     With reference again to  FIG. 2 , information is presented for the user (step  216 ). In various embodiments, the processor  118  provides instructions for the presentation of information via the display  104  of  FIG. 1  (e.g., on a touch screen and/or other display screen thereof) pertaining to the identified point(s) of interest of step  214 . In certain embodiments, during step  216 , information may be presented as to one particular point of interest that best meets the criteria of the identification of step  214 . In certain other embodiments, during step  216 , information may be presented as to multiple points of interest (e.g., as presented via a list or on a map, and so on), each of which may meet the criteria of the identification of step  214 . In various embodiments, the information regarding the point(s) of interest may include a name, description, address, reviews, menus, operating hours, and/or other data pertaining to the point(s) of interest. 
     Feedback is obtained from the user (step  218 ). In various embodiments, the input sensors  114  of  FIG. 1  receive feedback from the user, for example as to whether the user approves of a suggested point of interest, and/or as to a selection of a preferred point of interest from a list and/or from a map, and so on. 
     In various embodiments, upon receiving the feedback, a final and/or updated presentation is provided for the user (step  220 ). In various embodiments the processor  118  provides instructions for the presentation of information via the display  104  of  FIG. 1  (e.g., on a touch screen and/or other display screen thereof) pertaining to the selected point(s) of interest from step  218 . In various embodiments, the information pertaining to the selected point(s) of interest may include, similar to the discussion above, a name, description, address, reviews, menus, operating hours, and/or other data pertaining to the selected point(s) of interest 
     Also in various embodiments, the selection is implemented (step  222 ). For example, in various embodiments, the processor  118  of  FIG. 1  provides instructions (e.g., to the drive system  111  of  FIG. 1 ) for the vehicle  100  to travel to the selected point(s) of interest as a destination for the vehicle. Also in certain embodiments, the process then ends at step  224 . In various other embodiments, the process may instead return to step  204  and/or one or more other steps noted above, and/or may be re-started when the user is done visiting the selected point of interest, and/or when the vehicle  100  is turned on again in a driving mode (if turned off when visiting the selected point of interest), and so on. 
     Accordingly, the systems, vehicles, and methods described herein provide for controlling information for a user based at least in part on a geographic region of interest of the user, as expressed by the user in a drawing on a display. In various embodiments, the user provides a drawing of an irregular polygon on the display (e.g., on a touch screen) to indicate the region of interest, and the systems, vehicles, and methods identify points of interest within the region of interest. In certain embodiments, user-expressed preferences and/or point of interest criteria, along with historical data for the user, are utilized to identify and select relevant points of interest within the region of interest. 
     The systems, vehicles, and methods thus provide for a potentially improved and/or efficient experience for the user in finding and selecting points of interest. As noted above, in certain embodiments, the techniques described above may be utilized in a vehicle, such as an automobile, for example in connection with a touch-screen navigation system for the vehicle. Also as noted above, in certain other embodiments, the techniques described above may also be utilized in connection with the user&#39;s smart phones, tablets, computers, other electronic devices and systems, and/or for other navigation and map-related applications. 
     While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.