The Surprising Origin of Nvidia’s DLSS Technology

Nvidia’s AI-powered upscaling technology, DLSS, is known for its significant impact on gaming graphics. Initially launched in 2019, it appears the journey from concept to public announcement happened in an astonishingly short time — just two weeks. It was Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang who spearheaded this initiative.

According to a new book titled The Nvidia Way: Jensen Huang and the Making of a Tech Giant, details are revealed surrounding the creation of DLSS.

The Genesis of DLSS

Huang invited suggestions from executives two weeks prior to the SIGGRAPH 2018 conference, aiming to showcase something groundbreaking. One proposal revolved around a new deep learning anti-aliasing method, but Huang felt that it did not fulfill the need to significantly boost GPU sales.

His thought process evolved, aiming for a solution that could harness Tensor cores in lower-end graphics cards to enhance performance to match high-end models. This led to the groundbreaking idea of employing AI to upscale resolutions, effectively expanding the utility and value of Nvidia’s GPUs across all tiers.

The Road to Keynote

A week later, Huang received promising results from early experiments with deep learning super sampling, which ultimately became known as DLSS. The phrase “Put them on the slides” marked DLSS’s debut in the SIGGRAPH keynote, showcasing how innovation can arise from quick adjustments in thought processes.

Reflections on Leadership

As noted in the book, even the researchers acknowledged Huang’s capacity to identify the potential of their work and pivot it into a commercially viable feature. This insight speaks volumes about his technical acumen and leadership within Nvidia, indicating that innovation often carries a financial motive alongside its technological advancements.

The story extends beyond just one feature; it showcases the culture behind Nvidia and its approach to leading the industry.