Patent ID: 8250098

Claim:
A computer-implemented method implemented by an apparatus for providing desired multimedia information to one or more information users, the apparatus including a processor and a memory, the method comprising: establishing, in the memory, a multiple hierarchical structure having individual user preference information including user preference items for a corresponding user; and changing the hierarchical structure of the individual user preference information to include a place at which one or more of the user preference items are in use for the corresponding user, wherein changing the hierarchical structure of said individual user preference information further includes registration of a new user preference item, deletion of an existing user preference item, or changing a parent node of a sub-tree of individual user preference information according to the indicated place, and wherein changing the hierarchical structure further includes changing the preference or non-preference value of a user preference item and changing the preference or non-preference value of a user preference item located in one or more ancestor nodes of the changed preference item, based on the usage history at the indicated place.