A reconfigurable backlighting construction for use in
portable computer-based systems having direct and projection viewing
modes of operation. In the illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the backlighting construction is integrated with a LCD display panel, a micropolarization panel, and a touch-screen writing panel to provide several different types of
portable computer-based systems including, for example, a portable notebook computer, a computer-driven
image display device, and a portable pen-computing device. In general, each of these computer-based systems are capable of selectively displaying color video images on an actively driven display surface, or projecting such video images onto a wall surface or
projection screen without the need for a bulky overhead
projector, required by all prior art systems. These computer-based systems can be easily reconfigured for projection viewing without physical removal of the light guiding panel and its light diffusing structures. If desired, these computer-based systems can be used to directly view “spatially-multiplexed” images of 3-D objects or imagery during the direct viewing mode, and when desired these spatially-multiplexed images can be projected onto a wall surface or
projection screen during the projection viewing mode. When the spatially-multiplexed images are viewed through electrically-passive polarized glasses, the 3-D object is perceived with
stereoscopic depth sensation in either mode of viewing. A portable light projection accessory device is provided for use with the
portable computer-based systems of the present invention. In the illustrative embodiments, the portable light projection device has first and second housing portions that are interconnected by a foldable structure that permits the first and second housing portions to be selectively reconfigured for simple trouble-free use during the projection viewing mode of operation, and for compact storage during the direct viewing mode of operation.