United States District Court - Evidence Presentation System

The evidence presentation system was designed to promote and enhance the presentation and dissemination of exhibits and evidence in the courtroom.

This system allows for the use of many forms of media as input and displays this media throughout the courtroom on flat panel LCD monitors. Also, large screen monitors can be set up to provide for increased "viewability" to the gallery.

Examples of media input would be: documents, video tape, photographs, video conferencing, X-rays, Computer based presentation software, Transparent or translucent media and 3-D Objects.

	The focal point of the evidence presentation system is the podium. The podium contains a recessed monitor for viewing the source media as well as the Elmo document camera and touch screen monitor.
	The Elmo document camera is capable of displaying documents, X-rays, 3-D objects, photographs, slides and overhead transparencies. By simply placing a document or object on the Elmo platform, the image is displayed throughout the courtroom.
	The podium based 15" touch screen monitor allows for “mark-up” augmentation to the media being presented. By applying the flesh part of a finger to the monitor surface, the user is capable of drawing freeform lines or applying an assortment of arrows or crosshairs that are super imposed on the display.
	There is also a touch screen monitor at the witness stand. This monitor is identical in size and functionality to the one at the podium.
	The podium contains a user operated video source selector. This allows the user to switch between several system inputs such as the document camera, VCR, laptop computer (at the podium) and auxiliary (for additional electronic inputs that may be used in the future).
	The podium also contains a DVD/VCR. The DVD portion of the player features DVD, DVD+RW/+R, DVD-RW/-R (Video Mode), CD, SVCD,VCD, CD-R/RW and MP3 Playback. There is a remote for the DVD/VCR that can be operated from either counsel table. The podium also houses the electronic components that gather and disseminate the media throughout the courtroom.
	Images are displayed throughout the courtroom via 19" flat panel LCD monitors. There are a total of 12 LCD monitors: 1 each for the judge, court reporter, courtroom deputy, law clerk / probation officer, plaintiff counsel and witness; 2 monitors for the defense counsel and 4 monitors for the jury.
	The judge and/or courtroom deputy control who may view the media via desktop control units. These control units allow for the specific control of both input and output to the system. For example, the judge may only allow the podium and counsel to view an image until admitted. Once admitted, the witness and jury would then be allowed to view the image.
	Also, the system allows for input from each counsel table. This enables counsel to use a laptop computer as an input into the system. With this option, counsel would be able to use their own application software to present information in the courtroom.