Device control apparatus and method for controlling a device in

Abstract

Remote data entry is performed in such a manner that a plurality of entry items and a plurality of data items are caused to collectively enter within one communication and the check sum is calculated simultaneously with the data entry so that abnormality of the data is easily detected even if the contents of the entry data are changed due to the abnormality occurring in a facsimile apparatus. Data is collectively stored in a receiving buffer and a great quantity of data is caused to remote enter if the capacity of the buffer permits. After all remote data entries have been completed, the check sums of all entry memory regions are performed so that the memory capacity of the program code of the check sum is saved. In other aspects of the present invention, a device is controlled in accordance with the plurality of types of set data previously set, using a receiver and reader that remain enabled during communication. In a facsimile embodiment, the apparatus counts a first page number of images that are transmitted and a second page number of images that are received in response to a request command from an external apparatus.