A shape of endoscope detecting apparatus in accordance with the present
invention consists mainly of a shape detection unit, a marker, a location
information of marker acquisition unit, and a display control unit. The
shape detection unit detects the shape of a portion of an insertion unit
of an endoscope inserted into a subject, and produces graphic data
expressing the shape thereof. The marker is placed near a position on the
subject at which the endoscope is inserted. The location information of
marker acquisition unit acquires the location information of the marker.
The display control unit graphically indicates on a display device the
shape of the portion inserted into a body cavity, which is detected by
the shape detection unit, using as a reference the location information
of the marker acquired by the location information of marker acquisition
unit.