Additional features
The following additional features were to be available:
- Once configured the interface/controller should require no external intervention
- Have the capability for the user to modify the PIC code (should that become necessary)
- Where possible use power from the USB interface
- Cater for LCD screen sizes of 2x16, 2x20, 4x16 and 4x20
- To have PC based software that allowed the user to:
- Set display size - lines and characters
- Set the port number
- Set the cursor On/Off
- Set cursor type (underline / block)
- Set wrap On/Off
- Set scroll On/Off
- Create/modify user defined 'load screen'
- Select load screen option
- Show current user defined screen
- Save the load screen to the PIC's memory
- Save and load user defined screen to/from disc
- Be able to reboot the display/interface
- Be able to clear the display
- Be able to 'test' the display/interface
- Provide details of the currently active module - size, scroll on/off etc
- Provide version details for both the PC based software and that contained within the PIC
The final design incorporates all of these features.