I used 8 bits to describe numeric chars on a hc11 (which was limited
to 512bytes of program space IIRC ) that was driving a (3 x 64) x 64
dotmatrix display. Each bit in the byte determines if a 'segment' is
off or on so I treated the LCD dot matrix display a little like a 7
seg display.  There was an added bonus that I could easily double font
size and font change shape.

You could use 14 bit (2 bytes) to describe alpha numerics chars ie
treat it like a star burst display.

The tradeoff is a small software overhead and you cant create any char
pattern but you do save on memory space.

Justin 

On 8/20/05, Maarten Hofman <cashimor@gmail.com> wrote:
> Rochester, 19 augustus 2005.
> 
> As I mentioned already numerous times, I agree that you should get
> away from the 16F84A as soon as possible. However, I disagree that
> there is too little memory to fit every letter of the alphabet in
> it... Even without compressing it, you only need five words for one
> letter. Assuming you have the full 128 character 7-bit ASCII set, that
> means you still only need 640 words. The remaining 384 words should be
> enough for many other applications: an RS-232 interface receiving said
> characters, something that displays a text letter for letter, or even
> a system that reads a keyboard and outputs the typed character to the
> display.
> 
> But maybe you have some application that I am unaware of that does
> need more memory. But fitting the alphabet in it shouldn't be
> limiting. 25-30mA is pretty good, for a LED matrix of 5x7. My most
> economical single LED takes at least 5mA.
> 
> Greetings,
> Maarten Hofman.
> 
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