PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope system and a method for displaying endoscope images, capable of automatically switching between an image for screening and an image for detailed diagnosis.SOLUTION: A distance of observation between an observation region on a subject and a distal end of a scope is obtained by an observation distance calculation section. In a far-view state in which the obtained observation distance is equal to or more than a given value, a first special light image 100 formed by combining an overall bright normal light image with a first blue-enhanced image in which blood vessels of an observation target and their structures are enhanced is displayed on a display device 14. On the contrary, in a near-view state in which the observation distance is not more than the given value, an oxygen saturation level image 101 representing the oxygen saturation level of blood hemoglobin by imaging is displayed on the display device 14.COPYRIGHT: (C)2013,JPO&INPIT【課題】スクリーニング用画像と詳細診断用画像とを自動で切り替える。【解決手段】被検体上の観察領域とスコープ先端部との間の観察距離は、観察距離算出部によって求められる。求めた観察距離が一定値以上の遠景状態においては、全体的に明るい通常光画像上に、観察対象の血管及び構造を明瞭化した第1青色強調画像を合成した第1特殊光画像100を表示装置14に表示する。一方、観察距離が一定値未満の近景状態においては、血中ヘモグロビンの酸素飽和度を画像化した酸素飽和度画像101を表示装置14に表示する。【選択図】図16
