In some embodiments, a method includes providing a first controller; providing a second controller; using the second controller to control a plurality of valves to provide a sequence of air jets that propel a weft thread across at least a portion of a weft insertion region of an air jet loom; and using the first controller to control at least one aspect of the air jet loom not controlled by the second controller. In some embodiments, a method for a controller in an air jet loom includes (a) defining a reference loom configuration; (b) determining a characterization of the reference loom configuration; (c) determining a modified loom configuration by at least one change to the reference loom configuration; (d) determining a characterization of the modified loom configuration; and (e) revising the reference loom configuration if the characterization of the modified loom configuration satisfies a criteria.