Nvidia patents holographic AR glasses design that ditches traditional backlight system

Nvidia just filed a patent for an all-new augmented reality glasses design that does away with the usual backlight system and instead uses digital holographic technology. Officially titled “Backlight-free Augmented Reality Digital Holographic Technology” (US20250004275A1), the United States Patent and Trademark Office made the patent public on January 2, 2025.

This invention relies on a spatial light modulator in combination with ambient light interference to create AR visuals. Unlike older AR glasses that dim the entire lens, Nvidia’s approach only darkens the specific parts of the lens needed for AR content, which could mean better power efficiency and a more comfortable user experience.

The spatial light modulator is run by a neural network-based control system, ensuring crisp and natural virtual imagery. The overall design aims to address common issues found in today’s AR glasses while maintaining a look and feel similar to regular eyewear.

The AR glasses market has been on the upswing, with big tech players ramping up their offerings. Meta debuted its Orion glasses last year, and Samsung is rumored to unveil its own AR headset at the Galaxy Unpacked event on January 22. Apple, meanwhile, is still working on its AR glasses, which might not hit the market for another three to five years.

Of course, as is often the case with patents, there’s no guarantee this technology will be commercialized anytime soon. It might need considerable refinement before it’s ready for everyday users.