Variable length file header apparatus and system

Abstract

Ensuring that a user obtains a correct version of a file, wherein the file includes a file header section and a data section, is disclosed. Expiration information is inserted in the file header by a first application. The expiration information is extracted from the file header by a second application. An expiration date for the file is determined from the extracted expiration information. The determined expiration date is compared with a comparison date, and use of the file is disallowed if the comparison determines that the file has expired.

1 - 24 . (canceled) 
   
   
       25 . A method of configuring the display of content associated with a request for quotation, comprising:
 receiving a first file that includes, in a header portion, a first view state that defines how content contained in a first data portion of the file should be displayed;   displaying content in accordance with the first view state;   receiving one or more instructions from a user to manipulate the content as displayed;   creating a second header portion that includes a second view state that corresponds with the content as manipulated by the user; and   transmitting the second header portion to a computer participating in an auction.   
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 25  wherein creating a second header portion includes creating a second file. 
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 25  wherein creating a second header portion includes overwriting the first header portion with the second header portion. 
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the first view state is created by an auction sponsor. 
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the first file includes a request for quotation. 
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the header portion of the first file includes meta-data associated with an auction. 
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 30  wherein the meta-data includes information associated with an auction category. 
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 30  wherein the meta-data includes information associated with an auction event. 
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 25  wherein content in the first data portion is comprised of compressed image data. 
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the header portion of the first file includes an expiration date. 
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 34  wherein the expiration date is a date beyond which the content will not be displayed. 
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 34  wherein the expiration date is a date beyond which the content will not be printed. 
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the first view state defines at least one of rotation, scale, horizontal offset, and vertical offset information. 
   
   
       38 . A system for configuring the display of content associated with a request for quotation, comprising:
 a processor configured to:
 receive a first file that includes, in a header portion, a first view state that defines how content contained in a first data portion of the file should be displayed; 
 display content in accordance with the first view state; 
 receive one or more instructions from a user to manipulate the content as displayed; 
 create a second header portion that includes a second view state that corresponds with the content as manipulated by the user; and 
 transmit the second header portion to a computer participating in an auction; and 
   a memory coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.   
   
   
       39 . The system of  claim 38  wherein creating a second header portion includes creating a second file. 
   
   
       40 . The system of  claim 38  wherein creating a second header portion includes overwriting the first header portion with the second header portion. 
   
   
       41 . The system of  claim 38  wherein the first view state is created by an auction sponsor. 
   
   
       42 . The system of  claim 38  wherein the first file includes a request for quotation. 
   
   
       43 . The system of  claim 38  wherein the header portion of the first file includes meta-data associated with an auction. 
   
   
       44 . A computer program product for configuring the display of content associated with a request for quotation, the computer program product being embodied in a computer readable storage medium and comprising computer instructions for:
 receiving a first file that includes, in a header portion, a first view state that defines how content contained in a first data portion of the file should be displayed;   displaying content in accordance with the first view state;   receiving one or more instructions from a user to manipulate the content as displayed;   creating a second header portion that includes a second view state that corresponds with the content as manipulated by the user; and   transmitting the second header portion to a computer participating in an auction.