Abstract: An endoscope system, serving as a double-balloon endoscope system, includes an endoscope apparatus for examinations using an endoscope, a shape detection apparatus used in combination with the endoscope apparatus, and a balloon controller. The shape detection apparatus detects positions of respective points in an insertion section of the endoscope, estimates the shape of the insertion section on the basis of the detected positions, and displays an image representing the modeled shape of the insertion section corresponding to the estimated shape. The balloon controller controls balloons, serving as insertion support units, attached to the endoscope. The shape detection apparatus detects the states of the balloons controlled through the balloon controller and reflects the controlled states of the balloons on an image representing the shape of the insertion section. With this arrangement, the inflation/deflation states of the balloons and the insertion state can be visually confirmed in real time with ease.

Abstract: Comprising a pump for supplying or discharging gas to or from a balloon for fixing attached to a peripheral part of a tip part of an inserting unit of an endoscope; and a control unit for controlling a pressure inside the balloon by operating the pump based on the measured result by measuring a pressure of gas inside the balloon; wherein the control unit has an amount of flow detecting section for detecting the amount of flow of gas sent or drawn to or from the balloon, and controls the amount of flow of gas sent or drawn to or from the balloon by operating the pump based on the detected result by the amount of flow detecting unit.

Abstract: Comprising first and second pumps for supplying or discharging air to or from a balloon for fixing attached to peripheral of a tip part of an overtube for an endoscope being inserted therethrough, after a balloon for fixing attached to a peripheral part of a tip part of an inserting unit of the endoscope and the balloon for fixing attached to the peripheral part of the tip part is attached, a timer counter for detecting a gas sending time or a gas drawing time to or from each of the balloons, and a control unit for controlling a pressure inside each of the balloons by operating the first and second pumps based on a detected result by the timer counter.