The group-theoretical technique for generating stationary axisymmetric gravitational fields is approached by means of the prolongation structure theory for soliton systems. An sp(2)× structure is obtained via solving the fundamental equation for prolongation structures and the F-equation for Kinnersley-Chitre's generating function is naturally introduced as an inverse scattering equation. A homogeneous Hilbert problem (HHP) associated with the Geroch group K and a corresponding linear singular integral equation are derived based upon a general condition satisfied by the auto-Bäcklund transformations in the sense of prolongation structure theory.