Patent Publication Number: US-2019199546-A1

Title: Electronic apparatus and method thereof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED THE APPLICATION 
     The application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0180066 filed on Dec. 26, 2017 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The disclosure relates to an electronic apparatus and method, and more particularly to an electronic apparatus or the like for sharing an image source device. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     With development of a home network, connectivity between electronic devices present in home has been increased. In particular, when a plurality of display apparatuses is present in home, an image source device connected to one display apparatus may be required to be used in another display apparatus. That is, there may be a need of receiving an image signal from an image source device, which is not directly connected to a display apparatus being used by a user, and reproducing a corresponding image. 
     To this end, a conventional technology provides a configuration in which image source devices are connected to a hub, and each display apparatus receives an image signal from the hub through a separate receiver. However, such a conventional technology has problems in that there is a separate need of the hub and the receiver, there are no consistency because a user interface (UI) for the display apparatus is different from a UI for the receiver, a control apparatus is separately needed for controlling the receiver, and there is a limit to a spatial layout for the image source devices because all the image source devices have to be connected to the hub, and so on. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an aspect of one or more exemplary embodiments is to provide an electronic apparatus capable of accessing and controlling an image source device so that a user cannot distinguish whether or not the image source device is directly connected to the display apparatus being currently used by the user, i.e. so that the user can feel as if all the source devices in home are directly connected to the display apparatus being currently used by the user as long as the image source devices are present in home. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, there is provided an electronic apparatus comprising: a device connector configured to connect with at least one first source device; a signal input/output structured to output a signal of the first source device to an intermediation apparatus and a display apparatus, or receive a signal of at least one second source device through the intermediation apparatus; and a processor configured to control the signal of the second source device that is received through the intermediation apparatus to be input through the signal input/output unit and control the input signal of the second source device to be output to the display apparatus in response to a user&#39;s input through the display apparatus. 
     The first source device may be among a plurality of source devices, and the processor may control signals of some source devices of the first source device to be output to the intermediation apparatus through the signal input/output unit in response to a request of the intermediation apparatus or an external electronic apparatus. 
     The first source device may comprise a plurality of source devices, and the signal input/output unit may output the signal of the first source device to the intermediation apparatus in response to a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) consumer electronics control (CEC) control signal received from the intermediation apparatus or an external electronic apparatus. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a display apparatus comprising: a display; a signal input structured to receive a signal of a first source device connected to a first electronic apparatus from the first electronic apparatus, or receive a signal of at least one second source device that outputs a signal to the intermediation apparatus; a user input structured to receive a user&#39;s input; and a processor configured to transmit information of the first source device to the intermediation apparatus, receive information of the second source device from the intermediation apparatus, control the signal of the second source device that is received through the intermediation apparatus to be input to the signal input unit through the first electronic apparatus in response to the user&#39;s input based on the received information, and control the display to display an image based on the input signal of the at least one second source device. 
     The processor may control the display to display a user interface (UI) for allowing a user to select one source device among the first source device and the second source device. 
     The display apparatus may further comprise a remote controller, wherein: the information of the second source device comprises remote-controller keyset information corresponding to the second source device, the processor controls the display to display an image based on the input signal from the second source device, and transmits a control signal generated by referring to the remote-controller keyset information to the intermediation apparatus in response to a control command received through the remote controller with regard to the image. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, there is provided an intermediation apparatus comprising: a signal input/output structured to input and output a signal between a plurality of electronic apparatuses and at least one source device, respectively, the plurality of electronic apparatuses being connectable with at least one source device; and a processor configured to transmit information of a source device while the at least one source device is connected to a first electronic apparatus among the plurality of electronic apparatuses to a second electronic apparatus, and control the signal input/output unit to output a signal of a source device while the at least one source device is connected to the first electronic apparatus to the second electronic apparatus in response to a request of the second electronic apparatus. 
     The signal input/output unit may be among a plurality of signal input units, a plurality of signal output units, and a switching unit for connecting one among the plurality of signal input units with one among the plurality of signal output units, and the processor may control the switching unit to connect the signal input unit and the signal output unit which are matched so as to output the signal of the source device connected to the first electronic apparatus to the second electronic apparatus, in response to a request of the second electronic apparatus. 
     The processor may control the signal input/output unit to output the signal of the source device connected to the first electronic apparatus to each of the plurality of electronic apparatuses, in response to a request of the first electronic apparatus. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a display apparatus comprising: a display; a device connector configured to connect with at least one first source device; a signal input/output structured to output a signal of the first source device to a different display apparatus or receive a signal of at least one second source device connected to the different display apparatus, through an intermediation apparatus; a user input structured to receive a user&#39;s input; and a processor configured to transmit information of the first source device to the intermediation apparatus, control the signal of the first source device to be output through the signal input/output unit, receive information of the second source device from the intermediation apparatus, control the signal of the second source device that is received through the intermediation apparatus to be input through the signal input/output unit in response to the user&#39;s input based on the received information, and control the display to display an image based on the input signal. 
     The first source device may be among a plurality of source devices, and the processor controls signals of some source devices of the first source device to be output to the intermediation apparatus through the signal input/output unit in response to a request of the intermediation apparatus or an external electronic apparatus. 
     The first source device may comprise a plurality of source devices, and the signal input/output unit may output the signal of the first source device to the intermediation apparatus in response to a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) consumer electronics control (CEC) control signal received from the intermediation apparatus or an external electronic apparatus. 
     The processor may control the display to display a user interface (UI) for allowing a user to select one source device among the first source device and the second source device. 
     The display apparatus may further comprise a remote controller, wherein: the information of the second source device comprises remote-controller keyset information corresponding to the second source device, the processor controls the display to display an image based on the input signal from the second source device, and transmits a control signal generated by referring to the remote-controller keyset information to the intermediation apparatus, in response to a control command received through the remote controller with regard to the image. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a display apparatus comprising: a display; a user input structured to receive a user&#39;s input; and a signal input/output structured to input and output a signal between a plurality of display apparatuses connectable with at least one first source device. A display apparatus according to an embodiment includes a processor configured to transmit information of a first source device while the at least one first source device is connected to a first display apparatus among the plurality of display apparatuses to a second display apparatus, control the signal input/output unit to output a signal of the first source device to the second display apparatus in response to a request of the second display apparatus, control the signal input/output unit to receive the signal of the source device connected to the first display apparatus or second display apparatus in response to the user&#39;s input based on the information of the first source device or the information of the second source device connected to the second display apparatus, and control the display to display an image based on the input signal. 
     The first source device may comprise a plurality of source devices, and the processor may control signals of some source devices of the first source device to be output to the intermediation apparatus through the signal input/output unit in response to a request of the second display apparatus. 
     The first source device may comprise a plurality of source devices, and the signal input/output unit outputs the signal of the first source device to the intermediation apparatus in response to a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) consumer electronics control (CEC) control signal received from the second display apparatus. 
     The processor may control the display to display a user interface (UI) for allowing a user to select one source device among the first source device and the second source device. 
     The display apparatus may further comprise a remote controller, wherein: the information of the second source device comprises remote-controller keyset information corresponding to the second source device, the processor controls the display to display an image based on the input signal from the second source device, and transmits a control signal generated by referring to the remote-controller keyset information to the second display apparatus in response to a control command received through the remote controller with regard to the image. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and/or other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more will become more apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a system including an electronic apparatus and an intermediation apparatus according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a configuration of the electronic apparatus and the intermediation apparatus according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 3 to 7  illustrate detailed configurations and operations of the system including the electronic apparatus and the intermediation apparatus according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate an embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an example of connection between a switching unit and a signal input/output unit of an intermediation apparatus and an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a detailed configuration of the electronic apparatus according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates operations of the electronic apparatus and the intermediation apparatus when the source device is connected to the electronic apparatus according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates an example of a process that the electronic apparatus updates source information received from the intermediation apparatus according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates an example of the electronic apparatus and a display screen of which notifies that the source information is updated according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates an example of a source information stored in the electronic apparatus and the intermediation apparatus according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 21 and 22  illustrate examples of a user interface (UI) that displays a source list according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 23 and 24  illustrate operations of the electronic apparatus and the intermediation apparatus when one source is selected in the source list displayed on the UI according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates operations of the electronic apparatus and the intermediation apparatus when a user who is watching an image of a source device on the electronic apparatus makes an input for controlling the source device through a remote controller according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates an example of a scenario that a user uses the electronic apparatuses according to an embodiment; and 
         FIGS. 27 and 28  illustrate operations of the electronic apparatus and the intermediation apparatus when the electronic apparatus functions in a push mode according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Below, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like numerals or symbols refer to like elements having substantially the same function, and the size of each element may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of description. However, the configurations and functions illustrated in the following exemplary embodiments are not construed as limiting the present inventive concept and the key configurations and functions. In the following descriptions, details about publicly known functions or features will be omitted if it is determined that they cloud the gist of the present inventive concept. 
     In the following exemplary embodiments, terms ‘first’, ‘second’, etc. are only used to distinguish one element from another, and singular forms are intended to include plural forms unless otherwise mentioned contextually. Unless otherwise specified, the terms ‘first’, ‘second’, etc. may refer to corresponding components regardless of importance or order without limiting the components. In the following exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that terms ‘comprise’, ‘include’, ‘have’, etc. do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or combination thereof. In addition, a ‘module’ or a ‘portion’ may perform at least one function or operation, be achieved by hardware, software or combination of hardware and software, and be modularized into at least one processor. Further, in the following exemplary embodiments, at least one among a plurality of elements refer to not only all of the plurality of elements but also each element among the plurality of elements excluding the other elements or a combination thereof. Also, the expression of “configured to (or set to)” may not necessarily refer to only “specifically designed to” in terms of hardware. Instead, the “device configured to” may refer to “capable of” along with other devices or parts in a certain circumstance. For example, the phrase of “the processor configured to perform A, B, and C” may refer to a dedicated processor (e.g. an embedded processor) for performing the corresponding operations, or a generic-purpose processor (e.g. a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor) for performing the corresponding operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a system including an electronic apparatus  100  and an intermediation apparatus  200  according to one exemplary embodiment. 
     The electronic apparatus  100  receives an image signal from an image source device  300  and outputs the image signal to the display apparatus  400  and/or the intermediation apparatus  200  connecting with the electronic apparatus  100 . The image source device  300  refers to a device capable of outputting an image signal, which may for example include an optical media player (e.g., a digital versatile disc player (DVDP), a Blu-ray disc player (BDP), etc.) for playing back a digital versatile disc (DVD), a Blu-ray disc (BD), etc.; an ultra-high definition (UHD) player; a video cassette recorder (VCR); a set-top box (STB); a broadcast receiving apparatus; a computer main body; a mobile apparatus; a home theater apparatus; etc. However, the image source device  300  is not limited to the foregoing examples, but may include any device capable of outputting the image signal. 
     The image source device  300  may transmit the image signal to the electronic apparatus  100  as directly connected to the electronic apparatus  100 , or may transmit the image signal to the electronic apparatus  100  as indirectly connected to the electronic apparatus  100  via the intermediation apparatus  200 . Hereinafter, for convenience, in terms of the electronic apparatus  100 , the image source device directly connected to the electronic apparatus  100  will be called a ‘first source device’, and the image source device indirectly connected to the electronic apparatus  100  via the intermediation apparatus  200  will be called a ‘second source device’. 
     The intermediation apparatus  200  receives an image signal from one electronic apparatus  100  and outputs the received image signal to another electronic apparatus  100 . That is, the intermediation apparatus  200  refers to an apparatus for relaying an image signal from one apparatus to another apparatus, and may for example correspond to a switch apparatus without limitations. The intermediation apparatus  200  may be configured with a hardware switch and only the minimum controller for controlling the hardware switch, or may be materialized by a software switch and a server provided with a processor for processing and controlling the software switch. 
     The display apparatus  400  displays an image based on an image signal that the electronic apparatus  100  receives from the image source device  300  and outputs. The display apparatus  400  may for example be materialized by a TV, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a smartwatch, a head-mounted display or the like wearable device, a computer, a multimedia player, an electronic frame, a digital billboard, a large format display (LFD), a digital signage, a set-top box, a refrigerator, etc. without limitations. Hereinafter, for convenience, the description will be made on the assumption that the display apparatus  400  is a TV. Further, hereinafter, for convenience of description, in terms of the electronic apparatus  100 , the display apparatus directly connected to the electronic apparatus  100  will be called a ‘first TV’, and the display apparatus indirectly connected to the electronic apparatus  100  via the intermediation apparatus  200  will be called a ‘second TV’. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , operations of the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200  according to one exemplary embodiment will be summarized. The plurality of electronic apparatuses  100  may be located at spaces partitioned from each other. For example, the plurality of electronic apparatuses  100  may be respectively located at a living room, a bed room # 1  and a bed room # 2  in home. For convenience, descriptions will be made below on the assumption that the electronic apparatuses  100  are present in home. However, the present inventive concept is not limited to the electronic apparatuses present in home. 
     Each electronic apparatus  100  may connect with the image source device  300  for providing an image signal to the electronic apparatus  100 , and the display apparatus  400  for displaying an image based on the image signal output from the electronic apparatus  100 . Each electronic apparatus  100  may connect with a plurality of image source devices  300 , and may also connect with the display apparatuses  400 . 
     The electronic apparatus located in one space, for example, the electronic apparatus  110  of  FIG. 1  located in the living room may receive an image signal from a first source device  310  directly connected thereto and display an image based on the image signal on a TV  410 . Further, the electronic apparatus  110  located in the living room may receive an image signal from a second source device  320  via the intermediation apparatus  200  and display an image based on the image signal on the TV  410 . In addition, the electronic apparatus  110  outputs the image signal of the first source device  310  directly connected thereto to the intermediation apparatus  200 , so that the image signal can be transmitted to another electronic apparatus via the intermediation apparatus  200 . Detailed descriptions will be made below. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a configuration of the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200  according to one exemplary embodiment. 
     The electronic apparatus  100  according to one exemplary embodiment includes a device connector  101 , a signal input/output unit  102 , and a processor  103 . 
     The device connector  101  of the electronic apparatus  100  is connected to the image source device  300  and receives an image signal from the image source device  300 . Further, the device connector  101  may exchange a control signal with the image source device  300 . There are no limits to an image signal transmission interface used by the device connector  101 . For example, the device connector  101  may use an interface for a radio frequency (RF) signal, Composite video, Component video, Super video, Syndicat des Constructeurs d&#39;Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs (SCART), a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), DisplayPort, a unified display interface (UDI), or wireless high definition (HD), etc. 
     The signal input/output unit  102  of the electronic apparatus  100  outputs an image signal, which is received from the image source device  300  through the device connector  101 , to the display apparatus  400  and the intermediation apparatus  100 , or receives the image signal input to the intermediation apparatus  100 . Further, the signal input/output unit  102  may transmit/receive the control signal. The signal input/output unit  102  may be configured as divided into a signal input unit and a signal output unit, or may be configured as a single input/output unit for performing both the input and the output. The signal input/output unit  102  may include a plurality of signal input/output units. The signal input/output unit  102  may input/output a signal through a wire, for example, an optical cable or a copper cable, or may input/output a signal wirelessly. As described above, there are also no specific limits to an interface for the input/output signal. 
     Meanwhile, the electronic apparatus  100  may further include a display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, or the like to notify the connection states of the device connector  101  and/or the signal input/output unit  102  and what devices are connected. 
     The processor  103  of the electronic apparatus  100  may perform control for operating general elements of the electronic apparatus  100 . The processor  103  may include a control program (or instruction) for performing such control operations, a nonvolatile memory in which the control program is installed, a volatile memory in which at least a part of the installed control program is loaded, and at least one processor or central processing unit (CPU) for executing the loaded control program. Further, the control program may be stored in an electronic apparatus other than the electronic apparatus  100 . 
     The control program may include a program(s) achieved in the form of at least one of a basic input/output system (BIOS), a device driver, an operating system, firmware, a platform, and an application program (or an application). According to one embodiment, the application program may be previously installed or stored in the electronic apparatus  100  when the electronic apparatus  100  is manufactured, or may be installed in the electronic apparatus  100  on the basis of application program data received from the outside when used in the future. The application data may for example be downloaded from an application market and the like external server to the electronic apparatus  100 , but not limited thereto. Meanwhile, the processor  103  may be materialized in the form of a device, an S/W module, a circuit, a chip, or combination thereof. 
     The processor  103  may for example control the device connector  101  for receiving an image signal from the image source device  300 . The processor  103  may perform control so that the image signal received through the device connector  101  can be output to the intermediation apparatus  200  through the signal input/output unit  102 . In the display apparatus  100  shown in  FIG. 2 , both the process and control are performed in a single processor  103 . However, this is merely an example, and the electronic apparatus  100  according to an alternative exemplary embodiment may include a separate controller in addition to the processor. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, the intermediation apparatus  200  includes a signal input/output unit  201 , a switching unit  202 , and a processor  203 . 
     The descriptions about the signal input/output unit  102  and the processor  103  of the electronic apparatus  100  are also applicable to the signal input/output unit  201  and the processor  203  of the intermediation apparatus  200 , and thus detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. 
     The switching unit  202  of the intermediation apparatus  200  connects a path between a signal input to the intermediation apparatus  200  and a signal output from the intermediation apparatus  200  so that the signal input to at least one electronic apparatus  100  can be output from at least one electronic apparatus  100 , and changes a connection path in response to a control signal or the like. The switching unit  202  may be materialized by a hardware switch, or by software based on a switching program. In a case of the hardware switch, there are no limits to the number of input ports to the switching unit  202  and the number of output ports from the switching unit  202 . In a case of a software switching program, there are also no limits to the number of inputs and outputs. Further, 1:N and N:1 connections as well as 1:1 connection are possible between the input ports and the output ports. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates detailed configurations of the system including the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200  according to one exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200  are connected by an optical cable. However, there are no limits to the connection method between the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200 . Alternatively, the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200  may be connected wirelessly or by a wire other than the optical cable. Further,  FIG. 3  shows that each signal input/output unit  102 ,  201  of the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200  is divided into a signal input unit and a signal output unit, and the signal input unit or the signal output unit is also distinguished according to devices connected thereto. This is merely for convenience of description, and the present inventive concept is not limited to physical separation between the signal input unit and the signal output unit. 
     The electronic apparatus  100 , for example, the electronic apparatus  110  located in the living room may connect with at least one first source device  310 , for example, a BDP  310   a  and a notebook computer  310   b . Further, the electronic apparatus  110  may connect with at least one TV  410 . The electronic apparatus  110  may receive an image signal from the first source device  310  and output the image signal to the TV  410  through a signal input/output unit  102   a . The electronic apparatus  110  may not only exchange the image signal with the TV  410  through the signal input/output unit  102   a  but also exchange the control signal with the electronic apparatus  110  or the TV  410 . 
     The electronic apparatus  110  may input and output a signal to and from the intermediation apparatus  200 . The electronic apparatus  110  may output an image signal, which is received from the first source device  310 , to the intermediation apparatus  200  through a signal input/output unit  102   b , specifically, to the signal input/output unit  201   a  of the intermediation apparatus  200 . Further, the electronic apparatus  110  may receive a signal, which is output via the switching unit  202  of the intermediation apparatus  200 , from the intermediation apparatus  200 , specifically, from the signal output unit  201   b  of the intermediation apparatus  200 , through a signal input/output unit  102   c  of the electronic apparatus  110 . The electronic apparatus  110  may exchange not only the image signal with the intermediation apparatus  200  through the signal input/output unit  102   b , but also the control signal for the electronic apparatus  100  or the intermediation apparatus  200 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , operations of the electronic apparatus  100  will be described in more detail.  FIG. 4  shows details of the electronic apparatus  100  according to one exemplary embodiment. 
     The electronic apparatus  110  may receive an image signal from the first source device  310  directly connected to the electronic apparatus and outputs the image signal to the TV  410 . Specifically, the processor  103  of the electronic apparatus  110  performs control so that the image signal of the first source device  310  can be received through the device connector  101 , and the received image signal can be output to the TV  410  through the signal input/output unit  102   a  (see a path (1) in  FIG. 4 ). When a plurality of first source devices  310   a  and  310   b  are connected to the electronic apparatus  110 , the processor  103  selects one of the first source devices and performs control to receive the image signal of the selected first source device. 
     Thus, a user of the TV can watch the image signal of the source device directly connected to the electronic apparatus. 
     The electronic apparatus  110  may also receive an image signal from the second source device  320 , which is not directly connected to the electronic apparatus, and output the image signal to the TV  410 . Specifically, the processor  103  of the electronic apparatus  110  performs control to receive the image signal of the second source device, which is output via the intermediation apparatus  200 , through the signal input/output unit  102   c , and output the received image signal of the second source device  320  the image signal to the TV  410  (see a path (2) in  FIG. 4 ). 
     When there is a plurality of second source devices  320 , and the number of signal input units  102   c  for receiving a signal from the intermediation apparatus  200  is greater than or equal to the number of second source devices  320 , the signal may be received from each second source device. Otherwise, the processor  103  may receive the signal of at least one second source device among a plurality of second source devices in response to a user&#39;s input to the TV  410 . In this case, the processor  103  may receive the signal corresponding to the user input through the signal input/output unit  102   a  connected to the TV  410 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , in a state that there is a plurality of second TVs  420   a  and  420   b , which are not directly connected to the electronic apparatus  110 , and the second source devices  320   a  and  320   b  are respectively one-to-one connected to the second TVs, when an image signal from one of the second source devices  320   a  and  320   b  is input to the electronic apparatus  110  (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘first circumstance’), and a user&#39;s input for selecting one of the second source devices is received through the first TV  410  connected to the electronic apparatus  110 , the processor  103  of the electronic apparatus  110  transmits a switching control signal based on the user&#39;s input to the intermediation apparatus  200  via the signal input/output unit  102   b  in response to the user&#39;s input to the TV  410  (see (1) in  FIG. 5 ). Here, the switching control signal refers to a signal transmitted to the intermediation apparatus  200  and controlling the switch  202  of the intermediation apparatus  200 , for example, a signal for switching connection between the signal input/output unit for receiving an image signal from the second TV  420   a  and the signal input/output unit for outputting the image signal to the electronic apparatus  110 . When the electronic apparatus  110  and the intermediation apparatus  200  are connected by an HDMI interface, the switching control signal may be an HDMI consumer electronics control (CEC) signal. However, the switching control signal is not limited to the above embodiment. In response to the switching control signal received from the electronic apparatus  110 , switching control (see (2) in  FIG. 5 ) for the intermediation apparatus  200  is performed. Thus, the signal input unit  102   c  of the electronic apparatus  110  receives the signal of the second source device corresponding to the user&#39;s input from the intermediation apparatus  200  (see (3) in  FIG. 5 ). 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 6 , in a state that the electronic apparatus  110  and the second TV  420  are switching-connected, but a plurality of second source devices  320   a  and  320   b  are connected to the second TV  420 , when it is desired to input an image signal from one of the second source devices  320   a  and  320   b  to the electronic apparatus  110  (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘second circumstance’), and a user&#39;s input for selecting one of these second source devices is received through the TV  410  connecting with the electronic apparatus  110 , the processor  103  of the electronic apparatus  110  transmits a source selecting control signal based on the user&#39;s input to the second TV  420  via the intermediation apparatus  200  through the signal input/output unit  102   b  in response to the user&#39;s input to the TV  410  (see (1) in  FIG. 6 ). Here, the source selecting control signal refers to a signal transmitted to the second TV  420  or the electronic apparatus connected to the second TV  420  and controlling the image signal from one of the second source devices  320   a  and  320   b  to be output to the intermediation apparatus  200 . When the second TV  420  or the electronic apparatus connected to the second TV  420  connects with the second source devices  320   a  and  320   b  by the HDMI interface, the source selecting control signal may be the HDMI CEC signal. However, there are no limits to the source selecting control signal. In response to the received source selecting control signal, the second source device for an output from the second TV  420  to the intermediation apparatus  200  is selected (see (2) in  FIG. 6 ). Therefore, the signal input unit  102   c  of the electronic apparatus  110  receives the signal of the second source device, which corresponds to the user&#39;s input, from the intermediation apparatus  200  (see (3) in  FIG. 6 ). 
     Thus, a user of the TV can watch an image based on an image signal of the source device that is not directly connected to the electronic apparatus. 
     A combination situation of the first circumstance and the second circumstance (for example, a case where there is a plurality of second TVs, and there is a plurality of second source devices connected to the TVs) is also possible. In this case, the processor  103  of the electronic apparatus  110  may for example receive a signal of at least one second source device by combination of the processes in the first circumstance and the second circumstance. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 4 , the electronic apparatus  110  outputs an image signal of the first source device  310  directly connected thereto to the intermediation apparatus  200 , so that the image signal can be transmitted to another electronic apparatus through the intermediation apparatus  200  (see a path (3) in  FIG. 4 ). 
     A detailed structure, in which the electronic apparatus  110  outputs an image signal of the directly connected first source device  310  to the intermediation apparatus  200 , will be described in more detail. 
     When one first source device  310  is connectable to the electronic apparatus  110 , i.e. when only one source device is connectable to the device connector  101  of the electronic apparatus  110 , the electronic apparatus  110  may have a transmission line structure in which an output signal of the first source device  310  is directly output to the intermediation apparatus  200  through the signal output unit  102   b  without separate control of the electronic apparatus  110 . 
     When there is a plurality of first source devices  310   a  and  310   b  connected to the electronic apparatus  110 , it may be controlled by the processor  103  of the electronic apparatus  110  or it may be selected by a control signal from the intermediation apparatus or the external electronic apparatus from which of the source devices the image signal is output to the intermediation apparatus  200 . 
     For example, the processor  103  of the electronic apparatus  110  may perform control so that the signal can be output from one among the plurality of first source devices  310  to the intermediation apparatus  200  in response to a request from the intermediation apparatus  200  or the external electronic apparatus. For example, the processor  103  analyzes a second TV user&#39;s input for selecting one among the first source devices  310 , which is received through the intermediation apparatus  200 , and controls the signal to be output from the selected first source device  310  to the intermediation apparatus  200 . 
       FIG. 7  shows this exemplary embodiment. When a user&#39;s input for selecting at least one of the first source devices  310   a  and  310   b  is received through the second TV  420  which is not directly connected to the electronic apparatus  110 , the processor  103  of the electronic apparatus  120  connected to the second TV  420  transmits a source selecting control signal based on the user&#39;s input to the second TV  420  via the intermediation apparatus  200  in response to the user&#39;s input to the second TV  420 . The processor  103  of the electronic apparatus  110  receives the source selecting control signal transmitted as above in response to the user&#39;s input (see (1) in  FIG. 7 ). The processor  103  receives the control signal and controls a selected source to be output to the intermediation apparatus  200  via the signal input/output unit  102   b  ( FIG. 7    (2)). Thus, an image signal of a first source device corresponding to a user&#39;s input is output to the intermediation apparatus  200  (see (3) in  FIG. 7 ). 
     Further, when a process for selecting the first source device  310  has been previously made, the processor  103  may control a signal of a previously selected first source device  310  to be output to the intermediation apparatus  200 . 
     Alternatively, the signal of the first source device  310  may be output to the intermediation apparatus  200  in response to a control signal from the intermediation apparatus or the external electronic apparatus, without control from the processor  103  of the electronic apparatus  110 . For example, when the source devices and the electronic apparatuses are connected by the HDMI interface, an image signal may be output from one first source device among the plurality of first source devices  310  to the intermediation apparatus  200  in response to an HDMI CEC control signal without the control from the processor  103  of the electronic apparatus  100 . In this case, the HDMI CEC control signal is generated in the external electronic apparatus in accordance with a second TV user&#39;s selection, and transmitted to the electronic apparatus  110  via the intermediation apparatus  200 . 
     Thus, an image of a source device is transmitted to and displayed on a TV not directly connected to the source device. 
     Meanwhile, the foregoing exemplary embodiment shows that the switching control signal or the source selecting control signal is transmitted between the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200  through the signal input/output unit like an image signal (hereinafter, referred to as the ‘first exemplary embodiment’). However, the present inventive concept is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. For example, the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200  according to a second exemplary embodiment include communicators separately from the signal input/output units, and thus exchange a control signal with each other through the communicator. This exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 8 to 9 . 
     According to the second exemplary embodiment, the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200  include the communicators  104  and  204 , and transmit and receive a control signal for switching or selecting a source through the communicators  104  and  204 . The communicators  104  and  204  may perform wired or wireless communication. Therefore, the communicators  104  and  204  may be achieved by various communication types as well as a connection unit including a connector or terminal for wired connection. For example, the communicators  104  and  204  may be configured to perform one or more communications among Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), a serial port profile (SPP), Zigbee, Infrared communication, radio control, ultra-wide band (UWB), wireless universal serial bus (USB), and near field communication (NFC). The communicators  104  and  204  may be materialized in the form of a device, a S/W module, a circuit, a chip, etc. 
     When the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200  include the communicators  104  and  204 , at least one among the switching control signal of  FIG. 5 , the source selecting control signal of  FIG. 6 , and the source selecting control signal of  FIG. 7  may be transmitted through the communicators  104  and  204 . For example, the switching control signal and the source selecting control signal described as above are generated in the form of not the HDMI CEC signal but a Wi-Fi communication packet and transmitted and received between the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200 . 
     With this, it is possible to overcome the limits to the format or content of the control signal defined in an image signal transmission interface or protocol, and thus increase a degree of freedom in a control signal for the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200  corresponding operations of the apparatuses. 
     Meanwhile, according to an alternative exemplary embodiment, the communicator may be also used in transmitting and receiving an image signal as well as the control signal. That is, the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200  according to a third exemplary embodiment may use the communicators for transmitting and receiving both the image signal and the control signal. This exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
     According to the third exemplary embodiment, the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200  may transmit and receive a control signal for switching or source selection and an image signal to and from each other through the communicators  104  and  204  without the signal input/output units  102  and  203 . That is, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the image signal may be output from the electronic apparatus  100  to the intermediation apparatus  200  and the image signal may be output from the intermediation apparatus  200  to the electronic apparatus  100  through the communicators  104  and  204 . Each of the communicators  104  and  204  may include a first communicator for transmitting and receiving a control signal, and a second communicator for transmitting and receiving an image signal. 
     With this, it is possible to overcome the limits to the format and content of the control signal defined in the image signal transmission interface or protocol, thereby not only increasing a degree of freedom in the control signal and the corresponding operations of the apparatuses but also reducing costs to separately have the signal input/output unit. 
     Meanwhile, the foregoing exemplary embodiment describes that the electronic apparatus  100  and the display apparatus  400  connected to the electronic apparatus  100  are materialized by the apparatuses separated from each other, but the present inventive concept is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. The electronic apparatus  100  according to a fourth exemplary embodiment may include a display  105 , and may further include a user input unit  106 . The fourth exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 12  and  FIG. 13 . 
     The electronic apparatus  100  according to the fourth exemplary embodiment may include the display  105 . Thus, the electronic apparatus  100  is capable of displaying an image based on an image signal received from the first source device or the second source device through the display  105 . The display  105  may for example be materialized by various display types such as liquid crystal, plasma, a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a surface-conduction electron-emitter, a carbon nano-tube, nano-crystal, etc. without limitations. When the type of the display  105  is the liquid crystal, the display  105  includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a backlight unit for emitting light to the LCD panel, a panel driver for driving the LCD panel, etc. Besides, the display  105  may be materialized by a self-emissive OLED panel without the backlight unit. 
     The electronic apparatus  100  according to the fourth exemplary embodiment may further include the user input unit  106 . Thus, the electronic apparatus  100  can select a second source device from which an image signal is received in the electronic apparatus  100  via the intermediation apparatus  200 . The user input unit  106  may be variously achieved in accordance with a user&#39;s input methods. For example, the user input unit  106  may be materialized by a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a touch pad, etc. and may also be materialized by a button installed on an outer side of the electronic apparatus, a remote-control signal receiver for receiving a remote-control signal corresponding to a user&#39;s input received from a remote controller, a camera for capturing a user&#39;s gesture input, a microphone for recognizing a user&#39;s voice input, etc. When the user input unit  106  includes a voice receiver for receiving a user&#39;s voice input, the voice receiver may directly or indirectly receive a voice signal. 
     The voice receiver may include the microphone or the like and directly receive the voice signal. In this case, the voice receiver converts an analog signal corresponding to a user&#39;s received voice command into a digital signal, and transmits the converted digital signal to the processor  103  so that voice recognition operations can be performed through a voice recognition module. 
     The voice receiver may indirectly receive a voice signal through a different apparatus. For example, the voice receiver may receive a voice command through the microphone provided in the remote controller. In this case, the remote controller converts an analog signal corresponding to the voice command received through the microphone into a digital signal, and transmits the converted digital signal to the voice receiver through the communicator or the like. 
     Here, the remote controller may be achieved by a remote controller application installed in a user terminal such as a smartphone, etc. That is, a user installs the remote controller application in the smartphone and remotely controls the electronic apparatus  100 , in which a user&#39;s voice or the like input to the smartphone may be transmitted to the electronic apparatus  100  by the remote controller application. In this case, the smartphone may autonomously have a voice recognition function. 
     Meanwhile, when the voice command is received through the microphone provided in the remote controller, the electronic apparatus  100  may further include a communicator. For example, the remote controller or the smartphone may exchange data with the electronic apparatus  100  and control the electronic apparatus  100  through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared communication or the like communication method, and the electronic apparatus  100  may also include the communicator capable of supporting communication based on at least one of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the infrared communication. When the electronic apparatus  100  is configured to communicate with another apparatus, e.g. a server in addition to the remote controller or the smartphone with the remote controller application, the communicator being in charge of communication with the server may be (e.g. an Ethernet modem) different from or (e.g. a Wi-Fi module) equal to the communicator being in charge of communication with the remote controller or the smartphone. 
     When the user input unit  106  includes the voice receiver for receiving a user&#39;s voice input, the processor  103  may process the voice signal received in the voice receiver. The voice signal may for example be processed and recognized by a voice recognition technique based on dynamic time warping (DTW), a voice recognition technique based on hidden Markov model (HMM), a voice recognition technique based on a rule-based approach, a voice recognition technique based on deep learning using a deep neural network (DNN), etc. 
     The processor  103  may make a received voice signal be transmitted to and processed in a voice recognition server. The voice recognition server may for example be materialized by a speech-to-text (STT) server. When the voice recognition server is materialized by the STT server, the voice recognition server may be a server for performing only the function of the STT server, or may be a server for performing other functions that the function of the STT server. 
     A voice signal transmitted to the voice recognition server is converted into data of a voice command (e.g. a text corresponding to a voice signal) under process of the server. The data of the voice command processed by the voice recognition server may be returned to the processor  103  or transmitted to another server. 
     The processor  103  may use the data obtained by autonomously processing the received video signal or data of the voice command processed in the voice recognition server, thereby performing a corresponding function. While performing the function corresponding to the data obtained by processing the voice signal, the processor  103  may employ the voice recognition server or another server. For example, the processor  103  makes the text corresponding to the voice signal, received in the STT server, be transmitted to and processed in the STT server or another server, and then performs a specific function based on the data processed in and received from the server. 
     The processor  103  may transmit information about the function of the electronic apparatus  100 , which corresponds to the text converted from the voice signal, to the voice recognition server or another server. Therefore, the voice recognition server or another server stores information about functions corresponding to voice recognition results in a storage, and transmits the information to the electronic apparatus  100  so that the corresponding function can be implemented with reference to the stored information when an equivalent voice command is received in the future. 
     Specifically, the electronic apparatus  100  according to the fourth exemplary embodiment may be materialized by the display apparatus. In this case, the display apparatus may include the display  105 ; the device connector  101  to which at least one first source device  310  is connectable; the signal input/output unit  102  which outputs the signal of the first source device  310  to a different display apparatus or receive a signal of at least one second source device  320  connected to the different display apparatus through the intermediation apparatus  200 ; the user input unit  106  which receives a user&#39;s input; and the processor  103  which transmits the information of the first source device  310  to the intermediation apparatus  200 , controls the signal of the first source device  310  to be output through the signal input/output unit  102 , receives the information of the second source device  320  from the intermediation apparatus  200 , receives the signal of the second source device  320  through the signal input/output unit  102  in response to the user&#39;s input based on the received information, and controls the display  105  to display an image based on the received signal. 
     With this, in terms of realizing the present inventive concept, an overall configuration is simplified since there are no needs of separately providing the electronic apparatus and the display apparatus. 
     Meanwhile, the foregoing exemplary embodiment shows that the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200  connected thereto are materialized by apparatuses separated from each other, but the present inventive concept is not limited to this embodiment. That is, the electronic apparatus  100  according to a fifth exemplary embodiment includes a switching unit  202 , and functions as the intermediation apparatus  200  in addition to the function of the electronic apparatus  100 . This exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.  14 . 
     The electronic apparatus  100  according to the fifth exemplary embodiment may include the switching unit  202 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 14 , when the electronic apparatus  100  located in the living room includes the switching unit  202 , the electronic apparatus  100  located in a place other than the living room, for example, the bed room # 1  or the bed room # 2  transmits or receives an image signal and/or a control signal to and from the electronic apparatus  100  located in the living room as connected to the electronic apparatus  100  located in the living room by a wire or wirelessly unlike the foregoing exemplary embodiment where the image signal and/or the control signal is transmitted and received as the electronic apparatus  100  is connected to the separately provided intermediation apparatus  200  by a wire or wirelessly, thereby implementing the functions of the foregoing exemplary embodiment. 
     Specifically, the electronic apparatus  100  according to the fifth exemplary embodiment may be materialized by the display apparatus. In this case, the display apparatus may include the display  105 ; the user input unit  106  which receives a user&#39;s input; the signal input/output unit  102  through which a signal is input and output between the plurality of display apparatuses connectable with at least one source device; and the processor  103  which transmits information of the first source device  310  connected to the first display apparatus among the plurality of display apparatuses to the second display apparatus, controls the signal input/output unit  102  to output the signal of the first source device  310  to the second display apparatus in response to a request of the second display apparatus, controls the signal input/output unit  102  to input the signal of the source device connected to the first display apparatus or the second display apparatus in response to the user&#39;s input based on the information of the first source device  310  or the information of the second source device  320  connected to the second display apparatus, and controls the display  105  to display an image based on the input signal. 
     With this, in terms of realizing the present inventive concept, an overall configuration is simplified since there are no needs of separately providing the intermediation apparatus. 
     Below, operation and use scenarios of the electronic apparatus  100  will be described in more detail according to an exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an example of connection between the switching unit  202  and the signal input/output unit  102 ,  201  of the intermediation apparatus  200  and the electronic apparatus  100  according to one exemplary embodiment. 
     According to this exemplary embodiment, the signal output unit  102   a  of each electronic apparatus  100  is connected to one among the signal input units  201   a  of the intermediation apparatus  200 , and each signal output unit  201   b  of the intermediation apparatus  200  is connected to the signal input unit  102   b  of the electronic apparatus  100 . Further, each signal input unit  201   a  of the intermediation apparatus  200 , connected to the signal output unit  102   a  of each electronic apparatus  100 , is connected to the signal input unit  202   a  of the switching unit  202 . In addition, each signal output unit  201   b  of the intermediation apparatus  200 , connected to the signal input unit  102   b  of each electronic apparatus  100 , is connected to the signal output unit  202   b  of the switching unit  202 . With this, only the switching operation in the switching unit  202  is enough to make a signal output from another electronic apparatus  100  be input to each electronic apparatus  100 , or a signal output from each electronic apparatus  100  be input to another electronic apparatus  100 . Below, for convenience of description, signal input units for inputs from a TV 1   110 , a TV 2   121  and a TV 3   122  to the intermediation apparatus  200  will be respectively called an IN 1 , an IN 2 , and an IN 3 , and signal output units for outputs from the intermediation apparatus  200  to the TV 1   110 , the TV 2   121  and the TV 3   123  will be respectively called an OUT 1 , an OUT 2 , and an OUT 3 .  FIG. 15  shows an example that the switching unit  202  for the switching operation is materialized by a hardware switch. However, the switching unit  202  according to an exemplary embodiment is not limited to the hardware switch, but may be materialized by software as described above. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a detailed configuration of the electronic apparatus  100  according to one exemplary embodiment. In particular,  FIG. 16  shows details of the fourth exemplary embodiment where the electronic apparatus  100  further includes the display  105  and the user input unit  106 . Further, the electronic apparatus  100  of  FIG. 16  also includes a storage  107 . 
     The processor  103  of the electronic apparatus  100  according to one exemplary embodiment may include a source service module  1601 , a user interface (UI) module  1602 , and a remote-control module  1603 . 
     The source service module  1601  updates source information about a first source device or a second source device from which the electronic apparatus  100  can receive an image signal, and processes the source information to be transmittable to the UI module, thereby informing the UI module of the source information. 
     The UI module  1602  makes the source information received from the source service module  1601  be formed as a UI and displayed on the display  105 . The UI module  1602  may also display whether the source device is in use or out of use, and information about the electronic apparatus  100  using the source device when the corresponding source device is in use. 
     The remote-control module  1603  generates a remote-control signal for controlling the source device. The remote-control module may include a key generation module  1603   a  and a blast module  1603   b . When a user makes a remote-control input while using a specific source device, the key generation module  1603   a  may generate a corresponding control key. The blast module  1603   b  transmits a control key, which corresponds to a control key received from an external electronic apparatus  100 , to a source device connected thereto in response to the received control key. Detailed descriptions will be made later. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, the electronic apparatus  100  may further include a storage  107 . 
     Under process and control of the processor  103 , the storage  107  may be configured to store various pieces of data, for example, source information  1604 , UI information  1605 , and remote controller information  1606 . The source information  1604  may include information about a list of first source devices or second source devices from which the electronic apparatus  100  can receive the image signal. The UI information  1605  may include information about an image or the like needed for representing the source information in the form of the UI. The remote controller information  1606  may include keyset information of the remote controller which correspond to the source devices. The source information  1604 , the UI information  1605 , and the remote controller information  1606  may be stored as a separated form or a single database (DB) form. 
     The storage  107  may be accessed by the processor  103  and perform reading, recording, modifying, updating, etc. with regard to the data. The storage  107  may include a flash memory, a hard-disc drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), and the like nonvolatile memory in which data is retained regardless of whether system power is supplied to the display apparatus  100  or not. Further, the storage  107  may include a buffer, a random-access memory (RAM), and the like volatile memory in which data to be processed by the processor  103  is temporarily loaded. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates operations of the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200  when the source device is connected to the electronic apparatus  100  according to one exemplary embodiment. Below, for convenience of description, the electronic apparatuses  100  will be respectively called the TV 1   110 , the TV 2   121 , and the TV 3   123  based on the exemplary embodiment where the electronic apparatus  100  includes the display  105 , and it will be assumed that these electronic apparatuses are respectively located at different places and communicate with each other through a home network. 
     When a new source device is connected to the TV 2   121 , the processor  103  of the TV 2   121  senses the connection (S 1701 ). After sensing the connection, the processor  103  of the TV 2   121  transmits information about the corresponding source device to the intermediation apparatus  200  (S 1702 ). Here, the information about the source device includes information about the electronic apparatus connecting with the corresponding source device in addition to the information for identifying the corresponding source device itself. In a case of  FIG. 17 , the information about the source device includes information about the TV 2   121 . The information about the source device may further include keyset information of the remote controller corresponding to the source device or an image file to be used in displaying the source device on the UI. 
     The intermediation apparatus  200 , which receives information of the source device connected to the TV 2   121  from the TV 2   121 , updates the source information stored in the intermediation apparatus  200  (S 1703 ). Thus, the intermediation apparatus  200  stores information about the electronic apparatuses connected to the intermediation apparatus, and information about the source devices connected to the electronic apparatuses, and keeps the information up to date. 
     Then, the processor  203  of the intermediation apparatus  200  transmits the source information to even other electronic apparatuses, e.g. the TV 1   110  and the TV 3   123  (S 1704 ), storing and keeping an up-to-date list of electronic apparatuses connected to the whole home network and source devices connected to the electronic apparatuses. 
     Each of the TV 1   110  and the TV 3   123 , which receive the source information from the intermediation apparatus  200 , updates the source information (S 1705 ), and notifies that the source information is updated, in accordance with settings (S 1706 ). 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an example of a process that the electronic apparatus  100  updates source information received from the intermediation apparatus  200 ; 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an example of a source information update process performed in the electronic apparatus  100  that receives the source information from the intermediation apparatus  200 . 
     The processor  103  of the electronic apparatus  100 , e.g. the TV 1   110  receives information about the source device from the intermediation apparatus  200  (S 1801 ), and updates the source information, the remote controller information, and the UI information (S 1802 ) in response to the received information. Thus, the TV 1   110  can keep the up-to-date states of the information about source devices connected on a home network, information about the electronic apparatuses directly connecting with the source devices, remote-controller keyset information corresponding to each source device, information needed for representing each source device on a UI, and the like information. In accordance with settings, the processor  103  may notify of the source information update (S 1803 ). 
       FIG. 19  illustrates an example of the electronic apparatus  100 , a display screen of which notifies of the source information update. 
     The processor  103  of the electronic apparatus  100 , which has received the source information from the intermediation apparatus  200  and performed the source information update process, may inform a user that a new source device is connected to one among the electronic apparatuses on the home network, through the display  105 , for example, as shown in  FIG. 19 . With this, a user has a chance to select whether to watch an image of a new source device immediately after the new source device is connected to the home network. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates an example of the source information stored in the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200 . 
     The source information includes information about a list of image source device present in the home network. For example, as shown in  FIG. 20 , the source information includes the names of the source devices, the names of the electronic apparatuses or display apparatuses directly connecting with the source devices, information about whether the source device is directly connected to the electronic apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘local source’) or the source device is not directly connected to the electronic apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘remote source’) in terms of the electronic apparatus currently storing the source information, keyset information about the remote controller corresponding to a current source device, and information about whether the corresponding source device is in use or out of use by the electronic apparatus. However, the configuration and content of the source information are not limited to those of this exemplary embodiment. 
       FIGS. 21 and 22  illustrate examples of a UI that displays a source list. 
     The electronic apparatus  100  displays source information stored therein on the UI. For example, when a user&#39;s input for changing the source device, from which an image signal will be provided, is received through the user input unit  106  of the electronic apparatus  100 , the processor  103  of the electronic apparatus  100  may display a list of sources available on the home network through in the form of a selectable UI. 
     The source information stored in the electronic apparatus  100  includes information about not only the source devices directly connected to the electronic apparatus  100  but also source devices from which image signals are receivable through the intermediation apparatus  200  even though the source devices are not directly connected to the electronic apparatus  100 . Therefore, the processor  103  of the electronic apparatus  100  displays both the source devices directly connected to the electronic apparatus  100  (i.e. the ‘first source devices’) and the source devices that are not directly connected to the electronic apparatus  100  (i.e. the ‘second source device’). In this case, the processor  103  may make the first source devices and the second source devices be displayed distinguishably or indistinguishably from each other. As an example of displaying the first source device and the second source device distinguishably from each other, the processor  103  may use image information to distinguish between the first source device and the second source device. For example, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the first source devices  2101  may be displayed brightly and the second source device  2102  may be displayed darkly to distinguish between them. Alternatively, for example, as shown in  FIG. 22 , the processor  103  may use text information with regard to each second source device, to distinguish between the source devices by representing the locations of the source devices and the locations of the electronic apparatuses, to which the source devices are directly connected, with text information  2201 - 2203 . Further, the processor  103  may display an icon  2110  for indicating a source device, which is in use, in the list of source devices. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates operations of the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200  when one source is selected in the UI on which a source list is displayed. 
     The processor  103  of the TV 1   110  displays a source list UI on the display  105  in response to a user&#39;s input for changing the source device (S 2301 ), and receives a user&#39;s input for selecting a source (S 2302 ). In response to the user&#39;s input for selecting the source, the processor  103  determines whether the selected source is the local source directly connected to the TV 1   110  or the remote source not directly connected to the TV 1   110  on the basis of the source information stored in the storage  107  (S 2303 ). When the selected source device is not the remote source but the local source directly connected to the TV 1   110 , the processor  103  of the TV 1   110  performs control to receive an image signal from the selected source (S 2304 ), and displays an image based on the received image signal on the display  105  (S 2305 ). 
     On the other hand, when the selected source device is the remote source, a switching operation has to be performed to make the image signal of the corresponding source be output to the TV 1   110  via the intermediation apparatus  200  so that the TV 1   110  can receive the image signal of the corresponding source. As an example of the switching operation, the processor  103  according to the first exemplary embodiment transmits a switching control signal to the intermediation apparatus  200  through the signal input/output unit  102  of the TV 1   110 , and controls the switching unit  202  of the intermediation apparatus  200  on the basis of the switching control signal. According to the second exemplary embodiment, the processor  103  transmits the switching control signal to the intermediation apparatus  200  through the communicator  104  and controls the switching unit  202  of the intermediation apparatus  200  on the basis of the switching control signal. Alternatively, the processor  103  of the TV 1   110  may transmits source information selected by a user to the intermediation apparatus  200  (S 2307 ). In this case, the processor  203  of the intermediation apparatus  200  may autonomously generates the switching control signal, which makes the image signal of the corresponding source device be output to the TV 1   110 , from the received information, i.e. the source information selected by a user, thereby controlling the switching unit  202 . For example, when a user of the TV 1   110 , who is watching the image of the source device connected to the TV 1   110 , selects the source device connected to the TV 2   121  on a source list UI in the circumstance where each electronic apparatus and the switching unit are connected by the structure shown in  FIG. 15 , the processor  203  of the intermediation apparatus  200  receives information about the selected source device and switches over from connection between IN 1  and OUT 1  to connection between IN 2  and OUT 1  as shown in  FIG. 24  so that the image signal of the source device connected to the TV 2   121  can be output to the TV 1   110 . 
     After the switching unit is completely controlled according to a user&#39;s selection, the TV 1   110  receives an image signal of the selected source (S 2304 ), and displays an image based on the received image signal through the display  105 . Because use information or the like about the corresponding source device has been changed as the source device selected by a user is used in the TV 1   110 , the processor  203  of the intermediation apparatus  200  updates the source information (S 2308 ), and transmits information about the update to the other electronic apparatuses, i.e. the TV 2   121  and the TV 3   123  so that the source information can be updated in the corresponding electronic apparatuses (S 2309 , S 2310 ). 
       FIG. 25  illustrates operations of the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200  when a user who is watching an image of a source device on the electronic apparatus  100  makes an input for controlling the source device through a remote controller. 
     When a user inputs a control command for controlling a certain source device through the remote controller while the electronic apparatus  100  is displaying an image on a screen of the corresponding source device, the processor  103  of the TV 1   110  receives the input of the remote controller (S 2501 ). Further, the processor  103  generates key data corresponding to a corresponding user input with reference to the remote-controller keyset information corresponding to each individual source device (S 2502 ). 
     The processor  103  determines whether the currently using source is the local source directly connected to the TV 1   110  or the remote source not directly connected to the TV 1   110  on the basis of the source information stored in the storage  107  (S 2503 ). When the currently using source is not the remote source, the selected source device is the local source directly connected to the TV 1   110 , and therefore the processor  103  of the TV 1   110  transmits key data corresponding to the control command issued by the user to the source device so that the source device can be controlled, thereby receiving an image signal output as results of the control (S 2504 ) and displaying an image based on the image signal through the display  105  (S 2505 ). 
     When the currently using source is the remote source, the key data corresponding to the control command issued by the user has to be transmitted to the source device targeted for control. 
     As an example of transmitting the key data corresponding to the control command input by the user to the source device targeted for control, the processor  103  of the TV 1   110  according to the first exemplary embodiment may transmit a control signal corresponding to the key data, e.g. an HDMI CEC signal to an electronic apparatus  121  targeted for control or a source device targeted for control through the signal output unit. Since the electronic apparatus  110  is receiving and displaying an image of the source device targeted for control at that time when the input to the remote controller is made, the electronic apparatus  110  and the source device targeted for control are being connected through the intermediation apparatus  200 . Therefore, the processor  103  of the TV 1   110  may directly transmit the HDMI CEC signal corresponding to the key data to the electronic apparatus  121  targeted for control or the source device targeted for control, thereby controlling the electronic apparatus  121  or the source device. In this case, the source device targeted for control is directly controlled in response to a control signal, and therefore the source device targeted for control is controllable even when an element irrelevant to transmission of the control signal among the display apparatus  400  and the electronic apparatus  121  directly connected to the source device targeted for control, for example, the display  105  is powered off. 
     As another example, when the control signal corresponding to the key data is the HDMI CEC signal in the second exemplary embodiment, it is the same as the foregoing exemplary embodiment except that the signal is transmitted through not the signal input/output unit but the communicator. 
     On the other hand, when the control signal corresponding to the key data is not the HDMI CEC signal, there is a need of generating and transmitting a separate control signal from the TV 2   121  directly connecting with the source device targeted for control to the source device targeted for control. For example, in response to the key data received from the TV 1   110 , the TV 2   121  may blast a remote-control signal so that the remote-control signal can be generated corresponding to the received key data. 
     Meanwhile, when a currently using source is the remote source, and the switching unit  202  of the intermediation apparatus  200  is materialized by a software switch, the intermediation apparatus  200  has to perform a process for determining the electronic apparatus  100  to which the generated key data will be transmitted, because the TV 1   110  and the source device targeted for control are not physically connected even though an image signal is being currently received from the source device targeted for control. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 25 , detailed operations will be described. When the source device targeted for control is determined as the remote source (S 2503 ), the processor  103  of the TV 1   110  transmits information of a currently using source device and key data corresponding to a user control command for the source device to the intermediation apparatus  200  (S 2506 ). Then, the intermediation apparatus  200  determines the electronic apparatus  100 , to which the received key data will be transmitted, on the basis of the received source information (S 2507 ), and transmits the key data to the determined electronic apparatus (S 2508 ). When the key data is transmitted to the determined electronic apparatus, the target electronic apparatus receives the key data and transmits the remote-control signal corresponding to the received key data to the source device targeted for control. For example, the TV 2   121  which receives the key data may blast the remote-control signal to the source device targeted for control (S 2509 ). Through the foregoing processes, when the second source device is controlled by the remote-control signal, the processor  103  of the TV 1   110  receives an image signal controlled under control of the input remote controller (S 2504 ) and displays an image based on the image signal on the display  105  (S 2505 ). 
     Meanwhile, the foregoing exemplary embodiment shows that the TV 1   110 , which has received a remote control input, generates and transmits the keyset data based on a remote-control keyset information corresponding to the source device targeted for control, but the present inventive concept is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. For example, the processor  103  transmits only the information about the key itself of the remote controller input by a user to the electronic apparatus connecting with the source device targeted for control, i.e. to the TV 2   121 , and the processor of the TV 2   121  may generate the key data corresponding to the key with reference to the keyset information to thereby control the source device. 
       FIG. 26  illustrates an example of a scenario that a user uses the electronic apparatuses  100  according to one exemplary embodiment. 
     A user who is in the living room presses a source device switching menu button (for example, an external input switching button or the like) on a TV remote controller while watching an image provided from an STB  310   a  through the TV 1   110  connecting with image source devices such as the STB  310   a  and a VCR  310   b  so that a UI of a source list can be displayed, and then selects a source, i.e. a BDP  311  located in a bed room # 1  from the displayed source list (see (1) in  FIG. 26 ). Thus, a user who is in the living room can watch an image provided from the BDP  311  located in the bed room # 1  through the TV  110  located in the living room. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, the image that has been being displayed can be seen seamlessly even though a user moves to another place. Further, the image can be seen without any loss even though it takes some time during the movement. For example, when a user wants to continuously view the image from the BDP  311  at another place, e.g. the bed room # 1 , the user issues a pause command to the BDP  311  through the remote controller for the TV  110  located in the living room (see (2) in  FIG. 26 ), turns off the TV  110  located in the living room (see (3) in  FIG. 26 ), and moves to the bed room # 1  (see (4) in  FIG. 26 ). Then, a user turns on the TV  121  located in the bed room # 1  through the remote controller for the TV  121  (see (5) in  FIG. 26 ), selects the BDP  311  directly connected to the TV  121  located in the bed room # 1 , and issues a command for resuming the playback of the image (see (6) in  FIG. 26 ). With this, the image of the BDP  311 , which has been being displayed through the TV  110  located in the living room, can be resumed from a paused point through the TV  121  located in the bed room # 1 , and therefore a user can continuously view the image at another place. Although it takes some time during the movement, the image can be seamlessly played back without any loss. 
       FIGS. 27 and 28  illustrate operations of the electronic apparatus  100  and the intermediation apparatus  200  when the electronic apparatus  100  functions in a push mode according to one exemplary embodiment. 
     The push mode refers to a function that an image being played back in one TV is played back in all display apparatuses connected in the home network. Specifically, for example, when a user&#39;s push command is issued to the processor  103  of the TV  123  that plays back an image signal received from a source device (S 2701 ), the processor  103  transmits the received push command to the intermediation apparatus  200  (S 2702 ). The intermediation apparatus  200  receives the push command and controls the switching unit  202  so that an image signal output from the electronic apparatus, i.e. the TV 3   123 , from which the push command is transmitted, and input to the intermediation apparatus  200  can be output to all the electronic apparatuses connected to the intermediation apparatus  200 , for example, so that IN 3  can be connected to all of OUT 1 , OUT 2  and OUT 3  as shown in  FIG. 28 . Therefore, all the electronic apparatuses  100  can receive and display the image signal transmitted from the TV 3   123  through the intermediation apparatus  200  (S 2704  and S 2705 ). Specifically, a broadcast signal among HDMI CEC signals may for example be employed as the push command. 
     With this, an image being played back in one display apparatus can be played back in all the display apparatuses connected to a home network. 
     As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment, a user can control the image source device as if all the image source devices present in home are directly connected to the display apparatus being currently used by the user. 
     Further, according to an exemplary embodiment, it is possible to solve a limit to a spatial layout for the image source devices in an environment where the image source devices are shared. 
     Further, according to an exemplary embodiment, it is possible to share the image source device without a separate hub apparatus for connecting with the image source device or a separate receiver for receiving a signal from the hub apparatus. 
     Although a few exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these exemplary embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.