Variable length file header apparatus and system

摘要

The method and system of the present invention provides a variable-length file header that can be used to save a variety of meta-data about the data stored within the file. The file header can save an optimal view state for an image stored in the file. The file header can be used to store customer and auction information for validation before publishing in an electronic RFQ. The file header can be used to store expiration dates for the data in the file. A view state can be stored in the variable length file header. By storing a view state in the header, the image itself does not have to be changed. The view state information in the header provides the data needed by a viewing application to present the image in the preferred configuration. The file header can be used to store ciphering information. By enciphering the header and storing separate key information in the header, security is assured.