PURPOSE: To realize the communication of data between two devices without using any exclusive optical connection device by preparing a communication mode (2nd mode) in addition to a bar code reading mode (1st mode).

CONSTITUTION: In a 1st action mode a device works as a normal bar code reading device that reads the bar codes printed on the bar code labels, etc., and store the data on the bar codes into a memory of an additional portable terminal 1. In a 2nd action mode the device serves as an optical communication equipment which can transfer the data stored in the memory of the terminal 1 to another host computer, etc. In this case, a light source 3 which radiates the light for irradiation of bar codes is used as an intermittent light source for optical communication. While a photodetector 4 which reads the bar codes is used as an element which receives the data.