Control system for a plurality of embroidery sewing machines

Abstract

A control system allows an automatic parallel operation of a plurality of embroidery sewing machines each in accordance with individual pattern sewing control data. The control system essentially comprises a group of random access semiconductor memories capable of storing a plurality of sets of pattern sewing control data, each of which permits a single pattern sewing to be completed, a plurality of branch electronic controllers each associated with a different one of the sewing machines, and a single main electronic controller for reading one or several blocks of pattern sewing control data from the semiconductor memory and supplying it to the branch controller. The branch controller feeds a request for data supply to the main controller in timed relationship with the operation of the sewing machine. In response to such request, the main controller supplies the data by reading it from the semiconductor memory at an address which is determined by the pattern number of the particular sewing machine which is preset on an operating panel and an address count which is updated as the machine sewing operation proceeds. The main controller is formed by a microcomputer while the branch controller is formed by a microcomputer having a memory or an electronic read-write controlling circuit which includes a buffer memory.