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Study Guide: Evans & Sutherland: A Legacy in Computer Graphics and Simulation

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Evans & Sutherland: A Legacy in Computer Graphics and Simulation Study Guide

Founding and Early Innovations (1968-1980s)

David Evans and Ivan Sutherland, founders of Evans & Sutherland, were colleagues at IBM before starting the company.

Answer: False

Explanation: Prior to co-founding Evans & Sutherland, David Evans and Ivan Sutherland were professors in the Computer Science Department at the University of Utah.

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The foundational objective for establishing Evans & Sutherland was the development of hardware to support the advanced computer graphics systems being pioneered at the University of Utah.

Answer: True

Explanation: Evans & Sutherland was founded with the explicit aim of manufacturing the requisite hardware for the sophisticated computer graphics systems under development at the University of Utah.

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In which geographical location, specifically city and state, was Evans & Sutherland established?

Answer: Salt Lake City, Utah

Explanation: Evans & Sutherland was founded in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1968.

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Who are identified as the principal founders of Evans & Sutherland?

Answer: David Evans and Ivan Sutherland

Explanation: David Evans and Ivan Sutherland, both professors at the University of Utah, are identified as the principal founders of Evans & Sutherland.

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What was the primary objective that motivated the establishment of Evans & Sutherland?

Answer: To produce hardware for computer graphics systems developed at the University of Utah.

Explanation: The initial objective was to develop and produce the necessary hardware for the computer graphics systems being created at the University of Utah.

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Pioneering Graphics Hardware and Systems (1970s-1980s)

The LDS-1 and Picture System series featured color displays and were used for visualizing complex molecules and aircraft design.

Answer: True

Explanation: The LDS-1 and Picture System series utilized advanced displays, including color capabilities in later models, for applications such as molecular visualization in chemistry and design in aerospace.

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Introduced in 1973, the Shaded Picture System was the first commercial product capable of real-time, shaded hidden-line 3D graphics.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Shaded Picture System's introduction in 1973 marked a pivotal moment in computer graphics by enabling real-time rendering of shaded, hidden-line 3D imagery.

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The early Shaded Picture System was inexpensive and offered high-resolution color output.

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial Shaded Picture System was characterized by its high cost, limited resolution (256x256 pixels), and black and white output.

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The Picture System line ended in the early 1990s due to the rise of advanced vector displays.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Picture System line concluded in the late 1980s, primarily due to the emergence of raster devices on workstations, not advanced vector displays.

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The Evans & Sutherland PS/390 Picture System was the first in its line to primarily use a vector display.

Answer: False

Explanation: The PS/390 Picture System was the first in its line to primarily utilize a raster scan display, not a vector display.

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Evans & Sutherland collaborated with Microsoft to develop graphics accelerators for workstations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Evans & Sutherland collaborated with Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) to develop graphics accelerators for workstations, not Microsoft.

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Which Evans & Sutherland product line was characterized by analog vector drawing, depth cueing, and the real-time manipulation of extensive wireframe models?

Answer: LDS-1 and Picture System series

Explanation: The LDS-1 and Picture System series were known for their analog vector graphics capabilities, depth cueing, and real-time manipulation of large wireframe models.

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What groundbreaking capability did the Evans & Sutherland Shaded Picture System introduce upon its release in 1973?

Answer: Real-time, shaded hidden-line 3D graphics

Explanation: In 1973, the Shaded Picture System introduced the capability for real-time, shaded hidden-line 3D graphics, a significant advancement for commercial products.

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What were the primary limitations of the Shaded Picture System at the time of its initial release?

Answer: Low resolution and black and white output

Explanation: The initial Shaded Picture System was constrained by its high cost, limited resolution (256x256 pixels), and black and white output.

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The discontinuation of the Picture System line in the late 1980s was primarily attributed to the ascendance of which technology?

Answer: Raster devices on workstations

Explanation: The rise of raster devices on workstations, which offered improved performance and cost-effectiveness, led to the discontinuation of the Picture System line.

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What technological shift was the primary driver for the discontinuation of the Evans & Sutherland Picture System line?

Answer: The emergence of raster devices on workstations.

Explanation: The emergence of raster devices on workstations, offering improved performance and cost-effectiveness, led to the discontinuation of the Picture System line.

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Which Evans & Sutherland system marked the first in its product line to predominantly utilize a raster scan display?

Answer: PS/390 Picture System

Explanation: The PS/390 Picture System was the first in the Picture System line to primarily employ a raster scan display.

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With which company did Evans & Sutherland collaborate on the development of a graphics accelerator for the VAXstation 8000?

Answer: Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC)

Explanation: Evans & Sutherland collaborated with Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) to develop a graphics accelerator for the VAXstation 8000.

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Simulation Technologies and Applications (1970s-Present)

Before being sold to Rockwell Collins, Evans & Sutherland's simulation division mainly served the United States military and large industrial clients.

Answer: True

Explanation: The simulation business of Evans & Sutherland, before its divestiture to Rockwell Collins, was a key supplier for training and simulation needs within the U.S. military and large industrial sectors.

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Evans & Sutherland entered the flight simulator industry by acquiring a division from General Electric.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the early 1970s, Evans & Sutherland acquired General Electric's flight simulator division, marking its entry into this specialized market.

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Flight simulation was Evans & Sutherland's primary market for over 50 years.

Answer: False

Explanation: Flight simulation served as Evans & Sutherland's primary market for approximately three decades, not over 50 years.

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The CAORF project involved simulating the navigation of a cargo ship using a simple graphics system.

Answer: False

Explanation: The CAORF project simulated the navigation of a ship, but it utilized a sophisticated graphics system, not a simple one.

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Prior to its sale, for which primary sectors did Evans & Sutherland's simulation business supply its products?

Answer: The United States military and large industrial corporations

Explanation: Before its divestiture, Evans & Sutherland's simulation division predominantly served the United States military and large industrial corporations.

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Through what means did Evans & Sutherland initially establish its presence in the flight simulator industry?

Answer: By acquiring General Electric's flight simulator division.

Explanation: Evans & Sutherland entered the flight simulator industry by acquiring the flight simulator division of General Electric.

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For approximately what duration did flight simulation constitute the primary market for Evans & Sutherland?

Answer: 30 years

Explanation: Flight simulation served as Evans & Sutherland's main market for approximately three decades.

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What was the specific function of the CAORF project, developed in collaboration with the US Maritime Academy?

Answer: To train ship's pilots in navigation using a visual simulation.

Explanation: The CAORF project's function was to simulate ship navigation, enabling training for pilots in complex harbor approaches.

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Which of the following is listed as a simulation image generator developed by Evans & Sutherland?

Answer: Harmony system

Explanation: The Harmony system is listed as a simulation image generator produced by Evans & Sutherland.

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Diversification and Market Expansion (1980s-1990s)

The CDRS geometric modeling system was developed by Evans & Sutherland and later acquired by Adobe.

Answer: False

Explanation: The CDRS geometric modeling system, developed by Evans & Sutherland, was acquired by Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC), not Adobe.

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Evans & Sutherland was a significant player in the supercomputer market for over a decade.

Answer: False

Explanation: Evans & Sutherland's involvement in the supercomputer market was brief, lasting only a few years, not over a decade.

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The limited success of the Evans & Sutherland ES-1 supercomputer was partly due to military cutbacks following the Cold War.

Answer: True

Explanation: The ES-1 supercomputer faced challenges due to its release coinciding with a downturn in the supercomputing market, exacerbated by reduced military spending after the Cold War.

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In the 1990s, Evans & Sutherland focused on developing technology for the broadcast video industry, such as the MindSet virtual set system.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1990s saw Evans & Sutherland expand its technological reach into sectors such as broadcast video, exemplified by the development of the MindSet virtual set system.

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Evans & Sutherland provided texture-mapping technology for Sega's arcade boards in the 1990s.

Answer: False

Explanation: Evans & Sutherland provided texture-mapping technology to Namco for its arcade boards in the 1990s, not Sega.

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In 1995, which company acquired the CDRS geometric modeling system from Evans & Sutherland?

Answer: Parametric Technology Corporation

Explanation: Parametric Technology Corporation acquired the CDRS geometric modeling system from Evans & Sutherland in 1995.

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Between 1986 and 1989, Evans & Sutherland briefly entered which specific market?

Answer: Supercomputers

Explanation: Evans & Sutherland briefly entered the supercomputer market during the period of 1986 to 1989.

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What factor significantly contributed to the limited commercial success of the Evans & Sutherland ES-1 supercomputer?

Answer: Release during a contraction in the supercomputer market due to military cutbacks.

Explanation: The limited success of the ES-1 supercomputer was significantly influenced by the contraction of the supercomputer market following the end of the Cold War, leading to military cutbacks.

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In 1993, which specific technology did Evans & Sutherland provide to Namco for its arcade boards?

Answer: Texture-mapping technology

Explanation: In 1993, Evans & Sutherland provided texture-mapping technology to Namco for its System 22 arcade board, utilized in games like Ridge Racer.

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Digital Theater and Planetarium Systems (1980s-Present)

Evans & Sutherland primarily focused on digital projection environments like planetariums from its very beginning in 1968.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Evans & Sutherland is known for its digital theater systems today, its initial focus was on computer graphics hardware. The development of its Digital Theater division and planetarium products began in the 1980s.

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Evans & Sutherland established a Digital Theater division in the 1980s to create projectors for planetariums.

Answer: True

Explanation: The creation of the Digital Theater division in the 1980s signaled Evans & Sutherland's strategic expansion into immersive projection technologies for educational and entertainment purposes.

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The Digistar 3 system, launched in 2002, became the world's best-selling Digital Theater system.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Digistar 3 system's success post-2002 led to its designation as the fastest-selling Digital Theater system globally, with numerous installations in fulldome venues.

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The Digistar planetarium system was first introduced in 1983.

Answer: True

Explanation: The launch of the Digistar system in 1983 marked Evans & Sutherland's significant entry into the planetarium projection market.

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What was the principal purpose of the Digital Theater division established by Evans & Sutherland?

Answer: To supply all-digital projectors for planetariums and similar venues.

Explanation: The Digital Theater division was established to supply all-digital projectors for planetariums and similar immersive venues.

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What was the name of the initial planetarium product launched by Evans & Sutherland?

Answer: Digistar

Explanation: The first planetarium product introduced by Evans & Sutherland was the Digistar, launched in 1983.

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According to the provided information, which generation of the Digistar system was introduced in 2008?

Answer: Digistar 4

Explanation: The Digistar 4 generation of the system was introduced in 2008.

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Corporate Evolution and Acquisitions (1978-Present)

Evans & Sutherland was originally established as a publicly traded company on NASDAQ in 1968.

Answer: False

Explanation: The company was founded in 1968 but became publicly traded on NASDAQ in 1978.

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Cosm is the current owner of Evans & Sutherland.

Answer: True

Explanation: Evans & Sutherland was acquired by Elevate Entertainment, subsequently renamed Cosm, in February 2020.

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Evans & Sutherland acquired AccelGraphics Inc. in 1998 for $52 million.

Answer: True

Explanation: The acquisition of AccelGraphics Inc. in 1998 for $52 million was a significant move by Evans & Sutherland to bolster its graphics hardware capabilities.

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Acquiring Spitz Inc. in 2006 allowed Evans & Sutherland to gain in-house manufacturing capabilities for projection domes.

Answer: True

Explanation: By acquiring Spitz Inc., Evans & Sutherland not only expanded its market reach but also integrated essential in-house manufacturing for projection domes, strengthening its vertical integration.

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In 2006, Evans & Sutherland sold its planetarium division to Rockwell Collins.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2006, Evans & Sutherland sold its simulation business, not its planetarium division, to Rockwell Collins.

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Which corporate entity currently holds ownership of Evans & Sutherland?

Answer: Cosm

Explanation: Cosm, formerly known as Elevate Entertainment, is the current owner of Evans & Sutherland.

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In what year did Evans & Sutherland transition from its status as a private company to a publicly traded entity?

Answer: 1978

Explanation: Evans & Sutherland became a publicly traded company in 1978, with its shares listed on NASDAQ.

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What was the financial valuation of the acquisition of AccelGraphics Inc. by Evans & Sutherland in 1998?

Answer: $52 million

Explanation: Evans & Sutherland acquired AccelGraphics Inc. in 1998 for $52 million.

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What strategic advantage did the acquisition of Spitz Inc. provide to Evans & Sutherland in 2006?

Answer: Expansion of market presence and addition of in-house dome manufacturing.

Explanation: The acquisition of Spitz Inc. in 2006 expanded Evans & Sutherland's market presence and provided in-house manufacturing capabilities for projection domes.

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Which division of Evans & Sutherland was divested to Rockwell Collins in 2006?

Answer: Simulation business

Explanation: In 2006, Evans & Sutherland divested its simulation business, a core component of the company for many years, selling it to Rockwell Collins.

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The acquisition of Evans & Sutherland by Elevate Entertainment (subsequently renamed Cosm) in February 2020 was valued at approximately:

Answer: $14,500,000

Explanation: The acquisition by Elevate Entertainment (Cosm) in February 2020 was valued at approximately $14,500,000.

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Key Projects and Industry Impact

Jim Clark, Ed Catmull, and John Warnock are individuals who founded Evans & Sutherland.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Jim Clark, Ed Catmull, and John Warnock have significant ties to the computer graphics industry and Evans & Sutherland's legacy, the company was founded by David Evans and Ivan Sutherland.

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The film Tron (1982) utilized the Evans & Sutherland Picture System PS2 for its special effects.

Answer: True

Explanation: The visual effects for the movie Tron were created using the Evans & Sutherland Picture System PS2, capturing images directly from its CRT output.

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Graphics created by Evans & Sutherland for Star Trek II were also reused in Star Trek IV.

Answer: False

Explanation: Graphical elements created by Evans & Sutherland for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan were reused in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, not Star Trek IV.

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Which individual, associated with Evans & Sutherland, subsequently co-founded Pixar Animation Studios?

Answer: Ed Catmull

Explanation: Ed Catmull, who had associations with Evans & Sutherland, later became a co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios.

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How was the Evans & Sutherland Picture System utilized in the production of the 1982 film Tron?

Answer: To create wireframe models filmed directly from the CRT screen.

Explanation: The Evans & Sutherland Picture System was used to generate wireframe models that were filmed directly from the CRT screen for the special effects in Tron.

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What specific visual effects sequence in 'Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan' heavily utilized Evans & Sutherland's technology?

Answer: The Project Genesis simulation

Explanation: The Project Genesis simulation sequence in 'Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan' heavily relied on Evans & Sutherland's technology for its visual effects.

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Which major television network utilized an Evans & Sutherland Picture System for its promotional campaigns during the 1984-1985 and 1989-1990 seasons?

Answer: NBC

Explanation: NBC utilized an Evans & Sutherland Picture System for its promotional campaigns during the specified television seasons.

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General Company Information

Evans & Sutherland's headquarters have always been located in California since its inception.

Answer: False

Explanation: The company was founded and has maintained its headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, since its establishment in 1968.

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In 2020, Evans & Sutherland reported a revenue exceeding $10 million.

Answer: False

Explanation: The reported revenue for Evans & Sutherland in 2020 was US$9.359 million, falling short of the $10 million threshold.

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Based on the provided information, what was the classification of Evans & Sutherland's corporate structure?

Answer: A private company.

Explanation: Evans & Sutherland operated primarily as a private company for much of its history, though it later became publicly traded.

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In the year 2020, what was the approximate number of individuals employed by Evans & Sutherland?

Answer: Around 96 employees

Explanation: In 2020, Evans & Sutherland employed approximately 96 individuals.

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What is the official website address for Evans & Sutherland?

Answer: www.es.com

Explanation: The official website for Evans & Sutherland is accessible at www.es.com.

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