Information providing apparatus, information providing method, and information receiving apparatus

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an information providing device and the like capable of providing information required by a user's priority in a manner that the user is easy to understand. This information providing device is provided with: a multimedia information database in which multimedia information including at least any one of text, image, and sound is recorded; an input information acquisition unit that acquires input information input by a user; a similarity calculation unit that calculates the similarity between the input information and the multimedia information; the user information database is used for recording user information containing attributes and hobbies of the users; a provision structure construction unit that constructs a provision structure for providing multimedia information to the user on the basis of the user information recorded in the user information database; and a provision unit that provides a user with provision information created on the basis of the similarity calculated by the similarity calculation unit and the provision structure constructed by the provision structure construction unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information providing device, an information providing method, and an information receiving device for providing multimedia information including at least one of text, image, and sound to a large number of unspecified users. Background Art

[0002] As a conventional information providing device, for example, a technology is disclosed in which video information is managed in categories, portions of information of interest to the user are extracted, and provided to the user (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-250944 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technology of Patent Document 1 utilizes the user's preferences to display information of interest to the user, but the information is displayed in the same manner regardless of the user. Therefore, it cannot be said that the information that the user prioritizes is provided in a manner that is easy for the user to understand.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information providing device, an information providing method, and an information receiving device that can provide information that a user preferentially requests in a manner that is easy for the user to understand.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the information providing device disclosed herein comprises: a multimedia information database for recording multimedia information including at least one of text, images, and sounds; an input information acquisition unit for acquiring input information input by a user; a similarity calculation unit for calculating the similarity between the input information acquired by the input information acquisition unit and the multimedia information recorded in the multimedia information database; a user information database for recording user information including user attributes and preferences; a provision structure construction unit for constructing a provision structure for providing multimedia information to the user based on the user information recorded in the user information database; and a provision unit for providing the user with provision information prepared based on the similarity calculated by the similarity calculation unit and the provision structure constructed by the provision structure construction unit.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, information that a user preferentially requires can be provided in a manner that is easy for the user to understand.

[0009] The objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information providing device according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information providing device according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information providing device according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a providing structure according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a providing structure according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a providing structure according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a providing structure according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of a providing structure according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a providing structure according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of a providing structure according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of a providing structure according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information providing device according to the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information providing device according to the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information providing device according to the third embodiment.

[0024] Figure 15 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information providing device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms, and the embodiments described below do not limit the present disclosure.

[0026] <Implementation Method 1>

[0027] <1-1. Structure>

[0028] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the information providing device involved in embodiment 1. Figure 1 As shown, the information providing device according to the first embodiment includes an input information acquiring unit 10, an input information database 20, a multimedia information database 30, an input information analyzing unit 40, a multimedia information analyzing unit 50, a similarity calculating unit 60, a user information database 70, a user preference determining unit 71, a providing structure constructing unit 72, a providing information creating unit 80, a providing unit 81, and a preference information receiving unit 90.

[0029] In addition, Figure 1 For ease of explanation, the input information database 20, multimedia information database 30, and user information database 70 are shown separately. However, they may be physically or virtually divided into one or more databases. Furthermore, since the multimedia information database 30 receives and records multimedia information, and the user information database 70 receives and records user information, the information providing device according to Embodiment 1 may also be referred to as an information receiving device that receives information.

[0030] The input information acquisition unit 10 acquires input information input by a user. The following description assumes that the input information is search information entered by a user to retrieve desired multimedia information. The search information acquired by the input information acquisition unit 10 is associated with the user who entered the search information and recorded in the input information database 20. Search information input by multiple users is associated with each user and stored in the input information database 20.

[0031] The multimedia information database 30 records a plurality of multimedia information provided to the user. The multimedia information includes at least one of text, image, and sound. In addition, the multimedia information can be recorded (registered) in the multimedia information database 30 in advance or added at any time.

[0032] The input information analyzing unit 40 analyzes the input information recorded in the input information database 20 . The multimedia information analyzing unit 50 analyzes the multimedia information recorded in the multimedia information database 30 .

[0033] The similarity calculation unit 60 calculates the similarity between the input information analyzed by the input information analysis unit 40 and the multimedia information analyzed by the multimedia information analysis unit 50 .

[0034] The user information database 70 records user information including user attributes and preferences. Attributes and expertise that can be collected when users register for use may also be pre-registered in the user information database 70. Examples of user attributes include gender, age, professional experience, occupational type, and characteristics.

[0035] The user preference determination unit 71 determines the user's preference for multimedia information based on the user information recorded in the user information database 70 .

[0036] The provision structure construction unit 72 constructs a provision structure for providing multimedia information to the user based on the user's preferences determined by the user preference determination unit 71. The provision information creation unit 80 creates provision information for the user based on the similarity calculated by the similarity calculation unit 60 and the provision structure constructed by the provision structure construction unit 72.

[0037] The providing unit 81 provides the user with the provided information generated by the provided information generating unit 80. The preference information receiving unit 90 receives the user's preference information in response to the provided information provided by the providing unit 81. The user's preference information received by the preference information receiving unit 90 is information related to the user's behavior in response to the provided information provided by the providing unit 81 and is recorded in the user information database 70.

[0038] Figure 1 A general computer system can be used to implement the functions of the information providing device shown. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer system of the information providing device according to the first embodiment.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the computer system includes an information input / output unit 300 and a computing unit 400. Alternatively, the information input / output unit 300 and the computing unit 400 may be connected via a communication network.

[0040] The information input / output unit 300 includes a display 200, a speaker 210, and a keyboard 220. The input information acquisition unit 10 acquires input information input by the user using the keyboard 220. The preference information receiving unit 90 acquires preference information input by the user using the keyboard 220. The display 200 and the speaker 210 correspond to the providing unit 81.

[0041] The calculation unit 400 includes a processor 230, a memory 240, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 250. The HDD 250 corresponds to the input information database 20, the multimedia information database 30, and the user information database 70.

[0042] The functions of the input information acquisition unit 10, input information analysis unit 40, multimedia information analysis unit 50, similarity calculation unit 60, user preference determination unit 71, provision structure construction unit 72, provision information creation unit 80, and preference information reception unit 90 may also be implemented using a processing circuit (not shown). The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware or a processor (also referred to as a CPU, central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor)) that executes a program stored in a memory.

[0043] When the processing circuit is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit can be, for example, a single circuit, a complex circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. The functions of the input information acquisition unit 10, input information analysis unit 40, multimedia information analysis unit 50, similarity calculation unit 60, user preference determination unit 71, provision structure construction unit 72, provision information creation unit 80, and preference information reception unit 90 can be implemented separately using processing circuits, or the functions can be integrated and implemented in a single processing circuit.

[0044] The processing circuit is Figure 2In the case of the processor 230 shown, the functions of the input information acquisition unit 10, input information analysis unit 40, multimedia information analysis unit 50, similarity calculation unit 60, user preference determination unit 71, provision structure construction unit 72, provision information creation unit 80, and preference information reception unit 90 are implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in the memory 240 or HDD 250. The processor 230 implements each function by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 240 or HDD 250. Here, the memory may be non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), magnetic disk, floppy disk, optical disk, compact disk (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc., or all storage media used in the future.

[0045] Furthermore, regarding the functions of the input information acquisition unit 10, the input information analysis unit 40, the multimedia information analysis unit 50, the similarity calculation unit 60, the user preference determination unit 71, the provision structure construction unit 72, the provision information creation unit 80, and the preference information receiving unit 90, some of the functions may be implemented by dedicated hardware, while the other functions may be implemented by software or firmware.

[0046] in addition, Figure 2 The structure of the computer system shown is an example. As long as the structure of the information providing device involved in embodiment 1 is implemented, the Braille terminal, multiple processors, solid-state drives, or data input and output devices can be replaced with other components or added to other components.

[0047] <1-2. Action>

[0048] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (information providing method) of the information providing device according to the first embodiment.

[0049] The user registers user information including the user's attributes and preferences (step S10 ). The user information registered by the user is recorded in the user information database 70 .

[0050] The input information acquisition unit 10 acquires the input information input by the user (step S20). Hereinafter, the input information will be described as search information.

[0051] For example, a user may input a sentence (text) or word as search information using a computer keyboard, may transcribe a sentence or image using a mouse and input the transcription as search information, or may input voice information as search information using a microphone. The search information acquired by the input information acquisition unit 10 is recorded in the input information database 20.

[0052] The multimedia information is recorded in the multimedia information database 30 (step S30).

[0053] The input information analysis unit 40 analyzes the search information recorded in the input information database 20 (step S40). If the search information is sentence information, the input information analysis unit 40 analyzes the sentence information, for example, through morpheme analysis, syntactic analysis, part-of-speech analysis, echo analysis, or conversation analysis. If the search information is image information, the input information analysis unit 40 analyzes the image information, for example, through feature analysis, pattern recognition, image processing, image database, computer vision, or visualization. If the search information is sound information, the input information analysis unit 40 analyzes the sound information, for example, through frequency analysis, spectrogram analysis, acoustic analysis, or speech recognition. If the search information is video information, the input information analysis unit 40 analyzes the video information, for example, using time series data, in addition to the same analysis methods as for image information or sound information, such as feature analysis, pattern recognition, image processing, image database, computer vision, visualization, frequency analysis, spectrogram analysis, acoustic analysis, or speech recognition.

[0054] Furthermore, the input information analysis unit 40 may analyze multimodal information such as a combination of text information and image information, or a combination of image information and audio information by appropriately combining the above-mentioned plurality of analysis methods.

[0055] In the above description, the search information recorded in the input information database 20 is described as an example of text information, image information, audio information, or video information, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The search information may also be information other than these. In this case, the input information analysis unit 40 performs analysis corresponding to each type of information.

[0056] Hereinafter, a case where the search information is phrase information will be described as an example.

[0057] The input information analysis unit 40 performs morphological analysis on the sentence input by the user as search information, and decomposes the sentence into words (step S40 ).

[0058] Meanwhile, multimedia information database 30 has previously recorded (stored) multimedia information containing at least one of a sentence (text), an image, and a sound to be searched (step S30). Multimedia information analysis unit 50 analyzes the multimedia information recorded in multimedia information database 30 in the same manner as input information analysis unit 40 (step S50).

[0059] The similarity calculation unit 60 calculates the similarity between the search information and the multimedia information based on the analysis results of the input information analysis unit 40 and the analysis results of the multimedia information analysis unit 50 (step S60 ).

[0060] For example, the similarity calculation unit 60 compares the words decomposed by the morphological analysis of the input information analysis unit 40 with the analysis results of the multimedia information analysis unit 50 in order from the words that appear most repeatedly in the sentence as the search information.

[0061] Each word decomposed by morphological analysis by the input information analysis unit 40 is weighted. This weight can be set arbitrarily. For example, a weight expressed by the following formula (1) can be added to each word. In formula (1), the weight of word t is Xt, the number of occurrences of the word in the sentence is nt, and the sum of the number of occurrences of all words in the sentence is S.

[0062] Xt=nt / S…(1)

[0063] The weights applied to words are not limited to those described above, and may be changed based on user preference information described later. Alternatively, part-of-speech analysis may be performed to weight specific parts of speech or feature words such as nouns, verbs, or numbers, while setting the weights of other words to 0.

[0064] Furthermore, similarity calculation unit 60 determines that the more identical words (words analyzed by input information analysis unit 40) are contained in a sentence (sentence included in the multimedia information), the higher the correlation (similarity) between the search information and the multimedia information. In this case, similarity calculation unit 60 considers the weight assigned to each word. Furthermore, similarity calculation unit 60 selects multimedia information with a similarity exceeding a predetermined threshold as a candidate for information to be provided to the user (a candidate answer).

[0065] The similarity calculation unit 60 has a function of preparing answer candidates for the user, and preferably can dynamically change the calculation algorithm of the system according to the user's response to the answer.

[0066] After the similarity calculation unit 60 calculates the similarity, the user preference determination unit 71 determines the user's preferences (the method of answering the user's request) based on the user information recorded in the user information database 70 (step S70). The determination of the user's preferences by the user preference determination unit 71 may be performed in parallel with the determination of the similarity by the similarity calculation unit 60, or may be performed before the determination of the similarity.

[0067] The provided structure constructing unit 72 constructs a provided structure (answer structure) that matches the user's preference determined by the user preference determining unit 71 (step S70 ).

[0068] For example, if the user is engaged in a technical occupation, the provision structure construction unit 72 will be as follows Figure 4 The summary (seed information) of the technical document shown is constructed as the provision structure. In the case where the user is engaged in a sales-related occupation, the provision structure construction unit 72 will be as follows Figure 5 The information of the experts shown is structured to provide a construct.

[0069] Furthermore, if the user information database 70 stores information related to the user's hobbies, the provision structure may be configured to include information that was displayed in large quantities during the user's last use. For example, if the user information database 70 stores information such as a suggestion for confirming musical notes in detail as information related to the user's hobbies in a music-related occupation, the provision structure construction unit 72 may include the following information: Figure 6 The staff information (music score information) shown is constructed as a provision structure. In the case where the user information database 70 stores information such as confirmation frequency information as information related to the hobbies of users engaged in occupations related to music, the provision structure construction unit 72 will Figure 7 The frequency analysis information (spectrum information) shown in FIG. 1 is constructed as a providing structure. In addition, when the user's preference is to output sound, the providing structure construction unit 72 will be as follows Figure 8 The output of the sound shown is constructed as a provision structure. In the case where the user's hobby is to confirm the lyrics, the provision structure construction unit 72 will be as follows Figure 9 The lyrics information shown is constructed to provide a structure.

[0070] In addition, when the user information database 70 stores information such as confirming images as information on the hobbies of users engaged in occupations related to images, the provision structure construction unit 72 will Figure 10 or Figure 11 The image information shown is structured to provide a construct.

[0071] The provided information creation unit 80 selects multimedia information that matches the provided structure constructed by the provided structure construction unit 72 from the multimedia information with high similarity calculated by the similarity calculation unit 60. The provided information creation unit 80 then creates provided information by inputting (applying) the selected multimedia information to the provided structure (step S80). This allows the provided information creation unit 80 to create provided information that matches the user's preferences.

[0072] The providing unit 81 presents the provided information created by the provided information creating unit 80 to the user (step S90 ).

[0073] The user is provided with a function for selecting information that matches the user's preferences from information that does not match the user's preferences, from the information provided by the providing unit 81 (step S100). If the user selects information that matches their preferences (information that matches the search objective) ("Yes" in step S100), the providing unit 81 provides the user with details of the selected information (step S110). On the other hand, if the user selects information that does not match their preferences ("No" in step S100), the preference information receiving unit 90 receives the information that does not match the user's preferences. The preference information receiving unit 90 then records the received information that does not match the user's preferences in the user information database 70. Alternatively, the preference information receiving unit 90 may also record information that matches the user's preferences in the user information database 70.

[0074] <1-3. Effects>

[0075] The information providing device according to the first embodiment can provide information that users prioritize in a format that is easy for them to understand. Furthermore, by storing user information over time, even if a user's attributes or preferences change, information tailored to the user's preferences can be provided. By pre-registering user information, information can be provided in the format desired by the user upon initial use.

[0076] <Implementation Method 2>

[0077] <2-1. Structure>

[0078] Figure 12 : is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the information providing device involved in the second embodiment. Figure 12 As shown, the information providing device according to the second embodiment is characterized in that the input information acquired by the input information acquisition unit 10 is recorded in the multimedia information database 30. The rest of the configuration and operation are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0079] The multimedia information database 30 records the input information (at least one of text, image, and sound) acquired by the input information acquisition unit 10 .

[0080] <2-2. Action>

[0081] Figure 13 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information providing device involved in Embodiment 2. Figure 13 The action shown is characterized by Figure 3 The operation shown in the figure is supplemented with step S120. Figure 13 Steps S10 to S110 and Figure 3 Steps S10 to S110 are the same, so detailed description is omitted here.

[0082] The input information acquisition unit 10 acquires the input information input by the user (step S120 ), and records the acquired input information in the multimedia information database 30 (step S30 ).

[0083] The multimedia information analyzing unit 50 performs the same analysis as the input information analyzing unit 40 on the multimedia information recorded in the multimedia information database 30 and the input information acquired and recorded in the multimedia information database 30 by the input information acquiring unit 10 (step S50 ).

[0084] The provided information generating unit 80 generates provided information (step S80 ) in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. In this case, the provided information generating unit 80 may generate provided information using the input information acquired by the input information acquiring unit 10 and recorded in the multimedia information database 30 .

[0085] <2-3. Effects>

[0086] According to the information providing device according to the second embodiment, not only multimedia information but also input information input by the user becomes the target of information provision, thereby increasing the targets of information provision and providing more appropriate information to the user.

[0087] <Implementation Method 3>

[0088] <3-1. Structure>

[0089] Figure 14 : is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the information providing device involved in the third embodiment. Figure 14 As shown, the information providing device according to Embodiment 3 includes an information transmitting unit 100, an information confirmation recording unit 110, an information transmission recording unit 111, a weighting processing unit 112, an extraction unit 120, and a notification unit 121. The remaining configuration is the same as that of Embodiment 2, and therefore detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0090] The information transmitting unit 100 transmits information related to the user after the providing unit 81 has provided the information (post-provided information).

[0091] The information confirmation recording unit 110 records information indicating whether the user has confirmed the provided information.

[0092] The information transmission recording unit 111 records information indicating whether the information transmission unit 100 has transmitted information related to the user (transmission presence / absence information). Specifically, the information transmission recording unit 111 records information indicating whether the user has inquired about the provided information.

[0093] Weighting unit 112 weights the provided information based on the information recorded in information transmission recording unit 111. Specifically, weighting unit 112 increases the weight of provided information requested by the user. Similarity calculation unit 60 calculates similarity in the same manner as in Embodiment 2, but in this case also considers the provided information weighted by weighting unit 112.

[0094] The extraction unit 120 extracts providers from the user information database based on the information sent by the information sending unit 100. Here, a provider is a person who provides multimedia information to a user (a person who registers the multimedia information that forms the basis of the provided information in the multimedia information database 30). The user information database 70 associates the information sent by the information sending unit 100 (provided information related to the inquiry) with the provider of that information.

[0095] The notification unit 121 notifies the provider extracted by the extraction unit 120 that the multimedia information registered by the provider is provided to the user.

[0096] <3-2. Action>

[0097] Figure 15 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information providing device involved in Embodiment 3. Figure 15 The action shown is characterized by Figure 13 The operation shown is supplemented with step S130. Figure 13 Steps S10 to S120 and Figure 3 Steps S10 to S120 are the same, so detailed description is omitted here.

[0098] The information transmission unit 100 transmits information related to the user after the provision unit 81 has provided the provided information (post-provided information) (step S130). At this time, the information transmission recording unit 111 records whether the information has been transmitted. In addition, the user information database 70 records the provided information and the provider of the provided information in association with each other.

[0099] <3-3. Effects>

[0100] According to the information providing device of embodiment 3, when a user inquires about provided information, a weight is assigned to the provided information related to the inquiry, thereby enabling similar information to be included in the provided information and presented during subsequent use.

[0101] In addition, the provider is notified that the multimedia information registered by the provider is provided to the user. This promotes communication between the user and the provider and can be expected to process the information into more desirable information for both parties.

[0102] Furthermore, the various embodiments can be freely combined, or the various embodiments can be appropriately modified or omitted within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0103] While the present disclosure has been described in detail, the above description is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive, and it should be understood that numerous modifications not shown are conceivable.

[0104] Explanation of symbols

[0105] 10: Input information acquisition unit; 20: Input information database; 30: Multimedia information database; 40: Input information analysis unit; 50: Multimedia information analysis unit; 60: Similarity calculation unit; 70: User information database; 71: User preference determination unit; 72: Provision structure construction unit; 80: Provision information production unit; 81: Provision unit; 90: Preference information receiving unit; 100: Information sending unit; 110: Information confirmation recording unit; 111: Information sending recording unit; 112: Weighting processing unit; 120: Extraction unit; 121: Notification unit; 200: Display; 210: Speaker; 220: Keyboard; 230: Processor; 240: Memory; 250: HDD; 300: Information input / output unit; 400: Calculation unit.

Claims

1. An information providing device comprising: A multimedia information database, recording multimedia information including at least one of text, image and sound; An input information acquisition unit that acquires input information input by a user; a similarity calculation unit for calculating a similarity between the input information acquired by the input information acquisition unit and the multimedia information recorded in the multimedia information database; A user information database, recording user information including attributes and hobbies of the user; a providing structure constructing unit, which constructs a providing structure for providing the multimedia information to the user based on the user information recorded in the user information database; as well as A providing unit provides the user with provided information created based on the similarity calculated by the similarity calculating unit and the provided structure constructed by the provided structure constructing unit.

2. The information providing device according to claim 1, wherein The user information database records information related to the user's actions with respect to the provided information provided by the providing unit.

3. The information providing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The similarity calculation unit performs weighting on the input information.

4. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The user information database records the user information before the providing unit provides the provided information.

5. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The multimedia information database records the input information acquired by the input information acquisition unit, The similarity calculation unit calculates a similarity between the input information acquired by the input information acquisition unit and the multimedia information and the input information recorded in the multimedia information database.

6. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The information providing device comprises: an information transmitting unit configured to transmit post-provided information which is information of the user after the providing unit has provided the provided information; an information transmission recording unit for recording transmission presence / absence information indicating whether the information transmission unit has transmitted the provided information; as well as The weighting processing unit weights the provided information based on the transmission presence / absence information recorded in the information transmission recording unit.

7. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The user information database records information related to the provider who provides the multimedia information to the user. The information providing device comprises: an information transmitting unit configured to transmit post-provided information which is information of the user after the providing unit has provided the provided information; an extracting unit, which extracts the provider from the user information database based on the provided information sent by the information sending unit; as well as The notification unit notifies the provider extracted by the extraction unit that the multimedia information of the provider is provided to the user.

8. A method for providing information, wherein: Based on user information including user attributes and preferences, a provision structure is constructed to provide information to the user. The provided information prepared according to the providing structure is provided to the user.

9. An information receiving device comprising: A multimedia information database receives and records multimedia information including at least one of text, image and sound; An input information acquisition unit receives input information input by a user; a similarity calculation unit for calculating a similarity between the input information acquired by the input information acquisition unit and the multimedia information recorded in the multimedia information database; A user information database, receiving and recording user information including attributes and hobbies of the user; a providing structure constructing unit, which constructs a providing structure for providing the multimedia information to the user based on the user information recorded in the user information database; as well as A providing unit provides the user with provided information created based on the similarity calculated by the similarity calculating unit and the provided structure constructed by the provided structure constructing unit.

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