Expert system for zoom lens design

An expert system for zoom lens design is developed. The Gaussian parameters of the zoom system are optimized using the damped-least-squares method to achieve smooth zoom cam curves, with the F-number of each lens group in the zoom system constrained to a rational value. Then each lens group is selected automatically from a database according to its range of F-number, field of view and magnification ratio as it is used in the zoom system. Design examples are given, which show that the scheme is a practical way for the automatic determination of initial layout for zoom lens design.