US Patent 7464077 Queryable cache in real-time data management system

In order to provide real-time data analysis of high speed data, a query control mechanism may be provided and coupled to one or more caches. The caches may temporarily store the incoming high-speed data, and the data from the caches may be periodically swept into a relational database. Upon receipt of a query for real-time data, the query control may determine if one of the caches can fulfill the query. If so, the query is transferred to that cache. If not, the query may be transferred to the relational database. If so, the query is transferred to that cache. If not, the query may be transferred to the relational database. The query control can accomplish this by tracking the time frame of information stored in each cache, such that it is aware of whether or not a particular cache can fulfill a query without first contacting the cache.