Endoscope system, and image processing apparatus and image processing method used in endoscope system

An image processing method using an endoscope system and an external image processing apparatus, the image processing method comprising:

• performing, by the endoscope system, image processing on an inputted image, the image processing including diagnostic process;
• performing, by the endoscope system, selection processing to select and transmit the inputted image to the external image processing apparatus
• performing, by the external image processing apparatus, at least one of a detection of a lesion candidate or a differentiation of the lesion candidate;
• and
• receiving, by the endoscope system, a processing result of the diagnostic process by the external image processing apparatus.

An image processing apparatus for use with an endoscope system, the image processing apparatus comprising:

• at least one processor configured to perform a first image processing on an inputted image, the image processing including diagnostic process and to perform selection processing to select and transmit the inputted image to an external image processing apparatus which processes a second process different from the first image process;
• and
• an interface configured to receive a processing result of the second image process including diagnostic process by the external image processing apparatus, wherein
• the external image processing apparatus is configured to perform at least one of a detection of a lesion candidate or a differentiation of the lesion candidate.