Variable length file header apparatus and system

Abstract

Ensuring that a file originating on a first computer running a first application, and having a file header section and a data section, is stored in a proper location on a second computer is disclosed. Storage location information is extracted from the file header and a storage location on the second computer is determined based on the extracted storage location information. The storage location information is inserted in the file header by the first application and the storage location information is extracted by the second computer.

1 . A method of ensuring that a file originating on a first computer running a first application, and having a file header section and a data section, is stored in a proper location on a second computer, comprising: 
 extracting storage location information from the file header; and    determining a storage location on the second computer based on the extracted storage location information;    wherein the storage location information is inserted in the file header by the first application and wherein the storage location information is extracted by the second computer.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said storage location information comprises file originator information.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein extracting the storage location information from the file header includes: 
 reading a data tag from a field in the file header;    determining whether the data tag is a file originator data tag; and    if the data tag is a file originator data tag, reading originator information from the field.    
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein extracting the storage location information from the file header includes: 
 reading a first data tag from a first field in the file header;    determining whether the first data tag is a first originator data tag;    if the first data tag is a first originator data tag, reading first originator information from the field;    reading a data tag from a second field in the file header;    determining whether the second data tag is a second originator data tag; and    if the second data tag is a second originator data tag, reading second originator information from the field;    wherein a storage location on the second computer is determined by the second application based on the first originator information and the second originator information.    
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said first originator information is an auction sponsor name and said second originator information is an auction event.  
   
   
       6 . A system for ensuring that a file originating on a first computer running a first application, and having a file header section and a data section, is stored in a proper location on a second computer, comprising: 
 a processor; and    a memory coupled with the processor, wherein the memory is configured to provide the processor with instructions which when executed cause the processor to: 
 extract storage location information from the file header; and  
 determine a storage location on the second computer based on the extracted storage location information;  
 wherein the storage location information is inserted in the file header by the first application and wherein the storage location information is extracted by the second computer.  
   
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said storage location information comprises file originator information.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein extracting the storage location information from the file header includes: 
 reading a data tag from a field in the file header;    determining whether the data tag is a file originator data tag; and    if the data tag is a file originator data tag, reading originator information from the field.    
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein extracting the storage location information from the file header includes: 
 reading a first data tag from a first field in the file header;    determining whether the first data tag is a first originator data tag;    if the first data tag is a first originator data tag, reading first originator information from the field;    reading a data tag from a second field in the file header;    determining whether the second data tag is a second originator data tag; and    if the second data tag is a second originator data tag, reading second originator information from the field;    wherein a storage location on the second computer is determined by the second application based on the first originator information and the second originator information.    
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said first originator information is an auction sponsor name and said second originator information is an auction event.  
   
   
       11 . A computer program product for ensuring that a file originating on a first computer running a first application, and having a file header section and a data section, is stored in a proper location on a second computer, the computer program product being embodied in a computer readable medium and comprising computer instructions for: 
 extracting storage location information from the file header; and    determining a storage location on the second computer based on the extracted storage location information;    wherein the storage location information is inserted in the file header by the first application and wherein the storage location information is extracted by the second computer.    
   
   
       12 . The computer program product of  claim 11 , wherein said storage location information comprises file originator information.  
   
   
       13 . The computer program product of  claim 12 , wherein extracting the storage location information from the file header includes: 
 reading a data tag from a field in the file header;    determining whether the data tag is a file originator data tag; and    if the data tag is a file originator data tag, reading originator information from the field.    
   
   
       14 . The computer program product of  claim 11 , wherein extracting the storage location information from the file header includes: 
 reading a first data tag from a first field in the file header;    determining whether the first data tag is a first originator data tag;    if the first data tag is a first originator data tag, reading first originator information from the field;    reading a data tag from a second field in the file header;    determining whether the second data tag is a second originator data tag; and    if the second data tag is a second originator data tag, reading second originator information from the field;    wherein a storage location on the second computer is determined by the second application based on the first originator information and the second originator information.    
   
   
       15 . The computer program product of  claim 14 , wherein said first originator information is an auction sponsor name and said second originator information is an auction event.