What type of company is Evans & Sutherland?

Evans & Sutherland is classified as a private company.

When and where was Evans & Sutherland established?

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

Who were the principal founders of Evans & Sutherland?

The company was founded by David Evans and Ivan Sutherland, both professors from the University of Utah's Computer Science Department.

Where is the headquarters of Evans & Sutherland located?

The headquarters of Evans & Sutherland is situated in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the United States.

What was the reported revenue for Evans & Sutherland in the year 2020?

In 2020, Evans & Sutherland reported a revenue of US$9.359 million.

Which company currently owns Evans & Sutherland?

Evans & Sutherland is currently owned by Cosm.

Approximately how many employees did Evans & Sutherland have in 2020?

In 2020, Evans & Sutherland employed approximately 96 individuals.

What are the primary applications for Evans & Sutherland's current products?

Evans & Sutherland's current products are primarily used in digital projection environments, such as those found in planetariums.

What was the main focus of Evans & Sutherland's simulation business before its sale?

Prior to its sale to Rockwell Collins, Evans & Sutherland's simulation business primarily supplied products for training and simulation purposes to the United States military and large industrial corporations.

What academic positions did David Evans and Ivan Sutherland hold prior to founding Evans & Sutherland?

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

What was the initial objective behind the establishment of Evans & Sutherland?

The company was founded with the goal of producing the necessary hardware to operate the computer graphics systems being developed at the University of Utah.

Can you name three influential figures associated with Evans & Sutherland who later founded major technology companies?

Three notable individuals who were employees or students at Evans & Sutherland and later founded significant companies are Jim Clark, founder of Silicon Graphics; Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar; and John Warnock, founder of Adobe.

How did Evans & Sutherland become involved in the flight simulator industry?

In the early 1970s, Evans & Sutherland acquired General Electric's flight simulator division and entered into a partnership with Rediffusion Simulation, a UK-based flight simulator company, to design and build digital flight simulators.

For what duration was flight simulation the primary market for Evans & Sutherland, and what were these simulators used for?

For approximately three decades, flight simulation was Evans & Sutherland's main market. Their simulators were used for training in critical aviation tasks such as in-flight refueling, carrier landings, AWACS operations, and B52 missions.

What was the purpose and function of the Computer Aided Operations Research Facility (CAORF) project?

The CAORF project, developed for the US Maritime Academy, utilized a sophisticated graphics system with five projectors to simulate the navigation of a ship into and out of New York Harbor, serving as a training tool for ship's pilots.

What types of advanced visual simulation systems were developed following the success of the CAORF project?

The CAORF project paved the way for the development of various other visual simulation systems, including those for operating a NASA Space Shuttle manipulator arm, Enhanced Visual Systems (EVS), submarine periscopes, and space station docking procedures.

What were the defining features of the LDS-1 and Picture System series produced by Evans & Sutherland?

The LDS-1 and Picture System series were characterized by their unique analog vector drawing, also known as calligraphic, color displays. These systems featured depth cueing and possessed the capability to draw large wireframe models, allowing them to be manipulated in real time.

Which industries utilized the Evans & Sutherland LDS-1 and Picture System series, and for what specific purposes?

The LDS-1 and Picture System series found application in the chemistry sector, where pharmaceutical companies used them to visualize complex molecules like enzymes and polynucleotides. Additionally, aerospace companies such as Boeing and McDonnell-Douglas employed these systems for aircraft design.

What significant technological achievement marked the introduction of the Evans & Sutherland Shaded Picture System in 1973?

The Evans & Sutherland Shaded Picture System, introduced in 1973, was groundbreaking as the first commercially available product capable of generating real-time, shaded hidden-line 3D graphics.

What were the primary limitations of the Shaded Picture System when it was first released?

Despite its advanced capabilities, the Shaded Picture System was extremely expensive and could only produce images in black and white with a resolution of 256x256 pixels.

When did the Evans & Sutherland Picture System line conclude, and what technological shift led to its discontinuation?

The Picture System line ended in the late 1980s. Its discontinuation was prompted by the emergence of raster devices on workstations, which could render anti-aliased lines more quickly.

In what year did Evans & Sutherland transition from a private company to a publicly traded one?

Evans & Sutherland became a publicly traded company in 1978, listing its shares on NASDAQ.

What was the purpose of the Digital Theater division established by Evans & Sutherland in the 1980s?

The Digital Theater division was created to supply all-digital projectors designed for producing immersive, large-audience experiences in planetariums, visitor attractions, and similar educational and entertainment venues.

Describe the CDRS system developed by Evans & Sutherland and its eventual fate.

CDRS was a geometric modeling system introduced by Evans & Sutherland in the mid-1980s, offering advanced capabilities for surface design and photo-realistic rendering. This system was acquired by Parametric Technology Corporation in 1995.

For what limited period did Evans & Sutherland venture into the supercomputer market?

Evans & Sutherland operated as a supercomputer vendor for a brief period between 1986 and 1989.

What factors contributed to the limited success of the Evans & Sutherland ES-1 supercomputer?

The ES-1 supercomputer faced challenges because it was released just as the supercomputer market was contracting due to the military cutbacks following the Cold War. Consequently, only a small number of these machines were produced.

What new commercial markets did Evans & Sutherland target in the 1990s with its technological developments?

During the 1990s, Evans & Sutherland aimed to expand into various commercial sectors by developing the Freedom Series graphics engine for workstations, 3D Pro technology for PC graphics cards, and the MindSet virtual set system for the broadcast video industry.

How did Evans & Sutherland contribute to the advancement of arcade game technology in the 1990s?

In 1993, Evans & Sutherland assisted the Japanese arcade giant Namco by providing texture-mapping technology for Namco's System 22 arcade board, which powered the game Ridge Racer.

What significant acquisition did Evans & Sutherland complete in 1998?

In 1998, Evans & Sutherland acquired AccelGraphics Inc., a company that manufactured computer graphics boards, for a sum of $52 million.

What notable achievement did the Digistar 3 system attain after its introduction in 2002?

Following its launch in July 2002, the Digistar 3 system became the world's fastest-selling Digital Theater system, with installations in over 120 fulldome venues globally.

What was the strategic significance of Evans & Sutherland acquiring Spitz Inc. in 2006?

The acquisition of Spitz Inc., a competitor in the planetarium market, in 2006 significantly expanded Evans & Sutherland's market presence, giving them the largest installed base of planetariums worldwide. It also added in-house projection-dome manufacturing capabilities to their offerings.

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

In 2006, Evans & Sutherland divested its simulation business, which had been a core part of the company for many years, selling it to Rockwell Collins.

What significant change in ownership occurred for Evans & Sutherland in February 2020?

On February 10, 2020, it was announced that Elevate Entertainment, subsequently renamed Cosm, would acquire Evans & Sutherland for $1.19 per share, valuing the transaction at $14,500,000.

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

The Evans & Sutherland Picture System, specifically the PS2 model, played a significant role in the 1982 film Tron. The special effects company Robert Abel and Associates used these high-resolution vector graphics machines, connecting them to computer-controlled cameras to capture images directly from the CRT screen.

Describe the contribution of Evans & Sutherland technology to the visual effects in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

Evans & Sutherland's technology was instrumental in creating the Project Genesis simulation sequence for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Employees of the company generated the star fields and tactical bridge displays, filming the output directly from a prototype Digistar system.

Were graphics created by Evans & Sutherland reused in other Star Trek films?

Yes, some of the star fields and other graphical elements created by Evans & Sutherland for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan were subsequently reused in later films, including Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.

How did the television network NBC leverage Evans & Sutherland's technology for its programming?

NBC utilized an Evans & Sutherland Picture System for its promotional campaigns during the 1984-1985 and 1989-1990 television seasons, enhancing their advertising efforts.

What was the specific role of the Shaded Picture System among Evans & Sutherland's terminal products?

The Shaded Picture System held a unique position among the terminal products as it was the first commercially available system capable of rendering real-time, shaded hidden-line 3D graphics.

Which model in the Picture System line was the first to incorporate a raster scan display as its primary output?

The PS/390 Picture System marked a technological advancement by being the first in its line to use a raster scan display as its primary monitor.

What collaborative effort between Evans & Sutherland and Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) is mentioned regarding workstations?

Evans & Sutherland collaborated with DEC to co-develop a graphics accelerator for the VAXstation 8000 workstation.

Name three types of simulation image generators produced by Evans & Sutherland.

Three examples of simulation image generators developed by Evans & Sutherland include the Novoview SP1, the ESIG-3000, and the Harmony system.

What are two examples of simulation display products offered by Evans & Sutherland?

Two simulation display products from Evans & Sutherland are the CSM, which stands for Calligraphic Shadowmask Monitor, and the VistaView head-tracked projector.

What was the initial planetarium product introduced by Evans & Sutherland, and in what year was it launched?

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

List the different generations of the Digistar system mentioned in the text, along with their introduction years.

The Digistar system generations mentioned are Digistar (1983), Digistar II (1995), Digistar 3 (2002), Digistar 4 (2008), Digistar 5 (2012), Digistar 6 (2016), and Digistar 7 (2020).

What was the name of the geometric modeling system developed by Evans & Sutherland, and who eventually acquired it?

The geometric modeling system developed by Evans & Sutherland was called CDRS. It was acquired by Parametric Technology Corporation in 1995.

What was the model designation for the supercomputer produced by Evans & Sutherland?

The supercomputer model produced by Evans & Sutherland was designated as the ES-1.

What does the provided image caption identify regarding the first logo mark of Evans & Sutherland?

The image caption identifies the first logo mark that was used by Evans & Sutherland.

What does the image caption describe concerning a planetarium projector?

The image caption describes the fisheye lens of an Evans & Sutherland planetarium projector located in the Plovdiv Regional Natural History Museum in Plovdiv, taken in January 2016.

What is the official website address for Evans & Sutherland?

The official website for Evans & Sutherland can be accessed at www.es.com.

According to the navigation box, who are two key individuals associated with Evans & Sutherland?

According to the navigation box, two key individuals associated with Evans & Sutherland are David C. Evans and Ivan Sutherland.

Based on the navigation box, name three products developed by Evans & Sutherland.

Three products developed by Evans & Sutherland, as listed in the navigation box, are Digistar II, Evans & Sutherland ES-1, and LDS-1 (Line Drawing System-1).

Evans Sutherland Wiki: Evans & Sutherland: Architects of the Digital Frontier

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Company Overview

Genesis

Evans & Sutherland (E&S) was established in 1968 by David Evans and Ivan Sutherland, esteemed professors at the University of Utah. They were instrumental pioneers in the field of computer graphics, founding the company to commercialize the groundbreaking technologies developed within the university's Computer Science Department.

Foundation & Location

The company's origins trace back to a humble barracks on the University of Utah grounds. It later found its home within the University of Utah Research Park in Salt Lake City, Utah, which remains its headquarters.

Visionary Team

E&S attracted and nurtured exceptional talent. Many of its early employees went on to found or significantly contribute to industry-defining companies, including Jim Clark (Silicon Graphics), Ed Catmull (Pixar), and John Warnock (Adobe).

A Legacy Forged in Innovation

Early Innovations (1960s-1970s)

Founded by computer graphics pioneers David Evans and Ivan Sutherland, E&S initially focused on developing hardware to support the university's advanced graphics research. The company's early work laid the foundation for real-time computer graphics.

Simulation Dominance (1970s-1980s)

E&S acquired General Electric's flight simulator division, becoming a major player in military and commercial simulation. They delivered sophisticated digital flight simulators for critical training applications, including in-flight refueling and carrier landings. The CAORF project for the US Maritime Academy demonstrated advanced ship navigation simulation.

Visualizing the Impossible (1970s-1980s)

The company introduced groundbreaking display systems like the LDS-1 and the Picture System series, capable of drawing and manipulating large wireframe models in real-time. In 1973, the Shaded Picture System became the first commercially available product for real-time, shaded, hidden-line 3D graphics, albeit at a high cost and resolution.

Expanding Horizons (1980s-1990s)

E&S ventured into digital theater with its Digistar projectors for planetariums and immersive experiences. They also developed the CDRS geometric modeling system for automotive design and briefly entered the supercomputer market with the ES-1. The 1990s saw expansion into commercial graphics markets with the Freedom Series and 3D Pro technologies.

Evolution and Acquisition (2000s-Present)

The company achieved significant success with its Digistar 3 planetarium system. In 2006, E&S sold its core simulation business to Rockwell Collins. In 2020, the company was acquired by Elevate Entertainment, later renamed Cosm, continuing its focus on digital display technologies.

Technological Milestones

Terminals & Displays

E&S developed pioneering display technologies that defined early computer graphics:

LDS-1 (Line Drawing System-1)
LDS-2
Picture System series (PS1, PS2)
Shaded Picture System (first real-time shaded 3D)
PS/300 and PS/390 Picture Systems

Workstations & Accelerators

Collaborations and proprietary hardware extended E&S's reach:

VAXstation 8000 (co-developed with DEC)
ESV/3, ESV/10, ESV/50 Workstations
Freedom Series Graphics Accelerators

Simulation Systems

Core to E&S's business, these systems powered critical training and research:

Image Generators (Novoview SP1/SP2, SPX, CT5, ESIG series, Harmony, EPX)
Display Products (CSM, VistaView, TargetView, ESCP)

Planetarium Systems

E&S became a leader in immersive astronomical visualization:

Digistar (1983)
Digistar II (1995)
Digistar 3 (2002)
Digistar 4 (2008)
Digistar 5 (2012)
Digistar 6 (2016)
Digistar 7 (2020)

Modeling & Computing

Advanced systems for design and computation:

CDRS (Geometric Modeling System)
ES-1 (Supercomputer)

Shaping Industries and Inspiring Futures

Hollywood's Digital Canvas

E&S technology played a crucial role in early digital visual effects. The Picture System (PS2) was famously used in the groundbreaking 1982 film Tron. Their systems also contributed to iconic science fiction visuals, including the Project Genesis sequence in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and promotional campaigns for NBC.

Architects of Giants

The company served as a fertile ground for future industry leaders. Notable alumni include:

Jim Clark, founder of Silicon Graphics (SGI).
Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios.
John Warnock, founder of Adobe Systems.

Their contributions underscore E&S's foundational role in the digital revolution.

Enduring Influence

Evans & Sutherland's innovations in real-time rendering, simulation, and immersive display technologies have left an indelible mark on industries ranging from aerospace and defense to entertainment and education. Their work continues to influence the development of virtual and augmented reality.

Company Details

Financials & Structure

As of recent reporting:

Company Type: Private
Headquarters: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Revenue: Approximately US$9.359 million (2020)
Employees: Around 96 (2020)
Owner: Cosm (formerly Elevate Entertainment)

Official Presence

The company maintains its official presence online:

Website: www.es.com

This platform serves as the primary source for current information regarding their products and services.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Evans & Sutherland Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data, primarily from Wikipedia, and may not be entirely comprehensive, accurate, or up-to-date. The AI has strived to maintain the factual integrity based on the provided source material.

This is not professional advice. The information presented here is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding technology history, computer graphics, simulation engineering, or business strategy. Always consult official documentation and qualified experts for specific applications or historical verification.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. Users are encouraged to cross-reference information with primary sources.

Evans & Sutherland: Architects of the Digital Frontier

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Company Overview 🏢

🚀 Genesis

📍 Foundation & Location

👥 Visionary Team

A Legacy Forged in Innovation ⏳

💡 Early Innovations (1960s-1970s)

✈️ Simulation Dominance (1970s-1980s)

🌌 Visualizing the Impossible (1970s-1980s)

✨ Expanding Horizons (1980s-1990s)

🤝 Evolution and Acquisition (2000s-Present)

Technological Milestones ⚙️

🖥️ Terminals & Displays

💻 Workstations & Accelerators

🚀 Simulation Systems

⭐ Planetarium Systems

📐 Modeling & Computing

Shaping Industries and Inspiring Futures 🌟

🎬 Hollywood's Digital Canvas

🎓 Architects of Giants

🌐 Enduring Influence

Company Details ℹ️

📊 Financials & Structure

🔗 Official Presence

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Company Overview

Genesis

Foundation & Location

Visionary Team

A Legacy Forged in Innovation

Early Innovations (1960s-1970s)

Simulation Dominance (1970s-1980s)

Visualizing the Impossible (1970s-1980s)

Expanding Horizons (1980s-1990s)

Evolution and Acquisition (2000s-Present)

Technological Milestones

Terminals & Displays

Workstations & Accelerators

Simulation Systems

Planetarium Systems

Modeling & Computing

Shaping Industries and Inspiring Futures

Hollywood's Digital Canvas

Architects of Giants

Enduring Influence

Company Details

Financials & Structure

Official Presence

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice