The incredibly common character LCDs used with Arduino projects is much more capable than most users realise. These HD44780 and compatible interface LCDs can also generate small icons or images using the pixel area available for a single character of text.
This has been demonstrated very well by Arduino forum member JO3RI who runs though a few of their examples and provides the code to create various effects. Although you cannot create more complex images, ther scope is there to make larger icons, indicators and fun images that can be put to use to liven up various displays in your projects. A quick example of a sprite animation is shown in the following video:
Doing so is quite simple, to learn more check out the code examples in the Arduino forum. And for more, we're on facebook, twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.
Looking for a rapid-use LCD for your Arduino (or Raspberry Pi) projects? Save time and move forward with the Freetronics LCD & Keypad shield which contains a bright 16x2 character LCD and five buttons that can be read from only one analog input pin:
