Facebook is working on a pair of augmented reality smartglasses that could superimpose virtual objects onto the real world.

In a recent patent filing, the social network outlined plans for a pair of glasses with a display that is enhanced using a two-dimensional scanner. Different to the company's Oculus virtual reality headset, the augmented reality glasses could let users see and interact with virtual objects layered on top of the real world.

The technology is being developed by Facebook-owned Oculus, responsible for the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset. The glasses would rival Microsoft's Hololens, the $3,000 headset that went on sale earlier this year, and Snapchat's Spectacles.