OSLO includes a pictorial database facility that allows you to search stock lens databases efficiently. You can sort by focal length, diameter, and part number. You can limit the search range by focal length and lens diameter. Once you select an element, OSLO enters it into Surface Data Spreadsheet ready for use.

The Catalog Lens Database facility can be accessed using the File >> New command and selecting the Open catalog option, or from the Edit menu using the Insert Catalog Lens option. In the first case, OSLO opens a new lens file for the element selected from the database. In the second case, OSLO merges a catalog element into the current Surface Data Spreadsheet, in front of the selected row.

Sort controls ¾ These allow you to sort the database in several different ways. The three Lens Types option buttons determine what type of lens to include in the list. The three Sort By option buttons determine which lens parameter to use as an index. The elements are sorted and displayed in a list according to this parameter.

Range controls ¾ These allow you to restrict the range of the elements that appear on the list. For example, if you set the central effective focal length (Efl) parameter to 50 mm, and the +/- Range parameter to 10 mm, then only lenses with Efls between 40 mm and 60 mm appear on the list. The central diameter (Central Dia.) can further restrict the list.

List ¾ Once you have established a restricted list, you can scroll through it using the scroll bar or arrow keys. Each element includes a drawing, so you can see its form. The message area provides additional information about the element.

Selecting a part ¾ To choose an element, double-click on its parameter in the list, or select it and click OK. If you know the part number of the element you need, you can also enter it manually in the Part Name cell. The element is then called to the list, regardless of the sort and range criteria.

When an element from the database is entered on the Surface data spreadsheet, its surfaces are set up as a type called "group." All its radii, thicknesses, and glasses are marked "fixed" so they cannot be inadvertently changed. If you want to remove this constraint, you can "ungroup" the element using the radius button next to the part number in the surface data spreadsheet.

Changing catalog databases ¾ OSLO contains several separate lens databases covering a wide range of components from various suppliers. The name of the current database is displayed in the Catalog Lens Database window title bar. Select the Catalog cell to call up an options list of the available catalog databases.

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