How did Jacquard's system fundamentally differ from predecessors in managing complex thread patterns?

Answer

Replacing physical rigging with coded cards

Jacquard replaced complicated mechanical linkages or the reliance on draw-boys (assistants) with a sequence of pre-drilled, coded cards to manage thread selection automatically.

How did Jacquard's system fundamentally differ from predecessors in managing complex thread patterns?
inventortextileloompunch cardJacquard card