PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To determine whether an insertion section of an endoscope apparatus is inside or outside of a subject to be observed with few errors.SOLUTION: The endoscope apparatus is for observing the inside of the subject to be observed by inserting the insertion section 14 into the space inside the subject. The insertion section 14 detects the temperature of the surface of an object inside or outside of the subject disposed in the space surrounding the insertion section 14, and outputs a detection signal. A temperature sensor group is provided which is composed of a plurality of temperature sensors 36 which output detection signals. The endoscope apparatus further includes a determination circuit 26, disposed in a body 12 of the endoscope apparatus, for determining whether the insertion section 14 is inside or outside of the subject based on the detection signals inputted from the plurality of temperature sensors 36.COPYRIGHT: (C)2013,JPO&INPIT【課題】内視鏡装置の挿入部が観察対象物の内部にあるのか外部にあるのかを、誤判断少なく、判断できるようにすること。【解決手段】挿入部14を観察対象物の内部の空間に挿入し、観察対象物の内面を観察する内視鏡装置において、挿入部14は、該挿入部14を取り囲む空間内に配置された該観察対象物内外の物体の表面の温度を検出して、検出信号を出力する、複数の温度センサ36により構成された温度センサ群を設けると共に、該内視鏡装置の本体12に、それら複数の温度センサ36から入力された検出信号に基づいて、挿入部14が観察対象物の内部にあるか外部であるかを判断する判断回路26を設ける。【選択図】図1
