andrehill

But why are we switching topics to FDM 3D printing? The claim that 2nd OP made was that the eink manufacturer was being nasty and was suing other companies. But when I googled, I found no such evidence and I don't see any reply from anyone explaining what nasty stuff they did so it seems like that claim might be total BS. I see lots of other startups even in electrophoretic, like Clearink which won some awards but is struggling to get money. It seems like the real issue is that no one out there wants to put money into making these displays as it is low profit compared to software startups.

> We could have had large form, glossy brochure quality displays with video refresh rates by now

Based on what principle? It strikes me as most of the comments here lack a basic understanding of the physics behind electrophoresis. It is an inherently slow process.

> ...or more than 16 levels (4-bit) of grayscale, something that a hobbyist has already shown is possible:

a simple google search showed me that you're quite badly mistaken. 5-bit grayscale or 32 levels is widely used. Just google nxp 6sololite 5-bit eink and you'll find "Up to 5-bit pixel grayscale representation" and has been for 5 or 6 years.

> There is no point in even trying to improve the technology right now because the patent holder would just take it anyway

I don't follow your thesis. Are you claiming there's someone out there who is being blocked by the eink manufacturer with a threat of a patent?

> That's because there are over 700 of them:

And... what's wrong with that specifically please? Tonnes of companies have hundreds and even thousands of patents. The original claim that innovation is being blocked needs a clear example to support it.

> No volume price breaks, no prototype-quantity orders (at any price), no partnering with other manufacturers, no shared development projects

None of this sounds like blocking innovation. Sounds more like a difference in perception about costs. It would be like me expecting to get preferential treatment from one of the LCD vendors to develop something.

> but you're not supposed to be able to sit on a patent hoard this large while behaving this badly

I see a lot of superlatives but googling doesn't give me any hint of what you're referring to as their bad behaviour.