Embroidery data processing device for sewing machine including means for

Abstract

In an embroidery data processing device for a sewing machine, a ROM stores embroidery data of a number of embroidery patterns and sewing data of ordinary sewing modes. An external ROM card stores embroidery data of character patterns each protected by copyright. A user selects a desired embroidery pattern on a screen of an LCD so that a sewing operation is executed on the basis of the embroidery data of the selected embroidery pattern. Upon completion of the sewing operation, a control device judges whether the embroidery pattern is a character pattern. When the embroidery pattern is a character pattern, the number of times of sewing with respect to the embroidery pattern is counted and data of the counted number of times is stored in a non-volatile memory. The counted number of times of sewing is further compared with a limited number of times. When the counted number of times of sewing is equal to or larger than the limited number of times, the control device judges that the character pattern is unfairly used for business purposes or commercial purposes. Selection of the character pattern judged to be unfairly used is prohibited when it is subsequently selected.