Direct-printing systems and methods

A communication system comprising:

• a printer having a direct-printing function for reading and printing data stored in a storing unit;
• and
• a peripheral unit that is capable of communicating with the printer, wherein:
• the peripheral unit comprises:
• a user storage that stores user information of users permitted to print using the direct-printing function;
• and
• the printer includes:
• a connecting device that connects to the storing unit;
• a reading unit that reads identification information from the data stored in the storing unit;
• an inquiring unit that inquires from the peripheral unit whether the identification information corresponds to the user information;
• a direct-printing controlling unit that is operable to:
• permit printing of the data using the direct-printing function if the inquiring unit responds that the identification information corresponds to the user information;
• and
• prohibit printing of the data using the direct-printing function if the inquiring unit responds that the identification information does not correspond to the user information;
• and
• a print-executing unit that executes printing if the direct-printing controlling unit permits printing of the data using the direct-printing function.

A printing method for executing direct printing in a printer by reading data stored in a storing unit, the printing method comprising:

• reading user information from a user storage, the user storage storing the user information for which direct printing is permitted;
• reading identification information from the data stored in the storing unit connected to the printer;
• determining whether the identification information corresponds to the user information;
• direct printing the data if it is determined that the identification information corresponds to the user information;
• and
• prohibiting direct printing of the data if it is determined that the identification information does not correspond to the user information.