1. A method for identifying a sequence of interest in a data series, comprising: generating a data structure that stores characteristics about a plurality of sequences present in the data series; identifying one or more sequences based upon the contents of the data structure; evaluating one or more exit criteria to determine if an exit point has been reached; updating the data structure to reflect the most recent identification of a sequence and repeating the identification process if the exit criteria are not met; and terminating if the exit criteria are met.